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.

Back in 1972, a group of four American singers put their jazz vocals together to release their first album under the new line-up, The Manhattan Transfer. As they skyrocketed through the Box charts throughout the 80’s and 90’s, they reached the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. Since that time, they have continued to stay together and produce more albums with their sizzling four part jazz harmonies. Now, you may have the chance to see them live at the Colonial Theater. The Colonial in Keene, NH continues to fulfill its promise as the flagship performing arts center for the Monadnock region, presenting some of the best performers from around the world. On Friday, October 9, 2009 at 8pm, the Manhattan Transfer will be performing at this truly cultural town hall and destination venue. Tickets are currently selling from 44-58 depending on the seat. Click here for more information on the theater, directions, ticket prices, and much more.

A few tunes you may know are:
Operator – the 1st hit single in 1975
Birdland – brought their 1st Grammy award (Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal, or Instrumental) in 1980
Tuxedo Junction – their theme song debuted on their 1st album in 1975
Boy from New York City – a cover from the 1965 hit by The Ad Libs and won Grammz award in 1981
Route 66- another Grammy-winning rendition in 1982
White Mystery – best-loved song R&B- chart single
Twilight Zone – their 2nd U.S. top hit

A great way to finish off the weekend is to relax with the Stress Reduction Package with the Chesterfield Inn. On this weekend getaway offer, you’ll receive a massage or facial at Devine Day Spa, a bottle of Chardonnay and chocolate covered strawberries on arrival, two nights stay, one gourmet dinner for 2, and full country breakfast each morning. This comfy, and relaxing farmhouse inn is located only 25 minutes down Rte. 9 and will make your work-week stress disappear with all their luxurious amenities.

Discover 16 nationally historic sites in 2.5 miles

Start at any point you choose and experience the American history firsthand. Many tours run daily with the most popular being Walk Into History. This tour takes you on the famous red line while a 18th Century Costumed Guide tells the tales of courageous Bostonians and Colonialists. Learn how their intrepidity against Britain helped create the democracy we know today. Some of these 18th Century Costumed Guides are Ebenezer Hancock, James Otis, Thomas Savage, Mercy Otis Warren, and plenty more. All tours run 90 minutes and are suited for anybody interested. On your tour these are some places you will encounter:

The Freedom Trail makes the perfect field trip for students of all ages. Trolley tours, interactive programs, land and sea tours, and much more are offered for schoolchildren.

Some upcoming events are American Aurora, Halloween Parade, the Journal of Auguste Lavasseur and many more. Check out the calendar for other events.

Need more information? Call 617-357-8300 or e-mail info@thefreedomtrail.org

alk Into History along the famous red line with an 18th Century Costumed Guide. Hear the tales of the brave Bostonians and Colonialists who dared to challenge Britain and helped establish the greatest democracy in the world. These 90 minute tours are designed for individuals, groups, corporate team building and schools. Read the descriptions carefully and select your special tour.

Your Halloween is no Halloween this year until you visit Salem, Massachusetts. I’m sure everyone knows of the legendary Salem Witch Trials. So, try and tell me a more festive place to be this Halloween than Salem, Massachusetts. The Haunted Happenings this year present more than 140 events with something going on everyday. See your future at the Annual Psychic Fair & Witchcraft Expo. Join every night and learn about the what really happened in the ancient Witch House of Salem. Dress up in your wildest costume for some music, dancing, food and much more on the Halloween Costume Cruise. Gather your friends and family and experience the award-winning Ipswich Ale at the Witch City Haunted Beerfest. Or bring your kids for some traditional trick or treating on Pickering Wharf on Friday night of October 24. Check the schedule and see if you’re interested in the dozens of other events offered.

Plenty of pubs, restaurants, lounges, shopping and food within make this town the place to be this Halloween. Sleep in the Hawthorne Hotel for a more historical feel and eat real New England food at their Tavern in a warm atmosphere. With over a couple dozen shops and stores there’s no doubt that you won’t find the right costume and gifts for Halloween this year. Now, the question is how to get there. Any further information or questions can be e-mailed at info@hauntedhappenings.org.

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!

Here are some other ideas for activities to do while visiting Scituate.

• Foliage tours
• Walk the trail at Rockland Road
• Horseback ride at Journey’s End Farm
• Shop in the historic north Scituate Village
• Check out historic tours of the Congregational Church, Lapham Institute, and the North Scituate Community House

Don’t get lost so be sure to read the parking and directions page. If you have any additional questions check out their website or e-mail.

In 1999, the 13-acre campus in North Adams, Massachusetts renovated into today’s largest contemporary art museum in the country. MASS MoCA has succeeded to adduce the most recent, empowering, and inspiring material. Beside their such competent art, at least 75 outstanding performances are enacted per year. Shows could be popular music, contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, outdoor silent films with live music, documentaries, world music dance parties or avant-garde theater. MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art combined to provide a place for children to study and create art. Named Kidspace, kids also have the opportunity to experience world-class music, theater, and dance. Eight major sections of the campus bring something so diverse from the other and in November of 2008 MASS MoCA will present the ninth segment.

Over the summer you can watch over a dozen artists and drafts people collaborating on the art works for Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective. LeWitt, considered the founder of Minimal and Conceptual Movements, died shortly after he created the plans for this new addition to MASS MoCA. In dedication to him, twenty four LeWitt trained professionals and their associates will contribute to the 30,000 square foot production. Their own works outside of the LeWitt project will be showcased in an offsite exhibition called Primary Secondary: Volume 1 and 2 until August 29, 2008. 

Tickets for MASS MoCA run at a great price and allow you to experience 110,000 square feet are purely popular and famed contemporary art. Check out some of the inns and bed & breakfasts in and around North Adams, Massachusetts and book your calendars.

Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective- Opening Nov. 16, 2008

Who decided that playgrounds are just for kids? Today you will find out that Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut is your new playground. Bring your friends and enjoy live entertainment, authentic food, great shopping, relaxing spas, rousing parties, and best of all… gambling. Don’t worry about leaving your job behind for a few days because Mohegan Sun offers to fully organize and host your next business meeting.

This week the Mohegan Sun Arena features Boston and Styx and Nine Inch Nails. Having a different music group perform every night, you are guaranteed to find a concert you will enjoy. You can’t get more variety when Chris Rock, Motley Crue, and Pink Floyd are all performing in the same month. Tickets average to about $40 per person and can be purchased online or by phone. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the Mohegan Sun cafes or throw on your finest attire for a more exquisite dinner at, for example, Pompeii and Caesar. Bring the entire family to the Sunburst Buffet or a few close friends for an exciting night at one of the many bars and night clubs. However you want to eat, Mohegan Sun caters to you. It won’t be hard to have a prime shopping day with Cache, Boccelli, Swarovski, Godiva Chocolatiers, and many other specialty stores. Wrap up your shopping day with a visit at either Casinos of the Sky or Casinos of the Earth. In addition, Casinos of the Wind will open in October of 2008. After all the excitement, rejuvenate yourself with a facial or grab your significant other for a Couples Massage at the Elemis Spa. At a 34-story hotel with either a king or two double queen beds in every room, it’ll be hard to say “no” to a Mohegan Sun vacation. Check out the special packages for great deals and make reservations or if you’re that interested start planning your wedding with Mohegan Sun of Uncasville, Connecticut. 

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