It’s time for the Inn-to-Inn Herb, Food and Beer Tour, named as one of Yankee Magazine’s Top Twenty New England events. This self-guided tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. There will be 5 inns open on Saturday and 5 inns open on Sunday for this popular annual tour.
Enjoy a variety of flavors this spring with this event that has been expanded to include tastings, recipes and tours at 10 White Mountain inns, including the Inn at Ellis River, of course! Each inn features a different herb and savory samples of recipes that showcase each herb being demonstrated. You will receive each herb-inspired recipe as you move along this tour and fun, helpful information that may inspire you to grow your own herbs and incorporate in your newly acquired recipes!
Additionally, the tour continues with last year’s new additions: Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Company and Tuckerman Brewing Company, as well as local family farms, a chocolatier, and an organic market. Four inns will add to your herbal experience with cooking demonstrations and optional “plant-to-plate” three-course dinner (as an add-on to various lodging packages).
This year, the Inn at Ellis River will be featuring oregano, which can be found growing at the inn along with herbs featured in past tours, such as chives, which were featured just last year as well as mint, sage, lemon basil, and dill. Oregano is a class of the mint family. Oregano is a perennial with purple flowers and spade-shaped olive green leaves and has a flavor that reminds one of thyme with its zesty and strong taste – how strong oregano tastes can depend on the climate in which it is grown. It is native to the western and southwestern Eurasia and Mediterranean regions. Many are familiar with oregano as it is used in many Italian dishes which is not surprising considering where it thrives most. Oregano has many health benefits as well which may come as a surprise. It has been used for thousands of years in cooking and has had medicinal value as well. It is high in antioxidants and is a source of fiber, iron, manganese, omega fatty acids and much more. It has been used to treat respiratory tract disorders and other common ailments. Take some time to educate yourself further regarding oregano because it has many amazing properties and uses.
Book our two night package that includes a welcome reception, oregano-themed breakfast, tickets to the tour, a notebook of recipes, and a commemorative linen tea towel. Try our deluxe package which also includes a three course “plant-to-plate” dinner at one of four of the inns on the tour. Spring has come to the Mt. Washington Valley, so it’s time to enjoy a foodie getaway that will help you enjoy the bounty of local produce all summer long. For more about the annual Herb, Food & Beer Tour, please see the Country Inns of the White Mountains Website. Hope to see you!
