February 20, 2011, Family Snowshoe Adventure (Trailwalk Series) February 20, 2011

Time: 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Details: Join a guided family snowshoe hike through the wood and meadows of The Fells with Lake Sunapee Protective Association Education Director Kathleen Stowell. We will look for tracks and other signs of winter-loving animals. Bring own equipment. No registration required. Meet at Fells Kiosk. Free for Fells members/ $6 nonmember adults/$3 nonmembers 6-17/free under 6. Takes place at The Fells, 456 Rte. 103A, Newbury, NH 03255. For more information: 603-763-4789, info@thefells.org, http://www.thefells.org

February 17, SRKG Greenway Winter Hike-2011 Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

8:00PM - 10:00PM


Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition is leading a series of exciting winter hikes in the Lake Sunapee Region. Variety of terrain of conditions, including snowshoe and cross-country ski events. Free except for personal food, equipment and transportation the hike site; Open to all; Call the hike leader before the date of the hike for time and meeting place; A moonlight snowshoe hike following trails on the Cook and Deming easements; All participants must have snowshoes, warm clothing and headlamps with fresh batteries, poles strongly recommended beginning on Thursday, February 17, Friday, February 18 or Saturday, February 19th; Each hike is approximately 2 miles and about 2 hours in duration; moderate-not for novices; Hike leader is Dave Cook, 526-4570; sponsored by SRKG, ASPLT and New London Conservation Commission; http://www.srkg.com

3 Valentine Specials from 3 of our Country Inns

Valentines Day Dinner from the Inn at Pleasant Lake

Monday, February 14, 2011

Six-course prix-fixe dinner

$72 per person, not including tax, gratuity or beverages

Reservations Required

Appetizer

Chilled Poached Prawns

served over Polenta with Sherry Garlic Vinaigrette

Red Pepper Aoili and Crispy Leeks

Soup

Bisque of Butternut Squash & Granny Smith Apples

with Cinnamon Crème Fraîche and Poppyseed Pâte à Choux

Salad

Organic Baby Greens

with a Creamy Fresh Herb Dressing, Marinated Cucumbers

Prosciutto Chiffonade and Shaved Smoked Gouda

Caramelized Onion Bread with Whipped Butter

Entremezzo

Passionfruit Sorbet with Tart Cherries

Choice of Entrée

Filet Mignon of Angus Beef

served with a Sauce Périgourdine

and Red Onion Marmalade

~or~

Seared Crab Cakes

served with a Sherried Mango Vinaigrette

and Asian Shiitakes

Dessert

Individual Amaretto Cheesecake

with a Dark Chocolate Sauce and Raspberry Coulis

 Inn at Pleasant Lake ~ 1-800-626-4907

Pleasant St., New London, NH

Relax in our elegant ten room inn overlooking Pleasant Lake and Mt. Kearsarge. Gourmet Dining.

Website: http://www.innatpleasantlake.com

Be My Valentine, Feb 11-13 from the Rosewood Country Inn 

You'll win Cupid's Romance Award when you book our Valentine Getaway.

Come spend a romantic weekend in a secluded country inn. Sip champagne as you relax by the cozy fireplace in your room, or soothe yourself in a bubbling Jacuzzi-for-two.

Enjoy an afternoon of X-C skiing or snow shoe on miles of our woodland trails.

Take an optional sleigh ride over the river and through the woods.

Spend time with the one you love.

Three course candlelight breakfast included each morning.

Optional add-ons:

Chilled champagne and luscious chocolate dipped strawberries $50

Sleigh ride $25 pp

Rosewood Country Inn ~ 1-800-938-5273

67 Pleasant View Road, Bradford, NH

Rosewood Country Inn...selected time and again as America's Most

Romantic Hideaway.

Website: http://www.rosewoodcountryinn.com

Romantic Month of February from The Candlelite Inn

What a beautiful way to say, "I Love You" this Valentine's Day-and all month long-than a weekend at the award winning Candlelite Inn.

