Posts Tagged ‘Holderness’

Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley – Great New Hampshire Skiing

February 9th, 2013 by billwebb

Our best snow of the season has arrived in central New Hampshire! A foot of light powder is just what the skiers ordered and it comes at a great time as we head into President’s Day week and school vacations.

This weekend we have guests at our New Hampshire bed and breakfast who are tubing at Loon Mountain, skiing at Waterville Valley and dog sled riding with Barking Brook Kennels. And one of our guests is participating in the Fishing Derby sponsored by the Meredith Rotary Club. Quite a mix of activities.

While we have guests with a variety of interests they all agree that starting their day with one of our country breakfasts and landing back in one of our cozy rooms is the best way to start and end a day.

It goes to show that Holderness and the Squam Lake area are not just summer destinations. The Inn On Golden Pond is open year round and we can help you plan a day full of fun anytime of the year. Whether you’re planning activities in Lincoln, NH or Meredith NH, on Lake Winnipesaukee or Squam Lake, on Loon Mountain or Mount Tecumsah, if you’re looking for quality accommodations we’ve got you covered.

Winter ski vacations at Loon Mountain

A great shot from Loon Mountain’s website

Fall Foliage in New Hampshire – Why the Leaves Change Color.

September 22nd, 2012 by billwebb

Fall is absolutely the best season in New Hampshire. The days are sunny and dry. The nights are cool (sometimes cold) and the air is crisp. But above all else the colors are tremendous. Guests at our Holderness B&B often ask why the leaves change color.

During the spring and summer the leaves manufacture most of the foods necessary for the tree’s growth. This food-making process takes place in the leaf in numerous cells containing chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green color. This extraordinary chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used in transforming carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates, such as sugars and starch.

Along with the green pigment there are yellow and orange pigments in the leaf,  but most of the year these colors are masked by great amounts of green coloring.

In the fall as the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler the leaves stop making the food,  anticipating the upcoming winter and dormant season. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears and the yellow and orange colors become dominant. These pigments mix to create vibrant reds as well as the sharp yellows and oranges.

Old timers will tell you that the brilliance of fall foliage depends on factors like how much rain we’ve had or how hot or cold the summer was. Undoubtedly these factors enter into the mix, but every year is different. The one thing that remains constant is the timing. It always happens in the fall when the days get shorter. It’s Mother Nature’s way of signalling the passing from summer to winter.

The Squam Lake area and the rest of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region will be ablaze with these colors soon. This would be a perfect time to spend a few days at the Inn On Golden Pond where you can enjoy luxurious lodging each night and the spectacular countryside filled with fall colors each day.

Fall at Squam Lake

On the grounds of the Inn On Golden Pond

Play at NH Fairs, Stay at our Squam Lake B&B

August 25th, 2012 by billwebb

There are a number of agricultural fairs coming up in the next few weeks throughout New Hampshire. These fairs are a great tradition and feature entertainment for the entire family. Events range from oxen pulls to apple pie contests. Most fairs have live entertainment and amusement rides. You’ll find livestock exhibits with cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and more. And there are exhibits featuring home made baked and canned goods as well as home grown fruits, vegetables and flowers.

We wouldn’t be surprised if the original owners of the home that is now the Inn On Golden Pond participated in some of these fairs in their early years. Some date back 140 years. While we don’t raise any livestock or produce vegetables worthy of showing  at a fair we do provide a quality lodging experience by Squam Lake in the heart of New Hampshire’s lakes region. Why not spend a few relaxing days at our Holderness bed and breakfast and enjoy one of New Hampshire’s longest traditions by attending one of the following fairs.

