Category Archives: Activities

Activities, Domestic Travel, New Hampshire, Valley Moments

Seasonal Splendor: Embracing Nature’s Beauty at the Inn at Thorn Hill

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire, the Inn at Thorn Hill offers a haven for nature lovers throughout the year. Each season brings its own unique charm and a plethora of activities to indulge in. Let’s explore the seasonal delights awaiting you at this inn. Here, amidst the rolling hills and majestic mountains, nature reveals its ever-changing beauty in every season. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the golden hues of autumn, each moment offers a new opportunity to embrace the splendor of the great outdoors. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, inspiration or rejuvenation, the Inn at Thorn Hill promises an unforgettable experience immersed in the breathtaking beauty of nature’s canvas.

Spring: Renewal and Rejuvenation

As winter fades away and the earth awakens, spring paints the surroundings in vibrant hues. At the Inn at Thorn Hill, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of blooming flowers and budding trees. Here, spring is synonymous with renewal and rejuvenation.

Activities:

  • Scenic Hiking Trails: Embark on guided hikes or explore the numerous trails surrounding the inn, where you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas.
  • Birdwatching: Spring is a prime time for birdwatching enthusiasts. Grab your binoculars and head out to spot a variety of migratory birds in their natural habitat.
  • Outdoor Dining: Experience the season’s freshness with outdoor dining options, where you can savor locally sourced ingredients and seasonal delicacies amidst nature’s beauty.

Summer: Adventure and Exploration

Northern Waters Outfitters

As the temperatures rise, summer beckons with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities or leisurely pursuits, the Inn at Thorn Hill has something for everyone.

Activities:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the serene waters of nearby lakes and rivers with kayaking or canoeing adventures, perfect for soaking up the summer sun.
  • Picnics and Sunset Viewing: Pack a picnic basket and head to scenic spots for al fresco dining amidst breathtaking views. Don’t miss the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in a palette of fiery colors.
  • Golfing: Tee off at renowned golf courses nearby, offering challenging holes and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Fall: A Symphony of Colors

Autumn transforms the landscape into a masterpiece of vibrant colors, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness nature’s spectacular show. At the Inn at Thorn Hill, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of fall foliage and partake in seasonal festivities.

Activities:

  • Leaf Peeping: Embark on leisurely drives or scenic hikes to witness the breathtaking spectacle of fall foliage, as the mountains are blanketed in hues of red, orange, and gold.
  • Apple Picking: Visit nearby orchards for a quintessential fall experience, where you can pick crisp apples straight from the trees and indulge in freshly made cider and apple treats.
  • Fall Festivals: Immerse yourself in local culture by attending fall festivals and events, featuring live music, artisan crafts, and delicious harvest-inspired cuisine.

Winter: A Wonderland of Snow

When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the Inn at Thorn Hill transforms into a cozy retreat, offering the perfect escape for winter enthusiasts. Whether you seek outdoor adventure or fireside relaxation, our inn has it all.

Activities:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts, where powdery snow and exhilarating runs await. From downhill skiing to cross-country trails, there’s something for every skill level.
  • Snowshoeing: Explore the winter wonderland surrounding the inn with snowshoeing adventures, where you can traverse snowy trails and discover hidden gems.
  • Fireside Relaxation: After a day of outdoor adventure, unwind by the fireplace in our cozy accommodations, with a cup of hot cocoa in hand and stunning views of the snow-covered landscape.

In every season, amidst the changing colors of the landscape and the whispering winds, our inn stands as a beacon of tranquility and inspiration. Whether you’ve explored the vibrant trails of spring, basked in the warmth of summer’s sun, marveled at the fiery foliage of autumn, or embraced the serene beauty of winter, we hope your time with us has been nothing short of magical. As you depart, carrying with you memories of breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences, know that the doors of the Inn at Thorn Hill always stand open, ready to welcome you back to a world of seasonal splendor and timeless charm. Until we meet again amidst nature’s embrace, may your adventures continue to be filled with wonder and joy.

