Construction of Winni Playhouse’s New Campus Well Underway

Artist's rendering of the Winni Playhouse's new main stage theatre at the Meredith Campus.

After nearly two years of planning and fundraising, the new theatre at the Meredith Campus of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse is on its way to becoming a reality. Construction on the new building, which will house the main stage theatre, began in the spring and is moving along without any delays this summer, bringing the entire campus project well past its halfway point.

The “Winni” Playhouse was founded in 2004, becoming so successful that it soon outgrew its current location, an intimate Weirs Beach storefront that seats 84. With sights set on a bigger venue, the Playhouse assumed ownership of the former Annalee Doll Complex on Reservoir Road in Meredith in 2008, and put into action a three-phase plan to renovate the complex into a “Tanglewood type of setting” for their theatre and workshops. Read the rest of this entry »

Castle in the Clouds Being Restored to its Original Grandeur

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH have long enjoyed an amazing treasure: perched high atop the Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, Castle in the Clouds beckons to those who love breathtaking views, stunning architecture, enchanting artwork, beautiful gardens, and unspoiled natural terrain. This important landmark has captivated visitors and locals alike for decades, and has been fully enjoyed as a place to attend concerts, gallery openings, and weddings, as well as a spot to relax over a leisurely patio luncheon or hike through a pristine wilderness setting. The “Lucknow” estate, as it was called by its original owners, seems to have it all, and a dedicated team, along with a caring local community, is working hard to keep Castle in the Clouds beautiful and in top condition so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t Miss the Mid-Summer Art Walk in Center Sandwich

Day Sailers Resting by Woolsey Conover at Surroundings Gallery

Another Lakes Region town can be counted among NH communities who offer popular art walks, where visitors can tour local galleries, enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, and meet the artists whose work is on exhibit. Stroll the streets of Center Sandwich, see what’s new in the art world, and enjoy music and great food at the Corner House Inn afterward.

On Friday, July 13^th, Center Sandwich will be holding its second Gallery Walk of the season from 5 – 7 p.m. The Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery, The Sandwich Home Industries, and Surroundings Art Gallery will open their doors that evening to celebrate art, music, and conversation as they feature the work of New England artists and those who have a connection to the area. Guests who visit all three galleries will receive a discount on dinner at the Corner House Inn on Main Street. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s New on the M/S Mount Washington for 2012

Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, thoughts are turning to the age-old NH tradition of sailing, paddling, and cruising on Lake Winnipesaukee. In keeping with that tradition, the biggest party boat on the lake has its customary schedule of cruises and events—as well as some new options—lined up for a fun-filled season on the water!

The M/S Mount Washington is a first-class, 230-foot excursion ship that sets out on scenic cruises every day and sunset dinner cruises each evening. “The Mount” has many ports on Lake Winnipesaukee, including Weirs Beach, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Meredith, and Center Harbor. During the summer months, the ship visits all its ports frequently during the day, and passengers can take a cruise from one lakeside town, get off and spend some time visiting another little town, then board again and return to the home port.* At night, the Mount becomes a hot spot, with a themed dinner dance cruise every evening.  Check out the Tribute to Elvis, the Summer Lobsterfest, or the Parrot Head Party Cruise, to name a few. Read the rest of this entry »

Lakes Region Farms Celebrate the Growing Season with Opening Events

Beans & Greens Farmstand

Leaves are budding and flowers are blooming all around NH, and the time for planting summer vegetables is upon us!  Many local farms and farm stands are now opening to the public and offering early spring produce along with special events that will get everyone in the spirit for this year’s growing season and abundant harvests.

Saturday, April 28^th is Opening Day at Beans & Greens Farmstand in Gilford, NH. Visitors will enjoy the farm’s focus on the early season gardening, and Beans & Greens will be offering a full selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and hanging baskets displayed in several large greenhouses. As the weather warms and the danger of frost passes, a full selection of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs will soon be growing in the picturesque meadows surrounding the Farmstand. Next weekend, on Saturday, May 5^th, the farm will present an introductory workshop on its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Attendees will learn about how the program works and, if interested, can sign up to participate. Many other fun events coming up at Beans & Greens are listed on the farm’s website here. Read the rest of this entry »

Three-time Juno Award-winner David Francey Returns to Meredith

David Francey will be at The Grotto March 14

Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s been over a year since Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristoranté opened “The Grotto,” a beautiful and cozy room in the original foundation of the old linen mill at Mill Falls, with plenty of space for private parties, wine dinners, and intimate live concerts. In fact, The Grotto’s Dinner Concert Series has been well received by audiences, who have been filling the room since last March to enjoy distinctive performances by respected national touring artists.

