North Conway Vacations Blog

Return of the Pumpkin People

 

Pumpkin People in New Hampshire?  Yes, it is time for the 20th “Return of the Pumpkin People” in the Jackson Area of New Hampshire.  So how does it work?  This year 48 businesses and residential properties throughout the community with pick a theme and create it using people made with pumpkin heads!  It has been noted that this year we will be seeing Humpty Dumpy at the Old Field House Inn so make sure to check it out.  Rumor has it that the Adams Family is also in town along with Blue Man Groove.  The only rule is that there are no rules when it comes to Pumpkin People, except that they need to have pumpkin heads!

 

This is family fun for everyone.  The Pumpkin People will be in town from October 1st-23rd.  Take this self guided tour and visit all 48 Pumpkin People.  Then make sure to cast your vote.  Ballots can be obtained from any participating business or at the Jackson Chamber Commerce.  Vote for the overall best winner, the funniest, the most difficult, and more!   

 

Fryeburg Fair Provides Fall Fun for All Ages

If the Fryeburg Fair is not on your list of fall festivities, then it is time to add it.  This is the largest fair in Maine and Fryeburg is located just 12 miles from the Old Field House Inn.  This year the fair will run from October 4th through the 11th and the schedule has something for everyone!  The Fryeburg Fair will have more than 4,000 animals, horse pulling, harness racing, four pig scrambles, dozens of exhibition halls, and a gigantic midway with more than 50 rides!  It is even noted that the Fryeburg Fair has more free entertainment than any other agricultural fair in the world!  How can you top that?

One special event that is always entertaining is Woodmen's Day.  This year it is scheduled for Monday, October 5th.  If you have never seen this before, then you are in for a treat!  This is a day chock full of exciting competitions including bucksaws, chainsaws, log rolling, ax throwing, and that is just a sampling.  You truly have to see it to believe it!

The Fryeburg Fair admission fee is $8.00 per person, except Saturday it is $10.00.  Senior Citizens day is Tuesday, October 6th and admission is $2.00.  Come out and join the fun!  

Apple Picking in North Conway, New Hampshire

It is apple picking season in North Conway, New Hampshire!   Many guests of the Old Field House Inn go apple and pumpkin picking in the North Conway area as it emerges in the vibrant autumn colors of red, orange, and yellow.  This is a tradition that many people do on a yearly basis and is family fun for all!  Multiple varieties of apples are available including Macintosh, Cortland, Empire, and more!  In addition to picking apples, do not forget to enjoy some of the delicious products which the local farms have to offer.  Baked goods, apple cider, cheeses, pies, and preserves are on the top of our list to bring home from a trip to the orchards.  Once you taste these homemade wonders, it will be difficult to not make this a yearly tradition.

One of our local apple orchards is Hatches Orchard located in Center Conway.  They are open on weekends through Columbus weekend and special in Macintosh apples.  They also offer a farm market, picnic area, pumpkins, winter squash, and oh yes...cider! 

Happy apple picking!

Cog Railway Ride Up Mount Washington

A great Fall foliage getaway at the Old Field House Inn is not complete without a ride to the top of Mount Washington on the Cog Railway.  The builder of the Cog Railway wanted to develop a safe and easy method to ascend to the top of Mount Washington.  He submitted his proposals and everyone thought he was crazy.   However, they approved his proposal and the Cog Railway took three years to build.  It was completed in 1865 and it was an immediate success.

The journey begins at Marshfield Base Station, which is located 2700 feet above sea level.   The ride covers 2.8 miles and the scenic views are breath taking.  Once at the top of Mount Washington views extend to the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.  Also, enjoy a visit to the Observatory Museum and the historic Tiptop House before the trip down the mountain.

What a wonderful way to spend any time of the year, especially during Fall foliage.  We consider this a “must do” for any visit to New England.  The round trip takes approximately three hours and tickets can be purchased on-line and children under 3 ride for free!