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September 25, 2009
Wickwood Inn - Saugatuck, MI
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The Autumn Leaves Caress The Trees | |
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Enchantment is everywhere --- the glow of red and gold leaves, the crush of grapes in the vineyard, orchards ripe with apples, soft waves along the Big Lake, swarms of Monarchs migrating south, optimal stargazing after brilliant sunsets and mulled wine poured at art openings. Some of the magic will surely warm your heart.
Our Indian Summer Events!! | |
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"Events are sometimes the best calendar." ----- Benjamin Disraeli |
September 24 Docent-led field trip to the cutting edge Jeup Furniture Plant in Hudsonville, SCA
September 26 Mike Raleigh and Keith Scott, What Not
September 28 Yom Kippur September 30-November 1 Structured Styles- tiles and masonary, Khnemu Studio
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October 3 Oktoberfest in Douglas October 3-23 Chrysanthemum Show at Meijer Gardens, GR
October 3-4 Twentieth Annual Blue Coast Artists Studio Tour
October 10 Third Annual Lakeshore Harvest Country Road Rally
November 1 Halloween Party with Entyce at the What Not Inn |
November 11 Veterans Day
November 21 Children's Film Festival, SCA
December 4-5 Christmas "On The Air" 1940's Radio Show, Red Barn
December 18-20 Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, The Women's Club
December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS
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Wickwood Inn | 510 Butler Street P.O. Box 1019 | Saugatuck, MI 49453 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Posted by Marsha Rhodes on September 25, 2009 at 08:25 AM in Activities & Events, Lodging | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 21, 2009
Lancaster County's Mysteries Unveiled
LANCASTER COUNTY’S MYSTERIES UNVEILED…
Unexplained Stories of Lancaster County’s Past Uncovered on All Hallows Eve
Lancaster County – Leave the jack-o-lantern home and the candy on the door step this year and make way for a tour filled with mystery, trickery, treats and lots of fun. Lancaster County Tours offers you a departure like none other. Be forewarned--this tour is not for the faint of heart!
The time to delve into Lancaster begins Friday October 30, 2009. We begin at 6:00 p.m. with a progressive dinner. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres at the Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast as paranormal writer Charles J. Adams III sets the mood. After hearing unexplained stories of yesteryear, we’ll drift down to the vacant 150-year old (?) Kauffmans Hardware Store… you’ll never guess what’s in the basement….oh, if these walls could talk of times long forgotten…..or are they?
From there we’ll proceed to The Artist’s Inn, along with Charles, and experience the second part of our progressive evening, with local legends and irresistible sweets. The night would not be complete without a tour of the Terre Hill graveyard, lantern in hand. The nearly full moon will provide the perfect backdrop for this part of the tour.
Your imagination will be your tour guide at night….for both inns have colorful pasts…but no ghosts…that we know of.
Saturday morning begins with a Halloween inspired breakfast at your inn, then a visit to the Fulton Opera House in downtown Lancaster. A tour of this impressive theatre brings more than just grand architecture of a bygone era. Our tour guides will reveal haunting stories of this majestic lady’s past.
We’ll stop for a ghoulish lunch at Lily’s on Main in Ephrata, truly a treasure of a restaurant serving up nothing short of intrigue on the menu.
We’ll then travel to The Cocalico Valley Historical Society. This 19th century building, once a funeral home, houses one of the area’s most extensive collections of local artifacts. We’ll travel back in time as we explore a “room” from the old Mountain Spring Hotel and an exhibit of “spirited” pictures. Are they real? You be the judge. Stories round off the day here at the Historical Society.
