North Conway, NH

North Conway NH Homes are once again covered in a fresh layer of snow from the season's second snowstorm to hit the area. Although some locals may dislike the early snow, we ARE a snow sports destination area so it is good for business and to see the renewed activity on the mountains.

I have been studying trends and researching whether they are in fact trends or just a short-term fad. There are a few trends that literally jump out at you! The first one is "AGEING"... as global beings, we are all getting older. Statistics show that every 8 seconds in the US someone turns 50 years old.

Many organizations however continue to obsessively focus on young people. Their products are geared to them, the ads portray them and continue to target market these young people. The fact remains though that the vast majority in this country are older folks. In other countries, such as Japan, the percentage of people over 75 years old is forecast to increase by 36% by the year 2015.

The implications of this shift includes (possibly) higher taxation (as much as 175%) simply to maintain current benefit levels. Pharmaceutical expenditures will also increase. Not to mention the increased interest in healthcare and medical issues.

What does that mean to us? The trend indicates a boom in industries such as travel, healthcare, elderly housing, etc. There are so many other significant changes as a result of people getting older and living longer...how about replacement of old, worn out parts? We already see a marked increase in eye surgery and teeth replacement.

In housing, there will definitely be a shift towards small, more easy to manage homes, possibly home-sharing, and pooling of resources such as communal clubhouses, pools, etc.

As I have a big interest in trends, i will continue to write more in the days to come...stay tuned!

(Picture courtesy www.wheatlandvillage.com)

Here in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire we enjoy some pretty incredible scenery...just today I was having a burger with a friend at the "Burger Queen" as my little friend calls it, and happened to look outside and saw Mt. Washington in all its splendor! WOW! What a view!

That started me thinking about this gorgeous area that I am very lucky to call home. So here is a peek into my little piece of heaven on earth!

We enjoy "small town flavor" yet have lots of big-city amenities. Here is a sample of some of our local events:

- Storyland - a children's theme park where fantasy lives! Every child deserves to go there at least once.

(courtesy of Story Land)

- The annual "Fur Ball" which is a black tie affair to raise funds for our furry friends. This is a fairly new event which has taken off like wildfire...the animals love it!

- Santa's Holiday Express aka as the Polar Express to the North Pole which runs from now until the end of December...these tickets are valuable; they randomly choose the applicant and contact the proud buyer (one phone call is all you get, if you're not home, on to the next buyer for the coveted tickets)! THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg.

- Ice skating at the "Nestlenook Farm" which has a decidedly Victorian flair and has been transfigured onto thousands of photos and prints. Or maybe a horse-drawn carriage ride in this magical winter wonderland!

- Cookies are next on the list. The 12th annual Country Inns of the White Mountains Holiday Cookie Tour! Inns tempt their visitors with specialty cookies and their (secret) recipes for these delightful concoctions.

(these are Peanut Butter Blossoms courtesy of Riverbend Inn)

- Last but not least is Eastern Slopes Mt. Washington Observatory Overnight - This incredible trip combines the challenge of climbing the Northeast's highest peak, Mount Washington, with the rare opportunity to spend the night on the summit. When the rest of the day-climbers are heading back down, you'll have the privilege of stepping into the heated observatory building for a delightful evening. Dinner can be followed by a visit with the observatory staff to see how they monitor the "Worst Weather in the World." On the second day you will watch the sunrise from the summit, have breakfast and then climb back down the mountain. An amazing adventure!

What did I forget? Oh yeah...the skiing!

(this picture courtesy of the Attitash Mtn. website)

Some of you have asked for more pictures of the wonderful foliage show that we enjoy here in the northeast. Our home in the White Mountains of NH provides us with a veritable display of color - this year's palette is phenomenal! So here for your viewing pleasure is autumn's hit parade:

Many thanks to the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce for allowing permission to use these, and special thanks to two local photographers as well: Frank Curtis and Lawrence Carbonaro.

Conway Lake is a 1,299 acre lake located in New Hampshire, sprawled between the towns of Conway and Eaton. It is located just to the east of the White Mountains and is part of the Saco River watershed.

Formerly known as Walker's Pond, and at the northern edge of the lake on Mill Street there is a park by the same name that makes up Conway Lake dam and the original mill site, the lake was originally created by damming to build a grist mil. This served to enlarge the lake to its current size.

Through the years, Conway Lake has been a source for recreation, a place where people can go to fish, canoe and enjoy the many private and public beaches. The New Hampshire Fish and Game manages the lake for salmon. The lake is also home to loons, herons and turtles. According to locals, there is an old snapping turtle named Pork Chop that lives on the lake; the name supposedly comes from local residents feeding the turtle bits of pork chops. I recently heard this folklore from relatives visiting here from Florida!!!

Because of its relative seclusion, the public beach and boat ramp being its main face to the world, Conway Lake has remained one of the most undeveloped and cleanest lake in New Hampshire!