During your romantic getaway at the Deerfield Inn, take the time to visit the Memorial Hall Museum in Old Deerfield, MA. Explore nineteen exhibition rooms at your own pace with self-guided tours. Current exhibits running through November 1st  include Don’t Smile for the Camera: Another Angle on Early Photography; 2009 Sixth Biennial Old Deerfield Quilt Challenges; and Covered Bridges. A complete schedule of events is also listed on their website.

One of the greatest treasures in Memorial Hall Museum is the extensive collection of Allen sisters’ prints and glass plate negatives. Frances Allen and Mary Allen are renowned for idealized photographs of country scenes, figure and child studies, and landscapes dating from 1885 to 1920.

The Memorial Hall Museum is open seasonally (May 1 – November 1) from 11 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 students and children aged 6 – 21.  Surely a treasure to be visited in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

If your New England getaway takes you to the Chesterfield Inn of New Hampshire or Windham Hill Inn of Vermont, plan a visit to the Grafton Village Cheese Company.  A few years ago we were at a meeting in Vermont and had the opportunity to enjoy the best Vermont cheddar cheese that we had ever tasted!  Upon doing a little research, we found that it was made locally at the Grafton Village Cheese Company.

Their artisanal cheddar cheese is handcrafted from hormone-free, milk from Jersey cows which graze on family farms across Vermont.  The handcrafted cheese is made in small batches and contains no chemical additives, synthetic growth hormones, or preservatives.  The milk is delicately handled and made into cheese by their artisan cheese makers within 10-13 hours of it being delivered.  The cheese is then naturally aged from one-to-four years and the high protein and butterfat of Vermont Jersey milk gives this cheese a creamy and robust flavor.  Wine Spectator Magazine has even named them among the top 100 cheeses in the world! 

The Grafton Village Cheese Company now has two facilities to produce their cheddar cheese.  The original location is in Grafton, Vermont and they have a newer facility nearby in Brattleboro, Vermont.  Each location features a retail store with viewing windows to watch the cheese being crafted.  However, be sure not to miss the tasting of the final product!  

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality  

Monomoy Theatre, Chatham, MA

 

In addition to dozens of beaches, scenic bike trails, and countless antique shops, Cape Cod also offers some of the best in local theatre and the Captains House Inn in Chatham is just minutes from several renowned venues.  Located just a mile from the inn, the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham will open for its 52nd season on June 23rd and will kick off with the all American musical, Anything Goes.  Also included in the line up for the season, the timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet, and a show-stopping comedy, Room Service.

Also just minutes from the Captains House Inn is the Chatham Drama Guild which will begin the 2009 season on July 17th with a rendition of the Velveteen Rabbit.

Other venues include the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans, just 20 minutes from the Captains House Inn which is currently featuring the musical, Chicago with upcoming performances to include Sleeping Beauty and Godspell.  The Cape Playhouse in Dennis, less than 30 minutes from the Captains House Inn will kick off its 2009 season with the Musical of Musicals on June 22nd.  For for some risque entertainment, the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown is legendary for its leading drag entertainers and comedians, sensational singers and even world premiere theatrical productions.

Finally, for those who prefer the big screen to live theatre, the Wellfleet movie theatre is one of the few remaining drive ins in the country.  Not only are the parking lots chock full of cars angled in to the giant screen, but the playground swarms with children winding down before the entertainment and the casual restaurant pumps out juicy burgers, fried seafood, and of course popcorn and movie snacks throughout the evening. 

While many feel a trip to Cape Cod is not complete without lounging on one of its many pristine beaches, the Cape has now earned a following of theatre goers who round out their Cape Cod evenings with a healthy dose of entertainment.

Imagine enjoying Penobscot Bay on board of a 57 foot Schooner overlooking the harbor of Camden, Maine.  That is exactly one of the many things that guests of the Camden Maine Stay can enjoy during the summer and fall season.  Maine is the host to the largest schooner fleet in the world, and the thrill of going for a sail on a gusty day is not soon to be forgotten! 

Choices abound as you stroll along the Camden waterfront pondering which schooner to enjoy.  Visitors can enjoy a 2-hour cruise and see the well renowned Penobscot Bay from the decks of Schooner Olad, Schooner Appledore, or Schooner Lazy Jack.  Once on the water, the wonders of the rocky shoreline never cease to amaze.  It is filled with lighthouses, seals, bald eagles, islands, and hidden mansions which are all waiting to be explored.  As you look back to the harbor you will then understand the phase “where the Mountains meet the Sea” as Mt. Battie is in full view.

