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

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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IT’S SUMMERTIME & THE LIVING IS EASY …

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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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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SPRING IN SIGHT

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

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)

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

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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!

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!

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

It's beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving in Findley Lake, NY

My last post was almost 10 months ago. Forget about it - on with the present. The lake is down to its winter level & the leaves are pretty much history. We had our first Findley Lake, NY snowfall day before yesterday - 8 inches of heavy, wet white stuff. It wasn't meant to be here for long - it's melting away as I write. Biggest news of the year? Bigger than Obama wins the presidency? (YEA by the way!) I bought my husband, Bruce, a laptop computer last month. Yes, Bruce Ahlquist - your eyes aren't playing games. So what does the man who never needed or wanted a computer do first? Catch this -- he created his own www.facebook.com account. He's up to 24 friends & counting. Go figure. He's doing a lot of recipe searches & learning how to e-mail. Best of all, he resurrected an old leather briefcase & totes his laptop whereever he goes. First it was his very own cell phone & now a laptop - he's certainly sailing on the info highway! Yesterday he demonstrated the art of googling to another non-believer who is awaiting his first computer. Safe to say he's a convert for life. It's the time of year for lots of turkey shows on the Food Network. Certainly my favorite comfort food, accompanied by Bruce's awesome stuffing. Thanksgiving will be at niece Emily's house in Warren, PA but we're planning our own dinner earlier in the week while daughter Hillary is home from college. This way we'll have all the leftovers we've come to know & love. And speaking of Hillary, she's closing in on the end of her 1st semester Freshman year at at Duquesne University in Pgh, PA. The parents have taken to the empty nest with the utmost of ease, to the suprise of many. Although I have to admit it's easy to keep in touch with our cell phones & computers. Home is now a drama-free zone without a teenager in the house, even a mature, well-behaved teenager! And we've thoroughly enjoyed our day trips to Pittsburgh, which was our old stomping ground some 25 years ago. OMG - 25 years ago! I think I need a nap -- later.....