Letters From Under The Linden Tree

ANOTHER RECIPE!

2011-03-10T23:46:00.003-05:00

One of the desserts I make for a lot of my retreat groups are trifles.....I have accumulated all different types and variations, and thought I would share one of the most decadent ones I have made! It's rich and chocolately and yummy!!! Enjoy!!

Get Thee Back Satan Chocolate Trifle

John named this trifle after he took one bite of it!!!

1 sm. package instant chocolate pudding mix

2 cups cold milk

2 cups heavy cream

Confectioners sugar

Chocolate cake or cupcakes, 1 layer or 6 cupcakes

Ghirradelli milk chocolate chops

Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips

Ghiradelli white chocolate chips

Shelled hazelnuts, chopped

Make chocolate pudding with 2 cups of whole milk according to directions on package. Take out of mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of heavy cream into mixing bowl, no need to wash bowl or beaters…..it adds to the flavor! Whip the heavy cream into whipped cream, adding confectioners sugar to sweeten to your taste. Should be firm enough to hold it’s shape.

Cut chocolate cake into rough cubes, or just rip into large chunks. Place half of chocolate cake in trifle bowl to cover bottom. Sprinkle with a handful of each flavor of chocolate chips. Cover with a layer of chocolate pudding sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts. Cover with a layer of whipped cream. Follow with a layer of chocolate cake, chips, pudding, nuts and whipped cream. Decorate the top of the trifle with the 3 types of chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts. Chill an hour or two before serving.

WHAT A WINTER IT HAS BEEN!

2011-02-27T21:50:00.004-05:00

Been a while since I have posted here.....it's been a year of lots of snow in Rockport this year, and I for one am hoping the groundhog is right and spring is right around the corner!!!

Thought you might like a little something to brighten up your dinners....John and I discovered roasted carrots this winter......try them out....you won't believe that carrots can be so sweet with no sugar added....lots of good nutrients and nothing gets lost in the cooking process! Enjoy!!!

Roasted Carrots:

ingredients:

carrots: you need about 1 1/2 carrots per person, maybe even 2 carrots per person, of course it depends on how big the carrots are.....
salt
pepper
olive oil

heat oven to 400 degrees F

wash and peel as many carrots as you need to feed however many people you have.

cut the carrots on the diagonal into 1 inch pieces, you don't want them too thin, as they shrink during cooking

place on a baking sheet

sprinkle with salt and pepper

drizzle olive oil over them, and then toss carrots to coat them evenly with the oil, salt and pepper

place in preheated oven

they will take about 20 minutes to cook...check after 10 minutes and flip carrots over for more even cooking.

They are done when they are just tender when you poke them with a fork

They get all caramelized, and no one believes you when you tell you you didn't add any sugar to them

LINDEN TREE INN GETS GREAT PRESS!!!!

2010-09-21T10:24:00.007-05:00

We had two very nice articles in the paper this past week, both written by guests that stayed with us!

The first one that was brought to my attention by a long time guest of the Linden Tree was in the paper on Sunday in The Republican, (Springfield MA) and on the web at masslive.com It was a lovely commentary on a guest's stay, and even though the name of the inn was not mentioned, anyone who has stayed here would immediately know it was the Linden Tree!!! Scones, cupola, rambling victorian? Definitely The Linden Tree!!

The second article brought to my attention, also by a long time guest, was in the Sunday Boston Globe Travel section, about bicycling trips. We were so pleased to be mentioned, it is always a thrill to see your name in print!!! The article is here.

Thanks to Fred and Stephen for making our day!!!

TRAILS AND SAILS TIME IN ESSEX COUNTY!

2010-09-13T12:34:00.006-05:00

It's Trails and Sails time again in Essex County. September 17-19 and 24-26. A chance to experience all that The Essex National Heritage Area has to offer in Cape Ann and the surrounding area has for free!! Check out their website: Essex County Trails and Sails Weekends

It's a wonderful way to explore all that the National Heritage properties have to offer for free! Many events for children and adults. Check out the calendar of events and make your plans to get away! We still have rooms available for couples or small families both weekends, make your reservation today!

IT'S BREAKFAST TIME AT THE LINDEN TREE INN!

2010-09-11T09:48:00.001-05:00

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!!!!

GOLF ON CAPE ANN

2010-06-05T09:06:00.015-05:00

Next weekend (June 11-13) marks the historic return of the Curtis Cup to Essex County Club. The Curtis Cup is a high level amateur Women's event. This year it will be held at the Essex County Club in Manchester by the Sea, which was the home of Margaret and Harriot Curtis. This historic golf tournament was last played in at the Essex County Club in 1938. Officially titled “The Women’s International Cup,” the Curtis Cup is named for Essex County Club members Margaret and Harriot Curtis. The tournament is played by three teams, one from Great Britian, one from Ireland and one from the USA. The matches at Essex will be the first time that the three-day format is played in the United States. Learn more about the Curtis Cup through this video.

