A New Hampshire Snowshoeing Adventure on About.com

From About.com, New England Travel, March 2011

© 2011 Bob Curley

Two of the greatest pleasures associated with travel are the thrill of discovery and the joy of learning something, and the "soft adventure" snowshoeing weekend hosted by a pair of New Hampshire bed & breakfast inns put a best foot forward on both counts.

The Rosewood Country Inn and the Candlelite Inn of Bradford, NH, are only about 3.5 miles from each other, which wouldn't make for much of a hike on a summer morning, but it is plenty far enough for a half-day outing on snowshoes--especially for rank amateurs like the five couples who met at the Rosewood Country Inn on a Friday night in 2011 for welcome cocktails and a brief introduction to the sport (yes, it’s a sport) of snowshoeing.

We were greeted warmly by innkeepers Dick and Lesley Marquis: Dick worked the bar serving wine and Guinness, while Lesley passed the hors d'oeuvres. The weekend kickoff revealed that our group ranged from relatively sedentary fifty-somethings to dedicated marathoners--in short, the perfect group to test what kind of shape you need to be in for snowshoeing.

Continue to read the article at: http://gonewengland.about.com/od/newhampshire/ss/New-Hampshire-Snowshoeing_2.htm

Sunapee View Bed and Breakfast

Sunapee View Bed and Breakfast ~ 603-763-4212

348 Route 103A, Newbury NH

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

Website: http://www.sunapeeviewinn.com

 

Located in the heart of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, Sunapee View B&B offers year-round spectacular views and easy access to Mount Sunapee & Lake Sunapee activities.

Each room has a spacious, private bath and egress to a deck or balcony. The inn is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway.

Once a part of the historic John Hay Fells Estate, the inn was completely renovated during 2009.

The old apple orchard has been brought back to life, fresh vegetables grow in the garden, and you may find some home grown berries and fruits mixed into muffins or sprinkled on breakfast.

Enjoy a wealth of four season activities in the region. Fine dining, shopping and cultural events abound. Hiking trails, water sports, downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and golf are just some of the nearby outdoor activities. We welcome you to sit by the fire, enjoy the views and play in the great outdoors of

the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Area.

A full breakfast is offered every day. An elegant and gourmet repast with fresh homemade breads and muffins. Lighter fair is always available for those who might wish, a selection of yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and oatmeal.

We offer a complimentary chef's choice dinner between 6 and 8 PM on the night of arrival for guests with reservations staying two nights or more. This is a simple supper such as homemade soup, stew or roast chicken and salad. We do not have a liquor license, but you are welcome to bring a favorite bottle of wine or other beverage to have with your meal. We do have a small guest refrigerator and glassware for your use. Other dinners or picnic lunches may be arranged in advance for additional charge.

Please let us know at time of booking if you have any food allergies or any other dietary restrictions. We are happy to accommodate special requests.

Coffee and tea are available at all times as well as fresh fruit and other snacks during the day and evening.

Area Quilt and Knit Shops

The Dartmouth Sunapee Area has a wealth of local quilt shops. as well as some of our area inns host quilters and quilt workshops. 


Please stay tuned throughout the year as packages and workshops are announced.


Autumn Harvest Farm and Quilt Studio

77 Johnson Ln. Grafton, NH 603-632-9144

Constant Quilter

139 Pancake Rd., Andover, NH 603-735-4100

http://www.constantquilter.com

Country Spun Treasures

711 Flaghole Road, Andover, NH 603-934-3885

http://www.countryspuntreasures.com/

Essential Knits

428 Main Street, New London, NH 603-526-8533

http://www.essentialknits.com

Dorr Mill Store

Rt. 11, Newport, NH 800-846-3677

http://www.dorrmillstore.com/

Fiber Studio

9 Foster Hill Rd, Henniker NH 603-428-7830

http://www.fiberstudio.com

Hodgepodge Yarns & Fibers

Belknap Ave., Newport NH 603-863-7195

Pins and Needles

31 River Rd. , Sunapee Harbor, NH 603-763-2031

Skyeview Alpacas

102 Wilmot Center Road, Elkins, NH 866-759-3843

http://www.skyeviewalpacas.com

Sunshine Carousel Quilt Shop

Sawyer Brook Plaza, Route 10, Grantham, NH 603-863-5754

http://www.scqs.com

Quilted Threads

48 Main Street, Henniker, NH 603-428-6622

http://www.quiltedthreads.com

Trumbull House Bed and Breakfast

Trumbull House Bed and Breakfast ~800-651-5141

40 Etna Road, Hanover NH

The Trumbull House B&B offers luxury country lodgings and sumptuous breakfasts just four miles from Dartmouth College.

