Going Wild
Perhaps not everyone would think an Herb Tour is wild living, but for those of us who are true M&P guys it is for all intents and purposes right up there with bungee jumping, sky diving or other wild and reckless pursuits.
Yes, that's right... I'm enjoying an Herb Tour of the Inns in the White Mountains. These Inns are wonderful places! Big, roomy, beautiful, and owned by people who seem to love what they do, and are proud of their Inns.
My sister, Linda Batey, whose writing can be found at
http://www.shewrites.ning.com , is a travel writer extraordinaire and is the reason I'm taking this adventure. After touring these inns this past December during the annual cookie tour she made the arrangements for this trip and invited me along. I think her purpose was to have some private entertainment as she watched my face contort and my body react to foods laced with what my system was sure to consider foreign, and possibly poisonous, substances. Being no dope I caught on to her plan early on...I didn't try the sample at the first stop (it was a chive/feta cheese dip), and I passed on a few others during the visit to the six inns we saw today.
The Riverbend Inn Chocoura, NH
603-323-7440
This is our home base for this trip and is my first experience with staying in an Inn.
Owned by Jerry Weiss and Craig Cox this inn is a delight. Lots of hard work and good taste are evident here. Their use of color is amazing. The rooms range from yellow to bright red and are very beautiful. Tasteful pieces of eastern-accented art and beautiful furniture complete the picture.
Jerry and Craig are perfect hosts, practically bending over backward to provide the absolute best in customer service and welcoming. The expression, "he'd give you the shirt off his back" is true here as I personally saw Jerry open his closet to give a guest his jacket so she'd be more comfortable while having breakfast on the back deck, which is right on the Chocorua River.
Craig is the chef, and is an artist with food. The Apple Creme Brule French Toast with Poached Pear appetizier is delicious, even my meat and potatoes palette loved it.
Absolutely treat yourself to a stay at the Riverbend the first chance you get. You'll have a fantastic time while being treated like a king.
The Bartlett Inn Bartlett,NH
800-292-2353
Owners Miriam and Nick are obviously proud of the renovations they've done in this inn. The love and effort put in to the inn and cottages shows. We spent a long time talking to Miriam about the inn and where they're going with it. We enjoyed the inn and especially this young couple.
Miriam made a point of telling us that they are a family and pet friendly business. The inn is also a consignment art showplace, offering paintings of local artists for sale.
Inn at Ellis River Jackson, NH
800-233-8309
This inn was one of my favorites. From the atrium through the game room and bar to the Bridal Falls Room this is a beautiful place. Pride of ownership is obvious throughout. The pool which must have just opened for the season is showcased at the front of the inn and is chrystal clear and inviting. Owner Frank Baker was our tour guide, and was very friendly and informative.
Inn at Jackson Jackson, NH
800-289-8600
This inn was designed by Stanford White for the the Baldwin piano family in 1902. Large and impressive, but doesn't seem to be one of the inns with an impressive view. The rooms might make up for that somewhat as they are large and beautiful.
Glen Oakes Inn Jackson, NH
877-854-6535
The one room I saw at this inn was nice, but not as impressive as the other inns were. The owners are Mitch Scher and Linda Trask. This appeared to be another inn with little scenic opportunites, but the rates tend to reflect that.
1785 Inn North Conway, NH
800-421-1785
Coming from a M&P guy, this might sound strange, but this inn makes one fine cookie! This Lemon-Pecan-Basil conconction was absolutely delicious! Offering 17 guest rooms, a fantastic bar and full restaurant service this is a nice inn.
Wildflowers Inn, North Conway, NH
866-945-3357
Owners Bob and Emily gave us the tour of this inn. The views of Mt Washington and the valley are fantastic from the rooms and the deck. Featuring a quiet room for private group breakfast and a quiet front sitting room, this inn also offers a family-type gathering room with a pool table for less quiet times. Emily is proud of the full country breakfast she makes from scratch for the guests.
The Old Red Inn, North Conway, NH
This inn doesn't appear to have a website. We found this to be a charming inn, which is owned by Richard and Susan, a delightful couple who have owned the inn fo 5 years. They're planning a special event for next year when this inn celebrates its 200th birthday.