Now that is what makes a summer getaway memorable!

By Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Farm Fresh is the chant of many Inns today, especially that of Rabbit Hill Inn.  They start with produce from their garden and greenhouse, and branch to farmers within a sixty mile radius.  If the products they are seeking are not available at the daily Farmers Markets, then Chef Matt continues his quest by visiting local farms, as well.  In the evenings, guests are sure to enjoy a Four Diamond dining experience with the freshest produce and products which are available.    

Guests that visit Rabbit Hill Inn are encouraged to enjoy the farmers and farmers markets as well.  Products such as locally roasted coffees, artisan cheeses, chocolates, flowers, plants, and fine crafts are treasures to be found and enjoyed.  I am sure that during your stay at the Rabbit Hill Inn, they will be happy to guide you to their favorite farms. 

Be sure to include this on your summer itinerary of Inns to visit! 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

The Manor on Golden Pond, located in Holderness, NH is celebrating the Seventh Annual National Iced Tea Month with a special Getaway Package.  Iced tea was created in America nearly 100 years ago, so perhaps it’s only fitting that ours is the only country where the majority of tea is enjoyed cold. In fact, iced tea was invented because visitors to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair were not interested in drinking hot tea on a hot day … so quick-thinking English tea merchant Richard Blechynden added ice, and the rest is history.  

To celebrate, the Manor is offering an enticing two night, mid-week package to guests from June 3rd to July 2nd.  Just reserve either one of their fireplace rooms, Jacuzzi rooms or Suites.  Arriving guests will enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea while enjoying the panoramic views of Squam Mountain Range and Squam Lake.  Also, they will treat you to a complimentary candlelight multi-course dinner for two.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

La Terrazza at Gateways Inn, located in Lenox, MA, is hosting the first of a new series of Single Malt Scotch Pairing Dinners.  The first five-course pairing dinner will be held on June 20^th at 7 P.M. and will start with a cocktail reception.  The Single Malt Scotch Pairing Dinner will be held in coordination with William Grant & Sons and will feature selections from The Balvenie & Glenfiddich Collections.  The cost for this dinner is $50.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 

Remember to save the date for future Single Malt Scotch Pairing dinners.  They are scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2009 and Saturday, January 23, 2010.

The menu for June 20^th Single Malt Scotch Pairing Dinner is: 

Oysters on the Half-Shell

****

Smoked Salmon Ravioli

Whisky Cream Sauce & Crispy  Leeks

*****

Roasted Duck Breast

with Baby Lettuces, Figs & Walnut Vinaigrette

*****

       Grilled New Zealand Baby Lamb Loin

      Stone Fruit -Vanilla Chutney, Braised Greens

******

 Molten Chocolate Cake with Creme Anglaise

Coffee, Tea

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Rabbit Hill Inn has long been known for its fine dining and we worked hard to get them to share a few of their favorites.  The next time that you are planning a dinner party, try their Duck Confit Spring Rolls.  The filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and then the final preparations can be done as dinner nears.  Also if your prefer, you can substitute chicken or smoked duck for the duck confit.  Enjoy!

Duck Confit Spring Rolls

(Yields 4 rolls)

Ingredients:  

4 large spring roll wrappers                                   1/4 cup shallots, minced

1 egg, beaten with 3 Tbls of water (egg wash)        1/4 cup celery, minced

¾ cup of duck confit, finely chopped                    1 Tbls soy sauce

1 tsp freshly minced ginger                                   1 tsp sesame oil

1/3 cup fresh chopped stone fruit                          freshly ground pepper to taste

½ cup carrot, julienne                                            

• In a large mixing bowl, add confit, stone fruit, carrot, celery, shallot, soy, ginger, sesame oil, and ground pepper.
• Blend well and refrigerate covered for 2 to 24 hours.
• When ready to assemble, place 4 wrappers on a cutting board in a diamond pattern.
• Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each.
• Brush the edges with the egg wash.
• Fold top point to bottom point; fold side points to center to create a tight seal. Then roll along the cutting board to create a tight roll.
• Place 4 rolls into a 320-330°F fry pan of canola or corn oil.  Cook until golden brown for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain on paper towel.
• Slice in half on the bias.
• Serve with your choice of sauce.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality