Musings from Main Street

Blog on the Move

2010-10-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

A note to those who follow "Musings from Main Street" and to those who'd like to start:

I've moved the Blue Heron Inn blog "Musings from Main Street" from blogger.com to wordpress.com. Follow the new blog at: http://blueheroninnfindleylakeny.wordpress.com/

Keep up with the latest at the Blue Heron Inn and in Findley Lake at large!
Thanks, Tobi

Busy Times in Chautauqua County!

2010-09-20T17:21:00.000-04:00

The leaves are changing - it's official - we're into the swing of Fall. There's something for everyone in Chautauqua County this weekend. Make the Blue Heron Inn your home away from home while you enjoy all the pleasures we have to offer!

Thurs, Sept 23, 2010 - 7:30pm
REO SPEEDWAGON

Jamestown Savings Bank Arena
P: 716-484-2624
Click here for ticket information

Sun, Sept 26, 2010 11:00am - 5:00pm

BUSTI APPLE FESTIVAL

One of the largest festivals in region. Arts/Crafts vendors 19th-century life-skill demos 1838 grist mill tours apple cider & apple favorites. Ready to eat & take-home concessions farmers market. Mill Tours.
Busti Grist Mill 3443 Lawson Rd., Busti, NY 14701; P: 716-483-0134

Fri, Sept 24 - Sun, Sept 26, 2010
QUILTING AROUND CHAUTAUQUA 2010

The seventh Anniversary of Quilting Round Chautauqua. 800+ quilts on display and 65+ vendors. September 24 pre-show class day. Website has complete details for hands-on classes. More than 800 quilts and 60 vendors on the on display and visit over 60 vendors.
P: 814-866-8227; Website

Fri, Sept 24 - Sun, Sept 26, 2010

WINE COUNTRY HARVEST FESTIVAL
2010 marks the 29th year of nearby North East, PA's Wine Country Harvest Festival. This event showcases its grape growing industry, heritage and fine wines. Although it started as a small affair WineFest has grown into one of the regions largest and most loved festivals. 9 wineries will be represented in the wine tent (80 x 100 in size) this year, serving more than 40 varieties of wine.

Dance to some of the regions best music and browse through the fine arts and crafts. You might even try your skill as a grape stomper – a festival tradition. Leave the driving to us. The event provides free shuttle service to the wineries and to other attractions in town. Free parking at either festival location and then ride free as often as you like on Saturday and Sunday. Website

Well done Brother-USA!

2010-09-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

More often than not Customer Service is a source of endless frustration - it's typically inadequate and problems are seldom resolved to a satisfactory conclusion. Unfortunately it's become a way of life. So I am very happy to share the excellent customer service I recently received from Brother-USA.

The product in question? A 4-year old color, multi-function inkjet printer (MFC)
The problem: black ink didn't print

I've used both Brother-brand and generic cartridges in the printer and never had a problem. However, when I called Brother's Customer Service and admitted I wasn't currently using their proprietary products they recommended that I switch over to their brand of consumables. After replacing the cartridges with Brother-brand cartridges the problem still existed. I tried all the diagnostics and solutions outlined in the operation manual but didn't have any luck getting the black ink to print. I called Brother's Customer Service again and we fiddled with their more advanced diagnostics/solutions to no avail. Then the unexpected happened - the phone technician created a work order that arranged to have my printer serviced locally AT NO CHARGE! A few days later my printer was fixed and ready to be picked up. Not only was the machine repaired but Brother also threw in a free black cartridge for my convenience!

This isn't the first Brother product I have purchased; as a matter of fact I have been happy with the other Brother products I own. However, this kind of attention to customer satisfaction has made me a real believer. So much so that when my office MFC printer needed to be replaced last week I selected a Brother color laser MFC.

Thank you for a reason to sing your praises, Brother-USA and congratulations on a job well done!

Suddenly September

2010-08-23T17:43:00.000-04:00

And the colors are much brighter now. It's like they really want to tell the truth

We give our testimony to the end of the summer. It's the end of the summer.

You can spin the light to gold -- Dar Williams

Like a shock to our systems it's suddenly time to move from the lazy hazy days of summer into a life of less forgiving S.C.H.E.D.U.L.E.S. Yes, it's time to pick up where we left off not so long ago. The college kids have moved back into their dorms & apartments after a flurry of spending and packing; our co-ed left yesterday and today our home is suddenly quieter than before she left. School is starting and with it comes schedules for sports, clubs, lessons of all kinds and the carpools that revolve around them.

But wait - let's not forget that autumn is famous for some of the most beautiful weather of the year. Fall festivals take center stage as we enjoy the fruits of summer's bounty. The air becomes cooler, the grapes are ready for harvest, leaves begin to show their brilliant colors. Don't miss out on Chautauqua County's many autumn splendors - we're ready to dazzle you with our wines, art, galleries, shops and restaurants.

Come for the day or an overnight stay
we're close to home but far from everyday life!

Calendar of Events

Friday, September 3 - Sunday, September 5, 2010

13th Annual Findley Lake Harvest Festival

Join us as the fun begins Friday night with auditions for the Annual Findley Lake Idol contest. The weekend-long event features live music, farmer’s market, crafters, samples from local wineries, kid’s crafts and much more. Throughout the weekend talented singers will vie for the coveted title of “Findley Lake Idol” accompanied by a $1,000 grand prize. And don't forget about the 2nd annual "Jr Idol" Talent Show and "Pretty Baby" Contests. We'll celebrate the close of another fun summer with flares at 9:05 pm and an amazing firework display at 9:30 pm. Information & entry forms can be found at http://www.findleylakeinfo.org

Sunday, September 5, 2010

"Light the Lakes" celebration

The 3rd Annual "Light the Lakes" will take place during Labor Day weekend with the big “take-off” on Sunday, September 5. Celebrate the spectacular 3rd Annual Light the Lakes on Sunday, September 5 as multiple locations around Chautauqua Lake take part in an explosion of color and noise and blast off at 9:31 pm in one of the largest fireworks displays in North America!

http://www.ilovenylakes.com

Saturday, September 4, 2010 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Sunday, September 5, 2010 5:00-7:00pm

Nostalgia @ the Blue Heron Inn

Area columnist and author Elizabeth Rose Way will read and discuss her 2nd book, "And I Will Love You from Heaven".

Friday, September 3 - Sunday, September 5, 2010

A 3-day weekend retreat filled with drumming, dance and personal growth workshops. All on the gorgeous grounds of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY.

Presented by Jim Donovan and the folks that bring you The Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Information: http://www.greatrhythmrevival.com/

July 30 through October 2, 2010

“Nights Lights” at the Heron opens at dark, (approx 8:15 pm) and closes at 11pm. The Cafe-in-the-Woods will have hot beverages, sodas, snacks & Night Lights and Blue Heron merchandise. http://www.heronnightlights.com

The Irish are Coming!

2010-06-04T10:26:00.001-04:00

Sun, June 6, 2010; 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Irish Sunday at the Blue Heron Inn

On the 1st Sunday of the month a group of Irish players from all over the region gather for an impromptu jam. Come listen as they play and discover your own "little bit o' Irish"! Join us for lunch, tip a pint and tap your toes! Blue Heron Inn, Main Street, Findley Lake, NY. For info & reservations: P: 716.769.7852 or stay@theblueheroninn.com

Findley Lake Merchants promote 3/50 Project with “I’m Here to Shop Local” promotion

2010-05-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Findley Lake has taken the National 3/50 Project one step further. “I’m Here to Shop Local” is a shopping program open to customers who make a purchase while visiting Findley Lake, NY. The premise is simple, we want to show our appreciation and offer a potential reward to the customers who make our businesses successful:
1. Buy any item in participating shops and restaurants
2. Fill out an entry form each time you make a purchase
3. Each month the entry forms will be collected and one lucky patron will win $100 Findley Lake “Fun Money”.
A new drawing will be held each month, so Shop Often, Stay Often, Register to Win Often!

The 3/50 Project
The 3/50 Project is a national movement that supports locally-owned businesses by inspiring consumer loyalty to the storefronts that directly fund their communities.

The 3/50 Assertion
Think about which 3 independently own businesses you miss most if they were gone. of Stop in. Say hello. Pick up a little something that will make you or someone else smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around. If half the employed US population spent a total of $50 each month in independently-owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if ¾ of the employed population did that. Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

The 3/50 Mission
• To promote and strengthen independent brick and mortar businesses owned by people in the community
• To thank consumers for their patronage
• To expand local revenue streams by showing how a small dollar amount can translate into enormous financial stability
• To shine a light on the stark contrast between what an independent, locally owned brick and mortar business contributes to the local economy versus the significantly lower amount big boxes, franchises, chains, and internet purchases return. For more information, please visit www.The350Project.net

Findley Lake, located in Chautauqua County, NY, is situated in the scenic southwest corner of New York State, just inside the NY/PA state line. One mile south of Interstate 86, exit #4, Findley Lake is less than three hours, less than one tank of gas, from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Niagara Falls and Toronto and within an easy drive from Buffalo and Erie. Findley Lake is around the corner from Peek ‘n Peak Resort and Spa and is convenient to the Chautauqua County Snowmobile, Wine and Art Trails. Findley Lake’s downtown shops, restaurants and Inns sit on Findley Lake’s picturesque north shore and offer a year ‘round destination perfect for a single day’s pleasure or a relaxing overnight stay. For more information, please visit www.findleylakeinfo.org.

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail "2010 Annual Open Studio Tour"

2010-05-24T21:23:00.004-04:00

Did you know that Chautauqua County, NY is the home of a community of 2 dozen artists? Read on for more information about this weekend's Open Studio Tour, sponsored by the Chautauqua Art Trail. Make the Blue Heron Inn your "home base" while discovering our talented local artists, wineries, shops, & restaurants. There's a lot to love about Chautauqua County!

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
2010 Annual Open Studio Tour
Memorial Weekend - May 29 & 30
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - No Charge

The 2010 Chautauqua- Lake Erie Art Trail (CLEAT) Open Studio Tour will take place Memorial Day weekend. CLEAT runs from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY, and features 25 artists and 35 art related businesses. The artists work in a variety of art forms, including paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, fabrics, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, drawings and wood turning.

A Personal Invitation
As artists, the work we do is always personal – our responses to the world in which we all live – responses that take a variety of forms: paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, fabrics – myriad, creative, expressive, beautiful forms. Now is your opportunity to see for yourself, to visit the personal places where we live and create our work, and get to know us. We live in and find our inspiration in one of the most beautiful, picturesque regions of New York State. As you travel to visit us, see what we see every day - verdant vineyards and fields, lush forests, rolling hills, and a spectacular Lake Erie shoreline. There are plenty of places to eat and find lodging along the way so come and visit, and stay awhile. For information and downloadable maps, go to www.ChautauquaArtTrail.com or P: 716.679.9154.

Make a weekend of it!
Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Blue Heron Inn along with the following amenities:
   Full breakfast each morning
   $50 dinner voucher for two in the Blue Heron dining room
   (menu includes soup or salad to start, choice of dinner entree and dessert)

Add Sunday night to your stay and enjoy breakfast while watching Findley Lake’s annual Memorial Day parade from the comfort of our lake view deck!

Package Rates:
  2-night package: $299 per couple
  (cost does not include alcoholic beverages, sales tax or gratuity)
  3-night package: $349 per couple
  (cost does not include alcoholic beverages, sales tax or gratuity)

Reservations: P: 716.769.7852 * E: stay@theblueheroninn.com * Web: www.theblueheroninn.com

An Evening with Claudia Schmidt

2010-05-16T09:27:00.002-04:00

The Blue Heron Inn welcomes acclaimed singer/songwriter Claudia Schmidt this Friday, May 21st. Schmidt, who plays 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer, has been performing for almost four decades and has released 14 albums that explore folk, jazz, and blues.

Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, radio has added depth and dimension, and since she has always included her original work along with very personal versions of the work of others, what you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder. The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: Schmidt's shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory and you know you'll never be the same again." Having appeared on "Prairie Home Companion" Garrison Keillor said "when Claudia sings a song, it stays sung".

