THE VALLEY'S GONE TO THE DOGS Pack up the kids and Fido, and head to Mt. Washington Valley for some fabulous pet-friendly events and fall foliage. Two weekends in a row, the Valley will "go to the dogs" for some canine contentment.

Carroll County Kennel Club 64th & 65th All-Breed Dog Shows and Obedience Trials, Sept 7, 8. 9: Dogs and their owners will take to Hussey Field in North Conway, NH for what has become one of New England's oldest and most respected dog shows. This year, besides the competition of breeds, two new events have been added. On Saturday, September 8, a Puppy Gala for puppies 6 to 12 months old will offer a special show for the littlest dogs. On Sunday, Sept 9 a new AKC event, Rally Obedience, offers a fun event for dogs and handlers. There's plenty of food for hungry dogs and their owners, plus pet-related vendors on site. This is a great spectator event for those looking to learn more about breeds that make great pets. Info: 207-697-2353.

Bark in the Park Pet Expo in Schouler Park North Conway, September 15: Enjoy Northern New England's largest pet expo to benefit the Conway Area Humane Society. The event kicks off with registration starting at 8:30am for the 10th Annual Walk for the Animals and Bark in the Park. Following the blessing of the animals and a short walk through Whitaker Woods, revelers will gather in Schouler Park for the biggest and best-ever Bark in the Park Pet Expo. This year's event includes a police dog demonstration, a dog show, a doggy kissing booth, a jump chute for dogs, all-day agility training, canine good citizen testing, a 50/50 raffle, the zany musical sit game and a special alumni parade. Come enjoy carnival games and many pet-and-people-related vendors that will offer pet foods, products, services and arts and crafts. Info: 603-447-5955 or email.

BOOK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEEP There are still plenty of rooms left for peak foliage season in Mt. Washington Valley, but once the leaves start turning, availability will change as quickly as the colors. It's a good idea to start thinking about dates for your fall foliage getaway, and if you're planning on coming during peak season (September 20-October 20), our sincere advice is to book with the lodging property of your choice now rather than waiting until the selection of rooms is limited later. Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce maintains an up-to-date list of lodging availability during fall foliage season. Simply call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) or visit MWVCC for information on lodging, dining, attractions and more in the Valley. Click on the fall wreath, and you'll find a host of autumn lodging packages too.

GOLDEN GOOSE NIGHT AT STORYLAND - JUST FOR ADULTS The twelfth annual Golden Goose Days fundraiser for local children's charities returns to Story Land, on Route 16 in Glen, on Friday evening September 14. This is the only evening that Story Land is open after dark, and the only time the children's theme park is open just for adults. Even the Old Woman who lives in a shoe gets a babysitter for Story Land After Dark, as there are no children's activities on September 14. The event has raised over $320,000 for area non-profits over the years, and again will feature an elaborate buffet dinner, popular amusement rides, and four drawings for cash prizes for ticket holders. Tickets to Golden Goose Days can be purchased from the various beneficiaries of the event, at a cost of $30 per person for all ages. Tickets include admission to Story Land After Dark on September 14 for selected rides, buffet dinner from the American Culinary Federation, and entry into a raffle with four cash prize drawings including a $1,000 top prize. Each Golden Goose ticket also includes transferable admission to Story Land one day on fall weekends from September 8 to Columbus Day. For information, or a list of agencies selling Golden Goose tickets, call Story Land at 603-383-4186.

WORLD MUDBOWL CHAMPIONSHIPS-YO, YO, YO IT'S A MUDDY LIFE FOR ME Mud Bowl 2007 will celebrate a theme of "Pirates of the Mudribbean", Yo Yo Yo it's a muddy life for me" when the World Championships of Mud Football splash off in North Conway, NH's Hog Coliseum Friday through Sunday, Sept. 7-9. It's good clean football fun, played in knee deep mud. And while whimsical in theme, the competition is genuine with a world championship title at stake. And new this year, former New England Patriot football players will go head-to-head in an All-Star basketball game to kick off the Mud Bowl festivities. From Jack Mud-Sparrow to the Brown Pearl, spectators will enjoy plenty of yuks in the muck when they come to the games, which will feature pep rallies, the 25th annual Tournament of Mud Parade Sept. 8, cheerleader competitions, Imari and the Sahara Desert Belly Dancers of Bridgton, Maine; the world's best synchronized mud swimming, and more mud mania. For the first time ever, five former New England Patriots players will team up to play against a team of World Mud Bowl All-Stars in a basketball game at the new Kennett High gym in Redstone on Friday night of Mud Bowl Weekend. Tickets for the Friday night game are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Patrons may use their Mud Bowl admission ticket as their entry in raffle drawings that will be held throughout the weekend. Three-day tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Daily tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. A $15 family pass for two adults and two children is available as well.

