Frosty Maine has been getting an abundance of snow lately! Santa must be excited that his rooftop landing pads will be cushioned.
Gingerbread cookies, cranberry pancakes, and pear-almond muffins are what this innkeeper is keeping in mind over the holidays. Hope your kitchens, wherever you are are filled with good things being made, as well as laughter with those who think you are great company.
I do want to express before the busy year's end my heartfelt thanks to all of our year's past guests, community supporters, my friends and family, my devoted staff, and to the inn's extended family. Without you Inn at Long Lake could not be the home-away-from-home for so many--with warmness, interesting ideas, and good food.
May all your homes welcome guests over the holiday season. I get to do this every day of my life...and always, but especially now during the holiday season, I feel blessed.
Happy Holidays!!!!
Keith
Your "Maine Innkeeper"
Naples, Maine
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Upcoming Events at Inn at Long Lake
October 26, 2008 (Sunday, 6pm-8pm):
"Meet and Greet" with Democratic Maine State Senate candidate Lisa Villa. Refreshments and casual discussion in the inn's Great Room.
November 1 & 2, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday):
"Annual Holiday Craft Show"---In its 18th year(!). Meander through the inn, enjoy some inn-made cookies and seasonal mulled cider, and get some holiday shopping done
early. The professional crafters (many have been displaying at this show for years) offer unique gifts. Remember: Buy Local!! Saturday: 9am-4pm; Sunday: 11am-3pm. A great alternative to the outlet malls!
October 29-November 12, 2008:
Other than the Holiday Craft Show stated above, Inn at Long Lake will be closed for 2 weeks. The inn will re-open on November 13, 2008.
Thanks to all for a super Summer and Fall season. I am so fortunate to have met so many wonderful people during these past few months. Looking forward to a little R&R to contemplate the inn's 2009 path, get ready for the holidays, to spend time with friends, and to pamper myself (hey, you can never give others what you cannot give yourself!!)
To my blog readers, Thanks for reading. It means so much.
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith
Inn at Long Lake
Naples, Maine
"Meet and Greet" with Democratic Maine State Senate candidate Lisa Villa. Refreshments and casual discussion in the inn's Great Room.
November 1 & 2, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday):
"Annual Holiday Craft Show"---In its 18th year(!). Meander through the inn, enjoy some inn-made cookies and seasonal mulled cider, and get some holiday shopping done
early. The professional crafters (many have been displaying at this show for years) offer unique gifts. Remember: Buy Local!! Saturday: 9am-4pm; Sunday: 11am-3pm. A great alternative to the outlet malls!
October 29-November 12, 2008:
Other than the Holiday Craft Show stated above, Inn at Long Lake will be closed for 2 weeks. The inn will re-open on November 13, 2008.
Thanks to all for a super Summer and Fall season. I am so fortunate to have met so many wonderful people during these past few months. Looking forward to a little R&R to contemplate the inn's 2009 path, get ready for the holidays, to spend time with friends, and to pamper myself (hey, you can never give others what you cannot give yourself!!)
To my blog readers, Thanks for reading. It means so much.
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith
Inn at Long Lake
Naples, Maine
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Perfect Autumn Week in Naples, Maine
Greetings to all!
The weather this past week has been unbelievable. The colors of Autumn displayed themselves proudly in the clear October days. One guest commented that they had consulted the Farmer's Almanac for the perfect traveling weather. Personally, I did not realize that this source was that accurate, but it must be! Congrats to those writers!
Today Inn at Long Lake started its days with Pumpkin Pancakes and a Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake for breakfast.
The inn served a private luncheon to the 15 volunteers of the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce. These folks, many retired, are the knowledgeable, friendly ambassadors during the year to visitors from all over. Recognizing the hard, unselfish giving of these individuals is important (and, of course, gives me time to break out of the breakfast mode).
Tracy, Debbie, my assistant, Katherine, and I served a wonderful lunch including a first course of Broccoli and Smoked Gouda Cheese Soup with inn-made breads. Next, a choice of either Mahogany Beef Stew with Hoisin and Red Wine, or Pasta Sebago--with Penne Pasta, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes, Applewood Smoked Bacon, tender Chicken Breast meat in a Parmesan Cream Sauce. Ending the meal was an Apple-Almond Crisp with Ice Cream. The volunteers loved it (it warmed my heart to be appreciated back!). Many took a tour of the inn to work off the meal, too!
Started raining out in the afternoon so I made some Strawberry Snickerdoodles to chase the grey-day blues away. Can hardly wait until the guests come back from shopping and exploring.
Gotta run. Thanks for reading.
