Bretton Woods Canopy Tour Great Way to Tour Mount Washington

Submitted by Dennis Roux, Granite State Ambassador Best Western Class of 2005

A very nice Sunday November 13, 2011 found Mariette and I traveling to Bretton Woods. We had reservations at noontime to take-in the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour of tree-top zip lines. Now the decision to do the Tour did not come easy. Both Mari and I have our issues with heights and motion sickness. But this Tour was to celebrate my 65th. So “issues” went out the window.

Our tour included five “young” riders all from Portland, Me. In total our group numbered seven. After signing the requisite paperwork, our guides Carl and Zake set us into harnesses, moved us to a van, and we arrived near the mountaintop for a few minutes of instruction and a practice zip.The keys to Zip Lining are the body curling and the hand braking. If you are bad at either or both your run may come up short or long, A slow run may cause you not to reach the arriving platform. If you fail to brake you may come up too long (read over shooting the arriving platform). Not good!

I came up short of the approaching platform on 6 of 9 zips. However, I mastered the last 3 zips. A short zip means you have to manually pull yourself along the cable up to the arriving platform, or the guide has to extend himself out from the platform to pull you in. An overshoot of the platform means the guide has the challenge of catching and stopping you from hitting the tree that is holding up the arriving platform. It is somewhat embarrassing when you don’t meet the “platform” goal.

This is a wonderful way to spend 3-4 hours. The crew is experienced and safety is the name of the game. Being outdoors with the Presidential Range as your neighbor is just the best. Bretton Woods Canopy Tour consists of 9-10 Zip Lines (depending on the season), 2 Sky Bridges, and 3 Rappels down trees. Zip lines range from 120 to 830 feet with the maximum height from the ground of 150 feet. The views were wonderful and much appreciated especially since as “youngsters” we have hiked much of the Presidential Range. Mt Washington was crusted in snow. The Mount Washington Cog Railway stands out and on our day at Bretton Woods there were two train runs to the top of the Mount. A glass of wine at the Mt. Washington Hotel followed by dinner at the Common Man Italian Farmhouse in Plymouth finished a wonderful day.

While working MHT I have only had a couple of inquiries about Zipping in NH. A Zip Line Tour is a great recommendation to our guests. My understanding is that there are 3 Zip Line Tours in N.H. Mari and I will be buying tour gift certificates for our adult kids for Christmas. And certainly Zip time at Bretton/Mt Washington is on my GSA recommendation list.

A Visit to Swan Chocolates in Merrimack NH

By Judi Window, GSA Inaugural Class 1996

Swan Chocolates, a family name (Swan, not chocolates), is a wonderful stop if you are looking for a special New Hampshire made gift before heading home via the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. It is conveniently located on Route 3 in Merrimack near the new, soon-to-be opened, airport access road. The retail shop is a cozy building with beautiful lighting and comfy seating for coffee and chocolate tasting.

Abbotts Market was located on this spot for many, many years. As Granite State Ambassadors we are used to getting the history and details about buildings and business locations, this tour did not disappoint! I am sure if you asked (especially if you called ahead) they would be glad to tell you about the rich history of the building, the Abbotts and even the ghost sightings (and phone calls) in the building.

Now, down to the real reason we are all interested.... the CHOCOLATE! As someone with a restricted diet I was pleased to see many gluten-free items and the staff was quick to point out the dairy free options as well! All great news... BUT did you know that chocolate is actually a fruit!?! So 5 serving a day will keep the doctor away? Yummy!

Swan Chocolates 
436 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack New Hampshire
603-423-5950
www.swanchocolates.com
NOTE: This is their new location

Inn at Pleasant Lake Treats You Like Royalty

Submitted by Bernie Dann, Granite State Ambassador

We arrived at the Inn at Pleasant Lake on a perfectly early summer day. It was only a short distance out of New London, NH, 1.5 miles down a quite paved road. As we arrived the owner and his crew were just finishing the final touches to a beautiful rock wall with a patio and sidewalk to the entry. I couldn't stop myself from walking over and complementing them on their artistic work.

Then into the lobby. We were shown the downstairs where there was a living room, another room with computer with Internet access and TV, the dining room, and indoor patio. We were told dinner would be served at 6:30, but tea was going on now. We then went upstairs to our rooms. I felt like I was queen for a day, the room was picture perfect! As I entered the suite with a couch and chair in the living area, then onto the bedroom. The bed was beautifully made with white linens, so puffy and just waiting for me later that evening. The bathroom was sparkling and roomy with all the goodies to make you feel special.

I next met with my group at the indoor patio for tea. The table was set with a gorgeous big bouquet and linens, special tea, nuts, cheese, crackers and homemade cookies. All delicious! As we had our tea we overlooked Pleasant Lake with Mt. Kearsage in the backround. The sandy beach was private, with chairs, and kayaks and canoes on the side just waiting to be used.

The Inn is a perfect place to relax and unwind, forget the hustle and bussle of our busy lives. Later when dinner was about to be served we were greeted by Brian and Linda the owners, who told us about the area, the history of the Inn, and then Brian, the chef, explained our full five course dinner. The dinner was delicoius with flavors that melted in your mouth, and presented beautifully. Service was excellent and the best treat of all was Brian coming out later and talking to all diners.

