Fishing Derby in Meredith New Hampshire

Once again, we find ourselves at that time of the year for the annual Fishing Derby, held by Meredith Rotary Club on Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith, New Hampshire.

As one of the biggest Winter events held in the Lakes Region, many hopeful fishermen from across New Hampshire will be there competing for the fabulous prizes Meredith Rotary Club have to offer every year.

The fishing derby is open to anyone and everyone (see official Derby Rules) – so grab your fishing gear and join everybody at Meredith Bay! Tickets are only $30 for participation, and you could be in with a chance to win – will you be the one to go home with the grand prize of a brand new fishing boat valued at over $25,000?

If fishing isn’t the thing for you, you can still have an enjoyable day watching the festivities and excitement from Meredith docks with a warm mug of hot chocolate or some delicious refreshments to keep you warm. It’s always fun to watch the snowmobiles racing across Lake Winnipesaukee, and to watch the fishermen hauling their catch to the weigh in station at the Derby headquarters at the end of the day to proclaim the winner.

If you have children, then this may be a perfect day to get the kids out of the house. Take them along to the Derby Headquarters on the Saturday to learn the basics of ice fishing – which includes tip-ups, sounding the hole and power augers. This is hosted by Fish and Game’s volunteers through a program called “Let’s Go Fishing”. From 10am thru to 3pm, sessions are held hourly so why not make a day of it? Head to the fishing derby at 11am and learn ice fishing, enjoy lunch in Meredith at a local restaurant and then have fun walking on frozen Lake Winnipesaukee whilst watching all of the fishermen catch their winning prizes.

The fishing derby will be taking place on Saturday January 30^th, from 8am – 11pm and Sunday January 31^st from 5am – noon, so this gives you plenty of opportunity to head down for a few hours on either day. The Manor on Golden Pond hopes to see you there!

The Manor on Golden Pond takes first place in Chilifest in New Hampshire

What an exciting way for The Manor on Golden Pond to welcome in the New Year, with the annual Chili Cook-Off at Squam Lake Association in Holderness, New Hampshire.

 It started off as a promising day in New Hampshire – the sun lighting up the day and bringing hope for the competitors. It was a perfect setting for the public to go ice-skating, play ice hockey on Squam Lake – and to work up an appetite for chili!

 With five other competitors and a line full of hungry people, they were ready to go at noon! The Manor On Golden Pond’s Sous Chef Andrew and English intern Roxanne were ready, with The Manor on Golden Pond Sous Chef’s own secret recipe for Texas Chili, with the motto “ SAY NO TO BEANS!” Did you know that originally, chili was never made with beans?! At the Manor on Golden Pond we like to set ourselves apart from the everyday crowd and show you why we are the best!

The event didn’t last long, with The Manor being the first to run out of their chili – it tasted so good people raved about it! Everyone was anticipating the announcement of the winner – especially after a local competitor had won two years in a row – but this year it was a victory for The Manor on Golden Pond.

So enjoy – the winning chilifest recipe for 2010.

Fork in the Road a winner again- more classes added

Our Fork in the Road continues to be a huge success. Two of our classes for this seasons Fork In the Road have sold out again. Our February Class, Classic Dishes for Two  and our March Class, Cooking with New Hampshire Maple Syrup have filled up so we have added 2 additional weekends for those that missed out.  Our February theme will be presented on the weekend of February 26 thru February 27, 2010.  And our March theme  has been added for the weekend of  March 12 and March 13, 2010.  Many of the guests are coming for their 2nd and 3rd cooking class.  They can not get enough of the fun that you have in these cooking classes.

Chef Peter Sheedy is looking forward to welcoming all of his cooking students for a fun filled weekend. Students will actually prepare the dishes themselve and then get to enjoy the food with wine that we have paired with their cuisine.  The weekend begins with dinner on Friday night and an introduction to our Chef and the kitchen.  Then Saturday the cooking begins with a 2 hour cooking session and an afternoon to enjoy to themselves. Dinner is enjoyed on Saturday night with an opportunity for the students to go behind the kitchen doors during dinner service to see how the chefs perform the magic of preparing fine cuisine.  Then Sunday a 2 hour cooking sessions puts the finishing touches on your dishes followed by your enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Check out the Fork in the Road Cooking themes for the year.  It is an event not to be missed in New Hampshire.  http://www.manorongoldenpond.com/pages/cookingSchool.html

More Guest Review from New Hampshire

More Guest Reviews from our guest comment cards at the Manor On Golden Pond that we would like to share with everyone.

