Kimberly may be getting ready for her next New Hampshire escape, and this blog has been discontinued. Thanks for visiting and happy travels!

..."I will not let Old Man Winter beat me this year. My outlook is positive and I can prove it - I booked the Scenic Sport Tour for my husband's birthday gift, and we plan on bringing our 3 and 5 year old boys with us on the 2 hour guided tour. My camera will be in tow, the service, conveniences and fun will be personally brought to you in a follow-up blog...to be continued..." Remember when I wrote this back in November? Of course you do, you don't miss a single word I write! Well, it's done...we went, we rode, we will ride again! Get up and get out, and go explore New Hampshire's White Mountain Region with Alpine Adventures of Lincoln, NH. Forget about Valentine's Day, your new love awaits on the trails!

There are half day and full day un-guided rentals, as well as guided tours running from 1 to 3 hours. How exciting would it be to discover the morning tracks of a moose, or watch the sunset and ride home by moonlight? We took a mid-day, 2 hour scenic tour, and were fortunate to have clear skies and sun. Our Alpine Guides, Tyler and Jay, were considerate of each driver's level of experience [of which you need none], were very personable, and fun to spend the time with. We cruised 1 hour north, through gorgeous terrain, passed the Old Man of the Mountain and turned around some where just past Cannon Mountain I think. We passed many outdoor enthusiasts snowshoeing, cross country skiing and walking their dogs. I have hiked, camped and snowshoed in the White Mountains before, but this was my first sled ride up there, and I can see why the sport is an obsession to many.

This is an activity for everyone. There were smooching couples in our group, young families, and the token bunch of guys who were off on their own for the weekend, wives and children left home. Alpine's courtesy began as you entered, explaining paperwork, fitting helmuts and offering many smiles. The tour was prompt, ended when it said it would, and shuffled us all off safely and happily.

Where to stay:
There are many Snowmobile & Stay packages available through Alpine Adventures.
For some romance...try the Glynn House Inn
59 Highland Street
Ashland, New Hampshire, NH
(800) 637-9599  or (603) 968-3775

For families, try the Comfort Inn & Suites - Loon Mountain
Route 112 east, Lincoln, NH
888-589-8112 or 603-745-6700
[continental breakfast included, washer and DRYER [wet clothes, warm dryer, equals happy packing light mom], and indoor pool [good exercise, tired kids, sleeping well equals happy parents!]

Where to eat:
The Common Man Restaurant
Off Route 112, Lincoln
603-745-3463
Nothing complicated, just basic, consistent, good-quality food in a true blue New England home and barn atmosphere.

Elvio's Pizza
At the Lincoln Square North Shopping Plaza, Main Street, Lincoln
603-745-8817
NY style, Sicilian, white pizza, subs, salad bar & dinners.

Truant's Tavern
Main Street, North Woodstock
603-745-2239
"A favorite of locals and travelers alike." Serving Lunch and Dinner.

Where to get a tattoo or piercing [no, I'm not kidding]:
Kelley's Tattoos
Route 112, Lincoln, NH 603-745-9470
With Awarding Winning Artists, Kelly's is a State of New Hampshire Licensed and inspected studio. To get a tattoo, you must be 18 years of age with a valid state issued photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS!

pps...hate the cold, but want to see the White Mountains, check out Alpine Adventures Summer Safari!