Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

Shop The Tanger Outlet Center

For a truly amazing shopping experience when you are in the area of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, nothing beats a trip to the Tanger Outlet Center. This is what many of the locals would call Pennsylvania Dutch shopping at its finest. At the Tanger Outlet Center you have an amazing amount of stores to choose from. Make that over 60 outlet stores just filled with all kinds of designer items for your shopping enjoyment.

There is a reason why the Tanger Outlet Center uses the motto of bargain hunting at its best. That is because you have the convenience of a ton of great stores all located in one convenient place. This makes life much, much easier when you are not having to constantly run around town trying to get to all of your desired locations. At the Tanger Outlet Center in Lancaster, you are just steps away from all of the great bargains that you have been longing for.

Are you looking for wonderful apparel? The Tanger Outlet Center has amazing stores such as Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole and Nine West. For housewares and furniture, there is nothing like a stop at Mikasa or even the Bombay Outlet. There is something for every shopper at the Tanger Outlet Center.

The Tanger Outlet Center is conveniently located at 311 Stanley K. Tanger Boulevard in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hours that you may stop by for a little shopping are from 9:00AM until 9:00PM Monday through Saturday and 10:00AM until 6:00PM on Sunday. If you happen to have any questions regarding store listings or possible up and coming events at the Tanger Outlet Center in Lancaster, feel free to give them a call at (717) 392-7260.

The Hands-On House

When you need a little bit of a break from the ordinary attractions, you should bring your children to the wonderful Hands-On House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Hands-On House Museum is the perfect place to bring your kids and let them enjoy learning about all kinds of interesting things and having fun while doing it. The best thing about the Hands-On House is touching of the exhibits is encouraged and children are implored to learn through not only their eyes, but by using their other senses as well. Children between the ages of 2 and 10 get to enjoy all of the wonderful exhibits and more that are offered by this great, non-profit organization.

One of the many things that parents love so much about the Hands-On House is that they get to enjoy all of the awesome exhibits with their children. It can be quite an amazing experience to see the look on the face of a child when they are able to explore while learning. Kids can learn all about how machinery keeps things going at Marty's Machine Shop. How about a bit of learning with a splash of colorful artwork at Rainbow's End? Children also have a blast by learning about all of the jobs and foods that are grown on local farms when they visit E-I-E-I Know.

For planning your visit to the Hands-On House Museum, the admission prices are only $6 for each adult and child. If you will be visiting with a group, there are also group rates available for your convenience. The hours of operation are 11:00AM until 4:00PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00AM until 8:00PM on Friday, 10:00AM until 5:00PM on Saturday and 12:00PM until 5:00PM on Sunday with regular closings on Monday. No matter when you decide to visit, you and your children are sure to enjoy the Hands-On House Museum.

The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

No trip to the beautiful area of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is complete without a visit to the wonderful and historical Bethel African Methodist Church of ChurchTowne. Many people make plans to visit this gorgeous structure when they visit this area of Pennsylvania. This is a stunning structure that actually dates back to the 1800s. When you make this trip with your family or sightseeing tour group, you are sure to be glad that you stopped by.

Once you start to hear about the rich history behind this amazing religious organization, you will be proud to say that you have paid a visit to the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. It has been said that the people of the African church had actually held their initial gatherings in a local tavern. They did not have enough funding to set up their own church structure until the year 1821. Civil War history buffs will be intrigued to find this was one of the stops along the underground railroad after freed slaves made it to the North, they were hidden and given food and clothes to start their new lives.

At the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, there are always many different types of activities going on with the Cultural Center. Often times, there will be a drive for the food bank or other wonderful things that work wonders to help out the local community. This entire church structure is based on helping others, whether it be through charity or community outreach. There are even many activities through the church itself that are geared toward helping children as well as those people in the community who need help with drug and alcohol addictions. The structure is largely unchanged since its original design and if you enjoy historical architecture, you'll enjoy seeing the simple elegance of this building.

The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located at 450-512 East Strawberry Street in Lancaster. If you would like further information, you may call the church offices at (717) 393-8379.