OKTBERFEST AT CRANMORE, SEPT 15 Get a taste of Bavaria at Oktoberfest, a beer-tasting and Bavarian buffet fundraiser at Cranmore Mountain Resort Saturday, September 15. The festivities will take place from 1:00-8:00pm in the 10th Mountain Pavilion at the resort located in North Conway, NH. The beer tasting will feature samples of several different brands of beer, including Becks, Paulaner, Erdinger, Heineken, and Tuckermans, set to the live upbeat tunes of the Mad Bavarians. Representatives from each brewing company will be on hand to answer questions and give out swag. In addition, a Bavarian buffet including bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad and more will be offered for an additional fee. Oktoberfest is open to all ages however beer tasters must be at least 21 years of age and provide valid identification. Tickets for those 21 and over are $17 and include the entrance fee and beer tasting. Those under 21 pay only the $2 entrance fee. A portion of proceeds from Oktoberfest will help support US Ski Team member and Mt Washington Valley racing phenomenon Leanne Smith, who was recently named to the US Women's C Ski Team. Tickets to the festival can be purchased by calling (800) SUN-N-SKI. More information is available at Cranmore.

FRYEBURG FAIR, SEPT 30 - OCT 7 Don't forget to put the Fryeburg Fair on your calendar, starting Sept. 30. Offering something for everyone, this Blue Ribbon Fair is Maine's oldest. We promise there's something for everyone, The fair features a full range of entertainment, competitions, and booths galore. Take the kids on the rides, or enjoy some of that wonderful fair fare at the food booths. You won't want to miss traditional events like Maine Woodsman's Day or the famous Ox-Pull and the Skillet Toss, plus plenty of live entertainment too. It's a week long event that offers fun for the whole family. Info: 207-935-3268 or Fryeburg Fair for a complete schedule of events.

PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN AT SETTLERS' GREEN OVP IN SEPTEMBER From back to school sidewalk sales to old cars, scarecrows and pumpkins, just about every weekend in September is packed with fun for the whole family plus great selection and prices on clothing, gifts, housewares, accessories and more. Here is a run-down of what's in store this September: Sept 1-3: Annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale - Save even more at over 50 brand name outlet stores including J. Crew, Banana Republic, Nike, Brookstone, and more. September 9: 16th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Old Car Show - Over 300 cars, trucks, motorcycles including antique, classic, and special interest vehicles compete for cash and trophy awards in eight categories. Vehicle entry is $5, spectators $3. 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. September 29, 2007: 11th Annual Fall Festival - Vermont Artists Kate & Ernie Brown demonstrate the art of pumpkin carving. Pumpkin sales to benefit local charities. Pumpkin Pie Contest, free apple cider, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, and more. All free and open to the public. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. September 29 - October 8, 2007: 11th Annual Scarecrow Contest and Display - Dozens of life size, homemade scarecrows throughout Settlers' Green. Traditional, humorous, and just plain weird scarecrows compete for over $2,500 in cash awards and recognition. Entries welcome! Free workshop! Call 356-7031 for more information.

B&Bs WITH A VIEW Throughout Mt. Washington Valley there are more than 50 B&Bs and country inns offering romantic settings, fine hospitality and value. Each is distinctive in its own offerings and amenities, with many offering whirlpool tubs and in-room fireplaces to warm up to after a day of leaf-peeping in Mt. Washington Valley.

When it comes to fall foliage, B&Bs and country inns are the perfect choice. There are a number that come to mind offering spectacular views right from their dining and guest rooms. Consider the Snowvillage Inn, with a view of the sun setting over Mount Washington, or the 1785 Inn offering views of Mount Washington over the Intervale. The view from the dining room and many of the guest rooms at the Darby Field Inn offer a splendid view of the Moat Mountain Range and the Eagle Mountain House and Inn at Thorn Hill both look out over a fabulous view of Jackson alive with color. While they're not B&Bs or inns, we can't talk about dining rooms with a view without mentioning the Mt. Washington Hotel, Mountain View Grand, the Red Jacket Mountain View and the White Mountain Hotel - all offering spectacular views from any seat in the dining room.

If you're looking for a place to really envelop yourself in foliage, consider some of these B&Bs, all offering fabulous fall views and a great place for a leaf peeping getaway. Sit in the hot tub on the deck of the Wildflowers Inn and you'll have one of the best fall views in the Valley over the Intervale to Mount Washington, Brookhill B&B offers a private living room and patio with fabulous views of the Moats and Presidentials. Carter Notch Inn, Buttonwood Inn and the Brass Heart Inn are great vantage points for fall foliage viewing, along with Christmas Farm Inn, Inn at Crystal Lake, Cranmore Mountain Lodge and Farm by the River and Stables.

For a complete list of B&Bs in Mt. Washington Valley, visit MWVCC, and click on lodging then choose B&Bs and country inns from the options.