Curtis Cup Historical Video from 2010 Curtis Cup on Vimeo.

Captain Noreen Friel Mohler, a Massachusetts native, hopes to continue the USA win streak of six matches.

Click here for the schedule of events. You can still purchase tickets to the event online here.

We still have some rooms available for the weekend of June 11, 12 and 13. Come to Rockport and enjoy some wonderful golf, and all that Rockport has to offer. Visit our website and make your reservation today. If you love golf, this is a wonderful opportunity to see a high level competition in a gorgeous location, up close and personal.

WHAT'S DOING IN ROCKPORT THIS WEEKEND

2010-05-14T09:39:00.002-05:00

Check out all the happenings in Rockport and the surrounding area this weekend. We still have a a few rooms available. why not take a last minute overnight trip out to Rockport. A variety of activities will appeal to a wide range of interest. There are outdoor activities at Halibut Point State Park, a Garden Tour of Coastal Rockport gardens. There are theatre presentations, music concerts, a road race, an Essex River boat race.....and more!

Join us today and experience our Anglo-American hospitality in a quaint seaside village. Tobey and John Shepherd, Innkeepers

This Weekend on Cape Ann
May 14-16, 2010

Friday-Sunday, May 14-16
The Trojan Woman
The latest production of Theatre in the Pines, The Trojan Woman by Euripedes, opens tonight-- May 13-- at 7:30pm at Spiran Hall in downtown Rockport. Tickets: $15/adults, $10/students available at Toad Hall Bookstore, The Bookstore and at the door.

May 14
Backshore Road Race
Run along the backshore of Gloucester and take in our breathtaking ocean views! Then join us for a post-race awards party and buffet at the Gloucester House Restaurant. 978-283-0470 for more information

May 15
Essex River Race
The Essex River Race is open to all seaworthy human-powered rowing and paddle boats. Participants' crafts usually include Banks dories, fixed seat singles, doubles, multi-oars with cox, multi-oars without cox, sliding seat singles and more. Registration opens: 9am. Captains Meeting: 10am. First heat starts: 10:30am.

Saturday, May 15
Spring Plant Sale
CAPE ANN SYMPHONY'S Spring Plant Sale featuring locally grown and freshly delivered that morning flowers, herbs and tomato plants is set for Saturday, May 15, 9am-1pm at the Fuller School in Gloucester. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Cape Ann Symphony. Special guests will share their gardening expertise and give tips on beautifying your garden with free lectures and demonstrations. 978-281-0543

Saturday, May 15
Spring Pops Concert: Pop Goes the Wizard
THE CAPE ANN SYMPHONY celebrates spring with the Spring Pops Concert: Pops Goes the Wizard on Saturday, May 15, at 8pm in the Fuller School Auditorium. The lively concert features such popular favorites as John Williams' Harry Potter, Rodgers' The King and I, von Suppe's Light Calvary Overture, Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, III. 978-281-0543

Saturday, May 15
Cottages & Castles
ROCKPORT MUSIC presents "Cottages & Castles" on Saturday, May 15, 10am-4pm. Listen to the music of the ocean while exploring a distinctive mix of homes in the charming coastal village of Rockport. Tickets $25/person in advance, $30/person on 5/15. 978-546-7391

Saturday, May 15
Members Days
THE ESSEX SHIPBUILDING MUSEUM is having a Member's Day for all present, past, and potential members on Saturday, May 15. The purpose of the event is threefold: to acquaint everyone to our facilities and the shipyard; to show some of the educational exhibits that are rarely seen by others; and to just get together to socialize. 978-768-7541

Saturday, May 15
Energy Medicine Workshop
CAPE ANN HEALING CENTER Free Spring Workshop Series: Energy Medicine on Saturday, May 15, 1:30-2:30pm, with Dr. Erin Acevedo. Pre-registration is required, Please call to reserve your space now. 978-282-1191 x1

Saturday, May 15
Historic Walking Tour/Tea Party
MAGNOLIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY will sponsor a Free Historical Walking Tour/ Tea Party Event on Saturday, May 15. This free event includes a historical walking tour of Magnolia Point with Jim Cook followed by tea and light refreshments at "Inn Magnolia". 978-525-3070

Sunday, May 16
Breakfast Buffet
American Idol Finalist - 2008, Jesse McCullagh, will perform Sunday Morning Live at THE SEAWARD INN, Rockport on May 16, 9am until noon during a Breakfast Buffet by the Sea. For more on the artist go to www.seawardinn.com/blog or call 978-546-3471. There is no cover charge.

Sunday, May 16
Birding for Beginners
8-10am. Halibut Point State Park. For information: 978-546-2997.

Sunday, May 16
The Secret Life of the Eastern Coyote
2-3pm. Halibut Point State Park. For information: 978-546-2997.

