Gallery of Gifts 2010

The Library Arts Center in Newport will once again host The Gallery of Gifts. The work of dozens of area artisans and crafters will be on display and for sale in a boutique-style fundraiser to benefit the Arts Center. The event features jewelry, pottery, fiber art, woodworking, and other fine craft, perfect for gifting during the holiday season. From November 12-December 18, Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm.

Runs from 11/12/2010 - 5/20/2011
For more information visit
http://www.libraryartscenter.org/

Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum Annual Winter Celebration

December 11, 2010

Time:    10:00AM - 5:00PM

Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum will hold it's annual Winter Celebration. Demonstrations of Twined containers, Northern powwow music, working with black ash. Make your own snowflake using black ash. Regular admission applies to galleries and activities. Visit our website for more details indianmuseum.org

Dream Catcher Store Sale. Fundraiser: large used book sale. Admission not charged to enter book sale or Dream Catcher Store.

Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people of today with 20,000 years of ongoing Native American cultural expression.

Contact: Shawn Olson, Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Road, Warner, NH 03278
456-2600 ext 223
email: director@indianmuseum.org
http://www.indianmuseum.org

An Interview with Linda and George West of Sunapee View Bed and Breakfast

Linda and George West say they have always enjoyed the results of hard work in their home and gardens as well as entertaining, but when one is working 40 to 60 hours in the traditional work place, there is little time left for that. With their B&B, the pleasure they find in planting gardens, cultivating fruits and vegetables, cooking up creative cuisine, creating a warm environment in their home and entertaining guests now becomes their work place.  They say they feel blessed to be able to earn an income doing things that they love.

George and Linda both have children from previous marriages. George has 4 children and 5 grandsons and Linda has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Our Wheaten Terrier, Molly, is the only young one at home at this point and keeps us hopping! She stays in the innkeeper’s quarters when guests are here.

George worked many years for the phone company working his way through the system to a management position. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Nazarene College. He retired in the mid nineties and took on many creative jobs following that from driving a truck and bus to being the caretaker of a small country pre-school.

Linda had previously worked many years as an RN, graduating from Mass General School of Nursing in the days of diploma programs, later getting a bachelor’s degree from UMass and eventually a Masters in Nursing Administration from Northeastern University. For most of her career, Linda worked as a nurse manager and later a case manager. She still works during quiet times at Dartmouth Hitchcock in their care management department.

They recognized that it was time to consider how they wanted to spend the next phase of their lives. They had talked about different businesses that they could do from home and focused on the meals and hospitality businesses. They ending up coming back to the B&B plan over and over and took a course through the Boston Center for Adult Education entitled “So you Think You Want to Run a B&B?.”  It focused on the very unromantic reality of being an innkeeper.

At the end of the weekend, they were one of the few who still answered “yes” to wanting to own a B&B!  Shortly after that, Linda’s daughter and son-in-law purchased the old stone barn next door to the Fells, John Hay Estate. They planned to renovate the barn into a vacation home and suggested that Linda and George purchase the original farm house from them for a B&B.  They visited, were a bit overwhelmed by the work needed to be done on the property, but fell in love with the area and are thrilled to have met their goals.

George and Linda purchased the property six years ago and relocated from Plympton, MA believing that they would have the B&B up and running quickly. The building was in greater disrepair than they had expected, and it took them five years to completely gut and renovate it. The innkeepers section was torn down and rebuilt initially and by the time they were done, every wall in the inn was replaced. They welcomed their first guests on Valentine’s Day of 2010.

Linda says, "Having a bed and breakfast with only 3 rooms is great in the sense that it can be managed without hiring staff to assist. The flip side of that is one always needs to be there or plan carefully for time away. Our home is also our business, so people may drop in anytime to ask for a tour or check to see if there is a room available. We are learning to be creative about how we manage our time so that we can be sure that our guests have the best personalized attention, while still being able to enjoy time for ourselves. "

When asked, "What do you do on your time off?" Linda says, "We both enjoy the outdoors. We turned in our sailboat for kayaks when we moved up to NH and meandering through quiet waterways is a favorite summer past-time. We also enjoy many of the same things that our guests enjoy-hiking, music events and theater. During the winter we love the beauty of the area and especially enjoy cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. George piles the winter snow into a huge mound at the top of a hill and has as much fun as the grandkids tubing down! George enjoys singing and is a first tenor. He sings in the church choir and other local seasonal choirs as well as with the Sunapee Singers, South Church hand bells and a Doo Wop group. "

Linda feels that their skills complement each other well. George is able to fix just about anything. He loves doing the heavy outdoor work and has purchased a tractor for the many outdoor jobs that their very overgrown property required.  He finds the snow plow on his old Tahoe a great way to spend a snowy afternoon. Linda is the cook, decorator and gardening person.  Both pitch in to do the cleaning.

