.....AND Summer is just around the corner!!!!!!!!

OK, so I have to say I'm a little spoiled.  I work with a great bunch of people and as a result, Fairfield Inn & Suites Portsmouth Exeter was just named a Gold Hotel by Marriott for 2010!!!  Not bad for our first eligible year!

The hotel is really starting to get busy and we're so excited to welcome back some familiar groups!  This summer should be exceptional for us!  Hoooorrraaayyy!

The Brown Bird.  Many of you have asked about this, so I will explain:  There was a man who was so incredibly unhappy in his life.  He just felt there needed to be something more than the same old grind day in and day out.

His friend suggested that he go to the Himalaya's and seek out the wisest man in the world.  So off he went, in search of the meaning of life.  It was a treacherous trip and the man suffered many painful injuries and broken bones, but after months of facing tremendous peril, he finally found the wisest man in the world.

"Oh, great wise one," the man bowed down before the very elderly gentleman, "I have traveled such a great distance to ask one question.  Please share with me the meaning of life!?"

The old man thought for just a brief moment and then spoke to the weary traveler:  "The brown bird doesn't fly at night."

"WHAT?"

The old man repeated:  "The brown bird doesn't fly at night."

"I've traveled across the world.  I've left behind everything and everyone I know.  I've suffered extensive pain and injury to seek you out.  To find the meaning of life.  After months upon months of hardship I finally find you and that's what you have to say???!!!  The brown bird doesn't fly at night???!!!"

The wisest man in the world listened carefully and then responded:  "You mean it does?"

Spring is in the air! I think...

Today is the first official day of spring!  Hooorrraayyy!  OK, so yes, it IS snowing, but it builds character!  Right?  At least that's what I'm told.  It truly has been a very long winter, but the hotel is so bright and cheery that you don't really care as much.

I am the new blogger around here, so bear with me while I figure this whole thing out.  I'm pretty sure it was some huge joke to pick me.  Picture a few people discussing who should do the blog, and one turns to the others and says, "Hey, let's get the really old lady to do it!  She probably thinks the word blog means a savory snack from Norway!"  The others roar with laughter and agree this should be fantastic for their own amusement.

Well, here goes............................

Our company, Maine Course Hospitality Group, just welcomed a new hotel to the family:  Six South Street Hotel in Hanover, New Hampshire.  It is an incredibly fantastic property located just a few blocks from Dartmouth College.  They have a great restaurant and lounge, so please check out their website at http://www.sixsouth.com/. 

Speaking of websites, you need to visit ours at www.marriott.com/psmex.  We have a bunch of terrific deals to get everyone through the end of April.  There's even one that includes pizza!!!!!  No, I promise it's not frozen from my oven.  It's the real stuff delivered directly to the hotel by one of the best restaurants in town.  Check it out.  There is also a deal for local area residents that don't have the time to travel any great distance. 

That wraps up my first blog ever!  How'd I do?  Again, check out the websites for Six South and Fairfield Inn Exeter!  You won't be disappointed, and I hope to see you here soon!

Until next time, remember: The brown bird doesn't fly at night. (I'll explain next time!)

New Years Day in only 6 days!

That's right! New Years is only a short 7 days away. When you're traveling this year, be sure to get a safe and comfortable hotel room. Exeter, NH only a few short miles from Both Hampton Beach and Portsmouth, NH is the ideal spot!

www.marriott.com/psmex  Get yourself a room now, before you're stuck paying double the normal rates at a lower class, non marriott property!

Lunar Eclipse on the 21st!

This coming Tuesday, December 21st there will be the first Lunar Eclipse in nearly 7 years. What makes this one so special is that it's 100% visible from every single region in the United States! I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited for this. The moon will be a coppery red hue, and at approximately 3:17 AM, the Lunar Eclipse will be at its peak!

Frankly the parking lot at the Fairfield Inn and Suites will be the perfect viewing location for this. There are very few trees to obscure your vision and we'll even provide hot cocoa and coffee to all of those whom wish to participate! I'll be there myself!

So come on down, set up a reservation and join me! www.marriott.com/psmex

Let's hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling

Or however that song goes. But it is the season! Though you wouldn't know it with the tepid 40+ degree days here in cloudy old New Hampshire. We did have a light sprinkling of snow the other day though! But it barely even clouded up our windshields.

I think we need a good 3-5 feet like Buffalo, NY got the other day. Talk about a snow storm.

In the meantime, we all need to consider our holiday shopping. Personally, I'd like to see some more thought put into gifts this year. No more "As Seen on TV" items showing up under my tree Santa. Thanks. What about a weekend away at a nice hotel? That's what I'd give someone. All inclusive, give them a gift of relaxation. We have HBO, Movie Channels, and the most ridiculously comfortable beds this side of Interstate 95.

www.marriott.com/psmex

And while you're at it, check out our parent company, Maine Course Hospitality Group. http://www.mchg.com/ 

There are many other hotel options to choose from, all over NH and Maine.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

It's this time of year when we all start thinking about the Holiday Season and Holiday Shopping. No, this doesn't mean it's ok to turn on the Holiday music. Unless you're the Christmas Tree Shops, then it's kind of mandatory. But irregardless.

