Disney Institute Offers Professional Workshop in Meredith

Walt Disney was a creative genius who, along with his brother Roy, redefined the rules of business while building his entertainment empire.  The success of the Disney brand is unmistakable, and business owners and professionals in New Hampshire wishing to improve their companies’ performance would be wise to attend a workshop based on Disney’s organizational strategies taking place in the Lakes Region next week.

“Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence” is a full-day event that will be presented by the Disney Institute and the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 4^th at Church Landing at The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls.  This renowned professional development program will teach professionals proven and adaptable Disney business philosophies and techniques, allowing them to drive business results, retain employees, and satisfy customers.  The training will offer several easy-to-implement approaches in five core areas: leadership, people management, quality service, brand loyalty, and creativity.

“This is our first event offered through the Disney Institute,” says Karmen Gifford, Executive Director at the Chamber, noting that the group has not been in New Hampshire for about seven years.  “It is a unique opportunity, or as Disney says, ‘magical.’”  The workshop costs $399 per person and includes a light breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.  “This is a excellent chance for businesses to have their staff participate and learn about Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence without paying the cost for airfare to Orlando, lodging and meals,” continues Karmen.  “As part of the program, one lucky attendee will win a chance to attend the Disney Institute program in Orlando, Florida at a later date.”

Karmen says the day program is very well organized and led by two Disney facilitators.  According to the Disney Institutewebsite, the group has “inspired leaders to change not only their business practices, but also to examine their business issues in an entirely new light. Like them, you will find your organization has more in common with Disney than you ever imagined.”

Supercharge your profession and “experience the business behind the magic” of Disney while enjoying a spring day on the shore of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee!  As of today there are 150 seats still available.  To register for the event, visit the Chamber website or call (603) 524-5531.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Get Your Laughs at Comedy Night at Church Landing

It’s the feel-good event of the year—Kidworks Learning Center is teaming up with The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls and Meredith Village Savings Bank to bring the Meredith community a night of comedy and merriment to benefit the children of Kidworks.

On Friday, April 22^nd, two nationally renowned comedians will perform at Church Landing as part of the Comedy Night fundraising event.  Kidworks has previously hosted several fundraisers on a smaller scale, such as bake sales, book sales, and Yankee Candle drives, but this is the first major event for the Center.  The evening begins with a cash bar at 7pm, followed by an 8pm comedy show featuring Tom Hayes and Rob Steen.

Tom Hayes is a quick and witty performer who has performed stand-up comedy at the Comedy Connection and Nick’s Comedy Stop in Boston, Catch a Rising Star in New York, Second City in Chicago, and the Bermuda Comedy Club.  He is a winner of Showtime TV’s “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” award.

Rob Steen got his start as a street performer in Boston at the age of 12, honing his skills as a juggler and improv performer.  Since then he has been featured on several TV shows, including The Late Show with Dave Letterman, where he is a frequent guest.  Rob’s act has been compared to Robin Williams’ due to his fast-paced delivery and quick wit, and his high-energy show brings audiences together with a unique style of house participation.

Tickets to the show are $20 per person and include a 2-for-1 dinner entrée coupon, which can be redeemed at Lakehouse Grille, CAMP, Lago, Mame’s, or Giuseppe’s on the evening of the show. The tickets can be purchased at Innisfree Bookshop and Meredith Mobil Station, or by emailing michelle@millfalls.com.  Ticket sales are currently going strong, but there is still time to get yours!  If they haven’t sold out by Friday, tickets will be available at the door the night of the event.  The Inns are also offering special guest-room rates upon request for that night.

“We are confident it will be fun night out, everybody loves to laugh,” says Michelle Brown, a member of Kidworks’ Board of Directors.  “We are also grateful to the local restaurants for providing the added value to our tickets with the addition of a buy one entree get one free.”

When asked how the organization came up with the idea to do a comedy show, Michelle replied, “Several local organizations host their major fundraisers in March and April, and the tickets range from $45 – $50 per person.  We needed ours to be different and reasonably priced.  A comedy event provided a great platform for what we were looking for.  Rob Steen at North Shore Comedy has been great to work with in helping us get off the ground.”