Sunday, May 16
The Design Behind the Decoration
LISA BONNEVILLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER will present The Design Behind the Decoration on Sunday, May 16, 2-3pm at the Wenham Museum during the North Shore Design Show. Lecture included with show admission. Learn the steps you need to take to create favorite spaces in your own home. 978-526-4491

Sunday, May 16
Celtic Music Session
Join Michael O'Leary and Friends for their Celtic music session on Sundays from 6-9pm, May 16 & 30 at THE LANDING AT 7 CENTRAL in Manchester. An acoustic session of mostly traditional songs and tunes from the Celtic countries and Cape Breton. 978-526-7494

Thank you to Cape Ann Chamber for the compilation of weekend activities.

CAPE ANN BIRDING WEEKEND

2010-02-01T15:51:00.005-05:00

February 5th and 6th is a Cape Ann Birding Weekend. The birding weekend is being sponsored by Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Mass Audubon, and they are offering many opportunities for birders of every ability. They have the weekend all planned out with activities and bus trips to see the birds. Last year over 65 different bird species were spotted.

Come for the birding weekend, submit your reservation for the Bird Watching activities here. Then make your reservation at the Linden Tree Inn.We are offering a special for those guests who are attending the bird watching activities, stay 2 nights, pay full price for the first night, and get the second night half price. Enjoy the day birdwatching, and the evening relaxing back at the inn. Start the day with our full breakfast served family style, completed by the legendary scones!!

Call and make your reservation today! When making your reservation, be sure to let us know you are calling for the Bird Watching Special. If you prefer to make your reservation online, please make a note in the requests box that you are coming for the bird watching weekend, and we will adjust the room rate when we send out the confirmation letter.

Plan your weekend today and enjoy the quiet beauty of Rockport this time of year!

RINGING IN 2010 ROCKPORT STYLE

2010-01-09T02:43:00.004-05:00

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NEW YEARS EVE IN ROCKPORT, MA

We had a wonderful New Years Eve Celebration this year here at the Linden Tree Inn. John and I went down to enjoy the New Years Rockport Eve celebration, and we saw some great musicians and singers. I happened to have my camera along and took many pictures and video snippets of the action. I put them all together in a video, so everyone could enjoy a slice of our New Years Eve! We had a full house, and were lucky to have our Stambandet friends staying with us. Stambandet comes to the Linden Tree Inn twice a year to retreat and rehearse, and they graciously serenaded our guests with a song after having performed twice at Rockport New Years Eve!! Thank you so much Stambandet, we love having you here! You fill up the house with wonderful music and joy!

New Years Rockport Eve footage and photos just a representative of over 40 acts that perform during the evening. For information about New Years Rockport Eve go to http://www.newyearsrockporteve.com/

For information about Stambandet go to http://www.stambandet.org/

For information about the Linden Tree Inn check out our website http://linentreeinn.com

The Linden Tree Inn in Rockport MA is an 18 room bed and breakfast. Open year round, we are the perfect spot for a small off season retreat, family reunion, girls weekend or scrapbooking or crafting retreat. Gift certificates make great presents! Follow this link to our gift certificate order form.

Music James Taylor: Auld Lang Syne is the property of Sony Music Entertainment. No copyright infringement intended

Rockport Nativity pageant comes to life tomorrow - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

2009-12-18T11:37:00.005-05:00

Rockport Nativity pageant comes to life tomorrow - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

Posted using ShareThis

We still have rooms available for spur of the moment getaways! Come to see the pageant and stay overnight! Scones hot from the oven in the morning for breakfast make the trip complete. Call for a reservation.....our online booking engine does not allow same day reservations.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

2009-12-12T10:43:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone, hope that you are all getting wrapped up in the holiday season and enjoying all the parties and festivities that accompany this busy time of year.

Getting more into the electronic age, we have published a newsletter online. As we love to do newsletters with a lot of photos, it was not practical to send a long newsletter with lots of photos out by email, and instead opted for a smaller more streamlined email newsletter. If you would like to see the original with lots of pictures, then click on this link here to our Newsletter/Gift Certificate website.

If you are still looking for that one last holiday present for the hard to find person on your gift list, why not a Linden Tree Inn Gift Certificate? On our Linden Tree Inn Newsletter/Gift Certificate website you to be able to purchase gift certificates and print them out, making them the ideal last minute gift.

THE STOCKINGS ARE HUNG.....AWAITING FATHER CHRISTMAS!

SEPTEMBER IS FOR SAILING!! CHECK OUT OUR STAY AND SAIL PACKAGES!

2009-09-05T12:52:00.009-05:00

I love going sailing in the fall! The crisp feel in the air, the fair winds, sometimes you even catch a bit of color in the leaves turning as you sail out of Rockport Harbor and past the lighthouses. We have joined with Sailor Dog Charters to offer you sailing packages. Stay overnight at at the Linden Tree Inn, arise to warm scones and a hearty breakfast, then go sailing with Captain Glenn on his 30 foot Nonsuch sloop Wave Dancer! We can pack you snacks or a light lunch or dinner.....sunset is particularly gorgeous, the light is so amazing.....nothing compares to a lovely afternoon on the water and sailing home at sunset. You choose the time of day and how long you would like to be sailing. A private sail with Captain Glenn is a wonderful way to reconnect with your special someone, best friends or special activity to make memories with your family. Wave Dancer can accommodate up to six passengers, and will be taking guests until mid-October, weather permitting of course!!!

