Escape to New Hampshire Getaway Week
Hosted by the Welcome to the Granite State Committee formed to promote New
Hampshire as the best choice for the Free State Project, Escape to New
Hampshire will be a getaway week of fun, relaxation, information sharing, and
new friendships. All are welcome whether you plan to join us for a single day,
a weekend, or the entire week.
The event will be held at Rogers
Resort and Campground in Lancaster, NH from June 21-29. Motel rooms,
cabins, and camping sites are filling fast, so we encourage you to make your
reservations TODAY. To do so, call 603-788- 4885 or email rogers@ncia.net. Make
certain to tell them you are with the Free State Project group.
For frequent
updates on the event, you may visit
http://www.lpnh.org/escape.htm or
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Escape_Announce/. We look forward to meeting
everyone!
PROGRAM PLAN:
June 21, 2003 (Saturday)
CHECK-IN & ORIENTATION DAY
Spend the afternoon getting oriented to Roger's Resort and Campground. Set
up your campsite, enjoy the swimming pools, hot tub, and water slide, as well
as the many other sports and activities offered on the Roger's grounds. Meet
and get to know your future FSP neighbors. If you have time, consider visiting
Christie's Maple
Sugar Museum within easy walking distance from the resort.
The "Escape Welcome Cabin" hosted by George Reich will open at 3:00 pm.
Make sure to stop in for a chat and to pick up information about the Escape
program, nearby attractions, and the state.
At 8 p.m. join us for the Granite State Welcome and Porcupine Kick-Off
Campfire. Put faces to email personas, meet the NH delegates, and get to know
your future Free State neighbors and allies.
June 22, 2003 (Sunday)
LIVE FREE HERE - THE NEW HAMPSHIRE ADVANTAGE CONVENTION
Join us for a full day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) of stimulating presentations by
speakers including Elizabeth McKinstry and Tim Condon, members of the FSP
board, LPNH gubernatorial candidate and chair John Babiarz, LP Presidential
candidates Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik, Diane Gilbert from the New
Hampshire Center for Constitutional Studies, among others, and a panel Q&A
session including Don Gorman, James Maynard, and others answering all your
questions about the NH advantage and political environment.
Vendor and information tables will give you the choice to learn about the
many freedom-movement groups in New Hampshire, New Hampshire real estate,
employment opportunities, business climate, and more. Lunch will be on your
own.
Then join us again at 7 p.m. for the WttGSC-sponsored BBQ and let the
Welcome to the Granite State Committee members serve you traditional BBQ fare
while you get to know fellow FSP porcupines better.
June 23, 2003 (Monday)
TOUR THE WHITE MOUNTAINS & GREAT NORTH WOODS REGIONS
A group will be traveling to Lincoln (a short 30-minute drive) to spend the
day at
Franconia Notch State Park. If you wish to join us, please meet outside of
the office store at 8:45 a.m. This is a not-to-be-missed trip during which
you'll get a tour the Flume Gorge, a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the
base of Mount Liberty, and view the Basin, a beautiful waterfall with a 20-foot
granite pothole at its base formed 15,000 years ago.
While much of the park is available to tour for free, there is a nominal
user fee charged for parts ($8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6-12. Under
6 are free). If we have time we'll take the 80-passenger aerial tramway to the
4,200-foot summit of Cannon Mountain (additional fees).
Do you prefer to spend the day on your own? Consider taking a several-hour
sightseeing trip traveling the 34.5 mile Kancamagus
Highway from Lincoln to Conway, considered one of the most scenic routes
through the White Mountains. Once at the end, consider taking the "long" way
back to camp through North Conway into Glen to visit Heritage NH depicting 350 years of New
Hampshire's history through 25 state-of-the-art movie sets built in a 120,000
square foot museum.
To see more of the Great North Woods, head north on Route 3 to Colebrook or
Pittsburg to see the wilderness areas, returning on Route 26 through Dixville
Notch, home of the famous Balsams Grand Resort, and, from Errol, Route 16
south. This route will take you near the Umbagog National
Wildlife Refuge and through beautiful Thirteen Mile Woods and "Moose Alley"
an area known for its many moose sightings. Or in Lancaster, turn south on
Route 3 to Weeks State Park.