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls for this fundraising opportunity,” added Jennifer Weeks, Executive Director of Kidworks. “We thought a comedy show would be a great night out for the community and families.  The children will be helping make the centerpieces for the event as part of their community project.”

Proceeds from the show will go towards improving the Kidworks Learning Center facility and future programs.   According to their website, the mission of the Kidworks Learning Center is to provide high-quality early childhood education and childcare programs at an affordable cost to families.  For more information, call Kidworks at (603) 279-6633.

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 »

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

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

Meredith Blacksmith Creates Beauty Throughout the Lakes Region and Beyond

Step into the Mill Falls Marketplace or Church Landing at The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, and the first thing you’re likely to notice is the beautiful metalwork that enhances the charm of the historic structures.  These stunning pieces were crafted by local blacksmith David Little of Winnepesaukee Forge, who has been honing his craft in the Lakes Region for almost three decades.

“I guess I refer to myself as an artist-blacksmith,” says David.  “I do all sorts of different types of work, from sculpture, furniture, railings, and fireplace screens, to beds and gates and custom light fixtures.  There’s a bunch of my work at the Inns.  The first stuff that we did was for the Mill Falls Marketplace.  I did all the railings in the center that take you up and down the different floors in the old mill building, and some little in-fill panels, and that was some pretty early work.  That was in the early 80’s.”

More recently, David crafted some artisan pieces at Church Landing.  “I did some handmade fireplace screens in a rustic pine motif in the lobby and for the big fireplace in the Flagship Ballroom,” he says.  “I made a rustic railing that’s on the front steps, the first thing you see and touch when you go into the Inn at Church Landing.” Read the rest of this entry »

Cascade Spa at Mill Falls Offers the Highest Quality Products and Services

Have one conversation with the Cascade Spa Director and you’ll know just how special this place is.  Martha Zyla has been at helm of this unique spa since in opened in 2005, and she just can’t contain her excitement and enthusiasm for all the wonderful things they offer to guests of the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, as well as the people of Meredith, NH.

Located in tranquil Church Landing on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Cascade Spa sets an example of respect for nature and whole-person wellness for its guests.  Martha has made a distinct effort to provide environmentally friendly products and services in an eco-conscious setting that honors the interconnectedness of true well-being.  All of their highlighted product lines are all-natural, vegan, and exclusive to Cascade Spa in the Lakes Region. Read the rest of this entry »

Pet-Friendly Rooms at The Inns—Helping Many Animals In Need

For over two years, The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have been pet-friendly, offering rooms at two of their Inns to guests who prefer to travel with their pets rather than leave them behind on vacations.  But it’s not only guests and their pets who benefit from this service—animals at The New Hampshire Humane Society do, too!

Pet-Friendly accommodations at Church Landing and the Inn at Mill Falls are available for an additional $25 fee per pet, which covers a portion of the 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 appreciation for all the good work they do, and so far have donated over $4,000 to this worthy cause!

The Inns also offer pet sitting services to allow guests some time to go out to dinner or shopping, while knowing that their loved ones are safe and happy!  On site are special pet walking and play areas, and there are lots of open spaces and several doggie waste stations throughout Meredith.

When planning your next trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, don’t worry about what to do with your pets… bring them along—Meredith is a pet-friendly town!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image Credit: Mel B. at Flickr.com

Enjoy Some Quiet Time in a Kayak

Even summer getaways can be busy.  There are so many fun things to do in NH, it’s difficult to fit it all in.  Vacationers often find themselves a little stressed, especially when doing lots of high-adrenaline activities, over-scheduling their days, or simply negotiating summer traffic.  Don’t forget an important part of your break—rest and relaxation.  Get away from all the hustle and bustle while taking in the natural beauty of this region with a gentle kayak cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Don’t have your own kayak?  No worries.  The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls offer kayak rentals in Meredith Bay all summer.  These personal crafts are available to be launched from the Church Landing waterfront daily from 7am – 3pm.  Paddle wherever your spirit guides you and take a deep breath.  You are now one with the lake.  You might even be able to get close to some loons…  This is the good life!

Find your calm center amid the whirl of summer by floating quietly on the water.  The power of the paddle is in your hands.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: FreeWine at Flickr.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