Castle a busy place this summer

MOULTONBOROUGH — Castle in the Clouds, a 1914 mountaintop estate, offers house tours, dining, exhibits, horseback riding and carriage rides, as well as having hiking trails, a gift shop, and some of New Hampshire’s best mountain and lake views. This summer, the former Thomas Plant estate is offering even more opportunities to experience the property.

“We want everyone to feel there is something for them at Castle in the Clouds, and we build our program and event experiences under that model,” said Program and Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Poole. “This season we are hosting over 25 different kinds of activities, many of them happening on a weekly or recurring basis. Our mission is to share the estate and property with the public, and it is a priority for us to provide opportunities for people of all ages and interests to come out and enjoy something new or unique here.

Today, the Moultonborough Recreation Department will lead a lively and fun writing workshop to youths, ages 9-15. The all-day “Young Authors & Poets ‘Fun’ Shop” will feature writing instructors Krista Crabtree and Donna Kuethe who will explore poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and journal-writing in a creative and laughter-filled environment. Beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., the workshop will end with a reading of the children’s works and an ice cream social at 3.

The cost is $45 per child, which includes instruction, materials, snacks, and ice cream. Register through the Moultonborough Recreation Department at 603-476-8868.

For adults interested in honing their writing skills or seeking inspiration for their work, Castle in the Clouds and the Moultonborough Recreation Department are offering another workshop, “Finding Your Muse – Getting Started,” on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Castle in the Clouds is teaming up with another local organization, for an evening of relaxing, entertainment and fun. Theater Unmasked’s Bard in the Yard will be performing Shakespeare’s Classic, Romeo & Juliet, on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. in the meadow by Shannon Pond. All ages can enjoy the lively performance in a beautiful mountain setting, bringing chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks to a night of entertainment.

Tickets may be purchased online or over the phone, at $15 for Castle members, $20 for non-members, and $10 for children under 18.

Weekly and recurring events include Music Nights every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Aug. 23; Solar Gazing with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society every Monday afternoon through Aug. 27; Yoga on the Castle lawn every Wednesday evening through Aug. 29; and Open Air Landscape Art sessions on select Friday mornings through Sept. 7. The Castle is holding its final Stargazing program of the year on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m.

The Program Calendar at castleintheclouds.org provides all the details, or call 603-476-5900.