Mt. Washington Valley Says Bring on the Mud

MW Valley, NH is Mud Capital of the Universe

. October 14, 2008

NORTH CONWAY, NH, February 9, 2009. It's been an usual winter, and mud season is predicted to come early to Mt. Washington Valley, NH, renowned for the "world's worst weather". When the ice and snow melt and the waterfalls flow, many locals welcome the advent of spring with a little "mud in their eye". In Mt. Washington Valley, NH this is the season affectionately referred to as "Mud Season", when businesses roll out the brown carpet and invite travelers to come play in the mud capital of the universe. Renowned for its World Mud Bowl Championships in the fall, Mt. Washington Valley's Yankee proprietors know a good thing when they see it, and they're proud of their "dirty minds". In ample supply from March through June, products and packages featuring mud grace the scene for only a short time during the muddy months of spring. So don't let the early worm get all the mud, take advantage of Mt. Washington Valley's muddy offerings, and get in on some wonderfully affordable lodging packages from the Mud Capital of the Universe.

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a host of Bud to Blossom Packages. Simply visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on the Bud to Blossom link under Packages to find many value-added packages offering good clean fun in the mud. Here are some of the highlighted Mud Season offerings from Mt. Washington Valley.

Events

April 20-22: TUCKERMAN INFERNO, 2007 - This is the ultimate pentathlon, as teams forage through snow, mud and rapids and ultimately end skiing down the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. New England's Premiere five-event adventure sports race (Run, Kayak, Cycle, Hike, Backcountry Ski) takes advantage of the Valley's class four rapids for kayaking, nice, muddy trails for running and hiking, and the kick-off of renowned Tuckerman Ravine skiing. It's a fabulous spectator event too. Info and registration: Info: 603-356-0131 or www.friendsoftuckerman.org.

April 27-28: "YUKS IN THE MUK", 3rd Annual Comedy Relief Weekend - 'Tis the season for yucks in the Muck, and the line up of comedy promises to be better than ever before. Comedians and lodging proprietors alike will declare Mt. Washington Valley the Mud Capital of the Universe as they let the mud slinging begin and continue throughout the weekend. Join Bucky Lewis and Marty Engstrom along with Marty Basch for a weekend of hilarious mud humor and more. Yet comedy is not all that's in store, there are children's mud activities, and the first Mud Muck Moose Road race to be held on Sunday. A number of area lodging properties will offer lodging packages complete with tickets to the events. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on the Bud to Blossom link under Packages for lodging packages.

May - June: SPRING TRAIL RUNNING SERIES AT GREAT GLEN TRAILS - Here's the chance for some competitive mud puddle splashing. This eight-week trail running series offers long and short course options for different age divisions, plus walking and running categories. Take on devious single track courses with plenty of muddy areas to splash at Great Glen Trails. Info: 603.466.3988, www.mt-washington.com.

May 18-20: HOME, GARDEN & FLOWER SHOW AT FRYEBURG FAIRGROUNDS - Come play in 60,000 square feet of exhibit space offering fabulous workshops, more than 200 exhibitors and products for making the most of mud and fun in the garden. Paul Parent, the Garden Guru and host of the Paul Parent Garden Show will be on hand to do some mud-slinging and advice giving. Of course, there's more than mud to this event and plenty of home products, specialty foods, natural furniture, cookware and more will join the garden and floral focus of this show. A Meet the Chefs series is a popular highlight with renowned local chefs offering demonstrations and tastings. Show hours are 11:00 am - 6:00 pm on Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. General admission tickets are $7, seniors are $6, children under six are free. Info: 800-359-2033 or www.homegardenflowershow.com.

Lodging Packages

March 15 - May: ROYALTY INN'S "COME PLAY IN THE MUD" ATV PACKAGE: Stay two (non-holiday) nights close to renowned Tuckerman Ravine, home to the best mud season skiing in the East, then grab your ATV and go play in the mud. You'll enjoy kicking up the snow and high adventure as you watch fellow-die hard skiers tackle the head wall at Tuckerman's, then get out and fling some mud on your ATV. This package, offered March 15-May 30 includes two nights lodging, two day ATV rental, safety equipment and full use of all resort facilities. Prices vary depending upon the number of riders from $171 per person (double occupancy) to $366 per person. Security deposit and valid drivers license is required Info: 1-800-437-3529, www.royaltyinn.com.

