Watercolor art classes, paintings, demonstrations, and workshops at the Rhode Island Watercolor Society

The Rhode Island Watercolor Society (RIWS) is the oldest and largest watercolor organization in America. Since 1896, they have provided artists and the general public the opportunity to view, purchase, exhibit and learn about watermedia art. They offer classes for any level, demonstrations, workshops and even Saturday “Paint RI!” Paint Outs. One Saturday each month, RISW encourage their members to get together somewhere in Rhode Island for an outside painting group session to build painting experience, network with fellow RIWS members, and develop work for the annual Paint RI exhibition. They also organize educational trips to art exhibitions, which is a perfect way to get the young students out of school for a day. The art gallery, library and studio space is located in a historic lakeside “boathouse” in Slater Memorial Park. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm and Sundays 1-5pm.

For more information, contact RIWS or click on their website.

If you live North of Providence, RI and are traveling, the RIWS could be a great pit stop toward the Cliffside Inn for the perfect weekend or weeknight getaway. They are now promoting the all new Best of Newport Package for September & October 2009. It includes two nights in a deluxe State Room or Suite with the best rates, plus entry to The Breakers Newport mansion; Newport Harbor cruise and tour aboard The Gansett vintage wooden power boat; entry to Norman Bird Sanctuary; Cliff Walk map and walking guide; and the Destination Deal Book with $500 in savings at other attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Sunday Boston Globe has called the package Newport’s top luxury getaway value. Check room availability here but the Best of Newport Package can only be reserved by phone 401-847-1811.

Learn the history of the Chatham Railroad Museum – A New England and Cape Cod attraction

Even if you’re not crazy about railroads, a trip to this beautiful 1887 Victorian building filled of “Railroad Gothic” work of wooden art and tapering turrets. Inside you’ll find volunteers revealing the lore and historic artifacts featuring the “walk-through” 1918 New York caboose. This only 7-mile long railroad once connected Chatham, MA with the Old Colony Railroad main line in Harwich, MA. What’s stunning is the depot construction was begun in June; it and the neighboring engine house (with turntable), car house, work shed, and water tower (with well and windmill) were completed just 6 months later on November 22, 1887. The property of the Town, the Museum is run by an unpaid director and a group of volunteers and is welcome for donations. There’s a playground across the street which is perfect for a picnic lunch. They’re open from mid-June to mid-Sept Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm and located on 153 Depot Road off Main St. (1 block N of the rotary) in Chatham, MA. Being not so up to date, there’s no phone number or website to contact this New England attraction

Going northeast up Old Harbor Road for just about a half a mile is the Captain’s House Inn. The most distinctive Cape Cod bed and breakfast, the Captain’s House Inn is regarded by many respected lodging reviewers as “The Cape’s” finest smal inn. This four-diamond sea captina’s estate on two acres in Chatham, Massachusetts is the perfect choice for an affordable romantic getaway. There are four distinct facilities – the Main House, an 1839 Greek-Revival style mansion, the attached Carriage House, the luxurious Stables and the 200-year-old “bow roof cape” called the Captain’s Cottage. Find the right accommodation and check out their specials and packages to make your romantic getaway weekend perfectly fit for you.

Chatham Railroad Museum

The Old Country Store and Museum – A New Hampshire historic attraction and museum

Perhaps the oldest in the United States, A store since 1781. 228 years old.

Who would have ever thought just a simple general country store could be a must-see place to visit in New England. Nestled in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is among the oldest store in the country and also one of the oldest surviving businesses of any kind. The Old Country Store and Museum off Whittier Highway in Moultonborough, NH is celebrating 228 years of being the “place to go” when you need something. What makes this general store so unique is the history behind it all. In 1777, General Jonathan Moulton sold the land to Samuel Burnam “with barnframe thereon”. It was sold again 2 years later then the store was publicized in the Hollands New Hampshire (printed in London, England) as the only building in town. Since that time, the Old Country Store and Museum hasn’t moved and has only blossomed. The list below is just a preview of what to expect at the store:

Newport International Boat Show 2009 – Newport, Rhode Island

2009 Show Dates
September 17-20, 2009
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM

This year the Newport International Boat Show will celebrate their 39th anniversary with new sailboats and powerboats, and thousands more products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors. Plenty of waterfront facilities along America’s Cup Avenue will be hosting this event along the show dock including Newport Yachting Center, Oldport Marine, Bannister’s Wharf,  Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, and Bowen’s Wharf (the newest expansion showcasing downeast-style boats). All these sites will be accessible by land or by a FREE water taxi service. Below is a list of the MarineSource Members that will be attending:

• Anchor Yacht & Ship Sales ~ 101 Narragansett Avenue, Barrington, RI 02806 USA, Phone: 401-246-2100, Fax: 401-246-0069, E-mail
• East Coast Yacht Sales ~ at Lower Falls Landing, Yarmouth, ME 04096 USA, Phone: 207-846-4545, Fax: 207-846-6088, E-mail
• Cape Yachts ~ 218 Elm Street, South Dartmouth, MA 02748 US, Phone: (508) 994-4444, Fax: 508-, E-mail
• David Walters Yachts ~ 1702 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA, Phone: 954-527-0664, Fax: 954-527-4276, E-mail

Not too far away down the road is the perfect accommodations for this boating fiesta. The Cliffside Inn is featuring an all new summer package deal called the Best of Newport Package. It includes two nights in a deluxe State Room or Suite with the best rates of the season, plus entry to The Breakers Newport mansion; Newport Harbor cruise and tour aboard the Gansett vintage wooden boat with its crew of ultimate insiders; entry to Norman Bird Sanctuary with its oceanside trails and vistas; Cliff Walk map and walking guide; and the Destination Deal Book with $500 in savings at other attractions, restaurants, and shops. For more details on prices, details, package additions, and more click here or call 800-845-1811 || 401-847-1811.

A New Hampshire historic attraction and wedding destination

Castle in the Clouds
Historic Mountaintop Estate

Perched high up in the pristine Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee lies the “turn-of-the-century” 16-room Arts & Crafts mansion cleverly named Castle in the Clouds. This beautiful estate vents the enticing nature and landscape of Moultonborough, New Hampshire in the heart of New England. No matter what age nearly everyone can thoroughly enjoy this quaint area with incredible views, hiking, waterfalls, gardens, mountains, plenty of history, a fabulous Arts & Crafts Castle, and an acclaimed Cafe and Patio. The 45 miles of hiking and walking trails will lead you along lavish gardens and gorgeous waterfalls where you can even feed giant trout in Shannon Pond. For the next few months, Castle in the Clouds will be hosting many events either free or for a small charge such as jazz concerts, exhibition and sales of paintings, pet shows, history lectures, car shows, and plenty more. For the engaged, there’s no better place to hold whatever size wedding in front of the iconic Castle followed by cocktails at the Patio and dinner in the Winnipesaukee Room. For more information check out their website or call 603-476-5900.

Nearly an hour past Squam Lake is the Manor on Golden Pond whose special of the month for August is a Midweek Boost. When you book Monday and Tuesday night any time during August, you’ll get Wednesday night 50% off. The Manor began as a love story at the turn of the 20th century when a wealthy Englishman captured the heart of a beautiful debutante. On Shepherd’s Hill, in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, amid the tall sentinel pines, they built a magnificent country estate with sweeping vistas overlooking Squam Lake, of Golden Pond fame. E-mail info@manorongoldenpond.com or call (603) 968-3348 or (800) 545-2141.