New Hampshire Goes "Green" with Gas-and-Money-Saving Deals
APRIL 4, 2008. With spring on the way and the chance to spread tax rebate checks a little bit farther with frugal Yankee deals to save money and gas, New Hampshire is definitely the place to "go green." Especially for those planning to vacation in their New England "backyard" this summer.
Known for its New England thrift, authentic hospitality and pristine natural environment, it makes sense that New Hampshire lodgings, restaurants and attractions should come up with creative ways to stretch visitors' dollars - and gas. Starting with year-round tax-free shopping and a compact geography that brings mountains and seashore within range of one tank full of gas, these added offers make New Hampshire the perfect choice for a classic summer vacation, or a weekend getaway. New Hampshire hotels are primed to ease the pain at the pump.
With gasoline generally priced at or below the national average reported by AAA, motorists find fuel readily available and, even better, many highly-walkable towns where they can park their cars and enjoy the New Hampshire environment on foot. On the Seacoast, Portsmouth was just named the state's most walkable city by Prevention Magazine. A 2008 National Trust for Historic Preservation "Distinctive Destination," it's the perfect place to wander historic streets, take a self-guided tour of the Black Heritage, Portsmouth Peace Treaty or Harbour Trail, browse in individualistic boutiques and soak up sunshine in a sidewalk caf'e. Berlin, in the Great North Woods end of the state, was just named to Outdoor Life's list of top towns for outdoorsmen. Here, visitors replace their cars with kayaks, canoes and hiking boots to appreciate the pristine wilderness. For the many campers who enjoy the state's rivers, lakes and trails, the New Hampshire Campground Owners' Association lists sites where RV owners can park their trailers for a week, or a season, instead of towing them back and forth in between.
The official New Hampshire Travel & Tourism Development website, www.VisitNH.gov notes some special gas- and money-saving deals and is updated continuously with more.
Gas Deals and Green Vacations
In Meredith, The Inn at Mill Falls "April Travel NOW" promotion includes accommodations, a $20 (per night) gas voucher good at the local Meredith Mobil and a voucher for a Tanger Outlet tote bag and coupon book. Offer starts at $109 per room, per night, available Sunday through Wednesday nights in April. 800-622-6455, www.millfalls.com
In Bradford, The Candlelite Inn's special midweek package pays for the gas. On two-night stays, Sunday through Thursday the discount is $25 off the bill; for more than two nights' stay, the discount is $10 per night. 888-812-5571, www.candleliteinn.com
In Bethlehem, The Highlands Inn Gas Credit is worth 25 cents a mile (up to $50) rebate on the gas it takes to get there. The rebate is 30 cents a mile for hybrid drivers. The Spring Fling Special discounts the third night of a three-night stay by 50 percent, through May 31. Free women's music concerts every Sunday. Special Women's Singles Weekend, June 6-8. 877-LES-B-INN (537-2466), www.highlandsinn-nh.com
Truly green Appalachian Mountain Club Destination Deals stretch the tax rebate even further. Book five nights or more and save 20 percent at any combination of AMC Huts or lodges, Sunday through Friday. Kid's First Adventure at Lonesome Lake is 12 percent off on Sunday-Friday nights and includes a spectacular view of the Franconia Range and in naturalist programs for kids. Pick 3 and Save gives a 10 percent discount at the Highland Center or Joe Dodge Lodge, and 12 percent off at the Huts, The 50+ Midweek Spring Special, available Sunday through Thursday for age 50+ starts at $87 per member per night for private rooms at Highland Lodge and includes lodging; dinner, breakfast, and a choice of buffet or trail lunch, daily programs, and complimentary use of gear from the LL Bean Gear Room. 603-466-2727, www.outdoors.org/lodging
Gas-Saving, Eco-Friendly "Bike the Whites" cycling tours, May 1 through October 31 let guests abandon their cars for a 4 night/3 day trip along New Hampshire's back roads. 800-421-1785, www.bikethewhites.com
Barrington Shores campground "Double Delight" offer is two weekends for the price of one and gas-saving in between. For just $120, book the weekend of May 9th and return on 16th, free, leaving the trailer on site. Or choose the weekends of September 5th and 12th. www.barringtonshores.com.
