Owl's Nest/Wise Owl, Alton, NH

Just Sold · 08-08-2010, 06:40 PM

Well, I really have to say that the Owl's Nest is on top with me.
I went there early this AM with my family and the service and food was great. My girlfriend had the blueberry pancakes and they were loaded with em. My brother and I had the tried and tru 2 eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. We had the raisin toast which I believe may have been home made and cut thick. mmmmm good. My sister in law had the Belgin Waffle with strawberies and she said that was delicious too. We all left with a smile and a full stomach.

I talked with the owner, Mike, for a few minutes and he is a great guy. He runs a nice place and I recommend everyone drop by. I even told a guest at the Inn we satyed at about our breakfast and they were planning on visiting too.
We wish Mike well and we will be back during our vacation later this month.

WinniGirl81 · 08-09-2010, 03:30 PM

Great pics Marko! Hopefully, we'll have new exterior signs up soon. Permits pending. We will, however, be keeping the old sign with an undefined use... hard to part with historic markers.

@JustSold: So glad to hear your visit with us was a pleasant and filling one. We greatly appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you soon!!!

Mr. V · 08-12-2010, 11:29 AM

We just returned from vacation.

I enjoyed my sausage, eggs and hash browns, and especially the bread: very good, and seemingly home made.

My son felt his omelette didn't have enough stuffing, e.g. cheese and ham, to balance out all the egg, but he's picky anyway.

The young man who works there was attentive and well spoken; too bad he's a rabid Red Sox fan (go Yankees!)

A positive experience, but due to the apparent lack of patronage I fear for their long term success.

Best of luck to the Wise Owl.

pam.in.ny · 08-12-2010, 08:44 PM

It's been a while since I had time to visit the forum and read the posts. To my surprise, I found this thread. It's funny because I've been thinking about the Wise Owl lately. Of course I'm always thinking of the lake and the mountains. I was wondering if the WO was still in business. My parents and aunt and uncle would stay there when they went to the region and loved it. Well, after working for a few years after college, my best friend and I decided to go to NH and the lake for vacation. We stayed at the Wise Owl and had a great time. Every year, my mother always made sure that I took her "picnic basket" with all the essentials. The last time we went, I left the red and white checkered tablecloth on the table that was my mother's and often wondered how long it lasted.

. Mom would say, I wonder if someone is enjoying our tablecloth.

My friend moved on to other interests but I still traveled to the lake staying at the WO.. One year, out of the blue, after Labor Day, I decided to take a week off work and head to NH for some hiking. I stopped at the WO and the lady had a cabin to rent but for only 2 nights. She bent over backwards to find me a place nearby before those two nights were over with so I wouldn't be left out in the cold. I ended up staying at a nice place in Bartlett and I have to say, that was one of the best vacations that I ever had. This was in the early 80's so I don't remember the name of the owners but I would love to go there again. I'm glad that I came upon this thread. It really brought back memories. It's been too many years since I was last at the lake but my heart never left there.

Best of luck to the current owners of the ON/WO. I will be back and will stop in for a stay.

WinniGirl81 · 08-19-2010, 06:38 PM

Ut O! Did my father truly skimp on ham & cheese to egg ratio?!?! I'll have to have a talk with him! My dad has NO control on proportions... hence the outrageous size of the omelettes and pancakes. haha Typically, he throws in so many add-ins we have a hard time flipping the omelettes in the pan without all the contents flying out. We'll be sure to monitor this more closely. Glad you enjoyed your breakfast overall.

We, along with many small businesses in the area, have been hit by the recession. We will fight through it... and have definitive plans to continue serving our customers for many years to come. Thanks Mr. V! Hope you and your family enjoyed your vacation on the lake!

Hi Pam.in.ny

I love hearing stories like this. It reminds me of the deep history the Wise Owl has.

My family and I took over the Wise Owl just about 5 years ago and I've been working there since I was in high school. Goodness... just over 10 years ago. Yikes! I have not seen the table cloth you speak of, but I'm sure many guests did enjoy it. The cabins have all been renovated and are looking quite cozy. We hope you can find time to visit us on your next vacation.

Cheers!