This year, give the gift of freedom. Personal freedom, for a weekend, for a mid day week, for anytime. I'm talking about a Hotel Stay. Who wouldn't want a free 1 or 2 nights stay on Christmas morning? You can pack up the kids, bring a friend, or maybe that special someone? Take a quick get-a-way. Stay in bed all day eating Haagen Daas Ice Cream and Oreos. Watch HBO or one of the other movie channels we have. Bring videogames and plug right into our TVs. Do whatever you want, so long as you put that Do Not Disturb sign up, you can stay in there all day!

This year, give the gift of freedom. Freedom isn't free, but the joy in knowing you're giving someone a weekend away from life in general is priceless.

www.marriott.com/psmex

Today is Election Day 2010!

Today is Election Day, November 2nd 2010. I won't go on here and spout off my own political views, but just remember that this is the time where the popular vote matters! (No electoral college here). We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH encourage everyone to vote and stand up for what they believe in.

Also, coming up in a few short weeks is Thanksgiving! I'll be sharing with you all some of my favorite Holiday Food Recipes, including a new favorite, Eggnog + Baileys. Rumor has it, that it's one of the legitimate favorite drinks of our Management Team here. Stay tuned for more details!

Hampton Inn and Suites Rockland/Thomaston, ME!

One of the newer additions to our Hotel Management Family is the Hampton Inn and Suites in Rockland/Thomaston Maine. While they're not a Marriott Property, the Hilton's are still alright. We invite you to check out their new Facebook Page and become a fan of it.

That way you can keep up to date on the happenings around town!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomaston-ME/Hampton-Inn-Suites-RocklandThomaston-Maine/160893747268238?v=app_2373072738#!/pages/Thomaston-ME/Hampton-Inn-Suites-RocklandThomaston-Maine/160893747268238?v=wall


Click that link there and you'll be all set!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Topsfield Fair is in town!

Ok, so it's not exactly "in" Exeter, but it is just a short 30 minute drive away in Topsfield, MA. By staying up here in Exeter you get to avoid all of the hassles associated with America's Largest and Oldest Agricultural Fair. You get to avoid the horrid traffic coming from Boston on 95 North and you get to avoid the horrid traffic just south of Topsfield going back into Boston. You simply hop onto the highway(which is a short 2 miles from our hotel), head into the fairgrounds and then reverse it for the opposite direction to come home! Plus with the Fair taking place down there, all the hotel prices are likely out of proportion too. Why pay $250-$300/night at a Hotel when its half of that here ?

http://www.topsfieldfair.org/

I suggest taking a look at what they have, I would personally like to see the over 250+ Beekeeping exhibits being shown there, the largest collection of bees, honey and honey related products in the entire USA!

Looking for a fun family activity? Look no further!

We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH would like you to stop on by and set up your reservation here so that on your next weekend get-a-way you can check out the infamous Corn Maze at Coppal House Farm in Lee, NH. Just a short 14 mile drive away and very convienently located too!

Bring a flashlight (we have plenty available for your  use at the Front Desk) and spend an evening exploring a huge corn maze followed by a large bonfire, home made donuts and hot fresh cider!

The Holy Grail has been found!

Well...not really. But the restaurant and pub has been! Our very own Chief Inspiration Officer, Sean Riley visited this establishment a few weeks back and sent us the pictures, I was just too busy posting about other events to get it settled and put in here! So here it is now.

http://www.theholygrailpub.com/



They offer a very diverse beer selection and they used to be a church ! Guess it's appropriate given it was empty and without a congregation. Though its congregation now is a bit different, though equally happy thanks to said beer selection!

I too have been to this famed place, and yes, it's that good. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is great for either a family or a group of friends just having a few drinks. (Yes a few, why stop at one?)

National Hunting and Fishing Day, A family affair!

That's right. In just 2 short weeks the National Hunting and Fishing day extravaganza will be taking place at the Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, NH. This Fun filled family day takes place on Saturday September 25th from 10 AM till about 3:00 PM. There are live demonstrations, libations and of course a fishing pond filled with Large Mouth bass, no license required! So come on down, spend the day with the wife, the husband, the kids and the entire family and have yourselves a fun filled day sponsored by the good folks over at Sig Sauer.

http://www.sigsaueracademy.com/ for more information!

Pick your own fruit? Why I don't mind if I do!

That's right, its Fruit Picking Season. I find late summer/early fall to be the best time of year to get this done for a few reasons. One, the crowds won't be as intense as Early Summer Strawberry or Raspberry picking. Two, the weather is easily bearable. And Three, its a great thing to do and spend an afternoon with either friends or family, or both!

