In this economy there's not much leftover spending money, backyards are the vacation of choice for many. Just open the door and there you are!

How to make your backyard a relaxing and fun refuge? The experts say good lighting, fire pits and good seating and/or dining spaces are essential. Don't forget the grill.

Making the backyard a fun place to relax will cost some money, but it will always be there, so it is an investment.

Is there space in the backyard for a mini-kitchen? A complete outdoor grilling area where you can cook a full meal is the new hot item in homes; entertaining and cooking while you and your family and friends are enjoying your wonderful backyard. 

How about patio furniture? For a comfortable outdoor space, get rid of the old folding patio chairs. OutdoorSeating that is comfortable, and that you like, not seating that is on sale, is important if this is to be your new vacation spot. Buy patio furniture that is waterproof and won't need sanding and staining or painting on a regular basis.

Even some summer evenings can get cool so fire pits are a great investment. There's nothing like a controlled fire in your backyard to enjoy on a regular basis. An in Massachusetts, gas fire pits are easy work and they extend your summer into the cooler nights of fall.

If you need help deciding what will work for your space, visit us at The Fireplace and Grill Shop at West Sport, conveniently located near Natick, Framingham and Marlborough. We can help you with ideas and design, and we’ll come to your home to measure too.

Even though it is warm there is still interest in wood stoves. I guess here in Metro-West Massachusetts we still haven’t really recovered from the winter. Alternative or supplemental heating for the winter is still on a lot of people’s minds.
In fact a report by a nonprofit group Alliance for Green Heat shows that wood heating dominates the residential renewable energy market, even with virtually no government subsidies to support it.

At the Fireplace and Grill Shop at West Sport, we have been fielding quite a few questions about wood heat. There are many styles and sizes of wood burning stoves and inserts.  Options that can fit in any style home, from rustic to contemporary and that can either heat the whole home or can heat a few rooms.

A wood burning fire offers you increased heating efficiency as well as ambiance. We offer a wide variety of wood burning stoves at West Sport, and we take care of the installation as well. With brands like Hearthstone and Napoleon, no one knows more about wood burning technology in the Metro West area than the professionals at West Sport. Many of our wood burning stoves and inserts are the cleanest, most efficient wood burning stoves on the market. They meet or beat EPA standards and wood has a much higher BTU capacity than gas, as well as being a renewable resource.

A wood stove is one of the most romantic and efficient ways to heat your home, providing a beautiful focal point in any room. If you have some questions about wood as a means to help heat your home this winter, contact us at West Sport.

We know it’s hot and it’s summer, but soon enough you’ll be thinking about heating your home again. It is time to start thinking about alternative home heating solutions while no one else is. While your thinking about it, consider a Hearthstone Stove.

Buying a Hearthstone wood, gas or pellet stove is a fuel smart investment. To reward your decision, Hearthstone and West Sport in Sudbury are giving you a $300 off the price of qualifying hearthstone products to use toward your first fuel bill.

Buy some fuel; wood , pellet or gas, on US! Fuel your burning desire for alternative heat in your home. Combat high heating bills this coming winter by purchasing a Hearthstone wood burning, gas or pellet fueled stove.

Receive $300 instant credit on the purchase of qualifying stoves. Manchester and Herritage Pellet stoves are included in this offer. This offer is available from June 24 through August 30, 2011. Stop by and see us today.

With the arrival of summer’s sultry days, grilling season is fast upon us.

Everywhere you look there are great new grill recipes, grilling gadgets, grilling sauces and, of course, the grills themselves. But none of these will do us any good if we have no idea how to use them.

So we talked to grilling expert Jamie Purviance and asked him for some tips.

Over the past few years, he's noticed some big changes in the way we grill.

``The repertoire's expanding quite a bit,'' he says. ``It used to be that the focus was on the meat and the main course, and the deserts and appetizers and side dishes were done in the kitchen. Now people are trying to do more and more of that kitchen stuff on the grill.''

We're grilling more ethnic foods and more vegetables, and we're using the grill more than ever for all sorts of entertaining. And that ties into the fact that grills, especially gas grills, are changing. They're practically outdoor kitchens, with rotisseries, extra burners and built-in refrigerators.

Along with the sophisticated grills are a whole bunch of sophisticated toys, such as silicone basting brushes, grill pans, griddles, smoke boxes for fragrant wood chips and the very handy Looftlighter. Charcoal purists will love this gadget, which blasts charcoal or wood with air heated to more than 1,000 F, igniting it in seconds without the need for lighter fluid.

In fact, charcoal is another big trend, especially with smoking food.

“Grilling is as thrilling as learning a new sport.''