Here’s what’s included in the Lancaster County, Unexplained Tour:
Progressive Meal on Friday and Lunch at Lily’s
Tours, Book Signing and Discussions with Author Charles J. Adams, III
Tour of the Fulton Opera House
Tour of Cocalico Historical Society with discussions and more
Saturday transportation and a fine gift from your innkeepers
Cost for this tour is $125.00 per person. Lodging is in addition to your package and can be reserved at either inn. Reserve early by viewing our website at www.lancastercountytours.com or call Jan at 1.888.999.4479 or Carl at 1.888.824.3763
Posted by AlexanderSBrown on September 21, 2009 at 12:43 PM in Lodging | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 18, 2009
The Whale Ale - San Pedro CA
1) For September (Lobster month) we are flying in Maine Lobsters, live and serving a half lobster special. Maine lobsters look like this:
Maine is famous for its new shell lobster -- tender, delicious lobster that you can break open with your bare hands. This delicacy is available only during harvest time.
Easy to Eat
Anyone who has had to resort to a hammer to get the meat from a hard shell lobster can easily understand one of the benefits of a new shell. You can usually break the shell open with your bare hands to access the tender meat inside. This means that you spend more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time wielding tools.
Tasty and Tender
Although lobster aficionados are divided in their preferences for tail meat versus claw meat, they tend to agree that new shell lobsters are a delicacy not to be missed. After the lobster has shed its thick old shell and is sporting a larger new shell, the meat is at its most flavorful and tender.Available for a limited time only
Maine lobstermen harvest the majority of their lobsters during the time when lobster are shedding their old shells, yielding an annual crop of new shell lobsters primarily between July and October.
2) This Friday, September 18, Cliff Wagner & the Old No.7 from 8.00pm to 11.00pm
Cliff Wagner & The Old #7 are a band like nothing you have never heard. Mixing Bluegrass, Blues and Honky Tonk in a way that has audiences on their feet. Cliff and the other members of The Old #7 are taking American Roots Music to the next level, and the fans are following. Cover charge $8. You will need a reservation, - just to get in and see So. Cal.'s best Bluegrass Band.
Come join the fun at The Whale & Ale - San Pedro, CA!
Posted by Marsha Rhodes on September 18, 2009 at 02:56 PM in Dining, Food and Drink | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 17, 2009
The Dormer House Bed & Breakfast - Cape May, NJ
Greetings from The Dormer House B & B
Now that Labor Day is over, it's time to enjoy how beautiful Cape May, NJ is in the fall. We also offer Weekend specials.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Lucille and Dennis Doherty
Posted by Marsha Rhodes on September 17, 2009 at 09:39 AM in Lodging | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 16, 2009
I Love This Country - Country Inn & Suites Naperville, IL
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"See Chicago" Double Decker Bus Tour Package
Heading out to a Chicago Bears Game?
Upcoming Events
Recipe of the Month: Easy Vegetable SoupPosted by Marsha Rhodes on September 16, 2009 at 12:33 PM in Activities & Events, Lodging | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 09, 2009
Devonfield Inn of Lee, MA
Devonfield Inn is centrally located yet a world apart, Devonfield Inn is set on a 32 acre pastoral meadow shaded by graceful birch trees, with the rolling tapestry of the Berkshire Hills beyond. This 200 year old historic estate home has been graciously updated and is filled with fine antiques. It is sophisticated, yet comfortable and inviting.
Devonfield's upscale suites and bedrooms are all beautifully appointed, spacious and offer modern private baths. Quilts, down comforters, plush sheets, towels, cd players and TV/VCRS enhance every room along with handmade chocolates and bottled water. Many have wood burning fireplaces, jacuzzis and fine terry robes. For your comfort, the Inn is completely air conditioned and provides wireless Internet. The guest pantry is always open and is stocked with treats. There is a refrigerator and microwave as well.
A fireside (fall and winter) candlelit gourmet breakfast is served on fine china accompanied by classical music. Breakfast includes a bountiful buffet followed by a specially selected hot entree served tableside each day.
