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.

The best, fresh produce from local farms in Camden Maine

Top three places to get local, fresh, and the best produce in Camden, ME in Knox County

1. Beveridge Farm

This farm has a vast variety of fresh produce picked every day offering vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, Fall decorations, grass, hay and wood. There’s a self-serve vegetable stand and custom bush hogging services. It’s located 2.2 miles on the left from intersection of Main Street and Rte. 52 (388 Turnpike Drive) in Camden, ME. For more information call 207-763-3596 or e-mail cherylbv@roadrunner.com.

2. Cappy’s Chowder House, Inc.

Cappy’s is a family owned restaurant and bakery with a variety of home-cooked products to take home with you. Grab a bite to eat on the harbor then bring back jam, dressings, clam chowder, a gift pack, T-shirt, or or any of the many other products they offer. Since 1979, Cappy’s has been serving up the best in town with a full bar, comforting atmosphere, harbor views, and not to mention their traditional Maine Clam Chowder. They’ll even host your next wedding, clambake party, corporate meeting, or whatever you’re looking for the bigger parties. Check out their website or e-mail cappyschowder@aol.com for more information on the restaurant, catering, their store, about Camden, and much more. Cappy’s Chowder House is located at 1 Main St. in the center of Camden, ME and can be contacted at 207-236-2254.

3. Endless Summer Flower Farm

No matter what kind of flower, color, size, or texture, you’re bound to find the right one at the Endless Summer Flower Farm. Their specialty is the dahlia tubers, which for the amateurs is a perennial plant native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia that come in plenty of different colors and textures. This roadside flower stand carries 150+ varieties and 2,000+ plants only in flower season; August to October for flower, September to May for tubers. For more information e-mail info@endlesssummerflowerfarm.com or call 207-236-8752.

Only a few blocks away from all these exciting attractions is the Camden Maine Stay, a historical and New England country inn. Located in one of America’s most beautiful seaside villages, this relaxing, cozy, romantic, and very friendly home will suit all your accommodation needs on your next getaway vacation to Camden, Maine. For a brief history lesson, back when Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States, roads were dirt and Maine was still part of Massachusetts, Alden Bass built a house at 22 High Street. That stunning main house with an attached carriage house and a four-story barn has been renovated to welcome every guest to create the best experience. The Camden Maine Stay is the second oldest of the sixty-six lovely homes that are listed on the National Register of Historical Places in the High Street Historic District. Check out their website for more information on accommodations, prices, history, package specials and much more.

Cappy's Chowder House, Inc.

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.

Visit home of Robert Frost, famous American poet, & writing classes and museum in Franconia, NH

Visit the home of where infamous Pulitzer prize winning American poet, Robert Frost, unraveled his work in the early 1900’s. He is known for his realistic portrayal of rural life in New England by expressing his intricate social and philosophical ideas. His home for 5 years with Elinor Frost has now become The Frost Place, a non-profit educational center for poetry and arts owned by Franconia, NH. Since 1977, the Frost Place awards an emerging American poet one summer of full-board residency to flourish their mind and work. Every year this historical home hosts an annual Festival and Conference on Poetry for writers seeking classes and workshops, which have opened up to high school students, teachers’ conferences, and advanced seminars. The Frost Place is a “house museum” with spectacular views of the White Mountains and isn’t your typical museum with multi-media displays and cafes. It’s simply an exhibit in itself for you to see first hand exactly what Robert Frost lived in during his time. The museum is free of admission, welcome to donations, and opening hours are not all-year around.

About a one hour drive east through Crawford Notch State Park is The Inn at Thorn Hill who are having affordable July getaway packages. The Midweek ‘Spa-aaaah’ Getaway Package is added to any Midweek Room Rate with the addition of two 60-minute Swedish massages, two healthy, chef-made spa lunches, a complimentary half bottle of sparkling Prosecco upon arrival, and finally a three-course dinner. Also, for the entire month of July will be best available room rates for the month, midweek AND weekend. Book any two consecutive nights midweek and get the best rooms in the house for $259/per night. Check out their website for further restrictions on these fantastic, cheap, summer package deals.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”
- Robert Frost

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.

Guinness Record Maker for World’s largest 3-D Earth museum exhibit – Eartha in Yarmouth, Maine

EARTHA EXHIBIT IN THE DELORME HEADQUARTERS

YARMOUTH, ME

Always wondered what the world looked like from the outside? Take a trip to Yarmouth, Maine and you’ll be able to do just that at the Eartha exhibit in the DeLorme headquarters. This 3-dimensional, 42-foot scale model of our earth with mountains and landforms all in 3-D set the Guinness record for the “World’s Largest Revolving/Rotating Globe” in 1999. How did they make such a masterpiece? It took David DeLorme, the CEO of DeLorme, one full year to compile satellite imagery, shaded relief, colored ocean depth data, and information from actual earth grounds to create 140 gigabytes of mapping data. The Eartha’s lightweight aluminum surface is perfectly shaped to replicate the earth and then actually revolves on a specially designed cantilever arm while rotating on an axis. Every continent is meticulously detailed with vivid colors illustrating all levels of vegetation, major roadways and cities, and ocean depths. And best of all, it’s all free! The DeLorme headquarters are open Monday-Saturday from 9:30am to 6:30pm and re-opening on Sundays starting April 19, 2009. For more details call toll free at 1-800-642-097 or locally at 207-846-7100.

“Eartha is the largest image of earth ever created,” says DeLorme. “Eartha will instill a sense of wonder in people when they first see it and we hope they walk away from it with a better appreciation and knowledge of the world around them.”

With the few extra bucks you save visiting this New England attraction, put it towards a State of Mainer one-night getaway package at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, ME. You’ll receive the best room available in the entire inn for the lowest prices around including dinner and breakfast. Enjoy your Maine stay and your visit to our earth right before your eyes.