March 26- May 24: MUD SEASON MADNESS AT INN AT ELLIS RIVER: M is for Massages, U is for unexpected treats and D is for dinner for two by candlelight. Indulge yourselves during Mt. Washington Valley's mud season (when spring refreshes and waterfalls cascade) at The Inn at Ellis River. Relax with a two night stay, gourmet breakfasts each morning, afternoon refreshments, a dinner for two at one of Jackson's award winning four diamond restaurants, two massages for one hour each at nearby Moondance Massage, and two of the inn's signature and original Maple Mudslides Maple liqueur, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and Vermont Gold vodka (made from maple of course). This package is offered for $479-699 per couple plus tax depending upon room choice. Add a 3rd night for only $99 - $179. Info: 800-233-8309, www.innatellisriver.com.

March- May: RIVERBEND INN B&B OFFERS "COME PLAY IN THE MUD", MUD, MASSAGE AND ROMANCE: Discover the pleasures of Mud Season: no crowds or traffic, mild weather, and great deals! This spring Riverbend Inn will offer guests the glories of mud and massage with a two night packages for $425 per room. "Mud"dle together in a deluxe king room for two nights, luxuriate with two one-hour massages, then top it off with mud-covered strawberries (chocolate dipped, actually) and an award-winning multi-course breakfasts for two, which include Mud Parfaits (fresh berries, yogurt, and granola) and Muddy Coffee Cake made with sour cream and blueberries. Who knew that playing in the mud could be so much fun for adults! Info: 800-628-6944, www.riverbendinn.com.

March - June 20, 2006: INN AT CRYSTAL LAKE WILDLIFE & BIRD WATCHING MUD SEASON SPECIAL: This package includes two nights lodging, two full country breakfasts for two, one three-course dinner for two, one lunch and information and trail maps about the Hoyt Sanctuary, Watts Sanctuary, Dahl Sanctuary and Lovejoy Sanctuary - all owned and managed by the New Hampshire Audubon Society (and all within a short drive from the Inn). You'll also receive a great little gift pack (with bug repellant, heavy duty soap to "scrub away the mud", etc.). As a fellow-mud enthusiast, a small donation to the New Hampshire Audubon Society will be made in the name of each guest who books this package starting at $295 per couple (plus tax and gratuity). Not offered during school vacation weeks or holidays. Info: 800-343-7336, www.innatcrystallake.com.

Weekends, March 30-May 20: MUD SLIDING AWAY AT SNOWVILLAGE INN: It's a great time to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Snowville - mud-slides and meals included! The Mud Slide package includes the best available accommodations, a full country breakfast each morning, dinner by candlelight each evening with a mud-slide to start and mud pie for dessert. If you like, you can opt for a guided two mile hike to the top of Foss Mountain for a 360 degree view of the mountains and mud. The package rate is $199 per person/double occupancy, normally up to $350 per person separately. Add a third night for only $49 per person. Additionally, May 4-6, prepare to get dirty and dig in the mud when guests join in to help prepare the inn's award-winning perennial gardens. Working with two professional gardeners guests will receive hands on instruction in separating, cycling, mulching and preparing a cutting garden. This package includes two nights lodging, a full country breakfast and lunch each day, plus a wine and cheese reception on Friday evening followed by a four course dinner by candlelight. Each participant will also receive a special gardening gift. The gardening package is $430-490 per person/double occupancy (plus tax and gratuity), offered May 4-6 only. Info: 800-447-4345, www.snowvillageinn.com.

April 13-16: MUD IN YOUR FACE & MORE AT FARM BY THE RIVER: Girlfriends unite for mud facials and more at Farm by the River B&B and Stables. The two-day getaway starts with a complimentary glass of champagne, wine or sparkling cider with hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy a half-hour neck or foot massage and a half-hour European mud facial too. Add on a horseback ride on the trails - we promise they'll be muddy - at a special inn guest package rate. Rates range from $416-540 for two, plus taxes. Info: 1-888-414-8353 or www.farmbytheriver.com/packages.html.