After watching the Bruins win the Stanley Cup I went to bed. I got up early the next morning to explore the trails around the area. I was given a trail map and followed the easily marked trails for my early morning hike. When I got back a continental breakfast awaited me with a wonderful selection of fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, great coffee and I'm sure I'm forgetting what else. Then the waitress came and explained the full breakfast. Yummy! Like I said, if you want to be queen for a day just go to the Inn on Pleasant Lake, a great place!!!!!

Manning House Example of NH Philanthropy

Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassador
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

The Manning House once was a private residence, but upon Mrs. Manning's death, the home was donated to the church. The chapel and church were added later. The property is on ten acres of land currently owned by the Brookside Congregational Church, which is located at 2013 Elm Street in Manchester, NH. The second floor of the Manning House is office space for the church, and the downstairs area is used for gatherings for many functions.

But I find the history so compelling. The Manning House and Carriage Barn was built as a wedding gift for Mary (Carpenter) Manning from her father, Mr. Frank Carpenter. Frank Carpenter was a philanthropist and owner of the mills. Both Mary and her father were longtime active members of the Franklin Street Church.  By the mid-1950's, the Franklin Street was weakening structurally and major renovations were needed to make it safe.  A decision had to be made either to fund expensive and extensive alterations or build a new church on another site.  Mrs. Mary Manning offered her 10-acre estate on North Elm St. known as "The Brook" to the church if the congregation wanted to relocate and build new. The congregation voted to accept Mrs. Manning's offer. The Manning House and carriage barn were adapted for congregational use and connected to the sanctuary. The original chapel from Franklin Street was then incorporated into the Manning residence. 

I find this to be an interesting anecdote. A friend's uncle was married in the Franklin Street Chapel... many years later his wife passed away. He re-married in the same chapel, but it was moved to it's new location in the Manning House about a mile away.

There is a Children's Memorial Garden on the property, a place of peace and serenity located at the South lawn of the Manning House. It is a place in honor and memory of all our children, grandchildren, and siblings. It is open to the public to visit anytime. In the fall, an annual butterfly release is held in the Memorial Garden. Mrs. Manning was also a bereaved parent, having lost her son at the age of 14.

The overall architecture is beautiful, and the interior carved wordwork is beautiful. There is so much to see in this lovely home. One interesting feature of the house is a classical temple like porch entryway. Somewhat out of character with the rest of the house and reflects an interest in Colonial Revival architectural style that existed side-by-side with the Queen Ann Revival during this period. The dining room even has leather wallpaper.

Can't Go Wrong with the Kanc!

Submitted By: Ed Gartland, Granite State Ambassador Franco-American Centre Class of 2007

One day at the Big E two women came up to me and started thanking me profusely. While I was trying to figure out what magnificent act I had performed, one of them got a little more specific and said they were so happy that they had spoken to me at last year's Big E and when they asked what they should do on an upcoming visit to NH I recommended a drive across the Kanc. (I always recommend a drive across the Kanc. How can I go wrong?)  Well, following my advice, they did drive across the Kanc and the Bear Notch Rd, as well. They were still aglow with the experience! The thing that really caught their attention was an inquisitive red fox who approached them at one of the lookouts along the Kanc. They were drinking water and munching on rice cakes. They offered some to the fox and he (she?) was only too happy to share lunch with them.

So, remember ~~~ always recommend the Kanc and notify the wildlife that you're shipping in some tourists.

Dexter's Inn Offers Plenty of Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Recommendation Submitted by Jean McGiffin and Pictures Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassadors
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

The Sunapee area revels in their quiet, unhurried, hassle free environment and rightly so. A consummate example is Dexter's Inn, a special country resort-inn blessed with an idyllic setting on a 20 acre estate. With three tennis courts, an outdoor pool and many other sporting activities, relaxation isn't all that the Inn is about.  Other, more involved sports, are just minutes away.

What immediately strikes you is the tree lined approach and the magnificent, manicured lawns, which are all maintained by a minimal number (but very talented) of staff. The view from the parking lot is amazing...panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee and the surrounding countryside....and yes, even some very comfortable chairs await you to relax and take in the view even before you unpack.

My favorite indoor sport, reading, is well handled by a living room featuring a fireplace and an entire library of books...and you can even enjoy your favorite (well mannered, of course) pet by your side while you read.  Probably unheard of in inn keeping is a "BYOB" policy and they will provide the glasses, ice and openers. A book, a purring cat and a glass of wine....what a life!!

Probably the nicest part is the Innkeeper, John Augustine. He is what the quintessential NE Innkeeper should be....warm, welcoming and accommodating and he even wears a green (GSA colored) shirt!! We all agreed that this would be a wonderful experience for our NH visitors!!

Weeping Willow Fine Arts is a Special NH Crafter

Submitted by Kate Bashline, Granite State Ambassador
Great Bay Class of 2001
Jewelry and fine art objects made by Diane Bennett of  Weeping Willow Fine Arts are simply resplendent. Her jewelery is a delight to wear for its design and rich colors that highlight whatever you are wearing. It can be worn to work and play. The dichroic glass changes colors in a magical way. There is added enjoyment in the fact that you will always meet a nice person who just has to speak to you about your lovely jewelry. Diane and her process of dichroic glass have been featured on NH Chronicle. Her items are a true gift to yourself or others. Her prices are affordable. Her business and her art are a special NH story.

Weeping Willow Fine Arts
www.weepingwillowfinearts.com
Diane Bennett
1635 Hopkinton Rd
Hopkinton, NH 03229
603-496-9121