NHBUOY · 10-17-2010, 05:04 PM

...Hey Marko...If your family owned that house, you must be familiar with the women that owned the house across the street that had an Italian restaurant there that my family frequented often, and, was on par with what you could get in the North End...anybody else remember...?

Lake Lady 6 · 10-18-2010, 09:49 AM

I remember my walking with my grandchildren down Railroad Ave. to the right of way & going to the Owl's Nest. Often my neighbor and I would take the same route with no problems. Why does an individual have the right to put up a fence blocking access to the right of way. It seems there are a few individuals who take it upon themselves to take actions that are not legal or to the benefit of the neighborhood.

WinniGirl81 · 10-18-2010, 08:00 PM

Hi Lake Lady 6,

We completely agree with you! The tradition of having the right of way as a safe and easy access point for those living on or near Railroad Ave is something we're in pursuit of preserving. I do believe, and my brother can correct me, that there is a cease and desist on the fence that has yet to be enforced by the town. Just another thing we'll have to bring to court. Many of the questions you bring up are questions we're trying to answer ourselves. The area used to be quiet and peaceful, but since the neighbors moved in they've made it their divine right to destroy that. Hopefully, we'll have this all sorted out within the near future, so this portion of W. Alton can go back to the peaceful and friendly area we once knew it to be.

RailroadJoe · 10-19-2010, 05:55 PM

Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton.
Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs.
In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

peasoupfan · 08-13-2011, 01:43 PM

Though I can't eat shellfish, my husband tells me they have the best lobster rolls for the price. Full of great meat...not yourr average far too much mayo type of lobster roll.

Barndoor Islander · 08-31-2011, 04:21 PM

Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

Jeanzb1 · 09-09-2011, 08:39 AM

Lobster rolls are delicious! And their omellettes are HUMUNGOUS! Wonderful little place!

WinniGirl81 · 04-15-2012, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barndoor Islander

Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

Hi Barndoor Islander!

No this problem has yet to be resolved. We're working our way through the red tape, but we have some way to go. We'll keep you posted.

Mr. V · 07-10-2012, 02:22 AM

How's the breakfast fare at the Owl's Nest this year?

I'll be out in a few weeks, and am looking for a good breakfast spot in that area.

Altonbayicefishingfool · 07-10-2012, 09:14 AM

I use to work at the "nest" back in the 90's with my good friend,Tim Scribner.... Many good times there!
My most memorable was meeting Bobby Carpenter, former Boston Bruin who had a house on the lake in W. Alton.. He would come in for a steak and cheese in the summer months..

BroadHopper · 07-10-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton.
Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs.
In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

You will notice no one is altering or building on the railroad bed up to Wise Owl. That's because the sewage line from Laconia is under the railroad bed. I will be posting pictures of the old railroad bed next spring.

The railroad track crosses Irwin Marine parking lot. You will see the tracks up to where Grossman use to be before Lowes Home Improvement.

Mr. V · 07-11-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

You will notice no one is altering or building on the railroad bed up to Wise Owl. That's because the sewage line from Laconia is under the railroad bed.

Hang on, are you saying that a viable, working sanitary sewage line extends from Laconia to the Wise Owl in West Alton, and that it is sited along the old RR right of way?

Whoa, I've never heard that before.

upthesaukee · 07-11-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Hang on, are you saying that a viable, working sanitary sewage line extends from Laconia to the Wise Owl in West Alton, and that it is sited along the old RR right of way?

Whoa, I've never heard that before.

Flush twice, it is a long way to Alton

. I know that the first house on the left heading into Alton from Gilford, had a new septic system put in a few years ago. That house would be right on the RR ROW...A few years back Alton had a Rails to Trails that I was a part of, and we talked about the ROW all the way to the Alton/Gilford town line.
Nor do I think that Gilford would allow a sewer line to transverse their town.

Like to see the source on that one Broadhopper, please.

BroadHopper · 07-12-2012, 08:17 AM

The link below maps the service area of the program. I do know the sewage line serves Terrace Hill Road in Gilford. A decade ago the owner abutting the Wise Owl store set up a fence and No trespassing signs so folks on the RR pass cannot access the store through his property. The owner of Wise Owl store told a number of us that the sewage line stopped at the Wise Owl store. I thought he meant the Winni Basin project, I may be wrong.

http://www.des.state.nh.us/organizat...rvice_area.pdf

I do know that the original intent of the project was to provide sewage hookup around the lake but lacks federal funding.

