When you escape to Top of the Ridge Farm Bed and Breakfast, you don’t just book a room; you step into the heart of New Hampshire’s farm-to-table tradition. Tucked into the scenic Lakes Region, our inn is surrounded by family farms, orchards, and artisans who transform fresh harvests into the jams, syrups, relishes, and seasonal delights that fill our table. This itinerary will guide you through a delicious day from breakfast at the inn to farm visits, tastings, and farm-to-table dinners across the region.
Morning: A Locally Sourced Breakfast
Breakfast at the inn is a celebration of local bounty. We partner with nearby farms to ensure that everything from the eggs on your plate to the jam on your toast is worth savoring. Guests love knowing exactly where their food comes from, and we’re proud to showcase these flavors of New Hampshire:
Miller Farm, New Durham – The peaches, apples, and fresh eggs we serve (and the peach jam we sell) come from this multi-generational farm, as does the rich maple syrup you’ll find drizzled over pancakes in our dining room.
Taylor-Brown Wild Blueberry Co., Alton – Their wild blueberry jam is a guest favorite, and we also stock their tangy relish and other small-batch jarred specialties.
Shepherd’s Gate Flower Farm – Every Friday, we welcome fresh blooms from this beloved flower farm to brighten our breakfast tables and mark special occasions like elopements.
Afternoon: Foodie Adventures Beyond the Inn
Breakfast is just the beginning. The Lakes Region offers plenty of ways to keep your foodie getaway going all day long. From orchards and maple sugar shacks to farmers’ markets and local breweries, every stop connects you to the land and its flavors.
Apple Orchards & Peach Farms – Autumn brings crisp air and apple picking at nearby orchards, while late summer is peach season at farms like Miller. Enjoy a glass of fresh-pressed cider or take home a jar of orchard-made jam as an edible souvenir.
Maple Syrup Magic – March in New Hampshire means maple sugaring season, a beloved tradition where steaming sugar shacks transform sap into liquid gold. Local farms welcome visitors to watch the process firsthand, and for an extra-sweet adventure, head to Seabrisket Bakery in Brookfield, just 30 minutes from the inn. There, you can ride through the sugarbush on a Kubota tractor and get up close with the sugar maples before sampling fresh treats made with the season’s syrup.
Seasonal Events & Experiences – Local happenings like Finding Thyme highlight the farm-to-fork creativity of area chefs, while farmers’ markets bring together artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and garden-fresh produce perfect for picnics by the lake.
Wineries & Breweries – A short drive brings you to family-run wineries and craft breweries where you can sip, swirl, and sample the flavors of the region. Some of our favorites include Lone Wolfe Brewing Co., Canterbury Aleworks, Muddy Road Brewery, and Portsmouth Brewery.
Evening: Farm-to-Table Dining
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is brimming with restaurants and inns that share our passion for farm-fresh food. Seasonal menus here go far beyond the ordinary, celebrating organic vegetables, free-range meats, artisan cheeses, breads, pastries, and of course, the state’s iconic maple syrup. Even the nearby lakes and coastlines contribute to the table with freshly caught seafood that rounds out the local bounty.
For a memorable dinner, Stages offers Progressive New England cuisine with a global twist, sourcing ingredients close to home and working closely with the seasons. Chef Evan Hennessey preserves and transforms nature’s bounty so it can be enjoyed year-round, presenting dishes with both artistry and innovation. Every plate reflects a deep respect for local flavors while delivering a refined, one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Whether you’re sitting down to dinner at a fine inn or grabbing a bite at a cozy local café, the farm-to-table movement ensures that every plate tells the story of New Hampshire’s land, farmers, and food traditions.
Extra Flavor: Culinary History & Education
For those who want to add a layer of learning to their foodie travels, the Lakes Region offers historic farms and hands-on experiences that connect past and present.
Emery Farm in Durham – Founded in 1655, this farm is one of the oldest in the country. Visitors can enjoy the market and café, pick apples in season, and discover a community deeply rooted in sustainability.
New Hampshire Farm Museum – Step into the past with a living-history experience. Explore working demonstration farms, tour historic barns, watch blacksmiths at work, or see cider pressed the old-fashioned way. It’s an unforgettable way to combine food, history, and fun.
A Year-Round Harvest
One of the joys of staying at Top of the Ridge is how every season tastes different. Spring brings tender greens and early blooms. Summer fills our tables with peaches, blueberries, and fresh eggs. Fall is all about apples, cider, and pumpkin-spiced treats, while winter warms the soul with maple syrup, hearty baked goods, and cozy farmstead flavors. Whenever you visit, your getaway will be flavored by the season and steeped in New Hampshire’s rich agricultural heritage.
Plan Your Foodie Getaway
Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a seasonal festival, or simply to taste the best of New England, Top of the Ridge Farm Bed and Breakfast is your home base for a culinary escape in the Lakes Region. From jars of jam to bouquets of farm-fresh flowers, our partnerships with local farms ensure that every detail of your stay is rooted in authenticity. Come hungry, leave inspired, and take a little taste of New Hampshire home with you.