JULY 4 IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY Look forward to a full schedule of events for 3) New England crafters and artisans will hold their annual sale on the lawn of the Gibson Center July 4, 5, 6. Info: 603-356-3231. 4) Bartlett Public Library Book and Baked Goods Sale, July 4, 9am - 2pm.

FIELDS ON THE SACO" COMBINES THE BEST IN ARTFULLY PREPARED LOCAL CUISINE WITH FARMS & ARTISTS Take two neighboring New Hampshire and Maine farms and combine them with an award-winning chef and Mt Washington Valley's green team, and what results is a fabulous five course meal and event held in the fields on the Saco River. Mark the calendar for September 6 for the "Fields on the Saco" a very special event honoring the land, family tradition and your discriminating taste. Presented by Maine's Weston's Farm, and New Hampshire's Sherman Farm, along with Executive Chef Bryant Alden of Chef's Market, and the Mt. Washington Valley Preservation Association, on this night alone everything that touches your taste buds during an extraordinary meal will have been raised in the fertile ground of two bordering family farms in Maine and New Hampshire. But there is more than a distinctive meal; in keeping with the Slow Food movement developing in Mt Washington Valley, there will be guided farm tours, farm stores filled with foods, flowers and locally made products, Maine's distinctive Cold River Vodka , a corn maize, local artisan demonstrations, a "Wet Art" sale (wet art refers to artworks created on site), live music and an auction. The event will support Mt Washington Valley's Green Team's efforts to engage Mt Washington Valley residents and businesses in adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact, and the White Mountain Community Health Center's food pantry.

Participants will be treated to a five course meal, set on the fields from whence the food came. Each person will be offered a handmade plate made by local potter Becca Van Fleet and locally made napkins, plus other take home gifts. The menu, accompanied by perfectly paired wines and Maine Cold River vodka, will be artfully presented by Chef Bryant Alden and wife Patti, owners of the Chef's Market of North Conway. This chef-team understands the extraordinary advantage that locally grown and carefully handled food can bring to a culinary experience. Tickets are $195 per person, and limited to the first 100 people. The rain location will be the historic Agriculture Barn used at the Fryeburg Fair, the oldest agricultural fair in the United States. For more information, visit MWVCC. To reserve a seat at this unique event, call Janet at 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) or locally at 603-356-5701.

GOLF IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY Did you know there are more eight fabulous golf courses within a half hour drive of North Conway? You'll find hundreds of scenic and challenging holes, all offering varied terrain and environments. Plenty of lodging properties have teamed up with golf courses to offer great golf and stay packages. Click for a complete resource to Mt Washington Valley's golf courses.

ARTS JUBILEE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT & FIREWORKS Arts Jubilee is synonymous with summer in Mt Washington Valley. Bringing a series of free concerts to visitors and residents alike, each year the highlight of the Arts Jubilee schedule is the annual Pops night. On July 31, Arts Jubilee continues its 26th year of presenting spectacular outdoor with a performance by the North East Symphony Orchestra on the festival stage at the base of the north slope at Cranmore Mountain Resort, host sponsor. A spectacular fireworks display will be the grand finale. The concert is free to the public, bring your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. Convenient parking within steps of the concert area, and indoor restroom facilities make this a great venue. An early concert by the valley's own Dennis and Davey is at 6 PM, the Symphony takes the stage at 7:30 PM. For more information, call 603-356-5544 or click on MWV Events.

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS ^TM Anyone with young children knows the joy Thomas the Tank Engine will bring. July 11-13, and July 18-20, Join Tomas the Tank Engine, everyone's Number 1 engine, as he greets friends of all ages. Ride a train led by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hat, the Controller of Thomas's railway. This is a must-see day of fun-filled activities with for the whole family. For reservations and more information, call 1-800-232-5251 or visit Conway Scenic.

While in Mt Washington Valley, don't miss the Mt Washington Valley Children's Museum, perfect for babies through ages eight or nine. For the older set, the Weather Discovery Museum will round out a visit to the Valley with the emphasis on learning fun.

MOUNTAIN TOP MUSIC CENTER CLASSICAL CAMP Do you have a budding musician in the family? Mountain Top Music Center's Classical Camp, July 28-August 1 is for students ages 6 to16 interested in playing piano or a stringed instrument. Geared for everyone from intermediate players to complete beginners, students will be introduced to both piano and violin and will get to experience a private lesson in each. All students will sing, play xylophones and other instruments in an Orff orchestra, and participate in a master class. Students will listen in on rehearsals by the International Musical Arts Institute, attend the Arts Jubilee Symphony Concert and perform at a final recital on Friday afternoon. It's perfect for musical students or those you wish would take an interest. For more information, visit Mountain Top Music or call 603-447-4737.

SETTLER'S GREEN IS TURNING 20, COME CELEBRATE & SHOP FOR BACK TO SCHOOL IN MW VALLEY Do we dare start thinking about Back-to-School? If you're already planning for fall fashions, there's only one place to shop - in tax-free New Hampshire, and at Mt Washington Valley's best outlets, boutiques and specialty shops. Whether its antiques, handmade New England jewelry or products, clothing, or one-of-a-kind artworks, you'll find it here in Mt Washington Valley's 200 boutiques, shops, galleries, and outlets.

From July 18-27, Settler's Green will celebrate 20 years of outlet shopping in its old headquarters and a grand opening at its new digs across the street at Settler's Crossing. Its two weekends of events with great outlet shopping in between. There'll be free giveaways, food festival days, kid's events, live music and entertainment, not to mention great selections at everyone's favorite outlet stores. Here's a quick run down on the fun at Settler's Green: Friday: July 18 - Rock Outlet Night: Rock the night away at Settlers' Green with free concert, climbing wall, bounce basketball, refreshments, tons of giveaways including IPods, Cds, henna tattoos, photo booth! Saturday, July 19: Kid Day: Forest maze, bungee basketball and wall climbing, water balloon toss, kid's parade, free gift bags, prize packages and more. Sunday, July 20: Dog Day at Settlers' Green! Bring your best friend along for the shopping and a howling good time! Free dog collars, bowls and leash give away. Dog agility, costume photo booth, kissing booth and more. It's a fundraiser for the Conway Humane Society. Monday - Friday, July 21 - 25: Every day a new event, new giveaways and freebies and terrific shopping. Food and kitchen demonstrations, Green Day with sale on renewable, green and energy efficient products from over 60 stores. Antique Car Day and more. Saturday, July 26: Red Sox Day: It's the home team vs. Yankees at 4 pm. Live big screen tent. Wear your Red Sox gear and get a free chance to win Fenway tickets, gear and much more. Sunday, July 27: Find Your Inner Diva Day at Settlers' Green: It's FUN being a girl. VIP coupons for the first 100 new club members. Free shopping bags filled with freebies and coupons. Entertainment, massages, jewelry cleaning, plus a GPS giveaway. For more information, visit Settlers' Green.

LAST MINUTE LODGING DEALS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY If you're one of those who wait until the last minute to plan a vacation, Mt Washington Valley has a great resource for you. Go to MWVCC and click on the LAST MINUTE DEALS tab to find a host of great deals, all offered with a nice discount to last minute travelers. While at any given time the offers vary, I've just looked and found six great deals from lodging properties offering up to 30% off for rooms and packages.

Book your next Mt Washington Valley online at MWVCC. Simply type in the dates you're looking for and a wide variety of lodging options will be offered. Rather than wasting gas driving around looking for vacancy signs, let your fingers to the searching, at MWVCC.