Website: http://www.trumbullhouse.com

 

Trumbull House Bed & Breakfast offers luxury country lodgings just four miles from Dartmouth College and three miles from the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Situated on 16 lovely acres, it boasts beautiful grounds and glorious guest bedrooms. Whether traveling on business or for pleasure, you'll find a stay at The Trumbull House B&B to be one of your most enjoyable travel experiences.

Each of our six bedrooms has ultra-luxurious all-cotton bedding, luxury down pillows and comforters, private baths with big thirsty towels, cable TV with VCR and DVD players, high-speed wireless internet access, clock radios, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and air conditioning. Unique in layout and décor, you'll find window seats, sleeping alcoves, small libraries with interesting reading material and generous desk areas. Our Suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, perfect for families. Our Guest Cottage provides a romantic haven behind the main house.

Bountiful breakfasts are served whenever you wish, accommodating both early morning meetings and lazy vacations. Breakfast begins with fresh fruit and freshly baked muffins, scones or coffee cake. The menu offers a wide assortment of entrees including popular selections like buttermilk pancakes, tomato/basil/brie omelets, poached eggs on wheat toast, and granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries.

Our Business Center provides 24-hour complimentary access to a computer, printer/scanner and fax facilities. High speed wireless internet access extends throughout the house and to the immediately adjacent grounds.

Our sixteen acres include a large swimming pond, basketball half-court, target golf course, gardens and sitting areas as well as hiking trails that link to the Appalachian Trail. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding and ice skating keep our cold weather enthusiasts happily occupied. Golf, canoeing, downhill skiing and other recreational activities are less than 15 minutes away. This winter the snow is coming early and looks great for skiing. We have snowshoes available for guests use to encourage you to explore our grounds and the local trails!

Twin Doors Bed and Breakfast

Twin Doors Bed and Breakfast ~ 603-763-2236

49 High Street, Sunapee, NH

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

Website: http://www.twindoors.com

Twin Doors Bed & Breakfast is located at 49 High Street, Sunapee Harbor, NH in the heart of the Dartmouth - Lake Sunapee Region, an easy 90 minute trip from the Boston area. With just four guest bedrooms, we specialize in superb service and hospitality in a relaxing and romantic setting.  All guest rooms have a queen or king bed, individual heat control, A/C and ceiling fan, private bath with Jacuzzi tub or shower, hair dryer, TV, DVD and wireless Internet. You will be served a full hot country breakfast plus enjoy our afternoon home-baked treats, all included for $129 – $165 per night, double occupancy.

Historic charm with modern comfort - Twin Doors Bed & Breakfast is a classic turn of the century cape style farmhouse built in 1900 when Sunapee Harbor was a thriving Victorian mill town and Summer tourist community located along the Sugar River and the shores of Lake Sunapee.  Originally built as a duplex, hence the two identical front doors - "Twin Doors", the house, in 2007, underwent an extensive renovation and modernization with the guests needs and comforts in mind. Each room is uniquely decorated to capture the spirit and charm of a New England Lakeside village. Today, its historic charm blends perfectly with all the modern guestroom comforts.

Great location year around - Twin Doors is ideally located for all of your summer and winter activities. You will be a short stroll to the Sunapee Harbor waterfront and a 5 minute drive to Mount Sunapee Resort. As our guest, let us advise you on the current nearby activities or just relax - enjoy your favorite movie or special DVD, curl up in the parlor with a book from our library or enjoy the view and soak up the warm afternoon sun from a rocker on the front porch. From all of these places you can take advantage of our wireless internet.

