For the second-straight year, the Bedford Village Inn will construct a giant ice bar in celebration of the New England winter season. While last year's structure was 10,000 pounds, this year's version is expected to set a new standard at 50,000 pounds, making it the largest ice bar in the United States. The 2011 event garnered a sellout crowd, and this year organizers are expecting more of the same when they host the Stoli Ice Bar from Tuesday, Jan. 24 through Saturday, Jan. 28. Located in the BVI's central courtyard, there will be three separate ice bars, a martini luge and several free-…

The Bedford Village Inn, this year, is offering guests a place to enjoy a finely prepared meal without all the hoopla this New Year’s Eve, and a relaxing setting to recover the next day. Known for its three distinct dining options, the Bedford Village Inn offers a special New Year’s Eve four-course prix fixe dinner in the Dining Room, and special a la carte menus in Tavern and Corks, with each menu representative of that dining area’s flair. There won't be music, and you won't find special entertainment or children's prices. The BVI is simply offering an opportunity for a truly intimate …

New Years Eve is coming up and you don't want to be left out in the cold while everybody is celebrating. 1. Portsmouth First Night 2012: Pro Portsmouth will stage its First Night 2012 celebration downtown on New Year's Eve with a full line-up of ice sculptures, live entertainment and fun activities for kids that will all culminated with a spectacular fireworks display over South Mill Pond before midnight. 2. Cranapolooza New Year's Eve Party: For families who want to combine great skiing with ringing in the New Year, Cranmore Mountain resort in North Conway is holding a New Year's Eve …

Their wish lists have been made, their photos have been taken with the big guy and cookies and carrots are at the ready for Santa and his reindeer, but do your children ever ask: Where does Santa go on Christmas Eve? How does he travel to everyone's house? Now you can show them, thanks to the folks behind North American Aerospace Defense Command website that is tracking Santa for families all over the world. Last week your children got their phone calls from Santa; today, let them follow his progress around the world as he delivers gifts to boys and girls around the globe. In addition to …

Still haven't gotten that special loved one the perfect present? Looking for something unique? We've got four great last-second gift guides that will help you pick out a fantastic local gift that's sure to make their Christmas Day. Have a very Merry Christmas, and don't worry, you're not the only one. Hey, if it weren't for the last second, nothing would get done. Gifts for Mom Gifts for Dad Gifts for Boys Gifts for Girls

  Those who awoke this morning and smiled when they looked out the window and saw a thin layer of snow, may be in for another pleasant surprise. For our friends in the North Country, a White Christmas is likely, according to a chart on Weather.com. For those in Bedford and surrounding communities, snow is possible, but only by a slight chance. The National Climatic Data Center reports that a white Christmas is defined as having one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas morning. No snow actually has to fall on Christmas Day.  Keep checking the Northeast White Christmas Forecast here.

1. Take him to Mel's. Ok, well maybe not right now, but why not get a gift card for a fun afternoon at the batting cages, behind the wheel of the go-karts or shooting for a hole-in-one on one of two mini-golf courses? Mel's Funway has all that and more. Check out the arcade, driving range and laser tag while you're there. And hey, Litchfield is quite a bit easier to get to now thanks to the airport access road. 2. Catch a flick. Give him a few movie passes to take in a movie of his choice at Cinemagic. If he's old enough, splurge for two or three so he can invite a couple friends, or buy two …

Here's your opportunity to win a $100,000 gift to Bedford's public schools. Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.Here’s how the contest works. Beginning on Dec. 8 and continuing through Dec. 26, you can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form on the site. During that same time period you and your neighbors will also be able to vote for your favorite festive home. The winning entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge that …

1. Disney on Ice. Join the stars of Disney's most beloved movies as Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Sixty-five of Disney’s characters from 18 beloved stories come to Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester for a weekend of ice skating magic in January. Your children will be captivated by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. They'll also enjoy moments from some of Disney's Pixar film stars and so much more. Tickets range from $20-$72. Shows will be performed Jan. 19-22 and show times and more information can be found …

L'Chaim! Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins tomorrow and starts off a series of days celebrating Judaism. The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt, according to History.com. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. Congregation Betenu in Amherst will be celebrating the holiday this weekend. Hanukkah…