George thinks The Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region is a great area for outdoor activities from downhill skiing to water sports.  Cultural events including community theater, concerts, art and literature abound. The Fells, John Hay Estate is just a short walk from their door and offers quiet woods walks, beautiful gardens and a wealth of educational and outdoor events.  Mount Sunapee Resort is well known for its ski conditions and ski school programs and offers events throughout the year. Lake Sunapee State beach is just 4 miles from the door with its beautiful beach area.

Linda says, "There are probably as many different reasons as there are people that guests choose Sunapee View Bed and Breakfast.  This particular summer, is the summer of weddings for us.  We have been surprised by the age groups of people choosing our B&B. We had anticipated that the age group staying in B&B’s would be fifties and up and have been pleasantly surprised that in addition to this age group, we are appealing to many generation X and Y folks.  They tell us they find our décor more to their liking and appreciate the flat screened TV’s in each room. We have welcomed bridal parties, newly-weds, overflow company from nearby homes, skiers and just people driving through the area and deciding to stay.  Our goal is always to provide personalized service to our guests. We recognize that what we may like when traveling is not necessarily what our guests like, and we try to make the experience personal to them."

Linda finds that having a commercial kitchen in their B&B, opens up many possibilities. They offer a complimentary dinner on the night of arrival for all two night and longer guests. When they travel, they often find it bothersome to arrive late after work on a Friday and have to head out to find a restaurant only to discover that in rural settings they may have closed at 8:30. Their guests are able to settle in and enjoy a simple supper. This is usually soup or stew in winter or grilled chicken and salad in summer with homemade bread and dessert.  In addition guests are able to request special dinners, picnics or meals for additional cost. Linda says they have a very special brunch that has been served to wedding groups.

When asked, What would you say to people who have never stayed in a B&B? How do you feel B&B’s differ from hotels? Linda says, "Try it! Long before we owned a B&B, we heard concerns of friends when we suggested we stay at a B&B on a group trip… “You don’t have any privacy”…”I don’t want to share a bathroom”…etc.  Each of our guests has their own bathroom, and a spacious one at that. 

Our innkeeper’s section is in an attached wing of the house with our own kitchen, so there is no need to feel that you are sharing someone else’s space.  We have never stayed in a hotel or motel where someone knew our names, that we were allergic to strawberries, liked a cheese tray with our glass of wine in the afternoon, or cookies and decaf tea prior to bed. A personal approach while respecting one’s privacy is what it is all about. "

Sunapee Views B&B offers a full breakfast each day always starting with a fruit dish followed by warm comfort food.  Fresh fruits from local vendors or their own garden are mixed into breads and muffins or sprinkled on fruit dishes.  Snacks are available during the day based on preferences. Cheese and cracker plates are left in the guest refrigerator for those enjoying a glass of wine by the fire at the end of the day or homemade cookies are left out with coffee or tea prior to retiring for the night. In addition to the complimentary dinner on arrival, they offer dinners for additional charge that are a bit more elaborate. Linda says, "A perfect reason to stay in by the fire on a snowy night!"

Linda thinks they are not sure that there is just one dish that stands out that they cook yet as a signature dish, but they say, "keep reading the monthly recipes and highlighted inns on NH Country Inn Website. When their turn comes up for a recipe,  Sunapee View B&B will have a yummy strawberry banana French toast that makes one say mmmmmmm…….!"

Sunapee View Bed and Breakfast

603-763-4212 | 348 Route 103A, Newbury NH

Website: http://www.sunapeeviewinn.com

There's a beautiful view every season at Sunapee View Bed & Breakfast. Located just down the road from the Historic

Fells estate in Newbury.

Baked Eggs with Summer Vegetables from the Candlelite Inn

 

1-888-812-5571 | 5 Greenhouse Lane, Bradford, NH

Website: http://www.candleliteinn.com
This award winning, country Victorian Inn has
all the grace and charm for that perfect getaway.
 

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
• 1/2 tsp oregano minced
• 1/2 cottage cheese, small curd
• 5 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• butter
• tomato slices
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into pieces*
• 1 medium summer squash, cut into pieces*
• salt & pepper to taste

*you can put as much or as little of each in.

Method:

• Put a pat of butter in a sauté pan and melt; add the zucchini and summer squash. You only need to cook it until it get limp. You will be baking it in the oven to finish cooking.
• In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, salt, pepper, basil and oregano.
• Stir in the cottage cheese, half of the parmesan cheese and the vegetables.
• Divide the mixture between 4 mini quiche dishes.
• Place a slice of tomato on top and then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Serves 4.