Seating is limited and cost is $14 per person. Cash bar & light bar fare will be available. Advanced ticket purchases are available at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/667505527, by e-mail: stay@theblueheroninn.com or by phone: 716.769.7852.

Join us for a magical evening!

Libation Vacation on Lake Erie's Shore

2010-04-26T10:30:00.001-04:00

By Carl Francis Penders
Published: April 25, 2010

The words “lake effect” can have a chilling consequence on Western New Yorkers. But for grape growers along its shore, Lake Erie provides the opportunity to fill glasses with delightful fruits of the vine. And through New York’s Chautauqua County, and Pennsylvania’s Erie County, that fruit turns into some excellent wine.

With 30,000 sandy soil acres dedicated to growing grapes, the region enjoys a mild climate moderated by “lake effect” weather. Cool springs keep buds from growing too soon, and warm late summers and mild autumns extend the growing season while reducing the risk of frost.
In recent years, more wineries have taken root in the area, and more wine lovers have been drawn to follow the Chautauqua Wine Trail.

A recent addition to the trail is Liberty Vineyards ( www.libertywinery.com , 672-4520), where innovative branding ideas flow as freely as wine. Owner Gary Burmaster is a fifth-generation grape grower. Burmaster said his daughter Beth produced “a fully integrated plan for the marketing of a winery” for her 2005 master’s thesis at St. Bonaventure University. This academic endeavor spurred his decision to expand from grower to wine entrepreneur. Beth, who now joins her parents in the enterprise, said, “It’s great seeing things I put on paper are now actually being used.” Burmaster exhibits a flair with words in naming his wine offerings. His Liberty Vineyards markets brands like White Side of the Moon, a white wine with a fruity, sweeter taste. He said his Purple Haze “is a fun little way of promoting the Concord grape,” and Lucy in the Sky is a white wine made from diamond grapes, which the winemaker terms “an old Native American variety.”

In their vineyards in the town of Sheridan on Route 20, the Burmasters grow 13 grape varieties on 93 acres. They produce 21 wines, including a 2008 Pinot Grigio and 2009 Riesling and Diamond, which won gold medals in the 2010 Grand Harvest Awards in Sonoma, Calif. Open every day for tasting and tours, Liberty also has a gift shop selling nonalcoholic products like Concord Grapeseed Oil and Concord Grape Pie Filling & Topping.

Behind the tasting bar is an antique oak humidor. Now used for display, the case was built in Buffalo by A. F. Meyer& Sons, formerly at 404-408 Broadway, and hails from a Dunkirk tobacco shop. Liberty now counts among its customers the 93-year-old daughter of the owner of that tobacco shop.

The nearby Woodbury Vineyards ( www.woodburyvineyards.com , 866-691-9464) on South Roberts Road off Route 20, won the Taste of Buffalo’s 2009 Best Wine award for its cherry wine. Woodbury also offers blueberry and cranberry fruit wines. Woodbury opened as a winery in 1980, and its pavilion is a popular setting for weddings, picnics or parties that call for libation to augment the occasion. The Chautauqua Wine Trail continues southwest on Route 20 to Westfield, where Vetter Vineyards ( www.VetterVineyards.com , 326-3100), 8005 Prospect Station Road, operates a boutique winery. We were greeted by owner Barbara Lancaster and her mother, pitching in on a busy Wine and Art weekend. Set in a wooded area, the winery provides an opportunity to sample some of the 25 wines from more than a dozen grape varieties grown on 23 acres. Westfield’s Noble Winery ( www.noblewinery.com , 326-9463) is a farm winery, and its wines are produced exclusively from New York State grapes. Pete and Diane Noble invite visitors to drink in their spectacular Lake Erie view, along with their award-winning Seyval Blanc. Almost 50 of their farm’s 65 acres are dedicated to growing grapes for Mogen David wine. At Johnson Estate Winery on Route 20, (www.johnsonwinery.com , 800-374- 6569) the grapes are grown in French “chateau tradition.” “This is a process in which the vineyard manager, winemaker and owners collaborate so that we make the vines happy, and harvest the best fruit,” said Jennifer Johnson. Johnson’s is New York’s oldest estate winery. It has 110 acres, producing 11 grape varieties, resulting in 30 wines, including award-winning ice wines. The bright red winery building, circa 1920, was originally built by co-owner Frederick Johnson’s grandfather as a cold storage facility for apples and other fruit. Today fruit is made into wine in a production area where grapes are crushed, pressed and fermented. After aging in barrels and stainless steel drums, the wines are bottled and put to the test in the tasting room out front. The space serves as a welcome center and gift shop, featuring a complete line of wine accessories.

A newcomer to the trail is Ripley’s Quincy Cellars ( www.quincycellars.com , 736-2021), where winemaker and chef Kevin Daughrity pairs his wines with specially prepared winemaker’s dinners. Each of four courses is served with its own wine, as Daughrity explains the pairings and how the dishes were prepared. The wine-and-dine outing includes bread baked on the premises, dessert and coffee.

Stepping even further back in time, and into Northeast, Pa., is Mazza Vineyards’ South Shore Wine Company ( www.mazzawines.com , 814-725-1585), 1120 Freeport Road. Established in 1864 by grape-growing pioneers William Griffith and Smith S. Hammond, South Shore’s magnificent wine cavern, modeled after a French wine cellar, features a tasting room with a bar made from poured concrete. The structure has room for production, a banquet hall upstairs and a seasonal cafe, open from April to October. Presque Isle Wine Cellars ( www.piwine.com , 814-725-1314), 9440 West Main Road, Northeast, Pa., is set in a wooded area alongside Twelve Mile Creek. Known as “the dry red people,” the PresqueLuebbert took us out along the water, to the pressing and crushing area. Stems are taken out, Luebbert said, “because they can add bitterness and off flavors.” Presque Isle also caters to home winemakers, shipping supplies all over the country; it even exports its wares to customers in Japan.

We didn’t have time to stop at two other vineyards in northern Chautauqua County, but they are worth mentioning, and a visit: Merritt Estate Winery ( www.merrittestatewinery.com ; 965-4800), 2264 King Road, Forestville, has been a functioning winery since 1976. On June 12 and 13, it will hold its 30th annual Strawberry Festival. Legendary Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed will be at the winery to sign autographs and raise money for Ali’s Rally Foundation. Willow Creek Winery ( www.willowcreekwines.net ; 934-9463), 2627 Chapin Road, Silver Creek (between Routes 20 and Route 5, off Center Road), has its tasting room in the original farm house, built in the early 1800s. Its 10th annual Willow Fest, a family event with music, crafts and rides, is June 24-26.

If you go: The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail consists of 21 wineries, and runs from Silver Creek to Northeast, Pa., along Routes 5 and 20. Maps are available at the Wine Trail web site: www.chautauquawinetrail.org or by contacting individual wineries. The Chautauqua Wine Trail puts on several special events, including a Wine and Cheese weekend May 1 and 2, featuring cheese from Corfu’s Yancey’s Fancy. Harvest Weekends are scheduled for Nov. 6-7 and 13-14.

Celebrate Earth Week!

2010-04-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

PROTECT THE PLANET WE LIVE ON

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors,
we borrow it from our children" ~ Native American Proverb

While our hearts are in the right place when it comes to the earth and its inhabitants, beauty can still be a fairly difficult world to navigate as an eco-conscious gal. While no brand broadcasts that they test on animals or use parabens, the ones that are earth and animal friendly don’t always scream it from the rooftops either.

100% Natural
100% Natural means the products are sourced from plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Check the seal to be sure, but most likely if it’s natural you’ll be avoiding ingredients such as synthetic chemicals like parabens, pthlatates, sulfates, petrochemicals, GMOs, fragrances and dyes. From concealers to lipsticks, you can rest assured all of these products are natural.

Certified Organic
Certified Organic is one step beyond 100% Natural. So they’ve got those Natural ingredients as mentioned above, but have also passed the test of a regulatory agency which means the only ingredients included are grown organically. No pesticides. No fertilizers. To make it easy on yourself, make sure to look out for the seal of approval:

70% Made with Certified Organic Ingredients
A USDA-accredited certifying agent grants this seal to products with at least 70% organic ingredients. May contain some synthetic ingredients.

95% USRDA Organic
When you see this seal, you can be assure the U.S. Department of Agriculture has guaranteed that this product contains at least 95% organic ingredients.

95% U.K. Soil Association
When you see this seal, this means the U.K. Soil Association has certified these products also contain at least 95% organic ingredients. The U.K. Soil Association Seal certifies products contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Vegan
If a product is deemed Vegan, you can be positive that there are absolutely no animal-derived ingredients in the product. Animal or insect by-products to avoid are lanolin, shellac, honey, beeswax, musk, and squalene.

Paraben Free
If your skin is sensitive to preservatives like parabens, then you may want to choose products with paraben-free formulas. These products do not contain any parabens, including methyparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. Look for the seal to easily identify these products.

Certified Cruelty Free
A note about “Certified Cruelty Free” – those words aren’t always proof positive— the only way to be sure is if the brand is gifted by the seal of Leaping Bunny or PETA.

Leaping Bunny
For a product to be certified by Leaping Bunny, it means absolutely no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers. A-lister brand Dermalogica is certified by that cute little Leaping Bunny.

PETA
A PETA seal ensures that the companies do not conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations, or finished products – and never will. From eye shadows to mascaras, Anti-Animal Cruelty group PETA approves these products.

Environmentally Responsible
The practices of Environmentally Responsible brands include using sustainable ingredients, packaging from managed forests or recycled packaging, alternative energy, fair trade or co-op farms. The greener the operation, the cleaner the air and healthier the planet.

Excerpted from Blush - http://newsletters.blush.com/advertorial/earthDay/index.htm

Jaerv in Concert

2010-04-13T11:07:00.000-04:00

Jaerv (from Sweden) in Concert

Date:	Jaerv in Concert Sunday, April 18, 2010
Time:	4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:	Jamestown Community College Sharmann Theater (www.sunyjcc.edu) Jaerv plays extroverted, vigorous and heartfelt folk music. Instruments include fiddle, flute, guitar, nyckelharpa and percussion. Jaerv offers a varied stage performance where the five members blend their tunes with energetic dances and free improvisations. For a sample of their music go to: www.sonicbids.com/jaerv

We'll Take the Blame!

2010-04-09T12:43:00.000-04:00

Blame the cold snap on us!

Every year our vintage daffodils rise up from the sleepy garden and sprout buds just shy of the bloom thanks to several warm, sunny days in a row. The dream of a full bed of beautiful, pale yellow daffodils dances in our heads and then WHACK! We get a cold spell, or worse - a serious snow that frosts the buds and puts an end to the vintage daffodils, sad but true!

They've bloomed 2 years out of 18 years - we're crossing our fingers the cold disappears as quickly as it arrived and the daffodils get back to the business of blooming!

The Irish are Coming!

2010-04-08T09:34:00.009-04:00

The Irish will be "in the house"!
Sun, April 11th ~ 1:00 'til 3:00 pm

A group of Irish players from all over the region with gather at the Blue Heron Inn for an impromptu jam session. Come listen as they play and discover your own "little bit o' Irish"!

Join us for lunch, tip a pint and tap your toes!

More info: 716.769.7852 or stay@theblueheroninn.com

It's Peaster time!

2010-04-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

Time to Celebrate!

Fish swimming in Blue Heron Inn pond

We've invited the usual suspects and a few additions to our traditional, yet somewhat unorthodox Passover Seder. This year's dinner will take place on Sun, April 4th, which also happens to be Easter Sunday, so we're calling this year's celebration "Peaster". If the weather is as warm as the meteorologists predict (oh say it may be so!) the tulips & daffodils, along with the flowering trees, may add a touch of beautiful Spring color to our celebration.

The above photo was taken in the pond behind the Inn earlier today; happy to report that the fish wintered over without incident or any casualties! The resident frogs will soon take their place pond-side, swimming with the fish whenever a cool dip is desired. Yes, it is a veritable "wild kingdom"!

Happy Holidays to you & yours - whatever cause you celebrate and wherever you hang your hat!

