Stress Free Valentine Package, keeping it simple

January 18th, 2011 by janelmartin

I know, I know….Valentine’s day is about Love, Romance, and living up to the ‘Bar’ set way too high by the Media all around, right?   For many, the Valentine’s Day weekend is a stressful time of year trying to fit in “romance” into an already hectic schedule.  Finding a baby sitter, making the reservation for dinner, planning the activities,…..

Try something different this year.  Why not get-away to a bed and breakfast offering a package that includes dinner with the stay. There are many to choose from, including our own Wakefield Inn, who will do the hard part for you and all you need to do is book the package and arrive ready for a weekend away from the stress.

You can find many of these online by searching, or go to an online directory such as iloveinn.com, bedandbreakfast.com or bnbfinder.com and look at the section for special packages. Of course if you wish to stay with us, we would be happy to take your reservation over the phone.  Our package is the “Stress Relief Package” and includes 2 nights for two, 2 in-room massages, and a relaxing dinner each night with the chef/innkeeper. If you want to get out to enjoy the area, there are fun winter activities such as tubing, cross counrty skiing and of course shopping.  Not your cup of tea?  How about sitting by the fire in the common room, enjoying a book or a game of chess and yes, even a cup of tea.

Tubing at Moose Mountain in Wakefield, NH

January 3rd, 2011 by janelmartin

If you are looking for a winter activity that is fun for all ages, look no furthur than Moose Mountain Recreation tubing park.  During the Christmas break I took all my girls there one evening and had a BLAST!!!  When we arrived there was no one there and by the time we left many people were enjoying some after dinner fun.  It sure is a good way to tire the kids out…and Mom out for that matter. 

Moose Mountain is just 5 miles from the Inn, and once was a nice ski area, and has now been turned into a place for tubing, snow mobile riding and or just grabbing a bit to eat in the lodge.  They have snow making, so the conditions are good, and they have a great base coat of snow.  The cost is $15 for two hours, though they do have some special rates as well, just check out the website, www.tubemoose.com and see all that they offer.  Just check out this video, and see the fun we had: Tubing at Moose Mountain

I  have posted a ‘stay and tube’ package at the Wakefield Inn for those who would like to get away, and spend some time in the snow,  then come back and enjoy some hot chocolate by the fire in our  common room.  The package includes an in-room massage as well, to complete the relaxation and get the kinks worked out.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Package at the Wakefield Inn

December 16th, 2010 by janelmartin

Have you made plans to ring in the New Year?  It is sure to be a good one!!  If you are looking for a low-key get-away for the weekend, come for a weekend at the Wakefield Inn and have dinner with us.  Chef Janel (that’s me) is cooking up something good for New Years Eve dinner.  The dinner will be 4 courses and there will be two options for the main entree and for dessert.  Sit down to a family style meal and enjoy the last few hours of 2010, wine and champagne is included, of course. 

The whole weekend package for two will include 2 nights, gourmet breakfast each morning, dinner on New Year’s Eve and two stoneware Wakefield Inn mugs to remember your stay.  Click Here to check out this package and many of our other winter specials. 

 If you have an idea for a get-away and just can’t seem to find the perfect package?  Let us know and we will be happy to help design that perfect weekend away.  Remember also that we can cater to just about any food allergy with advance notice, so don’t be shy.  We look forward to a visit from you soon, and wish you and yours the Merriest of Holidays and the best in 2011.

A Christmas Carol at the Wakefield Opera House

December 9th, 2010 by janelmartin

The Hampstead Village Players return on December 18th with a production of Charles Dicken’s beloved story. Tickets are $15.00 at the door and children under 10 are free.

My Energy Plan Video Challange announced today.

December 8th, 2010 by janelmartin

Win someAtlas, it´s time for your bath really great prizes by entering this wonderful contest, one of which is a night at the Wakefield Inn, a proud member of the NH sustainable lodging program. We are happy to support this effort, and any effort for a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Here is the actual announcement from the New England Carbon Challange:

The New England Carbon Challenge (NECC), a joint initiative of the University of NH and Clean Air-Cool Planet, is proud to announce the My Energy Plan™ Video Challenge 2010 for NH residents.

 Between January 3 and February 28, the NECC invites individuals (age 13 and above) and groups from across New Hampshire to submit 1- to 4-minute videos about their energy plans.

 This unique short-video contest is the centerpiece of My Energy PlanTM, a new suite of web tools designed to help households reduce their energy consumption. Created by the NECC, with the NH Sustainable Energy Association and the University of NH Cooperative Extension and housed at myenergyplan.net, these web tools help individuals make a plan to increase energy and cost savings over time. MEP helps individuals act on the power they have to make changes in their life. 

 The NECC is a joint initiative of the University of NH and Clean Air-Cool Planet, the leading non-profit dedicated solely to delivering solutions to global warming.

 Videos entered in the My Energy Plan Video Challenge, outlining your energy plan, can be compilations of actions, for example, by members of a school class or an energy committee.  The videos will be judged in seven categories:

Individuals

  • Youth (13 – 17)
  • Students of Colleges/Post-Secondary Educational Institutions
  • Individuals (18 years and older)

Groups

  • Households
  • Not for Profit Groups – (local energy committees, community groups, faith groups, etc).
  • Businesses
  • Experienced Video Creators (professionals, film students, etc.)

What do you say? No matter what you will be a winner since you will save some $$$ and help the environment at the same time.

Festival of Trees and Castle in the Clouds, sure to put you in the Holiday mood.

