Candlelite Inn is All About the Personal Touches

Submitted by The Mighty Candlelite Foursome:

• Rita G, Inaugural Class of 1996
• Leo G, Red Spotted Newt Class of 1997
• Judy L, St. Mary's Bank Class of 2008
• Ron L, Concentra Urgent Care Class of 2009 

The distance from the Lake Sunapee Region Chamberof Commerce seemed long in that we went down the interstate that took us eastsouth east and then we cut to the west to get to the Candlelite Inn. When we reached Bradfordand made the last turn, there it was. Ourfirst impression of the late 1800s building was that it looked like a convertedfarm house. Instead, the Candlelite Inn wasbuilt as a guest house (inn) with what we thought to be a barn but was a stableand carriage house. Marilyn and Les Gordon,who visited NH over the years from southern New Jersey (NJ Turnpike Exit 3), bought theinn in 1997 and have done extensive work to bring it to its pleasant andpresent state.

The Candlelite Inn, Bradford, NH

Having never stayed at a B&Bbefore, we did not know what to expect. Whenwe arrived, we were delighted that Marilyn was outside greeting and welcomingus with her warm smile! She made us feel like we were returning guests.

Marilyn gave us a tour of the Inn. Rita and Leo were in The Mini Suite on thefirst floor with access to a gazebo porch, cute front glass stove in thesitting area and a beautiful queen sized bed and large bath. Also, there was a decanter of sherry with twoglasses for them to enjoy a pre-meal drink (aperitif). The finishing touches were outstanding, evendown to a rubber ducky to float in the bathtub while bathing.

Ron and Judy were in the Peach Room onthe second floor with four posted bed, a sofa, decorative trunk and a mirroredarmoire. Again, there was a decanter ofsherry there for their enjoyment. The bathroomwas large and spacious. A variety ofamenities (including a rubber ducky) were provided.

The rooms were warm and cozy, Rita,Leo, Ron and Judy were all very happy to be there.

Marilyn was so accommodating withour special request as Leo wanted to see the Bruins in the final game forthe Stanley Cup on Wednesday evening. She set up the TV in thebreakfast room tuned to the correct station and all we had to do was hit the"on" button. Our leisurely dining experience in New London thatevening took much longer than anticipated. We felt badly because we weregreatly delayed in returning to the Inn. Because of Marilyn's kindness, we were able to see the most important part ofthe game....the last 5 minutes... and all the celebratory happenings andpresentation of the trophies. As an Inn Keeper, Marilyn is thetops!! 

Our Breakfast Main Course

Nextmorning, the gourmet breakfast that Marilyn Gordon served was extraordinarilyDELICIOUS and NOT the usual bacon, eggs, toast and cereal. Instead, we enjoyed the starter of biscuitswith butter; main course of mascarpone stuffedFrench toast and dessert of home made pound cake with crème fraiche and berries.

Dessert for Breakfast!

This stay was our first Bed andBreakfast experience!  It was pleasurableto have the personal touch, to actually talk to the people who run and are theoperation. To learn about the work thatwent into restoring the building, the recipe and the effort that went intopreparing the breakfast that we had. Itwas an experience that only offered by a Bed and Breakfast not the chains.

The Candlelite Inn will be adestination for us some time in the future. We surely will recommend itto our friends and visitors to New Hampshire we encounter as Granite State Ambassadors.

Exploring New Hampshire's Capitol

Betty's Travel Planning Tips

Submitted by: Betty Gagne, Granite State Ambassador, First in the Nation Class 1999; Customer Service Assistant NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development

If your idea of traveling through Concord, New Hampshire is flying by the exits on Interstate 93, then you’ve never really been to Concord. Probably best known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Concord Coach, Concord became the state capitol in 1808, and is an exciting city that’s rich in history, culture, education, and heritage. Downtown Concord is a hub of unique shops, restaurants, and historic sites. When you do visit Concord, plan to spend a day or two and don’t miss these interesting stops:

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The State House: Located in the center of town on North Main Street, the capitol building is the oldest one in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. Take a tour and see the legislative body in session. As you walk the hallways, note the portraits of past Governors on the walls.



The Museum of NH History: Contained within Eagle Square, the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring how the state was born. Exhibitions include a birch bark canoe, a simulated fire tower, and of course an authentic Concord Coach. Take time to browse through the extensive gift shop; you’ll find plenty of books, maps, and historically significant items.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: Named for Alan Shepard, who was the first man in space, and Christa McAuliffe, the first private citizen in space, the center is New England’s largest air

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and space museum. Families love the planetarium shows and other events. The center is located at 2 Institute Drive.

The State Library: Situated at 20 Park Street, the library is an attraction in itself. Resources and services include catalogs, online databases, a Family Resource Connection, and even an ‘Ask a Librarian’ service for research questions.

For more information about what there is to see and do in Concord, please visit the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce website.