Cheers,
Tobi & Bruce

Frogmore Stew Dinner

2010-03-27T11:21:00.000-04:00

Frogmore Stew Dinner
Sat, Apr 24, 2010, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

What in the world is Frogmore Stew?
Don’t worry - no frogs died in the making of this dish; in fact, there no frogs were involved at all. Frogmore was a small town on St. Helena Island near Beaufort, South Carolina. Although the town no longer exists, the name “Frogmore” lives on as a classic South Carolina seafood boil. Join us for a good old-fashioned boiled seafood dinner featuring shrimp, crab, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob.

Cost: $28.99/person (includes dinner & dessert - tax & tip extra)

Spend one night & we'll comp one guest's dinner (based on double occupancy)
Spend two nights & we'll comp dinner for two (based on double occupancy)

The beautiful Spring weather is making us daydream about all that lies ahead! Memorial Day, summer picnics, 4th of July and the list goes on & on. Join us for the Frogmore Stew Dinner on Sat, April 24th for a good old-fashioned seafood boil reminiscent of the best summer picnic.

Save the Date! Sat, April 24, 2010

"Art in the Country" Weekend

2010-03-26T23:02:00.000-04:00

“Art in the Country” Weekend
Fri, Sat & Sun, May 28-30, 2010

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
   ~Pablo Picasso

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Memorial Day Weekend. The North Shore Arts Alliance invites you to the Open Studio Tour on Sat & Sun, May 29 & 30, 2010. Meet 25 Chautauqua County artists; visit where the artists live and gain insights into their individual creative processes. Watch artists’ demonstrations and delight in the purchase of new and interesting works directly from the artists. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail follows the escarpment in close proximity to Route 20, running through 9 communities from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY.

Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Blue Heron Inn, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room. Add Sunday night to your stay & enjoy breakfast while watching Findley Lake’s annual Memorial Day parade from the comfort of our lake view deck!

2-night package: $299 per couple (cost includes all above amenities)
3-night package: $349 per couple (cost includes above amenities and the bonus of a 3rd night stay at the discounted rate of $50)
   (rates do not include sales tax or gratuity)

For more information or reservations:
E: stay@theblueheroninn.com -or-  P: 716.769.7852

Sweet Satisfaction of Spring

2010-03-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

MAPLE WEEKENDS
Mar 20-21 and 27-28, 2010

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Maple Weekends. Local maple producers team up with New York State Maple Producers for the annual Maple Weekends. Visit open houses and learn about maple syrup production. Taste maple goodies and see how the syrup is made, whether by boiling the sap or using highly scientific equipment. Find participating locations in Chautauqua County and throughout the state at New York Maple Weekend. http://nysmaple.com/maple_weekend.html

SPRING SKIING
The sun has been shining for days and most of the snow in town has departed. But customers & guests continue to remark on how good the ski conditions are at Peek 'n Peak. The Peek will be open for 2 more weeks so don't put your skis away quite yet! More information: www.pknpk.com

"MARCH MADNESS" LODGING SPECIAL
Take advantage of the Blue Heron Inn "March Madness" special -- stay one night get the 2nd night free! It's too good a deal to pass up!

NOSTALGIA - THE GENERAL STORE @ BLUE HERON INN

Everybody Loves a Sale!
And the deals keep coming! Check out our special "SALE" table - everything is 50% off! All in-stock tees & sweat shirts are also 50% off to make room for the new 2010 designs. (50% cash; 45% credit card)

Primal Designs for Easter!
Primal Designs soaps & candles will arrive next week, in plenty of time for those Easter baskets! Lots of new items will be arriving in the upcoming weeks - stop in to see what's new! Plus we have lots of candy, toys, games & novelties -- all perfect for Easter baskets, so come shop!

SAVE THE DATE!
Frogmore Stew Dinner
Sat, Apr 24, 2010, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

What in the world is Frogmore Stew?
Don’t worry - no frogs died in the making of this dish; in fact, there no frogs were involved at all. Frogmore was a small town on St. Helena Island near Beaufort, South Carolina. Although the town no longer exists, the name “Frogmore” lives on as a classic South Carolina seafood boil. Join us for a good old-fashioned boiled seafood dinner featuring shrimp, crab, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob.
$28.99 (Cost includes dinner & dessert - tax & tip extra)

Signs of spring are all around. This morning our westie, Tallie, and I experienced a first. We were able to walk in the yard! Soon the spring bulbs will start pushing through - a sure sign of Springtime! Take advantage of the great weather & venture out to Findley Lake this weekend!

Cheers!

Tobi

Dare I Declare "Sweet Victory"!

2010-03-18T16:02:00.000-04:00

Unless the forces more powerful than me decide to mix things up I hereby declare my Blog-to-Facebook link a success! Or do I dare? Should I just quietly revel in the fact I'm no longer sending FB fans duplicate messages? Okay, I'll play it close to the vest. I am merely pleased that there seems to be a truce between Blogger, Networked Blogs and FaceBook. Now I can spend my time writing about more interesting topics, woo hoo (shhhhhh!)

Cheers,
Tobi

Is That Success I See?

2010-03-16T21:20:00.000-04:00

It's been 11 hours since the last Blog post. And no duplicate follow-up note appeared. I am cautiously optimistic - it's 'possible' I found the fix. I'll keep my eye on it & report back tomorrow.

Oh, by the way, I know I misspelled "success" in the title of my last post. Evidently Blogger provides spelling assistance in the body of the blog but not in the title. Now that I know I'll be more careful. It's not life and death but I hate to publish anything with a spelling error.

Cheers,
Tobi

Not a Sucess - Blog is Still Double Posting to FB

2010-03-16T09:35:00.000-04:00

I was so confident the last change would do the trick. Alas, it did not. This blog posted TWICE to FB once more; once as a NetworkedBlogs import and hours later in the form of a note. So I've tweaked the settings once again & am posting this blog entry to test the waters. Hoping that 2nd time is the charm!

Cheers,
Tobi

Searching for Another Blog-to-FaceBook Solution

2010-03-13T17:27:00.000-05:00

Relax - I didn't fiddle with the Blog's settings again!
Every time I post a blog entry it shows up on FaceBook via NetworkedBlogs. This is what my Blog is supposed to do. However, it then posts the identical blog entry some 12 - 24 hours later as a note. I'm trying to figure out why the post is appearing twice. I think I figured it out so this is a test to see if my resolution solves the problem.

If we're lucky this Blog entry will post once to the Blue Heron Inn's FB page, which will feed onto my personal page. If you're a Blue Heron Inn fan AND my FB friend it will post twice for some of you. It's set up this way because some of my friends have yet to become Blue Heron Inn fans (& you know who you are!) and some fans are not friends on my personal page.

Have I totally confused you? Well, don't worry - you know I'll post my finding in a follow up Blog. Hope your weekend is brighter than our cold, rainy weather!

Cheers!
Tobi

Much Ado About March

2010-03-13T05:17:00.000-05:00

You can't see Canada across Lake Erie, but you know it's there. It's the same with spring. You have to have faith, especially in Cleveland.
~ Paul Fleischman

The same can certainly be said about Findley Lake, NY! After a long, snowy winter March is the month when we set our sights upon the change of seasons. As spring approaches the snow melts away, the days are longer and warmer, and as if on cue, the spring flowers make their long-awaited appearance. How thrilled we are to see the first snowdrops and pansies pushing up, followed by tulips and daffodils and eventually the flowering trees!

Spring is all about new beginnings. The geese prepare for the arrival of a new class of goslings, the serious fishermen begin to troll the waters and the golfers sprint onto the golf courses. There is a lightness to the air, a spring to our step and a sense of anticipation. Awed by the beautiful colors of new growth, we welcome Spring with outstretched arms of joy and gratitude.

With the exceptions of St. Patrick's Day and March Madness the month of March is typically a quiet time between Winter and Spring. Look at the specials events we have planned:

March 20-21, 2010
WINE & ART WEEKEND
Savor fine wines while enjoying the creative talents of the North Shore Arts Alliance. Information: P: 877-326-6561; chautauquawinetrail.org
Check out our Wine Trail Weekend package!

March 20-21 & 27-28, 2010
MAPLE WEEKEND
Open House at participating maple syrup producers.
Information: P: 585-591-1190; mapleweekend.com

NOSTALGIA
A "NEW AGE GENERAL STORE"

EASTER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
and we have lots of goodies for the perfect Easter basket:

Japanese Erasers - fun to collect & trade
Make a Name Bracelets - make it funky or fancy
Classic Children's Books
Nostalgic Candy - candy necklaces, rock candy on a stick,
flying saucer wafers ...

SALE . SALE . SALE . SALE . SALE . SALE . SALE . SALE

We need to make room for new merchandise so we've put a bunch
of items on sale. Save *50% off :

Tee & Sweat Shirts

Winter Gloves, Hats & Scarves

Lost River Trading Knits

all Christmas merchandise still in stock

*(50% off cash purchases; 45% off credit card purchases)

WE'VE BEEN SHOPPING!

We've ordered a lot of new products and are stocking up on lots of old favorites.

There are new card lines, prayer flags, wall art, children's' books, toy & games...

And last, but not least, we're excited to announce the arrival of

PRIMAL ELEMENTS soaps & candles!

We hope to have them in before Easter & will send a "shout out" when they arrive.

Cheers to Spring!

Tobi

What Was I Thinking?

2010-02-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

Good Grief - what was I possibly thinking? I finally worked all the bugs out of my Blog -to- FaceBook -to- Twitter link-ups. So what did I do today? I created a new Feed & incapacitated the set-up I'd work so hard to perfect!

Am I crazy? What was I thinking? Even as I created the new Feed red lights of "DANGER! DANGER" were flashing in my mind. I knew there was a good chance I was creating a firestorm & voila - I should have listened to myself!

I worked the next hour to remove the new Feed settings and then reinstated the original settings. If this blog post feeds to my FaceBook & in my Twitter accounts I'll know I was successful.

Moral of this story -- LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE!
Cheers!
Tobi

Testing - again

2010-02-21T16:07:00.002-05:00

Are the links feeding correctly?

Testing some more

2010-02-21T15:50:00.003-05:00

Made some changes to the blog feed - let's see if I didn't cripple all that was working!

Testing - again

2010-02-21T15:35:00.002-05:00

Made some changes to the blog feed - let's see if I didn't cripple all that was working!

Testing - again

2010-02-21T15:32:00.000-05:00

Made some changes to the blog feed - let's see if I didn't cripple all that was working!

Are the Links Aligned?

2010-02-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow!
23 minutes later my last Blog post (Attempt #3) showed up on Twitter -- on my computer AND on my BlackBerry!
Woo Hoo - does this qualify for a celebratory cocktail?

BIG smile,
Tobi

Blogger to Twitter - Take #3

2010-02-18T14:49:00.002-05:00

If this attempt is unsuccessful I think I'll call it a day & try again tomorrow!

Blogger to Twitter - Take #2

2010-02-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Trying to connect Blogger account to Twitter account via Twitterfeed

Blog to Twitter - Looking for Another Solution

2010-02-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

I've worked most of the bugs out of posting the Blue Heron Inn Blog to FaceBook. But now the Blog doesn't want to post to Twitter. So I've been clicking here and there for an answer or explanation of how to get the job done.

This is my first attempt to see if this particular fix is the right one.
As always, (and you already know this!) I'll keep you posted....
Best,
Tobi

The Buzz at the Blue Heron Inn

2010-02-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

LODGING
BREAK OUT OF THE WINTER DOLDRUMS!

This winter has been awesome - in fact it's been snowing just about every day for 2 weeks! The skiing & snowmobile conditions are excellent and the lake is frozen & snow-covered, perfect for snowshoeing or ice fishing. Don't give in to Cabin Fever, make your way to Findley Lake - we LIVE winter!

WEEKEND SPECIAL

Stay 2 weekend nights & Saturday night dinner is on us.

(Gratuity not included)

WEEKDAY SPECIAL

Stay 1 weeknight and get the 2nd night free. No strings attached.