Amazing Balloon Flights in Lancaster

Tired of seeing the historic sites from ground level? Have you ever imagined yourself high in the sky riding in a marvelous hot air balloon? Well, if you are going to be in the lovely area of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, then you no longer have to imagine it. Now, you can take flight in a hot-air balloon guided by the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. There is nothing quite like flying high above and looking down on the countryside below. Once you have taken part in such an adventure, you are sure to want to relive the excitement time and time again. Most definitely bring your camera with you, you'll want to share the sights from high above with your friends and family who may not be brave enough to leave terra firma.

Balloon Flights is a very popular activity in Lancaster. People from all over the country love to travel to this area of Pennsylvania just so they can catch a glimpse of the beauty lying down below. You have never seen Amish Country quite like this! There are several different flight options that you can choose from to make your experience truly unique and one of a kind. If you'd like to make it a special flight for two, you can even relax and enjoy delicious snacks and bubbly champagne while you are high up in your hot air balloon.

The United States Hot Air Balloon Team is a group of highly trained professionals, so you can always feel the utmost in safety when you are embarking on your very own balloon flight. This outstanding company has been providing safe, fun and memorable hot air balloon flights to passengers since 1987. You can even book a 3 or 5 day excursion to view the gorgeous Pennsylvania landscapes with Balloon Flights that you are sure to remember for a lifetime.

Visiting the Amish Farm and House

To experience all of the charm and beauty of Amish living in Pennsylvania, then you simply must visit the Amish Farm and House, located in beautiful Lancaster. This is truly the only way that you can really learn all about the interesting lives that families within the Amish communities live. Once you have visited here, you will not only have a better understanding, but also a great appreciation for the Amish and their way of life.

The Amish Farm and House was actually built many years ago, way back in 1805. Since that time, it has been the shelter for many generations of Amish. Many people come from miles and miles around just so they can embark on a guided tour throughout the farmhouse and the surroundings. You would be just awestruck at the amount of things that you can learn about these people within a 40-minute guided tour.

During each tour, you will learn about the many aspects of Amish living. You will be able to get all of your questions answered such as where they came from, what exactly do they practice for their religion and much more. Walk through the Amish farmhouse and find out just how important the kitchen is to every Amish family. There are many great and interesting Amish traditions to learn about when you visit the Amish Farm and House.

When you are planning your visit, cost of admission is only $7.25 for ages 12 and up, $4.75 for ages 5 through 11, and $6.50 for ages 60 and older. If you would like further information or to inquire about any possible upcoming events, you may call the Amish Farm and House at (717) 394-6185.

ATV Riding on Southern Rhode Island Green Trail, Narragansett

The Southern Rhode Island Green Trail is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. This ATV and bike trail spans the majority of South County. While riding on the ATV trail you will be treated to some very nice scenic views, and you will have a great time riding your bike or ATV through many of the area's parks, ponds, beaches and wildlife refuge sites.

The beaches that you will pass through are simply beautiful, with bright blue skies, sparkling sand and gorgeous views of the ocean. The parks you will encounter in the area are full of lush and heavily forested areas. The ponds along the ATV trail are simply magnificent, and the glimpse of wildlife is spectacular. Riding your bike or ATV through the Southern Rhode Island Green Trail really gives you a great view of mother nature at her best.

If you get tired while riding on the ATV trail, you can always stop and rest at one of the parks or beaches you will be gliding through. Most of the parks and beaches have picnic tables and some have concession stands, so you may be able to pull your ATV over and rest for a bit and enjoy a snack as well. Restrooms and phones are also available at most of these places as well, if you need to use them.

When you are riding your bike or ATV through the Southern Rhode Island Green Trail, please respect the land and do not litter or harm the environment or wildlife in any way. Those who are caught doing so may face serious legal repercussions. Follow the rules and have fun riding on the ATV trail!

Tour Rosecliff in Newport

'Awesome' --Seems like everything meriting even the slightest accolade, from cheeseburgers to the latest boy-band, is deemed to be awesome. Tour Newport's historic 'cottage district' along coastal Bellevue Avenue and you will, for a happy change, gaze upon architectural delights that are truly deserving of the word. Not the least of which is the Rosecliff Mansion.

