Meredith Eateries Unveil New Winter Menus

Dinner at Lakehouse Grille

The official beginning of winter is just around the corner, and colder temperatures outside bring longings for warmth and comfort inside.  Thoughts turn to cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa, and rich, satisfying meals.  In this quaint NH village, the partner restaurants of the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls and have created new winter menus to reflect the changing seasons and offer guests some imaginative new and traditional dishes that bring warmth, comfort, and contentment inside and out.

“We always roll out two new fresh menus a year, one based on the winter season and one based on the summer season,” says Sean Brown, General Manager for Camp, Lago, and Lakehouse Grille from the Common Man Family of Restaurants.  “We never change the whole menu but we certainly change a decent portion of it.  With the wintertime menus, we’re definitely focusing on heartier dishes, dishes with a little bit more of a wintertime theme.” Read the rest of this entry »

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Celebrates Accreditation

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, NH recently announced that they have been granted accreditation by the independent Accreditation Commission of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is celebrating by offering a $5-off discount coupon on trail admission everyday throughout the month of October.

After a thorough review that included a detailed accreditation application, as well as a multiple day on-site inspection by a team of experts from around the country, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center received its second accreditation from AZA.  The Science Center has shown that it continues to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety.  AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

The Science Center first applied for and received AZA accreditation in 2006, and is currently the only AZA-accredited institution in northern New England.  “By meeting high Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has demonstrated its leadership among zoos and aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy.  “Only the best of the best rise to this level, and we congratulate the professionals at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center for their hard work.”

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for the Science Center’s hard work and devotion to the highest possible standards in the industry,” said Iain MacLeod, Executive Director of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.  “In celebration of receiving accreditation and to acknowledge the thousands of visitors who have made the Science Center such a vibrant and successful institution over the last 40-plus years, I’m pleased to announce that we are offering a $5 discount coupon on trail admission for the entire month of October.”

Autumn is a beautiful season for going for a nature walk, and there is still plenty of time to take advantage of this great offer, which is good for two people on any day this month.  Visitors can find the special downloadable October coupon at the Science Center’s website at www.nhnature.org.  For more information, call the Center at 603-968-7194.

Carrie Reed
Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls Breaks Ground for Church Landing Expansion

Artist's rendering of Boathouse Lodge

Last Thursday, this lakeside resort broke ground for its latest project—an expansion that will bring 13 new deluxe lake-view rooms and suites, as well as 186 feet of additional lake frontage, to its most popular destination: Church Landing.

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls has officially begun construction on Phase II of its Church Landing expansion, which will add two new buildings, The Birch Lodge and The Boathouse Lodge, to the south end of the property.  The new buildings are being constructed on either side of the existing Lake Shore Cottage, which was recently renovated to include two unique suites overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.  All three buildings will be attached to Church Landing via a covered cedar walkway, and all rooms will offer spectacular lake views, balconies, and screened porches.  In addition, each room will have luxury amenities, including a fieldstone fireplace, wet bar, whirlpool bath, double glass and tile shower, and a bathroom LCD TV.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on this part of our expansion project,” says Rusty McLear, President and CEO of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls.  “Church Landing at Mill Falls continues to be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike, and these additions will certainly enhance our guests’ experience.”

Breaking ground on Phase II construction at The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls are (left to right): Barry Leonard, Laconia Savings Bank; Tom Samyn, Samyn D’Elia; Rusty McLear, Mill Falls; Ward D’Elia, Samyn D’Elia; Bill Smith, CCI; Ross Currier, CCI; and Tim Marchand, Mill Falls.

The expansion will also feature a new lobby and game area, a second indoor/outdoor infinity pool with two Jacuzzis, an outdoor fire-pit and grille station for summer BBQs, a large sundeck with food and beverage service, and several new boat docks.

“We have a vast number of guests who regularly stay with us, and it’s exciting that each time they visit, we are adding more facilities and more options to consider, while keeping our focus on our core mission – unforgettable customer service,” says Gail Batstone, General Manager of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls.  Adds Michelle Brown, Director of Marketing at The Inns, “Church Landing is our most reserved property and on many occasions it is sold out.”

The expansion will be able to accommodate more fans of the Inns as early as next July, when construction on the project is expected to be completed.  Phase I of the project was finished this past May, converting the carport at Church Landing into additional event space and dining areas.  The new facility, called “The Carriage House,” now boasts 1,700 square feet of meeting space, an expanded lobby area with fourteen-foot ceilings, and sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Church Landing expansion promises to enrich the experience of visitors to Meredith as well as locals who enjoy events and spa services at Church Landing.  It’s all part of the Inns’ mission to continually improve its facilities.  As Ms. Batstone explains, “We often hear the comment, ‘so, what are you adding this year?!”

