NH Venue Hosts Royal Wedding Viewing Party and Exhibit of Princess Di’s Gowns

As the world anticipates and witnesses the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, more than 400 guests will be watching a live broadcast of the ceremony on a big screen in New Hampshire amidst a unique collection of Princess Diana’s royal gowns and other items honoring her life.

The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center in Plymouth, N.H. will be hosting this dual event, which celebrates two generations of the British royal family at once.  The world-class exhibition “Diana – The People’s Princess” will be showing for a limited time at the venue from Monday, April 25 – Sunday, May 8.  This is the largest private collection of Princess Diana’s gowns in the world, and is the last time they will be shown together in the United States before they are sold at auction in Canada this summer.

While the gowns are on exhibit, a very special event will take place on Friday, April 29^th—Diana’s son Prince William will marry his soon-to-be Princess Catherine Middleton—and The Flying Monkey will celebrate by hosting a Royal Wedding Viewing Party at it’s beautiful theater beginning at 4:30am.

“The Royal Wedding has captured the hearts of an international audience,” said Maureen Dunkel, owner of the collection of royal gowns.  “To witness that special day for Princess Diana’s first-born son, among her beautiful gowns and stories paying tribute to her, is going to be a touching experience those in attendance won’t soon forget.”

Guests attending the Royal Wedding Viewing Party will watch the ceremony on the Flying Monkey’s big movie screen as it happens “live.”  All people attending are invited to wear their best formal wedding attire, including the traditional large and stylish hats donned by women.  Guests can vote on the best wedding hats while enjoying tea, finger pastries, and other breakfast items.

“Diana – The People’s Princess” is an enchanting exhibition that provides a unique glimpse into the life of Princess Diana as told through her own personal gown collection, along with videos and story boards.  Dunkel, who has vacationed in New Hampshire since childhood, chose this location as the place to bid a bittersweet goodbye to the collection due to her fond memories here.

“I’ve run the People’s Princess Charitable Foundation and had these gowns and artifacts as part of my life since 1997,” said Dunkel. “I felt it was time to bring them home to a place I hold so dear and say a final goodbye before I release the collection so that others may cherish their history and meaning.”

In keeping with Princess Diana’s wish to “do beautiful things with beautiful things,” Dunkel and The Flying Monkey are donating a portion of the exhibit’s ticket sales to The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire, a non-profit organization that provides formal gowns and accessories for young women facing financial hardship.  Since its inception in 2002, The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire has assisted more than 6,000 young women.

Tickets for the Royal Wedding Viewing Party are free of charge but limited.  Those interested in attending must reserve a seat by calling The Flying Monkey box office between noon and 6 p.m. Monday – Friday at (603) 536-2551, or online at www.flyingmonkeynh.com.  The breakfast is an additional fee.

Tickets to the full exhibit of “Diana – The People’s Princess” are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors or groups of 10 or more, and $14.95 for children age 13 and under.  Programs run every hour.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.flyingmonkeynh.com or call The Flying Monkey box office at (603) 536-2551.  Group tickets must be purchased by phone.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Photos courtesy of The Common Man Family of Restaurants

Join NH Police and Fire Heroes in a “Food Fight” to Benefit Battle of the Badges

New Hampshire’s police and fire heroes will soon be going head to head on the ice in a Battle of the Badges hockey game to benefit Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD), and in preparation for the big day, they are planning a “food fight” as a fundraiser.

On Thursday, March 31^st, The Common Man Family of restaurants, which operates 18 restaurants in New Hampshire, including Lakehouse Grille, Lago, Camp, and Town Docks here in Meredith, will host the food fight at two of its locations.  Foster’s Boiler Room in Plymouth will represent the police team.  During lunch hours, guests can mention they are dining to participate in the fundraiser and 50% of the proceeds from their meals will go to the Battle of the Badges police team.  Folks who wish to support the fire heroes can enjoy lunch at The Common Man in Merrimack under the same arrangement.  Just mention the cause and 50% will go to the fire team!

The Common Man family is pleased to back up the ultimate recipients—the children and families of CHaD.  “We were approached by both police and fire players seeking support for their teams,” said Jason Lyon, CEO of The Common Man family.  “We thought this was a unique way to spur the friendly competition while getting our guests involved in supporting the teams and the great work that CHaD does on behalf of children and families during difficult times.”

Elizabeth Clarke, Event Coordinator of the CHaD Battle of the Badges, shared the sentiment.  “We are excited to have The Common Man family join ours,” she said.  “Their company’s mantra is easily shared by our Badges – ‘Doing Well by Doing Good’ – working together to support New Hampshire’s only Children’s Hospital and the vulnerable population it serves.”

