"Virtually all of our members had big crowds over the Labor Day weekend," commented Jayne O'Connor, President of the White Mountains Attractions Association. "The great weather, low gas prices and a recovering economy combined to make for a very successful season overall," O'Connor added.
Cathy Bedor of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway reported a 30% increase over last year and Ben Wilcox of Cranmore Mountain Resort said their admissions were up 17%.
At the Conway Scenic Railroad, Susan Logan stated that all of the weekend dinner trains were sold out and the day trips were near capacity.
John Lowell of Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain commented that both properties witnessed the busiest day of the summer season over the holiday, which is not usually the case for Labor Day weekend.
In Lincoln, Jeff Woodward reported that Whale's Tale Water Park and Alpine Adventures doubled their numbers from last year.
Restaurants in the area, especially those serving frozen treats, enthusiastically noted that they, too, were exceptionally busy. Myles Moran, owner of Coneheads and Udderly Delicious Ice Cream said with a big smile, "I believe this weekend was busier than the 4th of July weekend...........stellar!"
Businesses as varied from one another as Fadden's General Store in North Woodstock, Windy Ridge Orchard in North Haverhill, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness and establishments in Waterville Valley had the same message; this was a very successful summer season.
The majority of campgrounds in the White Mountains were sold out with many reporting record-breaking reservations. The favorable weather was credited with many last minute walk-ins.
Hotels, motels and inns enjoyed full houses throughout the long weekend. Charlie Mallar, owner of the 1785 Inn in North Conway stated, "We were very busy all weekend. The busiest Labor Day weekend we've ever had in 32 years of operation," and Stacey Watkins of the Boulder Motor Court in Twin Mountain happily commented,"Full house at the Boulder Motor Court this and every weekend - outstanding summer every day of the week!! Could not have asked for more! Tremendous!" Jeff McIver, General Manager of the Mountain Club on Loon in Lincoln said that their revenue and occupancy were better over this holiday weekend than in the past 7 years.
Several of the lodging properties noted that advance bookings for the upcoming fall foliage season are already up over this time last year. Based on those promising numbers, the forecast for Autumn business in New Hampshire's White Mountains is bright.