Check on-line availability at our web site: www.theblueheroninn.com

DINING
THE IRISH ARE COMING
Sun, March 7, 2010; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

We’re calling the first Sundays of the month “Irish Sunday” for a good reason! That’s when a group of Irish players (with members from all corners of the region) sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn.
Don't miss this monthly gathering - come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

SHOPPING @ Nostalgia
LOOK WHO'S WEARING "BEAR HANDS"!

Alecia Sornberger, that's who! Her Grandma ordered this cute hat & scarf ensemble and brought Alecia & her Mom, Nicole Bradley, to pick itup. How cool is it there's a horse on both the hat & on the scarf, the perfect gift for a horse-lover like Alecia. She's sure to be warm & stylish! Thanks for agreeing to model for us, Alecia!

And we're busy shopping for great new gifts, toys, games, novelties & apparel sure to create a fun shopping experience for you, the most fabulous "kids of all ages". Stay tuned!

Cheers! Tobi

Become a FaceBook fan! Follow us on Twitter!

The Cure for Cabin Fever

2010-02-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

February/March Lodging Special

Now through the end of March, if you stay with us both Friday and Saturday nights we'll throw Sat night dinner in for free! (gratuity not included)

This winter has been awesome! The ski & snowmobile conditions are excellent and the lake is frozen & snow-covered, perfect for snowshoeing and ice fishing. Don't give in to Cabin Fever, make your way to Findley Lake - we LIVE winter!

Check on-line availability at our web site: www.theblueheroninn.com

Testing format settings

2010-02-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

This is a test.
This is a test
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Cabin Fever Get-away Packages

2010-02-14T13:00:00.012-05:00

February/March Special

"CURE FOR CABIN FEVER"

Stay Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday night dinner is on us. (gratuity not included)

This winter has been awesome! The ski & snowmobile conditions are excellent and the lake is frozen & snow-covered, perfect for snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Don't give in to Cabin Fever, make your way to Findley Lake - we LIVE winter!

Check on-line availability at our web site: www.theblueheroninn.com

I Love My Kindle

2010-02-12T17:10:00.013-05:00

What's a Kindle you ask? It's Amazon.com's wireless book reading device that downloads books from Amazon.com's Kindle web site. This is how Amazon describes it: - Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper. - Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing. - Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re at home or in the back of a taxi. - Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute. - More than 400,000 books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs available available, including more than 101 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers. Kindles are just over 1/3 of an inch thin, the same as most magazines and weighs in at 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback. Kindle Books can be read on your laptop (I've installed it on my laptop, too), an iPhone or iPod touch. Rumor has it that it will soon be available for BlackBerry phones in the not too distant future.

But don't run out to buy one just yet! Amazon wants to start giving away its Kindle electronic reader to in response to the threat posed by Apple's new iPad. One report said that Amazon would start by providing the $259 device to subscribers of Amazon Prime, a $79 per year service that gives customers free two-day shipping on everything they buy from the web retail giant. The report said that Amazon believes that it can make money on the giveaway because its best customers would buy enough products to make up for the free device over a few years, especially when the company is able to bring production costs down.

The only thing I don't like about my Kindle is the lack of back-lighting. They say it saves on eye fatigue. I wish is was back lit with an on/off switch so I could be the judge. I'll just have to invest in another book light. (Now here's a novel idea - a decent book light that puts out significant light & whose batteries last a reasonably long time!)

What I love about my Kindle is saying goodbye to piles and piles of books (that I can't part with but will probably never find the time to read again). And its slim size will make it a convenient travel companion wherever I go. In spite of my actual age I guess I'm really a child of the computer age!

Neither FACEBOOK nor BLOGGER was the Problem -- it was ME

2010-02-10T20:12:00.009-05:00

It finally happened - between Blogger, Networked Blogs, FB & Twitter I totally lost my way! Yes, there is an issue with Blogger's editor but I searched on line & found a solution.

For little blogs such as mine (that have 20 or fewer followers) we have to manually "feed" our blogs into FB, which then links to Twitter. Unfortunately I totally forgot the "manual feed" step.

The swirling technology vortex finally pulled me under & rendered me brain dead. But while consulting with a friend, who helped me set the whole thing a few weeks back, a light bulb turned back on & voila! -- it all works as promised.

My next task will be to solicit 13 more blog followers so I can eliminate the need to manually "feed" my blog to FB.

Hopefully this puts an end to all these Blog 8 FB 8 Twitter issues. I have more important matters to share with you!

Still standing,

Tobi

Who's the Problem - Blogger or FB?

2010-02-10T13:40:00.003-05:00

Okay, I think I've got the Blogger editing problem figured out. Now my Blog isn't feeding to Face Book which in turn is supposed to post to Twitter. Come on! Gonna work out the knots till it get fixed - hoping it's sooner rather than later! But, you know, I do have a full time job!

Fingers crossed - seems I'm saying this A LOT!

Still smiling,

Tobi

A New Round of Tests

2010-02-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

After rejoicing over Blogger's Up-dated Editor it seems the editing format has gone from great to totally wacked-out! I posted a blog last night & it looks like I was out of my mind when it published. So here we go with another round of tests & more tests to get this thing right again. Guess I shouldn't have given myself such a big pat on the back! Here's hoping... Tobi

THE WEEKEND OF L.O.V.E. - take #2

2010-02-10T00:58:00.011-05:00

The first time I posted this entry the formatting was all messed up. I'm reposting to see if the settings are working. Sorry for the duplication! Tobi

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Celebrate Valentine's Weekend at the Blue Heron Inn. We have one room left for sweethearts who love to ski, snowboard or snowmobile. Don't forget the Blue Heron is located on the Snowmobile Trail #C-4

HEY, WHERE'S MY E-MAIL? Over the weekend I realized that my web site e-mail address wasn't working. I knew I was missing e-mails from several individuals last week but chalked it up to an internet "hiccup". This was no hiccup! More than 300 e-mails sat on my web site's server for more than a week - yikes! Thankfully my web site pros jumped on it & released a flood of new mail - albeit a number of days late. The explanation? Seems this sometimes happens in MS Explorer so I think I'll test this e-mail address weekly! Apologies to those business e-mails that needed to be answered before the weekend! HOW ABOUT THIS WEATHER? Everyone knows Findley Lake lies in the snow belt; when the Weather Channel references "lake effect snows off the shores of Lake Erie" they're talking about our back yard. So how crazy is it that Findley Lake's was sunny and beautiful while DC, Pittsburgh & Philadelphia are still digging out from record snowfalls? What's up with that? Granted, we still have a couple of feet of snow in the yard and the ice fisherman have assumed their positions on the frozen lake so it's still winter as usual in Chautauqua County, NY. It's snowing tonight as I write this and the weatherman is calling for snow all day tomorrow. The roads are good and Findley Lake is open for business - we live winter!

PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND WINTER FESTIVAL

FEB 12 - 14, 2010

Annual winter celebration at Lakeside Park in Mayville, NY contests, concessions, crafts, entertainment, food, and of course the Ice Castle! Watch the lighting of the castle Friday at 6 pm and meet the Ice Crew at Chautauqua Suites at 8 pm with music by Larry Dillon. Porcelain Busdrivers play at the Lakeview Hotel at 10 pm. Festivities at the park continue Sat at 10 am while fireworks will start at 8 pm. Go to Mayville Chautauqua Chamber for a full schedule.
www.mayvillechautauquachamber.org

Don't suffer from Cabin Fever - plan a day trip or over night getaway to
Findley Lake, NY.

Cheers!
Tobi & Bruce

Here Comes the Weekend!

2010-01-29T12:53:00.000-05:00

Findley Lake has been the lucky recipient of more than a foot of new snow in the last 36 hours. Which is exactly what a winter wonderland needs this time of the year. And I expect that Peek 'n Peak will be crowded thanks to these great weather conditions!

This weekend will present a stark contrast to last weekend - when snowmobiling conditions were sad at best. And skiers and boarders were fending off the rain to make the best of their ski weekends. This weekend will bode well for all the winter sports including the determined ice fisherman who spend their days on top of the frozen lake, trolling for pike, blue gills, perch & crappies!

The Blue Heron Inn is right on the Chautauqua Snowmobile Trail and offer parking, lodging, dining & spirits! And we have packages to make your weekend the best ever:

Overnight Package - Weekends:
Stay 1 night (Fri, Sat or Sun) and get the 2nd night at half price!

Overnight Package - Weekdays:
Stay 2 mid-week nights & the 3rd night’s on us

There's no football on TV this weekend (everyone's waiting for next weekend's Super Bowl) so make your way to Findley Lake!

Drop by the Blue Heron Inn for a meal, a cocktail or a browse through our shop.
See you soon! Tobi

Success is Sweet - now on with the show!

2010-01-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

I believe I've finally straightened out the blog-to-FaceBook debacle. Now I can focus on the business at hand - and that's shouting out all that's happening the 1st 2 weeks of February. Busy, busy time in Findley Lake and Chautauqua County at large!

Snow is in the forecast so the snowmobiling, skiing and boarding should be great throughout the next few weeks!

I'll post an entire itinerary in my next note later today. Thanks for bearing with me as I tweaked and tweaked and tweaked some more!
Yours,
Tobi

3RD TIME'S THE CHARM (we hope!)

2010-01-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

Consulted with another blogger, tweaked some settings & believe I'm on the road to recovery.
I believe this message is going to sail through to where it belongs - if not, it's margarita time!
Seriously & this time I MEAN IT!

Trying another blog feed url

2010-01-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

2nd try - the last post did not appear on my FB page on on the networkedblogs FB page.

Blog to Facebook Success, perhaps?

2010-01-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, I now see a "Blog Feed" list where it's supposed to be. So this is a test to see if a single entry will be posted correctly or if my entire blog history will be posted. If it is the latter please accept my apology in advance - really!

I Will Not Give UP!

2010-01-25T17:08:00.000-05:00

I've messed around with the site feed for so long now my blog won't post on FB at all - unbelievable!

Testing 5.6.7

2010-01-25T14:33:00.002-05:00

It's a new day & time to test the blog progress....

yes, it' still me!!!

2010-01-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

still working on the blog to fb thing...

Testing 4.5.6

2010-01-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still trying to get this blog-to-facebook thing to happen. Again, thanks for your patience!

Test#4

2010-01-22T20:34:00.003-05:00

Yep, still trying to get it to work - this whole "feed" business is driving me crazy! Cross your fingers!

Test#4

2010-01-22T18:35:00.002-05:00

Yep, still trying to get it to work - this whole "feed" business is driving me crazy! Cross your fingers!

Test #3

2010-01-22T14:52:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not I'm still tweaking this Blog to Facebook connection. I'm determined to make it work so thanks for sticking with me!

Test #2

2010-01-17T23:28:00.002-05:00

Following up on my last post ...

Blue Heron Inn -- testing 1.2.3

2010-01-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Whew, all this electronic communication feels like a techno-wind tunnel. I manage the Blue Heron Inn web site, author our e-newsletter, maintain our Facebook page, write our Tweets & this Blog. Sometimes the job of creating interesting & informative content for each of these mediums becomes overwhelming.

Luckily I am a member of several on-line discussion groups and the internet is a common, often discussed thread among the members. An Innkeeper shared how to make my blog load into Facebook which in return will load into Twitter, ultimately decreasing the number of new & unique writing assignments. This is my inaugural attempt to "cross publish". I've sprinkled this post with a little publishing magic & my fingers are crossed - ready, set go!

Celebrate Winter at the Blue Heron Inn!

2010-01-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

SNOWMOBILE PACKAGES

We're right on the Chautauqua Snowmobile Trail and offer parking, lodging, dining & spirits!

Overnight Package #1 - Weekends:
Stay 1 night (Fri, Sat or Sun) and get the 2nd night at half prce!

Overnight Package #2 - Weekdays:
Stay 2 nights (Mon - Thurs) & get the 3rd night free!

We have 5 feet of snow & conditions are awesome - it doesn't get any better than this! Call for reservations: 716.769.7852

TEST

2010-01-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

This is a test.
www.theblueheroninn.com

The Start of a New Decade!

2010-01-02T19:59:00.001-05:00

2010 – here we are! Ten years ago we were trembling at the thought of Y2K which would bring an end to the world as we knew it. Then Sept 11th happened, followed by wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, tsunamis across the world, Hurricane Katrina’s ruthless devastation of New Orleans and the list seems to go on and on.

