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 »

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 »

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

Columbus Day Weekend – The High Point of Autumn in NH

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH are in for a treat this weekend, as the weather is predicted to be warm and sunny, and the fall foliage is starting to display its brilliant, changing colors.  It’s the perfect time for a drive to the White Mountains or around Lake Winnipesaukee!

“This year’s fall foliage show is a little different, in that its splash has been steady, rather than an explosion of color we’ve seen in other years,” says Jayne O’Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions.  ”What this means for visitors is that there will be a long patchwork of yellows, oranges and, of course, the bright reds that are the signature of the season.”

The high point of fall in NH has long been Columbus Day Weekend, when peak colors often coincide with the three-day holiday.  For many local businesses and attractions, the foliage combined with the nice weather should provide a boost in this year’s tourist season, which weathered a few challenges over the summer.

“For many of our attractions, the summer of 2011 was on track to be above what it was in 2010,” O’Connor says.  ”July and August were very strong, but that momentum was sidetracked when tropical storm Irene paid a visit.   It took us a couple weeks to repair roads and replace bridges, but everything is open and we are back on track welcoming visitors for the foliage season.”

Travelers can find the best colors by taking the scenic routes.  “Fun itineraries for visitors include following the color along what used to be called ‘shun-pikes,’ like Route 153 through Madison, Route 112 through Kinsman Notch, or Route 117 over Sugar Hill,” says O’Connor.  A good resource is also New England Times online foliage tracker, which has been updated recently to show changing to peak colors throughout the state right now.

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH can also enjoy the Sandwich Fair while on their foliage excursion.  This annual tradition has taken place for over a century, and is one of the biggest fairs in New England.  With dozens of 4-H exhibits, food contests, tractor shows, and even a poetry reading, Sandwich Fair truly has something for everyone.  All the fun is listed on the fair’s website here.

Wherever you decide to wander this weekend, you are sure to experience the quintessential, picture-perfect New England fall.  Don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: Glass_House at Flickr.com

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

Alton Old Home Day: a Lakes Region Tradition

This weekend, the Town of Alton, NH will be celebrating its roots, and the entire community is coming together with a variety of events that the whole family will enjoy.  With a vintage boat show, a craft fair, a parade, and a free concert at the bandstand, the weekend promises to conjure summer celebrations of yesteryear.

On Saturday, August 13^th, Alton Old Home Day will begin with a 5K Road Race at 9am.  This run is on a USATF Certified Course featuring computerized timing, traffic control, and prizes to runners in various categories, not to mention one of the most scenic runs in New Hampshire!

If you missed the 38^th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show at Meredith Town Docks a couple weeks ago, you have another chance to see some beautiful boats this Saturday at the Vintage Boat Show, organized by The New Hampshire Boat Museum as part of the Old Home Day festivities.  Several classic boats will be docked and on display from 9am – 12pm.  Come and vote for your favorite in the 2011 People’s Choice Award!

The Alton Old Home Day Craft Fair will be held from 9 am – 5pm at the Alton Bay Community Center and Railroad Square Park.  Admission is free, and visitors can find a vast selection of handmade New England items, including fine wood crafts, candles, fleece, stoneware pottery, Native American jewelry, fabric art, quilts, doll furniture, scroll saw fretwork, and handmade soaps.  The craft fair continues through Sunday, as well.

New this year is a public trail opening on Saturday at noon.  The John Racine Recreational Trail is the newest addition to the public trail system linking Alton Bay to the Alton Traffic Circle.  This new trail is located off of Depot Street and is a scenic, wide trail that is great for bikes, strollers, walking and running.  Alton is a pedestrian- friendly town that encourages folks to “leave the car behind and get outside, enjoy nature and exercise for better health.”

“Remembering the Past” is the theme of the Alton Business Association’s Old Home Day Parade, which takes place at 2:30pm and winds through the center of Alton, ending in Alton Bay.  This is a “good old fashioned parade” featuring individuals and businesses from the local community with floats and walking exhibits.  There’s a good chance of seeing some classic and antique cars, too…

The day wouldn’t be complete without music, and The Echo Tones will be at the bandstand with some fun party music—their own mix of oldies, classic rock, country, and blues.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this special summertime treat by Lake Winnipesaukee!

If you are visiting the Lakes Region this weekend, you might want to swing by Alton Bay on Saturday… a day like this is the epitome of summer in New England!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Family Fun Aboard the M/S Mount Washington

View from the M/S Mount Washington's web cam, 7/14/11, 7:55pm

Families visiting the Lakes Region of New Hampshire in the summer have many pastimes to choose from, and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee is among the favorite activities of locals and tourists alike.  From a quiet kayak ride to a dinner dance cruise, there is a water activity for everyone.  But for families, the M/S Mount Washington offers something extra special.

On Fridays in July and August, Mount Washington Cruises hosts Family Fun Day.  This activity-themed day cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington offers parents and children a chance to explore Lake Winnipesaukee while enjoying entertainment geared for the young crowd.  The ship’s mascot, Monty the Mallard, will be on deck to meet the kids, along with a special guest, who may be a magician, a clown, a puppeteer, or storyteller.  On Friday, July 29^th, Captain Radical will take over the ship for a pirate party, complete with a treasure hunt, pirate stories, and games.  A special princess tea party will take place in August.  Adults can enjoy the cruise while the children have fun with the crew!

Another family-friendly event also takes place on the M/S Mount Washington on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer—Family Party Night!  At this festive evening of dining and dancing, there is always a special entertainer for the kids on the Main Deck, and dancing to live music for adults in the Flagship Lounge on the second deck.  Folks of all ages can enjoy a buffet dinner as the ship cruises for two and a half hours around the lake.  What an elegant way to spend time with loved ones!

Celebrate summer with a quintessential cruise on the big lake aboard the M/S Mount Washington, and create lasting memories for everyone in the family!  For more information on these or many other fine cruises, please visit the Mount Washington Cruises website or call 603-366-5531 or 888-THE-MOUNT (888-843-6686).

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of Mount Washington Cruises

Fourth of July Festivities in Meredith

Meredith Village is going to be hopping this weekend, as preparations for the much anticipated summer holiday get under way under blue skies and warm sunshine.  With fun events and activities lined up for Monday the 4^th of July, Independence Day on Lake Winnipesaukee promises to be a fantastic celebration for folks of all ages.

The Meredith Lions Club is planning its annual Rubber Duck Race to take place on Monday afternoon.  This spectacle is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and benefits many local charities.  At 4:30pm, over 4,000 yellow duckies will tumble down the waterfall at the Mill Falls Marketplace and float to the finish line just past the footbridge in Hesky Park.  Tickets for cash prizes will be on sale until 3:30 that day, and the grand-prize winner will take home $1000.  The duck race is quite an amazing sight—don’t miss it!

Hesky Park on the lakeshore will be the place to be in the evening.  That’s where Occasional Brass & Strings will perform for a patriotic audience beginning at 7:00pm.  Then, at 9:30, everyone will be looking up as the 4^th of July fireworks begin to light up the night over Meredith Bay and the sounds of the celebration ring across the lake.

Bring your family and friends to Meredith this weekend to enjoy a quintessential New England 4^th of July holiday on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

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