Inn to Inn Snow Shoe Advenbture

Jan 14-16^th and March 4-6^th. Experience the warm hospitality of two award winning New Hampshire inns as you spend a cozy winter weekend in the Lake Sunapee area. This inn-to-inn adventure promises to be the right combination of physical activity in the crisp outdoors and wonderful indoor pampering. We start our adventure at the Rosewood Country Inn where we will have a brief orientation followed by a hearty, four course dinner. In the morning we'll enjoy a three course breakfast before heading out on our journey. We'll venture out by snow shoe (or hike, depending on snow conditions) over peaceful forest trails as our guide leads the way from one charming inn to the next. You'll take along trail lunches as your innkeepers shuttle your luggage to our next inn. In the evening we'll enjoy the quiet comfort, warm hospitality and gracious hearty meals at the Candlelite Inn. Your package includes 2 nights lodging, hearty country breakfast each morning, fireside dinner each evening, guided snow shoe trek, trailside lunch on Saturday and luggage shuttle. Rate is $299 pp/do (snow shoe rental an additional $20 if needed).

 

Marilyn Gordon
Candlelite Inn
5 Greenhouse Lane
Bradford NH 03221
888-812-5571
www.candleliteinn.com
Elegant, yet warm & friendly

Christmas at The Fells: Santa's Workshop

November 6-7 and 13-14, 2010 

10am-3pm

The Fells Main House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is transformed into Santa's Workshop by seventeen teams of professional interior designers, decorators and talented volunteers. 

Santa's elves have been busy gathering toys to delight the fancy of all--there is something here for everyone! Get inspired by fireside stockings overflowing with treats and brilliantly lit trees decorated with the most festive and precious collections of holiday adornments. Tour this popular holiday showcase and visit the Shop where a fine selection of holiday gifts awaits the most discriminating buyer. 

Tickets, adults: $20, children $5. Call 603-763-4789 x3 for information about private tours, rentals and group discounts. http://www.thefells.org

Twin Doors Bed and Breakfast's Baked Eggs Florentine

Serves 6 

Ingredients: 

• 1 package (10 oz. or a little less) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry- I usually 
• microwave for 4-5 minutes 
• 1 cup cottage cheese  
• 1/2 cup light sour cream 
• 8 large eggs, I use x-large 
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 
• 1/4 teaspoon of freeze dried chives 
• Pepper 
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese-I use Cabot's seriously sharp 
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Method: 

• Preheat oven to 350.   
• In large bowl combine seasoning and cheese products and mix well.   
• Add spinach and mix well.   
• Beat eggs in a separate bowl and add to mixture.  
• Pour in non-stick sprayed 8"X11" baking dish.   
• Bake, uncovered for 40 minutes or until eggs are set.   
• It will brown around the edges and on bottom and a bit on the top.   
• Let stand for 10 minutes.   
• Cut into squares.   

It is easy to cut the recipe in half or double, etc. as amounts do not have to be "exact".  This recipe makes a nice neutral dish which goes with all breakfast meats and fruit dishes. 

Twin Doors Bed & Breakfast

603-763-2236 | 49 High Street, Sunapee, NH

Website: http://www.twindoors.com

Romantic accommodations with four modern

queen/king guestrooms plus ideal location - walk to

Sunapee Harbor waterfront activities

& 3 miles to award winning Mt Sunapee skiing & riding

An interview with Dick & Lesley Marquis, Innkeepers of the Rosewood Country Inn

Leslie and Dick just celebrated their 19th year of owning the Rosewood. Prior to running the B&B, Lesley was in charge of research and development for chemistry instrumentation at a medical center in Rhode Island for 21 years. Dick was in charge of the laboratories at another hospital in RI.

Lesley says her favorite thing about owning a B&B is meeting all the wonderful people and making new friends. Some of our best friends started off as guests. I also enjoy making each guest's stay special and as perfect as possible.

When asked why they wanted to run a B&B, Leslie replies, "I'm the oldest of 7 children and my Dad passed away when I was 24. I still had younger brothers and sisters at home. One by one, we'd take them in as they made their transition from living at home to being on their own...almost. So I guess you could say we've run a "B&B" almost all our married lives."

Leslie muses, "For me the most challenging part of running a B&B is separating myself from the business. It's not that we're not able to get away; we take an extensive vacation every year. But even when we're away I'm  thinking of new ways we can heighten the guest experience. On an early spring trip to Vermont we stopped at a wonderful little nursery. They had done such a nice job with their container gardens that it got me thinking. We got in touch with our County Home Horticulture Bureau and we set up a Mother & Daughter Weekend with a container gardening workshop with a Master Gardener, and a Spring Tea."

