During some of my research on tourism in The Northern Forest in NH, I heard of a place called The Rocks Estate. The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, NH, originally founded as a summer retreat for a wealthy Chicago family, is now a multi use estate that is home to the North Country Conservation and Education Center for the non-profit organization, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. The beautifully scenic 1400-acre property is today used for many purposes, all of which support key goals including: sustainable forestry, economic sustainability, land stewardship, and partnerships with other local businesses and rural economies.
This past Thursday, during my visit to The Rocks Estate, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nigel Manley, a Director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and Manager of The Rocks Estate and Christmas Tree Farm. Originally from the UK, Nigel brings to Bethlehem strong conservation ethics that lay the framework for many of the educational based programs The Rocks offers throughout the seasons. Well-known throughout New England for their superior Christmas tree farm experience, that brings guests right back to before cars replaced sleighs in New England, The Rocks Estate has recently been diversifying its programs and attractions in order to attract visitors to the estate grounds during all times of the year.
In addition to the sleigh rides offered on the premises, The Rocks Estate has partnered up with other local businesses in order to give visitors a destination package, and a way to truly enjoy an authentic New England Experience. Visitors can choose from aChristmas Memory Package, or a Maple Sugaring Vacation. The Rocks has partnered up with over twelve local White Mountain hotel/motels to offer guests a range of accommodations. The Maple Sugaring Vacations take place in March an offer an exciting behind the scenes look at the maple sugaring business. From a horse drawn carriage, participants learn about such topics as, tree identification, the history of maple sugaring, and why sap moves through trees. Visitors also get to visit a fully operating sugarhouse where samples of real maple syrup can be sampled. Nigel shared with me that part of the century old sugaring house is now being renovated into a sugaring museum so visitors can enjoy learning about maple sugaring year round.
Other interesting things that can be found at The Rocks include dog sled rides, free hiking trails where snowshoes and cross country skiers are welcome, gifts from local crafts people, and beautiful gardens designed by the famous Frederick Law Olmstead perfect for family reunions and Weddings. The Rocks Estate’s website provides a list of local businesses that include anything one might need to put on an event at the Rocks from florists, to caterers, to tent rentals.
One thing that surprised me about visiting the Rocks estate was how diverse the property was, and how many purposes it served in the rural town of Bethlehem. Employing up to 35 people during busy seasons and acting as a stimulus for other businesses in the community, The Rocks Estate can serve as a model for how local business can work together for the greater good of a community. I look forward to visiting The Rocks Estate in the near future, perhaps to pick up a Christmas tree or take part in one of their seasonal interpretive tours.
Detailed information about The Rocks Estate and other local partners can be found at the website www.therocks.org or by clicking the following link: The Rocks Estate.
Posted by Thaddeus Guldbrandsen on November 28, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Interesting, informative post. The Rocks is certainly a special place.