January 19, 2012:
Winter is in full swing here in the Valley!

Finally, winter is in full swing in the Valley. In fact, we have 8 inches of that new powdery stuff….and BOY it was long overdue. I’ve been wanting to wear or buy new winter clothes but until now, it has been unseasonably warm. Cold weather and wintry winds means it’s time to ski but I need to look good skiing, too. Fortunately, I LOVE TO SHOP. I live in one of coolest (no pun intended) towns because there are more than two hundred and fifty factory outlet and specialty shops to choose from. Everyday is a perfect day for shopping here in and around Mt Washington Valley.
So, I’ll start first by walking the streets of North Conway Village. There are sooo many cool shops to check out. First, I’ll go to IME (International Mountain Equipment) to get some cross country skis and boots. All packages are reasonably priced, which makes it so affordable to gear up for the season. This store is renowned for their climbing school and outdoor mountaineering staff...in the event you want to learn how to scale the peaks of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They are located right across from the Eastern Slope Inn. In fact, another cool place to go to near the same location is the Mt. Washington Observatory Science Museum. It’s FREE and kid’s love it…especially if you want to shop and they don’t. While in the village I also HAVE to shop at It’s My Girlfriend’s Consignment shop. Every designer label you can think of is in there from leather shoes and boots to ball gowns and jeans.
The Village is truly a happenin’ place for families and shopaholics. I also want to check out Joe Jones Sun and Ski Shop and look at all the great ski and snowboard gear they have on sale from such top brands as Rossignol, Atomic, Solomon, and Burton just to name a few. And, just so you know….they have THE BEST bathing suit section I have EVER been in. Once I’m done there, I will cross the street and head to Sawyer River Trading Company. This store has everything you could want for kitchenware and gadgets, thousands of items actually. Nearby is Spruce Hurricane, a high-end leather and fashion boutique. I always find something unique and one of a kind there. In the event they don’t have what I want in leather-goods a store that always has the best of the best in leathers is Beggars Pouch. They are right next door and also have fine custom-made leather goods as well as, Ariat and Uggs boots and shoes. Then, I will head over to Zeb’s General Store for my sweet tooth. They have one of the longest penny candy counters in the world! In fact, everything in there is made in New England.
If I have worked up an appetite, I’ll go to the Kearsarge Café for THE BEST BURRITO this side of Mexico!  Seriously! And their lobster roll rocks, too! It has a cilantro lime sauce on it that, I am not kidding, totally enhances and does not overwhelm the lobster. If I want a casual sit down type of restaurant, I may go right around the corner to Hooligans….a local Valley favorite that is known for its consistency with serving fresh-made meals. For a little more contemporary feel, on the southern end of town there is the Black Cap Grille. YUM!  My personal fav is their version of a cob salad. Everything there is good tho as well as there is a fun, hip vibe at night in their bar. If you head to Conway, Café Noche is the place for all things Mexican…..did I say MARGARHITAS ? !!  Ole’.
After lunch I know I’ll still need more of a shopping buzz so I’ll head next door to Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). They used to be located at the Eastern Slope Inn in the Village but now have a massive new store for all my outdoor needs. They have a huge bike shop, and rock and ice climbing and adventure school, hiking and camping sections & the coolest clothing and outerwear.
Oh my God, I am starving! All this talking and writing is wreaking havoc on my shopping plans. I need food stat! Peaches has the best homemade soups and quiches. Elvio’s Pizza rocks! Oh gosh, I don’t know where to go. I think I’ll try Shalimar of India today. By far the best Indian food in the world….well, the US. After lunch, I’ll head to The Sound Resort  south of North Conway Village to look at their surround sound systems and get a new battery for my Verizon cell phone. Next, I’ll head to Wal-Mart for some makeup and shampoo. From Wal-Mart I’ll go to White Birch Books for the latest in best sellers since they give a discount on them. Almost next door is Assets Jean Company. They have the cutest tops and jackets plus the largest selection of jeans, I think, in northern New England! I found a really cool, metallic, hobo handbag there last month that would be great for any season and their selection of cashmere and merino wool sweaters is pretty awesome, too. What I don’t find there in wool, I am sure to find at the Rugged Mill Shop, another great store in the village. They specialize in Pendelton and Woolrich plus really cool shoe and jacket lines.
Another fun stop for the motorcycle enthusiast is the showroom of Whitehorse Press in Conway off Rt. 113. Check them out online first to see what is in their showroom. A few other wheeled-type shops you must check out are the Red Jersey Cyclery now just north of North Conway Village and the Mt Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails. Bike rentals are at all of these places and so is great gear.
Gosh there is just so much to see and do while you are here!
Whew, I’m exhausted! I never thought I would say this, but I think I am done with shopping for the day! At least I got to see many of the wonderful shops that Mt. Washington Valley, North Conway and Jackson, NH offer…..and great attractions, too! There’s something for everyone. From sporting goods to jewelry and clothing to furniture,  it’s at your fingertips. I always find new, cool items and bargains. I love how most of the shops carry unique gifts that can only be found in their store. North Conway, New Hampshire……it’s where it’s at! See you on the slopes, in the shops or on a a quiet park bench. Just get here and have fun.