The Battle of the Badges hockey game will take place on Saturday, April 9^th at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.  This is the fourth annual meeting of the teams, and all proceeds will benefit CHaD.  For more information, visit chadhockey.com or call (603) 650-3437.  Hope to see you at one of the events!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Winner of Complimentary Overnight Stay Shares Her Experience

Jennifer and Joe at Mill Falls

When The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls posted a giveaway on Facebook for an overnight stay in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week, Jennifer Yahoodik from Boston ended up the lucky winner.  The only condition was that she had to pay it forward and invite some friends along to enjoy a room at the Inns as well.  So Jennifer and her fiancé, Joe, brought their good friends and “super-fun-couple,” David and Katie, to Meredith for a spontaneous Friday night getaway.

Jennifer has been a fan of the Inns for about ten years, since her mother brought her here for a weekend one fall.  “She had booked a stay at Mill Falls for Columbus Day weekend for her and my father.” said Jennifer.  “When work called my father away, she took me instead of having to cancel her reservation.  Columbus Day weekend is now a ten-year-strong mother-daughter weekend, and in 2010 my sister joined the trip as well.”

“Each time we return, we mix it up and stay at either Bay Point, Mill Falls, or the newest hotel, Church Landing.” Jennifer continued. “Every time I am up in Meredith staying at the Inns, my only two wishes are to never have to leave, and wishing I could share the experience with everyone I know and love.” Read the rest of this entry »

The New England Pond Hockey Classic Returns to Meredith

The second annual New England Pond Hockey Classic is about to take over Meredith Bay, and this year the tournament will be even bigger and better!  The organization’s first ever event last year was so successful, it’s grown to accommodate over twice as many teams and rinks out on the frozen waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as a couple of new tournaments in New England.

“The response we had last year was amazing,” says PHC director Scott Crowder.  “That our first year went as well as it did was pretty great on our end.  So we obviously wanted to bring it back and we actually expanded it, so we have two more tournaments this year, one on Lake Champlain in Colchester VT and one with the Manchester Monarchs in Manchester.  The tournament here in Meredith is going to have over 160 teams, and we’ll have 15 to 16 rinks out on the lake, so that’s close to 1000 participants.”

As a new feature this year, the player locker room tents will be out on the ice so the athletes can skate in and skate out.  Another fun addition will be the beer garden that The Common Man is doing right in front of Lago.  “We’re doing a little Fan Zone with some hockey skills competition, and things like that,” says Crowder.  “It’s really turning into more of a carnival!  We’re going to have the ReMax hot air balloon giving rides, we’ll do helicopter rides again, which is what we did last year, the Greater Meredith Program is doing a chili cook-off on Saturday afternoon… to have something that’s a nice outdoor activity that people can enjoy in the middle of winter is a nice treat.”

Last February, 77 teams from throughout the region competed over a three day weekend on Lake Winnipesaukee.  The event brought many athletes and fans to Meredith and earned PHC the 2010 Lakes Region Association Tourism Award.  “We’ve had a great response from local businesses this year,” says Crowder.  “We have a lot of local sponsors on board, and you can find them all on our website.  To have the support of the local businesses is great.”

The official outfitter and sponsor of this year’s event is Earthtec, a Portsmouth, NH based company that makes eco-friendly apparel.  Says Crowder, “They’re absolutely amazing.  The CEO of Earthtec actually played in the tournament last year… they’re our official apparel for all of our events.  They make all of their stuff out of recycled materials or organic cotton and wool, so their products are top-notch, top of the line.”  All tournament participants will have the opportunity to buy official merchandise provided by Earthtec, and each participant will receive a free Earthtec Pond Hockey Classic winter hat.

With Earthtec, PHC is launching Pond Hockey Classic Green, “to do our part to curb our environmental impact,” says Crowder.  “If this Earth keeps heating up we’re not going to have any ice to do these tournaments on.”  PHC is also partnering with Athletes for a Fit Planet, a company that greens events by working with organizers to reduce their event’s environmental footprint with consulting services and sustainability practices, such as the opportunity for all PHC participants to buy carbon offsets to counteract their travel to and from the event.  All registration is taking place online, so there are no paper forms to mail, store, and dispose of later.

Pond hockey athletes are also encouraged to bring their previously used equipment to donate to Restore Hockey, the tournament’s official non-profit partner.  Restore Hockey recycles the equipment and donates it back to children who don’t have the ability to play the sport due to the financial burden.

