March 8, 2011
Springtime in New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington Valley

It’s springtime and not only is that a change of seasons for us here in Mt. Washington Valley but it also means SPRING CLEANING…..Yay! Yup. I just said that. With spring cleaning comes cleaning out my closet…..as the say, “Out with the old. In with the new”. Let’s go SHOPPING! And, no matter what the season, shopping is ever so easy and so much fun as in Mt. Washington Valley.

Gosh, I just LOVE TO SHOP!

Today I am going to shop in North Conway. There are so many deliciously different stores; it’s hard to know where to begin so let’s start by getting outfitted from head to toe. First stop - Main Street! Just park in front of the historic Conway Scenic Train Station in front of Schouler Park and walk from there to find a huge selection of all sorts of things…..starting with hats- golf caps, hunting caps, hats for ladies, hats for kids, sun hats, Stetsons and those cute Newsboy caps, all reasonably priced at either Spruce Hurricane or the Beggar’s Pouch Leather Shop. Both of these shops have the coolest, most fashionable clothes, shoes and boots you will find anywhere. Seriously, from Uggs, Dansko, Naot, to Old Gringo Boots, M. Miller Furs, anything Western, or custom made. Once you go into these two shops you’ll be wishing you knew about them sooner. Now, I also need new sunglasses. How about a new pair of Maui Jim’s, Ray Ban, Bolle, or Oakley. Joe Jones Sun and Ski shop has the largest selection of sunglasses around. Since now’s the time to gear up for spring skiing and bike road riding, I need to check out their spring sales section, always at least 40% off. There’s also a huge selection of cute tees on sale too, to go with that funky leather jacket I’ve had my eye on at Spruce Hurricane. I need to check out NorthConwayVillage.net or shopmtwashingtonvalley.com to be sure I have my shopping planned out.

A few hours of shopping and my stomach is growling. There is still so much more shopping to do but I need a break to fuel up for the rest of the afternoon. My tastes buds are saying Wine Thyme!!!!!. One of the village’s newest eateries they have the yummiest food and a great selection of wines too! And don’t be surprised if one of the owners actually serves you. They are there daily making sure the freshest ingredients are used and the outdoor seating area is toasty warm. Yes, even in winter there are days they serve outside. Those heaters work great. They even had an ice bar for New Year’s eve celebrations. It was standing room only! For something heartier…..and right across the street is Hooligan’s a local’s favorite for great steaks and fresh seafood, and there’s always the Up Country Saloon, a great family restaurant just south of the village. It’s a pub style atmosphere with great bar drinks and games for the older crowd or fun family seating and entrees for kids and grandparents. Actually, I feel like a little Mexican food so maybe it’s really Café Noche in Conway I should head over too. Gosh, I really should check out foodinthemountains.com to be sure I have the food situation covered here in the Valley. But to be honest with you, I ate so much for breakfast at Peaches that I might just skip lunch and wait for dinner. Peaches is just a few steps south of the village center and serves some of the Valley’s favorite homemade and creative breakfast and lunch items. Across from them is Pricilla’s. Yummm, they have the best Mac & Cheese. They and Peaches are my fav’s! Oh dear, what to do?

I just really need to walk off all the food I ate earlier so I can at least get my favorite pick me up mid- afternoon treat at the Bavarian Chocolate Haus. Yummy, homemade chocolates. Yes, like I said, I just LOVE FOOD.

Hmmmm??? Where to go next? Let’s see, I have a new hat, new sunglasses, a couple of new T-shirts, new jeans….I think I need to sit and think about this…..I think I will stay at Wine Thyme for one more glass of wine and figure out a plan.

OK, I have it….it’s now off to the Penguin I go. The Penguin Gallery is the most whimsical shop in town for unusual gifts, jewelry, books, candles, puzzles, wind chimes and the best greeting cards around. They have a large selection of Chamilia Charms and Troll Beads too. I’ll find just what I’d like for myself so I can tell all my friends what to get me for my birthday and the holidays! And there’s always something for my mom and dad there, too. And there’s a great 20% off coupon for the Penguin in both northconwayvillage.net and Shopmtwashingtonvalley.com. I also want to check out the latest photos at the White Mountain Photo Gallery in Jackson. The owner is an amazing photographer who captures the scenes and lighting that make NH’s White Mountains so special.

While I am out and about, I need to check out the Best Seller List of books at White Birch Books the Valley’s best and friendliest bookstore. They even have a 10% off coupon so be sure to get it on Northconwaycoupons.com or northconwayvillage.net. Dad asked me to pick up the newspaper but I also want to buy Dan Brown’s latest. I hear it is fabulous. He lives in Madison sometimes at his family’s summer place. And Lisa Gardner lives just up the road, too. Her latest, “Love you More” is sure to be a thriller. It’s nice having such famous authors in our midst.

Gosh, thinking about Dan Brown and suspense writer Lisa Gardner, makes me think of cigars….I guess I will surprise my dad with a few from the Cigar Emporium and Lounge just north of the Village. They have hundred’s of brands to chose from. Dad loves to go there and relax with an adult beverage and a cigar in one of their cozy Victorian lounge chairs. Hmmm? I wonder what brand I should get him…..

Another great shop for amazing and unique gift items is Sawyer River Trading Company. If you have a foodie in your life, this place has all the best names in kitchenware and cutlery. Viking, Calphalon, Buck, Global Henckels, Wusthof and Cuisinart, to name just a few. And they have the best kitchen gadgets and stocking stuffers. Seriously, you have to check this store out.

I’m exhausted but there’s still much to see and do. On my list to check out is, the Wooden Soldier Children’s Clothing Shop just around the corner from the Eastern Slope Inn. This really cool store has the best selection of infants and children’s clothing you will find anywhere. Great prices too!

I almost forgot my puppy, Keeper. She needs some food so I have to go to Four Your Paws Only at their new location on Rt. 16. They have a huge new store and every imaginable line of food, accessories and toys for our furry four legged friends. There’s a 15% off coupon in their ad on the ShopMtWashingtonValley.com site that I need to get before I go. Speaking of coupons, there’s one for $5.00 off at Super Shoes, 10% off at Labonville which has the largest selection of Carhartt in New Hampshire…and there’s 20% off at North Country Fair Jewelers, and Valley Jewelers. Do I hear DIAMONDS! More great coupons can be found at northconwaycoupons.com. Corningware, Woolrich, Columbia, Headlines. Gosh, there are so many money saving coupons, I’d be here all day writing. Check out northconwaycoupons.com to see all of the coupons.

And check out all of the great shops and deals to be had in Mt. Washington Valley and the White Mountains at HospitalityMaps.com. This site connects you to the best of the best in shopping, food, golf, skiing, attractions, and adventure when you visit North Conway, Jackson, Attitash, Wildcat, Lincoln, Loon, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley or the Lakes Region and Great North Woods. Ta Ta for now.