Are you getting ready to make your travel plans for the summer season? I am sure you have heard a lot of hype lately about BOOK DIRECT when making your travel plans. There are so many options available to book your lodging, Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Kayak, Airbnb to name just a few. Let’s talk for a few minutes about how you can get the most out of your booking at a real bed and breakfast.

Did you know – Most online travel websites charge an extra fee for booking online with them, sometimes as much as 25% more than you were expecting your room to cost. When you BOOK DIRECT you will clearly see all charges listed on your reservation form and confirmation. The only charge you should be paying is your room rate plus sales tax and occupancy tax. (Celebration Packages are extra)

BOOKING DIRECT with The Bell House Inn will guarantee your room will be waiting for you at check in. We guarantee you will be served a gourmet breakfast and have great amenities included in your room rate. We also offer our guests more flexibility with booking dates. Our booking process is safe and secure and easy to use. You can also feel free to give us a call with questions before booking your room.

BOOKING DIRECT with The Bell House Inn will also give you the advantage of working directly with us! By talking directly with us or visiting our website, you’ll know that we have the most up-to-date information regarding amenities, local events and attractions, the best restaurants, and rates.

So, are you ready to start making your plans? Below is a list events you might like to consider attending.

April 25 Wing Fest in Downtown Glens Falls, Noon to 3 p.m.. Who has the best wings? You decide. Tickets are $1 each. Live Entertainment.

June 15 The Lake George Steamboat Co begins their summer cruises.

July 1 – August 15 Take-A-Bite in Downtown Glens Falls 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Every Wednesday evening taste the best food from local eateries.

July 10 & 11 Dave Matthews Band at SPAC

July 16 Opening day at the Saratoga Race Track

September 17- Adirondack Balloon Festival

September 20

AND, so much more…..

HMMM. Should I? Probably Not!

Looking for some exciting adventures when you are in town?

ADIRONDACK EXTREME

ZIP, SWING AND CLIMB YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TREE TOPS IN THE ADIRONDACKS.

Over 1.5 miles of tree top aerial obstacle adventures. Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course has progressively challenging courses for every age and ability.

Located off Exit 24 of the Adirondack Northway (87) in Bolton Landing it is just a 25 minutes ride from the inn.

RESERVATIONS EXTREMELY ADVISED

Parks & Preserves

The Lake George Land Conservancy offers many hiking trails. A couple of our favorites are:

The Pinnacle is an easy to moderate trail that is owned by the Town of Bolton and managed by LGLC. It is a 1.0 miles moderate trail that follows an old jeep road to beautiful lake views.

Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob is 3.0 miles of mod-challenging rails with a scenic view and gazabo at the top. Seasonal waterfall.

Visit the Lake George Land Conservancy for a more detailed list of hiking trails.

After your Extreme Adventure or Hike do what we do.

Have a Mug of A & W Root Beer!

Rt 9, Lake George.

On March 4, 2015 Bill and I moved into our house on Bay Street in Glens Falls. We purchased the 3 family property to transform it into a bed and breakfast inn. After taking a few days to settle in we began our renovations. I need to add that we did all of the renovations ourself. A true DIY project, where is This Old House when you need them? Come on guys!

The first room we tackled was the kitchen, on purchase it was located in the front of the house, we made a decision to move it to the back of the house so it would be more usable for the bed and breakfast.

This kitchen was very usable and for the first few months we had friends and family in for dinner.

The room in the back of the house was an apartment, the owners also referred to it as their pool room. I don’t have a picture of what it looked like then but it had a small kitchen with a sliding door leading to a deck by the pool. We tossed around the idea of having this be our family room but decided the access to the parking lot and pool area made for a better position for the kitchen. (I still wonder if we were right!) There is also an upstairs room that, BONUS for me, has become my sewing/craft room. Before we could start renovating we needed to find access to this apartment from the main house. So, Bill created a doorway.

This was originally a garage that was added on to the house in c 1930’s?

After removal of cabinets and windows we had a blank space to work with. I was disappointed that windows need to be removed but we needed the wall space for cabinets and appliances. Framing began and sheetrock was installed.

Because this was a garage attached to the original house there are two step down into it.

Before Bill built steps we were so lucky to have a tool box to step on. Do you see it behind the ladder? Friends and family thought this was pretty funny and still talk about it. Steps are much more practical!