I'm not aware that the Rail to Trail project include the Lakeshore RR bed. I am looking into extending the WOW trail project to include the Lakeshore Rail from Lakeport to McDonald in Laconia. I have pictures of the bed. The tracks are still there!

lagoon · 07-13-2012, 03:30 PM

There seems to be a number of you who have expressed an interest in "restoring" the access that many of us have always enjoyed from Railroad Ave. to various points of interest including the Wise Owl.

If that is the case please contact the owner Mike, and he can direct you to a group of us that are working hard to open up these rights of ways again. We have put a great deal of research into this and feel we have a very good case to get this taken care of.

Any of you that have a history of use for Railroad Ave. through where it is blocked now by the Wise Owl or farther down towards Alton please let us now the year of usage and some narrative about it.

We look forward to hearing from you either from Mike or through this site.

Lagoon

BroadHopper · 07-13-2012, 04:07 PM

I would strongly suggest all who is interested to get in touch with Alan Beetle who is the chair of the WOW trail committee. He can be found at Patrick's Pub in Gilford. By connecting Alton to the WOW trail, it is possible to bike/walk all the way to Merrimac River in Franklin! That will be a fantastic undertaking!

A few years ago I was able to walk from Glidden Cove to Owl's Nest store. The landowner next to the store on the Alton side put up a fence and posted no traspassing. I had to walk up to the main road to go to the store.

It would be nice to open the old railroad bed for recreational purpose and to preserve the railroad bed as a lot of work was put into it.

Your thoughts?

RailroadJoe · 07-13-2012, 06:14 PM

It only takes one NIMBY to cause problems for all others. They do not care about anything except their own selfish rights, The old rairoad bed should never have been blocked in the first place. Not sure how this person got permission to block a right of way. Like Reagan said "Mr PAIN in the neck, tear down that fence"

Jonas Pilot · 07-13-2012, 07:35 PM

Well said Railroad Joe.

Resident 2B · 07-22-2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

It only takes one NIMBY to cause problems for all others. They do not care about anything except their own selfish rights, The old rairoad bed should never have been blocked in the first place. Not sure how this person got permission to block a right of way. Like Reagan said "Mr PAIN in the neck, tear down that fence"

Segments of the railroad bed were offered for sale to the abutting property owners when the railroad stopped operating. Most decided to purchase the abutting segment, converting it to private property.

They have every right to fence in what they own. Perhaps short-term thinking on the Town of Alton's part, but the land owners are completely legal with their fences.

R2B

08-08-2010, 06:40 PM	#1
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	Owl's Nest - Thumbs Up! Well, I really have to say that the Owl's Nest is on top with me. I went there early this AM with my family and the service and food was great. My girlfriend had the blueberry pancakes and they were loaded with em. My brother and I had the tried and tru 2 eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. We had the raisin toast which I believe may have been home made and cut thick. mmmmm good. My sister in law had the Belgin Waffle with strawberies and she said that was delicious too. We all left with a smile and a full stomach. I talked with the owner, Mike, for a few minutes and he is a great guy. He runs a nice place and I recommend everyone drop by. I even told a guest at the Inn we satyed at about our breakfast and they were planning on visiting too. We wish Mike well and we will be back during our vacation later this month. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

10-18-2010, 09:49 AM	#7
Lake Lady 6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Owl's Nest I remember my walking with my grandchildren down Railroad Ave. to the right of way & going to the Owl's Nest. Often my neighbor and I would take the same route with no problems. Why does an individual have the right to put up a fence blocking access to the right of way. It seems there are a few individuals who take it upon themselves to take actions that are not legal or to the benefit of the neighborhood.

08-13-2011, 01:43 PM	#10
peasoupfan Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Great Food Though I can't eat shellfish, my husband tells me they have the best lobster rolls for the price. Full of great meat...not yourr average far too much mayo type of lobster roll.

