Celebrate Winter in the Lakes Region this Weekend

The ice rink at Bay Point is ready!

With snow finally covering the terrain and ice thickening on the lakes, it definitely feels like winter New Hampshire! And with special events happening throughout the Lakes Region, this weekend is the perfect time to get out and celebrate the beauty of the season…

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia has a couple of fun outdoor events this Saturday, January 19^th. The Snowshoe Fitness Walk, which takes place from 10 – 11 am, takes hikers on a trail that winds through the majestic farm forest with stunning winter scenery. Snowshoes are available for those who don’t have their own. Prescott Farm will also be open in the afternoon for a free Family Sledding Party from 12:30 – 3:00. Bring your own sled and Prescott Farm will provide the snow-covered hill and a toasty campfire! Folks are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy in the farm’s “green” building, where hot cocoa, s’mores, and other light snacks will be available to purchase. Read the rest of this entry »

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by Shopping Locally

The day after Thanksgiving in the United States has long been referred to as “Black Friday,” a day when retail stores across the country hold big sales and welcome throngs of holiday shoppers looking for that special deal. However, in recent years, the day has become more of a mass exodus to the big box stores and national chains as folks line up early to be among the first to get their hands on limited offers for big ticket items. Some of these big retailers have begun to open earlier and earlier each year for the event, with several now opening on Thanksgiving evening to get a jump on the Black Friday craze, disrupting employees’ holiday time with family and causing smaller retailers and “Mom & Pop” stores to suffer as their customers flock to the well-hyped super sales. In response, several small merchants, together with American Express®, organized Small Business Saturday, a day when everyone is encouraged to shop locally while taking advantage of some special offers as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts a “Favorite” in Meredith

If you’ve ever been to Meredith and the Mill Falls Marketplace, chances are you’ve strolled by Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts as you’ve made your way by the famous waterfall. And chances are you couldn’t resist coming in to take a look at all the beautiful, handcrafted items that are on display in this open, bright, and airy shop. Indeed, the store itself is a work of art as it highlights the artistic creations of over 500 artists from across the country, and features pieces that can be used and enjoyed in our everyday lives.

“Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts opened its doors in May of 1994 with a focus on quality American handcrafts from the beginning,” says Katheryn Rolfe, owner of this unique store, which is committed to showing people how easy and gratifying it is to integrate art-quality craft into our lives. The shop started in a space of approximately 900 square feet and has since grown to about 2000 square feet, with several small increases over the years as surrounding shops moved away. This allowed Oglethorpe to increase its space without having to move. Says Katheryn about her spot in the Marketplace, “I absolutely love my location with the views of the pristine waterfall and brick walkways.” Read the rest of this entry »

Labor Day Weekend Events in the Lakes Region

Music in the Mill Falls Marketplace

Relaxing in the Lakes Region of NH this holiday weekend? Besides the abundance of summertime activities that are still going strong, there are some fun special events happening to celebrate and cap off the season as we shift into fall…

Music in the Mill Falls Marketplace – Stroll through the shops of the Mill Falls Marketplace or just relax outdoors while enjoying a summer’s night serenade. The Craig Jaster Jazz Trio plays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in the courtyard of this beautiful and historic market that was once an old linen mill. The Marketplace played a major part in revitalizing the village of Meredith, which is now a destination on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair at the Bay – The 23^rd Annual Labor Day Weekend “Craft Fair at the Bay” will be held at the Alton Bay Community House and along the waterfront of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton this weekend. Over 100 Juried craftspeople from all over New England will display and sell their works, which include pottery, fine jewelry, primitive and folk art, photography, wood carvings, metal sculpture, blown glass, and so much more. Admission and parking are free, and Alton Bay is also accessible by boat! Read the rest of this entry »

Meredith Becoming Another NH Antique Alley?

When folks think of heirloom and period piece shopping destinations, New Hampshire’s “Antique Alley” on Route 4 in Northwood usually comes to mind, but there are a few other little towns in the Granite State that have a growing antique and art market, including this quaint village on the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Located in the heart of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Meredith is near a lot of old farms and family camps, which have transformed into treasure troves for antiques over the years. Meredith has also become a thriving destination town, thanks to its one-of-a-kind hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as a lively assortment of events throughout the year. This is a winning combination for antique shops and art galleries in town.

