3rd Annual Pond Hockey Classic Coming to Meredith, with a Twist!

NEPHC 2011

The event of the season has quickly earned a reputation for providing players and fans alike with a traditional, nostalgic, and truly competitive pond hockey experience. The first two years saw quaint Meredith Village on Lake Winnipesaukee bustling with activity as hockey lovers from all over New England and beyond converged on this normally quiet winter wonderland. This year will be bigger and better than ever—even though the event will be held on a different lake—and will be the focus of attention from a national organization documenting the environmentally sustainable practices of the sport.

The New England Pond Hockey Classic will still take place in Meredith, NH February 3^rd – 5^th, 2012, but while the games were scheduled to take place on Lake Winnipesaukee again this year, the warm winter has prevented Meredith Bay from freezing to a safe enough level to accommodate the expected crowds. The organizers have now officially decided to move the event to nearby Lake Waukewan, just a quarter-mile away on the other side of Meredith. Read the rest of this entry »

Inns’ Pet-Friendly Program Continues to Benefit Animals in NH and Beyond

Simon

Not only does this lakeside NH resort provide pet-friendly rooms and services for travelers with animal companions, but through its special Pet-Friendly Program, the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls also helps many animals in need by raising crucial funds for the New Hampshire Humane Society.

Pet-Friendly accommodations at Church Landing and the Inn at Mill Falls are available for an additional $25 fee per pet, which covers additional cleaning costs and amenities such as pet beds, blankets, food dishes, and treats.  The Inns then set aside $10 of this fee for the NHHS in Laconia, NH. Since the program’s inception in 2008, The Inns have donated over $10,500 to NHHS. This money has been put to good use, with several creative community projects that benefit animals and people throughout the region. “The donation of this money is so very much appreciated by the New Hampshire Humane Society and we are so grateful to Rusty McLear, the HHH group, and Mill Falls . . . “ says Mary Di Maria, Executive Director of NHHS, as she recently outlined some of the ways this great organization is putting those donations into service: Read the rest of this entry »

Family Celebrates 25 Years of Reunions at The Inns

The Hinchey/Smith/Burbine family, 2011

On the second weekend of every December, this lakeside village becomes home to an extended family that has been gathering in Meredith for nearly 30 years and began staying at The Inn at Mill Falls the very first year the doors opened. Since then, the extended Hinchey/Smith/Burbine family has continued to meet at the Inns for their annual Christmas get-together, marking 25 years this December. They say they wouldn’t think of doing it any other way.

When Laura Hinchey moved to Meredith from Rhode Island in the early 1980s, she became the catalyst for the family’s regular treks to the New Hampshire Lakes Region.  In the beginning, the group was small enough to stay at Laura’s home, but every year, the party got “bigger and bigger and bigger,” so when the first Mill Falls Inn opened in 1985, they booked some rooms there.

Most of the sisters, cousins, uncles, grandparents, nieces, and grandchildren travel from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Laura’s home state of Rhode Island, and the group now varies in size from about 45 to about 55 family members each year. Of course, some years there are new babies, and sometimes others can’t make it. “My grandmother came for years and years,” says Laura. “We lost her two years ago at the age of 102, but she did make it for her 100^th birthday. We have quite an age spread as well.  This year, the youngest one here was my great niece, her name is Sophie, and she’s just 2 months, and the oldest was my mother, who celebrated her 75^th birthday that weekend.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Escape to the Lake for “Spalidays” at Church Landing

Just in time to provide a relaxing breather between Thanksgiving and the busiest shopping season of the year, this little spa on Lake Winnipesaukee will be throwing a big party to “celebrate everything that is Spa,” and you’re invited!

On Wednesday, November 30^th, Cascade Spa at The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls kicks off its 8^th annual Spalidays Celebration.  The open house will be held in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom at Church Landing, where guests can sample four types of chair massages, hand massages, and new product demonstrations while enjoying complimentary hors d’ oeuvres prepared by Lakehouse Grille. There will also be some surprise giveaways and opportunities to shop for fabulous gifts!  Holiday gift cards to the spa will be available at 20% off on this evening only for those who attend, and for gentlemen who wish to wish to be discreet, express gift cards can be purchased at the Church Landing front desk.

