GET THE GARDEN READY WITH PAUL PARENT Gardeners seeking advice know it doesn’t get any better than lunch with Paul Parent. Paul will offer his straightforward, down-to-earth advice for unveiling your gardens this spring at a luncheon presented by the Mountain Garden Club on April 16 at the Red Fox Pub in Jackson. This monthly “lunch and learn” session will feature Paul Parent’s expert techniques, some of which may surprise you. The program begins at 10:30am. Lunch includes chicken corn chowder, turkey club, pasta salad and dessert buffet. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for guests and the general public is invited. Reservations are required. Please contact Mountain Garden Club or Marcia Burchstead at 603-356-8462 to make your reservation. All are welcome to attend. Why not use this as an excuse for a long weekend, and stay for some hiking, biking and shopping afterward.

SKI RESORT SEASON PASSES NOW ON SALE While skiers may be just about to put away the equipment, Mt. Washington Valley’s ski resorts are already thinking ahead to next season. Now is the best time to buy season passes for the 2007-08 ski season. Season pass prices don’t get any better than right now. Be sure to visit your favorite ski resort’s website or MWVCC with links to all the ski resorts and XC Centers in Mt. Washington Valley to learn about season passes for next ski season.

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, MUD UNIVERSE OF THE WORLD There are plenty of politicians roaming New Hampshire, but they're not the only ones slinging mud in the North Country. Renowned for the “world’s worst weather”, when the ice and snow melt and the waterfalls flow, many locals welcome the advent of spring with a little “mud in their eye”. In Mt. Washington Valley, this is the season affectionately referred to as “Mud Season”, when businesses roll out the brown carpet and invite travelers to come play in the mud capital of the universe. Simply visit MWVCC and click on the Bud to Blossom under Packages to find many value-added packages offering good clean fun in the mud. Here are some of the highlighted events from Mt. Washington Valley to make your mud season memorable:

April 20-22: Tuckerman Inferno, 2007 - This is the ultimate pentathlon, as teams forage through snow, mud and rapids and ultimately end skiing down the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. New England’s Premiere five-event adventure sports race (Run, Kayak, Cycle, Hike, Backcountry Ski) takes advantage of the Valley’s class four rapids for kayaking, nice, muddy trails for running and hiking, and the kick-off of renowned Tuckerman Ravine skiing. It’s a fabulous spectator event too. Info and registration: Info: 603-356-0131 or Friends of Tuckerman.

April 27-28: “Yuks in the Muck”, 3rd Annual Comedy Relief Weekend – 'Tis the season for Yuks in the Muck, and the line up of comedy promises to be better than ever before. Comedians and lodging proprietors alike will declare Mt. Washington Valley the Mud Capital of the Universe as they let the mud slinging begin and continue throughout the weekend. Join Bucky Lewis and Marty Engstrom along with Marty Basch for a weekend of hilarious mud humor and more. Yet comedy is not all that’s in store, there are children’s mud activities, and the first Mud Muck Moose Road race to be held on Sunday. A number of area lodging properties will offer lodging packages complete with tickets to the events. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. For more information, visit MWVCC and click on the Bud to Blossom link under Packages for lodging packages. For a complete list of lodging packages, events and mud season products from Mt. Washington Valley, visit the Press Kit.

RIDE THE TRAIN WITH THE EASTER BUNNY, April 14 All aboard the Bunny Express as you ride the Conway Scenic RR for a very special family-oriented musical performance by Marcus Gale at the Josiah Bartlett School. Afterward, hop back on the train and ride with Mr. Easter Bunny himself. It’s fun for the whole family. Train fares start at $15.50 and up. Reservations suggested. For information, call 603-356-5251 or visit Conway Scenic.

SKI AREAS STILL OPEN:

• Bretton Woods
• Wildcat Mountain

April 13-16: MUD IN YOUR FACE & MORE AT FARM BY THE RIVER: Girlfriends unite for mud facials and more at Farm by the River B&B and Stables. The two-day getaway starts with a complimentary glass of champagne, wine or sparkling cider with hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy a half-hour neck or foot massage and a half-hour European mud facial too. Add on a horseback ride on the trails – we promise they’ll be muddy - at a special inn guest package rate. Rates range from $416-540 for two, plus taxes. Info: 1-888-414-8353 or Farm by the River.

March 15 – May: ROYALTY INN’S “COME PLAY IN THE MUD” ATV PACKAGE: Stay two (non-holiday) nights close to renowned Tuckerman Ravine, home to the best mud season skiing in the East, then grab your ATV and go play in the mud. You’ll enjoy kicking up the snow and high adventure as you watch fellow-die hard skiers tackle the head wall at Tuckerman’s, then get out and fling some mud on your ATV. This package, offered March 15-May 30 includes two nights lodging, two day ATV rental, safety equipment and full use of all resort facilities. Prices vary depending upon the number of riders from $171 per person (double occupancy) to $366 per person. Security deposit and valid drivers license is required Info: 1-800-437-3529, Royalty Inn.

March 26– May 24: MUD SEASON MADNESS AT INN AT ELLIS RIVER: M is for Massages, U is for unexpected treats and D is for dinner for two by candlelight. Indulge yourselves during Mt. Washington Valley’s mud season (when spring refreshes and waterfalls cascade) at The Inn at Ellis River. Relax with a two night stay, gourmet breakfasts each morning, afternoon refreshments, a dinner for two at one of Jackson’s award winning four diamond restaurants, two massages for one hour each at nearby Moondance Massage, and two of the inn’s signature and original Maple Mudslides Maple liqueur, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and Vermont Gold vodka (made from maple of course). This package is offered for $479-699 per couple plus tax depending upon room choice. Add a 3rd night for only $99 - $179. Info: 800-233-8309, Inn at Ellis River.