This Weekend in Lake Erie Wine Country

Yes, there is still some snow lingering here and there but it only serves to amplify our Spring fever! And Chautauqua County has planned some very special Wine Country events perfect for quick, weekend get-aways. Check these out:

WINE AND ART WEEKEND
April 9th and 10th

Lake Erie Wine Country is proud to present our annual Wine and Art Weekend. Guests will enjoy wine tasting while perusing works of art by 37 member artists of the North Shore Arts Alliance in Chautauqua County and the North East (PA) Arts Council.

Kathleen Flatley and Kristine Cabral will be featured artists at Nostalgia @ the Blue Heron Inn during this weekend’s “Wine & Art Weekend”. Stop by to see their beautiful jewelry!  Browse the local shops and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails  (Guinness Stout now on draught!) at the Blue Heron Inn – 716.769.7852 or stay@theblueheroninn.com. View our Wine and Art Video

Many of the artists will be on hand at the 21 participating wineries to display, sell, and demonstrate – from painters and sculptors to photographers and glass artisans. Come out for live art demonstrations and watch beautiful artworks in the making, all while sampling our best works of art: the wines of Lake Erie Wine Country.   Featured artists include eleven members of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail, the North Shore Arts Alliance’s signature event.

This is a FREE EVENT. No tickets or reservations are required! Event hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Guests are invited to stop at any of the participating wineries in any order to enjoy wine and art–a natural pairing. For winery locations and artist information go to: Lake Erie Wine Country website

WINE & CHEESE WEEKEND
May 13th, 14th & 15th

Plan ahead for the upcoming Wine & Cheese Weekend. Each winery will pair a complimentary wine with special fare featuring Yancey’s Fancy cheeses. Stay tuned for our weekend package — a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day!

WINE TRAIL VISIT VISA

The Lake Erie Wine Trail’s “Visit Visa” is available all year-long. What is it, you ask? It’s a coupon booklet that provides generous discounts and special gifts at wineries, restaurants and other local businesses. There are over $500 in discounts, including several FREE bottles of wine and sizable discounts on lodging and meals.

The Visit Visa costs only $20 and is valid for one year from the purchase date. It will make a great gift for anyone who loves wine or wants to explore Lake Erie Wine Country. Visit Visas are available at Nostalgia @ the Blue Heron Inn or at any member winery.

Enjoy Spring wherever it find you. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers, Bruce & Tobi

We’re Not April Foolin’!

Spring Fever Get-away Special
It seems that winter is finally behind us and it’s time to hit the road. Let us take the sting out of the prices at the pump!

spring garden

1.  Stay one night and receive a $25 Get-Go Gas Card*
2.  Stay two nights, receive a $25 Get-Go Gas Card* plus a $25 dinner coupon (weekends only)

Wondering what’s happening in and around Findley Lake this time of year? Fishing enthusiasts know that  trout season begins April 1st;  the wineries are pouring, the golf courses are ready to open and walking/biking around Findley Lake and the nearby trails is the perfect way to watch spring unfold. And the local shops are open boasting shelves filled with tempting new gifts and treasures.

Don’t be an April Fool – take advantage of this special throughout the month of April, 2011. Findley Lake is located 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. The perfect destination for a single day’s pleasure or a relaxing overnight stay.

Please mention at the time of reservation; special cannot be added to existing reservations.
* GetGo is a member of the Giant Eagle Grocery family. Stations are located in Erie, PA, throughout the cities of Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH and as far south as Maryland and West VA.

One Reason to Love St Patrick’s Day

We’re so excited about the new Guinness stout on draught we make a cool video!

Click on this video link: St Patrick’s Day – 2011

A wee bit “luck o’ the Irish” to you!

In Honor of All Things Irish

As another successful ski season cruises to an end visions of Springtime are swirling around in our heads. Before the Spring Equinox dawns on March 20th we’re looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day – the one day of the year when we all lay claim to being Irish!