From the tower you can enjoy spectacular views of
the White Mountains and Vermont.
Tuesday, June 24
GETTING TO KNOW NEW HAMPSHIRE
We've intentionally left this day free. Enjoy the time to get to know your
future FSP neighbors, spend time with the NH delegates, or use the day to
explore and discover the true New Hampshire.
Perhaps you would like to visit the
Seacoast region. Although a 2+ hour drive each way, this is well worth the
trip, especially for history buffs! Once in the region, take Route 1A from
Hampton Beach to
Portsmouth for gorgeous views of sandy beaches. A stop in Hampton Beach or
Portsmouth is a must. Walk the
long sandy beach in Hampton, while in Portsmouth you can take a carriage
ride or a walking tour to get to know the colonial city. Have lunch overlooking
the water while you decide how to
spend the afternoon: on the water on a whale watch, lighthouse or island
tour. Consider visiting Fort Constitution in New Castle where the first
aggressive act of the Revolution took place. Ashore, visit Strawbery Banke, one of America's
oldest settlements, or the colonial homes that line Portsmouth's streets. In
Exeter, you'll want to spend some time visiting the American Independence Museum and
tour the Ladd-Gilman house where an original of the Declaration of Independence
was found several years ago. Displays feature two drafts of the U.S.
Constitution along with original letters, documents, and portraits of the
Founding Fathers.
This evening (or any evening), consider taking a scenic moose and wildlife
tour with Pemi Valley
Excursions. This is a 2.5 to 3 hour journey through the White Mountains in
an air conditioned bus in search of the gentle giant of the North Country. The
nightly excursions feature a guided tour of the local area, a 1/2 hour video
called Moose Close-Up, and interesting historical sites along the way,
including a visit to the Old Man of the Mountains, the symbol of New Hampshire.
Please contact Pemi Valley Excursion for charges. The tour departs at 7:15 pm,
so you will want to plan on leaving Rogers by 6:15.
Wednesday, June 25
Mount Washington and the Lost River Gorge Excursions
On this day, a group will be visiting Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in
North Woodstock, about a 45-minute drive. Set in Kinsman Notch, between Mt.
Moosilauke and Mt. Kinsman, Lost River Gorge is accessible via wooden walkways,
bridges, and ladders. A self-guided tour about ? of a mile long, this will be
an afternoon of adventure, fun, and beauty enjoyed by both children and adults.
Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing recommended. Park fees are $9.50 for
adults and $6.50 ages 4-12. If joining us, please meet outside the office store
at 8:45 am.
Spending the day on your own? Consider visiting Mt. Washington and
traveling to the observatory via the auto road or cog railway. It can be quite
cold at the top, even at the end of June, so be sure to dress appropriately.
You can find more information at
http://www.mountwashington.org/ and http://www.mountwashington.com/ .
Thursday, June 26
NEW HAMPSHIRE SUN, FUN & EXPLORATION
Another day of fun and exploration! Hang out with FSP friends at Rogers'
pool or take a scenic tour through the region of New Hampshire that interests
you most.
Perhaps you will choose to take Route 16 to visit the NH Lakes Region. There's a gorgeous
scenic route along Routes 153, 125, and local roads around Milton and Wakefield; or you can take Route 28
east to Wolfeboro, "America's first
summer resort." The town is ideal for walking, browsing through shops and
visiting the local historical society. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the
m/s Mount Washington cruise ship come
into port; and maybe go on board for a tour of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's
largest lake.
From Wolfeboro, Route 109 takes you to Moultonborough and Castle in the Clouds, with its
stunning views of the region. Then continue on to Center Sandwich or head west
to Center Harbor, Meredith and Laconia, all fascinating lakefront towns. The Squam Lakes area and its Squam
Lakes Natural Science Center, as well as the Winnisquam and Newfound Lakes
areas each deserve a special trip. Squam Lake is also well-known by movie buffs
as the location of the film On Golden Pond.
Friday, June 27
MEET NEW HAMPSHIRE GOVERNOR BENSON
On this day, a tour of the Historic New Hampshire State House and meeting
with New Hampshire Governor Benson have been arranged for Free State Project
members joining us for the Escape to New Hampshire.