Check out these scrapbook pages I made with pictures I took when my dear friend Terri and I took a sunset sail a couple weeks ago......what a fabulous time we had, no phone, no interruptions, just time to chat and enjoy the scenery, have some yummy snacks and revel in the glory of the sunset! Thank you Captain Glenn for a fabulous sail!!

SAILING HOME AT SUNSET!

SPRING AT THE LINDEN TREE

2009-06-01T00:52:00.003-05:00

The flowers are budding in the garden, and soon there will be a profusion of peonies and roses.....these are a few pictures I took in the garden the last day of May.

ROCKPORT IN THE SNOW

2009-03-03T23:39:00.005-05:00

We have had record amounts of snow this year in Rockport!! It really is peaceful here after a snow fall and I thought you might like to see the beauty of the snow. It is even more wonderful when you don't how to go out in the cold to see it!

The Linden Tree Inn in the snow

Dried grasses by Cape Hedge Beach

Reflections of the Motif #1

The Motif Snowbound

Dories in Rockport Harbor

The linden tree covered in a blanket of snow.

Now if Spring would only make an appearance!!

TRAILS AND SAILS WEEKEND ON CAPE ANN

2008-09-22T07:43:00.004-05:00

This weekend Cape Ann celebrates it's Essex National Heritiage attractions, with the Trails and Sails program, offering free admission and special tours to many of their attractions....make a weekend out of it with a stay at the Linden Tree, and see how many of the activities you can fit in. We still have some great rooms available, call and make your reservation today before we fill up!!

OUR "QUEEN OF THE NIGHT"

2008-09-06T20:46:00.007-05:00

We have a night blooming cereus in our sunroom, also known as a "queen of the night" as it only blooms at night for a few hours. This week it blessed up with a bloom....my plant usually only blooms about once a year, so I only have one time a year to enjoy and photograph it! I love taking pictures of the bloom, it is so unusual, and has the most amazing fragrance that fills the sunroom as it blooms. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite shots from this weeks blooming.

JUNE IN ROCKPORT!

2008-06-15T15:00:00.011-05:00

Now that the spell of unseasonable hot and humid weather from the last week is behind us, I have been able to get out and spend a little time in the gardens. The flowers are blooming like crazy, and I thought you might like to see some of the color in our gardens this time of year. The linden tree is all leafed out, and soon will be sporting a gorgeous white profusion of flowers, with that unbelievable sweet fragrance that the linden tree possesses. If you aren't visiting when the tree is blooming, then you can experience the sweet perfume of the tree captured in the Baudelaire linden flower soap and shampoo in the guest bathrooms. To prolong the memory, you can purchase other Baudelaire body care products with the linden flower fragrance at the inn.

Along with the blooming flowers, Rockport is bursting with the wonderful sounds of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival concerts. We have had several musicians stay with us, and have enjoyed some of their music drifting out of their rooms as they warm up and rehearse for their upcoming performance. The festival continues through the month of June Thursday through Sundays, with the closing performance on July 2nd.

Call now to make your reservations and enjoy this profusion of beauty for yourself!

WELCOME TO ROCKPORT???

2008-04-20T13:04:00.008-05:00

Well, we have been having some exciting times here in Rockport! The crew from Disney was in town filming a new romantic comedy called "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The film takes place in Sitka, Alaska and Rockport has been transformed to this Alaskan seaside village. It's been a bit strange to have totem poles in dock square, and Sitka, Alaska banners hanging from the signposts....but I will let you be the judge of that with photos of our lovely town....there have been a lot of star sightings around town of Sandra, Ryan, Mary Steenbergen (wonder where Ted Danson was?) and Betty White, as well as Sandra's husband, Jesse James. I was not so fortunate to see anyone famous, but it was exciting all the same! Check out the Motif #1, the Fish Shack, the Greenery, the Future home of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival and several other local shops....looks familiar.....with a twist!

I just love this last photo with the reflections.....it's been a fun week or so!

SNOW BEAUTIFUL!

2008-02-27T19:15:00.003-05:00

We got over a foot of snow last Friday, and after all the snow, on Saturday we had a gorgeous sunny day with beautiful blue skies....I snapped this photo of our Linden Tree, all decked out in snow!! Just beautiful!!

MAKE IT GREAT IN 2008!! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

2008-01-01T17:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our guests, family and friends! We hope you had an enjoyable celebration to ring in the New Year! We had a small but mighty celebration here this year, going out to enjoy the New Years Rockport Eve celebration, then coming back and toasting in 2008! My friend Morgan was able to join us at the last minute, and whipped out these fabulous little masks for us to wear!! Don't we look cute? I thought my mask made me look quite "owlish", and matched my haircolor completing "the look"!
We had a great time, and as everyone checked out this morning, I told them all to "Make it Great in 2008!"

