Alpaca Shearing Day at Crescendo Acres Farm

Crescendo Acres is an alpaca and miniature horse farm in nearby Surry, New Hampshire, a small village in the Monadnock Region of southwest New Hampshire. The farm is operated by Russ and Diana Fiorey who raise alpacas from whose fiber they make wonderfully warm and soft alpaca products such as socks, yarn and various felted products.

This year’s annual Alpaca shearing day will take place on Friday, May 11th with people invited to observe and even possibly help as the alpaca’s winter coats are shorn off as they get ready for the hot summer weather. This event is a unique opportunity to see the beginning of the fiber process firsthand – plus the alpacas are pretty cute too!Attendees are requested to bring a chair and to call ahead if weather looks like rain as this will cause the event to be postponed (you can’t easily shear wet fiber).

Crescendo acres’ farm store is filled with alpaca products made from the Fiorey’s alpaca’s fiber as well as other alpaca products, maple syrup, maple candy and maple cream produced on the farm, local meats, honey and more and will be open during the event. If you can't make this Friday's event, don't fear. Crescendo Acres welcomes visitors to their farm year round.

If you're looking for an agricultural adventure, why not make it a weekend event and plan to spend the night at our New England farm stay. Springtime is an especially fun time to visit our farm as baby animals abound and/or plan to visit any number of other area farms in this amazingly rich agricultural area.

Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms

What is a high tunnel?

What is a high tunnel? Although there is no real hard and fast definition of the terminology, a high tunnel is basically a frame large enough to walk within covered by clear plastic. Although a high tunnel looks like a greenhouse, what differentiates the two are two key elements. One is the fact that unlike a greenhouse, the sides of a high tunnel can be rolled up and down to help regulate temperature and humidity within the structure. Two, and this is an important one for me, no fossil fuels are used to heat the structure - only the power of the sun. Although the lack of supplemental heat limits the variety of plants that can be grown in the colder months (i.e. you can’t grow heat loving tomatoes or basil in a high tunnel in New Hampshire in January) there is a certain satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce year round with energy harnessed directly from the sun.

Outside = 43 degrees, Inside tunnel... nearly 80!

The high tunnel concept is not new but has actually in one form or another has been used for centuries. The concept has gained recent exposure/revival through USDA's "Know YourFarmer, Know Your Food" initiative - a cost share initiative with farmers across the United States aimed at increasing production of fresh local food year round while simultaneously reducing transportation costs and dependence on fossil fuel use for vegetable production. Year round, high tunnels provide protection from wind and rain which can result in increased crop yields and improved quality as well as decreased incidence of pest and disease problems.

The tunnel also provides us a space to start our own seedlings.

Last spring our farm was fortunate to be chosen to participate in this important initiative. With this new structure our main focus will be to grow a greater variety of vegetables year round which will be used to prepare our decadent three course candlelight breakfasts each morning for our Inn guests as well as share with our cottages and farmhouse guests that choose to cook during their stay with us at our New England farmstay. With thoughtful selection of cold hardy varieties (FedcoSeeds, an employee owned Maine seed cooperative, does a great job indicating cold hardy varieties they offer) and careful timing of planting we will be able to start crops much earlier in the spring and harvest a variety of fresh produce much later into the season and even some varieties like salad greens and some root crops year round.

Anyone growing vegetables, even on a small scale can benefit from the high tunnel concept. We purchased our high tunnel kit from Ed Person at Ledgewood Farms in Meredith, NH, but there are numerous sources online – everything from ready-to-build kits to low cost do-it-yourself how to instructions which can be built in all shapes and sizes according to your available space. If you have limited space to garden where you live, consider a cold frame made from used windows and hay bales. The point is it’s possible to grow a greater variety of fresh produce year round (or nearly so) without a lot of technology or cost – anyone can extend Mother Nature's growing season and if you’re a serious gardener (and/or serious consumer of fresh foods) you’re not going to want to do without one! Below are some comparison photos taken this morning of both our outdoor garden and inside our high tunnel to demonstrate the drastic difference in plant growth and development between the two. Again, no fossil fuels, just a piece of plastic ten feet over my head.

Seascape ever bearing strawberry plants outside in our no till garden beds.

Seascape ever bearing strawberry plants transplanted inside the high tunnel in mid-October. Yes, those are blossoms and even fruit is starting to form on many of the plants and it's only mid-April.

Stiff-neck garlic just waking up in their outdoor beds.

Stiff-neck garlic planted inside the tunnel on same day we planted the outside beds. These beds should mature 3-4 weeks earlier than the outside beds and yield @ 30% larger heads of garlic.

 

 

Self sown cilantro in the outdoor beds.

Cilantro started last October inside the high tunnel which we've been enjoying and sharing all winter and spring.

Planted last October this is one of Fedco's cold hearty varieties called Red Tinged Winter Lettuce. Although started late, it "hibernated" through the coldest part of the winter and then started growing again in early February.

A winter hearty spinach varieties from Fedco. Although also planted late in October we've been enjoying since about the first of March.

We encourage you to come and see our high tunnel first hand while at our New Hampshire B&B and see how easy and gratifying it is to extend the growing season and enjoy enjoy home grown fresh produce year round. 

Happy growing!
Jackie, Innkeeper, Inn at Valley Farms

What to do with my old Christmas Tree??

Here at our New England bed and breakfast we're always looking for ways to recycle our discards and work towards being as sustainable as possible. With that said, we're die hard traditionalists when it comes to the holidays and so a freshly cut New Hampshire grown Christmas Tree and roping are a must in and around our 1774 Colonial Inn, but then there comes the dilemma of what to do with those greens when the holidays are over. Of course you can place them outside for the birds, but then what? Our solution...feed them to our cashmere goats! 

We've raised cashmere goats here on our sustainable pasture-based farm since we bought the bucolic Walpole, NH property in 1998. As a matter of course the goats' natural grazing opportunities are greatly diminished in the cold months of our southern New Hampshire winters so when a green, "fresh" tree is brought into their pasture in the stillness of winter, the goats naturally become curious. Here Frankie, Miss May, Jack and Queen Ophelia come quickly to inspect the tree.

 

The green needles of the trees are a welcome treat compared to the dry hay which is their staple diet this time of year. Miss May takes the first bite.

Not only do the goats love the evergreen needles, but use their bottom teeth to work the bark off the tree's trunk and branches as well.

In short order, all the needles "disappear" and the tree is completely stripped off all its bark including that of each and every branch. Here the removal of bark is well underway, but not yet completed stripped as you can see parts of the brown bark still remaining. The white on the ends of the branches are tufts of cashmere pulled from the goats' coats as they work their way into the inner part of the tree.

Here Frankie assess the tree. Is she feeling a sense of satisfaction having completed the task? Or feeling sad that there's not more?

The end result?? A great tinder to start a bonfire to celebrate winter for us humans and...fresh "minty" breath for the goats - Miss May will be happy to prove it!

Obviously this method of Christmas tree recycling won't work for everyone, but if you're planning a visit to our New Hampshire country Inn located in New Hampshire's picturesque Monadnock Region shortly after the holidays feel free to bring along your old Christmas tree. The goats will be happy you did!

Jackie Caserta, Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms

Top Reasons to Visit Walpole, New Hampshire and the Monadnock Region This Winter

Although our New Hampshire bed and breakfast is not "smack dab" in the middle of ski country, there's still plenty of great reasons to visit our Walpole farm during the winter months. Winter activities in southwest New Hampshire's Monadnock Region abound - listed below are just a few of our favorites. And to make a winter visit even more appealing, we're offering a 20% discount off our regular cottage rates now through March 31st!

