Archive for March, 2012

Joie de Vivre in Rhode Island

March 26, 2012

Newport is famous worldwide for its Gilded Age mansions, its history of victories in the America’s Cup yacht race, its Cliff Walk and other spectacular seaside lookouts, its authentic Colonial buildings, its Newport jazz and folk festivals, and more.  And… you get to experience this great adventure when you join us for this late summer Interlude.   Once in a lifetime adventure awaits!

If you’ve ever donned waist-high waders you know part of the adventure is just getting into them – what a hilarious photo op and delightful experience.  Oyster fishing and exploration of the aquaculture is bound to be a favorite on this multi-faceted trip. You may even get the chance to learn how to open an oyster. Oh the pure joy when you work the tip of the knife into just the right spot and feel the oyster open ever so slightly – and learn how to hold the oyster so as not to spill the delicious brine. The fresh oysters, chowder etc are unbelievably tasty too!

Lighthouses have always held a remarkable fascination with me and I think with many others.  On this escorted vacation you will enjoy a delightful one hour cruise throughout Narragansett Bay, which showcases some of Rhode Island’s beautiful lighthouses – extraordinary!  For those who love history, Smith’s Castle offers four centuries of Rhode Island history wonderfully interpreted through tours.  This 1637 structure is amazing architecture.

And … this is just the tip of this “joie de vivre” adventure!  The French phrase expresses a cheerful enjoyment of life and an exultation of spirit – and this sojourn offers so many opportunities to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!

The “Joie” continues when you visit and tour the Newport Vineyards, where you can relax as you enjoy a sampling.  In 1999 the Newport Vineyards Vidal Ice Wine was voted one of the top 50 US wines – definitely worth a taste!   In 2010, Newport Vineyards 2010 Riesling won a Gold Medal at the Eastern International Wine Competition. This Riesling was one of over 1,400 entries, from five countries and 32 U.S.states. This one is definitely a winner on your palate. Newport Vineyards is the largest grower of wine grapes in New Englandand continues the tradition of growing quality wines on preserved farmland and it is beautiful to look at as well.

The Wharf that John Bannister built was the social and commercial lifeline to colonial Newport is now the hub of Newport’s harbor side shopping and dining, where you will find eclectic boutiques, sophisticated and casual restaurants side by side. It has always celebrated a certain “joie de vivre.” This is the place where people come to experience the ambiance that is expressly and uniquely Newport. Enjoy distinctive boutique shopping and delicious dining at one of the many wharf restaurants. A century and a half ago, the shops that lined the Wharf housed the purveyors of life’s necessities. Today, twenty shops and galleries offer a great variety of life’s little treasures. All, boast a welcoming atmosphere where storekeepers assemble the unusual, the distinctive, the very, very tempting – a savory shoppers sanctuary!!

The “joie” of all “joie” is of course the beautiful “cottages” of Newport.  On this lovely Interlude you will be touring the best of the best. As you “summer in Newport” like the wealthy did so long ago, you will visit the fabulous homes of the very rich and famous: The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff, and Marble House. You will be dazzled by the opulence and grandeur of these mansions.  Because these palaces are so large and stair-filled, it is recommended that you wear sensible shoes. The tour also includes acres of gardens and grounds, so foot comfort and safety is highly recommended. Also important to note is that visitors to the Newport Mansions are welcome to photograph or videotape the exterior of the houses and their grounds for their own personal use.  But for the protection of the collections, and to avoid disturbing other visitors, interior photography or videography is not allowed.

If you love the ocean, or history, or opulence, or shopping, or architecture, or even oysters, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time on this escorted mini-vacation.  Please review the attached itinerary and prepare for a joy-filled experience.  I know you won’t be disappointed. Je vous souhaite un merveilleux voyage.

Gilded Age Mansions & Gardens of Rhode Island (click here for itinerary)
August 27-30, 2012 (4 days, 3 nights)

Eadie – Interlude blog team

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North West Scenic Adventure

March 20, 2012

The purest of alpine experiences await you on this impressive visit to our Northern neighbor. Banff is bursting with great scenery, and I can only hope to give you a tiny taste of what is in store for you on this spectacular tour. You will enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. The hamlet of Lake Louise, located just minutes from the lake itself, has been developed over the last century to serve the needs of travelers visiting this picturesque area of Banff National Park.  It’s all just waiting for you to explore and enjoy.

Banff  National Park was Canada’s first established national park and is situated in the very heart of the Rocky Mountains. Boasting a gorgeous amalgamation of coniferous forests, dramatic mountain terrain, ice fields and glaciers, it is a haven for sightseers, nature lovers and all kinds of adventurers.  It boasts unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. I’ve been told that you are likely to see a grizzly bears, caribou and wolves!   The Park astonishes all who visit it with its sheer natural beauty and scenery.  A photographer’s dream!

On this escorted Interlude, you will marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled areas at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining theIcefields Parkway. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are just one part of the allure that is calling you to Banff.  Lake Louise has become symbolic of the quintessentially Canadian mountain scene. This alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base of the very impressive glacier-clad peaks that have long been at the heart of Canadian mountaineering. Lake Louise is a protected mountain destination that is located very close to world-class hotels, postcard perfect lodges, dining options and all kinds of activities. Just the photo ops make this destination a real MUST.  And to sweeten the pot, the assortment of shops and boutiques in both Banff and Lake Louise make this adventure a treasure-trove of opportunity.

Banff’s only Gondola takes you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Canadian Rockies.  Whisking you up to an elevation of 7,486 feet in about an 8 minute ride, the Sulphur Mountain Gondola gets you to a summit with some of the most incredible views of Banff and the mountains surrounding it,  and, of course, the proverbial gift shop. You may have an opportunity to walk on the boardwalk to the next peak and the observation decks.  Because it is usually colder at the top, I suggest that you dress in layers so you can comfortably enjoy the landscapes.

As you travel along the Trans Canada Highway you’ll have the opportunity to see one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern world – the Spiral Tunnels. The famous Spiral Tunnels on the CP Rail Line were opened on September 1st, 1909. The route called for two tunnels driven in three-quarter circles into the valley walls. The construction and extra track effectively doubled the length of the climb and reduced the gradient to 2.2%. The labor force to build these tunnels through sheer rock amounted to about a thousand, and the cost was about 1.5 million Canadian dollars. This is one of the steepest, most scenic railway lines in North America, crossing the Kicking Horse River, and running under Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain, towards the town of Field, BC.

On the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) there is a very interesting display detailing the history of the tunnels, how they were made, and how they work. If you arrive at the right time, you may see a train using the tunnels. It’s indescribable, as the train looks like a snake in a coil. Unfortunately though there isn’t any consistent time when you’ll see a train pass through, so it’s up to pure luck, I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

This luscious escorted vacation puts you in six National Parks, exposes you to many once in a lifetime experiences and offers great dining, shopping and sightseeing.  Please review the entire itinerary and check your passport to be sure it’s valid before signing up for this impressive north western sojourn.

U.S. and Canadian National Parks (click here for itinerary)
(9 days, 8 nights)

Eadie – Interlude blog team

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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