Unique Christmas Event at Mystic Seaport

The unseasonal warm weather may not have you in the Christmas sprit, but this New England holiday can always be special with the many events. The Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport is one of those unique holiday attractions that can make your Christmas both entertaining and even educational. It’s a one hour walking performance tour (or play if you wish) that takes place Christmas Eve 1876. Here is description from their website followed by a video clip; “The Gardner family has struggled each Christmas since the War Between the States, when their beloved Captain Gardner was lost. No proof exists of his death, and for eleven years the family has wondered what happened to their father and husband. Join us on a journey through Greenmanville, a town hurt by war and healed by the hope and love of family.”

The cost is $26 for Adults and $19 for kids with a member discount of $2. If you haven’t been to the Mystic Seaport that too a step back in time of 1800’s New England whaling town.

Newport, Rhode Island festival celebrating culture, food, music, and fun for 21 years at the Newport Yachting Center

A Taste of Rhode Island

Two days out of the year Newport, Rhode Island is the center of attention by celebrating their finest restaurants, arts and culture. The Stop & Shop Taste of Rhode Island brings together all the culture of Rhode Island that attract the travelers and keep the locals around, featuring dozens of Rhode Island’s favorite eateries, continuous live entertainment brought to you by Southwest Airlines, culinary demonstrations, games, contests, prizes, a Cookbook Corner and more! And best of all, there will be the top foods from all over the state in one little town. The festival is also host to the yearly New England Oyster Festival sponsored by American Mussel Harvesters. You won’t want to miss showing off your Rhody Pride at the 20th Annual Taste of Rhode Island at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, Rhode Island.

Nearly a 10-minute walk off of Pelham Street is the Cliffside Inn whom is hosting a Coastal New England Wine Tour Package for Late Summer & Fall of 2009. They have joined together with the Coastal Vineyards of Southern New England to offer this package including: a top-pick bottle of both red and white regional wine (or one sparkling) selected by New England’s Coastal Winemakers; wine tasting and tour for two at the Coastal Winery of your choice; 10% savings at select wineries on purchases of three or more bottles; Coastal Wine Tour Guide and Vineyard Passport. Guests at the Cliffside Inn can add this wine package to any reservation for an additional $50. Call 401-847-1811 for more details.

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.

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.

Annual Scituate Art Festival in Scituate, Rhode Island

THE 41st ANNUAL SCITUATE ART FESTIVAL

Columbus Day Weekend – Scituate, Rhode Island – (Oct. 11-13 from 10am-5pm)

More than three hundred exhibitors from the US and Canada will meet this year in the small and quaint town of Situate, Rhode island. The panoramic of the finest foliage and exquisite art is what attracts all. Featured this year are dozens of antique dealers, all sorts of art for sale and display, a raffle for 30 different items witch proceeds going to Scituate town, live music, good food, friendly people. You can’t beat that!

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2008 Newport, Rhode Island JVC Jazz Festival

At least 50 years ago, Jazz pianist George Wein presented the first outdoor music festival dedicated to strictly jazz. As time grew on and the jazz culture evolved, the annual festival transformed into today’s Newport Jazz Festival. Having sponsored over 117 popular Jazz festivals since the 1980’s, the JVC International Jazz Festival Program is proud to yearly introduce prestige musicians in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Chris Botti and Ledisi will kick off the festival at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 8th, located at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. The following days filled of jazz will be hosted on the three stages of historic Fort Adams State Park on August 9th and 10th. The Main Stage showing more bigger acts, the Pavillion suiting most trios and quartets, and the Waterside Stage hosting piano soloists and small ensembles you are assured great Jazz music. As there are several other JVC Jazz Festival locations such as Miami, New York, Chicago and few others, Newport, Rhode Island is the only to entertain in perfect weather, a stunning view and a friendly environment.

Looking for a place to spend your jazz filled weekend? Check out previous blog entries or visit the Distinctive Inns of New England website to learn more about specials and packages at The Cliffside Inn located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island. 

Below is a brief schedule of what is planned for this upcoming weekend. 

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME – FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 – SHOWING AT 8PM
Chris Botti
Ledisis

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Aretha Franklin
Chris Botti
Wayne Shorter Quartet
Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Eric Harland
Ledisi
Lettuce with Fred Wesley
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
Charlie Haden, Ethan Iverson, Bill Frisell
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Christian Scott
Warren Vache Quintet
Aaron Goldberg Trio
Melody Gardot

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Sonny Rollins
Herbie Hancock
Anthony Hamilton
Guillermo Klein Y Los Gauchos
Soulive with Fred Wesley
Lionel Loueke Trio
Chris Potter’s Underground
George Wein and the Newport All-Stars featuring Anat Cohen-Howard
Alden
Marco Benevento Trio with Chris Potter
Mark Rapp Band
Empirical
Esperanza Spalding
*All artists are subject to change

Golf and Tennis Getaways in Newport, Rhode Island

August is creeping up on us and before you know it the summer will have came and went. Take off a day off in your busy life and enjoy the warm weather while it’s still here. The Legendary Inns of Newport has the perfect vacation day planned for you at an outstanding value. Begin with a relaxing game of golf on what Golf Week Magazine claims the number one in the state of Rhode Island. Newport National’s Orchard Course endows ravishing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay from 200 acres of 100% seaside bent grass. Prominent golf architect Arthur Hills and his associate Drew Rogers designed this phenomenal course over what once was farm land.

