Posts Tagged ‘Holderness’
June 2nd, 2011 by billwebb
The Lilac season is just about over throughout New Hampshire and the beautiful purple blossoms with their wonderful fragrance will be but a memory for another year. The purple Lilac was named New Hampshire’s state flower in 1919 and the bushes can be found in all parts of the state. We have a couple of bushes here at our Squam Lake inn and as usual they produced numerous flowers. The season seemed a bit short which was probably due to the rain and drizzle we had just as things were blooming. The wet weather caused many blossoms to turn brown rather quickly.
The Governor’s Lilac and Wildflower Commission sponsors a photo contest each year. Check out their website to see the winners from 2010.
Throughout the summer season the New Hampshire landscape will be dotted by numerous wildflowers. If you visit our lakes region bed and breakfast we can help you plan a great day trip which will take you on some of our back roads where you’ll be sure to see the colorful displays. We’ll provide the luxury lodging here in Holderness, mother nature will provide the luxurious scenery throughout your visit.
Tags: bed and breakfast, Holderness, inn, Lakes Region, lilacs, luxury lodging, New Hampshire, Squam Lake
Posted in New Hampshire | Comments Off
May 23rd, 2011 by billwebb
This is going to be an exciting summer around Squam Lake. It’s the 30th anniversary of the filming of the classic movie “On Golden Pond” which was filmed here in Holderness. Our traditional New Hampshire bed and breakfast took its name from the movie not because we are on the lake (which we’re not), but because we felt the movie reflected the sense of place and family which so typifies the rural part of our beautiful state.
We’ve been here as innkeepers for 27 years and one of the great things about the area is how little it has changed. The fresh, clean waters of Squam are still the same high quality they were years ago. And the development in town and around the lake has been minimal, not changing the basic feel of the community.
In an extraordinary celebration of the 30th anniversary there will be 30 performances of the play “On Golden Pond” throughout the summer and into September at Little Church Theater in Holderness. These shows will be directed by the author of ”On Golden Pond”, Ernest Thompson, who now resides locally. There will be many opportunities to meet Thompson and participate in conversations about the movie and the story. Follow this link to Little Church Theater’s website for a detailed schedule.
Seeing one of these performances would be a great reason to visit our Squam Lake (Golden Pond) Inn and spend a night or two. Choose one of our spacious guestrooms and treat yourself to a great New Hampshire getaway. Spend the day boating on Squam or Lake Winnipesaukee; hiking the Squam Range or the White Mountains; shopping in Meredith or Plymouth or driving some of our scenic back roads. Then spend an unforgettable evening enjoying theater history in the making. This On Golden Pond experience will be as authentic as it gets!
It truly is Golden Pond
Tags: bed and breakfast, getaway, Holderness, inn, Lake Winnipesaukee, Little Church Theater, Meredith, On Golden Pond, Plymouth, Squam Lake
Posted in Area attractions | Comments Off
February 11th, 2011 by billwebb
This weekend is a busy time in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with the Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby and the 82nd Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby both occurring over the next few days. The weather forecast is encouraging with no major storms expected. The snow and ice conditions are excellent, the best in years for both events.
Our Holderness B&B is very close to Meredith, NH where the fishing derby will be headquartered. However, fishermen hoping to win the derby will be spread all over the Lakes Region including on Squam Lake as tagged fish have been stocked in many lakes across the area.
The sled dog race is just a few minutes farther away following a route through Laconia near Lake Winnipesaukee.
These two events are great examples of the great winter recreation the Holderness/Meredith area has to offer. Take advantage of the fun and enjoy luxury lodging at affordable rates here at our Meredith/Holderness bed and breakfast.
Tags: B&B, bed and breakfast, Holderness, inn, Laconia sled dog races, Meredith Fishing Derby, Squam Lake
Posted in Area attractions | Comments Off
February 10th, 2011 by billwebb
We have a new addition to our area recreational scene. The new Plymouth State University ice arena is a state of the art facility and appears to be the first all “green” arena in the country. Everything from the geothermal refrigeration and heating system to the lighting was designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
The arena is home to the Plymouth State’s men’s hockey team and women’s hockey team, but also offers programs to the general public including open skate sessions, youth hockey, broomball, learn-to-skate and learn-to-play-hockey sessions. It’s a gem for the area!
When you come to the Inn On Golden Pond for comfortable lodging in the Plymouth NH area you can now bring your ice skates and get out on the ice during public skate sessions all year round. Just click here to see the public skating schedule.
