Luis and I, started our weekend in North Conway. We drove through the popular Settlers Green Outlet stores on our way north. I mentioned Settlers Green Outlet, on the January 6th blog post if you’d like to check it out. Today, I particularly liked the lawn decoration.
I was impressed that the landscaping had already started. No flowers yet but they’re ready to go. Definitely spring at Settler’s Green.
We continued further north to the nostalgic North Conway area, where businesses are located in beautiful historic buildings. Everyone’s favorite is the Conway Scenic Railroad Station. We will be boarding at the Attitash Whistle Stop on Tuesday for our train ride but if you stop in North Conway, you will want to check out the historic train station.
If you’d like to admire the view while enjoying a great meal, stop at Horsefeathers. Horsefeathers Restaurant & Sports Bar is across from the Conway Scenic Railroad Station and they have large picture windows with a view of the station.
Horsefeathers advertises they are a comfortable neighborhood eatery and they are correct. Luis and I joined, Kathy and Jim Custeau, Kevin Rich, Kirsten and Tom Balon and Tim Beeble for lunch, everyone enjoyed their meals. I had an excellent grilled teriyaki marinated chicken sandwich, topped with grilled pineapple. There were no issues with seating 8 people or asking for separate checks. The staff was friendly and efficient and the large windows provided great views, horsefeathers.com, 2679 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH. They are open 6 days, Noon-9:00PM, closed Wednesday.
On the same block as Horsefeathers you will find a line of interesting shops to explore. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not much of a shopper but I enjoyed browsing at the historic No. Conway 5 and 10, they were advertising their 84th year.
I also enjoyed Zeb’s, check out the cool Ford truck and the moose lining the deck. Zeb’s gives the Vermont Country store a run for their money.
Zeb’s has two floors packed with local specialty foods, a candy counter, apparel… it’s a long list. They even have merchandise for Moxie the official soft drink of Maine. I don’t like it but growing up I remember my grandmother loved it. I like that the merchandise is orange and they have a cool car. If you want to see one, stop at Clark’s Bears before you head out of town on Sunday. See January 27th blog for more on Clark’s bears.
From North Conway we headed to the Grand Summit for a meeting with their event coordinator. You’ll be happy to know we have event spaces, food, tables, table clothes, napkins, cash bars, car wash station, signs… yup many details. My favorite are the decorations Kevin and Holly Rich are creating for the dinners. I’m not showing any photos because I want them to be a surprise. 😊
One thing that came up was, DO NOT LEAVE FOOD of any kind in your cars; not even the wrappers. We will be in bear country. This is not a huge problem but it is a fact, bears get hungry and they can get into a car.
After the meeting we headed to Pinkham Notch.
This view never gets old, after a beautiful drive through Pinkham Notch we were once again rewarded with a view of the Concorso field at the entrance to the Auto Road and of Mount Washington standing majestically above. I can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves. From here we went around and down through Crawford Notch and back to the Grand Summit.
A few of our crew went home. Luis and I, Jim, Kathy and Tim stayed on. Someone had to sample the restaurant at the Grand Summit.
The Tap House at the Grand Summit was very nice. Everyone enjoyed their food. Tim had the bourbon marinated grilled steak tips that are on the Welcome Dinner menu. He said they were delicious. We stayed until closing talking about FreakOut and anything else that popped up. The friendly staff would check in on us but we never felt rushed. There’s a full bar along the wall behind Luis and Tim.
I hope all of you have the opportunity to meet Judy the concierge. She has been working at the Grand Summit since it opened. Another friendly member of the staff, she is ready to welcome you and help with anything you need at the hotel and in the local area.
Saturday, we made the loop from Crawford Notch to the Old Man Historic site in Franconia Notch, where we met John Hilferty. I dragged everyone down to the Old Man Historic Site in the freezing cold. 😊 But it was worth it, everyone aligned themselves and viewed the Old Man once again.
See February 10th blog for more on The Old Man.
Continuing into Lincoln we made a stop and the Kancamagus Collectibles. Always fun to stop in and see the cars.
After a fun filled morning, it was time for lunch before heading across the Kancamagus. We opted for Mexican and went to El Charro. The food was good but was an average Mexican Restaurant. The company was the best part.
Bear Notch Road is still closed so we went all the way to the eastern end of the Kanc and picked up Westside Road to head back to the hotel, with a stop at Cathedral Ledge. Don’t miss the 1-mile road that winds its way up to Cathedral Ledge. It’s close to the Grand Summit and the views are beautiful. You may want to do it more than once.
Back at the Grand Summit, you guessed it, more FreakOut planning. We went to Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing for dinner. Moatmountain.com, 3378 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH, Monday and Tuesday 11:30AM – 8:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 11:30AM– 9:30PM, Dine-in, Takeout. Moat Mountain is very popular; staff were friendly and the food was yummy. We didn’t have to wait but it was busy. After dinner, back to FreakOut planning at the Grand Summit. We received new numbers while we were there. Thanks, to all of you who have registered! It’s great to see everyone who is coming and what they have signed up for. The numbers are amazing! It gives us added energy to make FreakOut 40 the best it can be.
Sunday Raffle/Silent Auction, I’m a fish out of water on this one. Usually, Luis and I are rushing home for work on Monday after a FreakOut. Obviously, this year we are home and are not only attending but helping to organize the event. I have the feeling after this event we will want to include the Raffle/Silent Auction in our FreakOut trips. I see some nice items heading to the event.
So, I’ve been getting up to speed asking those with more experience how it works. I’ve found most of the prizes are usually donated by members. We’ve already had a few members donate items. Bobb emailed me about items for the Sunday Raffle/Silent Auction. He puts aside items throughout the year to bring and donate for the event.
If you’d like to ship the items so you don’t have to carry or pack them, email me and we can work it out. chewychewy@comcast.net If you are bringing items to FreakOut, see one of us at registration. There will be tables set up in the registration area for Raffle/Silent Auction items.
Thank you, to everyone who has donated so far, every item is greatly appreciated.
We can’t wait to see you, 32 days to FreakOut!