Busy Times in Chautauqua County!

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

Here Comes the Weekend!

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

Trying another blog feed url

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

Blog to Facebook Success, perhaps?

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!

Blue Heron Inn -- testing 1.2.3

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!

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"

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!)

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

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HOORAY FOR MAY!

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.

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SIGNS OF SPRING

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!

Giving Thanks!

“the thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest” – William Blake DREAMING ABOUT COOL HOLIDAY GIFTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES? FORGET ABOUT THE TRAFFIC, THE CROWDS & THE HASSLES AT THE MALL Head over to Findley Lake, NY where the Blue Heron Inn & Nostalgia @ the Blue Heron Inn have teamed up to offer deals you can’t afford to pass up! The Blue Heron restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch & dinner on Fri, Nov. 28, and Sat, Nov 29 as well as breakfast & lunch on Sun, Nov 30. All weekend long the restaurant will reward diners with 25% discount coupons good on all purchases at Nostalgia. And lots of our cool gifts are already on sale.And at the end of this e-mail you’ll find a customer appreciation coupon valued at $10.00 – no gimmicks, no minimum purchase required. SOMETHING FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY A brand new line of nostalgic resort signs are in stock. Vintage, fade resistant metal signs sport the Findley Lake, NY name – they’re the perfect gift for the skier, boarder, boater and fishermen in your life! Customs signs are available to celebrate a family, cottage or cabin name. Lolita’s fun & funky hand-painted martini glasses, wine glasses, pilsners & coffee mugs are flying off the shelves! A few holiday designs are still in stock & mini Christmas ornament glasses have been a popular “secret Santa” gift. Quotable, Borealis Press & Shannon Martin cards, magnets, mugs & candles are thoughtful gifts – pick one up for yourself! There’s still time to order a “wicked cool” personalized platter, bowl or picture frame celebrating a special family, couple or significant other. Don’t forget about the “wicked cool” mom, dad & grandparent mugs. Our Bali clothing collection will dress you up in some serious holiday style. Again this year’s fabrics were sensational; check out the boucle sweaters, shawls & scarves. A few beautiful pashminas remain. Or look beyond the holidays & get a jump on what you’ll need for the much-anticipated mid-winter vacation season. Best of all, clothing purchases less than $110.00 per item are TAX-FREE! We’ve got a great selection of prayer flags, hand-painted Russian stacking dolls, smudge bundles, mini candles, Swarovski crystals, artisan-crafted jewelry, hand-blown & stained glass sun-catchers, friendship balls & witches balls in stock. THE "COOLEST STORE IN TOWN" IS ALSO THE STOCKING STUFFER OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY The holiday tradition continues -- peppermint pigs, pig puddles & yummy almond bark are in – stock up for the holidays. The candy counter is loaded with nostalgic candy treats: flying saucer wafers, wax lips, candy necklaces, taffy, candy sticks, sanded candy, bubble gum, imported chocolates, truffles, premium black licorice … Melissa & Doug™ heirloom-quality puzzles, puppets, magnetic & art activities are perfect for children of all ages! Check out Hip from Holland ’s festive hand-crafted cotton banner flags & creative totem kits that are half model and half puzzle kits for imaginative girls & boys We’ve got grown-up puzzles, magnets, cool Bananagrams, card games, tarot cards and then some ... And lest we forget – better load up on the sassy BLUE Q gums, magnets & car fresheners! ** GREAT GIFT IDEA – CREATE YOUR OWN FINDLEY LAKE GIFT BOX! ** Pick out the perfect nostalgic candy, novelties & games & we’ll pack them up in special carriers to make them present perfect! GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT Sat, Dec 6th – 5:00 – 9:00 pm – (check your inbox for an evite later this week!) Your favorite Findley Lake shops are hosting a fun-filled “Girl’s Night Out” on Sat, December 6, 2008, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. The Blue Heron Inn, Beth’s Candle Cottage, Findley Lake Fashions, Our Own Candle Company & Wonderments invite shoppers to this first-time holiday event. The evening will feature tarot readings, holiday fashion consultations, build-a-gift basket displays, mystery discounts, in-store specials, free gift wrapping and hourly prizes. The lucky winner of the night’s grand prize will receive a free overnight stay at the Blue Heron Inn. Ladies, bring your holiday shopping lists or create your own list to pass along to your nearest & dearest. The restaurant at the Blue Heron Inn will be open for dinner and drinks and will feature seasonal cocktail specials as part of the evening’s festivities. Or kick it up a notch & turn the evening into an overnight visit. The Blue Heron Inn’s antique-appointed accommodations will be discounted for the evening’s participants. SKI SLOPES HAVE OPENED! Findley Lake received FIFTY ONE INCHES of natural snow last week and Peek ‘n Peak took advantage of the season by opening early, on Sun, 11/23. The Peak’s been making man-made snow for days and snowmaking will continue to operate around the clock as temperatures permit. And if that isn’t great enough, the forecast call for snow every day this week; more trails and lifts to open soon … We're thankful for you – our valued customers, guests & friends. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you & your families for years to come. We hope you’ve had the best Thanksgiving -- wherever the holiday finds you! Cheers! Tobi and Bruce