Charcoal Purists

"If you're a charcoal purist, it's only a matter of time before you're going to get into smoking,'' Purviance says. "Think about getting a smoker or a Kamado Joe.'' The advantage of a smoker is that it maintains a low temperature for a really long time without the need to feed the fire. Also, get to know your charcoal - briquettes give you consistent, long-lasting heat, while lump charcoal has a more natural aroma and higher heat, but is more erratic and faster burning. The best results are if you use both.

One of the hottest trends in grilling these days is going meatless.

Where not so long ago lighting the grill meant steak or burgers, now it can mean anything from salad to dessert. After all, our grills are becoming outdoor kitchens, so why couldn't you cook anything on them you'd cook inside?

Original article by Joanne Sasvari

The demand for outdoor kitchens is heating up as the sluggish economy forces families to spend more time entertaining at home.

Five years ago, outdoor kitchens were rarely heard of here. But over the past year, the demand has skyrocketed.

People are spending more money on their homes rather than taking elaborate vacations. They want to make investments in their homes that will increase the resale value later on when they can sell.

At its most minimal, an outdoor kitchen can consist of a grill, work surface, and dining area, but additional amenities can maximize its use and appeal.

An outdoor refrigerator allows you to keep cold food and beverages right next to the grill or pool area. A side burner is another handy option – you can grill kabobs and boil corn without having to run back and forth to the house.

When it comes to features, homeowners are tailoring their spaces to their lifestyles and including little luxuries. Cooks are adding ice-makers, pizza ovens, ceramic Japanese style grills, outdoor rotisseries, and smokers.

Another popular item is a 'kegerator,' ( by  Twin Eagles) a cold tap for a beer keg, and granite is the top choice by customers for countertops.

If you plan on using your kitchen year round, consider an overhang to shelter the area from rain. Overhead lighting and a firepit can create a comfortable atmosphere, even on chilly days.

When entertaining a big crowd, outdoor kitchens allow you to keep everyone outside, and let you to mingle with your guests while cooking, to be a part of the party.

Homeowners are also spending on decks and stone paver patios.

West Sport in Sudbury works with grill manufacturers, paving companies and contractors to help you design the best outdoor kitchen and living space for your needs and your yard. Complete with a stone patio, outdoor kitchen, deck, firepit and landscaping, West Sport can also help incorporate furniture placement.

Drive by West Sport on route 20 in Sudbury and see the beautiful built in grill by Twin Eagles on our newly built patio.

Original article on SiLive.com by Sharon Cohen

Your second home, that summer place, is no farther away than the backyard. And where better to spend an evening as the sun sets and a breeze cools down the overheated city?

Rachel and Joe Allen are in the process of turning their backyard into a suburban oasis. They’re putting in a swimming pool and adding a patio and outdoor kitchen, along with new landscaping. They’ll bring in deck furniture to sit beside the pool, casual seating pieces and a new gas fire pit.

“We’re looking to create an outdoor-living environment and expand our livable space,” Joe Allen said. “We had a nicely landscaped yard, but there was no feature to draw you outside.”

High gasoline prices and a halting economy may have some families rethinking their vacation plans for this year and instead investing in new patio furniture and other accessories for at-home leisure and dining.

Patio-furniture manufacturers have improved on recent trends. And, people are extending their homes by bringing more seating outside.

Outdoor living is definitely on the rise. Global Industry Analysts Inc. predicts that, by 2015, U.S. consumers will spend more than $4.4 billion on outdoor furniture.

Americans have long loved to picnic in their backyards, adding outdoor kitchens and barbecue islands to the landscaping. But more and more, they’re making the great outdoors their summertime living room, as well.

Another trend that continues to gain traction is the fire pit, a perfect gathering spot for chilly evenings. They’re fueled by wood or propane and are turning up in both coffee and dining tables.

And many outdoor-furniture manufacturers are going “green.” Telescope Casual Furniture has a line of outdoor furniture made from marine grade polymer (MGP), which is completely recyclable and quite durable.

Original article by Dixie Reid

As Father's Day quickly approaches, many will search for the perfect gift to show their father just how special he is. As most people know, the "Gift for Dad" mission can be quite a challenge, it’s hard to find a gift for the one person who never asks or needs anything.