In this spirit of all things Irish, Bruce has worked tirelessly to bring Draught Guinness® stout to Findley Lake. Last week the new beer tower arrived. The cooler lines were installed earlier today and tomorrow the first keg of Guinness®, the STAR of the show, will arrive. Perfect timing for St. Patrick’s Day, don’t you think? We will soon sell growlers of beer as well. “That’s great, but what the heck is a growler?” you ask. A growler is a 64 ounce refillable glass  or ceramic jug used to buy draught beer from bars and pubs, draught beer to go, if you will. Patrons will be able to buy a growler filled with Lager, India Pale Ale or Stout and bring it back to be refilled at their convenience. How cool is that?

Join us for dinner next Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights, March 17, 18 or 19, 2011. In addition to our regular menu we’ll be serving a traditional Irish Supper featuring corned beef & cabbage, colcannon and homemade Irish soda bread. And to make a great meal even better enjoy a Guinness® stout draught or a delicious black & tan – the choice is yours.

Reservations appreciated ~ Phone: 716.769.7852  -or-  E-mail: stay@theblueheroninn.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING Weekend Package

STAY •  DINE  •  SHOP
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Jan 14, 15 and 16, 2011

Relax! Take advantage of the great snow conditions, visit a few of the local Lake Erie Wine Country member wineries and enjoy a post-holiday long weekend get-away:

• Stay
3 nights for the price of 2 (breakfast included each day)

•  Dine
$30 dining credit towards Sunday night dinner in the Blue Heron Inn dining room

•  Shop
$20 shopping credit at Nostalgia, the “modern-day general store” in the red barn out back

$299
(does not include taxes or gratuity)

New Year’s Weekend Get-away

~ JOIN US FOR THE WEEKEND ~
WE HAVE A LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION!

One room available for our NY weekend package – give us a call at 716.769.7852,  814.873.7854 (cell) or e-mail: stay@theblueheroninn.com.

The weekend includes:
• 2 night’s accommodations at the Blue Heron Inn
• Full breakfast in the Blue Heron Dining Room each morning
• Complimentary $20 Gift Certificate to redeem at Nostalgia,   the “coolest store in town” in the red barn behind the Blue Heron Inn plus the following:

New Year’s Eve
• Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the lake followed by a 4-course dinner
• Ring in 2010 with champagne & sweet treats

Saturday
• Enjoy a choice of Spa Amenities or Ski Lift Tickets at nearby Peek ‘n Peak Resort

Sunday
• Head to the wineries with your “Visit Visa”

Cost:  $540.00 per couple (does not include sales tax or gratuity)

On a Mission

Names: Candy and Shannon Scarem
Date:  January 20 thru February 5, 2011
Destination:  Kenya, East Africa
Mission Organization:  Christian Service International

Objective:  Local friends Candy and Shannon Scarem have been called on a 2-week mission trip to Kenya on January 2o, 2011. The Scarems and nine other volunteers will travel from the United States to work with Missionaries Dave and Jen Bell. They will build several greenhouses to promote nutrition and a degree of self-sufficiency to orphanages. In addition, they will work with clean water projects, including the repair of a hand pump on a well that supports 200 families far in the countryside and installing an irrigation system.
Costs:  $2,025 plus airfare of $1,808 for each person; a total of $7,628.

As of Dec 28, 2010, the group still needs to raise $1,200 to reach their goal. This amount includes the funds needed to carry out the above-described projects.  Monies donated above and beyond the cost of the trip will be go directly to the Kenyan projects as directed by Dave and Jen Bell, the long-term missionaries in Kenya.

If you wish to provide financial support to help make this mission possible, please make donations payable to ”Findley Lake United Methodist Church”,  and mail to Findley Lake UMC, PO Box 447, Findley Lake, NY 14736. All donations will be deductible as charitable contributions; please note Scarem’s Mission to Kenya in the memo line.

For more information go to:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_109828672418963

Good luck Candy and Shannon and safe travels!