08-31-2011, 04:21 PM	#11
Barndoor Islander Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Water Access Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

07-12-2012, 08:17 AM	#19
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,607 Thanks: 3,238 Thanked 1,113 Times in 799 Posts	Winnipesaukee Basin Service Area The link below maps the service area of the program. I do know the sewage line serves Terrace Hill Road in Gilford. A decade ago the owner abutting the Wise Owl store set up a fence and No trespassing signs so folks on the RR pass cannot access the store through his property. The owner of Wise Owl store told a number of us that the sewage line stopped at the Wise Owl store. I thought he meant the Winni Basin project, I may be wrong. http://www.des.state.nh.us/organizat...rvice_area.pdf I do know that the original intent of the project was to provide sewage hookup around the lake but lacks federal funding. I'm not aware that the Rail to Trail project include the Lakeshore RR bed. I am looking into extending the WOW trail project to include the Lakeshore Rail from Lakeport to McDonald in Laconia. I have pictures of the bed. The tracks are still there! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-09-2010, 03:30 PM	#2
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Great pics Marko! Hopefully, we'll have new exterior signs up soon. Permits pending. We will, however, be keeping the old sign with an undefined use... hard to part with historic markers. @JustSold: So glad to hear your visit with us was a pleasant and filling one. We greatly appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you soon!!!

08-12-2010, 11:29 AM	#3
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,424 Thanks: 66 Thanked 260 Times in 178 Posts	We just returned from vacation. I enjoyed my sausage, eggs and hash browns, and especially the bread: very good, and seemingly home made. My son felt his omelette didn't have enough stuffing, e.g. cheese and ham, to balance out all the egg, but he's picky anyway. The young man who works there was attentive and well spoken; too bad he's a rabid Red Sox fan (go Yankees!) A positive experience, but due to the apparent lack of patronage I fear for their long term success. Best of luck to the Wise Owl.

08-12-2010, 08:44 PM	#4
pam.in.ny Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 92 Thanks: 99 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts	It's been a while since I had time to visit the forum and read the posts. To my surprise, I found this thread. It's funny because I've been thinking about the Wise Owl lately. Of course I'm always thinking of the lake and the mountains. I was wondering if the WO was still in business. My parents and aunt and uncle would stay there when they went to the region and loved it. Well, after working for a few years after college, my best friend and I decided to go to NH and the lake for vacation. We stayed at the Wise Owl and had a great time. Every year, my mother always made sure that I took her "picnic basket" with all the essentials. The last time we went, I left the red and white checkered tablecloth on the table that was my mother's and often wondered how long it lasted. . Mom would say, I wonder if someone is enjoying our tablecloth. My friend moved on to other interests but I still traveled to the lake staying at the WO.. One year, out of the blue, after Labor Day, I decided to take a week off work and head to NH for some hiking. I stopped at the WO and the lady had a cabin to rent but for only 2 nights. She bent over backwards to find me a place nearby before those two nights were over with so I wouldn't be left out in the cold. I ended up staying at a nice place in Bartlett and I have to say, that was one of the best vacations that I ever had. This was in the early 80's so I don't remember the name of the owners but I would love to go there again. I'm glad that I came upon this thread. It really brought back memories. It's been too many years since I was last at the lake but my heart never left there. Best of luck to the current owners of the ON/WO. I will be back and will stop in for a stay.

The Following User Says Thank You to pam.in.ny For This Useful Post:
riverat (08-13-2010)

08-19-2010, 06:38 PM	#5
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Ut O! Did my father truly skimp on ham & cheese to egg ratio?!?! I'll have to have a talk with him! My dad has NO control on proportions... hence the outrageous size of the omelettes and pancakes. haha Typically, he throws in so many add-ins we have a hard time flipping the omelettes in the pan without all the contents flying out. We'll be sure to monitor this more closely. Glad you enjoyed your breakfast overall. We, along with many small businesses in the area, have been hit by the recession. We will fight through it... and have definitive plans to continue serving our customers for many years to come. Thanks Mr. V! Hope you and your family enjoyed your vacation on the lake! Hi Pam.in.ny I love hearing stories like this. It reminds me of the deep history the Wise Owl has. My family and I took over the Wise Owl just about 5 years ago and I've been working there since I was in high school. Goodness... just over 10 years ago. Yikes! I have not seen the table cloth you speak of, but I'm sure many guests did enjoy it. The cabins have all been renovated and are looking quite cozy. We hope you can find time to visit us on your next vacation. Cheers!