The glass, back door was moved to the side last year and the area in the picture is now a pantry.

We moved the cabinets from the front kitchen, I painted them and Bill installed all the cabinetry and appliances.

I think we finally accomplished the look I was looking for, a little bit of country in the city.

New York State Maple Weekends are March 23-24 and March 30-31

I think we could all agree that Elf’s 4 Food Groups are not a healthy diet but Syrup certainly is a Healthy Food Group in Upstate New York. This yummy  liquid gold is getting ready to run from the Maple trees into a bucket, then cooked down to become the best thing EVER! Agree?

Bill and I did this once when we were in the country. It was so much fun to tap our Maple trees then collect the sap pour it into a large metal pan and watch it cook down over a wood fire. There is nothing better than a bottle of beer and a sunny, blue sky with the smell of smoke and sugar AHH, Spring is in the air!

You can have this experience without all the work at a Maple Sugar Farm, see how it is collected and made. Buy a gallon and take it home for a special treat any day of the week. But probably not on spaghetti.

At the inn we use syrup from Mapleland Farms in Salem. They are a five-generation farm and produce an award-winning maple syrup. At Mapleland Farms you can tour the sugar house, take a woods walk self guided tour or go on a guided tour. On the guided tour, your guide will talk about the sugar bush, woods health and of course about tapping the trees! Or, you could have a pancake breakfast or lunch served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sample their products and shop in their store.

Another favorite is Dry Brook Sugar House in Salem.

Another family owned and operated farm that will greet you with warm smiles when you stop in to see how the “sap is running”. While you are there be sure to hop in the wagon and let the horses transport you into the woods.

When you leave Salem head North to Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House in North Granville. The family owned farm has been in business producing maple syrup for over four decades. Visit their Sugar House Restaurant and enjoy a stack of pancakes, french toast or waffles with their own maple syrup.

Rathbun’s Rustic Sugarhouse

There are many more sugar house’s to visit in Washington County all within a 20 mile radius of The Bell House Inn.

Package your weekend get-away

Stay two nights at The Bell House Inn and enjoy a Maple Syrup Breakfast then head off to the sugar farms. We will provide you with a detailed list of all Maple Sugar Farms and a map to help you navigate on the country roads. Sometimes there are no GPS signals available! Come back to the inn for coffee or tea then enjoy a $25 gift certificate to one of two area restaurants that will offer you a warm evening by the fireplace. O’Tooles Restaurant Pub has a four sided fireplace, cozy up and choose something from their extensive menu. Morgan & Co has a gas fireplace in one of their dining rooms, I think Rebecca’s award winning bread pudding is made with maple syrup, it is the BEST! I would recommend reservations be made for Morgan & Co, we would be happy to do that for you.

Recipe from the inn ~

After your exhausting weekend head home with your bottle of Pure Maple Syrup and make these delicious Maple Scones.

To Make the Scones you will need:

3 cups of flour

1/3 cup of sugar

5 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 sticks (1/2 pound) of GOOD QUALITY unsalted butter, make sure it is chilled

1 large egg

3/4 cup of heavy cream or half and half

Make them nutty with 1/4 cup of chopped pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir toether the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Cut in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs. Add the pecans if using and stir them into the mixture. Mix the egg and cream together then add to the flour/butter mixture.

Dump out unto a floured surface, using your hands push the mixture together into a large ball. Pat the dough out to a 3/4 inch thickness cut with your favorite round cookie cutter, or use a glass. Place your cutouts onto a cookie sheet and bake for 2o to 23 minutes or until they just start to brown on top.

Maple Glaze

1/2 pound of confections sugar

2 Tbls butter melted

1 Tbls brewed coffee

1 Tbls Maple Syrup

Mix together then spoon over cooled scones put some chopped pecans on top if you want. Add more Maple Syrup if you would like the glaze thinner.

YUM – ENJOY!

Looking for that perfect, romantic, mid-winter get-away?  I know I’m ready to get in the car and head somewhere – anywhere. Preferably someplace warm but I don’t have the time for that so a weekend would be perfect! If you can squeeze in a weekend away then be sure to book it at  The Bell House Inn.

So, what does your favorite romantic get-away look and feel like? I want warm, cozy and bubbly! Winter is a great time of year to plan that romantic time away from work and the kids. Planning your trip to the Glens Falls Region is as easy as clicking on The Bell House Inn. Our guests say we offer the greatest concierge service in the area. Cuddle in front of the fireplace in your guest room, sip some bubbly, enjoy a lively conversation with just you and yours.