The meeting for FSP members with Governor Benson will take place in the
Governor's office at 1:00 pm. FSP members will have the opportunity to speak
briefly with the Governor and gain a better sense of the welcome FSP will
receive from the very highest levels of New Hampshire state government.
Led by a visitor's center guide and John Babiarz, LPNH Chair, the
tour of the historic State House will occur just prior to the meeting. The
New Hampshire State House is the oldest in the nation in which the legislature
still occupies its original chambers.
Although most Escape to NH events have been designed for casual attire, we
must ask that those planning to attend the State House tour and meeting with
the Governor plan to wear proper business attire (i.e., no shorts, sports coats
for men, skirt or slacks for women). Concord is a 2+ hour drive from Lancaster,
so you will need to plan on leaving Rogers' in the morning. Welcome to the
Granite State Committee members will be happy to help you plan your route or
try to arrange for carpooling.
Saturday, June 28
NEW HAMPSHIRE FREEDOM NETWORKING DAY
Join us at the Rogers' Function Hall and spend the afternoon talking with
representatives and members of liberty-oriented groups from around New
Hampshire. Begin to form coalitions and partnerships with the individuals and
groups who will support the FSP in New Hampshire and talk directly with
freedom-minded New Hampshire residents to learn about the NH advantage. This
will be a full day of food, fun, information, literature, and networking.
In the evening, join us at the special "Hospitality House" in Jefferson, NH
for a BBQ, closing party, and fireworks hosted by Welcome to the Granite State
committee member, John Barnes.
To make reservations
click here!
More information is available
here.
The Grand Western Conference
J.J. Johnson - Jason Sorens - Vin Suprynowicz - Claire
Wolfe
The Spirit of the West
The Montana Libertarian Party would like to welcome everyone to attend the
Grand Western Conference (GWC) in Missoula, Montana on May 24 and 25, 2003.
The two day conference seeks to promote the choice of a Western state to be the
Free state. The event will be held at the "Best Inn" on Brooks Street (south
Missoula).
Many Western libertarians, along with Jason Sorens, will be giving
presentations: Claire Wolfe, Vin Suprynowicz, J.J. Johnson, etc. Another
noted libertarian from Colorado may also be presenting.
Panels and workshops representing Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as the ideal
free state will be held. Please contact me if another Western state wishes to
operate a presentation.
Numerous after hours Western activities are planned to show-off the real
West, its culture, and life-style.
All this will cost only $25.00 (single) or $35.00 (family rate). This small
fee also includes a banquet. See Ben Irvin (birvin@allidaho.com) or Mike
Fellows (votefellows@aol.com) for greater details and possible motel/hotel
accommodations.
AGENDA:
May 24, 2003 (Saturday)
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. – Registration/Sign-in
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. – “Welcome to the Glorious West and Montana”
by Mike Fellows (MTLP Chair)
9:45 - 11:30 a.m. – Vin Suprynowicz: “Comments on the
West, Liberty, and the FSP”
11:30 - 1:00 p.m. – FSP/MTLP: “Grand Western Conference
Banquet”
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. – J.J. Johnson: “Freedom, the West, and
the FSP”
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. – Montana State Senator Jerry O’Neil:
“Montana and the Health of Libertarianism,” plus Q &
A period
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. – See Ben Irvin, Mike Fellows, or Scott Butler
(in Conference Room) about fun evening activities (shooting, fishing,
waterholes, art galleries, best restaurants, etc.)
May 25, 2003 (Sunday)
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. – Claire Wolfe: “Home of the Heart:
Why even anarchists need a free state”
10:15 - 10:50 a.m. – Idaho Presentation “Why Idaho Is
Best”
10:50 - 11:25 a.m. – Montana Presentation: “Montana, Liberty,
and a Jeffersonian America”
11:25 - 12:00 p.m. – Wyoming Presentation: “Wyoming for
the Free State”
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch Break (on your own)
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. – Jason Sorens: “The Free State Project
and the West”
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. – Montana Libertarian Party meeting (everyone
invited)
2:30 - 5:00 p.m. – See Ben Irvin, Mike Fellows, or Scott Butler
for fun things to do this evening, etc.
* Pay at registration on May 24, 2003
Contact Ben Irvin or Mike Fellows for greater details:
birvin@allidaho.com
votefellows@aol.com
Participants
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