The bugs are officially out in force, but that’s no reason to stay at home.
There are some great activities going on here and in the Valley to get you outside and keep you a couple of steps ahead of the
flying
pests.

Our outdoor heated pool opens this weekend!

Splashing around
will keep you cool while you’re catching some rays and sipping on the chilly beverage of your choice (served in plastic, of course).

You can
also go under for a few seconds to escape horseflies.
You
can also take a brisk walk around the grounds and our nature trails.
See how many of the flowers you can name, or maybe catch sight of some wildlife.

This
will help you
burn up a little extra space to fill
later with some delicious food when you join us in the dining room!

Tin Mountain Conservation
Center is offering Saturday morning nature walks from 10am – 12pm each Saturday.
You never now
what they’ll be doing, but you know you’ll have fun and learn something.

Two added bonuses:

Bugs aren’t usually early risers and you can burn off
the big country breakfast you enjoyed before leaving the Inn!
For those who like to start the weekend early, Joe Jones Sports is hosting bicycle tours around the area beginning at
5:15 every Thursday until the end of October.
If you can’t bring your own, you can rent one for $25 for the day.
Perfect for all skill levels, too.
Bugs are easy to stay ahead of on a bike, just don’t smile too much thinking about how you outsmarted them…

We’ve posted a new canoe special on
our website and as usual, our last minute special
will save you some money.
So don’t waste time at home avoiding the bugs, come
have fun with us in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!

Changing of the Seasons:

We are celebrating the end of another season here at the Darby. The last two sleigh rides went out on Thursday, March 22nd…the first full day of spring, coincidentally. The Smiths, of Rochester, New Hampshire, were celebrating an anniversary here at the Darby with the dinner and sleigh ride package (purchased for them by their adult children…) and the Savages were staying here at the Inn, from Merrimack, New Hampshire.
The end of snow officially begins an often dreaded season, mud season! While some people play in it, and the flowers live for it, we use it as an excuse to reflect on the past season, take a deep breath, and prepare for the next one. Kim, Beth and Spike are taking a well-deserved rest before carriage rides start up (keep an eye out for new carriage offerings later this spring…), Marc and Maria (the innkeepers) are taking a little vacation, and Faye is getting ready to work her magic in our award-winning gardens, again. We’ll be following her progress this year, so keep checking back to watch our flowers (and vegetables) grow. I’ll also be passing on gardening hints I pick up while helping her out, here and there. Just a reminder:

We still have some great specials going on, so keep an eye on the Last Minute Special page on our website. Do you want to be a spring bride? We’ve created a new page for elopements and intimate ceremonies that is worth a look. Golfers, please note our new midweek golf special, and for those who just love a great deal, our Spring is in the Air package is for you! Until next time, Enjoy Spring and watch out for the Mud!

More News From the Darby Field Inn…

2) You Can Stay Out Late(r)! No five o’ clock shadows here! Play all day…about the time you’re ready for dinner (6pm), you can still catch the sunset from our dining room.

3) Who Turned The Heat Up? Temperatures have been ideal. Just cold enough the snow doesn’t melt, just warm enough you can enjoy the sun on your face without 20lbs of clothes! Who says March enters like a Lion? We’re all outside, taking advantage of some “wooly” great weather!

Here at the Darby, our snowshoe and cross country ski trails are groomed and ready to go! Bring your own equipment and use them for FREE! New to these sports? $5.00 a day will buy you the use of Inn snowshoes and/or skis all day long – maybe you’ll find a new reason to love winter! We’ve got almost 10km of trails, so make sure and take advantage of our Full Country Breakfast so you have enough fuel to make it through the day! Check out our website (www.darbyfield.com) for our most recent last minute special. We change it every couple of weeks, giving you yet another reason to plan a spur of the moment getaway. Hope to see you soon!

After squeaking by with just enough snow to run the sleighs, Valentine’s Day brought what we needed …SNOW! While many people rushed to postpone their dinner reservations, those with sleigh rides booked braved the elements for a romantic, snowy ride straight out of a Currier & Ives painting!

Of course, Spike is a well known fixture around here, known for having his own distinct personality. Its difficult to tell which he enjoys more – pulling guests in the sleigh, or hamming it up with them in front of the camera!

Vacation week was busy, and is now winding down, but there’s more winter fun in store. The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (mtwashingtonvalley.org) is hosting a Winter Festival for ten days in the village of North Conway. There are tons of activities to get involved in all day long. Some are free, some require a small fee, but are worthwhile. And we all know the best way to unwind after a busy day of running around looking at exhibits, or shopping… putting your feet up in front of a roaring fire after having a wonderful meal in our dining room!

We have some of the nicest cross country skiing and snow shoeing trails in the valley! Did I tell you they are private and for our guests only. Marc (he’s the innkeeper for those that don’t know) is testament for the conditions out here in the back country… they are incredible!

Many guests have been out today and have raved about the magnificent view from the top of the hill. It’s so peaceful and quiet on the trails they explain to us. A fox was seen scampering across the field. Oh, it’s good to have the snow!! Thank you mother nature.