Quilt Show at Lost Acres Orchard

February 19th, 2010 by nancyross

Fabulous Quilts

Fabulous Quilts

The 22nd Annual Winter Quilt Happening runs March 13th and 14th 2010 at Lost Acres Orchard in North Granby.  Quilts from different eras will be on display, and take advantage of special pricing of fabric, vintage quilt tops, blocks and more.  Special feature:  “Women Speaking through Their Quilts – Oh Really!”  Bring your unfinished project that has you stumped – fellow quilters are happy to share ideas.  Enjoy a complimentary light lunch on Saturday, and don’t forget to visit the farm store (a Dutch Iris Inn guest favorite!) for wonderful kitchen goodies and great gifts!

Fresh Snow, Winter Sports, Relaxing by the Fire

February 11th, 2010 by nancyross

Bill snowshoeing in the McLean Game Refuge

Bill snowshoeing in the McLean Game Refuge

A freshly fallen, sparkling blanket of snow enhances our ever present Connecticut winter wonderland.  We invite you to come enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the many trails nearby.  Rentals and groomed trails are available at Maple Grove Farm in Granville, our neighboring town to the north www.xcskimass.com.  Enjoy downhill skiing at Ski Sundown (we have coupons!) www.skisundown.com, just 20 minutes from the Dutch Iris Inn.  Interested in a sleigh ride?  Contact Loon Meadow Farm in Norfolk CT, in the foothills of the Berkshires www.loonmeadowfarm.com.  After a day of snow-filled fun, come home to the Inn and enjoy a hot drink and sweet treats by the fire…a perfect winter excursion!

Disney's The Lion King returns to The Bushnell in Hartford

January 30th, 2010 by nancyross

Disney's The Lion King

Disney's The Lion King

Let your imagination run wild with the visual images of the African Pridelands.  The unforgettable musical score will leave you singing, as you enjoy Disney’s The Lion King at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford.  January 27 – February 14th www.bushnell.org.  Make it a special evening by returning to the Dutch Iris Inn after the show, savor a glass of wine by the fire, and enjoy a restful sleep in your favorite guest room.  A delicious breakfast the next morning will surely start your day off right!  www.dutchirisinn.com   Stay tuned for more local events this winter.

Dutch Iris Inn Holiday Special

December 12th, 2009 by nancyross

2 nights for the price of 1 Holiday Special:  Friday and Saturday December 18th and 19th, 2009 only.  Come relax by the fire in our cozy 1812 home.  Soak in the holiday decor, indulge in homemade treats, sip a warm beverage, and simply relax.  …Or go shopping in our unique neighborhood stores:  Old Mill Pond Village www.oldmillpondvillage.com , Neckers Toy Store, The Bleu Willow www.thebleuwillow.com , Bosco’s Garden Center and Gift Shop www.boscosgardencenter.com , The Work Shoppe, Say Cheese, and more!  You must mention this holiday winter special when booking online or phoning in your reservation to take advantage of this offer.  We hope to see you soon!

The Big E at the Eastern States Exposition

August 20th, 2009 by nancyross

Where else can you visit all 6 New England States in one day, with only a 30 minute drive from the Dutch Iris Inn?  The Big E!  Sep 18 – Oct 4, 2009.  Stroll down the Avenue of the States, visit agriculture and livestock exhibits, food contests, and more…all in grand state fair style.  Enjoy free live musical entertainment, The Big E Super Circus, and indulge in a Big E cream puff – the signature tasty treat of The Big E!

The Big E cream puff is a spectacular treat!

The Big E cream puff is a spectacular treat!

Dutch Iris Inn Special:  Stay with us on Wednesday September 23rd, attend Connecticut Day at The Big E, and get a second night free (Sep 22 or Sep 24).  Simply mention this blog post when reserving online or by phone, and show us your Big E ticket receipt before check-out.

Fall foliage in Connecticut

August 8th, 2009 by nancyross

We are gearing up for a fabulous autumn season, so plan your trip now! Fall festivals abound (we’ll keep you posted), our sugar maple trees will truly WOW! you with their color, and pumpkins piled everywhere will add the perfect seasonal touch. We have some wonderful biking and driving routes to share with you, so that you can soak in all the local color…literally!

Connecticut Wine Trail

August 7th, 2009 by nancyross

Many of our guests have made their way around our wonderful Connecticut Wineries this summer (yes, CT has wineries…what state doesn’t?). Many special events have been taking place at individual wineries, too. Stop by and meet these friendly folks, enjoy some tastings and learn more about wine. Don’t forget to bring back a bottle to enjoy on our porch while viewing our beautiful gardens in bloom, listening to the birds, and relaxing to the sound of our backyard fountain.

Backyard happenings at the Dutch Iris Inn

August 6th, 2009 by nancyross

Despite the rainy start to summer (which we New Englanders are tired of talking about…), we have had a wonderful crop of blueberries and blackberries bursting their way onto our breakfast table! Tomatoes are a different story, but our herbs survived and are now enjoying the sunshine. Peaches from our local orchards (and our neighbor’s backyard) are also finding their way into our breakfasts these days, and the apple crop is predicted to be one of the best this year. Let our farms and orchards welcome you to all that is Connecticut Grown!