Start making your plans now to come and stay at the Linden Tree Inn this year! Come and taste the "legendary" scones (as seen on Boston's MyFox ZipTrip to Rockport) Come to experience our Anglo-American hospitality for yourself, and you will see why it is so easy to fall in love with the Linden Tree Inn and Rockport! We look forward to seeing you in 2008!

NEW YEARS EVE!

2007-12-30T11:21:00.001-05:00

What are you waiting for? It's time to make your reservation for New Years Eve! We still have some rooms available, and will gladly pick up your New Years Rockport Eve buttons for you so they will be waiting for you when you arrive! With a little bit later breakfast and checkout time, you can stay up late, and not miss breakfast or feel rushed to check out! Join us as we kick off our "Make it great in 2008" year!

A SCRAP RETREAT IS GREAT IN 2008!!!

2007-12-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

Make Scrapbooking in 2008 Great!!!! Plan a trip to the Linden Tree Inn in Rockport MA and join in on our 3rd Annual Crop-Port in Rockport!! I am so excited about the scrap retreat here at the Linden Tree Inn this year! We had so much fun the last two years, I can't wait to see what this year will bring! Come and scrap all those Holiday pictures uninterupted with no kids, no needless phone interruptions, and no need to worry about the cooking and cleaning! We try to promote a relaxed, fun, scrapping atmosphere, with lots of good food, friendship and a fab scrapping goodie basket to take home. And don't forget all the scones you can eat for breakast!!!! Arrangements can be made with area spa services for massages, pedicures or manicures. Let us know when you make your reservation if that is something you would be interested in.
This year I have decided to have more days available for the Scrap Retreat. I am going to offer retreat time from January 10th through January 21. Come for any two or more days that fit your schedule. We still have good availablility left for January 11th-17th, and limited availablility from the 17th-22. You will have your own scrap space to set up for the whole time you are here with 24 hour acccess, use of a Sizzix die cutter with at least 10 alphabet sets, and over 100 dies and embossing dies, punches, rubber stamps, and a variety of other tools. The cost for 2 nights is $220, which includes tax, meals, drinks, snacks, your own guest room with private bath, and an awesome goodie basket. Special pricing for extended stays or for adding an extra day or two to your 2 night reservation! Because of our affordable pricing, we do not discount for shared rooms, nor do we assign shared rooms, every scrapper has their own guest room with private bath. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your place, with the balance due on arrival. On reciept of deposit, you will be sent a questionnaire to fill out regarding any food allergies and preferences for drinks and snacks. If you would like to register, you can post a comment, email us at ltree@shore.net or give us a call at 1-800-865-2122 or 1-978-546-2494.
So when faced with all those holiday photos that are just begging to be scrapped, make you reservation to come and "Crop-Port in Rockport" this January!!! Bring along a friend or two, or maybe a family member....make it a girl's weekend crop! So take some time for yourself, and make it a getaway to the Linden Tree Inn Scrap Retreat!
And now for some photos from last years retreat:
The living room all set up for the scrappers to arrive, with goodie baskets on chairs! Each scrapper has half of a 6 foot table, their own light, wastebasket for scraps, pencil holder, and a small caddy for tools.

Sizzix machines and dies available for you to use, I have over 10 alphabets and lots of different sized dies, as well as many other tools that you can use, along with loads of rubber stamps, small sewing machine, paper crimpers, Fastenator stapler, Clickit, Crop-o-Dile, small light table for stencil dry embossing, and all kinds of paper punches.....
There is also a computer with a scanner and printer for your use if you should need to print out more pictures or journaling. Photo paper available for purchase, or bring your own...

A fully stocked snack table for all your afternoon or late night munchies! Let us know your favorite scrappy snack, and we will try to have it available! The chocolate is always in abundance at a Linden Tree Inn scrap retreat!
Pat works on her project, while Anne takes a short break from her scrapping.

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

2007-12-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

This evergreen tree was sitting in our backyard, all covered with snow. Once we got started on the deck project, we decided that we are going to clear this space out this spring and cut the tree down. We thought that it was such a lovely shape, wouldn't it make a lovely Christmas tree?Here is a view of the tree from the top deck of the carriage house.....it really looks like the perfect tree for our living room! John cuts the tree down, 2 days before Christmas.

Here she is, standing in the living room , all ready to decorate!

All decked out, isn't she a beauty? The boughs were perfect to hang our ornaments from and really show them off. (She does look like she is leaning a bit in this photo, but I think it is the photographer!!)

Lovely In the glow of the lights, this year's tree is the prettiest one ever!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2007-12-25T22:43:00.000-05:00

John and I would like to wish all our Linden Tree Inn guests and friends a very happy holiday time with your family and friends! Peace, Love and Happiness to you all.