Leslie says, "Days off in the summer are spent gardening. "I guess you could say it's my passion in life, right after my grandchildren. Years ago when we moved here our neighbors from RI sent us perennials from their gardens so we started a "Friendship Garden" along our stone wall. Now, we're able to share many seedlings and cuttings from our garden for guests to take home. Tell me you like our mallow, or our yellow sun drops, and they'll be a pot full of them by your trunk before you check-out. Dick enjoys fishing, both fresh and saltwater and hunting."

An enquiry about are there certain things that you and your significant other prefer to do at your B&B and how do you split the tasks to be done returns from Leslie, "As I mentioned, I love gardening, so Dick doesn't venture into the flower beds.  He enjoys the mowing so I leave that to him. We do share time with the guests. He helps to serve breakfast in the morning, while I'm the chef. He takes care of the books while I'm in charge of answering the phone, taking email reservations and sending our confirmations. The bar is also his domain. He makes the world's best apple martini."

Leslie says, "The Rosewood is a great place to visit because its in the perfect location! We have downhill skiing at both Mt. Sunapee and Pat's Peak, We have snow shoeing and X-C right from our back door. With West Meadow Stables within walking distance, we're able to offer sleigh rides in the winter, hayrides and horseback riding. There are 2 colleges close by, and the summer offers scenic cruises on Lake Sunapee, a romantic dinner cruise in the evening, a wonderful summer theater in New London, craft fairs, Farmers' Markets. There's always something going on."

When people think of the Rosewood, they think romance. They have a reputation as a romantic inn...cozy fireplaces in almost all the rooms, Jacuzzis-for-two, five foot doubled-headed showers. And we specialize in small, intimate weddings. Leslie comments, "Guests say it's the caring service and the hospitality. They come as guests and leave as friends." The Rosewood appeals to a broad range of people...newlyweds and romantics, bikers and hikers and baby boomers.

When asked, What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast before? Leslie says, "Try it. It's so much more personal than staying in a hotel where every room is the same as the next." She also comments, "At a hotel or motel, you're checked-in and given your key. It's pretty anonymous. I think that most people that stay at B&B's are interested in socializing with the other guests and making new friends. They want our opinion on places to see and things to do. We can share with them the special, out-of-the-way places to swim or picnic. Or places that have the best vantage points to see the fall foliage. We also do a full, three course breakfast."

Leslie also adds, "We're big believers in "farm to fork" dining and using local produce as much as possible.  During the summer I personally pick the berries for our Raspberry Stuffed French Toast and our Blueberry Stuffed Croissant at one of our local farms."

Leslie comments, "Each B&B is unique. I don't think any two are the same. Here at the Rosewood we do lots of theme weekends. Coming up we have our Dickens Christmas Weekend with a festive holiday dinner and a storyteller. We also have sleigh rides and snow shoeing right from our back door. In the spring we do our Mother & Daughter Weekend with a gardening workshop with a master Gardener and a four course Victorian Tea."

Rosewood Country Inn

1-800-938-5273 | 67 Pleasant View Road, Bradford, NH

Website: http://www.rosewoodcountryinn.com

Rosewood Country Inn...selected time and again as

America's Most Romantic Hideaway.

January 28-30, 2011 : New London Winter Carnival

Friday, January 28, 2011
Dinner with Jack FrostThis is the 5th Annual event and is a Fun Family Function!
As a family you will snowshoe or sled around the New London Town Common via tiki torches to 6 - 8 designated bonfires. Each bonfire will be a sponsoring restaurant from town which will provide one of their trademark entrees, beverages and/or desserts for your family.  There will be a large tent in the middle of the town green with a band playing for your enjoyment.  6pm- 8pm, New London, NH Town Common, Snowshoe Rentals available through Rec. Dept. and Village Sports.
2011 Info on rates, etc. will be on www.campfiredining.com soon.  That site also lists the other events similar to this one going on in the area.  One at Eastman, one in Lebanon and one in Hanover.

Saturday, January 29, 2011
NESJA Ski Joring EventNew London Town Common (daytime)

Saturday, January 29, 2011
Snow BallAn adult dance set under the tent on the town green in New London, NH
more info coming….

Sunday, January 30, 2011
NESJA Ski Joring EventNew London Town Common (daytime)
New London Rec. Department.  Chad Denning:  603-526-4821
www.nesja.com  (Ski joring website)