December 3rd, 2010 by janelmartin

HoHoHo!! Welcome to Wakefield Inn

If the holiday spirit were catching, then I am ever so slowly getting it.  The Inn Christmas tree is decorated, the spiral staircase is wrapped with garland and lights and our life sized Santa stands as a greeter to all who enter.  If you just need a little inspiration before you decorate this year, the Festival of Trees at the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro is just the place.  This annual charity event features 60 trees, each uniquely decorated, and displayed on two levels within the museum. In additional there will be entertainment and light refreshments.  Bring the whole family, the cost is only $12.

You say you need just a little more inspiration to get in the mood?  Then head from Wolfeboro up Route 109 to Route 171, turn right onto 171 and the entrance to the Castle in the Clouds will be on the left a few miles down the road.  Drive up to the Carraige House and from there you can buy your tickets ($20 per person) and get a trolley ride to the Castle.  This is the first year that the Castle in the Clouds is open and decorated for Christmas.  The Castle will be open Dec 3,4 and 5 from 10am-3pm weather permitting and each day they have entertainment and a tour of the Castle.  They have a fire lit in the fireplaces and volunteers to answer any questions and give you a little of the history.  This has to be one of my favorite places in the area to visit, and the views from the second floor are spectacular!!

Give us a call and we will be happy to help you plan a mini getaway, and the outlets in North Conway are only 30 minutes away from the Castle, so after you’re in the mood, why not save some money and get a jump on the holiday shopping. Then head back to the Wakefield Inn for a nice glass of wine by the fire.  After a good night sleep arise to the smell of your gourmet breakfast being made fresh from local ingredients, the eggs come right from our chickens.

Easy Thanksgiving recipe for Stuffed Turkey Breast

November 18th, 2010 by janelmartin

The Thanksgiving Bootcamp Culinary Weekend was great fun. I had a blast with the group, and even have a new breakfast strata recipe, what a bonus.  The theme for the weekend was how to make the feast and still be able to enjoy the day.  Tips on what can be done ahead, about how to plan the day, and make-ahead recipes to take the stress out of holiday cooking.

One recipe we made was for Turkey Breast stuffed with Caramelized Onions, Apples and Dried Cranberries, which is great when a whole turkey is just too much.

Stuffed Turkey Breast

  • 2 turkey breast, approx 3 lbs each, deboned and butterflied
  • 3 onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup (or more) apple cider, very hot
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 apples, cored and diced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in saute pan over med-high heat until foaming and add onions and allow to develop a caramel color before stirring.  The trick to great caramelized onions is to allow the natural sugars in the onions to brown, and then stir just enough to get the onions pieces with no color in contact with the bottom of the pan.  Stir just enough each time to allow all the onions to get color, and adjust heat to prevent burning.  You want a nice dark color, this is where the amazing flavor comes from.

While the onions are caramelizing, place the cranberries in a metal bowl and pour hot cider over and allow to set for 20 minutes.  This allows the cranberries to plump.

Once the onions are done, add in the apples, panko crumbs, herbs, salt and pepper.  Squeeze the cranberries and add to mixture, then stir together. 

Place turkey breast, skin side down on work surface.  Spread the stuffing all over and pat down.  Roll up the breast and place seam down.  Tie with butcher’s twine and place on a rack.  Carrots make a great homemade rack that can fit any size pan, and add flavor to the pan juices.  Roast in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, then turn temperature down to 325 and roast until the internal temperature is 160.  Remove from oven and allow to rest for 25 minutes to allow the juices to settle back into the meat, then carve and enjoy.

Want a great sauce.  Reduce a gallon of cider to about 3/4 cup, add butter and bourbon (about 2 tablespoons), and 1 tablespoon dijon mustard.  Pour over the top, or serve on the side.

Happy Thanksgiving All!!!

NH Opens Doors to lodging, artisans and producers of fine things.

November 4th, 2010 by janelmartin

These days you do not have to look long or hard to see reference to shopping locally or being “green” or sustainable practices.  All of these are great ways to help out the environment and to support your local community economically and help foster the feeling of being part of where you live.  We are so lucky here in New Hampshire to have so much to choose from, and NH Opens Doors is an opportunity to meet the artisans and craftpeople in their studios as they demonstrate their craft.Cow Crossing

In the area surrounding the Wakefield Inn Bed and Breakfast, there are over a dozen places to visit. Black Bear Coffee in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire Farm Museum, Susann Foster Brown Art Studio, League of New Hampshire Craftman in Wolfeboro and Cheryl Kumiski Glass to name a few.

Come on up f0r the weekend, take advantage of our off season rates, and head out for an adventure. You might even get a head start on the holiday gift list with something truely unique. If you do not roam too far off the beaten path stop in for a bite to eat at the Poor People’s Pub just down the road.

Wine and Chocolate in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

October 10th, 2010 by janelmartin

The wine basketThe changing of the leaves brings with it the thought that the holidays are coming, and the age old question; “What do I get for_____?” (that person on your list who has everything).  I think this year that certain someone will get a basket filled with some confections from Winnipesaukee Chocolates and a few bottles of wine chosen with the assistance of the folks at Wolfeboro Wine Cellar.  Shopping may not be so bad on a Saturday when I can stop by the shops and take part in the complimentary wine and chocolate tasting.  Then I am sure to get the right gift, and also have a better day with a little of life simple pleasures in my tummy. I can also feel good about my chocolate purchase since 10% of the profits are donated to help preserve the lakes and other surrounding areas for generations to come.

Thank you for another successful dining season

October 6th, 2010 by janelmartin

Our fine dining will come to a close for another season this Saturday. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and some new ones next May when we again will offer our 5-course dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Thank you to all who have enjoyed our cuisine, we appreciate all your support.

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