START YOUR PLANS FOR NEW YEARS EVE, AND A DECK UPDATE!

2007-12-15T23:34:00.000-05:00

Start making your New Years Eve plans for New Years Rockport Eve, A Small Town with a Big Celebration! It's a family friendly celebration, with lots of wonderful entertainment at many of the churchs and public buildings in town. $15 per adult ($6 for children) will get you a button to attend all the festivities going on in town. Check out the New Years Rockport Eve Website for a listing of all the activities planned for this year, there are over 14 venues. With all the fabulous music, storytellers, and activites planned, there is something that will appeal to everyone! Call to make your reservation to stay at the Linden Tree Inn today while we still have good availability. Ring in 2008 in Rockport where there's always a full house here at the Linden Tree!!

Work is coming along nicely on the decks, Roger and Todd are in the final stages. We are hoping they will be completed soon, although Mother Nature has been sending a lot of snow our way, which is certainly slowing the progress down a bit. We are looking forward to warmer weather so we can go shopping for new tables and chairs to put on them! I can't begin to tell you how much of a craftsman Roger is, these decks are going to be gorgeous! We were so fortunate the weather held off just long enough to have all the cement poured and cured before the snow flew!
Here are a couple recent photos of the progress! One huge improvement is the the stairs off the top deck, they will be so easy to walk up and down now compared to the steep angle of our previous stairs! A view looking from the back corner of the Carriage House. Still to come, railings, a privacy screen between the side by side units, and a gate off the second floor decks to access the stairs. It's hard to see the lovely grey and texture of the decking, that is mold and mildew resistant!
Aren't they shaping up nicely?
We hope you enjoy watching the decks take shape!

LOOKING FOR THAT LAST MINUTE PRESENT?

2007-12-08T01:08:00.001-05:00

How about a gift certificate to the Linden Tree Inn for that special couple or friend? Not sure what to get for that special person in your life? A weekend in Rockport is always a special destination. We can assist you in putting together a weekend package, with suggestions for local spas, restaurants and attractions. Plan your Girls Weekend getaway for Rockport this year, and surprise the girls with a Gift Certificate to come and stay at the Linden Tree! Want to add a little something of what awaits them at the Linden Tree Inn? Our guest rooms now have Baudelaire linden scented soaps and shampoo imported from France. Package your gift certificate with something fragrant from our full gift collection of linden fragranced bath and spa products. Email or call us and we can help you with all the details to select that perfect package. We can have our specially crafted certificate or gift package on it's way to you within 48 hours.

SAMPLE GIFT CERTIFICATE, we can personalize it however you like!

A sampling of some of the products in our Baudelaire linden fragranced soaps and body products

SCRAP RETREAT AT THE LINDEN TREE INN

2007-11-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

It's time to Crop-port in Rockport again!! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and soon the winter holidays will be upon us. I am so excited about the third annual scrap retreat here at the Linden Tree Inn! We had so much fun the last two years, I can't wait to see what this year will bring! Come and scrap all those Holiday pictures uninterupted with no kids, no needless phone interruptions, and no need to worry about the cooking and cleaning! We try to promote a relaxed, fun, scrapping atmosphere, with lots of good food, friendship and a fab scrapping goodie basket to take home. And don't forget all the scones you can eat for breakast!!!! Arrangements can be made with area spa services for massages, pedicures or manicures. Let us know when you make your reservation if that is something you would be interested in.

This year I have decided to have more days available for the Scrap Retreat. I am going to offer retreat time from January 10th through January 21. Come for any two or more days that fit your schedule. You will have your own scrap space to set up for the whole time you are here with 24 hour acccess, use of a Sizzix die cutter with at least 10 alphabet sets, and over 100 dies and embossing dies, punches, rubber stamps, and a variety of other tools. The cost for 2 nights is $220, which includes tax, meals, drinks, snacks, your own guest room with private bath, and an awesome goodie basket. Special pricing for extended stays or for adding an extra day or two to your 2 night reservation! Because of our affordable pricing, we do not discount for shared rooms, nor do we assign shared rooms, every scrapper has their own guest room with private bath. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your place, with the balance due on arrival. On reciept of payment, you will be sent a questionnaire to fill out regarding any food allergies and preferences for drinks and snacks. If you would like to register, you can post a comment, email us at ltree@shore.net or give us a call at 1-800-865-2122 or 1-978-546-2494.

So when dropping your "What I want for Christmas" this year hints, don't forget to add the "Crop-Port in Rockport" in January to your wish list!!! Bring along a friend or two, or maybe a family member....make it a girl's weekend crop! So take some time for yourself, and make it a getaway to the Linden Tree Inn Scrap Retreat!

And now for some photos from last years retreat:

The living room all set up for the scrappers to arrive, with goodie baskets on chairs! Each scrapper has half of a 6 foot table, their own light, wastebasket for scraps, pencil holder, and a small caddy for tools....

