New Hampshire Attractions

If you have a laundry list of things to do on your next vacation, your destination is New Hampshire. The state truly justifies their motto, “Live Free or Die”, with tons of indoor and outdoor activities, plenty of shopping and antiquing, all season sport events, many art and entertainment scenes, and lots more. This year spice up the adrenaline with some white water sea-kayaking in the Saco River among the White Mountains. Slow down the pace instead on a panoramic hike with your family and children or follow a tour guide. Having 48 4,000 foot peaks, your bound to find a trail perfect for you. Try horseback riding at several of the state parks, play golf with some peers, visit historic sites on hundreds of different walking routes, or rent an ATV or snowmobile for some extreme action.

Stumped on where to stay? New Hampshire hosts warm hospitality with umpteen very unique inns and bed and breakfasts in just about every town you choose. For the nature type, boundless campgrounds lie from full-service RV sites to extremely rustic back country and remote spots. Now stumped on when to go? Because New Hampshire is so versatile, you can ultimately book your vacation depending on what you want to do. For the undecided, avenge in the maple sugaring time, that is mid-February to mid-April. During this time, the maple industries will produce more than 90,000 gallons of maple syrup so you know your pancakes will be smothered in the finest maple of the year. Plan and book your trip now stress-free today.

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categories Arts, Entertainment, New Hampshire, antiquing, shopping | marissa225 | datetime July 15, 2008 10:13 pm | comments Comments (0)

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tart Recipe from The Gateways Inn

The finest restaurant in Lenox, Massachusetts, an award winning wine and spirits bar, and a stay in the Arthur Fiedler room make the Gateways Inn your new escape to serenity. You will find the Fiedler room European enthused by Italian marbled spacious floors, Venetian lace curtains tailoring French doors, a Mahogany library with a dry-bar, an antique armoire aside the French Aubusson bedding print. Tie up your nights at the Gateways INn Restaurant for a purely fresh meal with the talented Culinary Team offering Creative and Contemporary American dishes supporting locally grown food. Experience the recent bar and lounge, “La Terrazza”, for some dessert, cocktails, cappuccino, and most certainly a glass of wine. With and Award of Excellence from Wine Spectators and Sante’ Magazine, endeavor their vast selection of sophisticated Italian and American wines to fit your taste. After you stay, try this Gateways Inn recipe to remember that classy and refined European feel.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts
Makes 15 small tarts

Tarts:
Pie or unflavored pizza dough
Olive oil
Goat cheese spread:
1 (8-ounce) package goat cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dash of salt and white pepper
Caramelized onions:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow or Spanish onions, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons finely chopped flat leaf parsley
For the tarts: Preheat oven to 350˚F. On a floured surface, roll out pie or pizza dough 1/8-inch thick. Cut dough into 15 (4-inch) circles. Pierce dough randomly with a fork. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and cool.
For the goat cheese spread: Combine all spread ingredients.
For the caramelized onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic, salt, pepper and s
ugar; cook for about 10-15 minutes, until onions are dark brown and sweet. Stir in parsley. Remove from heat and cool.
To assemble: Spread some goat cheese mixture over each crust. Spread caramelized onions over goat cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Serve immeadiately and enjoy.

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categories Bars, Lenox, Massachusetts, Restaurants, The Gateways Inn, Wine, recipes | marissa225 | datetime 10:13 pm | comments Comments (0)

Camden Opera House: A Maine Musical Stay

The Camden Opera House hosts a thrilling occasion for the musically enthused. Scheduled for the summer of 2008 are several showings varying from Deathtrap! to Seussical the Musical! The atmosphere is equivalently pleasurable as the highlighted shows. What additionally makes the opera house exquisite is the recently renovated Victorian style together with grand chandeliers, a horseshoe balcony, and antique moldings. The 500-person capacity and three distinct function rooms cater to all performers any size. And better yet, a quality seat stands at a sheer $16.00 per person; so don’t hesitate to see more than one show. Settle down after a show to elegant and romantic ambiance not even a half a mile down the road.

This cozy and warm mood can only be found at the Camden Maine Stay. Innkeepers, Bob and Jaunita Topper, dedicate themselves to provide eight charismatic rooms each very unlike the other to suit your taste. Speaking of taste, the first brew of coffee for the day starts at 7:30 A.M., so you will still have time for that early morning walk. Return to fresh juice, stuffed French toast, egg casserole, homemade granola baked in pure Maine maple syrup, and plenty more. And if you loved the food so much you can even find the recipes at their website. Check their availability online and mark your calendar with a loved one or friend to unwind after a tiresome week.