“Thank you very much for the fantastic hospitality at your Manor.  The quality of your staff is superb. And so is your chef.  We will be back “On Golden Pond” and will encourage our friends to do likewise” (P.&M.N. from Belgium)

“We loved the attention to detail.  We felt very welcome.  Your staff does a wonderful job.  If we are every in the area again, we will be back.  Thank you for making our 50^th anniversary really great” ( D&J N. Washington state)

“Housekeeping was impeccable (and invisible!), the dining experience was truly exceptional, and the inn, beautiful and relaxing. Don’t Change a thing!”(B&C W.  Arizona)

“We’ve been coming here off and on for many years under a couple of different ownerships.  Each time we come it seems that the place has gotten better (if possible).  I honestly can’t think of any way it can be improved.  The food is delicious and artfully presented.  The staff is friendly and efficient and you’ve supplied just about every amenity we could ask for.  We certainly feel pampered when we’re here.  We tell everyone we know about this place and will certainly return any time we are in New England” ( E & M M. California)

“ Our first time was wonderful!  Best rack of lamb I have ever had! Staff was amazing” ( S. M. Connecticut)

“ From our first moments, it’s been a grand time.  The tour of the Manor gave us a chance to use the time to the Maximum.  Tea Time was above our expectations, The view was breathtaking, Our room large and beautifully decorated.  Dinner luscious & the chef & the help were excellent and competent.  A good sleep & breakfast fit for a queen.” (G.M. New Hampshire)

This is just a few of the guest’s reviews from our guests that stayed with us during September and October 2009.  Our staff is anxious to provide all our new and returning guests .  New Hampshire is the place to visit in 2010.  There is so much to explore and the Manor On Golden Pond is waiting for your visit.

 

Guest Reviews of their stay at the Manor On Golden Pond

Guest Reviews of their stay at the Manor On Golden Pond

In this day and age of the internet being the “truth” in writing- the guest review sites for hotels have added a new dimension to the marketing of hotels.  Our thousands of comment cards that our guests write while they are staying with us give us great insight into how our guest’s experience has been with their stay with us.  If a guest has a problem during their stay we rectify the issue immediately to the best of our ability and continually check with the guest during their stay. If our guest raves about our staff the staff  feel such pride when they read it and we all give them a pat on the back for such a great contribution they have made.  These letters are such learning for us and we take each and every one of them as a teaching tool for the staff.  Our goal as innkeepers is to have our guests fall in love with the Manor on Golden Pond as much as we love it.  The Manor is such an easy place to love from the setting,  to the tranquility, and the overall feel of warmth that you get when you walk in for the first time.

I would like to share one of our most recent letters from a return guest that sums it all up. 

Dear Brian and Mary Ellen

Once again we enjoyed ourselves at your establishment. We thoroughly enjoyed the “chef tasting” dinner we experienced – the food was excellent and we appreciated our waitstaff and her pleasant demeanor and service.  The room was clean and we liked the changed you have made.  I am a detail person and we noted the tiny touches-(flower top in the Kleenex box, etc.)  The inn is a peaceful, beautifully decorated retreat for anyone – not too “stuffy” – Just right – relaxed, yet elegant –a memorable atmosphere.  Our waitstaff this morning was delightful, cheery and friendly. Your employees enhance the stay! We look forward to another visit.  It was a wonderful spot to mark our 10^th anniversary!  Thank you for your efforts.  We know it is not easy to satisfy people of all walks of life – know that your time, energy & efforts were appreciated by us.    Continue your great work.  We had suggested this place to our friends for their brief honeymoon last year and they loved it.  They too will return to this great niche in the wilderness!!  Congratulations and all the best in 2010.

Return of Summer Concert Series in Holderness

The Holderness Recreation department  in Holderness, New Hampshire and Squam Lakes Chamber of Commerce is bringing back our local summer concert series in our Squam Lake Village Common. Each Monday, starting July 20^th there will be a summer concert in the village park.  Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chair and enjoy some wonderful music while enjoy the glorious summer evening on Squam Lake.  All concerts start at 7:00 so bring a picnic dinner with you and enjoy some evening entertainment during our dinner.

 On  Monday, July 20^tth ‘Jack Pine Holdouts” will be performing.  This group plays honest to goodness old time rural string music.  From Ballads and blues to dance music and outlaw songs, the Jack Pine Holdouts will definitely get your foot a tapping and bring the village common alive with glorious sounds.

On Monday, July 27^th “ the Lakes Region Big Band” will perform.  Their repertoire will include a wide range of danceable music, from Glenn Miller to Brian Setzer. This high energy 16-piece band will get you up dancing to the classics of the big bands and allow you to have an old fashion dance party in the common.

The opening act will e Sammie Haynes performing childrens music at 6:00pm

On Monday August 3^rd Lisa Young & Company perform.   Lisa singing style delights her fans by covering a wide variety of musical genres From top forty to Motown, blues to light jazz, pop and oldies, Lisa brings a passion to her music that is a treat to all that hear her.

 On Monday, August 10^th   Postage Due will be performing.  Our own Postmaster and his band will perform with their modern style.  They will play classic rock that is delivered by uncivil servants.  This you really do not want to miss.

The opening act will be Mr. Phil Magic Show at 6:00p.m.

 What a great way to enjoy some local New Hampshire talent in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  So Plan a long weekend or midweek break and we will pack the picnic dinner for you.

Our English Interns Love for New Hampshire

The Lakes region has by far been one of the most amazing places to visit. From mountain views to Lake sunsets, there are just so many different impressive things to see. Whether summer boating activities, hiking, walks, superb restaurants and shops, or winter sport activities there is always a new adventure!

