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:

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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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

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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.


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.

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Mickelson and Woods blowing in the wind at British Open?

Will Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods take a back seat to Oosthuizen at this year's British Open?

"I need some luck," said a dejected Phil Mickelson after his second round of the British Open concluded. Disappointed that he wasn't driving the ball very well, a little bit of luck could have meant that he hoped the rest of the crowd didn't fare much better, and they didn't yesterday, with not a single player breaking par after Mickelson left the 18th green.

Tiger Woods, when asked by a journalist yesterday if he was "willing to cut out all those tantrums this week and respect the home of golf?" Tiger responded, "I'm trying to become a better player and a better person, yes."

Yes, Tiger Woods, tantrums and outbursts just won't be tolerated. A calm steely attitude could go a long way at St. Andrews, especially on moving day.

Early this morning, out of the thirty golfers completing the second round, three came out in red numbers, including amateur Jin Jeong (70), Alejandro Canizares (71) and Darren Clarke (70).

And who is this little known South African, Louis Oosthuizen (sounded like 'whisthasen' when he pronounced it), who has totally left the rest of the golfers blowing in the wind? Nicknamed Shrek (because of a headcover he used to use), his full name is Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen and he won the Open de Andalucia in March. He's the 54th-ranked player in the world and is 22nd on the European Tour money list.

We have seen this scenario many times before, when relative unknowns come out of nowhere to win major tournaments, from Lucas Glover (2009 U.S. Open) to Zach Johnson (2007 Masters)...wouldn't it add an element of surprise if Tiger Woods creeped up the leaderboard and forced Oosthuizen into a playoff?

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If you had $5.5 million to spend, would you buy a private island near Hilton Head?

Here's the deal. I got this email and thought, "If I had $5.5 million to spend, would I buy an island off Hilton Head in South Carolina? Would you? It's big enough to build your own private golf course. No waiting for a tee time!   Here are the details: http://bit.ly/bHHAlZ   And no, I'm not selling nor buying the property...just curious...   UNBELIEVABLE SALE: SAVAGE ISLAND PLANTATION Price: $5,495,000.00 413 (+/-) acres of exclusive, private, recreational plantation adjacent to Palmetto Bluff and Hilton Head Island. This pristine Maritime Island has complete versatility as a sportsman's paradise or private retreat offering quail hunting, fishing, shrimping, crabbing, and relaxation. The property hosts a comfortable low-country lodge w/water views of Bull and Savage Creeks.  Price includes a Mainland Caretaker Cottage with Joint Dock Agreement (1/2 Undivided Interest) and Landing Easement. (Call for copy of all documents).  Experience the majestic beauty of South Carolina's Treasured Coast on Hilton Head Island. From lone reeds swaying in the marsh breezes to the flat, sandy beaches along the Treasured Coast to the thick forests of tall pines and live oaks, Hilton Head Island's pristine beauty and protected ecosystem of wild foliage and animals is a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year round on Hilton Head Island and take advantage of warm temperatures and salt air. Golf at any one of over two dozen courses, some with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Kayak the tidal waters of the coast and see wildlife up close or go fishing in our ocean waters. Sail the bay waters of South Carolina and watch the dunes roll into the horizon. Or, hike beaten trails and lose yourself in the beauty of the Carolinas.

Website:  http://www.hiltonheadluxuryproperties.com

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Loch March Golf Course: Inspiring Publinks in Ottawa

Public golf courses that are both challenging and inspirational are a thorny issue. You want to invite your friends to play but, in the same vein, you hope word doesn't spread so that you are always assured a tee time!

Such is the state of affairs at Loch March Golf & Country Club in Kanata, Ontario.

Considered "impressive" by players who have made this their "slice of golf paradise" could become a double-edged sword as Loch March considers itself "exclusively public" with no memberships nor initiation fees, fully accessible to the masses.

Carved from three-hundred acres of unspoiled forest, Loch March is ranked as one of the twelve best public golf courses in Ontario.

The Course stretches to just under 7,000 yards with four sets of tees to choose from. A "risk/reward" test of skills for all abilities, Loch March allows you to play with different levels of golfer, from beginner to advanced, and impels you to use all of the clubs in your bag. Download the course onto SkyCaddie and you will gain even more of an edge!

 

The Beauty of Loch March Golf & Country Club

Before setting out with your foursome, prepare at the superb practice facilities complete with range, short game area and exacting 44,000 square foot putting green. During your round, enjoy the beautiful March Highlands and afterwards relax at the inviting 10,000 square foot Clubhouse.

Contained within a resort atmosphere, Loch March is friendly and service-oriented. The price per round is more than fair for the first-class experience you will receive.

When planning a vacation to Canada, add Loch March to your list of Ottawa golf courses. Then check out the great buzz surrounding Ottawa, from the culinary scene to the "sprawling collection of neighborhoods linked by greenways and canals." Modern yet charming with a decidedly French flavor, Ottawa is worth a visit.