Upon arrival, enjoy our Indulgence Welcome Basket filled with Valentine treats and a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. Bedtime sparkling cider and sweetheart goodies wait in your room for that late night romance.  Wake up the next morning to tantalizing aromas coming from the Inn's kitchen.  Have your morning coffee in front of a warm and inviting fire in our turn of the century parlor.  A three course breakfast-with dessert-is served in our cozy Sun Room which overlooks the pond.  Explore the Lake Sunapee Region, or ski the slopes of Mt. Sunapee and Pat's Peak or try cross-country skiing, snow shoeing or tubing. Then back to the Inn for hot chocolate and Valentine sweets.  Later that evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at one of our fine area restaurants-reservations are required. (dinner is not included in the package) As you gently slip back into reality, memories will always last of the romantic stay at the Candlelite Inn.  $115 above room rate.

2 nights required on weekends.

Candlelite Inn ~ 1-888-812-5571

5 Greenhouse Lane, Bradford, NH

This award winning, country Victorian Inn has all the grace and charm for that perfect getaway.

Website: http://www.candleliteinn.com

February 5, SRKG Greenway Winter Hike

9:00AM - 12:00PM


Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition is leading a series of exciting winter hikes in the Lake Sunapee Region. Variety of terrain of conditions, including snowshoe and cross-country ski events. Free except for personal food, equipment and transportation the hike site; Open to all; Call the hike leader before the date of the hike for time and meeting place; Visit Andover's scenic small ponds including Hopkins, Elbow and Mudd on Saturday, February 5; 6 miles; Easy-to-moderate; Hike leader is Lee Carvalho, 735-5791; http://www.srkg.com

Featured Inn: Blue Goose Inn

603-763-5519 | #24 Route 103B, Mount Sunapee, NH

Charmingly intimate 19th century farmhouse evokes memories of Sundays with the family in a day gone by.

Website: http://www.bluegooseinn2.com

Before becoming a B&B owner, Margaret was a process engineer for 22 years before beginning a new career in Real Estate.  She has been in real estate for more then 8 years and owns her own brokerage, Sunapee Region Buyers Advantage; She is  an Exclusive Buyers Agent so Buyers Only. Ron has been a mechanical engineer for the past 35 years and looks forward to retiring in the near future when he can become a full time "innkeeper".  Ron and Margaret have owned the Blue Goose Inn for almost 4 years.

Margaret says in response to being asked why they wanted become innkeepers, "We were looking for a lifestyle that would keep us busy and on our toes as we look toward retirement from our "day jobs".  Innkeeping and the hospitality industry in general offers the opportunity to meet lots of great people and affords some flexibility in your "work schedule".

Margaret mentions she finds the most challenging thing about running a B&B is coming up with new ideas for their menu, She loves to bake.  They run a simple farmhouse style B&B and keep their menu simple with a few interesting twists.   Rons says, "Finding time to get to all the projects I'd like to work on.  More fencing and gardens and grounds work. "

Margaret really likes to walk and hike and there are so many great places right near by the inn.  Snowshoeing in the winter is a great break for them both while their guests are out skiing.  They both also really enjoy their kayaks whether they are on Lake Sunapee, or any of the beautiful smaller lakes and ponds in the area.  When they get their "seasonal breaks" in the spring and late fall they try to plan a trip away from the area to unwind.  They often visit their youngest son who lives and works in Las Vegas or they may travel a bit further to visit family in CA.  They took a great trip in Nov. 2010 and visited Utah/Zion National Park for a hiking trip.

Both Margaret and Ron share the house keeping duties most of the time, Ron is typically at work during mid-week periods so Margaret is on her own.  As far as the cooking goes, Margaret is the baker and prep cook and Ron is the cook every weekend!  Ron is also the maintenance man, landscaper, and all around "jack of all trades".  Margaret takes on the ironing duty as she always iron her linens to make sure the beds are really comfy.

Margaret says, "There is so much to do here year round.  Warmer months, motor boating, water skiing, days at the beach.  Kayaking, biking, hiking and picnicking!  In the fall these outdoor activities are even more enjoyable with the fabulous foliage we have. Come winter time there is downhill skiing at Mt. Sunapee, just 750' from our door to the entrance to the State Park, cross country skiing (ever right from our property)  snow shoeing, skating and sledding."

Margaret continues, "Many of our warm weather guests come for the outdoor activities and many for special events like weddings, bike races and the fabulous League of New Hampshire Craftsman's fair.  For the winter guests it's very often for the snow!  Skiing, and more skiing along with the other winter activities we've mentioned."