And oh the new technology we enjoy; the world became smaller and more immediate through our wireless internet connections and smart phones. Face Book put us in touch with extended family members and friends both old and new. Google became a verb and my new “go to” source for everything - I don’t think I could live without it. And who hasn’t shared a hysterical “You Tube” video with friends and co-workers?

To say the first decade of the new millennium was uneventful would be a far cry from reality. So much has passed in these ten years, twists and turns both good and bad, there’s no way to predict what lies ahead.

We’re up for the challenge and eager to see what’s in store!
And we’re glad you’re on the ride with us. Cheers to the New Year, another chance to get it right, as Oprah would say. Best wishes for peace, love and laughter, today and always.
Cheers!
Bruce, Tobi & Hillary

The Irish are Coming!

Date: Sunday, Jan 3, 2010
Time: 1:00 'til 3:00 pm
Where: Blue Heron Inn

This Sunday happens to be "Irish Sunday". That's when a group of Irish players from all corners of the region sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn. Come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

Winter Comes Alive

in Chautauqua County, NY!

Snowmobile! We're located on Trail #C-4

Snowmobile Special
Present your Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club card & receive a 10% discount on all food purchases (alcoholic beverages not included)

Snowmobile Packages
Overnight Package - Weekends:
Stay 1 night (Fri, Sat or Sun) and get the 2nd night at half price!

Overnight Package - Weekdays:
Stay 2 mid-week nights & the 3rd night’s on us!

Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club:
-- maintaining over 200 miles of scenic trails!

Ski, Board or Tube at nearby Peek 'n Peak!

Winter is in full force! Peek 'n Peak's slopes, terrain parks & the tubing arena are open. Conditions are prime for skiing and riding and best of all snow is in the forecast all week!

Pay no attention if there's no snow in your backyard - it's all here in Findley Lake!

Celebrate winter & think Peek 'n Peak!

Click here for current conditions

Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua Institution

Date: Sunday, January 31
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Chautauqua Institution
Route 394
Cost: $3/adults, $2/children

The State Line Draft Horse Club has invited several teams and clubs to join them at Chautauqua Institution on Sunday, January 31, 2010 for a parade. Teams will meet in the South parking lot of the Institution to prepare for the 1pm start of the parade through the streets of this beautiful Victorian village.

Following the parade, clubs will be offering sleigh/wagon rides to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the Chautauqua Bookstore on Bestor Plaza. For more information go to www.tourchautauqua.com.

"open year round ~ close to home but far from everyday life"

Let the Celebrations Continue!

2009-12-29T14:21:00.001-05:00

Please join us for

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER
at the Blue Heron Inn

Starters
NE-style Seafood Chowder
Shrimp Cocktail
Salad of Mixed Greens

Sample of Dinner Entrees
NY Strip Steak
Mixed Grille of Baby-back Ribs & Chicken
Maryland Lump Crab Cakes
Grilled Salmon or Cajun Catfish
Steamed Shrimp Plate

Serving 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Reservations, please - P: 716.679.7852
___________________________________________________________

PEEK ‘N PEAK – SKI . RIDE . TUBE

Winter has arrived! We received more than a foot of fresh powder over the last 24 hours & it's still snowing. Conditions are prime for skiing and riding and snow is is the forecast all week.

Pay no attention if there's no snow in your backyard
- - it's all here in Findley Lake!

Ski Conditions
   Slopes - 100% open
    180 & 360 Terrain parks - open
    Tubing Arena - open!

Celebrate winter & think Peek 'n Peak!
___________________________________________________________

BLUE HERON INN

IS LOCATED ON

SPUR #C-4 OF THE

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAIL

____________________________________________

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

     “For last year's words belong to last year's language
     and next year's words await another voice.
     And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
                                                      ~ T.S. Eliot

“Happy Holidays &

Cheers to 2010!”

from all of us at the Blue Heron Inn

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT – SATURDAY, DEC 12, 2009

2009-12-08T01:53:00.001-05:00

YOU’RE INVITED!!!

Sat, Dec 12th
5:00 - 9:00 pm

Celebrate the season at GIRL'S NIGHT OUT at the Blue Heron Inn & Nostalgia in Findley Lake, NY!

The evening will feature:

Wine Tasting
Hand Massages
Gift Certificate Give-aways
Mystery Discounts
Purchases earn "Blue Heron Bucks"
"Wish List" Gift Registry
Register to WIN an Overnight Stay
@ the Blue Heron Inn!

Holiday drink specials – we’re serving Tom & Jerry's!

RSVP by Dec 11th to receive a free "goodie bag"
Bring your friends – the more the merrier!

Happy Holidays from

the Blue Heron Inn!

Bruce, Tobi, Hillary and

the Blue Heron Inn Staff

The Season to Give Thanks

2009-11-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

“Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace,
a celebration of work and the simple life …a true folk festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons,
the beauty of the harvest, the ripe product of the year and the deep connection of all these things”
~ Ray Stannard Baker

Thank you for your continued patronage and best wishes from our family to yours for a Thanksgiving filled with love, light & abundant turkey!

Bruce, Tobi and Hillary Ahlquist
and the staff at the Blue Heron Inn

This is a TEST

2009-11-21T20:29:00.001-05:00

This is a test blog entry. My system has gone AWOL & I’m trying to get it back in order.

Weekend Up-date

2009-09-26T09:52:00.001-04:00

The Chautauqua County hillsides are beginning to blaze with bold Autumn color. The Fall Festivals & Special Events have begun as well. Sorry for the late notice – we don’t want you to miss weekend’s line-up!

WINE COUNTRY HARVEST FESTIVAL
September 25-27, 2009
North East, PA
2009 marks the 28th year of the Wine Country Harvest Festival. This event is a chance for the region to showcase its grape growing industry, heritage and fine wines. Over the years the Wine Country Harvest Festival has evolved into a regional event that encompasses the entire town of North East for 3 full days; it has grown into one of the regions largest and most loved festivals.

7 wineries will be serving wine more than 40 varieties of wine by the glass. Dance to some of the regions best music and browse through the fine arts and crafts. You might even try your skill as a grape stomper – a festival tradition.

Leave the driving to us. The festival provides free shuttle service to the wineries and to other attractions in town. Simply park free at either festival location and then ride free as often as you like on Saturday and Sunday.

Contact: North East Area Chamber of Commerce
P: 814.725.4262
www.nechamber.org
E: info@nechamber.org

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AT “NIGHT LIGHTS”
Saturday, September 26, 2009
9:00 p.m.
NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron
The Heron, 2361 Waits Corner Road
The American People (http://www.myspace.com/theamericanpeople)
will play at the Café in the Woods at NIGHT LIGHTS located in Sherman, NY.The Pennsylvania-based quartet brings their American rock music to Chautauqua County’s newest attraction which will surely make it a fun evening.

The American People consists of four musicians with different backgrounds and musical projects. Reese Campbell, was the co-founder of The New Dylans, a critically acclaimed band that garnered the attention of MTV, and numerous guardians of the 1980’s alt rock world. Paul Liuzzo was one of the founding members of “The Mills” who later went on to become 10,000 Maniacs. He continues to play in various musical projects, often with Bill Ward or Stan Barton. John McGuire and Dan Warmbrodt were recently teamed up in the roots rock sensations Big Leg Emma.

NIGHT LIGHTS is a unique outdoor light show attraction that is set throughout the forests and ponds of the Blue Heron property in Sherman, NY. In the evening, guests walk a series of paths through a forest that is transformed with light and sound installations using different colors and tones inspired by the natural world. NIGHT LIGHTS is a one-of-a-kind attraction in North America. Opening is at dark, around 7:45pm.

Contact: NIGHT LIGHTS at The Heron
Great Blue Heron Music Festival
P: 716.761.7190
www.greatblueheron.com
www.heronnightlights.com

Shine on Harvest Moon!

2009-09-08T17:40:00.001-04:00

The Harvest Festival was a huge success and the event closed with an unforgettable firework display that danced by the light of the moon. It’s quiet by the lake; now is the time to enjoy a relaxing day or overnight stay in Findley Lake at the Blue Heron Inn.

Summer is officially over, the kids are back in school and we’re adjusting to our new Autumn schedules. Soon the night air will pick up a chill, the grapes will be ready for harvest and the hillside will be ablaze in the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage.

In no time at all the holidays will be knocking at our door. It’s not too soon to think about holiday gifts; gifts for the kids, your significant other, hostess gifts, teachers’ gifts and of course, gifts for oneself (my favorite!)

New items are arriving daily at Nostalgia ~ the coolest store in town:
     -- new Melissa & Doug toys & games are on their way
     -- hand-crafted Findley Lake coasters, magnets & ornaments
     -- unique baby gifts for the youngest members of the family
         and much more

HOURS

Shop Hours:
Tues – Sun – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Fri & Sat ‘til 8:00 pm

Restaurant Hours: (until Oct 11th – new hours to be announced)
Tues – Sun – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Thurs/Fri/Sat – dinner from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Sun – dinner from 5:00 8:00 pm

Thanks to our guests, patrons and friends
for another great Findley Lake summer!

Cheers! Tobi & Bruce

Technorati Tags: findley lake,blue heron inn,fall foliage,holiday shopping,toys,games,gifts,overnight stay,inn,harvest festival,fireworks,grapes

SEE US IN SEPTEMBER!

2009-09-04T03:45:00.001-04:00

The month of August passed me by in terms of this blog. It’s now September - the kids are back in school and I pause to wonder,
“where did the summer go?” Fear not - September is one of the year’s most beautiful months in Findley Lake. The roadside stands are brimming with fresh fruits & vegetables,the days are summer-like yet the nights are cool and sweet. In a matter of weeks the grapes will be ready to harvest and the hillside will soon break into a brilliant jewel-toned dance of color, as if to say, “Welcome Fall in all your glory!”

There's a lot to do in and around Findley Lake this Labor Day weekend! The forecast is in our favor - we're looking forward to warm, sunny days all weekend long. Here are a few highlights:

FINDLEY LAKE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Fri thru Sun, Sept 4th - 6th

Join in the festivities at the 12th annual Findley Lake Harvest Festival. The event kicks off on Friday and concludes with a grand fireworks display as part of Chautauqua County’s “Light up the Lakes.” The event features live music, farmer’s market, crafters, samples from local wineries, kid’s crafts and much more.

Throughout the weekend talented singers will vie for the coveted title of “Findley Lake Idol” accompanied by a $1,000 grand prize. New this year is the first annual Findley Lake “Idol Jr. Talent Show” and first annual “Pretty Baby” contest. Flares will be lit around the lake at 9:30 p.m. followed by the countywide fireworks show at 10 p.m. Admission is free and the event takes place rain or shine.

Sun night

9:30 pm - Lighting flares around the lake
(purchase at Findley Lake Market, Findley Lake Marine, FLACC booth)
10:00 pm - “Light the Lakes” fireworks
More info: www.findleylakeinfo.org

BLUE HERON "NIGHT LIGHTS"

Fri, Sat & Sun evenings

“Nights Lights” opens at dark, (approx 8:15 pm) and closes at 11pm.
Cost: $10/person, $5/children, 6 and under free. The Cafe-in-the-Woods will have hot beverages, sodas, snacks & Night Lights and Blue Heron merchandise.

Saturday night

9:00 pm (approx) -- WNY Ghost Expert and author, Mason Winfield, will share some WNY paranormal stories that pertain to the woods and outdoor environment.
More info: http://www.heronnightlights.com/topics/press-releases

Sunday night

Drummers from the Blue Heron Rhythm Experiment will lead a drum circle, in which first-time drummers, as well as experienced percussionists are welcome to participate. There will be drums available to play for those who do not own a drum. The drum circle will be lead by Bill Anderson.

Green Heron Growers will have EGGS, processed CHICKENS, scallions, garlic and mushrooms for sale all weekend.

