Rabbit Hill Inn

USA Today Travel Chooses Lake Willoughby as one of 51 Great American Beaches 29 May 2012, 3:32 pm

For those who never think of Vermont for a beach vacation, think again.  To kick off the unofficial start of summer, USA TODAY asked local experts to select one great beach in each state and the District of Columbia.  We are thrilled to see that our  wonderful North Beach at Lake Willoughby was chosen as Vermont’s Best beach choice.

Carved by glaciers and hugged by Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, 5-mile-long Lake Willoughby in Westmore boasts natural sand beach, crystal-clear, usually chilly waters that 312 feet deep. The unique experience of North Beach is the combination of all the typical beach fun AND the surrounding views of the glorious glaciers and mountains.  Unlike many “touristy” beach spots,  Lake Willoughby is 100% pure natural beauty.  No tee shirt shacks or noisy game arcades here.  Just a few general stores and places to rent canoes & kayaks.

Start planning your summer getaway to Rabbit Hill Inn. We can provide you with a delicious picnic, beach towels, and blanket to enjoy a fantastic day at Lake Willoughby North Beach.   And if you feel like taking in a hike, we’ll have the trail info ready for the nearby Mt Pisgah trail.  There’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in a kayak for a few hours too.  What are waiting for?  Your Vermont summer vacation is waiting for you.  And you have several getaway packages to choose from too.

Jump on the Wild Truck Safari for a thrilling ride 25 May 2012, 3:24 pm

What? You have never taken a wild ride up a mountain in a Pinzgauer  while listening to awesome music and capturing fantastic mountain top views?  Well, buckle Up and Hold On, as the license plates dictate, because you’re in for an off-road thrill like no other in New England. Scale to the top of Barron Mountain for awesome views in this low-speed roller coaster-like ride. Don’t just take our word for it. Watch this:

Alpine Adventures offers Off-Road Wild Truck Safari tours year round. With every season you encounter a different tour: Summer is great weather and an open air convertible top. Fall is spectacular foliage seen from above with occasional moose, deer & turkeys along the trail. Winter displays the extreme off-road capabilities of these 6-wheel drive Swiss army transport vehicles called Pinzgauers. Spring is mud season (do we have to say more).

The Pinzgauers have modified seating to accommodate 11 guests (one is shotgun) in blue bucket seats with lapbelts. Your hosts at Alpine Adventures padded the overhead cages and added a kickin’ stereo system with mikes for the guides to entertain you on your journey.   Book your Wild Truck Safari Package now. We’ll take care of all the details.  All you have to do is bring your camera  and prepare for a fun ride!!!

Mango Barbecue Sauce Recipe 24 May 2012, 1:20 pm

Tired of the same old BBQ sauces?  Try this easy, delicious and versatile barbecue sauce recipe. It’s a great sauce for chicken, pork, beef, or as a dipping sauce. You will find all kinds of ways to use it in many dishes. Be sure to read through the recipe first. Each step lists the ingredients needed and method.  You will need a food processor/blender to puree. It will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator or you could freeze it too.   This Mango Barbecue Sauce recipe yields 4 cups.

Step One:

2 Tbls unsalted butter                                     1 cup onion, medium diced

½ cup celery, medium diced                           ½ cup green peppers, medium diced

1 tsp garlic, minced

• heat butter in a saucepan until melted.
• Sauté vegetables on medium heat for 7-10 minutes or until soft.

Step Two:

1 tsp chili pepper                                             1/8 tsp ginger

1 tsp ground mustard                                      1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

3 oz tomato paste

• Add spices to the vegetable.  Stir in to incorporate.
• Pour tomato paste over to the mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step Three:

¼ cup white wine vinegar                               ½ cup corn syrup

1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce                          ½ cup brown sugar

1 cup tomato juice                                           1 ½ lbs mango, peeled & pureed

1 cup pineapple or mango juice

• Add these ingredients to the vegetable mix and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat.  Allow to cool.
• Puree in your food processor.

8th Annual New England BrewFest coming up June 30th 22 May 2012, 8:41 am

Calling all beer lovers!!  Got any plans for Saturday June 30th?  You don’t want to miss the New England BrewFest . And it’s only 30 minutes from Rabbit Hill Inn, in Lincoln New Hampshire. Go BIG and make it a weekend getaway. More than 30 breweries from across New England will gather and tap into their exceptional brews.  Spend a leisurely summer day sampling brews, talking with the brewers, sit in on craft beer education sessions, eat great food, shop the exhibit area, while listening to live entertainment.