On Thursday, December 1^st, the fun continues with the annual Cascade Spa luncheon.  This year, the luncheon showcases MOROCCANOIL®, “From Morocco to Hollywood.”  Antonio Corral Calero, Artistic Director for MOROCCANOIL, will share the inspiring story of MOROCCANOIL’s rise to fame with Hollywood’s A-list clients, as well as his own personal journey as a humble immigrant who came to North America with big dreams and suddenly found himself part of celebrity events and parties.  Tickets are $15 per person, and the spa requests your RSVP by November 23^rd.

The Inns are offering a Lake Escape Package for Spalidays.  Stay the night of November 30^th at a special rate and also receive a discount coupon book to the Mill Falls Marketplace, 15% off Cascade Spa services booked on November 30^th and December 1^st, and $10 off each ticket to the MOROCCANOIL Luncheon!

For more information or to reserve your spot at the luncheon, please call the Cascade Spa at 603-677-8620.  Start your holiday season refreshed and relaxed!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

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

Seven Deadly Sins Wine Dinner Returns to Meredith

Looking for a dining experience that’s so decadent it may just be sinful?  Look no further than Meredith, NH, where Lakehouse Grille will hold its annual seven-course wine dinner featuring delectable dishes paired with luscious wines from Michael David Winery, the makers of Seven Deadly Zins and many other fine wines.

The Seven Deadly Sins Wine Dinner will take place on Wednesday, September 21^st at 6pm in the new Carriage Room at Lakehouse Grille.  With its sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee, this beautiful part of Church Landing at the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls provides the perfect setting for a fabulous meal.  The evening will be hosted by Michael and Kristy Phillips, owners of Michael David Winery.

The event is a seven-course dinner, with each course named after one of the biblical Deadly Sins, also known as the Cardinal Sins or Capital Vices.  The dishes on the menu are so indulgent, they’re sinful!  A complementing wine from Michael David Winery also balances each course.  For example, the second course, “Pride,” is pan-seared monkfish medallions with Walker Farm corn sauce and Church Landing herb emulsion, served with a glass of Incognito White.  The dessert course is called “Lust” and features devil’s food brownie cake with raspberry butter cream and strawberry Chambord reduction.  Scary good!

The dinner is a great deal at $65 per person.  For reservations, call Lakehouse Grille at 603-279-5221 or visit theCman.com, and get ready for a sinfully good time!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: gfpeck at flickr.com

It’s “Back to Spa” Week at Church Landing

Now that the kids are settled in at school, parents in the Lakes Region are enjoying their own ritual to acclimate to the season.  A little pampering goes a long way after a busy summer, and the specialists at this Meredith resort are kicking off fall with great deals on amazing treatments to “relax, renew, and rejuvenate.”  Cascade Spa at Mill Falls is hosting Back to Spa Week right now, and there’s still time to get in on some of the specials being offered…

9/12 Massage Monday
10% off a 50-minute or more service and a FREE aromatherapy upgrade.

9/13 Two For Tuesday
Take advantage of two 50-minute services and get the 2nd one ½ off.

9/14 Wax-Off Wednesday
Come in for a Lip and Brow Wax and receive a FREE Chin Wax.

G.M. Collin and Clarisonic are offering complimentary skin analysis and sonic cleansing from 9am – 3pm, (30 min). Reservations are required—call today!

9/15 Toes On Thursday
10% off Classic & Lake Stone Pedicures and a FREE bottle of nail polish.

9/16 Facial Friday
Receive a FREE Lip Blooming treatment with any 50-minute facial.

Cascade Spa also celebrates many other occasions throughout the year—stay tuned for more great offers!  The spa can also be reached anytime at 866-719-0161 or 603-677-8620.  Enjoy your week!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Summer Fun in Meredith All Weekend!