Activities, Culinary, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Eating, New Hampshire, Valley Moments, Weekend Wanderlust

Savoring Mountain Magic: A Culinary Journey at the Inn at Thorn Hill

As I settled into the cozy ambiance of the Inn at Thorn Hill, I couldn’t resist starting my culinary adventure with the Mountain Elf cocktail. Served with a flourish, the cocktail’s vibrant hues immediately caught my eye, hinting at the delightful flavors to come. With each sip, I savored the perfect balance of refreshing citrus notes and the subtle warmth of spiced rum, a true ode to the mountain spirits that roam these valleys.

I found myself drawn to the roasted butternut squash and apple bruschetta, a seasonal delight that captured the essence of autumn in every bite. The sweetness of roasted butternut squash mingled harmoniously with the tartness of crisp apples, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze added a subtle richness to the ensemble. With each crunchy bite of toasted bread, I reveled in the comforting embrace of flavors that spoke of harvest festivals and cozy fireside gatherings. As the evening unfolded on my culinary journey I savored the local crab cakes, a testament to the region’s coastal bounty. With a crispy golden exterior giving way to tender flakes of succulent crab meat, each bite was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate.

Seated amidst the warmth of the dining room, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight and the gentle murmur of conversation, I marveled at the culinary masterpieces that graced my table. From the innovative twists on local favorites to the inspired creations that paid homage to the changing seasons, the dining experience at the Inn at Thorn Hill was nothing short of extraordinary. With each dish, I discovered a new dimension of flavor and a deeper connection to the rich tapestry of this enchanting mountain retreat.

As the evening draws to a close and I reflect on the culinary delights I’ve experienced at the Inn at Thorn Hill, there’s one final touch that elevates the entire dining experience: the complimentary tea service. Presented with the finest blends from J’enwey Tea Co., renowned for their innovative and trend-setting approach to tea, this service offers a moment of tranquility and indulgence. As I sip on each carefully crafted brew, I’m transported to distant lands, immersing myself in the aromatic richness and exquisite flavors. It’s a fitting conclusion to an evening of culinary excellence, where every dish has been a celebration of local flavors and seasonal ingredients. From the refreshing Mountain Elf cocktail to the comforting flavors of the roasted butternut squash and apple bruschetta, each bite and sip has left an indelible impression on my palate and my heart. As I bid farewell to this culinary haven, I carry with me not only memories of exquisite meals but also a newfound appreciation for the artistry of tea and the tranquility it brings. Until we meet again, may the spirit of culinary adventure and tea appreciation continue to thrive at the Inn at Thorn Hill.

As the evening draws to a close and I reflect on the culinary delights I’ve experienced at the Inn at Thorn Hill, I’m filled with a profound sense of satisfaction and gratitude. Each dish, from the refreshing Mountain Elf cocktail to the comforting flavors of the roasted butternut squash and apple bruschetta, has left an indelible impression on my palate and my heart. Through the artistry of Chef Richard Cabalo and the dedication of the entire culinary team, the inn has truly become a destination for gastronomic excellence, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of sharing good food with even better company. Moreover, it’s remarkable to see how the culinary richness of the Mount Washington Valley mirrors that of the Pioneer Valley, where similar flavors and dedication to quality are celebrated. As I bid farewell to this culinary haven, I carry with me not only memories of exquisite meals but also a newfound appreciation for the beauty and bounty of both regions. Until we meet again, may the spirit of culinary adventure continue to thrive at the Inn at Thorn Hill.

Activities, By Car, Connecticut, Culinary, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Eating, New England, Valley Moments, Weekend Wanderlust

Satisfying Cravings, Creating Memories: A Visit to The Vanilla Bean Café

Stepping into The Vanilla Bean Café feels like entering a cozy haven of culinary delights, nestled in the picturesque town of Pomfret, Connecticut. From its charming ambiance to its locally-sourced ingredients, every aspect of this café speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and flavor. For my dining experience, I decided to indulge in one of the café’s signature dishes: butternut squash ravioli with walnut sauce, sautéed spinach, and Parmesan cheese. As a lover of hearty, comforting meals, this selection seemed like the perfect choice to tantalize my taste buds and satisfy my appetite.

