While true spring-like weather has not yet arrived in the Monadnock Region, the region’s lakes, ponds and streams are in warm-weather mode. The ice is gone … and spring fishing is about to come into season.
Fishing can happen year-round in New Hampshire – there is an active winter/ice fishing community in the state – but the number of fish you can catch and seasons for particular species, such as trout, vary. So make sure you check the NH Fish & Game website for all the rules. They have a handy full-color flipbook magazine for all you need to know about fishing in the state.
Once you get the rules and regs down, and buy your fishing license at N.H. Fish & Game offices statewide or online, or at selected stores around the state, you’ll be ready to grab your pole and start fishing in the Monadnock Region.
And where are the fish biting in the Monadnock Region? Here’s The List
But local fishing lore narrows down the list considerably … some of the best fishing spots include Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, Granite Lake in Nelson, Silver Lake in Nelson (best for trout), Nubanusit Lake in Nelson, Robin Hood Park Reservoir in Keene, Thorndike Pond in Jaffrey and Willard Park in Antrim.
Where’s your favorite fishing spot in the Monadnock Region? Let us know!
Showing posts with label Jaffrey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jaffrey. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, December 6, 2012
O Christmas Tree: Cut Your Own Trees in the Monadnock Region
Sure, you can unceremoniously pick up a Christmas tree in a lot. Or buy an artificial tree.
But there’s something magical about going out to a tree farm, walking through rows of evergreens, selecting a special one, and sawing down your very own Christmas tree. Add to that the crisp winter air, the beauty of the Monadnock Region scenery, hot chocolate, cider and homemade donuts and you have Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.
While many trees may have already been tagged by now (die-hard cut-your-own tree fans were already out at the farms early this fall picking their trees) there are still wonderful trees to be found, cut, tied to your car, and taken home. If you are from out of town you can select from many fine B&Bs and inns throughout the region to make cutting your tree a relaxing pre-Christmas weekend getaway.
Here’s a list of the popular cut-your-own tree farms in the Monadnock Region. You may want to call ahead for hours, refreshments available and availability of trees. Many farms will provide saws and roping free of charge.
Keene
Monadnock View Farm * 603-352-7892
Wright’s Tree Farm * 603-352-4033
Richmond
Windswept Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm * 603-239-4005
Rindge
Sunny Slopes Farm * 603-899-3169
Surry
Crescendo Acres * 603-352-9380
Walpole
Homestead Farms * 603-756-4800
Westmoreland
Farmstead Acres * 603-352-8730
Old Ciderpress Farm * 603-399-7210
Winchester
My Old Farm * 603-239-6751
But there’s something magical about going out to a tree farm, walking through rows of evergreens, selecting a special one, and sawing down your very own Christmas tree. Add to that the crisp winter air, the beauty of the Monadnock Region scenery, hot chocolate, cider and homemade donuts and you have Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.
While many trees may have already been tagged by now (die-hard cut-your-own tree fans were already out at the farms early this fall picking their trees) there are still wonderful trees to be found, cut, tied to your car, and taken home. If you are from out of town you can select from many fine B&Bs and inns throughout the region to make cutting your tree a relaxing pre-Christmas weekend getaway.
Here’s a list of the popular cut-your-own tree farms in the Monadnock Region. You may want to call ahead for hours, refreshments available and availability of trees. Many farms will provide saws and roping free of charge.
Keene
Monadnock View Farm * 603-352-7892
Wright’s Tree Farm * 603-352-4033
Richmond
Windswept Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm * 603-239-4005
Rindge
Sunny Slopes Farm * 603-899-3169
Surry
Crescendo Acres * 603-352-9380
Walpole
Homestead Farms * 603-756-4800
Westmoreland
Farmstead Acres * 603-352-8730
Old Ciderpress Farm * 603-399-7210
Winchester
My Old Farm * 603-239-6751
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
8th Annual Currier and Ives Cookie Tour
You get to tour the inside of an inn, bed and breakfast, store, library or historical society with your friends, see enchanting Christmas decorations and ideas for your home – AND you get a cookie treat (and a recipe card)! It doesn’t get any better than this.
The Monadnock Region’s Currier & Ives Cookie Tour – held this year on December 8, 2012 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. -- takes you on a 13-stop tour through the quintessentially New England towns of Fitzwilliam, Jaffrey, Rindge, Troy, Marlborough, Peterborough and Swanzey. Tickets are $10; a portion of this year's proceeds will be donated to the Santa's House of Jaffrey, which provides toys to local children in need.
