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.

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:

Museum of Fife and Drum Corps and a Connecticut country inn in Essex

THE MUSEUM OF FIFE & DRUM

Essex, Connecticut

At the Museum of Fife & Drum learn about America’s visual and music background dated from the Revolutionary War to today. Listen to shrills of fife and the beats of long drums as you observe the numerous artifacts on display such as drums, fifes, military swords, uniforms, medals, awards, and photographs. If you enjoy colorful and upbeat parades, then this is the perfect place for you to visit on your next Connecticut River vacation. There will even be free concerts every Tuesday evening during July and August usually featuring two corps per night. If you’re a drum corp, club, historical society, or college/high school music group, call the museum at (860) 767-2237 to arrange for a group tour. The donations are only $3 for adults, $2 for youth (ages 13-17), and children under 12 are free. Click the link proceeding for travel directions. Not even one mile down Comstock Avenue is the Copper Beech Inn, a four-star country inn and four-diamond, wine-spectator-award winning restaurant. It’s located in the beautiful Connecticut River Vally aside the Long Island Sound shoreline nearby several charming historic towns, shops, attractions and many outdoor activities. Currently they are advertising a two-night Summer package highlighting an Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Cruise, champagne upon arrival, free dinner for two one night in Brasserie Pip, and VIP discount coupons for Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. Add a 3rd night for 50% off the regular room rate and enjoy your stay in Ivoryton, Connecticut.

Factory outlet shopping mall center in Tilton, NH – Tanger Outlet Stores

Tilton, NH

As the season is turning into a new, hot, and fun-filled Summer, why not change the wardrobe a little bit? The Tanger Outlet Centers are home to the nation’s leading brand name manufacturers and premium designer labels. You’ll be buying directly from the manufacturer, which ensures affordable prices at retail rates on the same quality products every time you visit. Exclusively for the year of 2009, there are a few additional discounts available for you. Show your AAA/CAA member card to a Tanger Outlet Center service representative or management office nationwide and receive a full access to the EXCLUSIVE savings book. Tanger is awarding a free oversize, re-usable Tote when you make same day Tanger purchases of $75 or more and bring your receipts to the Shopper Services Center, but hurry soon as this offer is ending May 31, 2009. There will be a sidewalk and weekend sales in celebration of Canadian Victoria Day and Memorial Day. If you have a business meeting or large function with more than 25 attendees coming up, e-mail the General Manager at enproulx@tangeroutlet.com to request your free coupon voucher gifts for your guests.

Below is a list of the premium stores you’ll find at the Tanger Outlet Center in Tilton, NH:

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.

Visit the historical basketball coaches and players at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Latest News at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Dream Team and Piston Coach Hall of Famer, Chuck Daly, passes away at 78
May 11, 2009

Chuck Daly in 1994 with his Hall of Fame Medallion

Chuck Daly gained worldwide fame as coach of the legendary Olympic Dream Team in 1992, but long before Barcelona and the gold medal, the twelve-year NBA coach was established as one of the game’s premier mentors. (Read more)

For all you extreme basketball fans or simply the interested, visit the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame museum in Springfield, MA and learn about the most incredible athletes of our past. Learn and understand the fascinating stories of legendary players and coaches whom performed phenomenally and touched many lives. Tickets run for no more than $17 and its usually open from 10am-4pm (click here for details on tickets and hours). After all the basketball excitement, you have plenty of choices of where to go for dinner: Max’s Tavern, Pazzo Ristorante, Cold Stone Creamery, j.Quincy’s & Samuel’s Sports Bar, Subway, Onyx Fusion Bar & Restaurant, and UNO Chicago Grill. Stop by the Official Museum Store online or in Springfield, MA and grab something suitable before visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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.

Healthy and Fun Cooking Classes at the Williamsville Inn

Hands-on Specialty Cooking Classes at the Williamsville Inn

Think your honey needs a little help in the kitchen? At the Williamsville Inn, Master Chef and Instructor Erhard Wendt can teach a few things not just about cooking, but doing it gourmet. After one of his cooking classes, you won’t want to keep feeding the dog leftovers. You’ll enjoy making any kind of dinner for everyone you know. Each class is designed to inspire a passion for cooking, baking, and ambiance while learning about preparations, healthy cuisines and the basics for good techniques, tools, and equipment.

Master Chef and Culinary Instructor Erhard Wendt has reached the highest degree and achievement in Culinary Arts back in 1982. Ever since then he has been working as an Executive Chef at several different star-rated restaurants… even in Europe! His publications can be found in many cookbooks, gourmet magazines, and newspaper articles. He hopes to deliver his same passion to many other aspiring cooks around the country.

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A Boston Walking and Historic Tour

THE BOSTON HISTORIC FREEDOM TRAIL

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:
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A Haunted Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts

SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS
OCTOBER 1, 2008 – NOVEMBER 1, 2008

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.
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