 A message from Jenny Wackerle & Gia Koumantzelis, Innkeepers : The Highlands Inn has just published the 2013 schedule for our Women's Music Concert Series. See the Concerts page on our website ( www.highlandsinn-nh.com). We are excited to announce that SONiA (aka "disappear fear") will be performing at The Highlands Inn on Saturday evening, January 12, 2013. Click to read about SONiA. SONiA's performance is the first concert of the 2013 Women's Music Series. Started in 2000 with just a couple of performers per year, the Series has grown to become a year round event that includes multiple performers from around the country. Concerts are generally held on Saturday nights at 8 pm. As far as we know, The Highlands Inn is the only inn or resort that sponsors a year round series of shows. Performers include international solo artists, several duos, as well as a few well known bands. We are excited about this year's line up that includes a terrific variety of performers. Some have performed at the Inn many times and others will be here for the first time. The Inn's comfortable, intimate atmosphere provides an excellent venue for our artists, whether concerts are held indoors or poolside during warm weather! Many of the participating musicians perform nationally, at popular music festivals and other venues around the country. Many performers have said, "A gig at The Highlands Inn is a welcome break during a busy tour." Our venue provides a unique opportunity to showcase new songs and win new fans. And of course the Inn's guests enjoy an evening with a new talent or perhaps a favorite artist from their home area. 2013 Events Calendar The Highlands Inn has also published its 2013 Calendar of Events. Annual holiday events include Thanksgiving and New Year's. Upcoming special "theme" weekends include a Yoga Weekend (January) and Family Weekend (June). Please see www.highlandsinn-nh.com for complete listings of
events. Schedules may change during the year and concerts and events may be
added, so please check our website for the latest information!
 Congratulations to Jenny & Gia, the new Innkeepers of The HighlaA message from Grace, previous Owner of The Highlands Inn:
It's almost exactly one year since I announced my plans to sell The Highlands Inn in preparation for my retirement. And now, I am very happy to tell you that Jenny Wackerle and Gia Koumantzelis will soon become the new owners!
First, I want to introduce Jenny and Gia to you. For years, they have dreamed of the possibility of buying the Inn. They are of course thrilled that it's happening, and so am I! Jenny and Gia have been frequent guests at The
Highlands Inn for the past 19 years. They are both social workers, live in Newburyport, MA and are celebrating 21 years together this June. They were married in 2006, and spent their honeymoon at The Highlands Inn. Ellie, a sweet and enthusiastic 5-year-old dachshund mix, joined their family in 2010, after she found them with the help of a New Hampshire shelter. Jenny and Gia enjoy
hiking, golf, going to Indigo Girls concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
Jenny and Gia have become my friends over the years and are very excited about becoming the Highlands' next Innkeepers. In their own words: "We have always loved spending our free time in this special place. The Highlands Inn has always felt like home, because of Grace's warmth and hospitality. Our goal is to maintain the spirit of The Highlands Inn, and to continue the wonderful work Grace has done over the past 29 years. We feel so fortunate and honored to be accompanying The Highlands Inn into her next
chapter."
I am confident that Jenny and Gia will preserve the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the Highlands. When I put the Inn on the market, I made a commitment to maintain the Highlands as an inn for women. Jenny and Gia share that commitment. At the same time, they will bring new energy and fresh ideas to the Inn. Don't expect any sudden changes, however! We all will work to make the mid-July transition as seamless as possible. To that end, I will be working closely with Jenny and Gia over the next few months to familiarize them with all the details of running the place ... and there are many! Also, Jackie who has been here over 20 years, and Sheena over 4, will be here to help ease the transition.
It has been my privilege to provide this special place for women for close to 30 years. I am profoundly grateful to all of you whose support has helped create this "lesbian paradise," and I hope that we can count on your support in the future. Many thanks also to our staff. It's been wonderful to be able to serve the lesbian community and to meet women from all over the world. I'm sure I'll miss it! However, as living in New Hampshire constantly reminds us, "to everything there is a season." I look forward to placing The Highlands Inn in Jenny and Gia's capable hands so that women may enjoy the Inn for many years to come.
Very Best Regards,
Grace Newman
Innkeeper
 Hello Friends, Greetings from downtown Portsmouth. As many of you have likely begun (and may be finishing) your holiday shopping, we wanted to remind you that a trip to Portsmouth and the Ale House Inn makes a wonderful gift. Certificates are perfect for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list. The benefits of our certificates include: - No expiration date - No black out dates - Any dollar amount available - May be used towards in-room amenities - May be applied to spa treatments during stay - Supports a small, locally owned business - Mailed same day directly to you or your recipient Not looking forward to receiving another tie, bottle of perfume, or pine scented candle? Tell them you'd love a certificate to the Ale House Inn and forget re-gifting next year! To purchase, simply call us at 603.431.7760 and we can assist you immediately over the phone. We look forward to welcoming you and/or your gift recipient to Portsmouth and the Ale House Inn. Happy Holidays, Doug & Dan Proprietors Ale House Inn www.alehouseinn.com
 SONiA will perform on Friday evening, December 30th. SONiA's show will be an exciting prelude to the already full agenda for the weekend. The Highlands Inn New Year's Package includes your room, a delicious breakfast every morning, and a fabulous New Year's Eve party with dinner and dancing. The party gets started with hors d'oeuvres in our fireplaced living room, followed by a wonderful dinner with your choice of prime rib or broiled salmon, delicious veggies, and lots of desserts. Then we'll rev it up with DJs and dancing! We'll have a chocolate fountain, hats & horns, and plenty of champagne to help you bring in the New Year! Packages are $745-$1,225 per couple for a 4-night minimum stay. Make reservations now. Call (603) 869-3978 or 1-877 LES-B-INN (537-2466) www.highlandsinn-nh.com
 Flickering glimpses through the trees of exquisite architecture only begins to intrigue your curiosity of the quaint town of Portsmouth, home of the Ale House Inn. Approaching the Inn, it is hard to tell what lies within the brick outer exterior, and modern hallway. But as you step out of the elevator, the warm ambiance wraps its welcoming arms around you just begging for you to relax and stay awhile. The bayside décor in the lounge basks in the warm sun that flows through the tall picture windows as you are greeted and checked-in to your room by a staff as warm and embracing as family. Any questions you have about local great eats, town history, shopping or even Ogunquit, Maine for some night life, Manager Scott Choppe is a proud local native with a wealth of knowledge. A deep breath and soothing exhale will come naturally as soon as you step foot into your spacious accommodations for the next night or two or three. There is no doubt that the soft colors and inviting furniture are a strong contrast to the brick exterior. Don’t think that just because you are in a quaint historic town that you are going to have to go with out! Of course there is internet access, cable television and coffee/tea available, but the most amazing find was the Apple iPad sitting on the desk just waiting to get some use! Whether you are on vacation, just want to relax, in town with plans to go shopping, or on a business trip and need to get some work done, the Ale House Inn is just right for you! www.alehouseinn.com all photos are subject to copyright.
 New Hampshire is famous for many things, one of them being their tasty and nutritional Maple Syrup, or as sometimes called, "maple sugar!" New Hampshire produces approximately 90,000 gallons of maple syrup per season. Seasons run typically February thru April, depending upon weather. Maple Syrup is a 100% natural and organic product. A maple tree must be at least 30 years old and 12” in diameter before it can be tapped for syrup and tapping does NO permanent damage to the tree. Trees can be tapped year after year. The many colors of maple syrup... Maple syrup is classified according to its color, which is a rough guide to flavor intensity. The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavors. A great resource to learn more about maple syrup by the Cornell Sugar Maple Research & Extension Program: http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/FAQ.htmAnother great website we found with information on everything about tapping the maple tree in your backyard, click http://tapmytrees.com/
Tree Tapping for Maple Syrup
 The Element Lounge Manchester, NH Gay Owned Alternative Night Club Set on one of the main streets in town is The Element Lounge. Just within the entryway, we were greeted by Lynn with her heartfelt smile and warm welcome. Diversity is welcomed and thus provided within the elegant and tasteful décor & ambiance. With a parted mix of gay and straight clientele, this club prefers to be known as an “alternative” establishment. It’s the ultimate spot for dining and dancing, where the comfortable environment is enjoyable for you and your partner, along with your straight friends! Enjoy a pleasurable meal, grab a “totti” from Scotty at the bar, and then mingle your way to the sizeable dance floor! Once again, while spending time in Manchester on a cold winter evening, we found ourselves surrounded by sociable company among all the Elements when they are set before you like a tantalizing feast. Eat, drink, dance and mingle for one and all at The Element Lounge. Find them on the web: http://www.elementlounge.net/photos are subject to copyright.
 The Breezeway Pub
Manchester, NH
Gay Owned Night Club
We visited The Breezeway Pub on a cold January Saturday night. Upon entering, the warm atmosphere, friendly crowd and vibrant bartenders greeted us with a smile! The pool table, bar, and seating area is situated in a separate room than the dance floor, which enhanced conversation amongst patrons, since you are actually able to listen and respond without shouting.
Doogie served us his specialty drink, the tutti fruiti, a tangy combination of liquors that swirl through your veins to loosen and release tensions of the day. We enjoyed listening to DJ McKay spinning our favorite tunes, while watching the dance floor begin to pack. And we certainly couldn't forget to mention Steve, Owner of the Pub, who was pleasantly eager to attend to all his guests needs!
Looking back upon the evening, the beautifully backlit bar, clean environment, great music, and sociable staff & customers will be remembered fondly!
 Whether women come to The Highlands Inn for a private romantic getaway or just to relax and enjoy themselves, they're sure to find a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The Inn's gracious common areas make it easy to socialize with other guests, if you wish. Guests love being able to meet and socialize with other lesbians from all over the country, whether chatting at breakfast, joining another couple for dinner at a wonderful local restaurant, or sharing a bottle of wine in the spacious fireplaced living room. In fact, many couples who've been visiting the Inn for years have said that they first met some of their best friends here! The Highlands Inn in Bethlehem NH has received some attention recently with the publication of Jodi Picoult's new book, Sing You Home. The book features a lesbian couple from Rhode Island, who marry in Massachusetts and come to the best honeymoon spot, The Highlands Inn. The book mentions our rainbow chairs, our fireplaced rooms, breakfast and best of all, the getting-more-famous-by-the-day phone number, 1-877-LES-B-INN! Jodi, who lives in NH, is the author of 18 books, including many New York Times Best Sellers and her book, Your Sister's Keeper, was made into a movie. Jodi recently announced that Ellen DeGeneres has bought the rights to make Sing You Home into a movie as well. We have heard from lots of folks, some who are planning their first visit, others who call and fess up to just needing to find out if our perfect phone number is for real! We are grateful to Jodi for helping those women who hadn't managed to find us yet to learn about us. Check out The Highlands Inn: 240 Valley View Lane
Bethlehem, NH 03574
877-LES-B-INN
http://www.highlandsinn-nh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Highlands-Inn/105836219576
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