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!

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.

These days the buzzword in healthy eating is ‘antioxidants’ and blueberries are loaded with them. They are also high in vitamin C and fiber.  Another wonderful thing about these blue gems is that they are high in pectin which is a natural thickener, so when baking pies use less cornstarch or flour, because once cooled the pectin gels.  Pectin is what is added to jelly and jam to aid in the giving it the right consistency.

This weekend in the restuarant I have a Blueberry -Peach Cobbler for a dessert choice and also a Blueberry Balsamic Sauce for a pork tenderloin.  This sauce would also be great over duck or even venison.  The sauce is a simple one to make and stores well for a few weeks due to the acidity of the vinegar.

1 pint Bluberries, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon allspice.  Place in heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium heat and cook until the berries start to burst, then turn to low.  Cook for 1/2 hour then stir in about 1 tablespoon of butter and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Great sauce for duck, pork or even venison.  Serve with a creamy polenta and a seasonal vegetable.  Enjoy the season…..next up APPLE PICKING!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bikers! and new comedy by Tom O’Reilly will have the final showing this coming weekend June 11, 12 and 13. ickets are $24.50 Balcony and $29.50 Orchestra for evening shows.  Call 603-323-8500 to order tickets.  They fill up quick, so it is best to order early.  The next show will be “A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum” July 6-10.

 Want to make a weekend of it? We would be happy to arrange an early dinner for guests who would like to enjoy dinner in our restaurant before-hand on any Friday or Saturday night.  Or how about a picnic lunch to take with you on a country drive.  Visit Remick Counrty Doctor’s Museum and have lunch by the river and then head to the show.