Home to Newport's famed flower festival every spring, Rosecliff Mansion is a breathtaking delight any time of year. And for good reason-- the Rosecliff was modeled after the Gran Trianon, the palace in Versailles used by French kings as a country retreat. The land had been owned by one George Bancroft, creator of the American Beauty rose, until purchased by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair and her husband, Hermann Oelrichs. The Oelrichs' had opulent and extravagant taste and when the Rosecliff Mansion was completed in 1902, they threw a lavish bash for their friends, with entertainment provided by magician Harry Houdini.

Visitors aren't the only one stunned and amazed by the breathtakingly beautiful Rosecliff Mansion. Many movie directors have been impressed enough to feature it in such notable films as "The Great Gatsby", starring Robert Redford, and "High Society", starring Grace Kelly. As you are led through to first floor on a guided tour or wander the upstairs on your own, be sure to notice the clothing and books left behind by Rosecliff's illustrious Oelrichs'. It was magnificent homes like this one that made the Twenties roar with elegance and good feelings. Pause quietly for a moment and perhaps you will hear the echoes of a less complicated, grander time. Have an awesome time!

Come See Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett

The Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The beach was known as Sand Hill Cove until 1970, when the state decided to rename it in honor of the man who invented the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System. This beach is 27 acres of pure water fun, perfect for those who enjoy swimming and laying in the sand. The view in the area during the summer is full of deep blue skies with picturesque clouds, and the temperature is hot but not unbearably so. You and your friends will simply be astonished by how magnificent the ocean looks from the beach.

If you like surfing, then you will especially enjoy your time at the Roger W. Wheeler State Beach. The beach gets moderate waves, and there are some surf shops in the area in case you don't happen to have a board handy. You will be able to surf the waves as much as you like. When you are done swimming or surfing, you could go to one of the many other parks or beaches in the area.

There is a fee to park at the beach, but entrance is free. There are trained and skilled life guards available at all times in case of an emergency, and there are rest rooms and phone booths on the beach. Concession stands and picnic tables are available as well, incase you get a case of the munchies or feel the need to chill out in the shade a bit. The beach also offers hot coin operated showers in the pavilion.

Sparks Fly At Waterfire

Looking for a romantic experience? Then come to Providence and experience Waterfire. Every May through October, the fragrance of wood smoke permeates the evening air as magical bonfires are lit along the three rivers that intersect downtown Providence. Bask with you paramour in the glow of firelight, listening to the crackling flames.

The 100 bonfires are the work of artisan Barnaby Evans. The river walks along the exhibit are filled with music specifically selected to enhance the mood of the evening. Take a romantic stroll, and you'll begin to feel you're in another time and space. Shadowy fire tenders drift quietly by on torch lit vessels recalling pictures of Venice in it's peak.

Why not enhance your evening beginning with a fine Italian dinner at Casa Christine? Delicious cuisine served generously. This little gem is a very popular spot, so get there by 6:00PM or you may find yourself changing your dining plans. Definitely worth the effort. Then spend the rest of the evening walking hand in hand along the riverfront to the sounds of classical and traditional ethnic music.

If you'd like to experience the romance of Waterfire for yourself you can reach the exhibit by taking I-95 to exit 22 downtown, the off ramps brings you to Memorial Blvd. Memorial Blvd. runs along side of the river, and the Waterfire exhibit is visible just ahead on your left, and public parking is available. The bonfires are mainly lit on Saturday evenings and burn from 6:00PM until just after midnight.

Walk On The Wild Side At Roger Williams Park Zoo

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is reason enough to visit Providence, Rhode Island. Previously named one of the top ten zoos in the country, this park is the perfect venue for a day of family fun.

The zoo is divided into seven major areas covering a wide range of animals and climates. If you enjoyed the movie Madagascar, you'll want to be sure to see the Roger Williams exhibit of creatures from that incredibly endangered environment. See no less than 5 varieties of those enchanting lemurs, nature's most incredible acrobats.

