Archive for the ‘Seasonal Activities’ Category
February 1st, 2012 by janelmartin
Great to be Outdoors!!
We are fortunate in the state of New Hampshire to have a large selection of Cross Country Ski Areas, and one just happens to be very close to us. Just a few miles away in Wolfeboro, the Nordic Skier operates 30km of groomed trails that offer views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains. Nordic Skier has rentals and a full retail shop. Pick up a lunch at the Downtown Grill and then head out to glide along the snow and take in the views. Afterwards, head back to the Wakefield Inn and warm up by the fire.
What about the family that has both an interest in downhill and nordic skiing? Head over to Gunstock Mountain, they are about 45 minutes from us. There you can choose to cross country ski the 50km of trails of hit the downhill slopes. I have enjoyed many days of my youth speeding down the trails there, and the views of the Lakes Region are fantastic. Who knows, maybe you will see me there.
Just give us a call and we are happy to answer your questions about winter activities, and create the perfect winter adventure. 603-522-8272 or email us at info@wakefieldinn.com
Tags: Gunstock Ski Area, local cross country skiing, new hampshire bed and breakfast, Nordic Skier Wolfeboro, skiing lakes region nh, winter activities
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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.
Tags: family fun, Moose Mountain, new hampshire, outdoor activities, Packages, tubing, winter activities
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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.
Tags: christmas decorating, Festival of Trees, Lakes Region Activities, New Hampshire Pewter, nh holiday, shopping new hampshire, Wolfeboro
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September 19th, 2010 by janelmartin
Fall is arriving soon and along with that comes mulled cider, homemade doughnuts, and the wonderful smell of newly fallen leaves. One other thing that I plan to take advantage of this year is the New Hampshire Wine and Cheese Trail put together by the state tourism department. The VisitNH Website is a great resource for day trips and activities around the state. The Wine and Cheese Trail
was put together a few years back and features the many cheese artisans and wineries throughout the state.
The next few weeks would be a great time to take a day trip and visit a few of these places and do a little leaf-peeping along the way. The holidays are approaching and NH made products make great gifts for the person who has everything. Some of our guests visited a few of the wineries and cheese shops around the Lakes Region and had such a wonderful time, they cam back raving about the wines at the Stone Gate Wineryin Gilford. Via Lactea Farm is just about 4 miles up the road from us and have some fantastic goat cheese. Jenny and Andy Tapper are always around to give tours and speak about their “kids” and other animals. So come on up for a visit and we will be happy to pack you a picnic lunch to accompany your wine and cheese, and even have the map ready for you upon arrival.
Tags: artisan cheese, fall activity, Lakes Region Activities, new hampshire, nh, wine and cheese trail, wineries
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August 25th, 2010 by janelmartin
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!
Tags: activities, Apple Picking, Butternut Farm, Kids activites, Lakes Region Activities, McKenzie's Farm, recipe
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August 4th, 2010 by janelmartin
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.
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Tags: blueberry picking, breakfast, food allergy, Kids activites, Lakes Region Activities, recipe, seasonal fruit
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July 11th, 2010 by janelmartin
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.
Tags: boat museum, boating, experience squam lake, Holderness, Lake Winnipesaukee, new hampshire, On Golden Pond, private boat tours, Wolfeboro
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June 30th, 2010 by janelmartin
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.
Tags: Biq Squam, Experience Squam, garden new hampshire, Holderness, Kirkwood Gardens, lake cruises, new hampshire, On Golden Pond, private boat tours, Squam Lake, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
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June 25th, 2010 by janelmartin
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.
Tags: Cheryl Wheeler, concerts, Folk festival, Garwoods, Great Waters Music Festival, Lake Winnipesaukee, Mise En Place, Peter Mansfield, The Drifters, Wolfe's Tavern, Wolfeboro
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Gift Certificates for Wakefield Inn now available on line