Canadian singer-songwriter David Francey was the first in the Dinner Concert Series lineup, and he will be returning for his second performance at The Grotto this coming Wednesday, March 14^th. “We were so fortunate to have him debut our new dinner concert series last March, when he performed to a sold-out audience,” says Julie Gnerre-Bourgeois, owner of Giuseppe’s. “His return visit is greatly anticipated.” Read the rest of this entry »

It’s Maple Sugar Time in NH!

Collecting the sap in NH

Even though the snow is falling, the sap is beginning to rise in maple trees across New Hampshire, and maple sugar producers are tapping these rich sources in preparation for the big harvest that marks the start of spring!

If you’d like to see the process up close in the Lakes Region of NH, you can get in on all the maple sugaring action at Prescott Farm in Laconia. Every Saturday throughout March, Prescott Farm welcomes the public to its Maple Sugar Madness program, where visitors can learn everything about the techniques of sugaring, from tapping to tasting!

The program runs three times each Saturday: from 10:00 – 11:30, 12:00 – 1:30, and 2:00 – 3:30.  Guests will have an opportunity for hands-on participation in every step of the syrup-making process. The farm’s environmental educators help visitors build tree identification skills, learn the parts of a tree, and discover how each part functions. Then visitors use measuring tools to find an appropriate maple tree to tap, and try their hands at historical as well as modern tree tapping tools.  The experience is enhanced with presentations of the history of maple sugaring, including Native American legends, woven into the program. Guests also learn the math and science involved in the boiling process. Then it’s time to taste the results! Read the rest of this entry »

A New Adventure Awaits at Gunstock Mountain this Winter

The Recoil Zip Span at Gunstock

Looking for something different and exciting to add to your winter activity list? No need to look any farther than the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. While the area has long been home to great skiing, ice-skating, and wilderness exploration, it now boasts something quite unique—the longest zip line tour in the continental United States—an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors year-round!

This past November, Gunstock Mountain Resort unveiled its new ZipTour Canopy Tour, adding to its expansive attractions, including the Aerial Treetop Adventure course that opened last spring. The ZipTour covers a 1.6-mile span descending the full vertical of the NH ski area, offering a different way to fly down the mountain, above the trails overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. There are 5 segments of lines, two of which are for training and practicing before the big adventure down the slope! Read the rest of this entry »

Second Annual Meredith Village Art Walk to Benefit Food Pantry

As the days grow ever shorter and the cold nights come early over New England, we draw our attention indoors to pursue creative endeavors or gather with friends and family to honor warmth, light, and love with good food and cheer.  However, many families are struggling this holiday season, and need help with food for their loved ones.  In Meredith, some creative folks have combined forces to lend a hand to those in need, all while celebrating the season with beautiful art, music and of course, delicious food!

Next Thursday evening, December 8^th, six galleries in Meredith will participate in the second annual Meredith Village Art Walk, themed “Food for the Soul,” to benefit the Meredith Emergency Food Pantry.  From 4:30 – 7:00 that evening, visitors can stroll through candlelit storefronts in quaint Meredith Village and view beautiful local and international works of art while chatting with local artists.  At the lakes gallery at chi-lin, Gallery 51, The Fine Carpet and Asian Antique Gallery, The Hodecker-George Gallery, VynnArt (Art Supply Store), and Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts, guests will enjoy music, refreshments, and unique discounts, as well as a special raffle that will provide donations for the Food Pantry. Read the rest of this entry »

Altrusa Club of Meredith Celebrates 16th Annual Festival of Trees!

In celebration of the holiday season, the Altrusa Club of Meredith will be hosting their 16^th Annual Lakes Region Festival of Trees this weekend.  This spectacular festival will be held at the Waukewan Golf Club in Center Harbor, NH, and will highlight beautifully decorated Christmas trees, fine products made by local artisans especially for The Noel Shoppe, traditional cookies and cider, and a special children’s event, all while benefitting local charities and community projects!

The Festival kicks off on Thursday evening, December 1^st, with the Silent Auction and Gala from 5:30 – 8:00pm.  The night will be filled with music, hors d’oeuvres, delicious desserts, and a cash wine and beer bar.  Lakes Region favorite Pat Kelly will take on the role of Master of Ceremonies for the auction, where guests can bid on the many wonderful items donated by area businesses.  One of the auction items is the Common Man Christmas Tree, which is decorated with “C-Man” gift cards worth $250!  Also on hand will be Karel Hayes, a local author and illustrator who will be signing her books at The Noel Shoppe.  The silent auction and gala sold out last year, so the night is expected to be a terrific success! As of today, there are approximately 25 tickets left for last-minute guests.  Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door, and may be purchased at the Greater Meredith Chamber of Commerce, Cackleberries Garden and Gift Shop on Rte. 3 in Meredith, and Fashion Forward on Rte. 25 in Moultonborough. Read the rest of this entry »