Tour Stops include:
Little River Bed & Breakfast, Peterborough*
Paper & Roses, Peterborough
Anytime Apparel, Peterborough
The Woodbound Inn, Rindge*
Jaffrey Public Library (Santa’s House), Jaffrey
The Monadnock Inn, Jaffrey*
The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy*
Common Collections, Troy
The Fitzwilliam Historical Society, Fitzwilliam
The Troy Historical Society, Troy*
Inn of the Tartan Fox, Swanzey
Swanzey Historical Society, Swanzey
Unbridled Chocolates, Marlborough
*Tickets can be purchased at these locations from November 26 through the day of the tour. Cash or check only.
A tour map will be printed on your ticket. You can begin the tour at any location. The average time between locations is about a 10 minute drive. Make sure you bring a cookie tin or container to store your cookies.
So pack up your friends, your sense of adventure, and have a great time touring great local establishments and tasting delicious homemade cookies! Turn your cookie tour into an overnight or weekend getaway by staying at a local B&B or inn.
Friday, August 3, 2012
A Sanctuary Among the Pine Trees
Even if you are not particularly spiritually or religiously inclined, a visit to the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge will soothe your soul.
This nondenominational open air cathedral sits on a restful hilltop with a splendid view of Mt. Monadnock in the distance. While the pine trees that make up the seating area in the cathedral were hit hard in a 2008 ice storm, there are enough trees still standing to give an “enclosed” feel to the outdoor chapel.
The Cathedral of the Pines was created by Sibyl and Douglas Sloan III to honor those who sacrificed their lives in World War II, including their son Lt. Sanderson (“Sandy”) Sloan, a pilot who purchased the land in Rindge in hopes of building a home for him and his bride when he returned from the war.
But the young B-17 pilot’s life was cut short when he was shot down over Germany; he died and never returned to build his home. His parents created Cathedral of the Pines on the property he purchased as an interfaith shrine to Sandy and a national memorial to those who have served their country.
The Cathedral’s website notes: “It was their hope that interfaith understanding would help bring world peace.”
Today, the Cathedral of the Pines, a nonprofit organization that is supported 100 percent by private donations, is the site of many weddings, ceremonies, church services and events. The Cathedral of the Pines, which encompasses 236 acres – some of which are beautifully landscaped with flowers and pathways – is open free to the public daily from May through October. The site welcomes visitors to participate in events, mediate in the outdoor chapels and learn about its history in the small museum on the grounds. There is also a small gift shop on the premises.
So, if you are visiting the Monadnock Region, stop by the Cathedral of the Pines for an hour or two of respite from the world. Bring your lunch (there are picnic tables), walk the grounds, stay a while to gaze at the splendid view … and prepared to be rejuvenated.
The Cathedral of the Pines is located off Rte. 119, a few miles east of Rte. 202. Follow the signs upon entering Rindge, NH.
This nondenominational open air cathedral sits on a restful hilltop with a splendid view of Mt. Monadnock in the distance. While the pine trees that make up the seating area in the cathedral were hit hard in a 2008 ice storm, there are enough trees still standing to give an “enclosed” feel to the outdoor chapel.
 |
| Outdoor cathedral with views of Mt Monadnock |
The Cathedral of the Pines was created by Sibyl and Douglas Sloan III to honor those who sacrificed their lives in World War II, including their son Lt. Sanderson (“Sandy”) Sloan, a pilot who purchased the land in Rindge in hopes of building a home for him and his bride when he returned from the war.
But the young B-17 pilot’s life was cut short when he was shot down over Germany; he died and never returned to build his home. His parents created Cathedral of the Pines on the property he purchased as an interfaith shrine to Sandy and a national memorial to those who have served their country.
 |
| Cathedral Tower |
The Cathedral’s website notes: “It was their hope that interfaith understanding would help bring world peace.”
Today, the Cathedral of the Pines, a nonprofit organization that is supported 100 percent by private donations, is the site of many weddings, ceremonies, church services and events. The Cathedral of the Pines, which encompasses 236 acres – some of which are beautifully landscaped with flowers and pathways – is open free to the public daily from May through October. The site welcomes visitors to participate in events, mediate in the outdoor chapels and learn about its history in the small museum on the grounds. There is also a small gift shop on the premises.
So, if you are visiting the Monadnock Region, stop by the Cathedral of the Pines for an hour or two of respite from the world. Bring your lunch (there are picnic tables), walk the grounds, stay a while to gaze at the splendid view … and prepared to be rejuvenated.
The Cathedral of the Pines is located off Rte. 119, a few miles east of Rte. 202. Follow the signs upon entering Rindge, NH.
Friday, July 13, 2012
I Scream, You Scream...
