Start Spring in the NH Lakes Region

Online, March 2, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Lakes Region, NH - Though the mild winter may have New England snowbirds rejoicing, the transition to spring is often a welcome segue for those dreaming of the warmer months. Leaves return to the millions of the Lakes Region's gorgeous trees, and visitors who shy away from winter's chills emerge for outdoor fun, according to the travel experts at the Lakes Region Tourism Association.

Spring attracts visitors who are looking for a taste of world-famous New Hampshire-made maple syrup, seeking their first moose sighting and ready for a hike up one of the many mountains. In addition, seasonal businesses begin to open, and more events pop up around the region. Below are a few March highlights; many others can be found on the LRTA's Events Calendar on its website:

- Gunstock Rocks: Saturday, March 3. Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford. Skiing, riding, tubing, bonfire, fireworks, live music and more. Enjoy movies and popcorn in the main lodge.
- Maple Sugar Madness: Throughout March. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia. Schools are welcome to come during the week (Monday-Friday) and the public is welcome to come on Saturdays, March 3-31, 2012. During the program, learn the entire process of sugaring from tapping a tree to tasting the syrup.
- Moonlight ZipTour: Friday, March 9. Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford. Take in views of Lake Winnipesaukee on this unique moonlit tour on the longest zipline in the continental United States. Paired with a wine tasting and dinner; reservations required.
- Winter Agility: Saturday, March 10. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness. Experience winter through animal adaptations during the winter.
- 100K Day for Make-A-Wish Foundation: Monday, March 12. Wildcat Mountain, Route 16, Pinkham Notch. Take up the challenge to ski or ride 100,000 vertical feet in a single day for a good cause. Registration required.
- New England Disabled Sports Kostick Kup Race and Auction: Saturday, March 10. Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. All funds raised are used to support New England Disabled Sports programs by providing instruction, equipment and needs-based student scholarships.
- St. Patrick's Irish Weekend: March 16-18. Indian Head Resort, Route 3, Lincoln. Spend two nights at this northern New Hampshire resort, enjoying the best food and drinks that Ireland has to offer. Don't forget to wear green!
- 8th Annual Indoor Triathlon: Saturday, March 17. Funspot, 579 Endicott St. North, Weirs Beach. Family-friendly fundraiser benefitting the New Hampshire Humane Society. Teams of four people compete in competitions of bowling, golf and games.
- Cardboard Box Derby: Sunday, March 18. King Pine Ski Area, 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison. Build a cardboard box racer for two or four people, bring themed music, and race down the racecourse. Prizes will be awarded for style, speed and durability.
- Maple Sugaring, Remick Signature Event: Saturday, March 24. The Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth. See demonstrations of sugaring methods, and sample pure maple syrup and sugar on snow. Crafts, activities and games for children.
- The Music of John Gorka: Friday, March 30. Silver Center for the Arts, Plymouth State University, Plymouth. Hailed as the "preeminent male singer-songwriter of the New Folk Movement" by Rolling Stone, Gorka plays piano and guitar and shares his poetry and song.

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 Travel Packages and Deals, including specials at:

- Lighthouse Inn B&B, Laconia.
- Hampton Inn & Suites, Tilton.
- Summit Resort, Weirs Beach.
- Courtyard by Marriott, Concord.
- Snowy Owl Inn & Resort, Waterville Valley.

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://LakesRegion.org, http://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.