You Deserve a Treat Like a Stay at the Wild Orchard Guest House

Submitted by Kate Bashline, Granite State Ambassador
Great Bay Class of 2001

You are in for a  treat with a stay at Wild Orchard Guest Farm. You will refresh your spirit and creativity in a location set apart in nature and art. The warm cozy rooms and common areas are appointed with fine art, crafts and antiques.

Give yourself and special people the gift of time and calm renewal.  The farm setting comes with treats of strolling peacocks, mini horses, a labyrinth, and world traveler Molly's hospitality and wonderful  cooking. This location is perfect for workshops, meetings, family reunions, artist workshops, retreats, teas. luncheons and weddings. Give Molly a call. You deserve a treat.

Wild Orchard Guest Farm
67 Candia Road
Deerfield, N H.
603-261-7742
www.wildorchardguestfarm.com

Inn at Pleasant Lake Treats You Like Royalty

Submitted by Bernie Dann, Granite State Ambassador

We arrived at the Inn at Pleasant Lake on a perfectly early summer day. It was only a short distance out of New London, NH, 1.5 miles down a quite paved road. As we arrived the owner and his crew were just finishing the final touches to a beautiful rock wall with a patio and sidewalk to the entry. I couldn't stop myself from walking over and complementing them on their artistic work.

Then into the lobby. We were shown the downstairs where there was a living room, another room with computer with Internet access and TV, the dining room, and indoor patio. We were told dinner would be served at 6:30, but tea was going on now. We then went upstairs to our rooms. I felt like I was queen for a day, the room was picture perfect! As I entered the suite with a couch and chair in the living area, then onto the bedroom. The bed was beautifully made with white linens, so puffy and just waiting for me later that evening. The bathroom was sparkling and roomy with all the goodies to make you feel special.

I next met with my group at the indoor patio for tea. The table was set with a gorgeous big bouquet and linens, special tea, nuts, cheese, crackers and homemade cookies. All delicious! As we had our tea we overlooked Pleasant Lake with Mt. Kearsage in the backround. The sandy beach was private, with chairs, and kayaks and canoes on the side just waiting to be used.

The Inn is a perfect place to relax and unwind, forget the hustle and bussle of our busy lives. Later when dinner was about to be served we were greeted by Brian and Linda the owners, who told us about the area, the history of the Inn, and then Brian, the chef, explained our full five course dinner. The dinner was delicoius with flavors that melted in your mouth, and presented beautifully. Service was excellent and the best treat of all was Brian coming out later and talking to all diners.

After watching the Bruins win the Stanley Cup I went to bed. I got up early the next morning to explore the trails around the area. I was given a trail map and followed the easily marked trails for my early morning hike. When I got back a continental breakfast awaited me with a wonderful selection of fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, great coffee and I'm sure I'm forgetting what else. Then the waitress came and explained the full breakfast. Yummy! Like I said, if you want to be queen for a day just go to the Inn on Pleasant Lake, a great place!!!!!

Dexter's Inn Offers Plenty of Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Recommendation Submitted by Jean McGiffin and Pictures Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassadors
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

The Sunapee area revels in their quiet, unhurried, hassle free environment and rightly so. A consummate example is Dexter's Inn, a special country resort-inn blessed with an idyllic setting on a 20 acre estate. With three tennis courts, an outdoor pool and many other sporting activities, relaxation isn't all that the Inn is about.  Other, more involved sports, are just minutes away.

What immediately strikes you is the tree lined approach and the magnificent, manicured lawns, which are all maintained by a minimal number (but very talented) of staff. The view from the parking lot is amazing...panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee and the surrounding countryside....and yes, even some very comfortable chairs await you to relax and take in the view even before you unpack.

My favorite indoor sport, reading, is well handled by a living room featuring a fireplace and an entire library of books...and you can even enjoy your favorite (well mannered, of course) pet by your side while you read.  Probably unheard of in inn keeping is a "BYOB" policy and they will provide the glasses, ice and openers. A book, a purring cat and a glass of wine....what a life!!