If someone could only choose one weekend to be in the Lakes Region, this one just might be the best.  There are so many activities and events happening, at first glance it seems like it could be difficult to fit it all in, but everything is actually perfectly aligned so that visitors to Meredith can take in a variety of fun activities that provide the quintessential summer experience on Lake Winnipesaukee!

Come and dance the night away at Meredith’s annual Street Dance and Family Fun Night on Friday, July 29^th.  The evening starts with make-your-own sundaes, games, and activities at 5:30 pm in Hesky Park, followed by live music and dancing on Main Street with rock and roll classics performed by City Limits.  This great community event is perfect summer fun for all ages—bring the whole family!  If it rains, the party will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 30^th.

Also on Friday, July 29^th, The New Hampshire Lakes Association is hosting their fourth annual LakeFest at Church Landing from 5 – 8pm.  The non-profit organization works to ensure the quality of NH lakes for generations to come, with a focus on issues such as shore and watershed protection, water quality improvement, and fisheries and wildlife preservation.  The annual fundraising evening will feature live comedy from Rob Steen and Robbie Printz, who have both been seen on seen on Letterman, MTV, and Comedy Central.  Guests will also enjoy a silent auction with dozens of local and handcrafted items, as well as gourmet food and wine.  Come support a great cause!  Tickets are $50 for one, $75 for two, and can be purchased by visiting www.nhlakes.org or by calling 226-0299.

Of course, just like all Fridays this summer, there will be music in the Mill Falls Marketplace this week, as well.  Stroll through the many quaint shops of the Marketplace while enjoying an evening serenade in the courtyard from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.  This week’s featured musical talent is Woodchuck’s Revenge.

On Saturday, July 30^th, don’t miss the 38^th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show.  This gathering is quite a sight to behold, with all the beautiful vintage, antique, and classic wooden boats rolling in under their own power to the Meredith town docks on Saturday morning.  Over 80 boats are expected to be on display to participate in the juried competition at the docks in the afternoon.  In Hesky Park, there will be a large display of non-judged vintage boats on trailers, along with the new Field of Dreams sale of antique and classic boats.  Many of the boats will still be in town on Sunday, as well.

So, if you don’t have any plans for this weekend (or even if you do), swing by Meredith for a day or two.  With so much going on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—it’ll be well worth the trip!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image courtesy of The New England Chapter of The Antique and Classic Boat Society

Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival Returns to Church Landing for 6th Year

The Lakes Region is gearing up for one of the biggest parties of the season, with two fun nights of fabulous food, wine, and music on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee that will showcase wines from around the world while raising funds for two local non-profit organizations.

The Sixth Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival will take place on Thursday, June 23^rd from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom at Church Landing, where more than 100 domestic and international wines provided by over 20 vintners will be ready for sampling along with delicious hors d’oeuvres and appetizers.  These wonderful dishes will be prepared by several local eateries, including Lakehouse Grille, The Corner House Inn, The Coe House, Owen’s Farm Stand, Lago, and Camp.

The evening will also feature spirits and beer from local distilleries and breweries.  Peak Organic Brewing Company will be in the house, as well as Cisco Brewery of Nantucket, highlighting their Whale’s Tale Ale and Triple 8 martinis.  The freshly-mixed martinis will be served down an ice sculpture luge created by Jeff Day of Not So Plain Jane’s in Rumney and The Route 104 Diner in New Hampton.

Music for the event, which is hosted by The Common Man Family of Restaurants and The Martignetti Companies of New Hampshire, will be provided by the talented local jazz duo of Don Williams and David Tonkin, who play frequently throughout New Hampshire in various jazz ensembles and bands, and are also faculty members of the Concord Community Music School.

The Winnipesaukee Wine Fest 2010

Wine festival tickets are $50 per person, and all proceeds will benefit CHMM Community Caregivers and White Mountain Foster & Rescue.  Guests will enjoy the traditional raffle and live auction, and this year there are some great prizes up for grabs, including a seaside getaway in Nantucket, an overnight stay at Church Landing, and a getaway to an Adirondack-style cabin in Plymouth.  “It’s right next to our Italian Farmhouse,” says Diane Downing of the Common Man Family, who is organizing the festival.  “I did the décor on it…it is completely furnished in Adirondack style with a hot tub on the deck!”

