The Old Country Store and Museum – A New Hampshire historic attraction and museum

Perhaps the oldest in the United States, A store since 1781. 228 years old.

Who would have ever thought just a simple general country store could be a must-see place to visit in New England. Nestled in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is among the oldest store in the country and also one of the oldest surviving businesses of any kind. The Old Country Store and Museum off Whittier Highway in Moultonborough, NH is celebrating 228 years of being the “place to go” when you need something. What makes this general store so unique is the history behind it all. In 1777, General Jonathan Moulton sold the land to Samuel Burnam “with barnframe thereon”. It was sold again 2 years later then the store was publicized in the Hollands New Hampshire (printed in London, England) as the only building in town. Since that time, the Old Country Store and Museum hasn’t moved and has only blossomed. The list below is just a preview of what to expect at the store:

A New Hampshire historic attraction and wedding destination

Castle in the Clouds
Historic Mountaintop Estate

Perched high up in the pristine Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee lies the “turn-of-the-century” 16-room Arts & Crafts mansion cleverly named Castle in the Clouds. This beautiful estate vents the enticing nature and landscape of Moultonborough, New Hampshire in the heart of New England. No matter what age nearly everyone can thoroughly enjoy this quaint area with incredible views, hiking, waterfalls, gardens, mountains, plenty of history, a fabulous Arts & Crafts Castle, and an acclaimed Cafe and Patio. The 45 miles of hiking and walking trails will lead you along lavish gardens and gorgeous waterfalls where you can even feed giant trout in Shannon Pond. For the next few months, Castle in the Clouds will be hosting many events either free or for a small charge such as jazz concerts, exhibition and sales of paintings, pet shows, history lectures, car shows, and plenty more. For the engaged, there’s no better place to hold whatever size wedding in front of the iconic Castle followed by cocktails at the Patio and dinner in the Winnipesaukee Room. For more information check out their website or call 603-476-5900.

Nearly an hour past Squam Lake is the Manor on Golden Pond whose special of the month for August is a Midweek Boost. When you book Monday and Tuesday night any time during August, you’ll get Wednesday night 50% off. The Manor began as a love story at the turn of the 20th century when a wealthy Englishman captured the heart of a beautiful debutante. On Shepherd’s Hill, in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, amid the tall sentinel pines, they built a magnificent country estate with sweeping vistas overlooking Squam Lake, of Golden Pond fame. E-mail info@manorongoldenpond.com or call (603) 968-3348 or (800) 545-2141.

Laconia, NH Motorcycle Bike Week 2009

Laconia Bike Week 2009

June 13-21

The Summer is coming closer and that means one thing for every New Hampshire motorcyclist. Laconia Bike Week is America’s oldest bike week hosting this June for the 86th time and the turnout will be better than ever. On Saturday June 13th, the extravaganza will begin with an all-you-can-eat pig roast, live music, and a Harley Fashion Show. For the following 8 days, there will be plenty more music, food, shows, and of course motorcycle rides to experience. The top ten features for this year will be:

Art and Craft Summer Classes for Children & Adults in New Hampshire

Art & Craft Classes for Children & Adults at the League of N.H. Craftsmen

CENTER SANDWICH, NH
July-August

On your next getaway into Northern New Hampshire, introduce the creative side of your mind with an arts and crafts class at the place where famous artisans have settled to unfold their talents. The League of N.H. Craftsmen in Center Sandwich, NH hosts a wide variety of classes where you and your loved ones can demonstrate your artistic side. Spend the afternoon making simple books, make some sterling silver earrings for your friend, turn one of your old, dingy chairs into a natural strand cane seat you’ll be proud to take home, or even learn how to make pizza from absolute scratch! There are several more classes running throughout the July and August months and many more for the kids! Click here to view the upcoming classes. Nearly 25 minutes down NH-113, the Manor on Golden Pond awaits your arrival to make your getaway as relaxing as can be. Let the sweeping images of Squam Lake and the White Mountains take your breath away accompanied by the charm and coziness of this New England country inn, the Manor on Golden Pond.

