Maple Sugaring - It's going on right now! Don't Miss This!!

As promised, we're announcing that maple sugaring has officially started! Don't blame you for not wanting to miss out. March is all about maple sugaring.

Watch this to see what's going on right now!

You know how you can smell cotton candy being made from afar? Well, the scent of maple is in the air right now. Drive up to any one of the nearby maple farms or sugar shacks and you'll be lured in by this sweet, inviting smell. Their doors are open and you are welcome join in fun.

To make it easy... we are offering you a great MapleSugaring Weekend Package.

Or save 20% on these March mid-week Hot Date Specials.

While you're here, we'll send you to the historic Rocks Estate, the Goodrich Maple Farm, and the Bragg Maple Farm (just to name a few). They all have unique boiling processes. The folks at Braggs boil from 11:00 am into the evening hours. And welcome you anytime!

Taste the sap, syrup, endless maple pruducts (ooooh, maple butter), "sugar on snow", and much more. At the Inn, you can enjoy or more sophisticated maple tastings ~ cocktails made with local Vermont Gold Maple Vodka or Saplings Maple liquour. Maple Martini anyone???

You should also know that March 26-28 is Vermont Maple Open House Weekend . The doors to all the sugarhouses are open to the public!

So grab your March calendar and book your getaway. This is just too darn good to miss!

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Maple Sugaring Weekend Package

March is sugaring season ~ a fun (and oh, so delicious) time visit! Come join us for the ritual that bids goodbye to winter and welcomes spring. At every turn, you'll find taps in the trees and billowing steam coming from the roofs of the sugarhouses. The sweet essence of maple fills the air as the boiling continues, day and night.

This experiential package takes you to the historic 1400 acre Rocks Estate. Visit a sugarbush and a sugarhouse. Learn how to tap and boil. Discover why it takes 40 gallons of sap to render 1 gallon of liquid gold. Taste the traditional flavors of the season - warm maple syrup, homemade donuts, sour pickles, sugar on snow. Enjoy a horse drawn ride through glorious 1400 acre Rocks Estate.

This package is available on March 13 &14, 19,20,21, 26,27,28.

This 2 Night Package Includes

• Two evenings in a romantic guest room (fireplaces,whirlpool tubs available)
  
• Afternoon tea & pastries daily
  
• Intimate dinner for two on one evening
  
• Our signature turndown service nightly
  
• Full candlelit breakfast daily
  
• Two passes to the Rocks Estate Maple Experience
  
• A gift of maple syrup and maple candy
  
• Gratuities for staff (there is no tipping at the inn)

Package Rates per couple per room:

Classic Rooms $ 500.00
Superior Rooms$ 615.00
Luxury Rooms$ 755.00
Jon Cummings Suite $ 800.00

Pub charges and state taxes are additional. This offer may not be combined with other specials or discounts. Be sure to mention "Maple Experience Package " when booking. This Package is available March 13 &14, 19,20,21, 26,27,28.

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WINTER DOESN'T LAST FOREVER!!

It's February already! So if you're thinking about taking that winter Vermont getaway, now is the time. As you can imagine, winter is outstanding here... full of fun, adventure, and of course, romance. But winter fun doesn't last forever. The magic of the season only will be here for two more months.

What's your pleasure?

• A romantic horse drawn sleigh ride for two (bring your camera)
• Snowmobiling (no experience or special gear required)
• Snowshoeing (use our shoes, or rent near the trail options)
• Cross-country skiing (renting equipment is easy)
• Downhill skiing (try Burke Mountain, Bretton Woods, or Cannon Mountain)
• In-room massage (perfect way to unwind)

We've got all that and SO much more. And we can make it real easy for you. Simply choose from one of the great packages below and leave the rest to us.

• Ski & Stay Package
• Snowmobile Adventure Package
• Winter ZipLine Adventure Package
• Romantic Vermont Getaway Package
• Stress-Be-Gone Relaxation Package

Forgot what winter fun is all about? Watch this

Hey, Steve & Laura...thanks for the great sleigh ride photo ->

Haven't found the perfect Valentine's Day gift yet? Consider a Rabbit Hill Inn gift certificate. A romantic getaway is waaaaay better than flowers. Of course, a little chocolate on the side would be a nice touch!