Did we mention the Brewfest Slider Competition? Area restaurants and resorts will be competing for the title of New England Slider Champion. You can sample and vote for your favorite sliders using the sample tickets ($1 each) during the competition hours, between 4 and 7pm.

Lincoln New Hampshire is in the heart of the White Mountains, conveniently located right off Interstate 93 at Exit 32. Follow all the signs leading you directly to the Lincoln Village Shops on Main Street.

Here is everything you need to know in a nutshell plus ticket info.

Rabbit Hill Inn Banana, Apple, or Zucchini Bread Recipe 21 Mar 2012, 12:38 pm

This easy bread recipe is very versatile.  Enjoy terrific banana bread, apple bread, or zucchini bread.  Go crazy and add stuff – nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, whatever!  It all works.  You might as well make extra loaves, it freezes very well.

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all purpose flour

3 tsp cinnamon for zucchini and apple OR ½ tsp allspice for banana)

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

Chopped nuts, optional

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup oil

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups grated zucchini OR 2 mashed bananas OR 2 peeled, chopped apples

2 cups sugar

Directions:

• About 15 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Wisk dry ingredients together in one bowl.
• Wisk wet ingredients together in another bowl (and then stir in zucchini or banana).
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together with a spatula until just combined.
• Spray a long loaf pan with plenty of cooking spray and then line long side of the pan with parchment (the ends will not be lined)
• Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes, turn and bake for about 30 more minutes.  Bread is done when toothpick comes out clean.  Carefully remove from pan (using the parchment to help) and cool on a cooling rack.

From the recipe files of Rabbit Hill Inn

Yes! Our luxury bed pillows are now available for sale. 28 Feb 2012, 10:27 am

“Where can I find those pillows? I HAVE to get some!”  We heard you loud & clear. Our amazing bed pillows are now available for purchase !

All the rave reviews is music to our ears.  Over the last two years, we searched for the best sleeping pillow.  We (and our guests) tested over 20 different bed pillows.  Finally, we found it!   Our new premium synthetic down side sleeping pillow was a perfect match for our heavenly beds!!   Now you can boost your “zzzzzzz score” and enjoy Rabbit Hill Inn comfort at home.

Here are the details:

Price – only $30 each

• • See? Guests even ask about our pillows on our  FaceBook page!
    Nora: By the way, what type of pillows do you a have in The Loft? I would LOVE to have one (or ten) at home. Yesterday at 11:01am · Like
• 3-16-12  ”Just wanted to let you know that last night was the first night we slept with our new pillows and they are amazing.” –  Pat & Frank/ Montreal

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If you’re craving more Rabbit Hill Inn luxury at home, treat yourself (or someone you adore) to the best spa bath robe you will ever own! Slip into something comfortable with the graceful proportions of this luxury bath robe.  Custom crafted for Rabbit Hill Inn, the signature color of rich burgundy outer shell with a plush burgundy french terry cloth lining will redefine your concept of indulgence.  This plush hotel robe is for men and women.

Here are the details:

• Two layer full length robe that retains its color and shape after several hundred washes
• Double side belt loops adjust to waist / wide back belt carrier holds belt in place
• Elegant chest welt pocket
• Large lower patch pockets embroidered with Rabbit Hill Inn logo
• Drop shoulders and deep armholes for increased mobility
• Closed hem prevents unwanted articles from getting into robe during laundering
• Detailed stitching / Generously cut / slenderizing shape
• Made in USA

Price – only $135 each.  Available sizes – Small / Medium / Large / X-large

(X-small and XX-large available by special order). Robes are custom crafted by Robeworks.

King Arthur Flour Co. is a just an hour away 8 Feb 2012, 9:27 am

Did you know that King Arthur Flour Co. is Mecca for all those who bake, try to bake, want to learn to bake, or simply enjoy eating fantastically delicious baked items?  That pretty much covers all of us, doesn’t it?  And did you know that King Arthur Flour Co. is in Norwich, Vermont, just an hour away from Rabbit Hill Inn?  This is why so many guests visit there during their stay with us.  Founded in 1790, it’s the oldest flour company in America.  Today, it is a baker’s paradise!  Here, you will find everything, discover exciting new things, learn new things, and taste new things.  Consider it a baker’s “Disney experience” (sorry, no parade).  Three key tips — (1) if you go, go hungry (enjoy lunch in their awesome cafe or a snack in the King Arthur Bakery); (2) make sure there is plenty of room in the trunk of your car; and (3) plan on spending some time there.  If you take your time, you’ll enjoy it more and not feel overwhelmed.