Book directly and the wine is on us!

Dinner is always on my agenda and Glens Falls’ restaurants offer great menus and atmosphere. One of our favorites is Morgan & Co. Restaurant located downtown they offer the best in American Food.

Dinner at Morgan & Co Restaurant is always a treat.

Some of our other favorite eateries are:

Mikados – Hibachi, Sushi and Korean dining.

Raul’s Mexican Grill – Authentic Tex-Mex Cuisine

Davidson Brother’s Brewpub – A downtown brewery offering American cuisine. Entertainment in the evening.

Downtown Social – Best Cocktails in town! They offer American cuisine. Entertainment in the evening.

DTCT – Creative Wood-fired Pizza and American cuisine, Craft Beer

Gourmet Cafe – Creative cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. Friday night is all you can eat Pasta.

Aroydee – Thai and Japanese cuisine

Siam Tai Sushi – Thai and Japanese cuisine

After dinner (or before) enjoy a show at one of our two performing theaters that are located downtown. The Charles R. Wood Theater is and intimate and modern performing arts venue with theatrical productions, concerts, dance events and films. The Park Theater was built in 1911 recently renovated it is the newest hotspot for concerts, events theater and dance in Glens Falls. Check out both theaters event list and see what is playing on the evening of your visit to downtown.

Looking instead for a quiet stroll through a museum? I enjoy that also and Glens Falls is proud of their museums a visit to The Hyde Collection is a must! This art museum and historic house features a distinguished collection of art, featuring Old Masters, 19th-Century European and American art and Modern and Contemporary art.

Good Morning! I know you had a big dinner last night but a cup of coffee will start your morning off on the right note. Head down to the coffee server, pour a cup and enjoy it in your room in front of the fire. Then start your memorable breakfast with a fresh, seasonal fruit bowl, homemade fresh baked pastry, and juice. Choose your entree from our menu, French Toast, Apple or Blueberry Crepes, Heuvos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, Yogurt Parfait all served with Oscar’s Smoked Sausage. Enjoy all the coffee, tea or hot cocoa you want.

Guests are always asking for recipes so watch for those in future blog posts.

Lavender Scones – Delicious!

Looking forward to your arrival at The Bell House Inn! BOOK NOW

Cheers!

Nancy and Bill

I may live in the “North Country” but that doesn’t always mean snow. We have had little to no snow this winter and the temperatures have been mild. We are now in for a change! The weather forecast is for SNOW…FINALLY, a foot or more of the beautiful, fluffy, winter white will be falling outside our door this weekend. Grab your skis, snowshoes, skates or whatever you favorite winter gear is and head on up.

 My top four picks for your entertainment 

COLE’S WOODS

www.coleswoods.weebly.com

Located less than 1 mile from www.thebellhouseinn.com Cole’s Woods has many well-groomed trails that are lighted for night cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The trails of Coles Woods are the first lighted cross-country ski trails in North America.

ADIRONDACK POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

www.glensfalls.com/events

“Hockey Town USA” will be installing a bunch of outdoor rinks in the middle of Crandall Park in Glens Falls, NY. Bring your skates and some friends and play in a brand new 4v4 pond hockey tournament.

Besides rinks there will be warming huts, scorekeepers, locker rooms, food and beer trucks and will be hosting up to 40 regional teams. Play for prizes or for fun!

When: Friday, February 1, 2019 – Sunday, February 3, 2019

Where: Crandall Park, Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY (less than a mile from www.thebellhouseinn.com) 

Cost:  Free to Spectators. Teams $450.

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Spend the evening at West Mountain Ski Area www.westmtn.net and participate in the hottest night at West Mountain. This is a favorite annual event that is great fun for couples or families. All events are FREE!

Events Include:

• Torchlight Parade
• Live music from The Audiostars
• Food and drink specials
• Fireworks
• And More!