Crowder hopes that after the big weekend, local folks will continue to use and enjoy some of the rinks that they are creating.  “That’s what happened last year, which was great.  I drove by a couple weeks after and I had never seen kids skating out there, and all of a sudden there were families out there on Saturday and Sunday afternoon that were using the rinks because we made them, so hopefully this event can urge people to play some hockey in the Lakes Region, because I don’t think it’s as big a sport as it really could be.”

The 2^nd Annual Pond Hockey Classic Tournament will take place February 4^th through 6^th, 2011, in Meredith, NH.  For those who can’t make it to see all the excitement in person, the event will be broadcast on the official website, pondhockeyclassic.tv, where viewers can watch live streaming action as well as replays of past games.  Mark your calendars, and don’t forget to check in!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Images courtesy of Pond Hockey Classic

Church Landing Expansion to Provide More Event Space

Artist's rendition of the new "Carriage House" event space at Church Landing

The Winnipesaukee Ballroom, along with several other meeting and event rooms at Church Landing, have long been top destinations for business and social events in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and soon, there will be even more meeting space at this favorite Meredith location!  The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls is renovating a covered parking area at Church Landing to offer more options to groups that require additional breakout rooms, vendor space, and dining areas.

Construction is underway to enclose the carport at Church Landing, which will provide 1,700 additional square feet of meeting space, as well as an expanded lobby area of 955 square feet.  This new facility, called the “Carriage House,” will also have fourteen-foot ceilings and offer expansive views of Lake Winnipesaukee.  In keeping with the style of Church Landing, the rooms will be decorated with dark wood and other Adirondack features.

The Carriage House is scheduled to open this coming May, and several groups, including the New Hampshire School Library Media Association and the New Hampshire Dental Society, are already booking the space.

“The Dental Society has used Church Landing for conferences and meetings for years, not only because of the wonderful facilities and picturesque location, but because of the top-notch service,” said Jim Williamson, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Dental Society.  “We were delighted to hear about the expansion at Church Landing because it will allow us to meet our growing need for meeting space and stay at a location our members enjoy.”

In the meantime, the four-season resort’s other event rooms are still available for groups of five to 300 people.  Let the classic elegance of Lake Winnipesaukee provide the perfect setting for your special event!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

“Spa Gal” Visits Cascade Spa

What happens when a well-traveled spa lover vacations on Lake Winnipesaukee?  If it’s one of the “Spa Gals,” she takes a short trip to Meredith, indulges at Cascade Spa, and writes a glowing review online!

Kara Williams is a professional travel writer who, along with Beth Blair and Jennifer Miner, created the fun website called “Spa Gals.”   Kara rarely misses an opportunity to spa, and when she spends summer vacations at her mom’s house on this famous New Hampshire lake, she finds time to visit The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, where she tries out some of the many services and treatments Cascade Spa has to offer.

Over the years, Kara has enjoyed many of the different types of massages and pedicures here, and on her last visit, she treated herself to an “Express Foot Ritual,” which was an abbreviated 25-minute pedicure.  Kara then wrote about the beautiful features of Cascade Spa and how relaxing the whole experience is.  She also noted how friendly and experienced the staff is, and said, “It’s a cozy, comfortable spot to enjoy an hour (or two or three) or pampering.”

Wouldn’t a treatment at Cascade Spa make the perfect gift, or break for yourself, this holiday season?

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: Nick J Webb at Flickr.com

Don’t Miss the Mill Falls Marketplace Holiday Open House!

It’s that time of year again—the Mill Falls Marketplace is having their annual holiday open house!  You won’t want to miss this festive event, which has become a favorite tradition in Meredith Village.

On Sunday, December 5^th from 1 – 4pm, the Marketplace will come to life with strolling carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, and light refreshments.  You are sure to find unique gifts for all the special people on your list, as the wonderful merchants of the Marketplace will be offering exclusive specials.  One favorite boutique, Adornments, has a variety of handmade and one-of-a-kind scarves, hats, pendants, earrings, and pins, all at special holiday prices.  They are even giving away $20 gift certificates with the purchase of a $100 gift certificate!  And this is just one example of all the great deals and warm cheer you’ll find among the twelve shops of the Marketplace.

Make a day of it with a relaxing treatment from Cascade Spa and lunch at one of the cozy restaurants by Lake Winnipesaukee.  Holiday shopping has never been so much fun!  Hope to see you there…

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

The Winni Playhouse is Moving to Meredith!

Audience members enjoy strolling the grounds before a performance at the proposed main stage theatre in Meredith

The Winnipesaukee Playhouse, founded in 2004 by siblings Lesley Pankhurst and Bryan Halperin along with their spouses, has followed a vision of bringing quality entertainment and arts education to The Lakes Region, and has quickly become a cultural destination in New Hampshire.  In fact, the Playhouse has been so successful it has outgrown its current location in Weirs Beach and is setting its sights on a new state-of-the-art venue in Meredith, NH.