The Blue Goose Inn is a "Provider of Simple Comforts" and they do keep it simple but very comfortable.  They try to be very flexible and meet the needs of their guest's schedules.  They provide really great linens in their guest rooms to make sure the "BED" part of the B&B is really enjoyable.  And for the "BREAKFAST" part of the B&B they offer farm fresh eggs from a local farm as one option each morning and homemade pastries for breakfast and afternoon refreshments time.

Margaret says, "I love to bake!  I'm now baking fresh bread for our guests to enjoy.   Also, Ron is a beekeeper so the honey on the breakfast table comes from the Blue Goose hives.   A sample breakfast begins with coffee/tea/ or hot chocolate, homemade ginger scones and fresh bowl of homemade chunky applesauce .  Then for your main course;  bacon and your choice of farm fresh eggs cooked on the grill cranberry pecan French toast.   Many mornings our guests just can't decide and will have some of each."

Margaret comments, "We have guests in all age groups for all kinds of reasons.  We have young families, young singles getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as well as those aging baby boomers.  Again, we are a simple farmhouse and that appeals to all ages and interests.  We've even had newlyweds on occasion be we are not really focused on those "romantic getaways"!  We do have wireless internet and our rooms are set up to be suitable for business guests and we'd love to see more of them."

Both innkeepers say with enthusiasm when asked, What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast before? "Try it you will be in for a real treat!" Margaret and Ron's favorite thing about owning a B&B is meeting people from all over the country and all over the world and this gives them am opportunity to do that.

When asked, how do you think B&Bs differ from hotels and what makes staying at a B&B better Margaret says, "It's a totally different experience in that the mission of an innkeeper (speaking for Ron & myself) is to provide you with comfortable lodging and a great breakfast but to also assist you with getting the very most out of your visit to our region.   Hospitality is the key to B&B's & Inns.  Looking for great hiking trails, skiing venues, restaurants and more?  Want to know some of the history?  This is part of the service to all our guests along with the bed and breakfast.

Margaret says, "Ron and I are  the "innkeepers and our style is "farmhouse friendly".  You can sit in our breakfast room and watch the turkeys, birds, squirrels and chipmunks while you enjoy your breakfast.  You can sit by the fire in our cozy living room and enjoy a good book or the company of other guests who are visiting.  Because our inn is "simple and comfortable"  nothing real fancy, Ron and I focus on our guests.  Chatting and sharing information about our beautiful region and making every effort to meet your needs to make your stay here truly enjoyable is our greatest offering."

When asked, "What do you consider your signature dish? And tell us a little bit about it." Margaret replies, "WOW!  Just one?  Well, perhaps I'll give you a first course and a main:  cherry chocolate chip scones to start and cranberry pecan French toast to finish.  The scones are a French style scone so lots of butter and just a little sugar which makes them really moist and flaky.  The French toast begins with an artisan bread that is a pretty dense multigrain bread with dried cranberries and pecans.  It gets soaked overnight in Ron's own batter and then is grilled to a golden brown on the grill.  That French toast is great with pure maple syrup from the local farm where we get our eggs OR honey from Ron's hives."

Pat's Peak Annual Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge on Sunday, February 6th

The Annual Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge on Sunday, February 6th. Enjoy the free dual slalom race with your valid lift ticket, lots of giveaways, awards party & more. Racers of all ages and abilities compete against each other and racers from across the country in the hopes of a chance at the championships in April! Race Registration opens at 8am in the Main Lodge. The Race starts at 11am. The Awards Party kicks-off at 2:30pm in the Main Lodge. Bring your friends and family and “Do the Dew!”
http://www.patspeak.com/snow_report.php

Feb 4 &5, 11 & 12 &13, SKIT provides a Gershwin Musical Review Program

7:30PM - 9:00PM, Feb 4 &5, 11 & 12 &13
Sunapee-Kearsarge Intercommunity Theater (SKIT) presents 20-30 of George Gershwin's best-loved melodies such as - "S' Wonderful, S Marvelous" with proceeds used to New London Rotary and SKIT scholarship fund; 7;30 pm (Sunday, 2/13 at 2:30pm; Whipple Hall, New London; Tickets at Tatewell Gallery and Morgan Hill Bookstore; 


Tickets $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. $6 Call Tatewell Gallery at 526-2910 for ticket information and show times!


Sunapee-Kearsarge Intercommunity Theater (SKIT)  http://www.skitonline.org/

The Cast of GERSHWIN! A Musical Review 
(from the SKIT website)