Lancaster Fair   8/29 – 9/3

Hopkinton State Fair   8/30 – 9/3

Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair    9/7 – 9/9

Rochester Fair   9/14 – 9/23

Deerfield Fair   9/27 – 9/30

Sandwich Fair  10/6 – 10/8

 

NH_Sandwich_Fair-19NH_Sandwich_Fair-48

Enjoy the rides and the food at the New Hampshire State Fairs

See Historic New Hampshire Barns

July 25th, 2012 by billwebb

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is sponsoring a Barn Tour this Saturday, July 28 to benefit the Kirkwood Gardens. Between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm you are invited to take a self guided tour to explore four historic buildings – three barns in Holderness and a carriage house in Center Harbor. You’ll learn about wildlife that depends on barns, such as swallow and bats. A history of each building and directions will be provided at registration.

The Science Center is located a mile from our Holderness bed and breakfast. Many of our guests enjoy visiting the Center and following its trail system which features native New Hampshire wildlife. Three time daily throughout the season the Center also offers boat tours on Squam Lake – made famous as the location for the classic film “On Golden Pond.”

 

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The Science Center has great bird exhibits

See “On Golden Pond” and stay On Golden Pond

July 21st, 2012 by billwebb

For those folks who loved the movie “On Golden Pond” there is a special treat waiting for you this summer. From now until August 12 the play which was written by Ernest Thompson is being performed at the Pitman’s Freight Room, 94 New Salem St., in Laconia. The theater is about a 30 minute drive from our Holderness, NH bed and breakfast, the Inn On Golden Pond.

The production is being directed by the Academy award winning author and he appears in the performance as well.

Evening shows start at 7:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at 8:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also 2:00 pm matinees on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Why not plan a visit now. Stay at our Inn On Golden Pond, take a boat tour On Golden Pond and see a performance of the classic play On Golden Pond directed by the author of On Golden Pond. What a great combination!

Common Loon

Loons were made famous by the film “On Golden Pond”

NH Summer Theater and the Inn On Golden Pond – a Great Combination

July 18th, 2012 by billwebb

Now that we’re in the height of summer the local offerings of Summer theater are abundant!

The Summer Theatre in Meredith Village is performing long time favorite “Annie.” Shows occur each evening Tuesday – Sunday at 7:30 and on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at 2:00 pm.

For the next couple of weeks you can catch the world’s longest running play “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Monday – Saturday at 7:30 and Monday afternoons at 2:00.

Further north in Lincoln, NH the Papermill Theater has just reopened in a wonderful new facility. Performances of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “The Wedding Singer” are scheduled over the next 2 weeks starting at 8:00 pm nightly except Sundays.

And finally there’s New Hampshire’s oldest summer theater,  The Barnstormers in Tamworth which is featuring “Painting Churches” this week Tuesday – Saturday evenings..

All of these theaters are within a half hour drive of our Holderness bed and breakfast. So come spend a few days on Squam Lake and enjoy an evening or two of outstanding theater.

 

 

A scene from “Painting Churches” at the Barnstormers Theater

Experience Squam – A Great Way to Enjoy Squam Lake

July 7th, 2012 by billwebb

There are lots of ways to enjoy Squam Lake. You can paddle a canoe or kayak. You can rent a small motor boat. You can swim in its cool waters. You can hike up Rattlesnake Mountain and see the lake in its entirety from above. Or you can let someone else do the driving and tour the lake by boat. One excellent tour is done by our friend Cindy O’Leary who operates Experience Squam.

Experience Squam is a personalized tour aboard a 23′ Sea-Ray Bow Rider.  You can reserve for just a couple or the boat holds up to 8 people comfortably. With Experience Squam you can determine what you want to see and when. Cindy offers a variety of packages which meet just about any need you may have. Check out the Experience Squam website for more details.

Of course, boating on Squam is only one way to get the Squam experience. We invite you to round out your visit with a stay in our Holderness bed and breakfast. Enjoy one of our inviting guestrooms and spend a few days relaxing in central New Hampshire. There’s plenty to do – or if you prefer plenty not to do. Visit our website for a list of activities you’ll find in the area.