Other attractions include displays from North America, Tropical America, and Australasia. One of the newest and most popular interactive sites are the four Stayin' Alive exhibits located throughout the park. All things lizardy and amphibian are the focus, with Komodo Garden at the center of attraction. Don't worry, they're only amazingly life-like replicas, but your kids will love the chance to examine these Komodos up close. Just think of the photo opportunities. How many kids do your know who've had their picture taken riding a Komodo Dragon?

When the family gets hungry be sure to visit The Hungry Bear Cafe for delicious char-broiled burgers and hand dipped ice cream. Other park amenities include gift shops, stroller/wheel chair rentals, and changing stations.

Admission for non-zoo members is $12 for adults, seniors $8, Children 3-12 $6. Children under 3 and zoo members are free.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is located at 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 . For further info call 401-785-3510.

Rhode Island School of Design Museum

If you love art in all it's many mediums, come to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. This wondrous collection of more than 80,00 pieces encompasses art works from many cultures around the world. Whether you're into modern sculpture, classical oils or ancient pottery, the RISD Museum has something to please every taste.

From February through April, come experience Renaissance art in 'The Natural World, The Body and The Divine', currently on exhibit. The sensuous nature of Renaissance society led to a new freedom to explore the human form through sketch and sculpture.

The RISD Museum is a living breathing entity, with educational community programs for art lovers of all ages. Lectures, workshops, and guided gallery tours are all designed to enhance your museum experience, and ensure that there's always another reason to visit again.

Upcoming events include a family workshop on 'Gods and Goddesses of Egypt', on March 26, 2006. Learn about ancient Egypt's love affair with the afterlife and the deities that rule this other world. Then take the opportunity to create your divine sculpture using a number of media.

The RISD Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Adult admission is $8 with seniors discounted to $5. Children ages 5-18 are $2, and college students are $3 with their ID. Sundays are free admission. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and July 4th.

For further info you can contact the museum at 401-454-6500 or write:

The RISD Museum
224 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903

See the Old Colony House

A trip to Newport, Rhode Island is just not complete without a stop by to visit the Old Colony House. This wonderful establishment is located at 82 Touro Street on Washington Square. The Old Colony House, which is actually known to be the one of the oldest statehouses in all of the United States, was built by a man named Benjamin Wyatt sometime between 1736 and 1739. Today, the Old Colony House is managed by the Historical Society of Newport and owned by the State of Rhode Island.

It is quite a wonderful day trip to take to see the Old Colony House right in the heart of everything in Newport. What a perfect area to go for a little bit of sightseeing before heading in to learn all about the beautiful Old Colony House. This is a stunning piece of architecture constructed of wood and brick. There are three floors that make up this building and there is a clock set on the third floor in between two circular windows. Guests are encouraged to bring along a camera with plenty of film so that they can grab some wonderful pictures of this historic structure.

If you would like a bit more information on the Old Colony House, you may call (401) 846-0813. Guided tours are available if you so desire and all tickets are sold strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The guided tour is a perfect way to find out about all of the rich history that surrounds the Old Colony House as it pertains to Newport. This interesting and educational stop would make a trip to Rhode Island truly unforgettable.

A Date With Lady Luck at Narragansett Pier Casino

The Narragansett Pier Casino is one of the most famous and prominent sights to see in the Rhode Island town of Narragansett.The Casino is one of the oldest structures in the town, once serving as the epicenter of the town's activities. Built between 1883 to 1886, the Casino was known as one of the most popular resorts in America during the late 1800's. The casino was home to many activities, such as tennis, boating, cards, bowling, shooting, billiards and more. The Casino was also home to some stores, restaurants, a ballroom, a theater and a bandstand. Dancing was rather popular in the casino as well, and it was a nightly activity.

On September 12th, 1900, a fire started at the nearby Rockingham Hotel and the Casino caught aflame very quickly. The wind was rather violent that day, and the fire could not be put out, so it wiped away the majority of the Casino, except for it's two large main towers. Soon after the fire, work began to build a new Casino started, and this new Casino was finished in 1905. The remaining towers of the original casino went under renovation in 1910.