PEEK 'N PEAK RESORT & SPA

Sat, Sept 5th

GLOW MINI GOLF - begins at Dusk
200 luminaries will light the course while glow sticks will light up the flagpoles. Cost: $5/adults, $4/children & seniors (65+)

Mon, Sept 7th

GOLF DISCOUNTS: Play 18 holes on the Upper or Lower and your discount is your age! Valid on 18 holes greens fee, cart is additional. Cart is required, $14 cart fee. Call 716.355.4141 to schedule tee times. More info: www.pknpk.com

IRISH SUNDAY

Sept 6th - 1:00 'til 3:00 pm

“In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November.” ~ Rose G. Kingsley

Technorati Tags: findley lake,chautauqua county,harvest festival,autumn,lake,labor day,golf,blue heron inn,blue heron night lights,irish players,festivals,fireworks,flares

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!

2009-07-28T07:20:00.001-04:00

We’re approaching the end of the coldest & wettest July in many years. The weather has resembled a cool rain forest - torrential downpours followed by considerable rain, over and again each day. Of course it keeps the air conditioning bills down so it’s not all bad; we hope August bows in with more traditional summer temperatures!

"OUT OF THE IN-BOX”
We recently received the following e-mail from Linda K., who lives near Buffalo, NY.:

Linda wrote, "I spent the summers of the 1950s as a child on a dock on Shadyside at our (Smith) family cottage then called the "Chip Inn" (the original house of the sawmill family who started the Lake as we now know it....later we sold it to the Deinzer Family and then it went to a well-known construction family from Erie Pa..... we walked to "The Village" daily to "Winks" for ice cream...and listened to the music from the Roller Rink just across the Lake from our cottage... the 4th of July was really special...the fireworks over the Lake and Yes, the boat parade was a big thing....I remember the Stetson Family were our neighbors down the street.(always had great boats)...my Dad and Uncles always spent hunting season at Findley...we were thrilled when the NYS Thruway finally connected it so efficiently to Buffalo...but we loved our old ride through route 5, Silver Creek to Sherman etc until we saw beautiful Findley Lake... We had a family slogan after the long ride as children, "Findley Finally!!"...Peek N Peak came many yrs later....it's still an Idyllic place ... The Blue Heron Inn really helps keep it alive!"

Thanks for sharing the memories, Linda!

“NIGHT LIGHTS AT THE HERON"
A very cool outdoor attraction in Sherman, NY, “NIGHT LIGHTS at the Heron” will open this Friday, July 31st. Located on the Great Blue Heron Music Festival Site, this venture will be North America’s only rural outdoor lightshow walking attraction. People will walk, un-guided, along an easy one mile trail (on smooth paths) through a series of colorful and creative lighting environments. The walk is meant to be a slow stroll through the landscape. NIGHT LIGHTS at the Heron will be open on Friday and Saturday nights from Friday, July 31, 2009 to Saturday, October 5, 2009. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7 to 12 years old and free for 6 years old and under. For more information, contact Doug Sitler at 716.984.7595 or e-mail nightlights

“AMERICA’S GRAPE COUNTRY WEEK”
America's Grape Country is located along 50 miles of Lake Erie bordering southwestern New York State (right here in Chautauqua County) and southwestern Pennsylvania. The Lake Erie Grape Region is home to the oldest and largest Concord grape growing region in the world and the largest grape growing region in the United States outside of California. In 2006, the Lake Erie Grape Region became the first agriculturally themed Heritage Area in New York State.
MERICA'S GRAPE COUNTRY WEEK
August 15-23, 2009

Lyric Russell, whose grandmother is Findley Laker Pat Russell, won the "Name the Giraffe contest. She chose the winning name “Gracie”. Congratulations Lyric!

Many new products:

Findley Lake Cruise In

2009-07-16T18:58:00.001-04:00

Technorati Tags: findley lake,ny,blue heron inn,chautauqua county,antique cars,classic cars,classic boats,cruise-in

Classic Cars & Boats
Shopping . Food . Music . Family Fun
in Findley Lake, NY
Sun, July 19, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm

The 3rd annual Findley Lake Classic Car & Boat Cruise-in will take place in downtown Findley Lake on Sunday, July 19th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Organizers are expecting 150 cars and this year's event will also feature antique & classic wooden boats which will be docked by the public ramp for all to enjoy.

The day will feature live DJ entertainment at the Gazebo and food vendors will be setup through the town. The Findley Lake shops, specializing in gifts for giving & gifts for keeping, will be open all day long, many offering special cruise-in promotions.

Dine on the Blue Heron deck!
Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm.
It's going to be another great day in Findley Lake!
(no fee to participate and dash plaques will be provided to all who register)

Simple Summertime Pleasures

walk, bike or row the lake
tour the wineries
schedule a massage
spend a day at Chautauqua
visit the Lucy-Desi Museum
tour the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
hit the beach at Presque Isle
go berry picking
play miniature golf
visit a brew pub
experience Lily Dale

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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& make an online Online Reservation

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Cheers to summertime in Findley Lake!

Tobi & Bruce

- Findley Lake, NY -

“close to home but far from everyday life"

IT’S SUMMERTIME & THE LIVING IS EASY …

2009-07-01T18:06:00.001-04:00

Holy cow - it ‘s July!
There’s so much going on – here’s the low-down on the holiday weekend and beyond:

Findley Lake 4th of July
- Chicken BBQ – FL Fire Hall – noon ‘til gone
- Duck Race – 12:30 pm -- buy a duck for $2 or 3 for $5
- Boat Parade - 2:00 pm
- Flares around the Lake – 9:30 pm
- Lakefront Fireworks – 10:00 pm

Blue Heron Inn
4th of July Weekend
Fri, Sat & Sun, July 3, 4 & 5
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9:00 am – 9:00 pm (later on the 4th)
Come watch the fireworks from our deck!

Peek ‘n Peek Resort & Spa
- 4th of July weekend
    offering discounted tee times

- Art, Jazz & Wine Festival @ the Peek
   Sat, July 11; 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
   Enjoy artistic talent while sipping on a variety of wines from
   Vetter Vineyards, Blueberry Sky Farms & Winery, Merritt Estate
   Winery and more. Info: 716.355.4141 or www.pknpk.com

Great Blue Heron Music Festival
-- located in the Amish countryside of Sherman, NY --
Fri, Sat & Sun, July 3, 4 & 5
Featuring over 100 performers including Donna the Buffalo, Rusted Root & The Horseflies
- Main Stage/Large Dance Tent
- Old-time Jams/Songwriter’s Circle
- Instrumental Workshops
- Drum Circles/Dance Instruction
- Children’s Activities
- Marked hiking & Biking trails
- Swimming pond
For more info: Great Blue Heron Music Festival

Findley Lake Cruise-In
Sun, July 19, 2009; 10:00am-3:00pm

Classic & Antique Cars & Boats
Stroll the street, browse the shops, enjoy music & a variety of vendors. No admission free & no registration fee - the public is welcome to register their vehicles.

New at Nostalgia

Check out our cool new Findley Lake tie dye tees!

The flavored Crickets and Scorpion & Worm lollipops have been a BIG hit! Casey, Austin & Braydon say the salt & vinegar crickets are the very best of the 3 flavors; they say "they taste like sunflower seeds". YUM -- thanks for being our taste-testers guys!

Lots of new items are arriving daily -
come check out the “coolest store in town!”

Findley Lake “Friday Nights”
Although the Blue Heron Inn offers year ‘round Friday night dining, shopping & lodging, the big news is that the rest of Findley Lake is now open for business on Fri nights this summer.

The restaurants are serving 'al fresco' and the local shops are now open until 8:00 pm every Friday night. Take advantage of the great weather - relax with a cocktail or dine on the Blue Heron deck. There are lots of reasons to kick off your weekend 'Findley Lake-style'! Come browse your favorite shops - we've stocked the shelves with fine gifts for giving and great gifts for keeping!

Add one of several new charms to your collectible Findley Lake charm bracelet. Plan an overnight stay; look around the shops, take in a game of golf, tour he wineries or the travel the Art Trail the next day. Make Findley Lake part of YOUR summer season!

o . o . o . o . o . o . o

We love this Deborah Devonshire quote we found the other day :

"It's not how far away you go. It's how far away you get!”

Whether you’re planning to go far or stay put, we wish you a warm & wonderful holiday celebration with your families & friends. And as we celebrate our independence we give 3 cheers to those who keep us safe, both here and abroad.

Cheers to a happy & safe 4th of July!
Tobi & Bruce

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AFTER THE “CRASH”

2009-06-11T16:15:00.001-04:00

Yes, I’m finally back to update the blog. My laptop’s hard drive crashed 2 weeks ago & required 2 new hard drives to get the system up & running. No thanks to DELL – this experience left much to be desired as far as their customer service is concerned. Not the front line techs – they were great. But the mid-management know-nothings and their “Dell doesn’t do that” mantra have finally pushed me across the isle – my next computer purchase will be a MAC.

Dell has forgotten that the only difference between computer companies is the service they offer – as a Gold level service account I was subject to mistakes, defective hardware & a lot of excuses. This was NOT a Gold service event! I spent close to 36 hours installing drivers, removing drivers, re-installing programs (twice) in the effort of restoring my system. And this was over Memorial weekend – the kick-off to the summer season! It was a nightmare & I will not soon forget Dell’s lackadaisical attitude. Nor will I forget to spread the word …

But I do have to sing the praises of www.mozy.com - they saved my life! I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to back up your files. I bought an extra external hard drive years ago but because I couldn’t understand how to configure it I never used it. BAD move! So when I read about mozy.com’s on-line back up service (costs $6.00 per month) – I signed up. The account is set up to automatically back up my files every day. Although the restore feature wasn’t flawless ( my fault – for crying out loud I don’t know where all my files live!) I was able to restore my document files, e-mail & e-mail contact files & guest reservation database. For the life of me I just couldn’t find my payroll database so I was forced to recreate it – but I’m sure the problem was on my end. Run, don’t walk, to sign up for a mozy account – it’s sure to be the best $72.00 you ever spent!

FINDLEY LAKE “FRIDAY NIGHTS”
Although “Nostalgia” is open on Fri & Sat nights almost year ’round, the big news is that the rest of Findley Lake is now open for business on Fri nights throughout the season!

The restaurants are serving 'al fresco' and the local shops are now open until 8:00 pm every Friday night. Take advantage of the great weather - relax with a cocktail or dine on the Blue Heron deck. There are lots of reasons to kick off your weekend 'Findley Lake-style'! Come browse your favorite shops - we've stocked the shelves with fine gifts for giving and great gifts for keeping!

Add one of several new charms to your collectible Findley Lake charm bracelet. Plan an overnight stay; look around the shops, take in a game of golf, tour the wineries or the travel the Art Trail the next day.

Make Findley Lake part of YOUR summer season!

IN THE NEWS
Just thought I’d share a little blurb that came my way via the Findley Lake, NY “google alerts” that I set up on my computer:

“Showcase” Dining capsules
Published: June 11. 2009 12:01AM

BLUE HERON INN. Dinner at the Blue Heron Inn in Findley Lake, N.Y., is a pleasant way to spend a late-summer evening. Daily specials are offered, but the main menu has ample options. Graze on a "whole earth salad" made with fresh greens, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and raisins. Or satisfy a strong appetite with a 12-ounce New York strip steak.
I ordered the New England clam chowder followed by a mixed grille entree of a half-rack of barbecued ribs and half a chicken with Cajun seasoning. The ribs are parboiled, then char-grilled. I love them.
My companion's Middle East plant, consisting of spiced ground lamb kebabs, homemade hummus, and a small Greek salad with feta cheese, met with her approval. Her husband's crab-cake sandwich was the day's special, and in fact it proved to be very special. If you're inclined to breakfast at the inn, chef and owner Bruce Ahlquist makes a delicious Belgian waffle Benedict and cinnamon French toast with multigrain bread.
The skinny: Blue Heron Inn, 10412 Main St., Findley Lake, N.Y.
(716) 769-7852. www.theblueheroninn.com. No smoking. Reservations appreciated for dinner. All credit cards accepted except American Express. Wheelchair accessible.

Full review appeared Aug. 21, 2008. www.goerie.com
-- by Floyd Lawrence

It’s crazy to think that we’re already staring at the middle of June! The year is flying by - hope you’re summer is progressing “swimmingly” (pun intended)!