It was 1984 when President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month. He also proclaimed the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day, where all people of this great nation should observe the day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Ice cream lovers in the U.S. will forevermore tip their cones to the 40th president of the United States for this awesome proclamation. We can eat our favorite dessert with abandon throughout the hottest month of the year – and relish some sweet celebrations held everywhere on the third Sunday – this year held on July 15 – that’s right, this Sunday!
Before digging into those cones and dishes laden with frozen desserts, here are some fun facts courtesy of the International Ice Cream Association) about ice cream:
Ice cream lovers in the U.S. will forevermore tip their cones to the 40th president of the United States for this awesome proclamation. We can eat our favorite dessert with abandon throughout the hottest month of the year – and relish some sweet celebrations held everywhere on the third Sunday – this year held on July 15 – that’s right, this Sunday!
Before digging into those cones and dishes laden with frozen desserts, here are some fun facts courtesy of the International Ice Cream Association) about ice cream:
- America is the ice cream capital of the world – it produces 1.5 million gallons per year; each American consumes an average of 22 quarts per year.
- Not surprisingly, vanilla is the most popular flavor in the U.S. (it comprises about 20 to 29 percent of all ice cream sales); chocolate is a distant second and garners about 10 percent of the market.
- One out of every five ice cream eaters admit to binging on ice cream in the middle of the night; this study discovered that men binge in the middle of the night more than women.
- About 9 percent of all the milk produced in the U.S. is used for ice cream.
- The best known in the area may be Walpole Creamery, which not only sells out of its Scoop Shop in Walpole, but is available in many retail locations in the region. Their ice cream is of the highest quality and some of the tastiest around!
- Kimball Farm in Jaffrey is known for its huge portions, extensive variety of flavors, and great quality. It is more than just an ice cream stand, it's more like a clam shack that's not on the beach since they serve plenty of lobster rolls, fried clams, burgers, fish and chips and chicken finger baskets.
- Connolly Brothers Farm in Temple is a true farm experience. You drive up the dirt entrance road till you reach the dairy barn...cows on the right and dairy store on the left. If you drive up on the right day you can walk in on them (the owners...not the cows) actually making and packing the ice cream. This is not a scoop shop, their delicious home made ice cream is available in cups or pints or as cookie sandwiches and chocolate covered pops. Don't forget to thank the cows on your way out :)
- Step back in time at the Central Square Ice Cream Shop in Hillsborough, an old fashioned soda-shop and parlor reminiscent of a bygone era. The ice cream is homemade and worthy of a stop!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Treasure Hunting in the Monadnock Region
After watching the Antiques Roadshow, you can’t help but fantasize that a sweet little ceramic bowl you picked up for a buck or a wood armoire you got for a steal will fund your retirement or put your kid through college.
While finding priceless treasure is a rarity (even Roadshow guests are sometimes disappointed), the thrill of the antiquing is still a wonderful pastime.
If you are in the Monadnock Region this summer, you might want to spend a rainy day or two trying your luck in the region’s many antique haunts – from shows to shops to dealers and auctioneers. You never know what treasures you might uncover!
One of the most well known antiquing opportunities in the Monadnock Region happens every year in the historic town of Fitzwilliam and this year is no exception. Saturday, July 21st is the 37th Annual Fitzwilliam Historical Society Antiques Show & Sale held on the town commons with more than fifty dealers invited. A special exhibit, "Wedding Bells", will be presented in the Amos J. Blake House Museum during this time. Admission to the Museum is free and tours are conducted by trained docents.
In addition to the Fitzwilliam Show, here are some of the shops you may want to include in your tour around the region:
Fitzwilliam is worth a special trip for its nine antique shops in town – including Dennis and Dad, which specializes in 18th and 19th century English ceramics and Macreay Landy, which collects unusual architectural hardware, wrought iron, oil lamps and fireplace equipment.
Head northeast from Fitzwilliam to Peterborough and you’ll find five antique shops in town, all with a different focus. Bowerbird & Friends on Depot Square sells antiques, gifts and plants for the home and garden … and don’t miss their fabulous collection of antique children’s books. Visit Grove & Main Antiques on Grove Street for their intriguing mix of French and Swedish enamelware including body pitchers and turn-of-the-century lunch pails and more. Murray’s Home Again on the corner of Routes 101 and 123 sells an eclectic mix of household and garden items, check out their Facebook Page where they update new items almost daily.