Probably the nicest part is the Innkeeper, John Augustine. He is what the quintessential NE Innkeeper should be....warm, welcoming and accommodating and he even wears a green (GSA colored) shirt!! We all agreed that this would be a wonderful experience for our NH visitors!!

Rosewood Inn Celebrates Unique NH In Unexpected Ways

Norma A. and Anita M "Love It Here!"

Submitted by: Norma A., Granite State Ambassador

"Winta" Class of 2001

During our Granite State Ambassador Educational Tour of the Sunapee Region, I was fortunate to have my name chosen in the lottery for The Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, NH.

Although the Inn is 8 minutes off the main track in Bradford, and was a half hour drive from our meeting place in New London, we found ourselves to have been blessed with a wonderful overnight diamond. As we approached along the quaint and scenic Pleasant View Road we couldn't help but wonder what kind of place we must be headed for, but soon we found this was definitely a delightful place where one would definitely go for a relaxing time away from the world.  The acres of manicured, sculpted, picturesque land dressed in flowers was breathtaking. And sitting in it's midst, lying so quiet and lovely was a gorgeous three storied Victorian home with several gables and surrounding Farmers porch with wicker furniture, an artist's painting to behold with a subtle green wooden siding and rose-colored shutters beside all it's many windows.

We immediately felt welcomed as "Dick" met us at the paved drive with his feline friend (who was NOT allowed into the guest area doors) and helped us with our luggage. Inside, we saw the charming guest Living Room and Game/reading room so tasteful and immaculate in Victorian charm with a wide staircase going to the second floor of beauty. There we met "Leslie" and our host owners explained how they had moved from the big city and purchased this "run-down farmhouse and land" about 20 years ago and had done all the renovations and additions slowly over the years, Dick doing the landscaping and helping with the guests, and Leslie doing the Interior Decorating, cooking and collaborating with the architectural designing. She related that she had purchased all hand-made laces and other linens.

And what a fine job they did! Each of the twelve guest rooms are luxuriously decorated and uniquely and aptly named for an American Statesman, an honored woman, or a historical theme. (Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Whispering Pines, Nathanial Hawthorne, Williamsburg, Sturbridge, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Moondance, Dreamcatcher)

We were speechless as we viewed our guest rooms. Mine was romantically adorned with Rose covered vintage style wallpaper and matching quilted chintz window coverings and contrasting pillows on a high posted, queen-sized, hand laced canopied bed with special touches that would have suited Nathanial Hawthorne himself. And the large, full bath facility with all of one's needs was entered via a smaller room containing a corner Jacuzzi decorated with rubber duckies. One could not want for anything, and could feel welcomed and comfortable with a room like this - TV, gas fireplace, electric clock radio, extra bed pillows in a separate closet,  (no wi-fi!), windows that opened to the fresh air,  a perfectly wonderful mattress, and all the little touches like an ongoing journal for the guests found on the side table and a copy of a self-made book called "Return to Rosewood" by a local NH author.

I slept beautifully and awoke to the sound of the birds through my window ajar as they sang from the surrounding greenery, so beautiful with the upcoming sun.

Our morning breakfast was called and we entered a beautiful large dining room clothed for a gourmet banquet in white clothes and rose-colors napkins, candlelight and crystal, silver settings in front of a fully glassed window overlooking a small pond. We certainly were made to feel extra special as Dick served us graciously with a delightful menu of fruit, muffins, juice, coffee and quiche. Breakfast will never be the same again!

This was a perfect spot for a getaway, and we sincerely thanked our owner hosts for their generous hospitality and offering. I wished we could have stayed longer but our Ambassadors were awaiting us for another day's adventure.

Dick and Leslie can rest assured that I will definitely recommend their lovely Inn and hospitality to our NH visitors that wish to visit their area or even a NH resident that wishes to get away from it all for awhile.

I have no doubt that they will once again "Return to Rosewood".

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.

