Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival Returns to Meredith

Don’t miss the feel-good event of the year—two fun nights of fabulous food, wine, and music on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee that will showcase wines from around the world, along with fabulous food from local restaurants—all while raising funds for a local non-profit organization.

The Seventh Annual Winnipesaukee Wine Festival will take place on Thursday, June 21^st 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. To accompany these great wines, several local eateries will be preparing delicious hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. Guests can sample wonderful dishes from Lakehouse Grille, The Corner House Inn, Lavinia’s, Owen’s Farm Stand, Lago, Camp, and Town Docks.

The evening will also feature an ice bar with spirits and beer from Cisco Brewers of Nantucket. The Brewery will be offering samples of their Whale’s Tale Ale and Triple Eight Vodka, with the latter being freshly mixed into martinis that will be poured down an ice sculpture luge created by Jeff Day of Ice Designs. Read the rest of this entry »

NH Holds First Annual Statewide Restaurant Week May 18 – 25

For the past several years, communities across the country have organized their own local Restaurant Weeks, when participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus to encourage diners to step out and try something new or visit an eatery they might not otherwise try. These events started in larger cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, and have recently become popular in smaller cities and towns where there are lots of great bistros, cafés, and cantinas to choose from. In New Hampshire, foodies have been able to enjoy Restaurant Weeks in Portsmouth, Manchester, Keene, Concord, Nashua, and Dover for some time, but this year marks the first-ever annual statewide Restaurant Week!

Restaurant Week NH will kick off on Friday, May 18^th at participating eateries throughout the Granite State. More than 100 restaurants are already on board for this eight-day event, which will feature prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner from a variety of popular dining spots. To fit different budgets from fine dining to quick and casual, there are three levels of pricing, the event website lists all the participating restaurants with an icon of one, two, or three forks for each restaurant. One fork means $10 lunch and $15 dinner, two forks means $15 lunch and $25 dinner, and three forks means $20 lunch and $35 dinner. All pricing includes three courses, usually an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Read the rest of this entry »

Get Your Laughs at Comedy Night at Church Landing

The feel-good event of the year is back—Kidworks Learning Center is once again 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 6^th, two nationally renowned comedians will perform at Church Landing as part of the Comedy Night fundraising event. This is the second year Kidworks is setting the comedy stage as its annual fundraiser. In previous years, the learning center has hosted several fundraisers on a smaller scale, such as bake sales, book sales, and Yankee Candle drives, but last year’s big event inspired the organization to bring Comedy Night back to the Meredith community. The evening begins with a cash bar at 7pm, followed by an 8pm comedy show featuring Robbie Printz and Steve Guillmette. 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 »

The Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby Returns to Meredith Bay

Although this weekend’s Pond Hockey Classic changed locations due to the warm winter and resulting questionable ice conditions on Lake Winnipesaukee, the forecast calls for colder temperatures in the coming week, and officials have decided to keep the annual ice fishing derby on for next weekend!

The Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby will take place as planned on Meredith Bay next Saturday and Sunday, February 11^th – 12^th. Now in its 33^rd year, the derby is one of the most well attended events in New Hampshire. Fishermen, their families, and friends gather in Meredith from all over the country and overseas in hopes of snagging the heaviest Meredith Rotary-tagged rainbow trout and claiming the grand prize. Read the rest of this entry »

Outdoor Winter Activities at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Bringing the family to the Lakes Region for a weekend getaway or planning your winter school vacation? In addition to the ice skating, skiing, and sledding that’s abundant in New Hampshire, there are some great outdoor activities at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center that are sure to keep inquisitive kids engaged while they get some fresh air and sunshine this winter!

This Saturday, January 7^th, come to Holderness for the Bird Banding Open House from 9am – 12pm. For the past 30 years, the scientists at the Center have captured and banded birds at the Squam Lakes feeding station on the first weekend after the New Year. Visitors are welcome to drop in anytime during the morning and learn about the common birds that are winter visitors, why they are banded, and what insight is gained from tracking these wild creatures.

For those who wonder what happens to the other animals at the Science Center in the wintertime, there are several guided tours scheduled throughout the season. Every Saturday and Sunday from January 14^th through March 4^th, join others for a Wild Winter Walk from 10am – 12pm, when a staff naturalist will guide visitors on the Gephart Exhibit Trail and discuss the many ways native animals are well adapted for winter life in New Hampshire. Bring your snowshoes or borrow some at the center, and be ready to see some beautiful wild animals in their winter coats! 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 »

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

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