If you happen to be staying the western part of the Monadnock Region, check out the several antique shops in Walpole. Of note is Robin Fernsell Antiques on School Street, where Robin sells folk art, furniture, art work and accessories for the home. And for the dog and horse lover, take a side trip to Dog and Pony Show on the outskirts of town on Country Road, located in a horse barn. Their collection of horse- and dog-related items date from the late 18th to the first quarter of the 20th century and include porcelain, pottery, metal ware, prints, paintings and home furnishing. They also sell custom-made needlepoint dog collars for your furry friends.
Have fun treasure hunting in the Monadnock Region and let us know what you find! For a complete list of the Monadnock Region’s antique shops, visit the Monadnock B&B Association's website and listing of Antiques stores all across the region.
While finding priceless treasure is a rarity (even Roadshow guests are sometimes disappointed), the thrill of the antiquing is still a wonderful pastime.
If you are in the Monadnock Region this summer, you might want to spend a rainy day or two trying your luck in the region’s many antique haunts – from shows to shops to dealers and auctioneers. You never know what treasures you might uncover!
One of the most well known antiquing opportunities in the Monadnock Region happens every year in the historic town of Fitzwilliam and this year is no exception. Saturday, July 21st is the 37th Annual Fitzwilliam Historical Society Antiques Show & Sale held on the town commons with more than fifty dealers invited. A special exhibit, "Wedding Bells", will be presented in the Amos J. Blake House Museum during this time. Admission to the Museum is free and tours are conducted by trained docents.
In addition to the Fitzwilliam Show, here are some of the shops you may want to include in your tour around the region:
Fitzwilliam is worth a special trip for its nine antique shops in town – including Dennis and Dad, which specializes in 18th and 19th century English ceramics and Macreay Landy, which collects unusual architectural hardware, wrought iron, oil lamps and fireplace equipment.
Head northeast from Fitzwilliam to Peterborough and you’ll find five antique shops in town, all with a different focus. Bowerbird & Friends on Depot Square sells antiques, gifts and plants for the home and garden … and don’t miss their fabulous collection of antique children’s books. Visit Grove & Main Antiques on Grove Street for their intriguing mix of French and Swedish enamelware including body pitchers and turn-of-the-century lunch pails and more. Murray’s Home Again on the corner of Routes 101 and 123 sells an eclectic mix of household and garden items, check out their Facebook Page where they update new items almost daily.
If you happen to be staying the western part of the Monadnock Region, check out the several antique shops in Walpole. Of note is Robin Fernsell Antiques on School Street, where Robin sells folk art, furniture, art work and accessories for the home. And for the dog and horse lover, take a side trip to Dog and Pony Show on the outskirts of town on Country Road, located in a horse barn. Their collection of horse- and dog-related items date from the late 18th to the first quarter of the 20th century and include porcelain, pottery, metal ware, prints, paintings and home furnishing. They also sell custom-made needlepoint dog collars for your furry friends.
Have fun treasure hunting in the Monadnock Region and let us know what you find! For a complete list of the Monadnock Region’s antique shops, visit the Monadnock B&B Association's website and listing of Antiques stores all across the region.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
It Takes a Village … to Hold a Music Festival
Actually it takes many villages – more than a dozen -- in the Monadnock Region to host the annual summer Monadnock Music Festival. The village concert festival – now in its 46th year -- is a series of free classical music concerts set in intimate New England venues – from town halls to churches to historic meeting houses.
“What has always made Monadnock Music special is the intimacy of our venues and the quality and range of offerings across a spectrum of periods, styles and genres,” says William Chapman, executive director of Monadnock Music.
The 2012 summer festival season – July 6-August 11 -- brings some rising stars and renowned artists; selections include a season-long examination of the works of Virgil Thomson, the return of opera, Sanford Sylvan and Appalachian Spring. At the helm of the season is Monadnock Music’s new artistic director, Gil Rose, the former artistic director of Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Opera Boston, and a three-time Grammy Award nominee.
The concert series is a perfect excuse to catch a world-class concert, and explore some old New England villages in the Monadnock Region such Peterborough, Harrisville, Wilton, Francestown, Walpole, Jaffrey and Dublin. It is also a way to get to know village residents, who come out in droves to support the concert series; the goal of the concert series, after all, say organizers, is to make classical music accessible to people in rural areas.
So, this summer, spend a day (or night) in some of the Monadnock Region’s most picturesque towns – and listen to some beautiful music. Complete your evening of classical music with an overnight stay at one of our many wonderful local B&Bs or inns.
Here’s the lineup:
Note: Village Concerts are free, other concerts require ticket purchase; visit Monadnock Music for details and reservations.