‘Tis the Season to Give

• BLUE HERON GIFT CERTIFICATES

Give . Give . Give ~ Save . Save . Save — It’s Not Too Late!
Give a Blue Heron Inn Gift Certificate and receive a 10% bonus back in Blue Heron Bucks!  EXAMPLE: Purchase a $200 gift certificate and receive $20 in Bonus Bucks. Best of all, the Bonus Bucks may be redeemed for lodging, dining or shopping purchases! You can give the Bonus Bucks to the Gift Certificate recipient (as an added gift!), give to someone else or keep them for yourself! Please enter CODE 2010 when ordering from our website or mention when calling for to place a gift certificate order.

What’s better than crossing a loved one from your shopping list and getting a little something back? Running out of time? We can e-mail gift certificates as late as Christmas Eve day. All you need is a printer – you don’t even need to leave home! Seriously, call us!

• WINE COUNTRY “VISIT VISA”

Visit Visa

Just in the “nick” of time for the holidays, the Lake Erie Wine Country “VISIT VISA” is here! Need a great holiday gift for the wine or travel lover in your life? The Visa contains offers for FREE bottles of wine, gifts and/or discounts at all the LEWC wineries as well as local restaurants and shops. Cost is $20 for more than $500 in value and is good for 1 year. Purchase from the Blue Heron Inn website www.theblueheroninn.com or call: 716.769.7852

 

 

• NOSTALGIA – THE PERFECT STOP FOR STOCKING STUFFERS & MORE

Nostalgic Candy

Turkish Taffy

 

What do old-fashioned candies such as Bonomo’s turkish taffy, Sky bars, flying saucer wafers, rock candy on a stick, licorice pipes and Teaberry gum have in common? These are just a handful of the nostalgic candy items Nostalgia sells year ’round. Perfect stocking stuffers!

 

Novelty items

Sassy gum!

 

And we also have some great novelty items in stock;  hand buzzers, disappearing ink, fake dog poop, magic card tricks, marbles in a variety of sizes and lots of travel games under $10. And don’t forget our sassy Blue Q gums, magnets, stickers and tattoos!

 

Old fashioned Toys & Games

Joey, Magnetic Play Set

 

Step back in time – we stock metal jacks, wooden yo yos, card board puzzles, mancala,  dominos, shut the box, magnetic paper dolls and a variety of Melissa and Doug crafts, puzzles and wooden toys. We also have pullback cars, trains and planes and reproduction tin toys for “big kids”.

 

 

Crazy for Glass

Luke Adams Glass

 

We just LOVE all things glass! We have beautifully hand-blown glass ornaments, friendship balls and witches balls from artists in New England; mercury glass ornaments, candle sticks and votive holders from India; glass wine stoppers, bottle openers, letter openers and magnifying glasses from England, as well as glass pendants and rings for something a little different.

 

A Few of My Favorite Things

Heartwood Creations puzzle box

Musical snow globes, hand-made wooden Heartwood Creations puzzle boxes, Willow Tree angels, crystal birthstone necklace and earring sets, seasonal and year ’round Primal soaps, Findley Lake tees, sweats and ball caps ….

 

Flying Wish Paper® - a brand new way to celebrate everything!

Flying Wish Paper

Flying Wish Paper®  is a wishing kit that comes with all the items you need to give your wishes new life and meaning when you “Write it, Light it and Watch it Fly!®”.  The activity can be ceremonial or whimsical, somber or festive, but it is always inspirational. Think of a special wish… your fondest dream, your deepest desire, your ambitions, concerns or burdens—and write it down on the Flying Wish Paper®. Shape your paper into a tube and place it on the Wish Platform®. Light the top edge of the tube and watch it burn down in a small, beautiful flame. At the last moment your wish magically lifts off the platform and rises to the heavens!
Watch the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIW3wm9lOB0

When it comes to the Wine Trail, What’s in a Name?

