A Mini Yoga Retreat at the Lake!

Lake Winnipesaukee from Boathouse Lodge, March 4, 2013

As soon as I learned that Mill Falls at the Lake would be adding a yoga studio to its amenities, I knew I had to make the trip from the seacoast of NH to check it out! Being a yoga student myself, I am well acquainted with the many calming and healing benefits this wonderful practice can bring, and I realized that Mill Falls is the perfect spot for a yoga center—it’s perched on Meredith Bay overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, the outstanding service and top-notch ambiance at the Inns facilitate a peaceful getaway experience, and the full menu of offerings at Cascade Spa go hand-in-hand with a nourishing yoga retreat—a trinity of relaxation treasures! Read the rest of this entry »

Mill Falls at the Lake—a Refreshed Name and Logo for a Beloved Destination

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls is transitioning to a new name. The collection of inns, lodges, activity centers, and spa is now going by “Mill Falls at the Lake” and sporting a redesigned logo to mark an evolution of the property and its increased variety of on-site offerings for guests.

According to Rusty McLear, president and CEO of Mill Falls, the new name and logo honors the organization’s roots and proud history of being located in Meredith, NH, with the change now reflecting a more accurate depiction of the Inns’ presence on Lake Winnipesaukee. Read the rest of this entry »

February Vacation Art Days at The Arts Collaborative

Ella shows off her artwork at the Teaching Studio!

Fun things to do during February vacation abound in the Lakes Region! After your kids have had some outdoor fun, bring them inside to warm up their creativity—there are some great children’s art programs lined up at The Arts Collaborative, where the resident artists invite you to “Come on over and get your Art on!”

The Arts Collaborative Teaching Studio in Meredith, NH is a place to really explore imagination and innovation. In addition to the regular schedule of classes, the studio has put together some special sessions for kids on break from school next week. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, February 25 – 27 from 9:30am to noon, the “Crazy Creative Kids” program will take place. Children ages 6 – 12 are welcome to join in the fun, led by experienced teaching artists Heidi Little and Cynthia Robinson. Read the rest of this entry »

Some Outdoor Activities for Vacation Week in the Lakes Region

Visitors might see a mountain lion at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center!

School vacation is just around the corner, and whether your family has this coming week or the following week off for some downtime, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire has some great activities going on that will reconnect you and your loved ones with nature and with each other. In addition to the usual skiing, snowboarding, skating, and tubing activities that are abundant in New England, there are some wonderful programs near Lake Winnipesaukee that offer something a little more…

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is offering several programs for kids and adults. Their Wild Winter Walks lead explorers ages 6 and up on a trek that uncovers some answers about what happens to animals during winter. A staff naturalist guides your walk and discusses how native animals are well adapted for winter in New Hampshire. During school vacation weeks, the Science Center is also hosting a couple of bird banding events, an ice fishing workshop, and other winter explorations! Read the rest of this entry »

Sacred Waters Yoga & Healing Center Opens at Mill Falls

Loft Studio for Hot Yoga and Aerial Yoga

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls is proud to announce that it is expanding its services once again, this time by offering guests a new way to relax and unwind at Lake Winnipesaukee—with a beautiful new yoga and wellness studio, aptly named Sacred Waters.

The new studio just opened its doors this week in the building previously occupied by The Christmas Loft, located next to Church Landing. Sacred Waters will be run by Christina Alexa, who is master certified in yoga and healing therapies and draws from 28 years of personal healing and practice, as well as over 14 years of teaching and healing work. Christina has moved her classes and healing services from The Practice Room Center for Yoga & Healing in Meredith to Sacred Waters Yoga at Mill Falls.

“We look forward to growing our student base in our new location,” says Christina, “offering expanded services in an exquisite space!” Read the rest of this entry »

The Great Rotary Fishing Derby Returns—with a New Angle for 2013!