SNOW! Let's just say that being located in the country we're a little closer to the stuff to start with. You can literally walk out our door and snowshoe for miles. We've got great sledding hills here on the property with sleds and snow tubes for your use as well as areas for cross country skiing. If snowmobiling is more your style go ahead and bring your sled as we have plenty of parking and easy access to NH Corridor 5 - a snowmobile trail which runs from Massachusetts to the Canadian border!

2011 Keene Ice and Snow Festival

WINTER FAIRS AND FESTIVALS abound in this area so come help celebrate the almighty white stuff! Stonewall Farm's Frozen Farm Festival kicks off the winter festival season in the Monadnock Region on 1/28, the 101st Dartmouth Winter Carnival is held February 9th - 12th, 56th Brattleboro Winter Carnival being held February 17th - 26th, the Keene Ice and Snow Fest is slated for February 18th, the Harris Hill Ski Jump Competition scheduled for February 18th and 19th with the season being rounded out with Stonewall Farms ever popular 13th Annual Sap Gathering Contest March 24th, 2012.


DOWNHILL SKIING - There are numerous larger ski mountains within a 45 minute drive from our Inn, but with Granite Gorge Ski Area in our own backyard offering 2-for-1 ski passes for our guests why would you go anywhere else?? Coupon good for skiing or tubing.


ICE SKATING - If you have your own skates many local ponds and recreation areas offer ice skating during the colder months but of course this is weather dependent. Indoor skating with heated viewing room and skate rentals is available at the Cheshire Ice Arena, in Keene, NH or Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro, VT.

Orchard Hill Pizzas - Yumm...!

FARMERS' MARKETS - Think farmers' markets are just for the summer season?? Think again! Although the supply of fresh produce at this time of year is a bit limited, our region has numerous farmers' to keep us supplied with fresh, healthy, local foods like grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fresh raw milk, maple syrup, honey, artisan cheese, jams and jellies, organic artisan breads, and local wine all year long. Most local markets offer other necessities like soap and woolen goods, as well as food and garden related demonstrations/talks and live music - a fun time for all for sure! Plan ahead, bring a cooler and bring a bit of local home with you today! Walpole's Winter Market is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11-2 at the Walpole Town Hall, Keene's Winter Market is being held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10-2 at 25 Roxbury Street, Keene and Brattleboro, VT Winter Market is held every Saturday from 10-2 at the River Garden, 153 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT.

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY - Of course one of the main reasons you visit our New Hampshire bed and breakfast is to rest and recuperate from the stress of the daily grind. This season brings on a special quality of tranquility allowing for true rejuvenation. Snuggle up and get caught up on your reading or that knitting project you've been meaning to finish since...???? The Toadstool Bookshop and Village Square Booksellers are two great locally owned independent bookstores or for that knitting project visit any of these local knitting shops for an amazing selection of fibers: the Knitting Knook, Knit or Dye or the Green Mountain Spinnery.


Our 20% discount on cottage rates offers you the same great amenities including a homemade breakfast basket complete with fresh baked goods, locally made organic artisan breads and our own farm fresh eggs brought to your doorstep each morning. And of course a tour of our sustainable farm is always available as well as many area year-round activities like tasting some of the world's best hot chocolate from Burdick Chocolates, fine dining, visiting other local farms, museums, antique stores and more. Check out our attractions page to help you further plan your New England family vacation. We hope to see you in Walpole soon!


Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms

Top 6 Holiday Activities in New Hampshire's Monadnock Region

 

With all the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season it's easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the some of its magic. Below are 6 of our favorite unique local activities to do in southern New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region - each sure to help get you into the spirit of the holiday season (activities are in no particular order).

1. Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree: Although Christmas trees are available nearly everywhere nowadays, have you ever cut-your-own? Take a walk through the woods, enjoy the scenery and views and select a fresh, perfect-for-you tree all while supporting a local tree farmer. There are too many tree farmers in our area to list. Some have a larger selection than others (type of tree as well as numbers), some provide free wagon rides to collect your tree while others encourage the exercise, but will transport your tree back for you. Most have pre-cut trees available as well as other related items, like wreaths, swags, roping and often a warm drink to round out the experience. We’re happy to help you find the right tree farm to search for your special tree.