A fully stocked snack table for all your afternoon or late night munchies! Let us know your favorite scrappy snack, and we will try to have it available! The chocolate is always in abundance at a Linden Tree Inn scrap retreat!

Sizzix machines and dies available for you to use, I have over 10 alphabets and lots of different sized dies, as well as many other tools that you can use, along with loads of rubber stamps, small sewing machine, paper crimpers, Fastenator stapler, Clickit, Crop-o-Dile, small light table for stencil dry embossing, and all kinds of paper punches.

There is also a computer with scanner and printer for your use if you should need to print out more pictures or journaling. Photo paper available for purchase, or bring your own....hoping to have a new computer this year....but this is last years set up!

Pat and Anne take a break from their scrap projects!

A TIME FOR GIVING THANKS!

2007-11-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well, so much time has gone by since I have updated our blog! We have been very busy here at the Linden Tree, which is a very good thing! As Thanksgiving Day draws to a close, we want to say a big thank you to all who have stayed with us this past summer and fall! We enjoyed meeting guests from all over the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, and many other far reaches of the globe. Already we are looking forward to seeing what the next year will have in store for us!

As we enter a quiet time here at the inn, we are starting to do one of the main projects we have put off the past couple years. For those of you that have heard us talk about it, it has finally happened! Yes, the Carriage House Decks are being replaced! The old decks came off last week, and the supports for the new ones are being built. It is exciting to go out every afternoon and see what progress Roger and Todd, our contractor and his assistant have made! They are going to be a few feet bigger, so that we can put some nice tables and chairs on them! Here's a picture of the Carriage House with the decks ripped off

And, now, one with the 2 decks framed...a side view...

Start making your plans now, I think the new decks are going to have everyone longing for a stay in the Carriage House! I will continue to post pictures of the progress. They will be starting back to work come Monday.

And for those Scrapbookers out there, start planning your January retreat with us. The dates are January 10-21. Details are on my scrappy blog, and I will be posting them here as well. Stay tuned!

WELCOME SUMMER!

2007-06-22T15:06:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? The first full day of summer is today, and Mother Nature has decided to throw us a bit of every kind of weather summer has to offer! Bright sun, cloudy skies, heavy downpour rain and thunder! Our first full house of the season, with many more to come.

The Rockport Chamber Music Festival is in full swing, and we have had some fabulous musicians staying with us. The Linden Tree Inn has always been a haven for the performers and patrons of the festival, as this is where pianist/composer David Alpher and soprano Lila Deis were staying when they mentioned to Penny and Larry, the owners of the Linden Tree, that Rockport would be a lovely place for a music festival. Larry put them in touch with Paul Sylva, a Rockport businessman, and as they say, the rest is history! David Deveau the festival's Artistic Director, and pianist extraordinaire has been staying with us on the weekends. We are looking forward to hearing him, along with Andres Cardenes and Anne Martindale Williams on Sunday June 24. They are all unbelievable, and we always try to get to at least one of Andres, Anne's and David's concerts during the Festival season. Other fine musicians that have stayed with us this year to date have been pianist Sally Pinkus, pianist Anton Kuerti, and the trio Time for Three. We were able to get to Time for Three's performance, and they are so incredibly talented, I was just amazed at their skill, and the sound they produced! At times I thought for sure there were more than 3 musicians on that stage. They were so full of fun, had amazing stage presence to match their virtuosity, and I am certain we will be seeing them again at the festival in the future. We still have lots more musicians lined up to stay with us this year, next week we have the Miami String Quartet coming, and the Adam Birnbaum Trio who will perform a bonus Jazz concert on July 2nd! And we are so looking forward to hearing the Atlantic Brass Quintet! There is still some time left to catch a concert, but hurry, as the tickets are selling like hotcakes, and rooms are filling up quick at the inn! And if you miss it this year, then start planning for next year! The concerts sell out quickly once the program is announced. We'll keep you posted on our website and the blog!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!