Other Treats - all available throughout Mud Season (any many beyond)

MUDDER NATURE MUD SCRUB FOOT SPECIAL - Ahhh, Mud Season, that magical time in New Hampshire when Mudder Nature begins its journey between snow melt and true spring and there is promise in the air but the only thing holding you down is the mud beneath your feet! For the month of April, the featured treatment at the T. Murray Wellness Center is the Mudder Nature Mud Scrub Foot Special. Following a salt glow exfoliation, a soft and creamy mud treatment is applied, leaving feet and legs feeling soft and smooth. Also, enjoy a therapeutic river stone massage of the legs and feet as part of this rejuvenating experience for $50.00. Info: 603-447-3112, www.tmurraywellnesscenter.com.

PARTAKE IN THE 1785 INN's FLAMING COCOA LAVA DRINK - They call this "warm mud to take the chill off of a cool spring evening", the 1785's signature flaming Cocoa Lava is sure to leave you smiley clean; have two and you'd better plan to spend the night! This drink features a flaming concoction of Peppermint Schnapps, hot chocolate and Bailey's Irish Cream all topped off with whipped cream and cinnamon (for that dirty look!). The glasses are rimmed with caramelized cinnamon sugar, just to add to the filthy goodness of this drink. Info: 800-421-1785, www.the1785inn.com.

ZEB'S GENERAL STORE FEATURES MAINE MUD CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS AND MUDSLIDE COFFEE - Walk into Zeb's General Store, and the old-fashioned penny-candy counter takes you back in time. Zeb's is the largest purveyor of New England-made products in the country, and features such wonderful Mud Season offerings as a muddy Moosely Dark Chocolate Sauce, along with White Mountain Mudslide Coffee. In the height of the mud season, you'll find Hogwash soaps, perfect for groveling in the mud for the ultimate in a clean complexion. Info: 800-676-9294, www.zebs.com

MUD BOOTS AND RAIN GEAR FOR FIDO AND FIFI - We all know the best way to protect floors is to take off our boots when we come in the mud room, but what about our four-legged friends? Four Your Paws Only offers a full range of pet gifts, supplies and gear for inclement weather, including reflective dog boots and yellow doggie slickers. Info: 800-327-5957, www.fouryourpawsonly.com.

MUD MASKS - Garden Dreams, a locally-based purveyor of fine soaps and spa products offers a Mud Mask with roots in French Green Clay and Oatmeal. It's a wonderful product to awaken the body to spring and good clean mud. The instructions suggest covering the entire body in the mud mask, and once dried to run into the freshly melted lake during Mud Season for the ultimate in refreshing tingle. Of course, for the less adventurous, a warm shower will offer equal cleanliness but no where nearly the tingle. Info: 603-367-9913, www.gardendreams.org.

RED PARKA PUB MUDSLIDE DRINKS AND PIES - Just to get into the mud-mood, order the 16-ounce Mason Jar Mudslide at the Red Parka Pub, one of Mt. Washington Valley's apr`es- mud fun institutions. Follow that up with the Mud Pie - a generous concoction of Oreo cookies, nuts, coffee liqueur, in between mounds of coffee ice cream, syrup and whip cream, and you'll be sure you've just landed in mud-heaven. Info: 603-383-4344, www.redparkapub.com.

SWEENEY RIDGE "WIPE YOUR FEET" PLAQUES - Adults know to wipe their feet when they enter, but how about Rover? Sweeney Ridge Metalsmiths offer a "Wipe Your Feet" sign featuring your choice of twenty different breeds of dogs for $20. While it may not keep the mud off the rug, it'll be a great reminder to kids and possibly even pets. Info: 888-600-9470, www.sweeneyridge.com.

For more information on vacationing during Mud Season or beyond in Mt. Washington Valley, NH, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) to request your free vacation planner.

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