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:

Caledonia County Fair – fun, crafts, games, demolition derby and more! Rabbit Hill Inn ranked #1 hotel in US by Travel & Leisure

Caledonia County Fair 2009

Lyndonville, VT

The town of Lyndonville, Vermont is celebrating 162 years of Caledonia County Fair at the Mountain View Park this year. There will be plenty of games, food, fun, and best of all… the demolition derby! The 1st place winner for being the last car standing will walk away with $600. There will be plenty more exhibits such as antique demos, floral hall and craft exhibits, cattle/sheep/poultry/aquarium exhibits, a maple display, Alpaca demonstrations, Children’s Freedom Train, and of course King of Silly . There’s surely no county fair without the rides and this year Dreamland Amusements is proud to present exciting attractions for all ages for the last 8 years in a row. For more information visit their website . About a half an hour down the road lies the Rabbit Hill Inn which was recently ranked in the top 100 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure. With a handsome score of 91.9 and ranked #1 in the U.S. for all aspects such as environment, ambiance, hospitality, service and accommodations. Featured in previous blogs is their Pink Slip Getaway Package that will help those unemployed take some vacation time, too.

“We’re very proud to be placed in such good company with the most distinctive hotels, resorts and inns in the world,” said Leslie Mulcahy, co-owner of the Rabbit Hill Inn. “Knowing that chateaus, safari clubs and island resorts were included on the list, it’s quite a humbling notion to be ranked among the best in the world. We’re delighted that our guests and Travel & Leisure readers shared their insight into our highlights to secure us a place on this list,” finished Mulcahy.

Vermont craftspeople display their arts and crafts in Open Studio Weekend 2009

Vermont Crafts Council hosts the Open Studio Weekend 2009

May 23 & 24, 2009

Back in September, the Vermont Crafts Council organizes directions and maps to all the sites of the Vermont craftspeople whom work in studios located in or close to their residences. Throughout the Winter, they continue accepting applications of sites and develop directions. Around the first week of April, it all comes together to make The Open Studio Weekend, named one of the Top Ten Summer Events in a Vermont Chamber of Commerce competition in 1997. On this event, you will be able to see for yourself the production of many finished works of art, the atmosphere of their workplace, and even talk with the artist them self all in the place of the artists’ workplace. You’ll see the swatches that have not been chosen for the quilt or the work that is experimental or not serious enough for the gallery. As you can see on the map below, it will be almost impossible to run out of places to visit on this exciting weekend. Thinking about attending both days of the Open Studio Weekend? The Distinctive Inns of New England can help you find the right place to stay in Vermont to make your weekend just a bit better with luxurious accommodations.

Going from idea to reality: Placing studios on the map.

Rabbit Hill Inn’s fresh, healthy cuisine from local Vermont farmers markets

The season has begun for you to enjoy only the freshest farm produce of the year. What’s better than a relaxing weekend getaway and knowing you’ll be eating the freshest produce around. Chef Matt, from the Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont, highlights their menu with foods that come less than 60 miles away every day. This includes dairy, produce, herbs, poultry, and meats and their seafood the premium catch from the Main coast. This dedicated locavore Chef visits select farms and farmers markets daily for product harvested just a few hours before. As a result, this Four Diamond cuisine is truly extraordinary and refreshing. During your next visit, be sure to stop by the local farms for the freshest ingredients and plenty more delicious goodies such as locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese, chocolates, jarred and canned treats, flower, plants, and fine crafts. This could be why Vermont is one of the Top 3 Healthiest States in the USA!

Outdoor Rock Climbing and Day Spa Package in New Hampshire

Cape Cod, MA Spring Town Fair Festival – Brewster in Bloom

Welcome to the 23rd Annual Brewster in Bloom

May 1, 2, 3, 2009

An exciting Cape Cod town festival, Brewster in Bloom, organized by The Brewster Chamber of Commerce Board of Trade and The Brewster in Bloom Committee is coming just around the corner for you and your family to enjoy. There will be plenty of events to attend such as: golf contests, antique exhibits, art and craft shops, historical tours, clothes sales, raffles, anniversary celebrations, beer and wine tastings, band concerts, Kidsfest, and plenty more! The fun will run for three days from 10am until 5pm and end with the Brewster in Bloom Parade starting at 1pm on May 3rd. Each day features several different activities for all ages so make a whole weekend vacation out of Brewster in Bloom. To accommodate your stay, the Captain’s House Inn lies just 20 minutes away with spectacular views of the south coast of Cape Cod. Before you begin your days of festival fun, Chef Kevin and Claude will prepare an absolutely delectable breakfast to start your day right. With the Captain’s House Inn’s luxurious amenities and comfortable atmosphere, you won’t want to go back to reality after your weekend getaway vacation.

A Scenic Gorge Walk in New Hampshire and Vacation Getaway Package Giveaway at the Rabbit Hill Inn

The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park &
The Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway with Rabbit Hill Inn

View one of America’s top ten most beautiful state parks in the heart of New Hampshire, the Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park. The 200-year-old Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty Walk with granite walls rising to 90 feet. Walk through the stunning, moss-covered granite walls, to the cascading waterfalls, into historic covered bridges, past glacial boulders and much more. It will open for visitors on May 9th from 10am – 5pm until the end of October depending on weather conditions. Entrance fee is Adults $12.00; Children (6-11) $8.00 and 5 & under is free.

 Click here to watch a video about The Flume Gorge. 

About 30 minutes up Route 93, the Rabbit Hill Inn is offering the Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway for a limited time to make your vacation weekend as relaxing as can be. Leslie and Brian Mulcahy realize that downsized workers today finally have time to travel but may not have the resources. In response to that, the Rabbit Hill Inn will give away six getaways to unemployed workers; one each month from April through July and again in November and December. If you or a spouse has been unemployed for more than six months, Rabbit Hill Inn wants to hear the story and will award the deserving couple with a rejuvenating two night getaway, including everything from beautiful accommodations to a candlelight dinner. Simply send a letter or email by June 1, 2009 explaining your story in one page or less:

Rabbit Hill Inn Getaway Giveaway
P.O. Box 55
Lower Waterford Road, VT  05848
or send an email to info@rabbithillinn.com

For more details visit the Rabbit Hill Inn website and enjoy your stay!

Art and Craft Summer Classes for Children & Adults in New Hampshire

Art & Craft Classes for Children & Adults at the League of N.H. Craftsmen

CENTER SANDWICH, NH
July-August

On your next getaway into Northern New Hampshire, introduce the creative side of your mind with an arts and crafts class at the place where famous artisans have settled to unfold their talents. The League of N.H. Craftsmen in Center Sandwich, NH hosts a wide variety of classes where you and your loved ones can demonstrate your artistic side. Spend the afternoon making simple books, make some sterling silver earrings for your friend, turn one of your old, dingy chairs into a natural strand cane seat you’ll be proud to take home, or even learn how to make pizza from absolute scratch! There are several more classes running throughout the July and August months and many more for the kids! Click here to view the upcoming classes. Nearly 25 minutes down NH-113, the Manor on Golden Pond awaits your arrival to make your getaway as relaxing as can be. Let the sweeping images of Squam Lake and the White Mountains take your breath away accompanied by the charm and coziness of this New England country inn, the Manor on Golden Pond.