Follow breakfast with a stroll through the flower-filled gardens, play tennis, or take a dip in the heated pool, and then enjoy the best in cultural and recreational activites in all season. Or just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, snooze in a hammock (or by a roaring fire), have afternoon refreshments or a complimentary cordial in the living room. Whatever you choose, you'll find warm hospitality, relaxation, and rejuvenation to be the hallmark of your stay in this romantic country home.
Devonfield Inn has recently earned acclaim from the travel industry by being named as the Lanier Travel Guides 2008 Inn of the Year, ILoveInns.com, Top Ten Most Romantic Inns in America, Karen Brown 2009 New England's Most Romantic Inn, and named a Fodor's Choice 2009 Establishment.
Posted by AlexanderSBrown on September 9, 2009 at 09:37 AM in Lodging | Permalink | TrackBack
September 08, 2009
Allegan Country Inn of Allegan, MI
Allegan Country Inn’s historic style bed and breakfast includes many modern amenities. Our country kitchen is equipped with a sink-erator 190 degree water faucet for hot chocolate, flavored teas and coffee along with homemade chocolates that are available throughout the day. A full country breakfast is served each morning. (We do accommodate most special diets. Let us know when booking reservation.)
Our warm and comfortable library is complete with a variety of good books, music CD’s, and DVD movies. Sit near the fireplace and enjoy meeting new friends or retreat to one of our spacious rooms.
The West Wing bedroom includes a Jacuzzi Suite and shower with built in chair seat. The beautiful bedroom suite is a Baker Furniture original and includes a seasonal pillowtop mattress with down fill on one side for winters and cashmere for summers. Directly above the bed is a ceiling fan and lighting all remote controlled for convenience.
Enjoy the South Shore Bedroom with a hand painted mural of the South Haven Beach. This beautiful room includes a queen-sized bed, parlor seating area, rocking chair, and full bath.
Feel the country in our Northern Woods bedroom with large cedar log beds, cedar wood walls and stone fireplace.
Our Northern Lights room maintains the Victorian flare with queen-sized bed, gas fireplace, sitting area.
Relax and refresh your spirit at the Allegan Country Inn where we unite the warmth of a country setting with genuine hospitality. The Inn is located within minutes of the resort towns of Holland, Saugatuck and South Haven. Experience breathtaking sunsets over the beaches of Lake Michigan or enjoy several nearby golf courses, wineries, museums, art galleries, antique shops, nature trails, skiing, snowmobile trails, National and State parks.
Posted by AlexanderSBrown on September 8, 2009 at 10:18 AM in Lodging | Permalink | TrackBack
"The" Montana Family Vacation Place - Elk Lake Resort - West Yellowstone MT
A Day on the lakeUpper Red Rock Lake sits at the heart of Montana's wild and pristine Centennial Valley. Protected as an important part of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, this large, shallow lake is only accessible by 'row-power' from July 15th until the waters freeze. Lower Red Rock Lake, an even marshier habitat, opens to boaters on September 1st. Not only are these lakes interesting for their abundant bird life, the Upper Lake and Red Rock Creek are home to one of the only native lake dwelling populations of Arctic Grayling in the lower 48 states. With the lake playing such an important role in the Centennial, and since it is just next door, I am sure it comes as no surprise a kayak / canoe exploration trip has been on our to-do list for many years. While the guys did float down Red Rock Creek and across to the Upper Lake Campground a few years back, this is the first day-long excursion we have managed to get in. One of the challenges (besides the obvious - getting a day off) facing anyone interested in perusing this large lake is the wind. Located in a high valley with mountain ranges to the north and south, the Centennial Valley often serves as a wind funnel. With no natural wind breaks, the lake's surface can become a violent cauldron with little notice. Thus visitors do well to keep one eye on the weather forecast and the other on the sky as they prepare for their adventure. Tuesday started off cool with clear skies in all directions. All in all, it was a magical day. Before breakfast early birds could watch fishermen navigate Elk Lake amidst fingers of fog. Mid morning it was our turn. With the kayaks and canoe strapped aboard, we headed for the Upper Lake Campground. This is, perhaps, the only launching point on the Upper Lake (unless one chooses to float Red Rock Creek). However, I cannot image a prettier spot from which to begin a wonderful day. The weather was warm, but not unpleasantly so. By late morning, the sky was mostly clear and the wind, while noticeable, was not unpleasant. As we worked our way along the southern shore heading east, my eyes could not help but return again and again to the majestic mountain backdrop. Coming nearly to the lake's shore, Taylor Mountain is an impressive site.