Laconia Motorcycle Week – Famous New Hampshire Bike Week

Celebrate the Warm Weather at the Manor on Golden Pond

Warm weather means being able to relax outdoors – and where better to take a stroll through the woods than beautiful New Hampshire. Holderness, NH, located in Grafton County, is home to the pristine Squam Lake and Rattlesnake Mountains. The area’s serene scenery was discovered in the 19th century by visitors to the area, and continues to bring guests each year.

The Rattlesnake Mountains are home to 173 acres of protected, public property with a network of trails waiting for your footprints. If you are adventurous, you can even climb Mount Webster, the highest point in Holderness, reaching an elevation of 2,076 feet.

After your tranquil hike, visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to learn more about the wildlife in New Hampshire. Open for over forty years, the Science Center offers live animal exhibits, education programs and even lake cruises. Visit http://www.nhnature.org/for more information. To complete your stay in Holderness, enjoy a relaxing getaway at the Manor on Golden Pond where elegant surroundings, kind hospitality, and fine dining await.

New England Inns Hotels Top 10 — Travel+Leisure Magazine Names Two DINE Inns New England’s Top 10

“Ten special inns whose warm hospitality is guaranteed to take the season’s chill out of the air, ” is how Travel+Leisure described its early Spring search for the 10 coziest inns in New England. The travel magazine named both Newport RI’s luxury bed and breakfast Cliffside Inn and New Hampshire’s small luxury hotel Manor On Golden Pond to its Top 10 Inns of New England list.

“Roosted above the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Newport’s Cliff Walk, this Victorian manor house and former home of painter Beatrice Turner channels the sort of joie de vivre stylings one might expect in an eccentric artist residence,” writes Adrien Glover about Cliffside Inn. “Enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by turn-of-the-century canvases in a living museum.” The magazine spotlighted the Governor’s Suite with grand king bed, 2 fireplaces, Victorian birdcage shower, whirlpool and iPod sound system. 

“Katharine Hepburn and a doddering Henry Fonda may have made Golden Pond famous, but it’s this New Hampshire Lakes District inn that keeps Squam Lake (the pond’s real name) on the map, ” reports Ms. Glover on the Manor On Golden Pond. “Dinners are elaborate candlelit affairs; the kitchen swings in both directions, offering Chateaubriand for Two as well as special dishes for vegans.” Featured room blue-and-white Churchill Room with king bed, Jacuzzi tub, and fireplace.

Both properties are founding members of the Distinctive Inns of New England and both are AAA Four Diamond rated. Check availability for Cliffside Inn or Manor On Golden Pond. Travel+Leisure Top 10 Slide Show

Gain up to $400 off from Innsiders Club

Guests of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) save significantly when they become members of the DINE Innsiders Club. All they need to do to enjoy the Innsider benefits is to pick up a DINE brochure during any stay at a DINE inn and use it to keep track of their visits.

Each time Innsiders stay at four different DINE inns, they receive $100 off their next DINE visit of two nights or more. They can do this up to four times, for a total off of $400. This allows Innsiders to explore new inns while also returning to inns they enjoy particularly well.

All DINE inns offer all the services of the finest bed and breakfasts and luxury inns. Their guests enjoy opulent accommodations and a wide variety of recreational activities. The inns themselves are located in historic buildings set in lovely New England settings.

DINE Innsiders already get their money’s worth in comfort and relaxation, plus the inns offer getaway specials, romantic packages, and other lodging discounts. The Innsiders Club provides a bonus savings to recognize Innsiders’ loyalty to the 10 DINE inns.

The inns are (in Rhode Island) Cliffside Inn, (in Vermont) Windham Hill Inn and Rabbit Hill Inn, (in New Hampshire) Chesterfield Inn, Manor on Golden Pond and Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa, (in Massachusetts) Captain’s House Inn, Gateways Inn and Deerfield Inn, and (in Maine) Camden Maine Stay Inn.