10-17-2010, 05:04 PM	#6
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	...Hey Marko...If your family owned that house, you must be familiar with the women that owned the house across the street that had an Italian restaurant there that my family frequented often, and, was on par with what you could get in the North End...anybody else remember...?

10-18-2010, 08:00 PM	#8
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Lake Lady 6, We completely agree with you! The tradition of having the right of way as a safe and easy access point for those living on or near Railroad Ave is something we're in pursuit of preserving. I do believe, and my brother can correct me, that there is a cease and desist on the fence that has yet to be enforced by the town. Just another thing we'll have to bring to court. Many of the questions you bring up are questions we're trying to answer ourselves. The area used to be quiet and peaceful, but since the neighbors moved in they've made it their divine right to destroy that. Hopefully, we'll have this all sorted out within the near future, so this portion of W. Alton can go back to the peaceful and friendly area we once knew it to be.

10-19-2010, 05:55 PM	#9
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton. Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs. In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

The Following User Says Thank You to peasoupfan For This Useful Post:
WinniGirl81 (04-15-2012)

09-09-2011, 08:39 AM	#12
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 557 Thanks: 639 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	Lobster rolls are delicious! And their omellettes are HUMUNGOUS! Wonderful little place!

The Following User Says Thank You to Jeanzb1 For This Useful Post:
WinniGirl81 (04-15-2012)

07-10-2012, 02:22 AM	#14
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,424 Thanks: 66 Thanked 260 Times in 178 Posts	How's the breakfast fare at the Owl's Nest this year? I'll be out in a few weeks, and am looking for a good breakfast spot in that area.

07-10-2012, 09:14 AM	#15
Altonbayicefishingfool Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 153 Thanks: 19 Thanked 52 Times in 30 Posts	I use to work at the "nest" back in the 90's with my good friend,Tim Scribner.... Many good times there! My most memorable was meeting Bobby Carpenter, former Boston Bruin who had a house on the lake in W. Alton.. He would come in for a steak and cheese in the summer months..

07-13-2012, 03:30 PM	#20
lagoon Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 87 Thanks: 35 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Wise Owl and Railroad Ave. There seems to be a number of you who have expressed an interest in "restoring" the access that many of us have always enjoyed from Railroad Ave. to various points of interest including the Wise Owl. If that is the case please contact the owner Mike, and he can direct you to a group of us that are working hard to open up these rights of ways again. We have put a great deal of research into this and feel we have a very good case to get this taken care of. Any of you that have a history of use for Railroad Ave. through where it is blocked now by the Wise Owl or farther down towards Alton please let us now the year of usage and some narrative about it. We look forward to hearing from you either from Mike or through this site. Lagoon

07-13-2012, 04:07 PM	#21
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,607 Thanks: 3,238 Thanked 1,113 Times in 799 Posts	Lake Shore RR and WOW trail I would strongly suggest all who is interested to get in touch with Alan Beetle who is the chair of the WOW trail committee. He can be found at Patrick's Pub in Gilford. By connecting Alton to the WOW trail, it is possible to bike/walk all the way to Merrimac River in Franklin! That will be a fantastic undertaking! A few years ago I was able to walk from Glidden Cove to Owl's Nest store. The landowner next to the store on the Alton side put up a fence and posted no traspassing. I had to walk up to the main road to go to the store. It would be nice to open the old railroad bed for recreational purpose and to preserve the railroad bed as a lot of work was put into it. Your thoughts? __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-13-2012, 06:14 PM	#22
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	It only takes one NIMBY to cause problems for all others. They do not care about anything except their own selfish rights, The old rairoad bed should never have been blocked in the first place. Not sure how this person got permission to block a right of way. Like Reagan said "Mr PAIN in the neck, tear down that fence"

07-13-2012, 07:35 PM	#23
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Well said Railroad Joe.