You may have noticed that the Chautauqua Lake-Erie Wine Trail has lately been called “Lake Erie Wine Country.” With the launch of a brand new website in the next few weeks the Wine Trail will officially change its name to “Lake Erie Wine Country.” New name, new logo, same unique wineries and high-quality wines in a gorgeous grape-growing  region along the shores of Lake Erie. We’ll let you know as soon as the new website goes live at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org.

Lake Erie Wine Country "Visit Visa"

WINE COUNTRY “VISIT VISA”
Just in the “nick” of time for the holidays, the Lake Erie Wine Country “VISIT VISA” is here! Need a great holiday gift for the wine or travel lover in your life? The Visa contains offers for FREE bottles of wine, gifts and/or discounts at all the LEWC wineries as well as local restaurants and shops. Cost is $20 for more than $500 in value and is good for 1 year.Purchase from the Blue Heron Inn website www.theblueheroninn.com or call: 716.769.7852.

WINE COUNTRY CALENDAR
And speaking of gifts for the wine lover, we still have a few 2011 Lake Erie Wine Country calendars in stock. Love the region, love wine? Then this calendar is for you! The calendar features local vineyard landscapes as well as dates for local events along (and not far from) the Wine Trail. The calendars are available at Nostalgia (13.99 each); they’ll make great holiday gifts and, equally important, your purchase supports local artists.

WINE GIFTS & MORE AT NOSTALGIA
In keeping with the wine theme you’ll find fine glass ornaments, wine stoppers, bottle openers, letter openers and magnifying glasses at Nostalgia, the “coolest store in town”. As of Tuesday, Dec 14th, the store will be open everyday until Christmas Eve afternoon. Looking for fun retro candy, a game or puzzle, a Findley Lake sweat shirt, or Primal Elements winter-themed soaps? We’ve got you covered!

They’re Making Snow!

The Peek started making snow this weekend and we can’t wait ’til the slopes are open!

PEEK’N PEAK SNOW-MAKING FACTS

Snow is made by combining pressurized air and water. Together this creates a nuclei of ice, similar to dust particles of airborne fragments that make up the nuclei of a natural snowflake. What happens next depends on temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction. Just as lake effect snow is created by collecting moisture as it travels through the air, man-made snow is created by adding water, which attached to the nuclei of ice and increases in size.

1. Temperature is the first crucial factor. The colder it is, the more water you can add to the nuclei. In snow making, water is above freezing (32F) when it is added to the nuclei of ice. And so it follows that the colder the air, the more water will freeze, making for bigger flakes and deeper snow.

2. Humidity is a key factor in affecting the size of snowflakes. This higher the humidity, the lower the amount of water that will freeze to the ice nuclei. Wind speed and wind direction affect how long the ice nuclei stays in the cold air. The longer the ice nuclei is in the air, the more water will freeze to it, making for larger flakes and deeper snow.

96,000 feet of pipe under the ski slopes deliver 3,000 gallons of water and 13,400 cubic feet of compressed air per minute to 311 snow making guns that can completely cover our slopes with 2 feet of snow in about 300 hours of snow-making. The Peek’s snow-making system allows them to completely cover the slopes with 2 feet of snow in about 300 hours of snow making compared to the 1000 hours required by older systems found at other area resorts. This allows them to open the most terrain earlier in the fastest time and maintain that base through warm periods. Once snow is made, the groomers roll in. With their 350 hp motors and large blades, they quickly move the snow around, spread it, then go back over and chop it up with their hydro tillers. The result is that corduroy surface that is so familiar to skiers.

Snow making is not a science, though there are many scientific aspects involved. Great care, skill and experience make the difference. It is one thing to have the equipment. It is quite another to get optimum results from it. They know the correct formula at Peek’n Peak. They’ve done their homework, converting the science of snow making into an art…one that they probably do better than anyone…except Mother Nature herself. In fact, at the rate they’re going, they may not be number two for long! 

Watch the Peek’s Web Cams!