Since its very first show, The “Winni” Playhouse has garnered community support and critical acclaim for its award-winning productions and educational programs, and for providing year-round opportunities for locals and visitors alike.  The current intimate Off-Broadway style theatre, which seats 84, is no longer able to meet the increasing demand for tickets.

In response, the Playhouse is planning to develop a theatre campus at the former Annalee Doll factory on Reservoir Road in Meredith.  The completed campus will have increased seating capacity in the main theatre, as well as expanded classroom space, administrative offices, lobby, concession, and bathroom facilities.  The plan also includes an outdoor performance space, eating area, and nature trails. Read the rest of this entry »

Ironman 70.3 Timberman Race and Festival in Gilford this Weekend!

Over 3,500 athletes from across the country and around the globe are coming to Lake Winnipesaukee this Saturday and Sunday to compete in the 10^th edition of the Timberman Sprint and Ironman 70.3 Timberman Triathlons.  Named the #1 “Must-do Triathlon Adventure” by Triathlete Magazine, Timberman has something for everyone, including Timber Camp for kids!

The traditional Ironman race is one of the most challenging sporting events in the world, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete 26.2-mile marathon, all in succession.  The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is half the classic race, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—still pretty tough!

The Ironman 70.3 Timberman is a scenic course that begins with a swim in the fresh waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, followed by a bike course that includes plenty of rolling hills, and finally a two-loop run that travels along the shores of the lake with spectacular views of the White Mountains.  The Ironman 70.3 will take place on Sunday, and offers the 2,200 competitors a chance at the $30,000 professional prize purse as well as 50 slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, which will take place on Nov. 13^th in Clearwater, Florida.

On Saturday, over 1,300 athletes will race in the Timberman Sprint short-distance triathlon, which will take them on a .3-mile swim, a 15-mile bike, and a 3-mile run with the same beautiful setting.  Saturday afternoon will also give older kids a taste of the sport in the TimberKids Adventure Race.  All races will begin and end at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, NH.

For children ages 3 – 13, Timber Camp will be the place to be on Sunday!  This special event will take place at Gunstock Mountain Resort, offering kids a “multi-sport” day of activities such as mountain biking, mini golf, and swimming.  There will also be paddleboats, kayaks, and a climbing wall!  The staff has planned a special activity to celebrate the success of the triathletes, and all campers will be able to win prizes in everyone’s favorite extreme water balloon toss, Winger!

The weekend-long TimberFest at Gunstock will feature a sports & fitness expo, seminars for both the novice and seasoned triathlete, the Ironman Champions dinner, and live music by Paul Warnick.  After the race on Sunday, athletes can kick back and enjoy the TimberParty Clambake & Lobsterfest!

Come to Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend to catch some world-class racing and cheer on these fine athletes, all while enjoying the beauty of NH in August.  You just might find some new inspiration!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photos courtesy of asiphoto.com

Lake Shore Cottage is Now Available!

There’s a new kid in town—The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have added another cottage to their family of Inns to offer unique accommodations for your family!

Imagine staying in your own private cottage right on Lake Winnipesaukee, where you and your family or friends can share a summer “camp” experience while enjoying all the services and amenities of the Inns in quaint Meredith, NH.  Lake Shore Cottage has been open for a couple weeks now, and guests are raving about the spectacular view and the cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

Lake Shore Cottage is next door to Church Landing and features two bedrooms, a living room with a sofa bed and fireplace, a full kitchen, dining area, a sun deck and screened-in porch overlooking the lake, a carport, and a boat dock.  Located within a short walking distance to all the shops and restaurants of Meredith, this is the perfect spot to hold a relaxing family getaway or a reunion of close friends!

As with any guest room in the hotel, the cottage is tied into all of the Inns services, including phone, complimentary WIFI, cable TV, continental breakfast, pool, beaches, fitness center, and much more.  Lake Shore Cottage can accommodate up to 6 guests, and its affordable rates start at $409 per night, with a 10% discount for five or six nights, and a 20% discount for seven or more nights.

The Inns will soon launch a 25^th Anniversary Trivia Hunt that guests can solve and then enter a drawing for chance to win a Great Indoors Package at Lake Shore Cottage this winter.  A combination trivia contest and scavenger hunt, this fun game is something the whole family can do together while strolling around the village, and the grand prize can’t be beat!  Stay tuned for more details as the challenge unfolds…

Whether you go out or stay in, you are sure to have an unforgettable vacation at Lake Shore Cottage.  Try something new this summer!  For more information, call the Inns at 800-622-6455.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team