I'd reccomend checking out Applecrest Orchard and Farm.

http://www.applecrest.com/ 

They also have Cider Donuts every morning. Made fresh, and apple cider. Nothing in life is better than Hot Apple Cider with a freshly made Cider Donut. Try it, even if you're not a huge sweets person, you'll thank me. If you don't love the combo, let me know and your Donut is on me!

When I was a boy, we didn't have spongebob

But we did have Rugrats and Rocko's Modern Life. Talking babies and talking wallaby's were always more entertaining to me than a talking sponge who wears pants and lives in the ocean. But I won't lie to you, I do have Spongebob Singing "The Best Time to wear a Striped Sweater" song on my phone, as a ringtone for certain individuals. And I'm 27!


Now a days, with the support and help from Nickolodeon Studios, including Television Characters into everyday life is becoming more and more omnipotent. So much so that it seems like it's everywhere! So check this little advertisement out and book your stay now. We're more than happy to have your little ones running around and we'll do our best to accomodate everyone, with local attractions, huge playgrounds and plenty of family fun for all.

Nick Your Stay! Click here!

Who lives in a Pineapple Under the sea?

Aborbent and yellow and porous is he! Spongebob Squarepants! Marriott International has now partnered with Nickelodeon Studios for a new promotion at Hotels across the country. This promotion, called the "Nick your stay" package, features additional items added to each guest room themed with none other than Spongebob himself!

We encourage you to explore these options and set up your reservation today, we have rooms available all next week and plenty of availability for the summer and early fall! www.marriott.com/psmex

For additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Hotel directly by calling 603-772-7411. Ask to speak with the Front Desk and we'll be sure to accomodate you and answer any questions. You might even get a chance to talk to the guy who writes all these fantastic blogs!

Exciting July Events!

Well the 4th of July has come and gone and here we are approaching another sweltering and humid weekend. Yes, sweltering and humid have similar names but once you live in New England you'll understand the necessity for both adjectives.

Personally, I had a fantastic 4th of July Weekend. The hotel was booked solid and we had guests from all over the world staying here! Being the closest hotel to the Beach has its benefits too. Not including the 200 hotels on the beach that are sold out every weekend. We're always available and have plenty of cool and Air Conditioned rooms available so check us out before you make that reserveration elsewhere. We're just a short 6 miles from the beach too!

www.marriott.com/psmex

Also....The Annual Stratham Fair is coming up in a few weeks and we urge you all to make your room reservation now. We'll be filling up so make sure to get your room reservation as soon as possible. From there we're just a short 2-3 mile drive and you're at the fair in less than 5 minutes! Keep checking here for information on the fair. We may even be able to score some tickets too!

Exeter High School, my alma mater. Or however that expression goes, it is just a year under a decade that I graduated from you and moved on into the great blue yonder that is this world. You may be just graduating and moving on to college, the military or the civilian lifestyle, but before you know it, you too will be forced with the prospect of your 10 year high school reunion.

So enjoy it while you can, and hope that by the time your 10 Year Reunion rolls around, you'll have a sweet Porsche or BMW you can drive to said event and impress everyone from your highschool. That's what I'll be doing, renting a porsche. Nobody has to know I don't own it....and if the rental plates are from a different state, tell them you own a condo or house in that area. You'll be the king of the reunion! Now just so we're clear, it is never ok to rent, drive, or own a 4 door porsche. If it's an SUV (the Cayenne) that's one thing, but that new 4 door sedan they have is an abomination. So do yourself a favor when your reunion comes around, don't rent the 4 door Porsche Sedan. You'd hate to ruin your grand entrance with a travesty on 4 wheels.

Also, don't bother telling people you invented the Post-It. We've all seen the movie, we know you didn't do it. If you're going to lie about your profession make it something that's easily backed up. Investment banker, trust fund kid, Podiatrist. The easy stuff. If you say podiatrist get ready to look at some feet.

But I digress. It's the time for Celebration and Libation. Congratulations Exeter High School graduates. May the next 10 years of your life bring you happiness, success, and new friends and experiences.

Congratulations to the Local Exeter area graduates!

This weekend marks the Phillips Exeter Academy Graduation for the class of 2010! Soon to follow will be the Exeter High School Graduation. We here at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Exeter, NH would like to formally congratulate all of you on your hard work, dedication, and committment to success. We wish you all the best in life after highschool, whether it be Military, College, Peace Corps or straight to the work force!

Look at it this way, the best is yet to come. And as the fortune cookie that came with my chinese food tonight says "It is better to be the beak of a hen than the tail of an ox."

Happy Memorial Day!

This is a big Happy Memorial Day to all you armed services individuals out there. From the Exeter Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott we want to thank you for all you do. Both active and inactive duty. I certainly couldn't do it, but you can, and we genuinely appreciate you!

Happy Memorial Day!