FREE (or dirt cheap) Vacation Ideas - Part 3. Visit the Grand View Winery

It's Freebie Friday again! Folks are starting to catch on to the fact that you can enjoy great getaway days up here in "North Country" and not spend the bucks!

Our Free vacation activity for the week is... a delicious visit to the Grand View Winery. Take a glorious countryside drive to this wonderful winery in East Calais, VT. (just 30 minutes from Rabbit Hill Inn) Here you will be welcomed by some very friendly folks, taste some lovely and very unique wines.

Besides all that, you'll be blown away by glorious view of the Northeast Kingdom. They don't call it "Grand View" Winery for nothing. Wander through the gardens and soak in the tranquility. It's a perfect place for a picnic. You'll want your camera, for sure. Your cost for this memorable experience - $0

FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas ~ Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain

Welcome to our 2nd blog entry of "FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas". Everyone should know that there is great stuff to do up here in Vermont & New Hampshire that DOESN'T COST MONEY! So check out this blog every Friday, and you'll discover a new and fun vacation activity idea. I'm talking about real activities, not just strolling through a gift shop.

This week, we introduce you to the internationally noted DOG MOUNTAIN. If you are an animal lover (or just an animal liker), you will be amused, entertained, and deeply touched by this place. Here you will discover Stephen Huneck's Gallery, the famous Dog Chapel and glorious hiking trails of Dog Mountain (great place for a picnic). You'll probably meet Stephen and his wife, Gwen.

Your cost $0. Your experience...priceless. Bring your camera.

Boston Magazine said it best, "The work of Stephen Huneck is like laughter, enriching to life and uplifting to the soul" Watch this.

Donut Muffin Recipe - Everyone's asking, so here it is! Warning - they are addictive!

Rabbit Hill Inn Donut Muffin Recipe

yield 24 muffins

Dry Ingredients mixed in bowl:
4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg

Wet ingredients in separate bowl:
1 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups sour cream
2 tsp vanilla

Topping mix in separate bowl:
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 cup melted butter in separate bowl

Method:

• Wisk dry ingredients together in bowl


• Wisk wet ingredients together in separate bowl


• Gently fold wet & dry mixtures together with spatula until just combined


• Spray muffin tins with cooking spray


• Preheat oven to 350 degrees


• Wisk Using your hands, scoop out batter and fill each muffin to top.


• Bake 15-20 minutes (test for doneness


• While muffins are baking, stir together the topping ingredients. Set aside.


• When muffins are cool enough to handle, take each muffin and dip tops into melted butter,


• Dip into cinnamon/sugar mixture. Coat tops generously. Let sit for a few minutes.


• Now they're ready to enjoy!

FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas ~ Franconia Notch State Park

Looking for some great summer getaway ideas? Don't want to travel too far or spend too much? Keep your eye on this blog for great (and cheap) travel tips to make your New England vacation fun-filled. Here's tip #1 -

Franconia Notch State Park - it's loaded with summer fun!

• Miles & miles of hiking trails (from easy to exhilarating) - $0



• Great Bike Path (both paved and packed dirt) - $0



• Explore the Flume Gorge & waterfalls - $13 See Video



• Hike the waterfall trails of the Basin - $0 See Video



• Ride the Tram to the summit of Cannon Mountain - $13. See Video



• Covered bridges - $0



• Relax & swim at Echo Lake Beach - $4



• Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle the day away - $10 per hour



• Fly Fishing in Profile Lake - just the state license fee $10

Franconia Notch State Park is just 20 minutes away from Rabbit Hill Inn. Check out the Park Packages now available.

"Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway" ~ Rabbit Hill Inn gives a break to unemployed.

Rabbit Hill Inn is giving away (6) two-night getaways to couples dealing with the anxiety of unemployment. Why? Because we are tired of all the negative news! As unemployment rates are skyrocket, we asked ourselves, "How can we make a difference?" We can't change the economic climate, but we can soothe the souls of others who find themselves suddenly caught up in the nightmare of job loss.

We know first hand the challenges of being unemployed. For a few years, back in the 90's, we were in the same boat. We remember the intensity of that stress and its effects on a relationship so our compassion goes out these people. A relaxing getaway is needed now more than ever. They may have the time, but not the money.

A free Rabbit Hill getaway is the perfect remedy - allowing couples to unwind and turn their back on the daily grind for a couple of precious days to focus on each other. Hopefully, they leave re-energized, emotionally stronger, and ready to conquor the challenge of a job search.

If you know someone who has been unemployed for more than six months and can really use a break, urge them to enter the "Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway". Click the link and learn the details on how to enter. All entries must be submitted by June 1st.

Rabbit Hill Inn Video - A Virtual Romantic Vermont Vacation

Is winter starting to drag? Need a romantic Vermont Vacation NOW? Well, the ideal thing to do is call Rabbit Hill Inn and book your Vermont escape. If that's not possible, perhaps watching the Rabbit Hill Inn video might help. Think of it as a virtual Vermont vacation.