2. Candy canes, anyone? Watch the candy masters of Ye Goodie Shoppe on Keene NH’s beautiful Main Street make candy canes from scratch right before your eyes. The sweet sticks of sugar are hand crafted in a variety of colors and flavors to suit any sweet tooth. Candy cane production is typically done on weekends, but production is weather and supply dependant so call ahead if you want to be sure to catch sight of their production.

3. Take part in a 150 year old Christmas Classic: Watch the local talent of the Walpole Players put on their 4^th annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. This annual production put on in Walpole’s historic Town Hall is free, but tickets are required due to limited space in the theater.  A cash donation to area food shelves is requested at the door. The production takes place at 7pm on December 14, 15, 16 &17 and the free tickets are available at area local businesses including Real to Reel Video, Galloway Real Estate, Village Booksellers, Costume Ladies, Murray’s and Jake’s or call us at the Inn and we’d be happy to pick them up for you.

4. Holiday Light Spectacular: The holiday light display at “the Farm” in Chesterfield is a collection of hundreds of thousands of outdoor lights creating a wondrous, winter fantasyland for all to enjoy. Truly a “sight to see” and a fun evening to share with family or friends as you drive through this spectacular display of glittering lights. Thursday, December 8^th- Sunday, December 18^th, 6-9pm. Donations of canned goods or cash collected at the gate to benefit Joan’s Food Pantry. The light display is located off of Route 9 at Pond Brook Road in Chesterfield, NH. For more information contact Valerie Starbuck, 603-762-3447 or starbuckjv@gmail.com.  

5. The Walpole live nativity is one of my favorite events of the year. The nativity begins shortly after 8pm on Christmas Eve just after the three Walpole church services (Unitarian, Congregational and Episcopal) conclude. Hundreds of people gather on the quaint town common holding white candles around a full size crèche with live animals and numerous role players including sweet little angels and a baby “Jesus”. Words are spoken, carols are sung and warm holiday wishes are exchanged with friends, neighbors and strangers alike. This annual event has been going on for decades and is one of many Walpole traditions that make this community so special. 

6. Savor a warm drink: And here’s where that “slow down to enjoy the season” bit comes in. Take a moment and savor a cup of likely the best hot chocolate you’ll ever have the pleasure to consume at the Café at Burdick Chocolates. Their Christmas display is just as impressive as the hot chocolate and sure to help get you into the spirit of the season! Certainly, if you’ve built up an appetite doing any of the above activities they have a wonderful selection of offerings for lunch and dinner in their restaurant too. 

Of course there are many other great reasons to come to the picturesque village of Walpole now or any other time of the year including wine tastings at Walpole Mountain View Winery, unique gifts in local shops like the Walpole Art Cooperative and Ruggles and Hunt, miles of hiking trails, Walpole Farmers’Market, Alyson’s Orchard, the highly acclaimed 9-hole Hooper Golf Course, and more.

Spend the night at the Inn at Valley Farms and relax by a roaring fire in the library of our New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast and wake up to a three course candlelight breakfast before heading back to reality – almost enough to wish it was holiday time year-round!

Happy Holidays!

 

Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms

9th Annual Walpole NH Artisans Cooperative November 25th - 27th

The Walpole Artisans Cooperative will be hosting its 9th Annual Walpole Artisans’ Tour this November 25th, 26th, and 27th from 11:00am to 5:00pm each day. This tour is yet another great reason to visit our New Hampshire bed and breakfast in New Hampshire’s “quiet corner”, the Monadnock Region. Walpole Artisans’ Tour participants will present their works at six locations this year. All of these locations will be clearly marked with the purple and yellow signs, and all locations will have Tour brochures and maps available.

The Artisans Co-op at 52 Main Street, Walpole, is the easiest starting location as it is right in the center of Walpole. In the shop, you will find merchandise by all the artists who are members of the Walpole Artisans. If you’re looking for a dazzling selection of fine, locally crafted art objects, 52 Main Street is a great place to start your Christmas browsing.

