Are you ready for New Hampshire’s annual snodeo? And no, it’s not about riding horses in the snow. It’s about snowmobiling.
The Swift Diamond Riders Snodeo takes place March 6 and 7 in Coleman State Park, in Stewartstown, N.H.. The event gives snowmobilers a chance to see and even try out new models on actual trails. The equipment is brought in by four major snowmobile manufacturers — Skidoo, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Yamaha — and typically several thousand people attend. Many attendees bring their own snowmobiles as well.
“It allows the snowmobilers and other interested purchasers to get a look and demo ride at the new machines,” said Swift Diamond spokesman Kevin Drew. “It’s such a unique opportunity to meet the factory representatives, engineers, lead designers and marketers.”
Admission is $5 and goes to support the Swift Diamond Riders, which subcontracts with the state of New Hampshire to maintain about 120 miles of trails.
The schedule includes a show by Rave X Performance, a group of extreme snowmobilers who can do tricks with their machines similar to what you see in the X Games in other extreme sports. And there’ll be a race on Little Diamond Pond if the ice is thick enough.
Along with test-riding new snowmobiles, many attendees come for end-of-season bargains from vendors. For more information: nhsnodeo.com.
Grand Central Audio Tours
You don’t need to know a lot about architecture and history to enjoy a stroll through Grand Central Terminal. The soaring cathedral windows, marble-floored concourse, sweeping staircases, sparkling chandeliers, classical sculpture and ceiling painted like a night sky are beautiful in their own right.
You can also shop or dine. Check out the onsite Apple store, the famous Oyster Bar and Shake Shack.
But there are also options for a more in-depth visit. The terminal’s official Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour is available in one-hour and 30-minute versions from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from windows in the concourse for $9, or you can download it any time as a mobile app from myorpheo.com for $4.99. There’s also an official 75-minute guided tour at 12:30 p.m. daily, $20. Details at docentour.com.
