Archive for April, 2010

First loons of the season on Squam Lake

April 29th, 2010 by Bill Webb

Well you know that summer can't be far away when you see your first loons of the season. The ice on Squam Lake disappeared early this year and as usual loons found the open water almost immediately. These wonderful birds live in open water year round and it seems like those that spend the winter off the coast of New England must make daily scouting trips during the Spring to Holderness and the NH Lakes Region (see our day trip map) until they spot enough open water to allow them to return to their summer home. There's a special feeling we have about loons. While they're not an endangered species they're not plentiful. On Squam Lake there are only about 50 loons altogether and their population has been declining over the past several years. The Loon Preservation Society and others are working hard to understand this trend.

Many of us were first introduced to the Loon through the classic film On Golden Pond which, of course, was filmed here on Squam Lake. It's hard to believe the movie was made over 25 years ago! It's no surprise that when we arrived in Holderness and decided to purchase this property that we named our New Hampshire bed and breakfast after the movie. We have always felt that the peace and serenity that prevailed in the movie was the tone we wanted in our NH inn. The popularity of the movie continues to this day and every year we have hundreds of visitors who take one of the tours on Squam Lake not only to see places where On Golden Pond was filmed, but to get closeup views of our loon population. It's certainly likely that New Hampshire travel and tourism has benefited from our loon population.  If you haven't seen a loon closeup (or even if you have) enjoy the attached video of a mother loon and her chicks.

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Hiking around Squam Lake and in the White Mountains

April 27th, 2010 by Bill Webb

With summer rapidly approaching more guests at our Squam Lakes bed and breakfast will be turning their attention to hiking. Since we're located in the foothills of the White Mountains many people realize that we're very close to some of the best hiking in New Hampshire and arguably in all of New England. Whether you're an avid hiker or just a beginner there are lots of opportunities close by to get out an enjoy the great outdoors. Of course, Mt. Washington is our best known peak particularly for its fickle weather, but the White Mountains are filled with smaller mountains that still present a challenge. Here in Holderness you can find a real NH gem. The Squam Range consists of several peaks ranging from about 1,000 feet in elevation to close to 2,500 feet. The trails tend to be lightly traveled (you could hike all day and not see another person) and offer some wonderful views of Squam Lake and other lakes in the New Hampshire lakes region. So if you'd prefer to avoid the crowds the Squam Range is the place for you. And what better way to end a day of hiking in New Hampshire than by staying at a luxury bed and breakfast like the Inn On Golden Pond? Not only will you get a great nights' rest, but a delicious country breakfast will be waiting for you the next morning! [caption id="attachment_576" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Rattlesnake Mountain in Holdernesss, NH is just 15 minutes from our Squam Lake bed and breakfast."][/caption]

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Plymouth State University, Holderness School to hold Graduations

April 23rd, 2010 by Bill Webb

[caption id="attachment_560" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Historic Rounds Hall on the campus of Plymouth State University"][/caption] Two area graduations will occur on the weekend of May 22. Plymouth State University will hold its undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 22 and Holderness School graduates its seniors on Sunday the 23rd. Over the years we have hosted many parents and families of students at both of these schools. We've found that  often when parents are visiting for Parent's Weekends or other occasions they enjoy taking sometime to explore Squam Lake and the surrounding area. The area offers great hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Some folks find time to get out on Squam Lake and enjoy some water activities including lake tours that leave daily from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Of course, we appreciate that they have picked our New Hampshire bed and breakfast as their lodging choice. Each year as another class graduates from Plymouth State or Holderness School we feel like we have an Inn On Golden Pond graduating class as we bid farewell to those parents who will moving on to the next chapter in their children's lives. As another graduation season approaches we prepare ourselves for a final visit from several families we have come to know so well over the past several years.

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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Opening May 1

April 15th, 2010 by Bill Webb

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center right here in Holderness NH will be opening its trails on May 1. This is one of the most interesting attractions around Squam Lake filled with exhibits on native NH wildlife and plant life. During the summer season guests often ask us what they can do in the NH Lakes Region that combines a little exercise with a learning experience. The Science Center is definitely the spot. The exhibit trail is about a half mile long with natural enclosures featuring live deer, bear, otters, mountain lions and more. There are side trails which offer longer walks or hikes including one up Mt. Fayal which is on the Center's property. The Center's staff conducts excellent programs several times a day throughout the season. So if you're planning a visit with us here On Golden Pond be sure to carve out enough time to visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

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New Website & Blog for the Inn on Golden Pond

April 1st, 2010 by Bill Webb

The Inn on Golden Pond is pleased to unveil its new website and blog designed by InsideOut Solutions. We hope that both returning and new visitors are pleased with our new website's "look and feel" as well as the expanded content and photos. We invite you to have a look around our new home on the World Wide Web and contact us with your thoughts. [caption id="attachment_507" align="aligncenter" width="101" caption="Inn on Golden Pond  New Website"][/caption]

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