Attitash Grand Summit Hotel has a Tax ReFUNd deal of 50 percent off every third night when booking three nights or more in May, June and July. Park the car for the duration of the stay and enjoy the Attitash Slide and Ride, horseback riding and local attractions. 800-223-7669, www.attitash.com
Waterville Valley Resort's "Summer Unlimited" package, ranging from $130-145 per night, represents a 50 percent saving for families who take full advantage of the fun: boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, and access to the Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. One free day of Kids Camp for children aged 6-12 for families who stay three nights or more. 800-GO-VALLEY, www.visitwatervillevalley.com.
Mountain Edge Resort & Spa and the Best Western Sunapee Lake Lodge Discount Coupons offer deals for dining, day care, spa treatments and extended stays. Book directly to receive the coupons. 800-606-5253, www.sunapeelakelodge.com
Seven Maples Campground in Hancock offers a third night free for those who book two consecutive nights. 603-525-3321, www.sevenmaples.com
Cedar Pond Campground in Milan gives a 10 percent discount on stays of 7 nights or longer, at a campsite or in one of their cabins or campers. 860-663-2268, www.cedarpondcamping.com
Colonel Spencer Inn in Campton offers a Mid-Week Bonus: 10 percent off for any two consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday night; 15 percent off four consecutive nights. 603-536-1755, www.colonelspencerbb.com
Shaw's Supermarkets and Irving Oil gas stations at participating locations in New Hampshire are offering a gas discount. For every $50 spent on groceries by May 22, 2008, shoppers receive a coupon for 10 cents off the per gallon price (up to $20 savings.) A free Shaw's Rewards Card is needed to qualify and redeem the discount at participating Irving Oil gas stations through June 5, 2008. www.irvingoil.com/pr_retail/shaws_promo.asp
Reduced Admission to New Hampshire Attractions
The Children's Museum of Portsmouth offers discount admission through pass programs with more than 40 libraries throughout New Hampshire. The passes admit up to 4 people at a cost of just $2 instead of standard admission of $6 per person, a 66 percent discount. 603-436-3853, www.childrens-museum.org
The 2008 White Mountains Attractions Value Pass allows two adult admissions to all 16 major attractions in the White Mountains. Just $295, the pass has a value of over $650. The card is transferable, but not for resale. 800-FIND-MTS, www.visitwhitemountains.com
Story Land Guest Appreciation Days offer early-season admission rates of just $20 per person (instead of $24, on weekends from Memorial Day to Father's Day. The discount rate covers unlimited rides, shows, and attractions. Children aged 2 and under are always admitted for free. Guests purchasing admission at the park after 2pm on those days receive a pass valid for a complimentary visit to Story Land later in the season. 603-383-4186, www.storylandnh.com.
Tour the Moffett House Museum & Genealogy Center at 119 High Street in Berlin, FREE. Open Tuesday through Saturday year round. 603-752-4590 or 603-752-7337.
Kids eat free and kids stay free in many places. The Top Notch Inn in Gorham is one that offers a Story Land gift for those who mention the offer when making reservations. The Inn also offers guests who book two consecutive nights, Sunday through Friday, one free Moose Tour with the tour guide providing the transportation. 603-466-5496, www.topnotchinn.com Check Hospitality Maps in North Conway for maps and guides with more money-saving coupons for food, clothing and golf. www.hospitalitymaps.com
New England Sampler at 42 Hanover Street in Manchester is one of the best options for tax-free shopping New Hampshire-made souvenirs. $10 off all gourmet gift baskets. 603-626-4477, www.thenewenglandsampler.com
Admission is Free at the Fun Family Festival at the Cheshire Fairgrounds. The Sixth Annual Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival, August 8-9, 2008 offers great performers, music workshops, fiddle and picking contest, dancing, traditional folk games and races, blueberry bake-off, auction, car show and other events. There is a $5 parking fee. 603-239-6495, www.blueberryfiddlefestival.com
For more ideas, itineraries, a calendar of events and online reservations, go to www.VisitNH.gov
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