Yes, it is that time of year when backpacks are filled and the children all head back to challenge their minds and meet the friends they have missed all summer. I remind myself to watch for the buses, and all the kids waiting on the rural roads. What a beautiful day to start, the weather here is PERFECT!! Now, what will I do with all this extra time on my hands…..hmmmm? Today, a field trip to a yarn shop in Newburyport!!
School is starting, watch for all those little ones crossing the street.
August 30th, 2010 by Janel Martin
Apple picking time in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
August 25th, 2010 by Janel Martin
We are coming upon my favorite time of the year. The weather gets cooler, the trees start to prepare for their magnificent show and apples are ripe for the picking. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by apple orchards that have pick-your-own for those who want the full experience. McKenzie’s Farm in Milton, NH has many varietes of apples, one of which is Honey Crisp, so juicy and sweet. Great for eating, baking and just about anything one could think of. Jock is very knowledgable on his apples and will even take you on a hay ride down to the lower orchard. What fun for the kids!!!! I could not think of a better way to get kids to eat more fruits than taking them apple picking. Then, once home, make a batch of apple sauce together or maybe a pie!!
Butternut Farm in Farmington is just a little further down the road, and along with apples they have peaches galore. They have wagons to pull small children and fruit around as you go about the beautiful lanes of fruit trees picking these fall treasures. Pick up some apple salsa or cider, all made from their apples.
Have you caught the farming bug? Head on over to the New Hampshire Farm Museum just down the road from McKenzie’s and take a tour of the grounds and the house. Well worth a stop, and their gift shop is filled with NH Made products to take back as a momento of your trip.
Here is any easy scone recipe to use some of those fresh picked apples:
Wakefield Inn Apple-Oat Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup each AP and Whole Wheat),
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats (quick cooking are o.k.)
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 whole apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 egg
1 cup heavy cream
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together and then toss in apples to coat. If you wish you can also mix in some walnuts or pecans for added interest. Whip together egg and cream, then add to dry mixture and fold together in as little strokes as possible. 5 to 6 is optimum. Turn out onto floured surface and form into two rounds about 6″ in diameter. Cut each round into 4 or 6 pieces (your choice) and place on a baking stone or baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
For a quick glaze mix together maple syrup and powdered sugar to a thick consistency and drizzle over warm scones, let set until dry to touch. ENJOY!
Cooking Classes for All, hands-on learning and tasting.
August 9th, 2010 by Janel Martin
The summer is going by fast, and my mind turns to the fall and beyond, and putting together the schedule for the cooking classes. This year I will offer 3 different days and times for the classes to allow more flexibility for the busy lives everyone leads. There will be a Wednesday Evening class from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, a Saturday morning class from 10:00 am-1:00pm and a Tuesday morning class from 10:00am-1:00pm. The classes are set in a series of six to eight, and can be taken in succession or just one or a few and the cost is $50. I cover different french techniques in each class, so one could take just a specific class that they were interested in without taking the whole series.Some of the classes will have a theme and others will focus on a type of cooking, or food group. Of course I am always open to suggestions and am willing to put together a customized class. The 2 hour class is hands-on, with some techniques demonstrated and then those who wish can try their hand at it. All the classes are for any experience level, and each class offers something for everyone. Following the cooking portion of the class is an hour of enjoying all the wonderful items made paired with a wine, and Q&A session as well. Everyone will leave with recipes and enthusiasm to go home and try something new.
Fall class of apple stuffed pork
The class schedule is updated often, and new classes are added throughout the year, so check back often. Summer will be the only time that classes will not be offered, since the kitchen is just too hot for most people, and we are busy serving our summer dinners as well. We will also offer kids classes during school breaks and are for ages 8-14.
Please feel free to call and discuss any specific questions or concerns you might have or to register for one of our classes. Our classes are also a fun bridal shower or girlfriend get-away, and we would be happy to put a weekend package together for your group.
Blueberry season in New Hampshire..so many tasty possibilities.