Once you’ve rested, turn to the very first, yet finest, tennis courts in America. The Legendary Inns of Newport coincided with Tennis Hall of Fame to bring you 13 courts of where the best tennis players since 1881 have been playing that now you can too.

Golf Details- Reserve before your scheduled arrival to get the best time. Reservations are held with a credit card. If you’re a Preferred Guest you can save 15% on green fees. Green fees are per player. Tee times subject to availability and weather conditions. Available through late Fall. 

Weekdays are $95 (Monday – Wednesday and Sunday after 1PM).

Weekends are $125 (Thursday – Saturday and Sunday until 1PM).

Tennis Details- Reserve before your scheduled arrival to get the best time. Reservations are held with a credit card. If you’re a Preferred Guest you can save 15% on court time. Court time subject to availability and weather conditions. Preferred club dress is tennis whites. Available through the end of September.

An hour and a half of singles play is $77.

For further information call 800-845-1811 or 401-847-1811

or e-mail reservations@legendaryinnsofnewport.com

Vermont’s Best Kept Secret – Lake Memphremagog in Newport, VT

Travel through Vermont’s green rolling hills until you reach nearly a mile before Quebec, Canada and you will discover one of Vermont’s coverts, Lake Memphremagog. Try and say that ten times fast. Newport, Vermont’s 27-mile fresh water glacial lake is one not to be missed. Mostly surrounded by residential estates, your best luck is to stay in the rental homes and that is certainly no complaint. For the most part, the rental homes will present two stories, full amenities, a private driveway, and plenty of space to play volleyball and have a cookout in the lawn. Plenty of activities lie within this sacred lake all year around.

Plan your vacation week for sunshine or snowfall and prepare for a variety of things to do. The spring and fall season bid perfect conditions for a bike ride or walk on the rail trail. Rent some kayaks or canoes nearby and explore the picturesque Lake Memphremagog. Throw your shades and sun block on in the summer and watch the sailors and windsurfers from the sandy white beach. With numerous boat launches, you can cruise the perimeter with your family and kids on their water skies or in their tubes. Rejuvenate yourself with a simple swim in the crisp and fresh water of Newport, Vermont.

Visit again in your winter gear for further enjoyment on the frozen Lake Memphremagog. Grab those cross-country skies or haul up the snowmobile for a pictorial route in the radiant snow. For the extremists, travel less than 20 miles to ski or snowboard at Jay Peak, a very reputable ski mountain in Vermont. So book your house for a week, a month, or a whole season because Lake Memphremagog works around you with activities to do any time of year.

Scenic Walk in Newport, Rhode Island: The Cliff Walk

A simple trail charted by local deer more than 200 years ago transformed into today’s lure of Newport, RI. That trail, now called The Cliff Walk, borders part of the spirited town of Rhode Island presenting such aged and wealthy homes of the 1800’s. New Yorkers of that time urbanized the shore of the Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean in their vastly prosperous mansions. In spite of the rich owners’ competitiveness, they shared one unanimous strive for summer retreat. Walk the three and half miles of extravagance and you will feel the peace and tranquility those men reached for.

A featured and luxurious accommodation of Newport, RI located walking distance from the shore is The Cliffside Inn. The residence, once owned by a well-known artist, Beatrice Turner, now imparts a splendidly calming stay to the New England travelers. The authentic fireplace, synthetic bedding, “Legendary style” room service, and endless points of charm craft a terrifically soothing quarter for visiting guests. With an art museum, fine cuisine, and complete wine bar personally served who would ever want to leave? Select your room and book the date online for a spectacularly serene getaway from your busy world.

Newport RI AAA Four Diamond Award: Cliffside Inn Makes It Five-Years In A Row

Distinctive Inns of New England founding member Cliffside Inn has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award for the fifth consecutive year. The luxury Newport RI bed and breakfast is one of five Distinctive Inns hotel or inn properties that are AAA Four Diamond rated, the others are Vermont’s Rabbit Hill Inn, New Hampshire’s Manor on Golden Pond and Inn at Thorn Hill, and The Captain’s House on Cape Cod.

The Cliffside Inn joins its sister Newport RI bed and breakfast Abigail Stoneman Inn with the AAA Four Diamond distinction. Owned and operated by the same family under the name Legendary Inns of Newport, the group is now in the unique position of running more than a quarter of all the AAA Four Diamond inns or hotels in Rhode Island.

The coveted Four Diamond award is given each year to only about three percent of the more than 32,000 AAA rated inns and hotels in America. Only seven Rhode Island bed and breakfasts, inns, or hotels have been honored with AAA Four Diamonds for 2008. Cliffside Inn was the first Newport RI bed and breakfast or inn to be awarded AAA Four Diamond status in Rhode Island. Check availability at Cliffside Inn. See all DINE inns.