Cheers to the lazy, hazy days we all love!

Tobi & Bruce

HOORAY FOR MAY!

2009-05-05T15:51:00.001-04:00

Signs of spring are everywhere; the tulips are up, the flowering trees are in bloom, even the dandelions have awakened! The first baby goslings of the season have been sighted and we’re watching as new families appear each week. Life is reinventing itself all around us. Reinvent yourselves at the Blue Heron Inn!

Cheers to Spring! Tobi & Bruce

THE AWNING IS UP!

That’s right – they put the awning up early! We’re serving on the deck offering our guests a panoramic view of the lake.Come toast the season with a cocktail or a relax over a great meal ‘al fresco’.
As of Wed, May 13^th, the dining room will be open for breakfast & lunch daily Wed thru Sun. Dinners will be served on Fri & Sat nights & we’ll open for weekday dinners in June.

MOTHER’S DAY IS MAY 10^TH

Treat Mom to Mother’s Day brunch at the Blue Heron Inn! Serving from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations, please.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

FINDLEY LAKE TRIVIA CONTEST

April’s Winner: Congratulations to
Mary Knight-Strong of Harborcreek, PA!

May Question: Is Findley Lake a natural lake and for whom was it named?

This month’s prize winner will receive a Lolita wine, martini or pilsner glass at NOSTALGIA, “the coolest store in town”! Send your answers to stay@theblueheroninn.com with the subject title: “Trivia Contest” and we will draw one winner from the correct entries. Entries accepted until May 30^th.

“NAME THE GIRAFFE” CONTEST

Nostalgia is celebrating its newest addition with a brand new contest, “Name the Giraffe”. Come visit our 5-foot tall giraffe & enter your favorite giraffe name!

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Nostalgia, second place winner will win a $25.00 Nostalgia gift certificate. The contest will run until Memorial Day, May 25, 2009. No purchase is necessary and children 10 and under may register as many times as they wish. Come in & register; we’re receiving some very cool name choices …

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
Open Studio Tour Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Labor Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries hahave combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24. This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY. Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room.This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ERIE AREA “GARDEN TOUR” WEEKEND GET-AWAY Sat/Sun, May 23 & 24

Attention gardening gurus & flower fanciers!
Visit 6 of the Best Private Gardens in the Erie, PA area on Sun May24th. Directions, garden descriptions and admissions tickets are available on the web site: www.opendaysprogram.org. Sponsored by The Garden Conservancy, the Open Days program is America’s only national private garden-visiting program, made possible by the work of hundreds of volunteers.

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room. The Garden Tour tickets are on us, as well as tips on points of interest in proximity to the gardens.

$369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (requires 2 night stay)

ROGER TORY PETERSON BIRDING WEEKEND
June 4, 5 & 6

Guests who register for the Festival will
receive 20% off a two-night stay

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in nearby Jamestown, NY will honor Dr. Peterson’s
legacy at the first annual Birding Festival.

This festival will provide an entertaining and educational experience through activities including the showing
of re-mastered Peterson films, keynote speakers Kenn Kaufman
and Pete Dunne, workshops with Kaufman, Dunne, Lang Elliott
and John Rappole, and field trips to area birding hotspots
led by knowledgeable local birders.

To register, download the registration form and mail it to Birding Festival, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. You can also download a schedule of events and a checklist of the birds of Chautauqua County.

Technorati Tags: blue heron inn,findley lake,ny,chautauqua county,bed and breakfast,country inn,lakefront lodging,wine trail,winery,winemaker dinner,wine weekend,birding,birders,roger tory peterson,weekend get-away,mother's day,arts & crafts,memorial weekend,chautauqua-lake erie art trail,chautauqua county galleries,chautauqua county artists

SPRING IN SIGHT

2009-04-19T16:25:00.001-04:00

WINEMAKER’S GET-AWAY

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – 6:30 pm

Celebrate Spring with this one-night Winemaker’s Get-away. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will host its inaugural Winemaker’s Tasting Dinners on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

Meet the winemakers and enjoy a multiple-course grazing dinner paired with specialty wines at either South Shore Wine Company in North East, PA or Quincy Cellars in Ripley, NY

All inclusive Package Cost: $275.00 double occupancy ( package includes 1 night stay and Winemaker’s dinner for 2)

“FINDLEY LAKE TRIVIA” CONTEST

Starting this month we will feature a Findley Lake Trivia question in each of our newsletters.

April question: In the winter of 2008/09 Findley Lake received 306 inches of snow. How many inches of rain are equal to one inch of snow?

This month’s prize winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate towards lunch or dinner at the Blue Heron Inn.

Send your answers to stay@theblueheroninn.com with the subject title: “Trivia Contest” and we will draw one winner from all the correct entries.

Entries much be received by April 30, 2009.

“NAME THE GIRAFFE” CONTEST

Nostalgia is celebrating its newest addition with a brand new contest, “Name the Giraffe”. Come visit our 5-foot tall giraffe & enter your favorite giraffe name!

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Nostalgia, second place winner will win a $25.00 Nostalgia gift certificate. The contest will run until Memorial Day, May 25, 2009.

No purchase is necessary and children 10 and under may register as many times as they wish. Come see if he/she looks most like a Gerald, Giselle, Ginny …

“WINE, CHEESE AND HERB” WINE TRAIL WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday nights – May 2 & 3

Honor Mother’s Day with a special Wine Trail Weekend

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room and tickets to the Wine Trail Event.

More information about the Wine Trail Event can be found at Chautauqua Wine Trail

Package Cost: $430.00 – 450.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

PUT “IRISH SUNDAY” ON YOUR CALENDAR!

Sun, May 3, 2009; 1:00 - 3:00 pm

We're calling the first Sundays of the month "Irish Sunday" for a good reason!

That's when a group Irish players (with members from all corners of the region) sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn.

Let the house chores & the yard work wait -- come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail Open Studio Tour

(Photo Credit: Cyn Gailey)
Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Memorial Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries have combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24.
This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY.

Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

NEW WEB SITE

The new web site is up & we continue to tweak it. You’ll find a comprehensive four-season guide to indoor and outdoor activities exclusive to Chautauqua County, NY. The site also features:

· on-line reservations

· last minute lodging specials

· an up-to-date county-wide event calendar

· links to our Blog, our Facebook page (become a fan!)

· tons of recreational info and a whole lot more

Like all good things the web site is a work in progress - feel free to forward pertinent links and information that pertains to Chautauqua County. Check it out: Blue Heron Inn

“THINK SPRING” LODGING STIMULUS PACKAGE

The local golf courses are open so bring your clubs and get a jump on your golf game. Or relax over that book you've been meaning to crack into, or the many games & magazines we provide for your pleasure. (Please mention this special at the time of reservation)

Add a discounted Peek ‘n Peak Resort golf package to your stay!

· $20 for 18 holes with cart on the Lower Course

· $40 for 18 holes with cart on the Upper Course

· Call for tee times: 716.679.4141, ext. 7141

** Both courses now open - these rates apply through 4/30/09 **

Open Year ‘Round

Restaurant Hours:

Friday Dinner: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Saturday Breakfast/Lunch: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm Dinner: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Sunday Breakfast/Lunch: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Shop Hours:

Friday/Saturday/Sunday 11:00 – 6:00 pm

B&B Accommodations: Seven days a week

”If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome” - Anne Bradstreet

Cheers to Spring in all its beauty! Tobi & Bruce

Technorati Tags: blue heron inn,findley lake,chautauqua county,wine,art,irish players,sales,lodging packages,b&b packages

IT’S SPRING IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY

2009-04-10T10:38:00.001-04:00

WINE, CHEESE & HERB WEEKEND

The Chautauqua–Lake Erie Wine Trail is hosting its seventh annual Wine & Cheese Event on May 2nd and 3^rd.Italian cheese and herbs are the common theme for a progressive Italian supper. Once again, Helluva Good Cheese is the Event sponsor and has provided the wineries with the cheeses used in their recipes. New this spring is the herb inspiration and several wineries will be selling fresh herbs during the Event. Make a weekend of of it! Celebrate the Wine Trail Event at the Blue Heron Inn with our

Winemaker’s Get-away Package

May is the month we honor Mom, spoil her with the gift of a special Wine Trail Weekend get-away. Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two at Blue Heron Dining Room and 2-day Event tickets.
Cost per couple: $430.00 - 450.00 double occupancy (2 night min)

The Wine Trail Event will focus on the individual courses of a traditional Italian supper. A number of wineries will pair their wines with “L’Antipasto” or appetizers such as the traditional taste of antipasto skewers, an appetizer of Italian herbed cheese bread with fresh Amish butter, herbed cheese crackers with parsley-chive cream cheese, sausage-cheddar cheese puffs and fancy grilled cheese made with tomatoes, shallots and mushrooms.

”Il Primo” or soup or pasta course will be served at several other wineries and their offerings will include French onion soup and cheddar cheese soup with chives. For pasta try cheese manicotti, tortellini with Cayuga cheese sauce and salsa pizza with fresh tomatoes and spices.

“Il Secondo” or main course will feature a savory Roasted Pork Loin with Rosemary & Sage Rub, an Italian wine & cheese casserole and a lighter Acapulco shrimp salad.

On the sweeter side “Il Dolce” or dessert will feature apple turnovers made with Granny Smith apples and cheddar cheese, and grape ambrosia parfait, featuring fresh grapes and kiwi, topped with a dollop of sour cream and brown sugar.

In addition to the fine wine & food pairings Wine Trail participants will receive a commemorative wine glass, recipe booklet and a monogrammed wine bag. E-mail us for more information.

Buon Appetito!

TAKE A BREAK IN FINDLEY LAKE

Don’t wait for a special occasion to visit Findley Lake. The shops and restaurants are open, Peek ‘n Peak’s lower golf course is offering terrific seasonal specials and the fishing’s great!. And soon the boats will begin their slow and careful parade into the lake ...

IT WAS JUST A SPRING SNOW

Although the 10” of snow that fell a few days back met a less than enthusiastic welcome, it pushed the the local 2008/09 snowfall total to 306”.

But don’t despair! Most of the snow has already melted away, as late winter snows tend to do. Findley Lake is focused on spring and the snowfall was merely winter’s last hurrah. The temperatures are on the rise, the trees are waiting for a few more warm days to display the beauty of their full bloom and we’ll soon turn our gardening fantasies into reality. As for winter in Findley Lake, just remember “when we talk snow – we mean business”!

This is also the time of year when, thanks to the coinciding Easter and Passover holidays, it seems all the world is celebrating. If you celebrate Easter, may the bunny bring sunshine and be generous with treats and the love of family and friends. If Passover is your spring celebration may all combinations of matzoh meal, egg and oil be delicious and the Seder filled with loved ones and even a few of those kooky relatives who always show up for the holidays!

Cheers,
Tobi & Bruce

Technorati Tags: chautauqua,ny,findley lake,chautauqua wine trail,wine trail event,peek 'n peak,golf,b&b,country inn,get-away packages

SPRING GET-AWAY PACKAGES

2009-04-08T01:37:00.001-04:00

WINEMAKER’S GET-AWAY
Tuesday, April 21

Celebrate spring with this one-night Winemaker’s Get-away. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will host its inaugural Winemakers’ Tasting Dinners on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, beginning at 6:30 pm. Meet the winemakers and enjoy a multiple-course grazing dinner paired with specialty wines at either South Shore Wine Company in North East, Pa. or Quincy Cellars in Ripley, New York.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $275.00 double occupancy (package includes 1 night stay and Winemaker's dinner for 2)

WINE, CHEESE AND HERB WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday nights – May 2 & 3

Come celebrate Mother’s Day with a special Wine Trail Weekend. Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room and tickets to the Wine Trail Event.

All Inclusive Package Cost: $430.00 – 450.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
Open Studio Tour
Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Labor Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries have combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24.
This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY. Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room.This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ROGER TORY PETERSON BIRDING WEEKEND
June 4, 5 & 6

Guests who register for the Festival will
receive 20% off a two-night stay

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in nearby Jamestown, NY will honor Dr. Peterson’s
legacy at the first annual Birding Festival.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

2009-04-04T18:57:00.001-04:00

BLUE HERON INN DEBUTS NEW WEB SITE

Lights, cameras, action! After much ado we are pleased & excited to introduce our brand-new, much-improved web site. In addition to the total re-design, new features include:

· on-line reservations

· last minute lodging specials

· an up-to-date county-wide event calendar

· link to our Blog

· link to our Facebook page (become a fan!)

