Laconia Motorcycle Week - Famous New Hampshire Bike Week

Coming just around the corner is the renowned Laconia Motorcycle Week held from June 14-22, 2008 bringing its 85^th anniversary. Everyday is filled with promos, food, fun, stunts, demos, and of course, motorcycling. Not too far away at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, more than 27 races are held on the 14^th and 15^th for a mere $25 a person. Take a break from riding and enjoy the ECM stunts at Flip Fest ’08 held at Gunstock Mountain Resort. Or relax to music at the market featuring four new bands everyday, all day. Grab some free prizes and specials at demos provided by Harley Davidson, Budweiser, Jägermeister, and plenty more. There’s no better way to wrap up the fun with some good food. Bring your friends and reward yourselves with an excellent meal at the Brick Front Restaurant, the notorious Lobster Pound, or join the fun at a Rally Cookout.

If you feel like taking a day off from all the excitement, you’ll find the fun doesn’t stop at Laconia Bike Week. Try out the many beautiful accommodations nearby Holderness, NH such as the Manor on Golden Pond on Squam Lake. This space, along with many others, grants gourmet dining, a cozy and warming welcome, and anything to do from whale watching to scrap booking to amusement parks. Bring your kids along for a thrill at the Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track. Grab your whole family and kick back to a spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee, Belknap Mountain and the islands on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. No matter who you are, there is always something for you in store at Laconia, NH.

Pack your bags and make your reservations for the 85^th anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week. Bring your friends and family on a pleasurable week of pure excitement at the heart of New Hampshire.

Inn at Thorn Hill named BEST OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Inn at Thorn Hill's lounge menu has been selected as the best bar food in New Hampshire.

The menu is a selection of small plates and large plates served in the lounge or adjoining porch which overlooks Mount Washington.

The menu created by Chef John Russ's staff is a blend of many tastes. Small plates might be Crab Spring Roll, Grilled Artichoke or Cornmeal Fried Oysters. Large plates include a Venison Patty Melt, Duck Confit Salad, Hand Cut Tagliatelle or Pale Ale Steamed Mussels.

The lounge is open nightly from 5pm to 10pm and there is Michael Jewell on the piano on Saturday evenings. Reservaions are available for parties of six or larger.

Call for an updated menu - 1-800-289-8990 or 603-383-4242

White Mountains Arts Festival

This August visit Jackson, New Hampshire for the annual White Mountain Arts Festival. This two day long festival is sponsored by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and is held in the Jackson Village Park on the 18th and 19th.

Artists both selling their work, as well as those there to be judged on their work, will be showing off their pieces to the public during the weekend. There will be musicians and an abundance of food vendors to attract visitors to the area as well. Jackson grew its popularity from artists traveling far and wide to paint there due to its outstanding view of the White Mountains.

If you want to spend a romantic weekend with your special someone at the Art Festival, be sure to visit the Inn at Thorn Hill. This full service inn has 25 rooms, a fine dining room as well as more casual lounge offerings. The Inn at Thorn Hill also offers a spa facility. This adult sanctuary was voted one of the ten most romantic inns in North America.

For more information on the White Mountains Arts Festival email info@jacksonnh.com .

Inn at Thorn Hill AAA Awards

The Inn at Thorn Hill was awarded AAA Four Diamond Awards for both its inn and restaurant for the eighth time on May 12th, 2008 at the annual luncheon. The Inn was presented its ninth consecutive lodging award and the restaurant was awarded for the eighth year. The awards were interrupted by a fire to the Main Inn in 2003 which has been rebuilt with all new amenities and a complete spa.

The Inn was one of only four properties in New Hampshire to receive both awards and it included Distinctive Inns of New England member, The Manor on Golden Pond where the luncheon took place.

The Inn at Thorn Hill has been owned by Jim & Ibby Cooper since 1993. Reservations for rooms, dinner or spa treatment can be made by calling 1-800-289-8990 or emailing us at stay@innatthornhill.com

With Warm Weather Comes an Abundance of Wildlife

The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Lenox, Massachusetts. The Sanctuary has 1,314 acres of land which holds seven miles of trails that weave through meadows, forests, wetlands, and even the Lenox Mountains.

The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large and growing beaver population, birds, and June-blooming Mountain Laurel. The peaceful scenery is also blooming with an abundance of flowers and wildlife.