When: Friday, February 15, 2019 – 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Where: West Mountain, 59 West Mountain Road, Queensbury, NY, 518-636-3699 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

4:00 PM – 11:30 PM Fiery food and drink specials in the West Mountain Bar & Eatery

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Torchlight Tubing

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hometown Hero Rail Jam in Sawmill Terrain Park

8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Audiostars play in the Main Lodge

9:00 PM Lifts and Tubing Close

9:30 PM Torchlight Parade

FIREWORKS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TORCHLIGHT PARADE

11:30 PM Last Call in the Main Lodge and Restaurant and Bar

ADIRONDACK THUNDER

www.echlthunder.com

So would you rather sit back and participate in a spectator sport? Visit downtown Glens Falls’ Cool Arena and watch our own Adirondack Thunder Hockey Team play. Ranking #2 in the ECHL North our Adirondack Thunders will provide you with exciting plays. Grab a Beer and a plate of Nachos, sit back and watch a great game. Walking distance from www.thebellhouseinn.com. 

COUNTRY GIRL OR CITY GIRL

I have lived most of my adult life in the country, watching the deer in the fields, listening to the coyotes run through at night, feeding horses, cows, sheep, chickens or whatever stray came along. Those were the good years, raising my children in the country. Spending quality time outside or in the barn, no need for a gym just pick up a shovel and clean a horse stall or lift a 50 pound bag of grain. I could carry a bale of hay or two, one in each hand for balance. Then I moved to the city and opened my city bed and breakfast.www.thebellhouseinn.com.

Living in the country also meant planning your shopping, it was always a 20 minute drive to anywhere. Be careful not to run out of milk or any of the basics, it could mean an hour or more of driving. We also seemed to heat these country houses with wood. We had a furnace, of course, but oil was expensive and wood was cheap to cut and chop. In this last country house we, or, I should say Bill, installed a wood-burning furnace. The first thing you did in the morning, even before coffee, I don’t like to do anything before my first cup, was to run out into the cold garage, grab a handful of wood and throw it into the fire. As I opened the door to the furnace I would hope and pray it was still going. But more times than not it was out. Then you needed to go back out into the cold garage, grab paper and kindling, throw them into the firebox, light a match and wait, and wait for a roaring fire to start so you could place some logs on. It could take an hour or so to get the house really warmed up. While waiting for the furnace you could get the wood stove going which didn’t take as much time and was easier. However, you still needed to run out to the cold garage for wood! I can remember mornings when I was able to see my breath in the house. I did love to put a cast iron apple cooker on top of the wood stove, an apple, brown sugar and butter, mmmmm, so good.

Bill (husband) and I have been married for 44 years during those years we either built new or renovated old houses every few years. Yes, it was alot of moving but life should be an adventure, right?

We purchased our last country house with the intention of  renovating and make into a bed and breakfast inn. With alot of love, sweat and tears we did just that.

It was a wonderful old stone house (c. 1773) on five acres with an inground pool. Our guests would sit on the front porch and watch the deer in the field. We spent 12 years operating as a B & B hosting wonderful guests from around the world. www.altamontinn.com

Our daughter, Katie and her husband Joe were married there. Katie and Joe bought a house in Glens Falls, had two beautiful daughters and Papa and Nana were on the move again to upstate New York to the beautiful city of Glens Falls.

We found a Victorian on a large corner lot in the City with lots of potential for a bed and breakfast. When we moved in it was quite a shock to my system. As I mentioned we have a corner lot, in the city that means two busy streets with a traffic light, the traffic noise can be loud and insistent at times. Why is everyone in such a hurry? And, the wildest animal I have encountered is a squirrel. But, the benefits of city living definitely outweigh the drawbacks. We are a short 8 minute walk downtown to the library, restaurants, drinks, events, and people! Seclusion in the country during the winter can be lonely. In future I will continue to entice you to visit the city I have fallen in love with and give you ideas of what to do when you get here.

Oh Boy! What did we get ourselves into? Stay turned!

Fort Ticonderoga

Is just an hour drive from Glens Falls, spend the day, discover the beauty, have a picnic in the gardens.

Explore the History!

Return of the “ELVI”  Elvis Fest starts Wednesday

“The King of Rock and Roll meets the Queen of America’s Lakes”  No other festival has ever had all 10 of Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist perform before.  Contest opens Friday June 2nd and Saturday June 3th with the Finale is Sunday June 4th at 1:30.  For details www.ElvisFestival.com or call 1 888 406 5885.

We are a 15 minute drive to the Festival and on the way back, stop downtown Glens Falls at one of our fine restaurants.  Book on our web site www.thebellhouseinn.com and mention this email and receive a 15% discount on two nights.