Friday, July 6, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
OPENING NIGHT
Monadnock Sinfonietta performs music commissioned by Martha Graham
Sunday, July 8, 3:00 pm – Harrisville Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 11, 7:30 pm – Deering Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Irina Muresanu (violin), Rob Auler (piano)
Friday, July 13, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artist: Claremont Trio
Sunday, July 15, 3:00pm – Wilton Center Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 18, 7:30 pm – Keene Ahavas Achim Synagogue
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Hirsch-Pinkas Duo (pianos), Jonathan Hess, Robert Schulz (percussion)
Friday, July 20, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest artist: Alan Feinberg (piano)
Sunday, July 22, 3:00 pm – Francestown Old Meeting House
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 25, 7:30 pm – Temple Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest artists: Terry Everson (trumpet), Scott Jarett (organ)
Thursday, July 26, 7:30 pm – Sullivan Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: F. A. E. Duo, Nicholas DiEugenio (violin), Chi-Chen Wu (fortepiano)
Sunday July 29, 3:00 pm – Keene Colonial Theatre
Opera Celebration (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Heather Buck (soprano), James Maddalena (baritone), Frank Kelley (tenor), Aaron Engebreth (baritone); directed and conducted by Gil Rose
Wednesday, August 1, 7:30 pm – Hancock Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players with Krista River
Thursday, August 2, 7:30 pm – Washington Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Saturday, August 4, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Sanford Sylvan (baritone), David Breitman (fortepiano)
Sunday, August 5, 3:00 pm – Walpole Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday August 8, 7:30 pm – Jaffrey Center
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet
Friday, August 10, 7:30 pm – Peterborough All Saints’ Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Lorelei Ensemble
Saturday, August 11, 3:00pm – Dublin Emmanuel Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet
“What has always made Monadnock Music special is the intimacy of our venues and the quality and range of offerings across a spectrum of periods, styles and genres,” says William Chapman, executive director of Monadnock Music.
The 2012 summer festival season – July 6-August 11 -- brings some rising stars and renowned artists; selections include a season-long examination of the works of Virgil Thomson, the return of opera, Sanford Sylvan and Appalachian Spring. At the helm of the season is Monadnock Music’s new artistic director, Gil Rose, the former artistic director of Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Opera Boston, and a three-time Grammy Award nominee.
The concert series is a perfect excuse to catch a world-class concert, and explore some old New England villages in the Monadnock Region such Peterborough, Harrisville, Wilton, Francestown, Walpole, Jaffrey and Dublin. It is also a way to get to know village residents, who come out in droves to support the concert series; the goal of the concert series, after all, say organizers, is to make classical music accessible to people in rural areas.
So, this summer, spend a day (or night) in some of the Monadnock Region’s most picturesque towns – and listen to some beautiful music. Complete your evening of classical music with an overnight stay at one of our many wonderful local B&Bs or inns.
Here’s the lineup:
Note: Village Concerts are free, other concerts require ticket purchase; visit Monadnock Music for details and reservations.
Friday, July 6, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
OPENING NIGHT
Monadnock Sinfonietta performs music commissioned by Martha Graham
Sunday, July 8, 3:00 pm – Harrisville Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 11, 7:30 pm – Deering Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Irina Muresanu (violin), Rob Auler (piano)
Friday, July 13, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artist: Claremont Trio
Sunday, July 15, 3:00pm – Wilton Center Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 18, 7:30 pm – Keene Ahavas Achim Synagogue
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Hirsch-Pinkas Duo (pianos), Jonathan Hess, Robert Schulz (percussion)
Friday, July 20, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest artist: Alan Feinberg (piano)
Sunday, July 22, 3:00 pm – Francestown Old Meeting House
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday, July 25, 7:30 pm – Temple Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest artists: Terry Everson (trumpet), Scott Jarett (organ)
Thursday, July 26, 7:30 pm – Sullivan Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: F. A. E. Duo, Nicholas DiEugenio (violin), Chi-Chen Wu (fortepiano)
Sunday July 29, 3:00 pm – Keene Colonial Theatre
Opera Celebration (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Heather Buck (soprano), James Maddalena (baritone), Frank Kelley (tenor), Aaron Engebreth (baritone); directed and conducted by Gil Rose
Wednesday, August 1, 7:30 pm – Hancock Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players with Krista River
Thursday, August 2, 7:30 pm – Washington Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Saturday, August 4, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Sanford Sylvan (baritone), David Breitman (fortepiano)
Sunday, August 5, 3:00 pm – Walpole Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players
Wednesday August 8, 7:30 pm – Jaffrey Center
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet
Friday, August 10, 7:30 pm – Peterborough All Saints’ Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Lorelei Ensemble
Saturday, August 11, 3:00pm – Dublin Emmanuel Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet
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