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Resort’s Conference Coordinator Shares Passion for Food on her Blog

When Heather Poire isn’t busy making everything perfect for guests who attend conferences and events at The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, she is home cooking up a storm and sharing her creations online.  Heather, who is the Inn’s Conference Coordinator by day, is also a brilliant chef and gourmand who whips up delicious meals and snacks, then posts her recipes on her own blog, complete with photos and background information on many of the recipes and ideas she comes up with.  But what makes Heather’s blog special is its focus—all the dishes are vegan-friendly!

Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes is the name of Heather’s unique blog, inspired by the breakfast treats she and her partner make nearly every Sunday, along with the enjoyment of those special times.  Her pancakes, and everything else she creates for the blog, contain no animal products, including eggs or dairy.  Heather has been following a vegan lifestyle for almost a full year, after being a vegetarian for six years.  “The transition for both becoming a vegetarian and vegan were pretty easy,” says Heather, “the most challenging part of being a vegan is the lack of knowledge people have about this life choice.”

Heather has enjoyed cooking since a young age and says she has become more serious within the past six years.  “I majored in Lodging and Conference Management,” she explains.  “Part of the curriculum was a few cooking classes: Buffet, Line Cooking, and Service—those classes served as a strong base.  Vegetarian and vegan cooking was mainly self-taught.”  Heather says she learned a lot through cookbooks and blogs.  “The Internet is awesome for researching vegan alternatives!”

Heather creates about 90% of her recipes herself, with the other 10% based on blog recipes or cookbooks.  “Seasonal produce and farmers markets are the inspiration for most of my recipes,” she says.  “Fruits and vegetables that are in season and locally-grown are beautiful, and their taste surpasses those raised thousands of miles away for supermarkets.”  With regard to altering traditional dishes, Heather adds, “Taking a non-vegan recipe and veganizing it is so rewarding!”

The inspiration for Heather to start her own blog was “to share vegan cooking with family, friends, and anyone wanting to see how easy it is to be a vegan without sacrificing taste and flavor.”  When trying out new creations, Heather’s coworkers become her “guinea pigs,” and she shares recipes on Food Buzz and Food Gawker, as well.  She says she has encouraged several people to give vegan fare a try, including a few coworkers and her sister.  Some of her most popular recipes so far are the Peach Almond Upside Down Cake, her Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta, and the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes.

With a goal to “show how easy it is to create fantastic vegan recipes, share my love of food, and beautiful photos of food,” it seems Heather has accomplished all these things with her blog.  When asked if she misses anything from her pre-vegan days, she replies, “Surprisingly enough I don’t miss a thing—there are so many great alternatives and choices for vegans now it is so great!”

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Photos courtesy of Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes

Lakes Region Inns Continue to Support Greater Meredith’s Beautification and Conservation Efforts

Last year for Arbor Day, the Town of Meredith celebrated by planting two Princeton American Elms in Community Park on Main Street as part of a tree planting project through the Beautification & Conservation Fund, an ongoing venture of The Greater Meredith Program.  The group raises funds for the maintenance and planting of trees throughout the community, and The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls has played a major role in the success of the program.

Since 2009, this Lakes Region resort has contributed nearly $41,000 to the fund, allowing over 30 medium and large trees to be planted throughout Meredith Village.  The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls collects voluntary donations of $1.50 per night from guests at to support the effort.  Harbor Hill Campground in Meredith also collected a $1.00 voluntary donation from their guests and contributed over $800 to the fund in 2010.

“We are very proud to call Meredith home and to help raise funds for this beautification program to maintain the existing tree-scapes and add to the natural scenery along the Route 3 and 25 corridors,” says Rusty McLear, president and CEO of The Inns. “We are also proud to partner with the Town of Meredith, and the many other community members who are true collaborators and active participants with us in this effort.  The partnership between The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls and the Town of Meredith has helped to not only bring new visitors to our town but also to help maintain and enhance Meredith’s natural beauty.”

The Beautification and Conservation Fund of Meredith was established in January of 2009 to bring streetscape trees to the village’s core area and the Route 3 and 25 corridors.  So far, the organization, along with several businesses and private citizens, has planted eight Maple trees, an October Glory Maple, two Princeton American Elms, an ornamental Crabapple tree, nine large Red Maples, and two “Valley Forge” Elms, with eight more being planted around Main Street this spring.

“These tree plantings have helped the Town of Meredith qualify as a Tree City USA community again in 2010,” says McLear. In order to quality for Tree City certification, a town or city must meet certain standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of Foresters to ensure the community has a viable tree management program.   Adds McLear, “Receiving Tree City certification allows the Town of Meredith to receive extra opportunities for external funding.”

The Inns are pleased to help in the beautification of what McLear says is an “already magnificent part of New Hampshire.”  We hope to see you enjoying the beauty of Meredith soon!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: daryl_mitchell at Flickr.com

Tales from Random Acts of Kindness Week at Mill Falls

When The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week last February 13 – 18, countless people benefitted from the good deeds that were given and received.  As employees of The Inns arbitrarily gave away fun gifts to guests and customers, the goodwill quickly spread throughout the community and beyond.

