Thursday, July 22, 2010

New Hampshire's Turn of the Century Charm

Our turn-of-the-century adventure began at the Eastern Slope Inn Resort, a North Conway, New Hampshire landmark National Historic Landmark since 1864. It sites smack-dab in the middle of the Village and exudes charm right from the street.

We traveled about three blocks or so down the road to the North Conway Country Club, a public "welcoming" golf course in which several generations were represented.  The front nine was created in 1895 but the back nine was not added on until 1976 with the Clubhouse finally erected in 1985.


North Conway CC is scenic right off the first tee. Take a look and you decide:

North Conway CC, New Hampshire


Here are some impressions of North Conway Country Club. The fairways are undulating and the greens are deceptive. You might think that there is a lot of break on the front nine greens but I found it easier to aim right for the hole. The back nine has more breaks on the green than on the front nine. It is flat and walkable but a cart is recommended to keep the foursomes moving along.

The course was busy and there was a group following closely behind us. That made me keep looking behind backward but Barry said, "you shouldn't allow them to disrupt your game. This is your game, this is your 18 holes. You shouldn't allow them to take away this beautiful day." Wise words but I could still use some help with the strength of my mental game.

Thanks to Larry and Kathy Gallagher for making us feel welcome!

After the round of golf, we took a ride on the Conway Scenic Railway sitting in an original revamped 1898 Pullman car. We were offered the rare chance of seeing the Pullman car reconnect with the engine car, just as it was done in New Hampshire over 100 years ago. We also sat in the reserved seating outside as you can see from our videos below:



Locomotive train coupling with 1898 Pullman car




Sitting behind locomotive in original 1898 Pullman car

Our trip back through time also included a dinner at the charming 1785 Inn, once owned and operated by Elijah Dinsmore. If you happen to be in New Hampshire, a dinner here should include the Salmon Ravioli appetizer with Gruyere and for dessert the unrivalled Blueberry Pie.

Between the incomparable mountain views, the old world charm of New Hampshire and the great dining options in North Conway, a few days here passes quickly. The Auto Road to the top of Mt. Washington and zip-lining are among other features of New Hampshire but we'll save that review for the nature blog!

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire - Main Street USA

Five and a half hours from New York quietly sits Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire. As you can see from the photograph below, it has an old town feel with antique shops, eateries and the beautiful view of the mountains hanging over the horizon.



Hungry after a long trip and right near the Eastern Slope Inn is a typical-looking bar/restaurant called Delaney's Hole in the Wall. Their website claims that they have the "best wings in New Hampshire" and so we put them to the test. 


The bartender told us to try the "double-baked honey hot wings" even though they weren't on the menu (in other words, they'll make them for you if you ask nicely.) Simply put, we agree! The wings are large and very flavorful, so much so that may be picking up an order for the ride home!  


Main Street, North Conway, New Hampshire in Mt. Washington Valley



Monday, July 19, 2010

Five Minutes to Tee-Time...Are YOU Ready to Play Golf?

Most golfers at one time or another have raced to the first tee without preparation, hoping for the best. "Maybe it'll only take a few holes before I get my swing going," we may think to ourselves but that sort of thinking can cost you strokes!

The "5 Minutes to Tee-Time" website makes an interesting point, that "the average golfer “gives away” anywhere from 3-5 strokes in the first few holes of the golf round, not because they are bad golfers…but because they are NOT prepared to swing the club."

Here are a few Sample Movements from their website designed to get the blood flowing and shake off the effects of sitting behind a desk all day.

Simple Movements
 
Simple Movements Simple Movements
Simple Movements
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Simple Movements
Simple Movements

Stretching will not only help you physically before a round of golf but it will also give afford you increased confidence and better consistency right from the first tee.