Artist’s rendition of the new PSU ice arena
Tags: B&B, hockey, Holderness, ice skating, lodging, New Hampshire, Plymouth, Plymouth State University
Posted in Area attractions | Comments Off
January 23rd, 2011 by billwebb
Each year we hold two candlelight dinner weekends in the spring at our Squam Lake bed and breakfast. This year’s dinners will be held on the weekends of March 18 & 19 and April 1 & 2. Our normal hospitality is supplemented with a special 5 course candlelight dinner on Saturday night. Bonnie is the chef and Bill is the waiter. These weekends have become a favorite with our repeat guests some of whom have been coming almost every spring since we started this tradition 17 years ago. Since we do not normally serve a dinner here at the Inn this is a very special event. Bonnie really out does herself with delicious home made soups, creative salads, mouth watering entrees and sinful desserts.
This is an excellent way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, but most of our dinner guests just enjoy the great food and good company of others here for the weekend. Of course, this is maple syrup season so during the day a stop at a local sugar shack can be great entertainment. The summer is still months away so New Hampshire towns like Meredith, Sandwich and our own Holderness which revolve around Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee are pretty quiet. Plymouth on the other hand is active as Plymouth State University is in session. There’s always something to do.
So come up for a great New Hampshire weekend getaway and celebrate the end of winter with us. The weekend is priced at $375 per couple which includes 2 night’s lodging in one of comfortable rooms, two country breakfasts and our gourmet dinner on Saturday. Once you come you’ll be hooked!
Ruth and Bob enjoying their dinner
Tags: bed and breakfast, getaway weekend, Holderness, maple syrup, Meredith, New Hampshire, Plymouth, Sandwich, Squam Lake
Posted in Inn Update! | Comments Off
December 3rd, 2010 by billwebb
The ski season has started here in central New Hampshire. Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain and Waterville Valley are all open and satisfying the desires of those skiers who’ve been waiting for the new season to start ever since last season ended. These three mountains are about 30 minutes from our Holderness/Plymouth area bed and breakfast. So if you stay for a weekend or a few days midweek you can ski a different mountain each day.
There’s new ownership at Waterville Valley with indications there will be many upgrades and improvements. At Cannon Mountain there’s been some expansion with the addition of Mittersill ski area and some new lifts. It’s great to see the industry continuing to add new features all the time.
Cross country skiing will start up later this month assuming Mother Nature provides us with some natural snow. Temperatures are cold enough so it shouldn’t be too long. We are cross country skiers and one of the things we like to do is return to the Inn at the end of the day and curl up next to a crackling fire in the sitting room. Add a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate and you feel like you’ve found your little piece of heaven! Of course, besides the inviting fire our guests get a great breakfast to start their day and the opportunity to retreat to a cozy guest room when all is said and done making for the perfect New Hampshire getaway weekend.
So if you’re going to ski NH and are looking for quality lodging give us a call.
Skiers enjoying the slopes at Waterville Valley
Tags: B&B, Cannon Mountain, cross country skiing, getaway weekend, Holderness, inn, Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, Plymouth, quality lodging, ski NH, Waterville Valley
Posted in Area attractions, New Hampshire | Comments Off
October 31st, 2010 by billwebb
Happy Halloween to everyone. Of course, Halloween means that November is up and that is the time of the year when our loons leave the lake and head for their winter habitat. Loons
Squam Lake loons gone until next year
are a fascinating bird and while they have been around for millions of years they seem to have found their way into our consciousness as a result of the movie “On Golden Pond.” They certainly hold a special spot in the hearts of lake residents all around Squam Lake.
When people visit our Holderness bed & breakfast they almost always ask where they can see loons. The best way is on the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center boat tour which departs from Holderness village three times a day during the summer and fall seasons. Occasionally we see them from the road, but it’s rare.
Loons will gather in groups before departing their summer home. They migrate to open water anywhere from the Maine coast to the Gulf of Mexico. Their plumage turns a dull gray during the late fall and winter months. They’d stay all year, but the ice which forms on the lakes throughout the New Hampshire Lakes Region means they can’t swim and dive for fish. So off to the open water they go. Males go one place, their female partners go elsewhere. An interesting phenomenon – married for life, but taking separate vacations!
As the cool weather settles in our attention turns from the many outdoor activities available to us during the summer and fall to the warm and inviting inside of the Inn. This is a time when our guests really appreciate the cozy feeling of our beautiful guest rooms and our main sitting room where people relax next to our fireplace where there’s always a crackling fire in the evening.
Tags: bed & breakfast, Holderness, inn, Lakes Region, loons, New Hampshire, Squam Lake
Posted in New Hampshire | Comments Off
October 14th, 2010 by billwebb
Well it’s been a busy season with great colors! We’ve had guests from all over the world who all agree the scenery around our Squam Lake bed and breakfast is breathtaking. Yesterday we were entertained by a doe and two fawns in our backyard – a little something to add to the beautiful colors.