Ever since then, the remnants of the Narragansett Pier Casino have been standing tall. During the last hundred years, the original casino's towers have endured yet another fire, four major hurricanes, and countless abuse from people, and it has undergone constant renovation and repairs. Yet through all of the disaster, the Narragansett Pier Casino still stands tall, a vibrant reminder of the town's rich past.

Come Play at Narragansett Beach

Located in South County, Rhode Island, the Narragansett Beach is a great place to go for a summer getaway. This half mile long stretch of land is home to beautiful sand strewn coast with a simply breathtaking view of the ocean. You and yours will have a magnificent time strolling along the beach's magnificent sandy terrain, and you are sure to enjoy splashing around in the water as well. If surfing is your thing, then you will be glad to know that Narragansett Beach boasts moderate to heavy waves, and you can catch all the waves you want! There are surf Board shops right in the area, so it's no problem if you didn't bring your own.

If you get tired of surfing or playing in the water, there are lots of other things you can do in the area as well. The Beach is home to almost constant volleyball games and saltwater fishing, canoeing and windsurfing opportunities are available in the area as well. The beach also boasts a bird watching trail, where you can be on the looking for various times of wildlife that call the area home. The beach also hosts a lot of musical concerts in the summer, so you may just be able to catch some good tunes during your trip.

The Narragansett Beach is open to the public, but a small admission fee is charged. The beach has constantly on duty lifeguards who are heavily trained to best provide safety. The beach also has food concession stands, plenty of rest rooms, changing rooms, and a convenient boardwalk that leads straight to the beach.

Visiting The Museum of Yachting

Whether or not you are a fan of yachting, there is a great place to visit when you are in the Newport, Rhode Island area. This spot is called the Museum of Yachting and it is a really good stop where you can learn all about the interesting history of yachting. There are all kinds of great presentations and exhibits that you can see here which make for a decent side trip with your entire family. Have fun with learning while you explore all that there is to know about yachts, including popular designs of the past and present.

When you stop by for a visit at the Museum of Yachting, you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the wonderful presentations on hand. Get your fill of interesting artifacts, vessels, regattas and a vast amount of literature. Some of the gorgeous yachts that you can take a peek at include Freedom, Bolero and Cara Mia. You will not want to miss your chance to take some pictures of these wonderful structures, so be sure that you bring along your camera with plenty of film.

The hours that you can stop by for a visit to the Museum of Yachting are from 10:00AM until 5:00PM every day of the week. The cost of admission is only $5 for adults and $4 for children and senior citizens. Make plans today to visit with your family or tour group for an excursion that you will never forget. If you would like further information or if you have any questions, you may call the museum at (401) 847-1018.

The Marble House of Newport

Not that Bellevue Avenue along the Newport coast has any shortage of mansions, but the one that railroad tycoon William K Vanderbilt constructed for his wife Alva's birthday in 1888 stands apart. A monument to love, Mr Vanderbilt spent in excess of eleven million dollars -and these were 1888 dollars- on the mansion's construction, some seven million of which was for the cost of marble alone. Some five-hundred thousand square feet of it. It would be lovely to report that Mr and Mrs Vanderbilt live happily ever after in this stately marble manse, but alas, they did not. Alva Vanderbilt seemed to have a lifelong societal rivalry with a certain Mrs Astor (her next-door neighbor on Bellevue Avenue) and in her efforts at topping the gilded age's upper-crust ladder, eventually divorced Mr. Vanderbilt and married another wealthy neighbor, one Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and lived out her days in his mansion down the street.

If visiting the Marble House piques your interest, by all means do-- in fact, you can make quite a day of touring Newport's historic and opulent Bellevue Avenue. Many of the east coast's highest-ranking society families made Newport their summer home, building insanely expensive mansions -which they charmingly referred to as their 'summer cottages'. Fortunately, many of these elegant old homes survive today and are well taken care of by the Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island.

It's often fascinating to see how people lived in other times-- especially when their lifestyles are like a visit to another planet, sometimes. Have your tour driver take you and your friends around to Bellevue Avenue and either walk the street from end to end, stopping in mansions along the way, or make like a Vanderbilt and be driven to each and every one. Either way, you're in for a time-tripping treat, indeed.