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Naples, Maine
The weather this past week has been unbelievable. The colors of Autumn displayed themselves proudly in the clear October days. One guest commented that they had consulted the Farmer's Almanac for the perfect traveling weather. Personally, I did not realize that this source was that accurate, but it must be! Congrats to those writers!
Today Inn at Long Lake started its days with Pumpkin Pancakes and a Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake for breakfast.
The inn served a private luncheon to the 15 volunteers of the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce. These folks, many retired, are the knowledgeable, friendly ambassadors during the year to visitors from all over. Recognizing the hard, unselfish giving of these individuals is important (and, of course, gives me time to break out of the breakfast mode).
Tracy, Debbie, my assistant, Katherine, and I served a wonderful lunch including a first course of Broccoli and Smoked Gouda Cheese Soup with inn-made breads. Next, a choice of either Mahogany Beef Stew with Hoisin and Red Wine, or Pasta Sebago--with Penne Pasta, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes, Applewood Smoked Bacon, tender Chicken Breast meat in a Parmesan Cream Sauce. Ending the meal was an Apple-Almond Crisp with Ice Cream. The volunteers loved it (it warmed my heart to be appreciated back!). Many took a tour of the inn to work off the meal, too!
Started raining out in the afternoon so I made some Strawberry Snickerdoodles to chase the grey-day blues away. Can hardly wait until the guests come back from shopping and exploring.
Gotta run. Thanks for reading.
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Naples, Maine
Friday, October 3, 2008
Pre-Weekend Thoughts from the Inn
Greetings, all!
I am writing to you early morning overlooking beautiful Long Lake. The foggy crispness upon the lake is quiet & serene.
Some fresh-baked Zucchini-Lemon Bread has come out of the oven--cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen (and, hopefully, the guest rooms throughout the inn!). The featured breakfast entree is "Eggs Sebago" (a name I call all my egg entrees that I have come up with). Today the dish is Eggs Over Medium served on Inn-made Honey-Wheat Toast & topped with a light Baby Spinach-Shrimp Bechamel. Of course, the purists among my guests may opt for Eggs To Order or my Autumn Cherry Granola with Yogurt.
Oh, quick tip before I have to run to start my day: CLEANING A MESS IN THE MICROWAVE (something I have to do sometimes when I "forget" to cover--hehe). Put a cup of water with a few Tablespoons of WHITE VINEGAR in for 5 minutes to heat. The "vapors" will cover the surfaces of the microwave's interior. Just wipe out when done (careful--that cup of water/vinegar will be HOT!). Great tip I read and wanted to share.
Best to all & make your day the best one yet!
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith A. Neubert
I am writing to you early morning overlooking beautiful Long Lake. The foggy crispness upon the lake is quiet & serene.
Some fresh-baked Zucchini-Lemon Bread has come out of the oven--cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen (and, hopefully, the guest rooms throughout the inn!). The featured breakfast entree is "Eggs Sebago" (a name I call all my egg entrees that I have come up with). Today the dish is Eggs Over Medium served on Inn-made Honey-Wheat Toast & topped with a light Baby Spinach-Shrimp Bechamel. Of course, the purists among my guests may opt for Eggs To Order or my Autumn Cherry Granola with Yogurt.
Oh, quick tip before I have to run to start my day: CLEANING A MESS IN THE MICROWAVE (something I have to do sometimes when I "forget" to cover--hehe). Put a cup of water with a few Tablespoons of WHITE VINEGAR in for 5 minutes to heat. The "vapors" will cover the surfaces of the microwave's interior. Just wipe out when done (careful--that cup of water/vinegar will be HOT!). Great tip I read and wanted to share.
Best to all & make your day the best one yet!
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith A. Neubert
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Those Autumn Leaves...drift by my window....
Hi from Inn at Long Lake.
Looks like Fall in New England is at our door. The nights are crisp and cool; the days have been glorious. Driving to some errands yesterday I was so amazed as the smattering of colors coming to life on the trees. They are like gentle fireworks held in Nature's hands!
This month I get inspired by Pumpkin, Cherries, and Apples (later Cranberries find their way into the picture). I work these into breakfast dishes or in the Inn-baked Cookie/Treat of the Day (come check-in early---they are best right out of oven!!). Guests really enjoy them as a snack after dinner, too.
Getting ready for a busy inn during the Fryeburg Fair next week. The Adelaire Room was just given a makeover, too, today. Looks great!
That's all from the Inn for today!
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Looks like Fall in New England is at our door. The nights are crisp and cool; the days have been glorious. Driving to some errands yesterday I was so amazed as the smattering of colors coming to life on the trees. They are like gentle fireworks held in Nature's hands!
