Best Lakes Region New Year's Party?

sky_nh · 12-27-2005, 06:55 PM

I am fairly new to the area and have a friend who is visiting for New Year's Eve. Any tips on a great restaurant/resort that throws a fun party for adults (we're both in our early 50s)? Looking for dinner, dancing (no rap, please!), and a midnight toast. I've seen some newspaper ads for Pheasant Ridge. Anyone been there for New Year's Eve?

Pepper · 12-27-2005, 11:57 PM

sky_nh - This could turn out to be a tall order!

I'm thinking you might want to check out some of the higher-end resort type hotels in the area to see if any of them have dancing and toasting type venues available in addition to their dining facilities.

Off the top of our heads, hubby and I can't seem to come up with any restaurants that have dining and dancing both. Unfortunately this time of year so many places are closed for the season which limits your options considerably! Plus, the nightclubs in the area all cater to the younger crowd and probably aren't what your're seeking.

Another thought would be to check out "Top of the Town" just off Rte 3 (the road across from the Belknap Mall) but I'm fearful that the crowd may be somewhat older - not sure though! The owner plays keyboards and there is a small dancefloor. They also have a full bar license and perhaps a toast setup for NYE?

I'll keep thinking on this, as I'm sure other members will, and see if I can't come up with a few more ideas until we can narrow down something nice for you!

ghfromaltonbay · 12-28-2005, 10:44 AM

Fratello's in Laconia is advertising a party with DJ and entertainment. Has anyone been there before on 12/31?

Also, you might want to check out the Mill Falls in Meredith. They are advertising a New Year's Eve party. Don't know if it's open to the public (with reservations) or if it is only for guests staying there.

sky_nh · 12-28-2005, 11:05 AM

I did look into the Mills Falls deal. It's a package that includes a room plus the NYE party. It sounds nice but since I live up here, that would not be my first choice. Every visit to Fratellos for dinner has been pretty good, so I will look into it -- however, I haven't seen their ads. If anyone has gone there or to Pheasant Ridge for NYE, your opinion would be welcome.

Sky

mcdude · 12-28-2005, 12:47 PM

The Wolfeboro Inn is advertising a New Year's Eve party with toast. Plus First Night is going on in Wolfeboro all afternoon and evening with fireworks at 5:00 and midnight.
The Wolfeboro Inn
http://www.wolfeboroinn.com/
Wolfeboro First Night
http://wolfeboroonline.com/firstnight/

In the Weirs Times.....
The Ellacoya Barn and Grille in Gilford is advertising dinner, live music and a champagne toast. $35 per person. Reservations needed. Call 293-8700

Canoe in Center Harbor advertises "Spend New Year's Eve with us" but doesn't provide a whole lot of details.
http://www.eatatcanoe.com/welcome.html

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ghfromaltonbay · 12-28-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sky_nh

I did look into the Mills Falls deal. It's a package that includes a room plus the NYE party. It sounds nice but since I live up here, that would not be my first choice. Every visit to Fratellos for dinner has been pretty good, so I will look into it -- however, I haven't seen their ads. If anyone has gone there or to Pheasant Ridge for NYE, your opinion would be welcome.

Sky

I haven't seen any ads either, but their website gives details.

Waterbaby · 12-28-2005, 07:58 PM

Hello Sky, and welcome! Had you thought about calling Mill Falls and asking what, specifically, is going on at each of their facilities? I would imagine their events would be open to the public, in addition to being available to their own guests. Also, Steele Hill may be an option -- they used to have a very nice New Year's Eve celebration. The only other idea I have is for you to sit down with the phone book, call around and ask about NYE deals - quickly! - and come back here with a list of specifics to get opinions. You could also check, after calling around, on the Restaurant thread here on the forum and see what people's thoughts/opinions/experiences have been with different places. Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

SAMIAM · 12-29-2005, 09:15 AM

I don't hear them mentioned much.but we've always been happy at Christmas Island.They also have a seperate lounge area for dancing.They are advertising $100 per couple for both dining and dancing which seems pretty reasonable since they are offerings Veal Oscar,prime rib,lobster etc.
Happy New Year everyone

Woodsy · 12-29-2005, 12:41 PM

I always get a great meal at Christmas Island. Tony & Co. do a great job there year round. i will be definitely popping in there for a visit on New Years Eve.