Sure, you may want to cut down your own tree this year, or perhaps you prefer to avoid the hastle and the needles and purchase a fake tree. But for those of you who prefer the sight and smell of a real tree, without the task of lugging a saw or ax into an off-the-beaten-path tree farm, your perfect Christmas tree may be a short car ride away. Bedford has at least four locations to buy a tree and benefit a local small business, club or charity. The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire sells trees during normal operating hours at its 545 Route 101 location. The Bedford Men's Club sells trees …

The Bedford Women’s Club yesterday lit the town's Memorial Christmas Tree in front of dozens of local residents. The club also presented its 2011 Inspiration Award longtime Bedford Police Chief David Bailey at the event, which was held at the intersection of Church Street and North Amherst Road. Bailey, who officially retired on June 30, was chosen for his professional approach to his 40 years with Bedford PD. "Serving as Bedford’s Police Chief for twenty-two years, Bailey is proud of the team he has built," said a release from the BWC. "Now there are 34 full-time highly trained members of …

1. A Fantastic 5-Course Meal: Pickity Place in Greenville offers a unique experience that lies not only in its food, but also in the atmosphere it provides. This quaint little cottage in the woods of New Hampshire is a hidden treasure that is sure to make mom smile. Buy her a gift certificate and treat her to lunch and let her pick out something special at their gift shop, which is filled with local and homemade goodies. Their menu changes every month and reservations should be made in advance. 2. Satisfy Her Sweet Tooth: Swan Chocolates in Merrimack and Stella's Fine Chocolates in Bedford …

  Win BIG Our first ever "Deck the House" competition kicks off next week. We'll be looking for your photo or video submissions featuring your decked-out house, which you will be able to upload yourself. Readers will vote for the Best Decked Out House in their neighborhood, and that home will go on to be pitted against the other "best of" houses around the country. What's at stake?Once voting concludes at the end of December, 24 finalists will be selected from across our 860 national Patch sites, and all 24 finalists will have their December electric bills paid by Patch (up to $500). …

AMHERST – In what may have been the final clash in the 15-year Thanksgiving-day football series between Merrimack and Souhegan, the Sabers of Amherst avenged last year's 54-15 loss and gobbled up the rival Tomahawks, 48-21. Though Souhegan basted the competition for an a 19-0 first-quarter lead, Merrimack took advantage of a couple SHS missteps and closed the gap to 19-14. The 'Hawks looked poised to take the lead early in the second quarter, but a red zone turnover quickly transitioned into a momentum-changing Souhegan touchdown. With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Merrimack…

Some Cliff Clavin "little-known facts: about the fabulous turkey, and assorted fixings, courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau. 248 million The number of turkeys expected to be raised in the United States in 2011. That's up 2 percent from the number raised during 2010. The turkeys produced in 2010 together weighed 7.11 billion pounds and were valued at $4.37 billion. 750 million pounds The forecast for U.S. cranberry production in 2011. Wisconsin is expected to lead all states in the production of cranberries, with 430 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts (210 million) 2.4 billion pounds The…

Does political talk go well with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie? Or does it just make for a dyspeptic holiday? As you celebrate the Thanksgiving Day holiday this year, consider the the following. The next time you do so, the 2012 presidential election campaign will have just ended.So for those inclined to campaign at the Thanksgiving table, 2011 is it. But is that a good idea? Stories of political arguments ruining holiday gatherings are the stuff of many family legends. Whether you are host or guest, do you favor or dread political conversation over Thanksgiving Dinner? Let us know by …

You've likely spent the last three days preoccupied with cooking, football, shopping and family. Now cap your Thanksgiving traditions tonight at one of southern New Hampshire's favorite holiday events – the 2011 Winter Holiday Stroll in downtown Nashua, from 5-10 p.m.  If you've never been, you're in for a holiday treat that includes music, magic, stargazing, a Beer Garden on High Street, Robotics demo, face painting, ice sculptures, theater groups and strolling performers, including NH Gay Men's Chorus , Monument Square Brass, and Jonee Earthquake. The printable schedule will help you …

Thanksgiving is a holiday typically reserved for family gatherings, but there are many other Turkey Day traditions shared by friends and loved ones that transcend the boundaries of the dinner table. In many states, especially Massachusetts, Connecticut and some parts of New Hampshire, families head to the the local football field to enjoy high school gridiron action at its holiday finest. Others simply stay in, kick back on the couch next to crazy uncle Larry, and fall asleep watching the Dallas Cowboys or the Detroit Lions host their traditional Thanksgiving-day National Football League …