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categories Camden, Entertainment, Maine, Restaurants, The Camden Maine Stay, opera house | marissa225 | datetime 10:12 pm | comments Comments (0)

A Blast From the Past in Historic Deerfield, MA


Flashback to at least seven generations before us in a walk through Historic Deerfield located in the 330-year-old New England Town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. Back in the 1930′s, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Flynt migrated to the small town wishing to restore as much of the beloved town possible. Nowadays, more than 25,000 17th, 18th, and 19th century items, which were made or utilized by America, are revealed in eleven old museum houses. These houses alone were constructed from 1730 to 1850 in a town that attracts many by downright age. With special events running constantly, tours, a library, and even cooking programs no person could possible go uninterested. If you’re still hyped over the past after your visit, retreat to an inn equally as historic as the surroundings.
With twenty-three guest rooms, an authentic 125-year-old vibe, fresh and naturally raised cuisine, and plenty of conveniences, no other inn could compare to The Deerfield Inn. Each room is meticulously decorated one by one with complete services from private tub/shower bathrooms to high-speed internet access to flat screen DVD televisions to complimentary gourmet breakfast to even homemade cookies and tea served every afternoon. Very simply you can book your room and while you’re at it, make a dinner reservation online and gourmand cooking will be awaiting when you prefer.

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categories Deerfield, Historic, Massachusetts, Restaurants, The Deerfield Inn | marissa225 | datetime 10:12 pm | comments Comments (0)

Vermont’s Best Kept Secret – Lake Memphremagog in Newport, VT

Travel through Vermont’s green rolling hills until you reach nearly a mile before Quebec, Canada and you will discover one of Vermont’s coverts, Lake Memphremagog. Try and say that ten times fast. Newport, Vermont’s 27-mile fresh water glacial lake is one not to be missed. Mostly surrounded by residential estates, your best luck is to stay in the rental homes and that is certainly no complaint. For the most part, the rental homes will present two stories, full amenities, a private driveway, and plenty of space to play volleyball and have a cookout in the lawn. Plenty of activities lie within this sacred lake all year around.

Plan your vacation week for sunshine or snowfall and prepare for a variety of things to do. The spring and fall season bid perfect conditions for a bike ride or walk on the rail trail. Rent some kayaks or canoes nearby and explore the picturesque Lake Memphremagog. Throw your shades and sun block on in the summer and watch the sailors and windsurfers from the sandy white beach. With numerous boat launches, you can cruise the perimeter with your family and kids on their water skies or in their tubes. Rejuvenate yourself with a simple swim in the crisp and fresh water of Newport, Vermont.

Visit again in your winter gear for further enjoyment on the frozen Lake Memphremagog. Grab those cross-country skies or haul up the snowmobile for a pictorial route in the radiant snow. For the extremists, travel less than 20 miles to ski or snowboard at Jay Peak, a very reputable ski mountain in Vermont. So book your house for a week, a month, or a whole season because Lake Memphremagog works around you with activities to do any time of year.

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categories Lake Memphremagog, Newport, Vermont | marissa225 | datetime 10:11 pm | comments Comments (0)

Scenic Walk in Newport, Rhode Island: The Cliff Walk


A simple trail charted by local deer more than 200 years ago transformed into today’s lure of Newport, RI. That trail, now called The Cliff Walk, borders part of the spirited town of Rhode Island presenting such aged and wealthy homes of the 1800’s. New Yorkers of that time urbanized the shore of the Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean in their vastly prosperous mansions. In spite of the rich owners’ competitiveness, they shared one unanimous strive for summer retreat. Walk the three and half miles of extravagance and you will feel the peace and tranquility those men reached for.

A featured and luxurious accommodation of Newport, RI located walking distance from the shore is The Cliffside Inn. The residence, once owned by a well-known artist, Beatrice Turner, now imparts a splendidly calming stay to the New England travelers. The authentic fireplace, synthetic bedding, “Legendary style” room service, and endless points of charm craft a terrifically soothing quarter for visiting guests. With an art museum, fine cuisine, and complete wine bar personally served who would ever want to leave? Select your room and book the date online for a spectacularly serene getaway from your busy world.