Woodsy

sky_nh · 12-29-2005, 03:42 PM

I appreciate the suggestions and feedback I've been getting here. Thank you all very, very much!

This morning I thought I would call Contigiani's Catering Service, which is doing the Pheasant Ridge Country Club NYE party. All I was looking for was some basic information about the type of music, how formal it was, etc. The woman who spoke to me was one of the rudest people I have run into. I can't tell you how shocked I was! She actually was hostile and sounded like she was doing me a favor by putting on their party. She will not see us at her party!

I also looked into Fratello's. Their NYE party is at their Manchester restaurant, not Laconia. The woman I spoke to was very nice and I have always had a pleasant visit to both places.

Following Woody's suggestion, I went to the Christmas Island web site. There was nothing about NYE and it looks like it has not been updated since 2003. I must be reading the wrong newspapers, too. In any case, I appreciate the input.

I probably should mention that I am in Gilford and am trying to stick relatively close to home in case the weather gets bad or my designated driver gets undesignated. Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve is looking more and more promising!

-- Sky

gravy boat · 12-29-2005, 04:27 PM

Sky -- Check out Gunstock. Link:

http://www.gunstock.com/frames_index.cfm

Hubby and I won't have the three little ones (12, 8 and 6) and will head up for some skiing. We won't be participating in the food and spirits portion, but want to do some night skiing and check out the fireworks.

Based on the link, looks like a pretty good deal for everything.

Enjoy!
Gravy

BroadHopper · 12-30-2005, 01:18 AM

Gets my vote every year. They may be sold out though. Call them ASAP.

sky_nh · 12-31-2005, 11:49 AM

After all this "research" reading newspaper ads, calling places, and getting some great ideas from those of you who responded to my questions, we decided to head up to Gunstock. I like the fact that it is close, informal, and has a good variety of things to do (eat, dance, ski, etc.)

My thanks to everyone who responded.

Happy New Year !!!

-- Sky

12-27-2005, 06:55 PM	#1
sky_nh Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gilford Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 15 Times in 5 Posts	Best Lakes Region New Year's Party? I am fairly new to the area and have a friend who is visiting for New Year's Eve. Any tips on a great restaurant/resort that throws a fun party for adults (we're both in our early 50s)? Looking for dinner, dancing (no rap, please!), and a midnight toast. I've seen some newspaper ads for Pheasant Ridge. Anyone been there for New Year's Eve?

12-27-2005, 11:57 PM	#2
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	sky_nh - This could turn out to be a tall order! I'm thinking you might want to check out some of the higher-end resort type hotels in the area to see if any of them have dancing and toasting type venues available in addition to their dining facilities. Off the top of our heads, hubby and I can't seem to come up with any restaurants that have dining and dancing both. Unfortunately this time of year so many places are closed for the season which limits your options considerably! Plus, the nightclubs in the area all cater to the younger crowd and probably aren't what your're seeking. Another thought would be to check out "Top of the Town" just off Rte 3 (the road across from the Belknap Mall) but I'm fearful that the crowd may be somewhat older - not sure though! The owner plays keyboards and there is a small dancefloor. They also have a full bar license and perhaps a toast setup for NYE? I'll keep thinking on this, as I'm sure other members will, and see if I can't come up with a few more ideas until we can narrow down something nice for you! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

12-28-2005, 10:44 AM	#3
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 819 Thanks: 246 Thanked 224 Times in 130 Posts	New Year's Eve Events Fratello's in Laconia is advertising a party with DJ and entertainment. Has anyone been there before on 12/31? Also, you might want to check out the Mill Falls in Meredith. They are advertising a New Year's Eve party. Don't know if it's open to the public (with reservations) or if it is only for guests staying there.

