"With a milder than usual winter, I think people have been ready to get away for a few weeks now," said Jayne O'Connor

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - May 21st, 2012 - NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH - As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, attractions in New Hampshire's White Mountains are ready to welcome the first wave of summer visitors who will head north after work on Friday.

"With a milder than usual winter, I think people have been ready to get away for a few weeks now," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock, which handles marketing for the area and its association of 16 tourism venues.  Several natural attractions, including the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch and Polar Caves in Rumney, were able to open earlier than usual, O'Connor said.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway also got a headstart on its season and the Mount Washington Auto Road opened to the top last weekend. The Conway Scenic Railroad was also able to resume operations before the April school vacation weeks. Scheduled to open for Memorial Day are Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, on Friday, Attitash in Bartlett;  the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln; Santa's Village and Six Gun City, both in Jefferson; Story Land in Glen; Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln and Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, all on Saturday, and operating weekends only through June 10.

Lincoln-based attractions Loon Mountain will open on June 23rd and the Whale's Tale Water Park opens daily on June 6th. O'Connor said the attractions are expecting another strong summer, as the economy improves and gas prices are expected to stabilize or drop a bit as the season begins. "Not only are the White Mountains within just a few hours' drive of millions of people, but we have found, especially through our Facebook and social media sites, is that the region really provides comfort in our fast-paced world," she said.

"Many people come here because it's a tradition, while others come here because of the views and trails - places where they can count on the scenery and a sense of peace not changing."  White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for the White Mountains region and its 16 attractions, including Attitash Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain.

For information about the White Mountains, the visitors’ center is located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock; visit www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND MTS.

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