But no one loves to grill and relax outdoors more than dad. So here are some perfect gift suggestions:

1. A new grill. If Dad’s favorite weekend past time is donning the chef hat and grilling up some steaks, than a brand new, shiny grill may be just what he is looking for. If he is a real grill aficionado, the Kamado Joe charcoal grill, which doubles as a smoker, oven and high heat roaster may be just the gift.
2. A grill griddle. If dad loves to grill for a crowd, or uses his grill for every meal. The Griddle Q may be the grilling accessory for him. The Griddle-Q is a 12 gauge stainless steel grill griddle that fits easily and securely on your outdoor grill, providing dad with a whole new world of outdoor cooking possibilities.
3. The perfect fire starter. Want to help dad light the fire? The Looftlighter  is the fastest, cleanest, safest, and easiest way to light your charcoal grill or wood fireplace. The Looftlighter ignites wood or charcoal in less than 60 seconds with its patented hot airstream process.
4. Skeeter Vac mosquito killer. Is dad a hammock guy? The Skeeter Vac will open up a whole level of enjoyment in the backyard, eliminating the mosquitoes and making the yard more enjoyable. Help dad relax when he comes home. With a Skeeter Vac he can enjoy more time on the hammock and less time swatting bugs.

At West Sport we have an outdoor fireplace and several fire pits for your outdoor entertaining. With the Oriflamme Gas Fire Pit, you have a fire pit, ambiance, conversation piece, and serving table all in one. With various styles and designs, Oriflamme firepit tables combine sophistication and ambiance. These gas fire pits complete the setting in your outdoor room.

These gas fire pits are the first ever designed fire. Choose from Tuscan stone or granite, square or round, with 24 choices of colored fire glass; these fire pits are fully customizable. But even the fire can be designed as you can see from the video. Your fire can take the form of a sun, a school logo,  yin and yang or it can have no design at all. You have to see it to believe it. Oriflamme fire pit tables are cleaner, less expensive, and safer than other fire pits on the market; they are all handcrafted and made in the USA. Because they are fueled by propane, they are very easy to use. There is no need to worry about smoke, ashes or burning embers, the fire pits are self contained with a 2.5 gallon propane tank included.

At West Sport, we would be happy to show you how easy these firepit tables  are to assemble and light. But, they are so intriguing; we wanted you to see it right now.  

Memorial Day is the official kick off to the summer grilling and BBQ season. We celebrate the start of summer as we celebrate our nation’s heroes. But, are you still looking for the perfect Memorial Day menu?  You know you can cook every part of your meal on your grill, including dessert! Here are a few of the best grilling recipes from The Grill and Fireplace Shop at West Sport.

Side Dish: Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

• 3 zucchini
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half into 3 slices lengthwise, making 6 slices per zucchini.
Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and spread the mixture on both sides of each zucchini slice. Sprinkle one side of each slice with Parmesan cheese, and place the slices, cheese sides up, crosswise on the preheated grill to keep them from falling through.  
Grill the zucchini until the cheese has melted and the slices are cooked through and show grill marks, about 8 minutes.

Main Meal: Blue Cheese Burgers

• 3 pounds lean ground beef
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 12 French rolls or hamburger buns

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, blue cheese, chives, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and mustard. Cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat grill for high heat. Gently form the burger mixture into about 12 patties. 
Oil the grill grate. Grill patties 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Serve on rolls.

Dessert: Grilled Peaches and Cream

• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons clover honey, or brown sugar and cinamon
• 1 cup soft cream cheese with honey and nuts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for medium-high heat.
Brush peaches with a light coating of oil. Place pit side down onto the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, or until the surfaces have nice grill marks. Turn the peaches over, and drizzle with a bit of honey (or brown sugar and cinnamon). Place a dollop of the cream cheese spread in the place where the pit was. Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the filling is warm. Serve immediately.

We’ve had a hard spring her in Massachusetts. There has been far too much rain. But soon enough the weather will improve, right? And we will be able to enjoy our back yard again. But, what about those mosquitoes? They have started coming out at night already, believe it or not. As more and more nights stay around 40 degrees and above, the mosquitoes will hatch. So if you are anxiously waiting those mild, dry spring nights, you need to figure out how to kill mosquitoes so you can truly enjoy it. After all, we deserve a nice night in the yard.

The Skeeter Vac. This propane mosquito killer helps you rid your backyard of flying pests -mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums, biting midges, and sand flies.

Biting insects need blood and they get that blood from us and our pets. They are attracted to us by sensing the carbon dioxide, moisture and heat from our breath, body odors and color contrasts. SkeeterVac mosquito exterminators create this type of environment to attract the  mosquitoes and trick them into thinking the trap is a person.

Once they are attracted to the exterminator, they are captured on the sticky trap or sucked into an enclosure by a powerful vacuum fan. Once trapped, they quickly dehydrate and die.

The Skeeter Vac Assembles in minutes - no tools required. Just place it in a shady spot close to the area where the insects live. Trapping will begin as the mosquito exterminator operates 24 hours a day. Within 4-6 weeks you should realize a significant reduction.