This time of the year is our favorite as guests enjoy their evenings gathered around the fireplace in our sitting room, sharing stories before they retire for a good night’s sleep in one of our spacious guest rooms. It really reminds us how special New England is with our foliage and our great countryside. People visiting for their first time are always awestruck.
In a few weeks things will get quiet in Holderness as the lakes region settles in for winter. Of course, there are always things to do and our neighboring town of Plymouth offers great entertainment downtown and at Plymouth State University throughout the school year. And many of New Hampshire’s best ski mountains are just a short distance away. So plan a New Hampshire weekend getaway now – whether it’s for skiing, taking in a performance at Plymouth State or just relaxing by the fire in our sitting room.
Relax by the fire in our sitting room at the Inn On Golden Pond
Tags: bed and breakfast, Holderness, Lakes Region, NH, Plymouth, Plymouth State University, Squam Lake
Posted in Inn Update! | Comments Off
September 13th, 2010 by billwebb
Fall foliage season is just a couple of weeks away and some of our trees are beginning to show signs of the changing colors. If we had to name our favorite season of the year fall would definitely be it. Our Holderness B&B is ideally located for folks who are coming to New Hampshire to see the colors. The brilliant colors of our hardwood trees not only cover the hillsides surrounding our lakes, but the clear calm waters of Squam Lake also reflect the shoreline trees giving an added visual bonus.
Throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region we have miles of walking and hiking trails providing the opportunity to get out and see those colors up close. There’s something very special about walking a trail covered with fallen leaves and breathing in that crisp fresh air that has a particularly clean smell to it in the fall. The air is dry, the temperatures are moderate and the mosquitos have disappeared. Of course, we’re in the foothills of the White Mountains so for anyone who would like to combine some leaf peeping with a more challenging hike you won’t have to go far.
For many fall is the perfect time to take a driving trip. The most popular drive for fall foliage is through the White Mountains and across the Kancamagus Highway which is a perfect day trip from the Inn. We’ve included this route on our website. But there are other lesser known drives that offer wonderful views of Mother Nature’s work as well which we’ve also included in our day trip section. We suggest you stay at least a couple of nights so you can take in some local scenery and get to see some of the off the beaten path side roads which offer a real insight into New Hampshire.
For those who may not have time to take a hike or devote an entire day to a drive in the area you’ll be happy with the spectacular scenery you’ll get looking out from our breakfast room or from our spacious guest rooms to our back yard and surrounding woods. We’ve got Maples, Oaks, Birch, Beech and the evergreen Pines – a terrific mix of colors. If you haven’t made your plans yet don’t delay. Available rooms are getting scarce for our peak foliage season.
Beautiful New Hampshire roadside color
Tags: B&B, bed and breakfast, fall foliage, Holderness, inn, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, New Hampshire Lakes Region, Squam Lake, White Mountains
Posted in New Hampshire | Comments Off
August 30th, 2010 by billwebb
As we enter the fall season one can’t help but think that this is really the best season for hiking in the White Mountains and around New Hampshire’s Lakes region. Temperatures during the days are generally very pleasant and the summer humidity has disappeared. And if you hike mid week most of the crowds have disappeared as well.
We like hiking on the many trails in the Squam Range which runs along side of Squam Lake between Holderness and Sandwich. They’re some of New Hampshire’s best trails maintained by the Squam Lakes Association. Most popular are Rattlesnake Mountain and Mount Morgan. But there are others which offer great views and good exercise. We’ve always liked Mt. Livermore which is relatively easy and is a good starting point if you want to hike the Ridge Trail which crosses the entire range. You can hike without seeing another person on several of the lesser used trails.
The Inn is also located about a half hour from Franconia Notch which has several great hiking opportunities. Artist’s Bluff, Mt. Pemigewasset and Lonesome Lake are three excellent hikes ranging from relatively easy to challenging.
Of course, one of the great things about hiking in this area is that at the end of the day you can return to the comfort of our Holderness inn. Our spacious guest rooms are just the answer for those who want to be pampered after a day of recreation. So if you want to get out and enjoy some great outdoor recreation in the Holderness, Plymouth, or Sandwich, NH area give us a call.
A great view from Rattlesnake Mountain
Tags: Artist's Bluff, B&B, bed and breakfast, Holderness, Lonesome Lake, Mt. Livermore, Mt. Morgan, Mt. Pemigewasset, new hampshire hiking, New Hampshire Lakes Region, Plymouth NH, Rattlesnake Mountain, Squam Lake, White Mountains
Posted in New Hampshire | Comments Off
Great workshops at New Hampshire's Canterbury Shaker Village
Learn about the White Mountains at Plymouth State University's Camp PSU
New Hampshire Weekend Getaway at our Squam Lake Bed & Breakfast/Inn
P.O. Box 680 | Route 3