An area of such different seasons, gives the opportunity to enjoy different seasonal local events. Summertime creates opportunities on the lake such as fishing, sightseeing and informative historical boat tours. Even if you did not want to be out on the lake, there are so many scenic drives throughout the lakes region. Easy Hikes such as Rattlesnake Mountain gives breathtaking views of entire Squam Lake and beyond mountains. 

As the temperature cools in late September, Colours of trees in fall are unbelievable! There were never too many drives and pictures that you can take that would get boring. A great cultural experience was to see all the different scarecrows that are out in the harvest season. 

December brings in the first snowfall, which is so light and fluffy. This geared up for the different winter activities I have never experienced. Skiing, Sledging, Sleigh rides and Dog sled rides, were all such new amazing experiences like no other I have ever had. 

As the sun peeps out the clouds and spring flowers come out, the change into the outdoor sunshine feel created anxiety to be out relaxing in the sun. With all the light rain showers refreshing and bring out all the beautiful spring flowers, what an amazing transition to warm sunshine summer weather!

New Hampshire Wine and Cheese Trail

• When thinking of New Hampshire, your first thought probably goes to the White Mountains and Hiking.

A little known secret of New Hampshire is that its country side boasts beautiful Vineyards, apple orchards and rustic farms.  Picture perfect Pastures, home to grass-fed cows and hand-milked goats, lure you to experience the culinary wonders of the areas, – wine and cheese, a match made in heaven.

New Hampshire offers 3 itineraries that will give you the opportunity to meet the winemakers and dairy farmers who supply local markets and you will quickly appreciate their passion for farming.  In addition you will be able to savor New Hampshire’s stunning scenery, history, as well as the great food that is produced in New Hampshire.

During your  stay at the Manor On Golden Pond we would be happy to map out an itinerary that will give you a small sampling of what New Hampshire has to offer.  And after a day of exploring you can enjoy New Hampshire’s finest products in the Van Horn Dining Room or M Bistro.

In the Lakes Region your tour will include  Stone Gate Vineyards in Gilford who produces wine from native and French cold climate grapes.   A few of their popular wines are Aurore, Merechal Foch, Leon Millett and Seybal.

With dramatic vista views along the northern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee to The Sandwich Creamery,  in Center Sandwich.  The small creamery produces cow’s milk farm-stead cheeses in many varieties – aged raw milk cheddar, brie, caerphilly, to name just a few.  They have thirty flavors of fresh ice cream and sorbets to enjoy while relaxing in the colorful flower gardens.

In Gilmanton Iron Works,Heart Song Farm Offers fresh and mold ripened goat cheeses, fresh eggs and goat meat.  Baby goats make visits to this scenic setting fun for the whole family.

Continue around the southeast of Lake Winnepausaukee to Via Lactea Farm in Brookfield, a classic farm store and goat dairy.  Products include chevre, feta, aged cheeses, yogurt and raw milk.

So come and explore the treasures in the country side of New Hampshire for a unique country experience for a Wine and Cheese Trail Getaway at the Manor On Golden Pond

New Executive Chef Welcomed to the Mano

The Manor On Golden Pond is pleased to welcome our new executive chef Peter Sheedy.  Peter was born and raised in New Hampshire and is happy to be back in his home state with his wife.  He is a graduate of New England Culinary School and brings with him several years of culinary expertise to wow all the guests that dine at the Manor.  Being a native New Englander Peter loves to create the tradition New England Cuisine that area guests have enjoyed for many years at the Manor On Golden Pond. 

Executive Chef Sheedy will be working with his culinary team and create many new and exciting dishes that will please even the most discriminating diners.  Chef Sheedy’s menu will showcases his wide-ranging culinary talents by incorporating a world of flavors into his dishes.  Chef Peter serves a New American menu with a classic twist.  Respected for his insistence on the freshest ingredients most of them native to the region, Chef Peter presents authentic American-inspired cuisine that delights the palate with blended flavors presented simply yet elegantly.

 “I’m excited about working with venison from a local farm, artisan cheeses from Vermont, maple syrup and farm-ripened organic produce that I couldn’t get in the regions I’ve worked in previously,” says Chef Sheedy “I’m looking forward to the creative challenge.” He plans to change the menus and specialties regularly to keep the cuisine fresh and interesting. Presentation is his signature, creating plates artfully designed with appealing color combinations.

Come in and meet Chef Sheedy and experience his cuisine that will keep you coming back.

New Class added to Fork in the Road Cooking School

Due to the popular demand we have added another cooking class on May 1 thru May 3, 2009.  The theme for this culinary weekend is “Mexican Fiesta”.  You will learn to make such delectable Mexican dishes as Scallop Ceviche, Filet Mignon Tacos, Grilled Salmon with Tequilla & Lime Sauce and Coconut Flan.

Call to experience a great culinary escape at the Manor On Golden Pond’s Fork in the Road Cooking Classes.  This is a weekend that will treat you to an extraordinary experience.  You will work closely with Chef Luis Marin to create mouthwatering dishes.  Call 800-545-2141