Just take a few minutes and watch it whenever you feel like you need a break. We've been told that it reduces stress immediately. You've got nothing to lose. Give it a try!

Rabbit Hill Inn awarded "TOP 12 INNS WORLDWIDE" by Bedandbreakfast.com

Rabbit Hill Inn was selected as one of the Top 12 Inns Worldwide in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards for 2008-2009. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

"We know how important independent reviews are. We're delighted that inngoers concurred that Rabbit Hill Inn is a favoirte among those seeking the B&B experience" explained BedandBreakfast.com's Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. "It's clear that the Rabbit Hill Inn earned high marks from inngoers for their fine accommodations, fantastic dining, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service," commented Soule.

"We are thrilled to be chosen one of the Top 12 Inns Worldwide by BedandBreakfast.com Award and proud that our guests posted reviews that resulted in this award," stated Leslie Mulcahy. "It's gratifying that our level of hospitality and attention to detail were recognized by inngoers who took the time to write reviews of Rabbit Hill Inn." Here's an excerpt from one of our reviews:

"You need to see for yourself as it is so difficult to describe how absolutely fantastic it is to stay at this Inn. From the innkeepers, staff, rooms, food, nothing is too much trouble and every comfort catered for -- just brilliant! November 2008

Ziplining...It's The Hottest Summer Activity!

Have you heard? ZipLining is one of the hottest new outdoor adventure activities. What's even better is that you can Zipline right here in New England (just 25 minutes away from Rabbit Hill Inn).

For those who need a little explanation, this exhilarating outdoor adventure forces you to lunge out of your comfort zone and experience new heights -- literally. You get strapped into a harness, securely clipped to a cable and then zip along the tree tops of the White Mountains.

But know one thing -- at Alpine Adventures, your safety is paramount! You're in good hands with the folks at Alpine Adventures. Every precaution is taken, and your guides are always present. If we had the slightest doubt, you would NOT be hearing this from us. The Boston Globe checked it out and said, "It's magical, breathtaking and awesome." You can even choose your level of adventure. The extreme zipline course offers up to 1800 feet of zipline, 250 feet off the forest floor. They also offer dual zips and shorter zips from 100 to 800 feet.

Now it's your turn to take the plunge. Book your ZipLine Adventure package. We'll take care of all the details. All you have to do is bring your thirst for fun and adventure!

Shhhhhh... Free Wireless Internet, But Don't Tell Anyone

Can you keep a secret? Yes, we do have Wireless Internet. And yes, of course, it's free (I can't stand it when places charge you for stuff like that). So, if you must, go ahead and bring your laptop. But remember... YOU ARE ON VACATION!

It's nice to check in with family, send pictures of your Vermont vacation to your friends, saying "wish you were here". Take a video of your Zip Line ride or visit to the waterfalls and put it on YouTube. This is fun stuff.

But try to resist the "other stuff". Set up your email auto-reply and tell everyone that you are away and have no internet access. They don't need to know that we have WiFi. It will be our little secret.

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Vermont Farmers Markets

You probably never considered going to a Farmers Market while on vacation. Well, in Vermont, it's a "Must Do". Those "in the know" visit 4 or 5 during there Vermont getaway. Here's why...






1. Soak up the local culture. Eat the food, listen to the music, and visit with the locals.

2. Amazing produce! Local farmers proudly present fresh everything (mostly picked that day). Real Organic produce is easy to find here.

3. Ooooh the cheese! Chat with artisan cheesemakers and sample all the unique choices.

4. Fresh, I mean really fresh, meats (chicken, beef, lamb). And eggs - still warm from the chicken.

5. Meet the artisan bakers. Taste artisan breads & baked goods. Treat yourself to a real Vermont cider donut (not the 99% sugar kind from the store).

6. Liquid Gold. You can't forget the Vermont maple syrup...and the maple sugar, maple butter, maple cream and maple candy.

7. Talk "bean" with a local coffee roaster.

8. Be tempted by all the specialty products - jams, jellies, chutneys, honey, tapenades, pestos,sauces, and pickled anything.

9. Check out the glorious floral bouquets & plants, the candles, colorful yarns just spun, wood crafts, and numerous other irrisistable artisan crafts.

10. You may even meet a painter or photographer displaying a gallery of artwork.

Saturday is the biggest "Market Day". You can easily visit 4 markets in one day! Hey, it's a great way to really explore the Northest Kingdom, enjoy loads of fun, eat great food and take stuff back home. Come and squeeze, sniff, and taste for yourself...bring you cooler, you're going to need it!

Wed - Danville 8-11 am / Newport 9-1 pm
Fri - Hardwick 3-6 pm / Island Pond 12-4 pm
Sat - St. Johnsbury 9-1 pm / Craftsbury 10-1 pm
Newport 9-2 pm / Littleton 9-2 pm
Sun - Cabot 10-2