At Meredith Gas Station, the staff randomly gave away cups of coffee throughout each day, and one person per day was selected to receive a coupon for a free large pizza from the store.  Pat Wade, manager of Meredith Station, said people were thrilled to receive either one, but one gentleman who was presented with a free cup of coffee immediately turned around and donated to a charity whose collection box was on the counter:  the Shamrock Program of the MDA.

When a gal who received a coupon for a free pizza came back to order her pie, she brought with her a bouquet of flowers for the crew.  “It seemed people wanted to do nice when nice was done to them,” said Pat.  “It seemed very much appreciated.  It is nice, people paying it forward and doing different things of that nature.”

This was the third year that the Mill Falls family observed Random Acts of Kindness Week, and they definitely plan to continue the tradition next year.  In the meantime, though, the friendly folks at the Inns encourage everyone to perform acts of kindness whenever possible—everyday offers a new opportunity to extend some tenderness.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Adornments Offers a Unique Shopping Experience

Some of the beautiful silver jewelry at Adornments

Step into this charming boutique at the Mill Falls Marketplace and you know you’re in a different kind of store.  The setting is at once fun and relaxed, with beautiful clothing and accessories for women of all ages.  From comfortable travel wear to one-of-a-kind pendants, Adornments offers world-class clothing and accessories that are a must-see for anyone visiting Meredith, NH.

“Everywhere you look there is something to delight you,” says Lori Losada, General Manager of Adornments, Inc.  “We hear a lot of women say, when they bring their friends in, ‘You’re going to love this store.’  It makes us feel very good.”

Indeed, what’s not to love?  Adornments carries items from the United States and around the world that are hard to find anywhere else.  Gloria Moore and Suzette Matthey-Wilson, a mother-daughter team with an elegant sense of style, own and operate this local boutique.  Gloria, who has lived overseas and done much world traveling, wanted to bring a bit of that experience into a retail setting, so founded Adornments about 20 years ago.  Since then, visitors to the Marketplace have found a diverse collection of products to enjoy. Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

Meredith Eatery a True Musical Venue

David Francey to play at the Grotto March 16

Since 1989, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristoranté in Meredith, NH has been serving up great live music with its award-winning Italian cuisine and festive charm.  The restaurant features well-known local and regional musicians seven nights a week, and has become one of most popular and loved destinations in the Lakes Region.   With the addition of its new room, “The Grotto,” Giuseppe’s can now host even more special events, and has lined up some national touring acts for its exciting new Dinner Concert Series.

Julie Gnerre-Bourgeois has owned and operated Giuseppe’s in the Mill Falls Marketplace for 21 years.  She takes pride in having an establishment that features live nightly musical entertainment, and is excited about the restaurant’s expansion in May, which will provide the space for concerts that they haven’t had until now.  “We recently created “The Grotto” at Giuseppe’s, a beautiful room in the original foundation of the old Linen Mill at Mill Falls,” says Julie.  “This room has character with old stone, brick, wood, wrought iron and canvas.”

The Grotto is available for private parties and wine dinners, and is regularly hosting Karaoke nights, DJ nights, and Live Band nights.  The new room provides an intimate concert setting, and will be the home to the new Dinner Concert Series beginning in March.  The series will feature national touring artists such as David Francey, Willy Porter, and Jeffrey Foucault.  Julie is also planning a local artist concert series for the future.  Food and beverages from the menu and full bar will be served during all shows.

“I am offering each artist 100% of the ticket sales and would be so pleased if we could fill the room for them,” says Julie.  “These touring artists work so hard, and are so very talented.  My interest is in sharing their music with the folks from around The Lakes, Mountains, and Seacoast Regions of New Hampshire.”

For more information on the concert series, as well as Giuseppe’s annual Music Memorial fundraiser, please visit their website or call the restaurant at 603-279-3313.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Photo courtesy of Giuseppe’s Pizzaria & Ristorante

Romance and Renewal at The Inns

In February, thoughts turn to romance and reconnecting with our special someone, and many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with flowers, chocolate, and a candlelit dinner.  If you are looking for a different way to share some time together this year, take your loved one to Meredith, a charming village with one of the most romantic hotels in the country, and indulge in a relaxing couples massage.

Cascade Spa at Church Landing is offering a special in their Couples Suite.  The Melt Me Massage uses Zents, a therapeutic natural massage oil with aphrodisiac properties. Couples can choose from sensual and warm “Sun” with amber and vanilla, or euphoric and stimulating “Ore” with jasmine.  Another special treat is the Chocolate Truffle Body Treatment.  Let your senses experience this blend of aromatic, organic essential oils and fresh nutrients.  It’s a “chocolate delight” without the calories!  Both services include a sweet take away treat.

Church Landing at Mill Falls recently received the Travelers’ Choice® Award by TripAdvisor® as one of the Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the United States. 
“Church Landing at Mill Falls has a long trail of loyal followers,” said Gail Batstone, General Manager of the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, “and we are proud and honored to be recognized by them as one of the most romantic hotels in the country.”

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team