It is farther across that lake than it looks! Believe me! As we worked our way along the eastern shore, headed for what appeared to be a very narrow sandy beach, we were able to observe hundreds of birds. We counted several dozen swans, all told, and saw numerous duck species. However, compared to the birds on Elk Lake, these feathered friends were much more flighty.
After rowing for what seemed 'forever,' we finally reached a narrow sandy beach. Lunch and a little stretching felt great. The view to the west wasn't too hard on the eys either. For that matter, neither was the upclose and personal view of Sheep Mountain.
After lunch we headed around a narrow spit of land and took a much-to-brief gander up Red Rock Creek. While it is perhaps best known as the headwaters to the mighty Missouri, Red Rock Creek also provides a much needed spawning habitat for the lake dwelling Arctic Grayling and Yellowstone Cutthroat who call the Upper Lake home. Thanks the the clear water, we were able to see many large fish lurking in some suprisingly deep holes.
The beautiful views, young ducks hiding along the shore line, and white-tail deer sightings added to the pleasure. The creek was delightful and amazingly calm after the breeze-tossed lake. However, a black cloud was building in the west, and we had yet to reach our goal. Too soon it was time to head back to the lake.
With one eye on the clouds to the west and one on the shoreline, we headed along the north shore, looking for the outlet from Swan Lake. At one point my hubby started wondering if we might have to portage a short way to reach the other lake. However, after sloshing through knee deep mud to reach the shoreline, he found not a lake but a big bull moose on the other side of the bushes! Our persistence finally paid off. We found the mouth - a slow moving, muddy bottomed creek. Crossing the mud-bar we headed up the creek, wondering how many times we would twist and turn before we reached the lake. While the black clouds continued to build to the west, looking north up the creek, the puffy white clouds and brilliant blue sky made a gorgeous backdrop for the green and yellow grass-lined shore.
Goal reached! As I rounded a bend, Swan Lake spread before me. In fact, not knowing this to be anything more than just another turn on the creek, I was almost as surprised to see the two trumpeter swans a few hundred yards ahead as they were to see me. Although I froze, the birds knew this was not just an overgrown duck and away they flew!
Swan Lake was much larger than I expected, and much shallower. Even with a kayak which draws very little water, weeds still drug along my hull. Even worse were the weeds clinging to my paddle with each stroke. I would hate to try and navigate this large lake in a low water year. Nonetheless, our time was too short! I would love to have explored the area more. However, we could see rain just over the nearby mountain range - and it was heading our way! Thus, with a last look around, we girded ourselves for the long pull back across the lake!
It WAS a long pull, especially for tired kayakers after a full day. Thankfully, while we did not escape the rain, the wind did not kick up too much - just enough to keep us pulling hard on the windward side to keep our vessels headed in a straight line. Three miles (I must admit, as I crawled out of my kayak, I'd have said it must have been more like 300 miles) later, we beached our craft at our starting point. What a day! What an incredibly beautiful and wild lake. For having spent an entire day on its surface, we were the ONLY people out there! No joke! While we saw hundreds, perhaps thousands, of birds, two deer, and a bull moose, we saw no other people - in fact, we didn't even see any sign of other people except at the boat launch. Where in the lower 48 can one experience such a thing? Maybe, just maybe, only here in Montana's Centennial Valley! Lady of the Lake | ||
Posted by Marsha Rhodes on September 8, 2009 at 09:12 AM in Lodging | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
