REGISTRY REGISTRY REGISTRY

I repeat it three times, because we've registered three places: Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie and REI.

Most of you likely live near one, or all of these fine retailers, so please feel free to stop in and procure items in person if you'd like.

However, in order to make your life easier, you can also order online using the links below:
CRATE & BARREL
ANTHROPOLOGIE
REI

BLOG UPDATE COMING ASAP!!!

I know, I know. We haven't changed the blog much in the last year. However, expect an update by the end of the weekend and MORE MORE MORE over the following week or two!

Also, if you'd like specific information, or general information, let us know by posting comments on this thread. Demand more from your Brooks Craig Wedding Blog!
- Katie and Patrick

THANKS FOR VISITING THE BLOG, dear friend

Rather than field hundreds of phone calls regarding the logistics surrounding our very special day, we (Katie and Patrick, of course) decided to host this here blog to provide you, the prospective attendee, with all the necessary details.

On the right side of this page, you'll see a menu entitled "TRAVEL INFO, ACTIVITIES, ETC." These entries should answer most of your questions and, as a bonus, provide you with some very useless information about New Hampshire.

If you do have any questions, call us- Katie 773.330.0633 & Patrick 773.383.3754. FYI, Katie is on Central Time, Patrick is on Pacific Time.

We'll be updating this blog sporadically, so please check back every month or so for more entertaining entries!

Traffic jams in the country- arrival time considerations

It's not New York, Chicago, or LA, but believe it or not, you may have to contend with some heavy traffic in the wee state of New Hampshire. On Fridays and Saturdays, scores of Massachusetts drivers cruise up to visit NH's beautiful lakes. In particular, they're heading up to Lake Winnipesaukee, a gigantic body of water in the middle of the state. On their way, the MA motorists travel through the cities of Manchester, Concord and Laconia, essentially the route you'll be driving if you plan on flying into Manchester or Boston.

How to avoid this apparent disaster? As we understand it, there are four solutions:
(1). Fly into Portland (ME). There's little to no traffic on the highway between Portland and Chocorua; plus, you can say you've been to Maine.
(2). If you're flying to Manchester or Boston, fly in on a Thursday, or even earlier. We'll be arriving in Chocorua on Thursday morning, so join the party. And if you're looking to make a vacation out of the trip, come even earlier and visit the White Mountains, or the Maine coast.
(3). Fly in on Thursday night, stay at a hotel near the airport, then leave EARLY Friday morning for Chocorua.
(4). Deal with it. If you don't mind traffic, take a chance... who knows, if gas prices go higher, maybe you'll have the highways to yourself.

One last note on arrival times. If you plan on driving up to Chocorua, Tamworth, or North Conway at night, be forewarned that it's very dark. Since this is the country, don't expect street lights and it's always wise to beware of Bambi crossing the road.

Mount Washington

We'll be staying in what's called the Mount Washington valley, with The Brass Heart Inn about 45 miles from the large Appalachian peak. Let's have a little lesson.
-Highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft (1,917 m)
- Holds the record for the highest wind gust measured on the surface of the Earth at 231 mph (372 km/h)
- Winds exceed hurricane force more than 110 days out of the year
- It's a deadly mountain; there were 136 deaths between 1848 and 2004, over 35 since 1990

The state's motto and what it means to us

New Hampshire's unforgiving and direct state motto may frighten some, but to most, it engenders a sense of good 'ol American revolutionary pride. Here's a few ways you can live free in New Hampshire during the wedding (forget about the "die" part):
- There isn't a state sales tax in NH, so the items you buy are closer to free than they'll be in other states.
- New Hampshire and Vermont are bursting at the seams with maple syrup; so let it flow free over every meal and be glad.
- It's the 41st most populous state in the Union, resulting in large tracts of free, densely forested landscape. Perfect for long, contemplative hikes.

Lodging options VERY near to the wedding

It's New Hampshire, so you have to expect to stay in some cute B&Bs, or at the very least, a quaint inn. We've put together a list of the places to stay nearby The Brass Heart Inn, mostly in the towns of Tamworth and Chocorua. If you're looking for something more modern, check out the post on North Conway hotels.


(1).The Inn at Tamworth
2.7 miles from The Brass Heart Inn, driving time 6 min. (directions)
This is a great option for lodging near the wedding, since the whole place will be full of wedding guests. It's near the general stores in Tamworth, as well as a 27 second walk from the Gilman Tavern Inn.
15 Cleveland Hill Road
Tamworth, NH 03886
800.642.7352
www.innattamworth.com


(2). Gilman Tavern Inn
2.7 miles from The Brass Heart Inn, driving time 6 min. (directions)
Conveniently located across the street from the two prominent businesses in Tamworth, NH: The General Store and The Other Store (not kidding).
74 Main St.
Tamworth, NH 03886
603.323.9123
www.gilmantaverninn.com


(3). Highland House
3.8 miles from The Brass Heart Inn, driving time 8 min. (directions)
Not in "downtown" Tamworth, a bit more in the country, if that can be imagined. This looks to be classic New England- it was once owned by a sea captain, so bring your Melville and get into it.
654 Cleveland Hill Road
Tamworth, NH 03886
603-323-7982
www.highlandhousetamworth.com


(4). Riverbend Inn Bed and Breakfast
2.1 miles to The Brass Heart Inn, driving time 5 min. (directions)
It's the closest inn to The Brass Heart and it looks to be very, very picturesque. All the rooms are situated on the banks of a river, gourmet breakfast is included, and the rooms (at least via the web site) look fashionable.
273 Chocorua Mountain Hwy
Chocorua, NH 03817
800.628.6944
www.riverbendinn.com


(5). Inn at Crystal Lake
10.2 miles from The Brass Heart Inn, driving time 22 min. (directions)
If you don't mind driving a bit to the festivities, or you just want to keep your distance (which I understand, we're a wild bunch), this is your place. It's on the banks of Crystal Lake, which lives up to its name, I hear. Not only do the rooms look nice, but this inn has its own in-house bar and cafe.
2356 Eaton Road
Eaton, NH 03832
800-343-7336
www.innatcrystallake.com