What a fun way to spend the afternoon, listening to Jazz and getting a 270 degree view of the Lakes Region at the same time.
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Part 1: The story of the Wakefield Inn, and Wakefield Village New Hampshire.
April 6th, 2011 by janelmartin
I love old homes, I guess that is obvious to all who enter these doors, and is the main reason I was so attracted to the Wakefield Inn. So here is part one of the history of Wakefield Historic Distric and the Wakefield Inn.
I will start with the Inn, since it is located in the center of the Historic District.The first part to be built about 1804, it is believed, it the southern ell, which is the main dining room today. The three and a half story, federal style main block was built about 1816 for William Frost. Mr. Frost was a seaman, who hired carpenters Jacob and Isaac Chesley who happened to be twin brothers. He wanted a house that was bigger, different and more elaborate than all the houses in Wakefield. When Mr. Frost ran out of money, and the payments slowed, the Chesley twins were forced to take over the house.
The Chesleys continued work on the house that became known as Frost’s Folly. Once the house was completed, the brothers moved in and made it their home for many years. The Chesley Mansion was a beautiful and special place. The house was sold to Mr and Mrs. Benjamin Tibbetts as their home. In 1890, the building was completely renovated and their son, Henry, opened it as an inn called the Elmwood Inn. In 1891, the prolific American Poet, John Greenleaf Whittier stayed here on his last trip to New Hampshire.
In the many years since, there have been several owners, some using it as a home and some as a restaurant or lodging. It has been called the “Wakefield House”, “Carriage Stop Inn”, “Williams Elmwood Inn” and the “Sprial Staircase Inn”. With one of the tallest freestanding spiral staircase still left in existance, the Wakefield Inn is the only Inn of the heyday of the railroad in Wakefield, that is still in operation today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School is starting, watch for all those little ones crossing the street.
August 30th, 2010 by janelmartin
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!!
New Website & Blog for Wakefield Inn
July 23rd, 2010 by janelmartin
Wakefield Inn is pleased to announce the launch of our new website and blog, designed and hosted by InsideOut Solutions.
Mountian Biking and Cycling in New Hampshire's Lakes Region
June 16th, 2010 by janelmartin
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.
Bicycle Maps for Wakefield Area available at the Inn
May 18th, 2010 by janelmartin
Did you know that Wakefield, NH is a Bicycle Friendly Community? We have maps available for 6 bike routes that follow scenic by-ways through historic villages, meandering by Antique Shops, Museums and Lakes. Make the Wakefield Inn your base for exploring the magic and beauty of New Hampshire.
We will gladly pack a lunch for you, and we have a porch to store your bikes, with posts that you can lock them up out of the elements.
Mother's Day in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire
April 29th, 2010 by janelmartin
Being a mother of three girls, I am always aware of all that is offered for Mother’s Day in the area. I always only want one thing; a day, undisturbed, to garden. I hope for a perfect sunny day, but if not I still go out and work in the soil to feel more in touch with Mother Earth. I guess I get that from my mother, who has always gardened, and has a greenhouse business and sells her vegatables at the Wakefield Farmer’s Market that opens on Memorial Day.
If the weather is too rainy, I head to my Mother’s greenhouse and give her my gift, free labor!!! I get to enjoy the warmth and color inside pretected from the elements, and again I get my hands in the dirt.
For other mothers out there, here are few events happening around the area of the Wakefield Inn. M/S Mount Washington is offering a champagne brunch. Cruises leave the Wiers Beach Pier at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee while enjoying some food and entertainment.
See a play at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Laconia, on May 9th they are doing A Year with Frog and Toad, great for the whole family!!
- Great Family Play at Winnipesaukee Playhouse
For the more adventerous moms out there, take a trip to Loncoln, and ride the zip-line for free. With the purchase of a full-priced ticket, moms get the thrill for free on Mother’s Day. Contact Alpine Adventures for more info.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, and however you choose to spend your day, may it be filled with happiness and love from your family.
Cross Country Skiing in Wolfeboro
Gift Certificates for Wakefield Inn now available on line