As the dish arrived at my table, I was immediately struck by its presentation – a vibrant array of colors and textures that hinted at the culinary masterpiece before me. The aroma of roasted butternut squash and toasted walnuts wafted through the air, awakening my senses and stirring anticipation in my heart. With the first bite, I was transported to a realm of culinary bliss. The delicate pillows of butternut squash ravioli practically melted in my mouth, their filling bursting with rich, earthy flavors that danced across my palate. The velvety walnut sauce enveloped each bite with a luscious creaminess, while the sautéed spinach added a fresh, vibrant contrast that elevated the dish to new heights.

But it was the walnut sauce that truly stole the show – its nutty, savory notes mingling perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash and the subtle bitterness of the walnuts. With each forkful, I found myself falling deeper under the spell of this extraordinary combination, savoring every moment of culinary ecstasy. From the impeccable execution of the dish to the thoughtful pairing of ingredients, every aspect of my dining experience had been carefully curated to perfection.

But The Vanilla Bean Café is more than just a place to enjoy exceptional food – it’s a sanctuary for the senses, a place where food, community, and culture converge to create unforgettable memories. As I bid farewell to this culinary haven, I knew that I would carry the flavors of my meal with me long after the last bite had been savored. And for that, I am eternally grateful to The Vanilla Bean Café for an experience that will linger in my heart and on my taste buds for years to come.

Activities, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Excursions, Massachusetts, New England, Valley Moments, Western Mass

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Tipi Camping

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WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the weather kinda sucked. I had my winter sleeping bag, and a faux sherpa blanket and it was enough to fall asleep next to a fire.

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Wood Fire Pizza and S’mores –

WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the…
Activities, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Massachusetts, New England, Valley Moments, Western Mass

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Wood Fire Pizza and S’mores

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WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the weather kinda sucked. I had my winter sleeping bag, and a faux sherpa blanket and it was enough to fall asleep next to a fire.

I suggested we make use of the wood fire pizza oven. She had an allergy-free pizza and I used the premade dough and hunt’s tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil from the aerogarden. We then had s’mores. The fire was the hardest part as the wood was only partially dry so it sputtered out when it hit the core. We had gathered birch bark so the pizza was actually cooked with that lol. And it was accompanied with white wine. Overall the meal was a success.

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Tipi Camping –

WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the…
Activities, Blog, Curacao, Lifestyle, Travel

Activities: Day Passes at an All-Inclusive

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WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO – Since this trip to Curacao was extra special as I was celebrating my 30th birthday and as a solo traveler I also had to budget my time and money. I wanted the ‘unlimited’ drinks experience you can get at an all-inclusive. So Sunday afternoon, I went to the Acoya Hotel where I purchased a $65 dollar night-pass where you can have unlimited food and drinks. I had several drinks, a late lunch at the bar and a dinner at the Lakeside Grill restaurant. I really enjoyed my time at Acoya and definitely would’ve booked my stay there if I had a little bit more money. 

Saturday was my actual birthday and Avila Beach Hotel kindly gave me a beach day pass for that day. I explored the property and spent about 4 hours there before making my way to my dinner reservation.

Acoya Curacao Resort

Greeted by breezy island palms, ACOYA CURACAO Resort, Villas and Spa is an upscale resort nestled in the heart of Curaçao. The apartment styled suites and spacious villas are tranquil, family-friendly retreats with a wide array of amenities and services. Centrally located to Curacao’s most beautiful beaches, famous dive spots and exciting tourist attractions.

