W O W

WOW, what an absolutely gorgeous day today in Northwestern Connecticut.  I was fortunate enough to spend time outdoors in it, and I am here to report all the wonderful things happening at Interlaken today.

Number 1:  W E D D I N G ! I love a wedding anytime of the year, but you know (or maybe you don't) fall weddings are my particular favorite - even without the color change yet there is just that crispness in the air and that blue sky is just so much deeper.  I love it!  The ceremony site was still at our lakefront but was held between the birch trees - take a look! 

Now, not that you could tell from this picture, but the owner's pontoon boat needed to be moved out of the way for pictures of course!  So, someone had to do this dirty work, so off Kevin (the Innkeeper) and I went, out onto the lake on this beautiful day.  How lucky am I?  Just as lucky as all those Interlaken Guests enjoying the lakefront themselves - swimming, canoeing, kayaking, just resting by the water enjoying the wonderful breeze.  I took several shots of the lake, but will only post a few:

So after the ceremony is over, we head back in (sad face) but then as we are walking back up to the property I see this beauty!  Tux is his name.

Back at the property (almost indoors, prolonging that as long as possible) I take a few pictures of the wedding pavilion where all of the wedding Guests will soon be enjoying their evening with wonderful food and fun dancing!

As I sit at my desk (listening to the music during the cocktail hour happening now in the courtyard) I decide to check in with Ann, staying here with her family and her dog in our newly renovated Sunnyside pet friendly room.  She is enjoying this lovely weather as well, and was just heading out to the pool.  She is looking forward to her dinner in Morgan's restaurant this evening, and plans to visit Ellsworth Farm in Sharon, CT for some apple picking and early harvest fun!

Seems like everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend at Interlaken!

I cannot wait...

I cannot wait… to see the lakefront trees turn color, and encourage our Guests to take a canoe ride around the perimeter to admire its beauty. 

I cannot wait… to tell Guests about how close the Appalachian Trail is to the Interlaken property, where views of the vibrant trees and mountains will take their breath away. 

I cannot wait… to tell Guests to put on a hoodie, rent a bike, and ride through the vibrant countryside on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail over in Millerton, NY. 

I cannot wait… to tell Guests about what is fresh for picking besides apples over at Ellsworth Farm in Sharon, CT. 

I cannot wait... to share the first version of the Morgan’s fall dinner menu, full of vegetables and ingredients of the autumn season. 

I cannot wait… to hear the Hotchkiss Football Team playing their first game, surrounded by both new and returning Hotchkiss families. 

I cannot wait… to see Emily and the crew from Salisbury Garden Center converting our summer gardens into rich wonderful colors of the season.

I cannot wait… to tell Guests about the many local farm markets, including Freund’s Farm in East Canaan, CT – just brimming with colorful mums and rich baked goods.

I cannot wait… to share with Guests the new renovations that will begin in just a few short weeks.

I cannot wait… to post pictures from each fall wedding here this season.

I cannot wait… to see a couple holding hands, walking down to the lakefront under a deep blue sky with a picnic basket in one hand and hot apple cider in the other.

I cannot wait… to see all of our Guests, for whatever their reason for staying at the Interlaken, enjoying all that the wonderful fall season has to offer!

Labor of Love

Or better yet, Labor DAY of Love!  There is a big wedding happening here today, and this couple added some unique touches to their special day.  I snapped some photos of course, but be sure to check our wedding slide show on our website in a few weeks for the professional shots!

A trolley will bring Guests to the lakeside ceremony

Table for two - I wish you could smell these roses!

Additional lighting and widescreen TV's will enhance the atmosphere

White sashes add the perfect touch

An amazing candy buffet!

Music to my ears

On my desk upon my arrival this morning was a Guest feedback card from Morgan's Restaurant:

Food was excellent, staff was friendly & attentive,

loved the piano music!!

Along with the sounds of Scott Heth every Saturday, we now have piano music in our dining room Thursday - Sunday evenings.  Enjoy the music to your ears while you have excellent food and a friendly and attentive staff taking care of you!

My Hometown

No, I am not writing about a Bruce Springsteen song again, but rather, truly, my hometown of Millerton, NY.  If the New York Times took the time to write about it, why can't I?

Millerton is a small town located just 5 minutes away from the Interlaken property.  As a young teen, I wandered the streets often (you could back then without worry) and visited the shops:  I bought penny candy and sometimes a magazine in Terni's General Store.  I would watch movies at the Moviehouse (one screen at that time).  I would wander through Riley's Furniture (when it used to be on Main Street).  I would buy a book at Oblong Books.  I would eat lunch at the Diner, now where the new Oakhurst Diner is. Over the years, I watched the Harlem Valley Trail develop, new restaurants come in, Delson's go out and an antique center come in its place, the movie theater increase to three screens, I watched the painting being done on the side of Sapersteins (oh yes, where I used to buy uniforms for work!), and please, let us not forget about one of my favorite places - Harney and Sons Tea shop!  Oblong now has a Junior, there are two florists, many salons, a coffeehouse, and an assortment of great little shops.  It also hosts a wonderful Farmer's Market every Saturday in the summer, right in the middle of the village.  It's no wonder that even Frommer's Budget Travel says Millerton is one of the "10 coolest small towns in America".  It's certainly a town worth visiting, and a place we send our Guests to frequently.  Come see this quaint small town for yourself!

