Plan the Perfect Winter Getaway in New Hampshire's Lakes Region

Online, January 21, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Lakes Region, NH - Winter is in full force by February. Snow has piled up, and temperatures tend to remain below freezing. And while many Lakes Region vacation regulars may be looking ahead to the warmer months, there's no reason to wish for the end of winter yet when there are so many great events happening in central New Hampshire, according to Lakes Region Tourism Association staff.

While downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing continue to make up the majority of reasons people visit the region in the winter, those looking for slightly less adventure are surely able to find that, as well. Arts, sports, history and more offer plenty of excuses to stay in the Lakes Region over the winter, say the experts at the LRTA. Below are a few February highlights; many others can be found on the LRTA's Events Calendar on its website:

- 3rd Annual New England Pond Hockey Classic: Feb. 3-5. Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith. Check out this annual tradition of outdoor hockey as hundreds of teams gather over one weekend to play one of New Hampshire's favorite sports on its largest lake.
- Meredith Rotary Club Derby Weekend: Feb. 11-12. Lake Winnipesaukee. More than $63,000 in prizes are up for grabs as visitors try to catch cusk, pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, rainbow trout, lake trout and black crappie.
- "Voices from the Front: New Hampshire Soldiers in the Civil War": Exhibit opens Saturday, Feb. 18. New Hampshire Historical Society, 6 Eagle Square, Concord. Get a taste of Granite State history as this exhibit opens. Adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children 6-18, $3; $17 family maximum; NHHS members, free.
- Winter Fest: Saturday, Feb. 18. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia. A bonfire, sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing, crafts and a snow-sculpture contest create the ultimate family event. Members, free; nonmembers, $3; families with 2+ kids, $10; ages 3 and younger, free.
- Paula Poundstone: Saturday, Feb. 18. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, Plymouth. This critically acclaimed comedienne is ready to make audiences in the Granite State laugh once again. Tickets start at $27.50.
- Super Snowflakes: Sunday, Feb. 19. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness. Explore the world of snowflakes and create your own snowflake craft. Be ready for an outside adventure. Adults must accompany children. Members, $7; nonmembers, $9.

The LRTA also regularly promotes a number of discounts from its members to visitors, making it even more enticing to spend time in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Visit the LRTA's website for more information on Ski & Stay Packages, including:

- Midweek and Weekend Specials: Indian Head Resort, Lincoln. Through April 15.
- Book 3 Days, Ski for Free: Clarke Bed & Breakfast, Campton. Through April 15.
- Room and Ticket Discounts: Lighthouse Inn B&B, Laconia. Through April 18.
- Overnight Deal with 2 Tickets: Hampton Inn & Suites, Tilton. Through April 15.
- 2 Tickets, 1 Night: Comfort Inn, Ashland. Through April 15.

The LRTA also promotes Winter Adventure packages, as well:

- 3-Day, 2-Night Getaway: Camp Westwood, Sanbornton. Through May 31.
- Snowmobiling Package: Fireside Inn & Suites, Gilford. Through Feb. 28.
- Winter Adventure and Wonderland packages: Steele Hill Resort, Sanbornton. Through March 31.

The Lakes Region Tourism Association is the official tourism board of the region, representing close to 100 communities, 273 lakes and ponds, and more than 400 businesses in central New Hampshire, including area attractions, restaurants, retail establishments and accommodations. For more information or visitors guides, visit http://www.LakesRegion.org, http://www.facebook.com/NHLakesRegion or follow on Twitter. The LRTA office is at Exit 20 on Route 3 in Tilton, and it can be reached by calling (800) 60-LAKES.