The fine print to the Innsider offer is minimal. Some blackout periods and restrictions may be applied by the individual inns. Only $100 DINE dollars can be redeemed at a time. Innsiders need to present their DINE Innsider Card, which is part of the brochure, and have it stamped when they visit inns. There’s no cash value to this offer, and the card expires two years after its issue date.

Innsiders who already use their Innsiders Club card find it an easy process and rewarding too. That extra hundred dollars can buy a special bottle of wine, an afternoon of spa treatments, or some other treat that will make their time away particularly memorable.

Innkeeping Can Be A Dream Come True

It was nearly 30 years ago when Brian and Mary Ellen Shields began to dream of operating a B&B like the best of those they visited. For them, the love of travel eventually led to the love of innkeeping at the Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness, New Hampshire.

When their two daughters graduated high school, the couple began their search in earnest for an inn to call their own. They knew they wanted to be in New England. Mary Ellen explains, “We have always enjoyed the change of seasons, the diversity of the Northeast, and most of all the freshness of the air and the beauty of the landscape.”

Their previous careers had prepared them well. As a senior manager for Procter and Gamble, Brian had traveled the world and experienced quality hospitality. He also had became skilled at fixing infrastructure problems and creating good management systems. Mary Ellen had been an accountant, an interior decorator, and a culinary school graduate, developing skills she now applies at the Manor.

“When we travel,” Mary Ellen says, “we enjoy having all the comforts of home with added pampering from our hosts. So we ensure that experience for our guests.” Brian enjoys serving the breakfast and acting as concierge for guests who are planning their days. Mary Ellen loves the pace of the evening diningroom and the satisfaction of serving guests a wonderful meal.

Together, they have improved and expanded the inn’s services and facilities, and they have developed a highly skilled staff. Their efforts, combined with the inn’s beautiful setting overlooking Squarm Lake, have earned the Manor many accolades. Now approaching their eighth year as innkeepers, Brian and Mary Ellen continue to relish their dream come true.

Manor On Golden Pond Cooking Experience

Culinary Classes by Executive Chef Aaron Hatfield
Holderness, NH; September 2005 – Cooking and food enthusiasts will not want to miss the Manor On Golden Pond’s, New Hampshire’s only Small Luxury Hotel of the World, new offering of culinary classes – Fork In The Road – led by Executive Chef Aaron Hatfield.

Participants can enhance culinary skills and learn to cook with the Manor’s professional team of chefs in a professional kitchen atmosphere. Each of the nine programs include: a two-day workshop (three-hours each day) with demonstrations and hands-on cooking for all participants. A selection of wine will be served with each dish prepared.

The weekend cooking class schedule is as follows:

Mar 9-10, 2007 New Hampshire Maple and Cheese
April 20-21, 2007 Lobster and Ginger Fused?
May 18-19,2007 Shrimp Gone Bananas

Enrollment is limited to six participants to ensure individual attention. Optional afternoon culinary-related activities may be offered in conjunction with some of the cooking classes. “Guest chefs” receive a recipe book and complimentary culinary gift courtesy of the Manor On Golden Pond.
Rates for the September class start at $760 for a Classic Room ($960 Fireplace; $1,025 Jacuzzi; and $1,150 for a Suite). Rates for the remaining classes start at $600 for a Classic Room ($750 Fireplace; $850 Jacuzzi; and $1,050 for a Suite). Price per couple includes: two nights accommodations, cooking class for one participant, full gourmet breakfast each morning, afternoon tea, and dinner each evening. An additional fee of $75 will be added if both traveling companions are participating in the Fork In The Road cooking program.

“By focusing on understanding the techniques and ingredients in recipes, we provide the home culinary enthusiast the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of a hobby they already enjoy. We help them develop their own personalized way of cooking and entertaining,” explained Chef Aaron Hatfield.
Whether you’re a wizard in the kitchen or a gourmet wanna-be, the Manor On Golden Pond’s Fork In The Road Cooking Program is the ideal way to enjoy a culinary vacation with some rest and relaxation and is always in good taste.

For additional information and to make reservations for the Fork In The Road program, contact The Manor On Golden Pond at 800-545-2141.