2007-06-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate our 5th anniversary as innkeepers. 5 years ago today we became the new owners and innkeepers of the Linden Tree Inn, and it has been 5 incredible years! We are loving the inn life, and enjoy meeting new people every day. We look forward to guests that return each year, and get to hear how their families have grown and have celebrated milestones. Come and celebrate with us as we start our next 5 years, and become a part of the Linden Tree Inn's history. Enjoy some scones at breakfast on the deck, relax under the boughs of our linden tree and feel the soft breeze as it sways the leaves. Take a walk through Millbrook Meadow down to Front Beach and meander through the shops and galleries, stopping along the way at one of Rockport's restaurants for a bite to eat. Go for a boat ride around Rockport harbor on the M/V King Eider. Take a sunset sail on the Schooner Appledore III. Or if you want a bit more adventure, try your skill at kayaking out along the shores of Rockport and Thatcher Island with North Shore Kayak Outdoor Center. Want even more excitement? Hop a fishing boat charter out to Stellwagon Banks and catch that big one, a cod, haddock or maybe even a striper along the way! Prefer walking? Take a walk on the Atlantic Path up to Halibut Point State Park and hike the trails around Babson Quarry. Join a guided tour of Dogtown with Walk the Words, or let them take you on a Rockport hike to see the famous Whales Jaw rock formation. Some of Rockport's other must see points of interest include a short hike out to the Headlands for a spectacular sunrise or sunset, a visit to the Paper House can't be missed, it's a small woodframe construction home that was built in the 1920's of paper, a true gem, it is a 20 year history lesson of what was going on in the era of when the house was built, with the headlines of all the newspapers used to build the furniture and hearth pointing out. Learn about Rockport's history at the Sandy Bay Historical Society and Museum just up the street from the inn, catch a movie at Rockport's Little Arts Theatre....after all the sightseeing, hiking fishing, and boating, take a day to stretch out on the beach, gather some sea glass, take a dip in the Atlantic. Walk back up to the Linden Tree Inn, and have some lemonade or ice tea to refresh yourself. As your visit is coming to a close, you will know why we say, one day is never enough, come and stay, not just for a day....but three or four!

Welcome June!!!

2007-06-01T09:18:00.001-05:00

Where has the time gone, just yesterday it was the start of April and unseasonable snowstorms, and now it is the first of June, and we have been enjoying some incredible warm weather! All the flowers are blooming, the linden tree is in full leaf, and soon will be in blossom. I so look forward to the blossoming of the linden tree, as it imparts the most delicious sweet fragrance. I so enjoy the fragrance of our tree in June, and have been exploring ways to bring that lovely scent in to the house, so to preserve the memory throughout the year

After much searching, we found a company from France that makes the most delightfully linden fragranced soaps and bath amenities. As we celebrate our 5th year as owners of the Linden Tree, we are now able to offer this wonderful line of linden fragranced soaps and shampoo in our guest bathrooms. And to remember your Linden Tree Inn experience, we carry a full line of Baudelaire linden fragranced bath and spa products for you to purchase. They make lovely gifts, and are so easy to tuck into your suitcase for the trip home. Check out our new spa shelf in the office, and pamper yourself or someone you love with a special treat for the bath.

WHAT IS UP WITH ALL THIS SNOW?

2007-03-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

Just when I was getting used to not wearing the winter coat, and enjoying the smell of spring in the air, ol' Mother Nature pulls a fast one on us and sends along a N'oreaster to keep us on our toes! I think this is the most snow we have had all winter! John and I couldn't resist, and took the truck out for a little ride to the grocery store when the snow was coming down several inches an hour, and swirling all over the place. Yes, the 4 wheel drive works great on the truck, and it was fun to be out in the storm! The wind is still howling and the snow is still swirling, and who knows when it is going to stop....I hope that the rain will hold off long enough tomorrow for me to get out and take some great photos of all the snow. I love the winter wonderland of the snow on all the trees, dressing up their bare limbs with white sleeves of glittering white! Cape Ann truly is beautiful in all seasons...Our linden tree looks especially wonderful dressed up in her coat of white.

STARTING TO FEEL LIKE SPRING!

2007-03-09T22:43:00.000-05:00

I think spring is in the air here on Cape Ann! I noticed that the buds on our linden tree are looking fatter, and a bit red, so spring and the budding out can't be too far off. The air definately feels different, and with the clocks being turned ahead this weekend, it will seem like we have more sun during the day. The temperatures are supposed to be in the 50s this weekend, and the ladies retreating here this weekend feel like they have hit the weather jackpot! I am looking forward to getting out in the garden and searching for other signs of spring poking out of the ground! Why not plan a weekend getaway here at the Linden Tree and discover the early signs of spring for yourselves? Come and catch some Spring Fever, we'd love to share it with you!

I took this photo last March at Halibut Point State Park of the first crocus, this is such a lovely time of year to wander around the quarry there, and walk the trails to the ocean's edge.

Check out Our Slide Show!

2007-03-02T11:28:00.001-05:00

The Mill Pond

2007-02-28T16:03:00.000-05:00

Even though the Mill Pond across the street is still partially frozen over, the ducks are very active, and come racing over to see if you have anything to eat when you approach the pond! While waiting for spring, I thought you might enjoy a few summer shots of the Mill Pond to get you ready for the warmer weather. Why not start planning that spring or summer vacation today?

Call today for rates and availability.

1-800-865-2122 or 1-978-546-2494.

Welcome to The Linden Tree Inn Blog

2007-02-26T14:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Linden Tree Inn Blog!

We hope to use this blog to post what is going on at the Inn, happenings around Rockport, MA, pictures, recipes and seasonal offerings.

You can stop by our website to learn more about the Linden Tree Inn.

We are excited about being able to keep you up to date with goings on around the Inn!

Warm regards,

Tobey and John Shepherd
Innkeepers