August 4th, 2010 by Janel Martin
Read the rest of this page »
I just love blueberries of any kind; high bush, low bush, wild or cultivated. There are many in New England that are very particular about their berries, I think that each have their own redeeming qualities, and shine in different ways. The high bush or cultivated kind are easy to pick, easy to freeze, last longer when fresh (that is if you do not eat them all real quick) and make great sauces and jams. The wild blueberries are fantastic in muffins, scones, pancakes and any application where you do not want to get a large cooked berry squishing out. They do freeze well as long as they are not handled much before hitting the freezer, though they tend to have a shorter fresh storage life.
New Website & Blog for Wakefield Inn
July 23rd, 2010 by Janel Martin
Wakefield Inn is pleased to announce the launch of our new website and blog, designed and hosted by InsideOut Solutions.
Boating in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
July 11th, 2010 by Janel Martin
It is hot this week in new Hampshire, 98 on the thermostat was the high, and they say it feels like 100. Being a chef, I love the heat and say “bring it on”. For all of you who wish for cooler days, and are thankful for the invention of air-conditioning, taking a boat ride on one of the lakes might provide a little relief from the dog days of summer.
In Wolfeboro, take a ride aboard the Millie B antique boat, and enjoy the wind in your hair as you tour Lake Winnipesaukee.
Take a ride on Millie B!
Then hop on Molly, the trolley for a 45 minute narrated tour of the “oldest summer resert in America” and step off at stop number 28 for an ice cream at Bailey’s Bubble. After a stoll on Main Street, get back on the trolley and head over to the NH Boat Museum.
Are you a fan of the movie “On Golden Pond”? In Holderness, Cindy O’Leary of Experience Squam Private Boat Excursion will take you for a tour of Big Squam where the movie was filmed. She provides ice, cooler, blankets, towels and loads of knowledge; just bring your camera, drinks and something to eat and enjoy the splendor of Squam Lake.
See the bald eagles
See a bald eagles nest, loon habitat, stop at a public island for a swim or stop at ‘jumping rock’ for a daring dip into the crystal clear waters of the lake. She grew up on the lake and was there when they filmed the movie, so she can give you some behind the scenes knowledge. Check out our “On Golden Pond Package” and experience the lake that made the list: ’100 things to see before you die’.
We are happy to arrange any boat tour ahead for you and your family, and can also get the picnic lunch ready for a day out on the water. Call today to get you boating fun started.
Squam Lakes Science Center is fun for all ages.
June 30th, 2010 by Janel Martin
Love nature and want to see the beauty of New Hampshire? Looking for something to do with the kids or grandkids this summer? Well look no further than the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, NH.
I know what you are thinking, science, sounds too boring for the kids, they are on school break and do not want to learn. That could not be further from the truth. There is a nature trail where you will see native NH animals in their natural habitat. Learn about raptors, black bear, white tail deer and otter. In the Gordon Children’s Activity Center there is a play area where they can imagine they are a gopher and climb through tunnels, or a spider climbing on a giant web, and much more.
Four trails to explore, adventure awaits.
Expect to spend 3-4 hours exploring the trails and stopping at the exhibits of the animals along the way. If you get hungry, Kirkwood Cafe set in the beautiful Kirkwood Gardens is a nice place to stop for a rest and some refreshment. After lunch take on of the guided Science Center Lake Cruises on the canopied pontoon boat, and see Big Squam from a different angle. There are binoculars available for getting that up-close view of loons and other wildlife on the lake.
Want something faster and more private? Are you looking for a way to let the kids cool off in the lake and still see some wildlife? Then Experience Squam private boat tours is for you. Cindy O’Leary will take you on a tour of Big Squam, tell you about growing up on the lake, show you the location where they filmed “On Golden Pond” and even give you some behind the scenes tidbits. She will take you to see the Bald Eagles Nest, nesting loons and even to some great swimming locations such as jumping rock, to cool off. Bring along the food and beverages and she provides the ice, towels, blankets, and binoculars so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of Big Squam lake.