The Sanctuary offers canoe trips on the Housatonic River beginning in mid-May until Columbus Day. Admission to the Sanctuary is $4 for adults and $3 for children.

Lenox is also home to the picture-perfect, elegant yet comfortable Gateways Inn. This enchanting inn is located in the Berkshire Hills with breathtaking views and 12 recently restored guest rooms. In the summer, lunch and dinner are served daily at the inn’s restaurant.

Getting Married In New England

New England is quickly becoming a popular location for destination weddings. New England offers a wide variety of beautiful locations for every bride’s unique dream wedding. From crystal clear lakes, sandy beaches or snowy mountains, each New England state offers something picture perfect for your wedding all year long.

New Hampshire offers pristine lakes, mountains and oceans that each holds breathtaking views for your special day. A New Hampshire marriage license costs $45 and is valid for 90 days – then a certified copy can be requested for $12.

For a picturesque fairy-tale wedding, visit New Hampshire’s Chesterfield Inn in Chesterfield. The inns’ 10 acres of outdoor gardens is home to beautiful flowers and quaint ponds edged with cattails and willow trees and the habitat of a choir of frogs.

The Chesterfield Inn is a perfect fit for intimate weddings. The Inn design, reminiscent of an old New England farmhouse, has 15 guest rooms that have breathtaking views of the gardens and grounds with crab apple trees hung with white lights. Contact the Chesterfield Inn to start planning your special day.

Yoga Hikes in the Whites Inn at Thorn Hill

Join our yoga instructor, Carlene Sullivan of Symmetree Yoga, for a weekend adventure in the White Mountains as you reside, replenish and rejuvenate in the heart of Jackson, New Hampshire at the Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa.Upon arrival you will be greeted by dinner and a brief orientation where you will meet your yoga teacher, Carlene and mountain guides. Start the day off with breakfast, a guided hike through the pristine forests of the Mount Washington Valley and a restorative mountain top yoga class. The yoga excursion includes transportation to and from the trail head, a guided hike, safety techniques and skills to deepen your hiking techniques, lunch and a mountain top yoga class focusing on beginner yoga postures paired with breath & meditation. We will wind the day off with a little more yoga and dinner. An additional morning yoga class and breakfast will be offered the morning of your departure; leaving you feeling restored, invigorated and ready for a fresh start.

Experience yoga at its fullest by listening to the sounds of nature and discovering what the Mount Washington Valley really has to offer with Yoga Hikes in the Whites Tour. Yoga Hikes in the Whites Tour Include: Superior room in the Main Inn for two nights with private Jacuzzi bath and separate shower, gas fireplace, TV/DVD (upgrade to a Luxury room or Suite). Nightly three course dinner for two full country breakfast each morning, and afternoon tea and cookies served daily. Packed lunch for two with your choice of sandwich, fruit, cookies, and bottled water. Outdoor activities with skilled facilitators Daily yoga class, meditation, and relaxation. Comfortable lounge, fitness room, library and tea meditation area. Relaxing sauna, hot tub, and outdoor pool .

Superior rooms: Double Occupancy: $760/ Single Occupancy: $691

Luxury rooms: Double Occupancy: $880/ Single Occupancy: $810
Suite Rooms: Double Occupancy: $960/ Single Occupancy: $890
*8% state tax and gratuities not included

Tour Dates: June 27th, July 18th, August 15th, September 5th

Call the Inn at Thorn Hill 1-800-289-8990 or email us at: stay@innatthornhill.com

Horseback Riding In New England

Lenox Massachusetts, in Berkshire County, has beautiful mountains to both the East and the West, making this town in Western MA a perfect location to go horseback riding.

Aspinwall Equestrian Center has riding lessons through the scenic trails of Kennedy Park and the Lenox Mountains. Aspinwall Equestrial Center offers group lessons as well as private lessons, from beginners all the way to advanced riders. The Center takes riders on one hour rides, half day rides or even adventures that last overnight!

After your riding lesson, be sure to relax at the Gateway's Inn – a beautiful Manor house with European charm. The Gateways Inn has 12 lovely guestrooms and offers breakfast and dinner in its charming dining room.

Aspinwall Equestrian Center is open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 8PM. Contact Terry Cook at 413-637-4894 or by email at trockinghorse39@yahoo.com .