The Start of a New Decade!

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!

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

AFTER THE “CRASH”

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

Peek 'n Peak's Ski Slope Trail of Lights

Findley Lake, N.Y., December 8, 2008 The Trail of Lights at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa is underway again this year. The spectacular animated light display is located on Finsbury Field, the ski slope right next to Pizzaiolos Italian Restaurant. Guests ride chairlifts and are taken high above 14 separate theme areas of large, colorful and animated light displays. The 20 minute ride will leave guests with an everlasting memory of Peek’n Peak! Operation times are every Wednesday-Sunday through December 21, 2008 from 6-9pm and will also be open on Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23, 2008. Tickets are $5 per person.. For more information please visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141 ext. 7154.While you’re visiting, be sure to stop by the Inn at the Peak where you will find one of the largest decorated Christmas trees in the area. The giant 24 foot tall and 12 foot wide tree was grown by Heritage Evergreens of Bloomsburg, PA. The tree is covered with over 5,000 lights and has a traditional theme of red and gold decorations. And be sure to stop in Findley Lake -- visit our unique shops and restaurants for a special holiday treat!

More Trails and Lifts Open at Peek 'n Peak

17 TRAILS, 6 LIFTS and 180 TERRAIN PARK NOW OPEN!

Findley Lake received another foot of snow overnight and Mother Nature isn't done with us yet! Click here for the current Snow Report.

180 PARK NOW OPEN!

The 360 and 540 Terrain Parks will open soon. Come to Peek 'n Peak now for great savings on lift tickets. Our early season lift ticket rates save you over 30%! Early Season Lift Ticket Rates $37 - Adult all day lift ticket $27 - Junior all day lift ticket

TUBING OPENS DECEMBER 12TH!

Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:00pm to 10:00pm Weekend and holidays 8:30am-10:00pm Buy one get one free tubing tickets Monday-Thursday (non-holiday) Rates 1 hour $10 2 hours $14 3 hours $18

PEAK FIVE ON SALE UNTIL 12/15/08

Peak Five Pass: buy 4 lift tickets, get one free -- it's a great deal!

TRAIL OF LIGHTS

Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Sunday 6-9pm

Cost: $5.00 for a lift ride; call 716-355-4141 x7155 for reservations

FIRST ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY DRIVE When: now through December 15th

Help needy children in the local area by donating unwrapped new toys and clothing. Drop off boxes are located at the Inn at the Peak lobby, Snowsports Desk at the Main Ski Lodge and at Pizzaiolos Restaurant. Monetary donations can be made at the hotel front desk via check in care of one of the benefiting charities.

... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!