Ted McGuigan recently opened Antiques at Meredith Bay, a new shop on Main Street with a view of the lake. “I opened in February and I’ve been doing well,” says Ted. “Business has been very, very good.  I’m very pleased with Meredith and how it’s promoted.” Ted credits The Greater Meredith Program and the Meredith Rotary Club for supporting the town with various events during each season. “Not many towns do that, so it’s a major plus.” Ted’s customers are tourists as well as local residents, and he carries items that are sourced locally in the Lakes Region. The shop features a wide range of items, from miniscule collectibles, to marble-top tables, to gold and estate jewelry.  Says Ted, “A little bit of everything, something for everybody’s taste, hopefully.” Read the rest of this entry »

Country Carriage a Longtime Favorite at the Mill Falls Marketplace

The vintage counter and glass cases at The Country Carriage

Stepping into the historic Mill building at the Mill Falls Marketplace is like taking a trip through time. The wooden floors and beams show their age and beauty marks from as far back as the early 1800s, but the old and new mingle here seamlessly, bringing a timeless quality to the shops that now inhabit this old linen mill. One of these shops seems to have been born out of the evolution of the mill, melding perfectly with the ambiance of the building. Indeed, The Country Carriage, with its rustic American theme, is the flagship store, having been here since the mill was renovated into the Marketplace in the early 1980s.

Gail Putnam has owned and managed The Country Carriage for nearly 28 years, “since before the first [Mill Falls] Inn was even built,” she says. The Mill Falls Marketplace opened with a handful of stores in 1984, and in June the following year, the ribbon was cut at The Inn at Mill Falls. “I have personally been here this entire time,” says Gail. “I think we are the first—well the only—original store and store owner.” Some of the other stores have been at the Marketplace from the beginning, but have changed hands since that time. Read the rest of this entry »

A Special Thanksgiving Retreat in Meredith Village

Come to the Lakes Region this year for a nice old-fashioned Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.  An extended getaway to a quaint NH village is the perfect way to honor the season of the harvest and give quiet thanks for the important things in life, and the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls are offering a unique package to help you savor a relaxing and full Thanksgiving experience.

The Thanksgiving Village Retreat includes two nights accommodations, a grand Thanksgiving day buffet with all the traditional trimmings prepared by Lakehouse Grille at Church Landing from 11:30 am – 5:00 pm, late afternoon turkey sandwiches in the lobbies of Church Landing and Mill Falls, breakfast each morning at one of the Inns’ restaurants, and a discount coupon booklet to the Mill Falls Marketplace.  There are also big-screen TVs in the cozy Church Landing lobby for watching the big football game!

With the delicious food, quiet atmosphere, and no clean up, you can enjoy a laid-back Thanksgiving with your loved ones, then start your holiday shopping in the Marketplace, where you will find a much more relaxed experience than at the big box stores and malls.

For more information and reservations, click here or call the Inns at 800-622-6455.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: bobosh_t at Flickr.com

2011 Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival

This weekend, Meredith Village will come to life with live music, delicious food, and beautiful works of creativity as Main Street and the Mill Falls Marketplace are transformed into an outdoor art gallery featuring the works of over 70 local painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, photographers, and quilters.

The Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 27^th and 28^th amongst the Meredith Village Shops and the Mill Falls Marketplace.  This annual event, organized by the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce, is an outdoor, juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and fine crafts.  Now in its 32^nd year, the festival has gained a solid reputation among New England artists and craftspeople, making it the largest quality arts and crafts event in the area.  Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of exhibits, including wildlife photography, metal and wood sculptures, stained glass, handmade jewelry, baskets, leather works, and abstract and traditional oil painting and watercolors.  All items in the show are original creations, and the artists will be available to meet with customers and talk about their craft.

Throughout the entire weekend, art lovers can enjoy live music as they browse the many booths.  Marc Elbaum and Christine Chaisson will play jazz, classic rock, and great American songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s on both Saturday and Sunday.  At 10am on Saturday, Mr. Phil, also known as Phil the Clown, will entertain folks of all ages with his unique blend of comedy, magic, and balloon tricks.  Phil and Janet Sanguedolce, who play classic folk and rock, will also be performing on Saturday.  On Sunday, Matt Smart will play modern blues and southern rock, and Jeremy and Amy Mathison will fill the air with their style of modern acoustic music.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for this special event, but shuttle bus service will be available and will run continuously both days.  On the north end of town, there will be plenty of parking at Prescott Park, as well as at Belknap Family Health Center on Rt. 3 at the south end of town.  The shuttle will pick up passengers every 15 minutes and deliver them right to the festival!  The shuttle service and admission to the event is free.  For more detailed information, contact the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce at 603-279-6121.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce

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

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