Snug in Your Bed at the Historic Colonel Spencer Inn

Submitted by: Tony Fitzherbert (with help from Ann Verow) both graduated of the Common Man and Spa Class 2010

While I am a formal writer, and my "OMG" experiences are reserved for waterfalls, mountaintops, spectacular views from NH trails, exquisitely brewed, delightfully chilled beers at brewpubs, meals at the Mad River Tavern or Foster's Boiler Room, and other NH natural or positive sensory experiences (of which there are many), I offer my take on the Colonel Spencer Inn owned by, friends and fellow Granite State Ambassadors of mine, Mary Jo and Scott Stephens.

Located on a grassy knoll on Route 3, a country byway just south of the village of Campton NH, is the historic Colonel Spencer Inn, an unusually cozy, friendly bed and breakfast. Built in 1764, the Colonel Spencer mixes the charm and hospitality of a country inn with the modern comforts and amenities of today's living.  The Inn is conveniently located moments away from the vibrant, bustling New England town of Plymouth, home of Plymouth State University and the myriad year round activities and sporting events associated with the school. If relaxation or sightseeing is your preference, the Flume, Cannon Mountain Tramway, The Basin, Kancamagus Highway, and numerous mountains are a quick drive just up nearby I-93. The Colonel Spencer Inn is in many ways a typical yet unique New Hampshire hostelry, where a stay would be a memorable highlight of any visit to the White Mountains.

The Colonel Spencer experience begins with a cordial welcome from your hosts, innkeepers Mary Jo and Scott Stephens, and their friendly chocolate lab, Guinness. You will be shown to your spacious comfortable room where you may settle in and relax. When you are ready to explore the area, Mary Jo and Scott will be delighted to direct you to the attractions for which the region is renowned, or guide you to one of the many different outstanding restaurants in the immediate area for an enjoyable supper. In season, a number of nearby summer theater performances, concerts, plays, and other cultural activities can round out a pleasant evening.  Should you wish to spend the evening reading a good book or playing board games, you can do so by the warm glowing wood fire in the inn's large fireplaces in the living and dining areas.

In your snug bed, you will be lulled to slumber by the chirping crickets and other nocturnal sounds of the woods. When morning arrives, you start your day with a sumptuous farm fresh breakfast in the Inn's bright sunny dining area freshly prepared by Mary Jo and Scott.

The Inn is a mere half hour from world class skiing at Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Waterville Valley, while Bretton Woods, and Wildcat are not much further away. When the warmth of Spring and Summer spreads through the mountains, and the woods come to life, easy hiking trails along rushing brooks and through dark evergreen groves, or strenuous ones up rugged mountains to overlooks from which you can see for miles. These adventures await outdoors enthusiasts. Or you can fish, canoe or kayak on the countless ponds and lakes in the area, or golf on one of the many beautiful courses in the region.  In the crisp air of fall, some of the most beautiful foliage anywhere is just outside the Inn's doors! The cove pocketed wooded shore of Squam Lake, the setting for the 1981 film version of the Ernest Thompson play "On Golden Pond", which starred Katherine Hepburn, is only a few minutes away. Exploring in the other direction may take you to Newfound Lake, the second largest body of water - and deepest glacial lake -  within the New Hampshire borders. On its shore is found Wentworth State Park featuring gentle forested hiking trails, a boat launching area and a wide sandy beach which will please the entire family. Hebron, a quintessential New England village at the North end of Newfound Lake, features a typical general store, a white spired wooden church, and 18th century vintage colonial homes surrounding a shaded, gazebo - adorned town green . What a perfect place to step back in time and perhaps take some pictures. Something to please everyone awaits you here!

Regardless of the season, the Colonel Spencer Inn is an outstanding headquarters for any northern New Hampshire stay. Its welcoming homelike atmosphere, delicious breakfasts, and comfortable rooms will be a highlight in an experience which you will delight in sharing with your friends and relatives when you return home from a trip to the Granite State. The Inn's slogan truly reflects the spirit of the area where you "Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend!". And your first visit to our region will not be your last - "You will love it here".