This month I get inspired by Pumpkin, Cherries, and Apples (later Cranberries find their way into the picture). I work these into breakfast dishes or in the Inn-baked Cookie/Treat of the Day (come check-in early---they are best right out of oven!!). Guests really enjoy them as a snack after dinner, too.
Getting ready for a busy inn during the Fryeburg Fair next week. The Adelaire Room was just given a makeover, too, today. Looks great!
That's all from the Inn for today!
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The End of Summer's Glory
Hi to all from Inn at Long Lake!
Summer's end is always bittersweet here in New England. The Summer, with its face-paced, activity-driven buzz softens into cooler, crisp days and colors of change and quietude.
Our Sing Out Summer Sing-a-long Evening with Charles Grindle was enchanting. Charles arrived decked out in a white tuxedo with teal cummerbund and matching bowtie. The lights in the inn's Great Room were turned down to "romance level" (a setting electricians keep quite secret...) and for 3 hours Charles played songs that are true American gems. He seamlessly played from light jazz, classic Gershwin, to some charming bossa nova. Our guests thought it a classy treat and many couples shared a cocktail, held hands, and chatted. We will run this evening again, I promise!!
As Fall (my favorite season) arrives, I am inspired by food even more--the aromas this time of year just seem more profound in the inn! Folks staying in our Adelaire Room always comment the best feeling of waking up from their slumber with the smells of bread or muffins baking filtering into their room.
So, a little break after the busy Summer season for this innkeeper. Still lots of events to plan, recipes to ponder, and guests on their way for Fall Foliage.
I hope you can experience the New England Fall some time soon.
Until next time,
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Naples, Maine
Summer's end is always bittersweet here in New England. The Summer, with its face-paced, activity-driven buzz softens into cooler, crisp days and colors of change and quietude.
Our Sing Out Summer Sing-a-long Evening with Charles Grindle was enchanting. Charles arrived decked out in a white tuxedo with teal cummerbund and matching bowtie. The lights in the inn's Great Room were turned down to "romance level" (a setting electricians keep quite secret...) and for 3 hours Charles played songs that are true American gems. He seamlessly played from light jazz, classic Gershwin, to some charming bossa nova. Our guests thought it a classy treat and many couples shared a cocktail, held hands, and chatted. We will run this evening again, I promise!!
As Fall (my favorite season) arrives, I am inspired by food even more--the aromas this time of year just seem more profound in the inn! Folks staying in our Adelaire Room always comment the best feeling of waking up from their slumber with the smells of bread or muffins baking filtering into their room.
So, a little break after the busy Summer season for this innkeeper. Still lots of events to plan, recipes to ponder, and guests on their way for Fall Foliage.
I hope you can experience the New England Fall some time soon.
Until next time,
Keith
Your Maine Innkeeper
Naples, Maine
Friday, August 22, 2008
Upcoming Events at the Inn
Hi, All!
Here are some upcoming events in the days ahead.
Sing Out Summer Sing-a-long: A few more rooms left for the evening of toe-tapping standards on Labor Day Weekend (Saturday night). It will be a memorable way to say "goodbye" to Summer 2008.
Annual Junque and Finds Sale: (September 6 and 7th). Held out in the inn's back lot--stop by to find your treasure!
8am-3pm. If it rains on Saturday, we will still hold it on Sunday. And...the lady haggling the prices is my Mom, so be gentle--"this is NOT Morocco!"
Annual Crafts Show: (November 1 & 2). Tour the inn between 10am-4pm to see the work of local artisans and get some of your holiday shopping done early. This is the day after Halloween (just a note to help you remember). Each room of the inn is turned into a unique display for each crafter. We'll have Inn at Long Lake cookies and warm cider to host you in.
Thanksgiving and Christmas: The inn will be OPEN for both of these holidays. Visiting family in the area? Let us cook your breakfast before your visits!
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith
Here are some upcoming events in the days ahead.
Sing Out Summer Sing-a-long: A few more rooms left for the evening of toe-tapping standards on Labor Day Weekend (Saturday night). It will be a memorable way to say "goodbye" to Summer 2008.
Annual Junque and Finds Sale: (September 6 and 7th). Held out in the inn's back lot--stop by to find your treasure!
8am-3pm. If it rains on Saturday, we will still hold it on Sunday. And...the lady haggling the prices is my Mom, so be gentle--"this is NOT Morocco!"
Annual Crafts Show: (November 1 & 2). Tour the inn between 10am-4pm to see the work of local artisans and get some of your holiday shopping done early. This is the day after Halloween (just a note to help you remember). Each room of the inn is turned into a unique display for each crafter. We'll have Inn at Long Lake cookies and warm cider to host you in.
Thanksgiving and Christmas: The inn will be OPEN for both of these holidays. Visiting family in the area? Let us cook your breakfast before your visits!
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith
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