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The votes are in... Rabbit Hill Inn Makes the "Best Of New England" Winners List!

We just received the great news! Yankee Magazine released their "2010 BEST OF NEW ENGLAND" Readers Choice Awards.

Rabbit Hill Inn has been chosen Most Romantic Place To Stay In New England!

Our heartfest thanks to all the wonderful Yankee Magazine readers. We are honored to be your #1 choice for your romantic place to stay.

In addition, we were thrilled to see so many of our nearby offerings also made the "Best Of New England" List. Check this out...

Best Romantic Getaway - The Northeast Kingdom (that's where we are!)

Best State Park - Franconia Notch State Park (just 20 minutes from RHI)

Best Lake - Lake Willoughby (just 45 minutes away)

Best Ski Resort - Burke Mountain (only 30 minutes away)

Best Historic Museum - Fairbanks Science Museum (10 minutes away)

Best Micro-Brewery - Trout River Brewery (20 minutes away)

Clearly, this is the place to getaway... for so many wonderful reasons!

Just A Little New Year Message...

This was our 16th New Year's Eve celebration at Rabbit Hill Inn. As always, the house was happily full. Many of our guests have been welcoming the New Year at RHI for several years (10 - 20 years for some). Others experienced their first RHI New Year celebration. In a blink of an eye, they were warmly welcomed to joined in the fun. It's often been said, "New Year is a 3-4 day event at Rabbit Hill Inn". It's true. It's more than just champagne and a fun party on the 31st (and it is ALL that!). More so, it's a very special experience, where guests unwind and reflect on the year past, celebrate the incoming New Year in style, and then savor their getaway time with relaxed anticipation of the year ahead.

From morning to night, the common rooms are filled with genuine conversation and laughter. Yet, quiet and relaxed moments magically appear too. Friendships, old and new, are nurtured and enjoyed. It's not intrusive or "too much". It naturally is "just right" for each one's desire. Do I dare say " perfect"?

From our perspective, this warm ambiance is exactly what Rabbit Hill Inn is all about. Here, it doesn't take a holiday to create such a setting. It just happens organically - every day. And for this, we are so very grateful. Thank you for helping us create this chemistry that sets RHI apart from so many others. You help us make this dear home the special place that it truly is.

Our entire Rabbit Hill Inn family wishes you a wonderful 2010, filled with many blessings and answered prayers.

FREEBIE FRIDAY! Enjoy Vermont Fun for FREE or Dirt Cheap!

Take a covered bridge tour. Everyone always says..."we just have to see some covered bridges while we're here!" And it's true - covered bridges are a trademark of Vermont. These amazing structures are a unique feature of the Vermont landscape, taking us back to a distant time and place. And there are more covered bridges per square mile in Vermont than any other place in the world, with 107 authentic covered bridges located throughout the state. In nearby, New Hampshire, there are several others to see. A photographer's delight, for sure.

Your cost for this glorious day - $0.

Here's a peek at what you'll see here - watch video.

The Perfect Short Vacation in Vermont

Meet Alex & Lori. They were anxious to escape Manhattan and all the stress that comes along with busy city life. Off to Rabbit Hill they went, for a perfect 3 day Vermont vacation. They wanted to do it all... adventurous fun, countryside drives, "Vermonty" things, visit the wonderful folks at Stave Puzzles, and yet, have time to relax and do as many Stave puzzles as possible, and maybe squeeze in a little "do nothing" time. Three days... hmmmm... is it possible??? Absolutely! They crafted the perfect plan and proved it very possible. Here's how they did it...

Day One - Enjoyed a leisurely drive to Rabbit Hill Inn, arriving in the evening, and cozied into their luxury suite.

