04.14.2010
April vacation good time explore White Mountain's Natural Attractions
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jayne O’Connor
White Mountains Attractions
jayne@visitwhitemountains.com
603-745-8720
NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. - As spring begins to spread across the White Mountains, the traditional April vacation is good time to explore the natural attractions in the region.
"This is the time of year when we're in transition," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions, the association that markets the region’s tourist venues. "We don't see the bustle that will come with the summer season and spring is a good time to take a walk in the woods, sit by a waterfall and explore our small towns."
While the higher elevations are still snow-covered, warm days are channeling the snow melt down through the many waterfalls in the area. Some, like the side-by-side Silver and Flume Cascades in Crawford Notch can be seen from the roadside, others, like Glen Ellis Falls only require a short walk through the woods to view them.
In Franconia Notch, the Basin is a nice walk along a paved path to the whirlpool and waterfall.
"This is a nice little walk, especially for families with young children," O'Connor said. "There is a sense of accomplishment for little ones to see the swirling water of the Basin after a short hike. It's a good introduction to the natural world."
With the trees just starting to bud, spring is also a good time of year to see mountain views that will change as the leaves come out, as well as see some of the rock formations that watch over visitors, such as the Indian Head in Lincoln, the Imp in Pinkham Notch, the Old Woman of the Mountains in Franconia Notch, and the Elephant Head in Crawford Notch,.
"There are a number of these formations within a short drive of each other, so it's a fun way for children to see them and point them out," O'Connor said.
Many lodging and dining establishments offer specials this time of year, she said, which are inviting to adults who may need a getaway before summer.
"Our grand hotels - The Balsams in Dixville Notch, the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield and the Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods - are a great destination this time of year," O'Connor said. "On a nice spring day, sitting on the verandah and simply enjoying the view can be remarkably restorative."
For train enthusiasts, the Conway Scenic Railroad begins its spring schedule on April 17, running two trips daily on weekends aboard the Valley Express, from North Conway to Bartlett.
"Long before people could jump in their cars and drive to the White Mountains, they arrived by train," O'Connor said. "I can't think of a more symbolic way for folks to take a ride into the past than by starting their vacation season with ride aboard a train."
Polar Caves in Rumney is also opened early this year, and is great for children and adults looking for scenery and rock caves, and fun challenges such as the Orange Crush.
Many other White Mountains Attractions will begin opening in May. For a schedule of opening days, visit www.VisitWhiteMountains.com; call 1-800-FIND-MTS; or stop by the White Mountains Visitor Center, off exit 32 of Interstate 93 in North Woodstock.
White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for 16 attractions within the White Mountains region, including Attitash, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Cog Railroad, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale and Wildcat Mountain.
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