Next weekend, ice fishermen, their families, and friends will gather in Meredith from all over the country and beyond to participate in one of the most well attended events in New Hampshire. The Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby has been drawing crowds to Lake Winnipesaukee for almost 35 years, with fishermen hoping to snag the heaviest tagged rainbow trout in order to claim the grand prize. However, this year is a little different, as the prize structure and the rules for the 2013 Fishing Derby have changed.

This year’s Great Rotary Fishing Derby will take place February 9^th and 10^th, with headquarters on Meredith Bay. The Meredith Rotary Club has opened up the field to create more opportunities for participants to win. By eliminating the tagged rainbow trout as the only possible winner category for the top three prizes and opening the prize structure to all Derby ticket holders, the Derby is more accessible to everyone. Now, the largest fish of each of the eligible species (white perch, yellow perch, cusk, lake trout, pickerel, black crappie, or rainbow trout) will be entered in the grand prize drawings, and a grand-prize winning fish can be caught in any fresh water open to the public. There will be less pressure to fish only in Lake Winnipesaukee, and less impact on the off-season salmon. Additionally, for the 2013 Derby, the Rotary Club will be providing all cash prizes, instead of items such as a fishing boat or ATV as in years past. Read the rest of this entry »

The 4th Annual Pond Hockey Classic Returns to Lake Winnipesaukee

Although an unusually warm winter last year forced the Lakes Region’s event of the season to relocate to a smaller lake due to safety concerns about the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee, this year there is no doubt that the New England Pond Hockey Classic can take place as scheduled on the big lake, and Meredith Bay is already buzzing with activity as the organizers prepare the rinks that will host the region’s biggest pond hockey tournament!

The Pond Hockey Classic has quickly earned a reputation for providing players and fans alike with a traditional, nostalgic, and competitive pond hockey experience. Now in its fourth year, the tournament is fine-tuned and more popular than ever, with the event sold out at 200 teams that will compete for the coveted “WinnipeHockey Cup” on 21 classic rinks next weekend, February 1^st – 3^rd, 2013. Players will be traveling to quaint Meredith Village from as far away as California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, and various parts of Canada to participate in the 4 v 4 round-robin tournament. Read the rest of this entry »

Celebrate Winter in the Lakes Region this Weekend

The ice rink at Bay Point is ready!

With snow finally covering the terrain and ice thickening on the lakes, it definitely feels like winter New Hampshire! And with special events happening throughout the Lakes Region, this weekend is the perfect time to get out and celebrate the beauty of the season…

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia has a couple of fun outdoor events this Saturday, January 19^th. The Snowshoe Fitness Walk, which takes place from 10 – 11 am, takes hikers on a trail that winds through the majestic farm forest with stunning winter scenery. Snowshoes are available for those who don’t have their own. Prescott Farm will also be open in the afternoon for a free Family Sledding Party from 12:30 – 3:00. Bring your own sled and Prescott Farm will provide the snow-covered hill and a toasty campfire! Folks are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy in the farm’s “green” building, where hot cocoa, s’mores, and other light snacks will be available to purchase. Read the rest of this entry »

The Common Man Takes Diners on a Tour of Italy

Looking to escape the cold for a while? Take a trip someplace warmer this winter without travelling outside New Hampshire—the folks at Lago are offering a 20-week Tour of Italy that will spice up your life and bring you a taste of Europe in your own backyard!

Starting this week and going through the end of May, Chef Thomas Faba of Lago at Bay Point is showcasing a menu of three-course dinners that changes each week, highlighting dishes unique to one of the 20 regions of Italy. The special menu will also offer wines from each region to accompany the meal. The Tour of Italy dinners will be available Monday – Thursday for $24.95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Read the rest of this entry »

NH Winter Farmers’ Markets—a Great Local Resource!

Remember the long days, warm sun, and bountiful farmers’ markets and produce stands of summer? Now that we are deep into winter, those days seem a long way off. But the good news is that farmers’ markets still abound—they’ve just moved indoors for the season. Even during the coldest of cold spells, folks in New Hampshire can get fresh veggies and other goodies directly from local farms!

Here in the Lakes Region, there are a couple of great markets to choose from: Read the rest of this entry »