 

 

Avila Beach Hotel

The Avila Beach Hotel is a centrally located luxury beachfront resort in Willemstad on Curacao with an authentic soul, two private Beaches and Cultural & Culinary events. It is the oldest operational hotel in Curacao and has received many awards from notorious international travel platforms such as TripAdvisor, Fodor’s Travel and New York Times.

Activities, Blog, Greenland, Lifestyle, Travel

Activities: What to Eat in Nuuk

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Considering that Nuuk is more of a destination where people travel to with a purpose, it’s relatively small in regards to finding places to eat. However, I was able to find some ‘must dos’ from my planning that I WAS able to do. 

Cafétuaq in Katuaq

The first was Cafétuaq in downtown Nuuk at the cultural center Katuaq. From its’ website, “The café in Katuaq is an oasis of culture universe. The cafe is a meeting point for many, ranging from local families to tourists, artists and musicians who perform or exhibit in Katuaq. 

CaféTuaq serves a variety of hot and cold dishes, mostly based on Greenlandic ingredients, with a hint of flavors from around the world. All our dishes are prepared on order, so they retain optimum flavor and freshness, which helps to enhance the culinary experience. If one does not want to eat, you can also enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages while reading the newspaper or just enjoy the art on the walls and the vibrant life passing by outside.” 

I had the Greenlandic Tapas dish which was a dish that had a variety of Greenlandic delicacies such as smoked salmon, white fish with caviar, smoked scallops, ox meat, fish sticks and a fish ball as well as reindeer meat. 

The second location is Inuk Hostels. The cuisine is surprisingly American but a much better version. Fresh meat and vegetables with a hint of European flavor. Café Inuk is a must for the views and the food.

Café Inuk

Our Café is famous for the magnificent view. While watching birds, whales or seals, you can enjoy your breakfast, your lunch, your dinner, a glass of wine or a goodnight-beer. We serve the season’s greenlandic specialities, like meat of reindeer, musk-ox, south greenlandic sheep and fish are served all the year.

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Activities: Hanging Bridges

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One of the main activities of my trip to Costa Rica over 10 years ago was a trek up the mountain, through a rainforest to an indigenous village of the Cabecar indian tribe. This was before the age of google, and blogging and travel PR… I had my travel notebook with me (no laptop!) and took down notes about this secluded culture; their religious views and way of life and quite frankly I was so fascinated by the entire experience. Unfortunately, I overexerted my body and I think jump started my hypothyroid issues since I spent close to 14 hours hiking within one weekend. Afterwards, I pretty much slept whenever I could and did the rest of the activities in a bit of a daze. So going back there, was huge. I had quite a few flashbacks of this trip, seeing the hills and remembering spending time resting and taking in the landscape. It was quite an interesting experience, now that I live in western Mass to compare the volcanic mountain range of Costa Rica to western Mass. Very similar in regards to the animals and lifestyles. However, one is obviously tropical and with that a variety of different plants, animals and insects. From a research perspective, it is an ecological paradise and a place I think I’d like to spend some more time in.

Going back, I wanted to re-experience a few things, so I did a hiking activity and did the hanging bridges. Since that hike over 10 years ago, I’ve been interested in hiking/walks through the woods. Nothing too strenuous, but enough to take in the landscape and photograph the nature around me. Since moving to western Mass, I have been interested in doing nature hikes/walks around the trails here learning about foraging and other nature topics. However, since Costa Rica, it’s come to my attention that I have heat exhaustion and over the years have learned to control it and catch it before my body overheats. I was quite happy with myself that I only had one incident on the hanging bridges tour and thankfully the rest of it was quite easy to do. Regardless of my health issues, I quite enjoyed being in the rainforest – as I’ve done in the overgrowth forest in Canada and around here in western Mass.

In my next nature adventure, I think I might try hiking alone. While I very much appreciated the tour guide as he spotted a few things that I wouldn’t have seen and provided information that was interesting about the landscape; it was a bit difficult to take photos and really spend sometime with the rainforest. I am getting a better sense of what I have to work with while traveling and I think next year I’m going to try and take some of my traditional art materials with me.