… and a whole lot more. It's long been a work in progress & we’re proud much like new parents! Check it out: Blue Heron Inn

SPRING IS HERE – EASTER ISN’T TOO FAR BEHIND!

Mark your calendar: Easter is April 12, 2009

Easter is fast approaching -- time to shop for fabulous Easter basket treats! Don't settle for the same old Easter candy - surprise the family with our old fashioned candy treats! From Nik-l-Nips, wax lips & sugar daddies to delicious chocolate covered pretzels, truffles & gourmet licorice -- you'll be 'top bunny' for sure!

IT’S IRISH SUNDAY THIS WEEKEND!

Sun, April 5, 2009; 1:00 - 3:00 pm

We're calling the first Sundays of the month "Irish Sunday" for a good reason! That's when a group Irish players (with members from all corners of the region) sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn. Let the house chores & the yard work wait -- come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

“THINK SPRING” LODGING STIMULUS PACKAGE

Our “buy one - get one free” special was so popular we're extending it through April! Buy one night's accommodations & get the 2nd night FREE! Come relax with your special someone - the shops & restaurants are open and he wineries are gearing up for the season. The local golf courses are open so bring your clubs and get a jump on your golf game. Or relax over that book you've been meaning to crack into, or the many games & magazines we provide for your pleasure. (Please mention this special at the time of reservation).

”If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome” - Anne Bradstreet

Cheers to Spring! Tobi & Bruce

MORE MARCH MADNESS! (or reasons to celebrate Spring in Findley Lake, NY)

2009-03-24T16:16:00.001-04:00

ROCK MAPLE RACING SNOCROSS

Sat & Sun, March 28 & 29, 2009

Peek ‘n Peak Resort

Top snowmobilers from across the tri-state region will compete in races along a custom built track at Peek‘n Peak. Racing begins at 9:00 am each day and tickets are $12 per day or $20 for a 2-day pass available at the gate. Sponsored by Chautauqua County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. www.chautauquasnow.com

But don’t let the snowmobilers have all the fun. The Peak’s trails are open for skiing through the coming weekend and will remain open on a “weather permitting” basis. Check out the snow conditions & weather forecast at www.pknpk.com

IT’S TIME TO FILL THE EASTER BASKETS

Mark your calendars: Easter is April 12, 2009

The gardens are starting to show signs of spring which means Easter is right around the corner. Don’t settle for the same old Easter candy – surprise the family with our old fashioned candy treats! From Nik-l-Nips, wax lips & sugar daddies to delicious chocolate covered pretzels,truffles & gourmet licorice -- you’ll be “top bunny” for sure.

And check out the brand new “BOOK NOOK” - featuring our very favorite classic children's’ book titles. The perfect addition to any Easter basket!

IRISH SUNDAYS

Sun, April 5, 2009; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

We’re calling the first Sundays of the month “Irish Sunday” for a good reason! That’s when a group Irish players (with members from all corners of the region) sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn. Let the house chores & the yard work wait -- come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

KEEPSAKE CANDLE WORKSHOP

Sat, April 4, 2009; 11:00 am

Beth’s Candle Cottage and the Blue Heron Inn will once again host a Keepsake Candle Workshop on Saturday,April 4, 2009. Participants can choose from a variety of themed buttons, buttons & trinkets or can bring their own collectible objects to craft a personalized keepsake candle. The cost is $25.00 per person and includes all candle supplies, lunch at the Blue Heron Inn and shopping discounts at Beth’s Candle Cottage and Nostalgia @ Blue Heron Inn. No experience is necessary and attendance is limited; please call Beth at the Candle Cottage at 716.679.7874 to make a reservation. Join us - the candles are a great gift idea – the perfect graduation, wedding, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift.

THINK SPRING!” LODGING SPECIAL

Our “buy one – get one free” special was so popular we’re extending it through April! Buy one night's accommodations & get the 2nd night FREE! Come relax with your special someone - the shops & restaurants are open, the wineries are gearing up for the season & the local courses will soon be open so bring your clubs and get a jump on your golf game. Or relax over that book you’ve been meaning to crack into, or the many games & magazines we provide for your pleasure. (This special is applicable 7 days a week and must be mentioned at time of initial reservation).

GENERAL MUSINGS

Yes, I’m still playing Lexulous -- the on-line scrabble game I talked about in an earlier post (http://www.lexulous.com). Yes, I’m addicted – I sneak in a game whenever possible. During the day, at home, at work, in the middle of the night if I’m wide awake. It’s a great down-time activity, challenging, fun and best of all it makes me think! The bonus is the nice people I’ve met & chatted with while playing – makes me feel kind of hopeful about the fate of man/womankind.

This game brings the world together – I’ve played with folks from far away countries (where English is NOT the national language) such as Korea, India, Malaysia, England (just kidding about the English!) Ireland, Australia, even some countries I’ve never heard of. And of course people from all corners of the US. Most are courteous, (offering a hello & the wish of good luck or good game at the start) some introduce themselves and state where they’re from.

I’ll let my cell phone ring if I’m in the middle of a game; hey it’s timed & after all the point is to have fun AND win! My husband & daughter think I’m crazy – I just well might be. It’s free, not against any laws & it’s cool to talk to people an entire world away. Lexulous is a lot of fun & I don’t plan to stop playing anytime soon!

Cheers to Spring! Tobi

SIGNS OF SPRING

2009-03-13T12:39:00.001-04:00

TUNDRA SWANS

One of the surest signs of spring is the return of the Tundra Swans. The Swans are large white migratory waterfowl that spend their summers in the arctic tundra that stretches from northwestern Alaska to northeastern Canada. And these birds are big! The Swans measure 47 - 58 inches long, have a wing span of approximately 66 inches and can weigh anywhere between 10 and 20 pounds. They form lasting pairs and mate for life. Their warbling sounds are loud & sound similar to dogs barking in the distance. Tundra Swans migrate in steps, stopping along their migration route to rest and eat. They typically use wetland habitats, but rely on open water for food and safety, so they will select larger lakes that are slower to freeze, such as the Lower Great Lakes.

Luckily a group of approximately thirty swans lands in Findley Lake for a few days each spring and autumn. The wetland habitat is the perfect feeding venue and the nearby fields provide the added bonus of unharvested grains, tubers, and winter wheat. If food is scarce in the wetland habitats the Swans will make short trips to the fields to find food. The arrival of the Tundra Swans makes us think about the magic of the changing seasons – all part of the “circle of life”.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

This age-old rhyme may be true somewhere but not here in SW New York State! Our spring typically unfolds like this.

1. The snow melts away from our streets and yards; the huge mounds of plowed snow are still a few feet high. We walk the yard in every direction, no longer restricted to the single path to the front door.

2. As we peruse our gardens we see the start of young spring growth; tiny snowdrops, crocuses & pansies stretch through the recently frozen soil to excite us about what’s to come. We also take note of how much work the gardens need after the long winter’s sleep.

3. Then we have the typical St. Patrick’s Day snowstorm, or sometimes the early April snowstorm. The weather reminds that Winter isn’t totally over and Spring is not to be taken for granted, at least not yet.

Come celebrate Spring in Findley Lake! The ice on the lake is melting, soon the brave fisherman will start trolling the shallow waters. Golf at Peek ‘n Peak is just around the corner! And the shops will extend their seasonal hours, filled with new gifts, wearables & collectibles. The Blue Heron Inn is open all week long for overnight guests and serves breakfast, lunch & dinner on the weekends.

And don’t forget about: Blue Heron Inn’s “First Sundays” when local Irish players sit in & jam from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Next gig: Sunday, April 5, 2009

Cheers to all that’s unfolding!

Musings from Main Street

Blog on the Move

Busy Times in Chautauqua County!

Well done Brother-USA!

Suddenly September

The Irish are Coming!

Findley Lake Merchants promote 3/50 Project with “I’m Here to Shop Local” promotion

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail "2010 Annual Open Studio Tour"

An Evening with Claudia Schmidt

Libation Vacation on Lake Erie's Shore

Celebrate Earth Week!

Jaerv in Concert

We'll Take the Blame!

The Irish are Coming!

It's Peaster time!

Frogmore Stew Dinner

"Art in the Country" Weekend

Sweet Satisfaction of Spring

Dare I Declare "Sweet Victory"!

Is That Success I See?

Not a Sucess - Blog is Still Double Posting to FB

Searching for Another Blog-to-FaceBook Solution

Much Ado About March

What Was I Thinking?

Testing - again

Testing some more

Testing - again

Testing - again

Are the Links Aligned?

Blogger to Twitter - Take #3

Blogger to Twitter - Take #2

Blog to Twitter - Looking for Another Solution

The Buzz at the Blue Heron Inn

The Cure for Cabin Fever

Testing format settings

Cabin Fever Get-away Packages

February/March Special

"CURE FOR CABIN FEVER"

Stay Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday night dinner is on us. (gratuity not included)

This winter has been awesome! The ski & snowmobile conditions are excellent and the lake is frozen & snow-covered, perfect for snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Don't give in to Cabin Fever, make your way to Findley Lake - we LIVE winter!

I Love My Kindle

Neither FACEBOOK nor BLOGGER was the Problem -- it was ME

Who's the Problem - Blogger or FB?

A New Round of Tests

THE WEEKEND OF L.O.V.E. - take #2

Celebrate Valentine's Weekend at the Blue Heron Inn. We have one room left for sweethearts who love to ski, snowboard or snowmobile. Don't forget the Blue Heron is located on the Snowmobile Trail #C-4

Celebrate Valentine's Weekend at the Blue Heron Inn. We have one room left for sweethearts who love to ski, snowboard or snowmobile. Don't forget the Blue Heron is located on the Snowmobile Trail #C-4

www.mayvillechautauquachamber.org

Don't suffer from Cabin Fever - plan a day trip or over night getaway to Findley Lake, NY.

- plan a day trip or over night getaway to

Findley Lake, NY.

Here Comes the Weekend!

Success is Sweet - now on with the show!

3RD TIME'S THE CHARM (we hope!)

Trying another blog feed url

Blog to Facebook Success, perhaps?

I Will Not Give UP!

Testing 5.6.7

yes, it' still me!!!

Testing 4.5.6

Test#4

Yep, still trying to get it to work - this whole "feed" business is driving me crazy! Cross your fingers!

Test#4

Test #3

Test #2

Blue Heron Inn -- testing 1.2.3

Celebrate Winter at the Blue Heron Inn!

TEST

The Start of a New Decade!

Let the Celebrations Continue!

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT – SATURDAY, DEC 12, 2009

The Season to Give Thanks

This is a TEST

** Weekend Up-date **

Shine on Harvest Moon!

The Harvest Festival was a huge success and the event closed with an unforgettable firework display that danced by the light of the moon. It’s quiet by the lake; now is the time to enjoy a relaxing day or overnight stay in Findley Lake at the Blue Heron Inn.

Summer is officially over, the kids are back in school and we’re adjusting to our new Autumn schedules. Soon the night air will pick up a chill, the grapes will be ready for harvest and the hillside will be ablaze in the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage.

In no time at all the holidays will be knocking at our door. It’s not too soon to think about holiday gifts; gifts for the kids, your significant other, hostess gifts, teachers’ gifts and of course, gifts for oneself (my favorite!)

HOURS

Don't suffer from Cabin Fever - plan a day trip or over night getaway to
Findley Lake, NY.

Weekend Up-date

Shop Hours:
Tues – Sun – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Fri & Sat ‘til 8:00 pm

Restaurant Hours: (until Oct 11th – new hours to be announced)
Tues – Sun – 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Thurs/Fri/Sat – dinner from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Sun – dinner from 5:00 8:00 pm

WINEMAKER’S GET-AWAY
Tuesday, April 21

WINE, CHEESE AND HERB WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday nights – May 2 & 3