Mother Loon and babies.
After a long day of adventure, come back to the Wakefield Inn for some relaxation. Sit on the front porch and watch the world go by while rocking your cares away. Play a game of chess, or work on a puzzle with the kids. Watch the movie “On Golden Pond” and recognize the places you just visited, we will supply the popcorn. Check out our new Experience “On Golden Pond” package, and let us plan your visit to the lakes region of New Hampshire.
Great Waters Music Festival 2010 has arrived.
June 25th, 2010 by Janel Martin
For those who love music, and especially when performed in an outdoor setting with a view, look no further than Great Waters Music Festival. Every summer under an acoustical performace pavilion, set on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire; Great Waters Music Festival attracts regional and national artists for concerts and even a folk festival. The pavilion can seat up to 800 people and all seats have an unobstructed view of the stage.
Come help kick off their 16th year!!
This year starts off with “Pops Celebrate America” on July 9th at 8:00pm. Conductor Peter Mansfield and the Great Waters Pops Orchestra will present favorite patriotic and American music, and of course the always popular 1812 Overture. July16 will be the John Pizzarelli Quartet, a Tribute to Duke Ellington for those jazz fans out there. Coming on July 23, The Ultimate Doo Wop Show, The Drifters, Vogues and Marcels sounds like a fun evening.
In August, the month starts out with Eliza Gilkyson & Cheryl Wheeler on Friday, August 13. Next up will be the annual Benefit Dinner and Auction on August 19. An evening of food, music and a singing auctioneer to fund the continuation of the Great Waters program into the future as well as scholarships. Then finally the 9th Annual Great Waters Folk Festival on Saturday, August 28 from 2:00pm-11:00pm. Spend the day enjoying such artists as Aztec Two Step, Red Stick Ramblers, Mindy Smith, Anais Mitchell and many more.
- Food, Fun and Feel Good!!
Book your tickets with Great Waters directly online, and then plan to make an evening of it by dining at one of the great Wolfeboro restaurants. Some of the choices are Mise En Place at 96 Lehner Street, featuring an eclectic mix of flavors from all over the world; Garwoods Restaurant and Pub right on Main Street serving seafood, steaks, salads and burgers overlooking the lake; or the newly remodeled Wolfe’s Tavern at the Woleboro Inn for your not so traditional tavern faire.
If you wish to make a weekend of it, we have just put together a package for a 2 night stay, a 5-course dinner in our restaurant with wine and tickets to see the concert. (subject to availability of course) This package for 2 people in our best available room, with section A seating at the concert is $429 +tax. Just enter in promo code greatw2010 when booking.
If you happen to be in the area on Tuesday, August 31 there will be a free commuity concert featuring the US Air Force Band of Liberty, which will end the 16th saeson of the festival.
Mountian Biking and Cycling in New Hampshire's Lakes Region
June 16th, 2010 by Janel Martin
A great way to see the area is on the back of a bicycle. Ride by lakes, mountains, farms, fields and through quaint New England towns. Wakefield was awarded “Bicycle Friendly Community” and we have bicycle maps available at the Wakefield Inn for easy to difficult rides through the country roads that surround us. Below is just one sample of the trail maps we have for our guests.
Sniff the Flowers trail
If you do not want to travel with you bike, no worries. The Nordic Skier has rentals avialable for both road/performance and mountain biking. They are located right in Wolfeboro and are near the Cotton Valley trail. They have maps available for trails in the area, and after a long bike ride you can cool off at the town beach or get an ice cream at Bailey’s Bubble.
Want a little more adventure!! Try mountain biking at Back Country Excursions just over the border in Maine. A full day of guided trail riding is $40pp and they have 18 miles of trails. They also offer bike rentals for those who travel to the area from far away. They even include lunch for the all day rides, though half day is available.
Leave the details to us. Just put in the notes that you want to rent a bike and what type (mountain or road) and we will have it waiting here for you. We can even pack you a healthy lunch/snack and some of our great water.