Of the other five Tour locations, three are in Walpole, one is in Alstead, NH and one is in nearby Bellows Falls, VT. Artists’ work for sale will cover everything from paintings, photography, prints, note cards, jewelry, hand-knit accessories, wooden hand crafted furniture, cabinets, mirrors and other various wood products, delicate baskets from birch bark and paper, wooden mobiles, various wooden kitchen products (cutting boards, wooden spoons, coffee scoops), barrettes and earrings, blown glass artwork, and metal sculptures for every setting, from the garden to the bookshelf.

Come to picturesque Walpole and have an enjoyable weekend shopping beautiful and unique handcrafted  gifts for those special people on your list. We still have a few guest rooms in our New Hampshire Country Inn available if you’d like to make a weekend out of it! And if the Walpole Artisans Tour isn't enough to keep you busy, check out our attractions page for a list of other great things to do in the Monadnock Region.


Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms

Stress Free, Tax-Free Holiday Shopping at Walpole's Holiday Fete November 19th

Looking for an enjoyable way to get a jump on your holiday shopping? The Walpole Holiday Fête on Saturday, November 19, will offer one-stop shopping for both Thanksgiving meal preparations and gifts for the December holidays. Plan to spend the weekend at our New Hampshire country Inn and get that well deserved rest and relaxation while you simultaneously check off your holiday list. Buying local has never been more fun!

Get an early start on shopping for the December holidays at the First Congregational Church’s Mistletoe Mart, St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Christmas on the Green holiday bazaar, and the Walpole Farmers' Market’s (WFM’s) Thanksgiving Market. All three venues feature gifts, crafts, baked goods and more! Park near the Common and visit three venues within an easy walk of each other.

At the Thanksgiving Farmers Market there will be fresh, locally grown produce for your holiday meal and to store for winter. Weather permitting, there should still be fresh salad, pot greens and storage crops like pumpkins; winter squash in many colors, sizes and shapes; potatoes; beets; cabbage; Brussels sprouts; garlic and carrots. A number of different meats, sourdough and traditional Italian breads, dairy products, maple products, and wine can round out meal preparations. Gluten free baked goods, animal and plant fibers and the products made from them, diverse crafts and prepared foods will also be available.

At St. John’s Christmas on the Green holiday bazaar you’ll find the ever popular “cookie can.” You can select your own mix of home made cookies to fill a holiday-decorated can. There will be tables of hand-crafted gifts, holiday ornaments, plants, dried goods, and bulb kits, Christmas Attic Treasures and baked goodies. The sale of crafts made by this year’s Art After School students will benefit Heifer International.

First Congregational Church’s Mistletoe Mart will be serving hot coffee and luncheon.  It will also offer a long table laden with home made fudges and candies. The ladies of the church have labored long and hard to create luscious baked goods, crafts, gifts, and holiday trims for sale. You’ll also find tables of white elephants at the Mistletoe Mart.

All three events run from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday November 19th, on or just off the Common. St. John’s is on the corner of Westminster and Elm Streets, across from the Town Hall. First Congregational in on Washington St, just opposite the middle of the Common, and the Thanksgiving Market is on the Common. It is an easy walk between the events, which are less than a block apart. All events are wheelchair accessible. For more information about the Mistletoe Mart, please call Gwen Yardley at 603-756-3677; about the Christmas on the Green holiday bazaar; please call St. John’s at 603-756-4533; and about the Thanksgiving Market, please call 603-756-3168 or email jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com.

The area will be abuzz with other local activities as well. Our farm store which features our own sustainable pasture-raised meats will be open Saturday from 10-3. The Walpole Mountain View Winery will have wine tastings from 11-6 and Stonewall Farm 11th Annual Thanksgiving Farm Fare will be taking place Friday and Saturday as well.

We hope to see you in Walpole next weekend!


Innkeeper The Inn at Valley Farms