The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls are helping out too, by extending a special rate just for the occasion.  With proof of your ticket purchase for the festival, a room at the Inn at Mill Falls is discounted from $169 to just $99.  You can wine and dine all night long and not worry about driving home!

The night before, on Wednesday, June 22^nd, a pre-Wine Festival Beach Party will be held at the Common Man’s Town Docks outdoor tiki bar, with some featured wines, tapas-style dishes, and live music performed by recording artist Robbie LaBlanc accompanied by Sal Rametta, Tom Teegan, and Mark Descoteaux.  Robbie has played with many Rock & Roll bands, including Toto and The Rascals, and now plays alongside his brother in a couple of local groups, as well as this annual gathering of talent.  “They are amazing,” says Diane, “They just pull together for this event, but all are amazing musicians in their own right.”  Admission to this event is free and a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the two organizations.

Join the fun while helping a good cause at the Sixth Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival!  For more information, visit thecman.com, or call 603-968-9330 to order tickets.  Space is limited and advanced tickets and reservations are strongly suggested.  For the special room rate at the Inns, please call 800-622-6455 and mention the Winnipesaukee Wine Festival.  Hope to see you there!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: dicktay2000 at Flickr.com

Get Out on the Water in the Lakes Region this Summer!

Whether it’s kayaking, touring on a cruiser, or jet skiing, there are many different ways to enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, and visitors to Meredith, NH can easily find the right watercraft to fit every mood thanks to this Lakes Region hotel.

The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have partnered with some great local boating sources to offer guests an unforgettable lake experience.  With Wake Up and Ride, visitors can take advantage of a chartered Malibu Wakesetter, which seats 10 – 12 people comfortably for water skiing, wake- or knee-boarding, and sightseeing cruises.  According to the company’s website, “If you haven’t experienced wakeboarding, you have been sleeping.  We are here to get you to Wake UP and Ride!”

Also available through the Inns are group lake tours and private charter cruises on Latitude 43’s  “Down East Cruiser.”  This custom-built luxury boat is large enough for 10 guests, but small enough to explore many areas of Lake Winnipesaukee that are not accessible to larger vessels.  A private cruise is flexible, allowing for course changes and stops in various ports around the lake for shopping or dining.  Picnics are welcome onboard, too!  What a great way to spend the day with family and friends!  For either the scheduled group tours or the private charters, guest boarding is available at the Church Landing Docks.

Nearby Squam Lake is beautiful, too, and guests are encouraged to visit this charming place where On Golden Pond was filmed, just seven miles from Meredith.  Experience Squam offers private excursions aboard a 23′ Sea Ray Bow-Rider, and guests can customize their adventures with a variety of options, including swimming stops, movie site tours, and sunset and stargazing cruises.  Visitors can even stroll through a swamp along a boardwalk to see some wildlife or pick native blueberries when they are in season!

For those who like to take the helm themselves, boat and jet-ski rentals are available through Meredith Marina, right next door to Church Landing.  Meredith Marina has one of the largest boat rental fleets on Lake Winnipesaukee, with 19’ Stingray Bow-Riders, 19’ deck boats from Hurricane, pontoon boats, jet skis, and canoes.  Don’t forget the water toys—Meredith Marina has skis, tubes, and boards, too!  They rent for any time period that fits guests’ needs, including half-day, full-day, multi-day, or multi-week, with discounts for early reservations and longer-term rentals, as well as a Mill Falls guest discount!

Looking for something quieter?  The Inns at Mill Falls have kayaks available for rent daily from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.  There is no better way to feel at one with the lake and get up close to nature than in a solo kayak!  Relax and rejuvenate!

Whatever your preference in boating, the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have you covered!  For most outings, reservations can be made at the front desk at Church Landing.  When booking your stay, don’t forget to reserve your boat or tour to make the most of your summer getaway!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of Meredith Marina