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categories Cliff Walk, Mansions, Newport, Rhode Island, The Cliffside Inn | marissa225 | datetime 10:11 pm | comments Comments (0)

Laconia Motorcycle Week – Famous New Hampshire Bike Week

Coming just around the corner is the renowned Laconia Motorcycle Week held from June 14-22, 2008 bringing its 85th anniversary. Everyday is filled with promos, food, fun, stunts, demos, and of course, motorcycling. Not too far away at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, more than 27 races are held on the 14th and 15th for a mere $25 a person. Take a break from riding and enjoy the ECM stunts at Flip Fest ’08 held at Gunstock Mountain Resort. Or relax to music at the market featuring four new bands everyday, all day. Grab some free prizes and specials at demos provided by Harley Davidson, Budweiser, Jägermeister, and plenty more. There’s no better way to wrap up the fun with some good food. Bring your friends and reward yourselves with an excellent meal at the Brick Front Restaurant, the notorious Lobster Pound, or join the fun at a Rally Cookout.   

If you feel like taking a day off from all the excitement, you’ll find the fun doesn’t stop at Laconia Bike Week. Try out the many beautiful accommodations nearby Holderness, NH such as the Manor on Golden Pond on Squam Lake. This space, along with many others, grants gourmet dining, a cozy and warming welcome, and anything to do from whale watching to scrap booking to amusement parks. Bring your kids along for a thrill at the Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track. Grab your whole family and kick back to a spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee, Belknap Mountain and the islands on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. No matter who you are, there is always something for you in store at Laconia, NH.

Pack your bags and make your reservations for the 85th anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week. Bring your friends and family on a pleasurable week of pure excitement at the heart of New Hampshire.

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categories Entertainment, Laconia, Laconia Motorcycle Week, New Hampshire, The Manor on Golden Pond | marissa225 | datetime 10:10 pm | comments Comments (0)

Inn at Thorn Hill named BEST OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Inn at Thorn Hill’s lounge menu has been selected as the best bar food in New Hampshire.

The menu is a selection of small plates and large plates served in the lounge or adjoining porch which overlooks Mount Washington.

The menu created by Chef John Russ’s staff is a blend of many tastes. Small plates might be Crab Spring Roll, Grilled Artichoke or Cornmeal Fried Oysters. Large plates include a Venison Patty Melt, Duck Confit Salad, Hand Cut Tagliatelle or Pale Ale Steamed Mussels.

The lounge is open nightly from 5pm to 10pm and there is Michael Jewell on the piano on Saturday evenings. Reservations are available for parties of six or larger.

Call for an updated menu – 1-800-289-8990 or 603-383-4242

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categories Mount Washington, New Hampshire, The Inn at Thorn Hill, menu | marissa225 | datetime 10:10 pm | comments Comments (0)

White Mountains Arts Festival


This August visit Jackson, New Hampshire for the annual White Mountain Arts Festival. This two day long festival is sponsored by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and is held in the Jackson Village Park on the 18th and 19th.

Artists both selling their work, as well as those there to be judged on their work, will be showing off their pieces to the public during the weekend. There will be musicians and an abundance of food vendors to attract visitors to the area as well. Jackson grew its popularity from artists traveling far and wide to paint there due to its outstanding view of the White Mountains.

If you want to spend a romantic weekend with your special someone at the Art Festival, be sure to visit the Inn at Thorn Hill. This full service inn has 25 rooms, a fine dining room as well as more casual lounge offerings. The Inn at Thorn Hill also offers a spa facility. This adult sanctuary was voted one of the ten most romantic inns in North America.

For more information on the White Mountains Arts Festival email info@jacksonnh.com .

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categories Arts, Jackson, New Hampshire, The Inn at Thorn Hill, White Mountains | marissa225 | datetime 10:09 pm | comments Comments (0)

Inn at Thorn Hill AAA Awards

The Inn at Thorn Hill was awarded AAA Four Diamond Awards for both its inn and restaurant for the eighth time on May 12th, 2008 at the annual luncheon. The Inn was presented its ninth consecutive lodging award and the restaurant was awarded for the eighth year. The awards were interrupted by a fire to the Main Inn in 2003 which has been rebuilt with all new amenities and a complete spa.

The Inn was one of only four properties in New Hampshire to receive both awards and it included Distinctive Inns of New England member, The Manor on Golden Pond where the luncheon took place.

The Inn at Thorn Hill has been owned by Jim & Ibby Cooper since 1993. Reservations for rooms, dinner or spa treatment can be made by calling 1-800-289-8990 or emailing us at stay@innatthornhill.com

categories AAA Four Diamond Awards, Restaurants, The Inn at Thorn Hill | marissa225 | datetime 10:08 pm | comments Comments (0)