The 33rd Annual Chocolate Festival on February 26 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery, warm hospitality and great chocolate treats at stops throughout the Conway network.
SnowCoach Tours, Gorham, Throughout February
SnowCoach drivers will take you to the Mt. Washington tree line to witness incredible scenes. SnowCoaches use four tracks opposed to wheels to attack the snowy elevation and provide unforgettable views. Even though you will be in a heated van, it is recommended that you dress warmly should you want to get out and take pictures. greatglentrails.com
“Man of La Mancha,” Portsmouth, February 2-March 8
This heartbreaking and inspirational Tony Award-winning musical, based on Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” focuses on one man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream. seacoastrep.org
“The World Was Yours,” Concord, February 3-19
This original play written by New Hampshire playwright William Ivers follows the coveted Eadburg Art Endowment as it’s about to be awarded to one of three finalists who have three very different artistic visions. Prof. Adley Schwartz has traditional views, Z-Jones believes art is rebellion and Joy wants her art to scream didactic societal messages. All three find themselves in a museum waiting room while the board makes their final decision. Their divergent views escalate when they realize the lucrative grant will come with demands that may compromise their artistic and moral values. Looking on (and bickering) from the ether are none other than Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Bob Ross. Lend Me A Theater is a traveling performance troupe, comprised of artists who have long spent time doing community theatre in New Hampshire. hatboxnh.com
Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest, Intervale, February 3-5
Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest > Going on its 29th year, the Valley Ice Fest is dedicated to the love of climbing. Ever since it started in 1993, it’s been bringing together climbers of all abilities to share in the reverence of the rock — or, in this case, the ice. Avid rock and ice climbers, and those just starting out in the sport, come together to collaborate, learn from one another, share skill sets and forge friendships. This year’s event features clinics that range from “Ice Climbing 101” to a one-day ice rescue clinic to a “Climbing on Thin Ice” clinic, and progress to more nuanced courses such as a two-day learning to lead clinic, an alpine-style climb and much more. All clinics (unless otherwise noted) meet at 8 a.m. at Ledge Brewing Company. mwv-icefest.com
Beveridge Ice Fest, Lake Winnipesaukee, February 4
Get your long johns, furry hats and winter gear ready because Ice Fest is back. Beveridge Ice Fest brings together 35 of the Granite State’s finest craft breweries to pour a selection of tasty brews on the ice of Lake Winnipesaukee. Tickets into the fest includes unlimited beer samples. beerfests.com
Wild Winter Walks, Holderness, February 4, 11, 19, 25
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers a winter program for adults and families with children ages 7 and up. Learn about the animals who live at the Science Center during the winter. Most of them stay in the same place, just as they would in the wild. A staff naturalist will lead a guided walk on the live animal exhibit trail to see the animal ambassadors dressed in their winter coats and discuss how these native animals are well adapted for winter in New Hampshire. If needed, snowshoes are available at no extra cost or participants can bring their own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is all outdoors. Dress to be outdoors with insulated snow boots, hats, gloves and warm layers. Pre-registration is required for all programs at nhnaturerd.tamretail.net
Dartmouth Winter Carnival, Hanover, February 10-13
Dating back to 1911, this annual fête celebrates Dartmouth’s impressive winter sports history and the beauty of the Upper Valley in the snow. Organizations around campus host events during the carnival, so make the rounds to enjoy an ice-sculpting contest, a concert and quirky traditions like a human dogsled race on the green. home.dartmouth.edu
Super Sunday 4 Miler, Bedford, February 12
You might be an icicle by the end of this event — but the spoils are worth it. This race makes its way through Bedford, and starts and ends at the 1750 Taphouse. When you cross the finish line, enjoy a refreshing beer and thaw yourself out in the warming area. milleniumrunning.com
Dinosaur Valentine’s Day Party, Dover, February 12
Come celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover with a little dino-themed fun. Make special Valentine’s Day and dinosaur themed crafts, listen to dinosaur stories, meet a friendly costumed dinosaur to take pictures and take home a treat at the end of the event. The Dinosaur Valentine’s Day Party is sponsored in part by the Silver Fountain Tea Parlor in Dover. This is a special ticketed program, and space is limited. Reservations required. Members are $10/person, non-members are $16/person and kids under the age of 1 are free. Member pre-sale starts Wednesday, January 25, and tickets go on sale to the public Monday, January 30. childrens-museum.org
Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring Chocolate Festival, North Conway, February 26
North Conway inns and eateries will open their doors and offer up chocolate goodies. You’re welcome to drive or take advantage of the complementary festival shuttle, but the real fun comes from making your own transportation. The fest is a fundraiser for the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation, so tour stops are conveniently located along 45 km of cross-country paths. Strap on your snowshoes or skis and enjoy this delectable event known as “The Sweetest Day on the Trails.” Festival passes include dozens of different chocolate treats prepared by area businesses and local bakers along with a tasting of Tuckerman’s beer. mwvskitouring.org
Sunny War, Portsmouth, February 28
It’s no secret that great art comes from the margins. Los Angeles-based street singer, guitarist and roots music revolutionary Sunny War has always been an outsider and felt the drive to define her place in the world through music and songwriting. Her restless spirit, a byproduct of growing up semi-nomadic with a single mother, led her to Venice Beach, California, where she’s been making a name for her prodigious guitar work and incisive songwriting, which touches on everything from police violence to alcoholism to love found and lost. See Sunny Way play upstairs at Portsmouth’s historic Press Room. pressroomnh.com