Boat Jump

Have a blast with Experience Squam

Learn about the White Mountains at Plymouth State University’s Camp PSU

May 6th, 2012 by billwebb

Plymouth State University has a new program for individuals or families who want to get a deeper appreciation of the heritage and culture of the White Mountains. As part of its White Mountains Institute the University is introducing Camp PSU which will start in June and continue through the summer. “Camp” consists of a series of one day learning opportunities all focused on the White Mountains region. You can see complete details on all the programs at Camp PSU.

Plymouth State is located in Plymouth, NH just 10 minutes from the Inn On Golden Pond. Sessions will take place on Fridays so this is a great opportunity to visit New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and the White Mountains for an extended weekend. We’ve put together a package offering you the chance to spend a relaxed weekend with us and attend Camp PSU at a substantial discount. Whether you want to learn more about photography in the Mountains or the glaciers that created these impressive peaks this is the time and place. Why not enjoy the comfort of one our spacious guestrooms while enriching your mind?

We offer a quality bed and breakfast lodging experience throughout the year for those who come to enjoy Holderness and Squam Lake or Plymouth and the White Mountains, but summer offers the greatest variety of activities.  We look forward to seeing you before and after your camp experience.

White Mountains of New Hampshire

Enjoy the splendor of the White Mountains

NH Dog Sled Adventures Near Our Bed and Breakfast/Inn

January 26th, 2012 by billwebb

Snow! Snow! Snow! That’s what we wish for every winter here in New Hampshire. A snowy winter is important for skiers and snowmobilers, but it’s especially critical for dog sled enthusiasts.  Dog sled rides are a great, different adventure and we have a couple of kennels close to our Holderness B&B that offer rides to the public. This is a great way to explore the countryside of the New Hampshire’s lakes region and the White Mountains. Imagine winding your way through the back woods, no one else around – a wonderful way to see Mother Nature’s winter grandeur.  You can share the driving experience with a professional or you can sit back and leave the driving to them.

Check out these two sites for more information about dog sledding opportunities.    Barking Brook Sled Dog Adventures    and    Muddy Paw Sled Dog

Of course, at the end of the day what could be better than returning to our cozy bed and breakfast/inn?  Sit by the fire, a glass of wine in hand and enjoy a quiet evening. Or dine at one of  the many excellent restaurants we have in the Squam area.  You’ll get a great night’s rest in one of our spacious, comfortable guestrooms and when you rise the next morning you’ll smell fresh coffee and the aroma of a home cooked breakfast as we get you ready for another day of winter activity.

The Inn On Golden Pond is an excellent lodging choice in the Holderness, Plymouth and Meredith NH area.  So come enjoy the wonders of winter, perhaps a little differently than ever before – on a sled pulled by a team of pure bred Siberian Huskies!

Brent Beck

 

Cut your own Christmas Tree in New Hampshire

November 18th, 2011 by billwebb

We still have a week to go before we feast on Turkey and all the fixin’s, but we can’t help but think about the Christmas season that will follow. One of our favorite parts of Christmas is cutting a tree and then decorating it with our collection of special ornaments. We’ve been collecting dated ornaments since our first Christmas together which means we now have 35 plus in the collection. Each one brings back memories which we share as we hang them on the tree.

If you want a great Christmas tree we recommend Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm in Plymouth, NH. They have a large selection of live trees ready for cutting and cut trees ready to take home. Tree cutting day is a family tradition which we’ve conducted for years. We spend lots of time as a group picking out just the right tree that will look great in our living room. At Glove Hollow you can drive your own car into the field area or take a horse drawn (sometimes tractor drawn) wagon. It’s great fun.

Now would be the time to plan a weekend getaway to the Inn On Golden Pond, our Holderness, NH bed and breakfast, which would include quality New Hampshire lodging, cutting your own tree, attending one of many holiday craft fairs or musical performances and doing some tax free shopping.

Snowww!