12-28-2005, 11:05 AM	#4
sky_nh Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gilford Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 15 Times in 5 Posts	Fratello's? Pheasant Ridge for NYE? I did look into the Mills Falls deal. It's a package that includes a room plus the NYE party. It sounds nice but since I live up here, that would not be my first choice. Every visit to Fratellos for dinner has been pretty good, so I will look into it -- however, I haven't seen their ads. If anyone has gone there or to Pheasant Ridge for NYE, your opinion would be welcome. Sky

12-28-2005, 12:47 PM	#5
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,361 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,044 Times in 490 Posts	More Ideas The Wolfeboro Inn is advertising a New Year's Eve party with toast. Plus First Night is going on in Wolfeboro all afternoon and evening with fireworks at 5:00 and midnight. The Wolfeboro Inn http://www.wolfeboroinn.com/ Wolfeboro First Night http://wolfeboroonline.com/firstnight/ In the Weirs Times..... The Ellacoya Barn and Grille in Gilford is advertising dinner, live music and a champagne toast. $35 per person. Reservations needed. Call 293-8700 Canoe in Center Harbor advertises "Spend New Year's Eve with us" but doesn't provide a whole lot of details. http://www.eatatcanoe.com/welcome.html HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12-28-2005, 07:58 PM	#7
Waterbaby Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kensington, NH and Paugus Bay Marina Posts: 656 Thanks: 323 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	New Year's Ideas Hello Sky, and welcome! Had you thought about calling Mill Falls and asking what, specifically, is going on at each of their facilities? I would imagine their events would be open to the public, in addition to being available to their own guests. Also, Steele Hill may be an option -- they used to have a very nice New Year's Eve celebration. The only other idea I have is for you to sit down with the phone book, call around and ask about NYE deals - quickly! - and come back here with a list of specifics to get opinions. You could also check, after calling around, on the Restaurant thread here on the forum and see what people's thoughts/opinions/experiences have been with different places. Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

12-29-2005, 09:15 AM	#8
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,852 Thanks: 329 Thanked 1,638 Times in 567 Posts	I don't hear them mentioned much.but we've always been happy at Christmas Island.They also have a seperate lounge area for dancing.They are advertising $100 per couple for both dining and dancing which seems pretty reasonable since they are offerings Veal Oscar,prime rib,lobster etc. Happy New Year everyone

12-29-2005, 12:41 PM	#9
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,952 Thanks: 80 Thanked 971 Times in 433 Posts	I always get a great meal at Christmas Island. Tony & Co. do a great job there year round. i will be definitely popping in there for a visit on New Years Eve. Woodsy

12-29-2005, 03:42 PM	#10
sky_nh Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gilford Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 15 Times in 5 Posts	Pheasant Ridge is off my list! I appreciate the suggestions and feedback I've been getting here. Thank you all very, very much! This morning I thought I would call Contigiani's Catering Service, which is doing the Pheasant Ridge Country Club NYE party. All I was looking for was some basic information about the type of music, how formal it was, etc. The woman who spoke to me was one of the rudest people I have run into. I can't tell you how shocked I was! She actually was hostile and sounded like she was doing me a favor by putting on their party. She will not see us at her party! I also looked into Fratello's. Their NYE party is at their Manchester restaurant, not Laconia. The woman I spoke to was very nice and I have always had a pleasant visit to both places. Following Woody's suggestion, I went to the Christmas Island web site. There was nothing about NYE and it looks like it has not been updated since 2003. I must be reading the wrong newspapers, too. In any case, I appreciate the input. I probably should mention that I am in Gilford and am trying to stick relatively close to home in case the weather gets bad or my designated driver gets undesignated. Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve is looking more and more promising! -- Sky

12-29-2005, 04:27 PM	#11
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 587 Thanks: 587 Thanked 194 Times in 99 Posts	New Year's Eve Sky -- Check out Gunstock. Link: http://www.gunstock.com/frames_index.cfm Hubby and I won't have the three little ones (12, 8 and 6) and will head up for some skiing. We won't be participating in the food and spirits portion, but want to do some night skiing and check out the fireworks. Based on the link, looks like a pretty good deal for everything. Enjoy! Gravy

12-30-2005, 01:18 AM	#12
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,522 Thanks: 3,130 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	Patrick's Pub in Gilford. Gets my vote every year. They may be sold out though. Call them ASAP. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

12-31-2005, 11:49 AM	#13
sky_nh Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gilford Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 15 Times in 5 Posts	Looks like Gunstock for NYE After all this "research" reading newspaper ads, calling places, and getting some great ideas from those of you who responded to my questions, we decided to head up to Gunstock. I like the fact that it is close, informal, and has a good variety of things to do (eat, dance, ski, etc.) My thanks to everyone who responded. Happy New Year !!! -- Sky