Fact is, most folks don’t realize that we are so close to King Arthur Flour until they get here so we thought we would spread the news.  If you wish to visit King Arthur Flour Co. during your next visit, we will gladly help you plan a terrific day trip.  While you’re in the area, visit our friends at Stave Puzzles (also in Norwich).  Visit the nearby Woodstock/Quechee, Vermont area or the Dartmouth College/Hanover NH area (there is a terrific cooking store in Hanover called Main Street Kitchens).  And when your day is done, you’re just an hour away from Rabbit Hill Inn.

King Arthur Flour is open nearly every day except for major holidays.   Click here for store hours.

To hold you over until you get here, you certainly can wander the King Arthur Flour store online.  No, it’s not the same, but it won’t disappoint. Be sure to visit their enormous King Arthur Flour recipe library.  No doubt, it will become a favorite baking recipe resource.  The website also offers informative guides for baking tips, techniques, ingredients, online baking classes, and much more.  Speaking of classes, you can take classes at their Baking Education Institute.

Sign on to their terrific blog (awesome recipes).  And be sure to join the nearly 60,000 other King Arthur Flour friends on FaceBook.  Tell them Rabbit Hill sent you.   By the way, you ARE part of our Rabbit Hill Inn Facebook community, aren’t you???

Hungarian Goulash – Try this delicious hearty stew recipe on Super Bowl Sunday 31 Jan 2012, 2:39 pm

Our Thanksgiving Message to You 23 Nov 2011, 6:50 am

Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone and excludes no one.  Simply stated, it is a day dedicated to gratitude. It is  also the perfect time for us to take pause and express our gratitude to you, our Guests. Together, we create the magic that is Rabbit Hill Inn.  But without you, this is just a really nice, big house.  Your presence helps make it the warm, fun-filled place that it is!  Thank you all for being part of the pulse of Rabbit Hill Inn.  We couldn’t do it without you.

We wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving,

Brian, Leslie, and the entire RHI family

p.s. As you plan your holiday menu, perhaps one of these heavenly Rabbit Hill Inn holiday recipes will come in handy.   Just a little gift from our kitchen to yours. If any of these appear on your holiday table, let us know. Share a quick message or photo on our FaceBook page. We’d love to hear from you!

Soup’s On… We all know that soup is a perfect food at the family table. It warms the soul as it satisfies the stomach.

This Sherried Pumpkin Bisque with Toasted Hazelnuts recipe will be a great beginning to a wonderful meal.

Something on the side… Tired of the same ol’ side dishes? It’s always fun to combine old traditions with something new and exciting. This delicious Sweet Potato and Pear Cheesecake side dish will look great next to the turkey.  Trust us, this savory cheesecake will be a big hit! You may want to make two of these… everyone will want seconds!

What? There’s more?? When the desserts are placed on your table, this delicious cake deserves to be placed on the special pedestal. A  Maple Caramel Upside Down Cake will be the perfect ending to your wonderful holiday meal.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~ Melody Beattie ~

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine lists Rabbit Hill Inn in World’s Best Awards 15 Nov 2011, 9:52 am

Wow! Check out the November 2011 issue of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.  This is their BEST IN THE WORLD Readers Choice Awards Issue.

There is it on page 139…Rabbit Hill Inn ranked #8 TOP SMALL RESORT in the United States. We found out as a result of someone leaving us a congratulatory message on our answering machine.  You can’t imagine how thrilled we are about this.  Thank you Conde Nast and all those who shared their glowing opinions about RHI.    The press release below shows all the details:

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine just announced the results of its 23rd Annual 2011 World’s Best Readers Choice Awards. Vermont’s Rabbit Hill Inn scored an impressive 91.6 points making it the No. 8 Top Small Resort in America.  The rankings were based on approximately eight million votes submitted by more than 28,000 readers from across the globe.  In addition to rating resorts, they also rated hotels, properties, cities, and islands all over the world. A full list of winners in every category can be found in the current November issue or on the Conde Nast website.

“We’re elated to learn of our very high placement and honored to be in such good company with the most distinctive hotels, resorts, and inns in the world” said Leslie Mulcahy, co-owner of the Rabbit Hill Inn. “We, along with our stellar staff, do our personal best every single day to make each Guest’s visit to Rabbit Hill a memorable experience.  It is humbling that our Guests and Conde Nast readers regard us so highly and feel so strongly about Rabbit Hill to include us in this prestigious list.  It’s also exciting to know that it shines a bright light on Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom”  finished Mulcahy.