Day Two - A day in the Kingdom

• Enjoyed a full breakfast (by candlelight)
• Drove to Norwich to visit the infamous STAVE Puzzle Shop. They have been addicted to Stave puzzles for so long it was time to meet the folks behind these tormenting treasures.
• Wandered the backroads of the Northeast Kingdom countryside.
• Visited Cabot Cheese factory (tasting room was the best part)
• Visited Grand View Winery & tasted several lovely wines (a few bottles made it to the car).
• Stopped at Braggs Maple Syrup Farm. Learned all about the process, from tapping to boiling (again, a few bottles made it into the car).
• Wandered off to Barre and found an "outstanding lunch spot".
• Returned home to Rabbit Hill to relax, soak in the whirlpool tub.
• Wrapped up the day with a glorious dinner at the Inn, some fine wine, and puzzled the night away in our Snooty Fox Pub. Alex & Lori were in charge of "lights out" that night.

Day Three - The adrenaline rush!

• A Full breakfast prepared them for the adventurous day ahead.
• Off to Alpine Adventures for a heart racing ZIPLINE tour.
• While the blood was still pumping, they headed to the local gym for a great workout.
• Returned home to the inn, simmered down for well-earned IN-ROOM MASSAGES.
• Spent the duration of the day "in the zone" with long soaks in the double whirlpool, and reading on the porch.
• The grand finale -- another outstanding dinner at the inn, more fine wine, and more puzzling into the night. We're not kidding...those Stave puzzles are addictive. Guess who was in charge of "lights out" again?

Day Four - Upon a sad departure, they left us saying... "We'll be back in the winter for skiing!"

The result: the perfect short vacation. Well, done Alex & Lori. Can't wait to welcome you "back home" when the snow flies. You'll always be in charge of "lights out".

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops...really????

This might sound a bit wacky, but guests absolutely LOVE it. You have got to try this recipe!

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops with Grilled Asparagus and Melon (Appetizer to serve 4)

Ingredients:
8 Large Sea Scallops (U/10)
1/2 cup Rice Crispies

1/3 of melon (honeydew or canteloupe)

12 Asparagus Spears
1/2 bunch parsley-chopped

Egg wash (beaten egg in bowl)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep hot grill /Have blender handy
Chef note: Only use very fresh dry-packed scallops, nothing soaked in "treated liquid".

Method for purees:

• Cut asparagus spears in half and place on hot grill. Cook only 1/2 way through. Set aside
  
• Place melon pieces on grill until slightly limp. Remove and set aside.
  
• Cut tips off 6 asparagus spears. Place stalks in blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
• Rinse blender. Place melon pieces in blender (no rind). Puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
  Method for scallops:

From scallops, remove tough ligament if still attached. Rinse and pat dry.

Coat the flat sides of each scallop with Rice Crispies. Brush with egg wash. Keep sides clear of Rice Crispies. Secure the coating by patting down with hands.

Place a skillet on medium high heat. Heat 1 tsp of oil. Sear the flat sides of scallops only until golden in color.

If they need to cook more, place them on baking sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees until preferred doneness. Note 2-3 minutes = medium rare.

In bowl, toss remaining asparagus spears with a little EVOO and 1/2 the parsley.

To Plate:

Spoon some asparagus puree on the center of each plate.

Place the asparagus spears on top of puree.

Spoon the melon puree all around, as garnish design

Place scallops on top of asparagus. Drizzle with a little EVOO. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve & enjoy.

FREEBIE FRIDAY! More fun stuff to do that's FREE or Dirt Cheap!

Don't stay home...get out and enjoy your summer. It doesn't have to cost you a dime! This week, it's all about biking. Saddle up your bike, fill the water bottle and ride the roads and trails of Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Since we're so close, you can also explore the terrific biking trials of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Take a day trip, cycle for a few hours, or ride miles and miles of scenic backcountry roads. The varied terrain includes routes through valleys, along ridges, over mountains, through quaint towns and villages, across covered bridges on both paved and unpaved roads. You can easily find trails to accommodate all levels of availability.
This glorious summer day will cost you $0.

Looking for something more thrilling? In addition to the roads and paths, mountain bikers can enjoy the famous Kingdom Trails network, rated "among the top 10 in the world" by the International Biking Assoc. BIKE Magazine rated them the "Best trail network in North America". Need we say more?

Your cost for this adventurous day - only $10 per person.

Bike rentals are available on site. You'll find several videos of these trail adventures on YouTube. Check this out.

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.