Check out the article in the Times by clicking here!

Saxon's back!

Do you remember Saxon?  If not, here is the beautiful boy, resting at the Interlaken Lakefront:

He's so happy to be back, as evidenced by the kisses he laid on me!  I wish I had my camera handy at the time to show you proof... as Virginia said, this is his second home, so it was no surprise he was showering me with big kisses.  And these are the best kisses, you know the ones - it started at the base of my neck right up to my chin!  Keep an eye on this handsome therapy dog as he continues with his modeling - if you see an Airedale in print, it just may be Saxon!

It's so great to have you back, Virginia, Stephen and Saxon!  I am so happy you are enjoying your time with us, regardless of the damp weather!  Only sunshine for the rest of your stay, I promise!

Dancing in the Dark

That is what the bride and groom and their family and friends will be doing later this evening under our wedding pavilion!  "Dancing in the Dark" is also one of their table names - the bride and groom are huge Bruce Springsteen fans, so rather than table #1, #2, #3, etc. their Guests will be sitting at tables named after some of the many hits by Bruce - Glory Days, Thunder Road, Working on a Dream... I was started singing them all as I wandered through the pavilion....

Love these sunflower arrangements - Thornhill Florist

I couldn't help but take a picture of the Cupcake cake!

A poem

The sun is shining & the sky is blue,

What's a corporate group to do?

Gather the staff and take them away,

Drive to Interlaken Inn for the day!

A BBQ lunch is all prepared,

Swim across the lake, if you dare.

Grab a life preserver and a canoe,

Paddle the lake, and relax while you do.

Laugh with your co-workers, rest by the pool,

Sip Margaritas to keep you all cool.

The tennis courts are ready to play,

Get a game in before the sun fades.

To the Penthouse – where dinner awaits,

More cocktails on hand to seal your fate!

The bibs are on, the lobsters are steamed,

Strawberry shortcake topped with fresh cream.

More jokes, laughter and birthday cake

What a great time had between the two lakes!

Treat your employees to a fun day at Interlaken – contact Kristy Barto for more details!

Dog Days of Summer

I am sure I have used this title before, but it is just the best title for today's blog as the word about pups enjoying themselves at the Interlaken property is spreading like crazy - our Woodside accommodations are just full of canine friends! 

Check out these pictures from Guests that stayed with us a few weeks ago.  Three sweet dogs, enjoying the Interlaken grounds, wouldn't hurt a flea....

But might hurt a moose!  Russell told me every time they walked by the moose sculpture to get to the lakefront, that Freddy, Bogey and Coby barked at it, thinking it was real.  I love when little dogs try to show that their size doesn't make them afraid of anything!

Another pup who should have been here this week is FLIRT.  He comes often, and we miss him and his owners, and hope they'll be able to visit us again soon.

Let's not forget out the Cavachon, Breezy - who turns one year old this week!  Breezy loved his accommodations in the new pet friendly Sunnyside room.  Happy Birthday Breezy!

Lastly, our good friend Saxon, a long time visitor to the Interlaken, all cuddled in our posh pet bed.  Plan your visit soon, Virginia - we've got your pecan-encrusted chicken waiting for you!

Does your pet love Interlaken?  Send me an email and a photo - I'd love to hear all about it!

Not your average hotel food...

Hotel restaurants have a stigma, you know, and many times for good reason.  Certain hotels with restaurants usually have banquet facilities as well, so it’s almost assumed by the Customer that the food they are eating in the restaurant is the same frozen prepared “heat and serve” product that was being prepared for the banquet.  Now, I certainly understand that this may be the best option when you are serving several hundred people for a large event, but not here at Interlaken!  All of our food is prepared from scratch (for both our restaurant AND for our weddings/banquets) using the finest, local and organic ingredients as much as possible.  Our menu changes many times during the week to add the freshest ingredients from our local farms, such as Farm Girl Farm, Feather Ridge Farm, Sky Farm, and Coach Farm.  Our Culinary-trained Chefs love to produce creative items using the finest products we can find.  Here are what our Guests have said about Morgan’s:

Food was delicious

Food is yummy

A great dinner at Morgan's

Dinner was excellent

We greatly enjoyed the dinner

The food was top notch and the service was just the right amount of friendliness and privacy

The one meal we had at the restaurant was very good

The food was delicious

We especially enjoyed the cuisine of the restaurant

The food is great!  All three of us are huge fans of the Morgan Burger

The food delicious (this is a popular one!)

Dinner at your restaurant was better than expected.

Don’t you want to eat at a restaurant with reviews such as this?  Come try us.  You will be pleasantly surprised.