March 2011 Events around the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee Region

Saturday, March 5

16th Annual Chocolatefest 2011, 12-3pm

Chocolate Fest offers many of the area's premier chocolate treat experts providing you a challenge to select what you think is best! Family Fun at Wheeler Hall, Ware Campus Center, Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, NH; Tickets $10 each, children 5 and under are free; 12 noon - 3 pm, voting ends at 2:30 pm http://64.140.221.126/pcalendar/pcalevent.cfm?Event=552&calid=1&progname=index.cfm

Saturday, March 5

SRKG, JOURNEY ALONG Sunapee Ridge to Lucia’s Lookout to appreciate the unique view seen only by dedicated trekkers. Call Gerry Gold, 526-2857. 10 miles, difficult.

http://www.srkg.com/winter_schedule_2011.htm

Sunday, March 13, 2011

5th Annual Dummy Big Air Contest, Mount Sunapee Resort Newbury, NH

Homemade dummy skiers and snowboarders are shot down the runway and launched off a huge jump. Great spectator event. Prizes awarded for best designed dummies, biggest air and best crash.

Time:   All day,  For More Information: Call 603-763-3500

http://www.mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/onthemountain/upcomingevents.asp?action=view&id=384&date=3/13/2011#events

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Pats Peak Pond Skim -- Henniker, NH

Either participate or watch the fun at Pats Peak Ski Mountain. Try to skim across the man made pool of water; costumes are required to participate. There are prizes for best costume, best splash, and best skim. You can choose to either ski or snowboard across--don't miss it. Location: Flanders Road. Time: Registration is 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.; events starts at 1 p.m. Cost: no entrance fee, but purchase of a lift ticket is required. Information: 888-728-7732 or visit http://www.patspeak.com.

Saturday, March 19, 2011 to Sunday, March 20, 2011

New Hampshire Maple Weekend -- Various Towns throughout NH

During the fourth weekend every March, over 50 sugar houses across New Hampshire open their doors to visitors. Take the opportunity to tour maple orchards and sugar houses and learn how maple syrup is made. Taste free samples of maple products and fill up on pancake breakfasts. You can also gather sap with horses or oxen, take a horse-drawn hay ride, watch a sap gathering contest or tour barnyards to see common and exotic animals. For locations, hours, and other information: 603-225-3757 or visit http://www.nhmapleproducers.com.

Thursday, March 24

Backyard Wildlife, This presentation highlights a dozen wildlife species commonly seen in the Upper Valley. Participants learn cool animal facts and how the diverse mix of habitats in our region supports species such as American woodcock, painted turtle, pileated woodpecker, wood frogs, little brown bats and other captivating creatures. Free. Advance registration not required. Meets at The Fells Gatehouse. Sponsored by The Fells and University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. 4-5pm http://www.thefells.org/calendar

March 4-7, 2011, Area Inn Chocolate Fest Packages, Annual Chocolate Lovers Weekend

16th Annual Chocolatefest 2011, March 5, 12-3pm
Chocolate Fest offers many of the area's premier chocolate treat experts providing you a challenge to select what you think is best! Family Fun!; at Wheeler Hall, Ware Campus Center, Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, NH; Tickets $10 each, children 5 and under are free; 12 noon - 3 pm, voting ends at 2:30pm; Co=sponsored by Colby-Sawyer College and Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce; Call 603-526-6575/877-526-6575 or email chamberinfo@tds.net; 603-526-6575 for more information including participation or sponsorships! Park in Main Street and follow signs to Ware Campus Center; http://www.lakesunapeenh.org

Colby Hill Inn ~ 1-800-531-0330

The Oaks, Henniker, NH

Website: http://www.colbyhillinn.com

Colby Hill Inn, Annual Chocolate Lovers Weekend, March 4-7, 2011

• Two-nights' lodging
• In-room chocolate gift
• Breakfast each morning
• Elegant chocolate tea each afternoon
• Chocolate Cooking Class
• Saturday Evening Gala Dinner with Chef’s Special Chocolate Creation Dinner

Weekend package starting at $433 per couple

Rosewood Country Inn ~ 1-800-938-5273

67 Pleasant View Road, Bradford, NH

Website: http://www.rosewoodcountryinn.com

Rosewood Country Inn, Chocolate Fest, March 5

Colby-Sawyer College and the Lake Sunapee Regional Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor the 16th Annual Chocolate Fest. This tradition, anticipated by chocolate lovers across the region, will feature some of the Lake Sunapee area's most celebrated creators of chocolate desserts. The celebration of sweets will be held on Saturday March 5, 2011. Last year's event drew over 400 chocolate lovers.

Package includes:

-Hearty country breakfast each morning

-Tickets to the Chocolate Fest

-$15 pp over room rate