Kingscote: Genteel Southern Style Above the Mason-Dixon Line

True, Bellevue Avenue --teetering above the beaches of Newport-- would become the playground of New York high society. But, when Southern plantation owner George Noble Jones built this mansion in 1839, he had no idea the extravagant destination his quiet non-neighborhood would turn out to be.

Back in the 1830s, Bellevue Avenue didn't even exist, except for a narrow dirt pathway that curved along the cliff tops high above the beaches of Newport. Perhaps is was happy serendipity that led Mr. Jones to include styles from Romantic to Gothic into his dream cottage --this seemed to segue into the fanciful styles that would dominate 'Cottage Row' for the first forty years of the twentieth century. By the time the Astors rolled around, Bellevue Avenue was an eclectic mix of Victorian and Revival styles, incorporating whatever designs the fully-funded Lady of the manor desired. And, since this is, after all, the beach-- informal gaiety was then, as it is now, the flavor of the day.

Talk about your eclectic styles --from Gothic and Renaissance architecture to medieval-style tents, architect Richard Upjohn utilized a grand assortment of styles that mixed Eastern and Western sensibilities into a truly Newport-flavored fashion that in later days became known as Cottage Orne.

Kingscote has since become known as the home that begat Newport's Gilded Age. If Kingscote reminds you of a church, that's no accident. Architect Richard Upjohn utilized the same Gothic Revival the he used to build the Trinity Church in New York City. And there may be as much stained-glass. Actually, when Mr. Jones decided that he desired stained-glass in the dining room he commissioned one Louis Comfort Tiffany to produce the glass block used throughout the home. Don't miss it. This is some historical stuff to be sure, and Mr. Tiddany would be proud.

Fort Adams State Park: From Cannonballs to Guitar Strings

Although the last active soldier left Fort Adams in 1950, the Fort remains a lively destination for modern-day visitors. The Fort stands apart from her neighbors along Bellevue Avenue for several reasons. If you happen to be a yachting enthusiast, Fort Adams will especially enthrall you with her exhibits featuring the Fort Adams Sailing Association. If you're a music lover, the traditional, yearly Newport Jazz Festival and JVC Jazz festival will catch your fancy for certain.

Strategically situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor, Fort Adams guarded the harbor entrance from 1799 to 1945. It was, at the time, the largest coastal fortification in the USA. After being deeded to the state in 1965, it became a state park which plays host to many recurring summer festivals, not the least of which is the Newport Jazz Festival. It was the summer of 1954 when two local Newport jazz fans, Louis and Elaine Lorillard, decided that it was about time Jazz aficionados had a place to come together with their musical idols. They found a home for this co-mingling at the Fort, and this lasted until 1960, when local kids ran amok downtown and that was that until 1962.

Since its inception in the mid-1950s, the Newport Jazz and subsequent NVC festivals, such musical luminaries as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Muddy Waters and jazz monsters like Pat Metheny, George Benson, India Arie, Joan Armatrading, and Ani DiFranco have graced the stages at Fort Adams.

Fort Adams is a strangely perfect backdrop for the current festival --the JVC, as it's now become. An eclectic blend of jazz and folk music, the NVC festival is arguably the classiest summertime highlight of the New England coast. Pretty cool for a former military base. Of course, this time you'll be visiting Fort Adams by tour bus, but next time --and you will want to return-- you can get to the Fort via water taxi from downtown Newport.

Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground, Narragansett

Located off of Route 108 on 1011 Point Judith Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island, the Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is home to 91.46 Acres of family friendly recreation. Founded in 1970, The area is surrounded by lush forests, meticulously trimmed grass, and it is home to many long paths and trails that will let you explore all of the natural beauty that the Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground has to offer. You and your friends are sure to have fun walking around the park's many acres of forest, and you may get a glimpse at some of the area's wildlife as well.

There are various activities you can partake in while on the campground. For those who enjoy sports, a large tennis court is available, as is a moderately sized basketball court. You can also have lots of fun throwing horse shoes, and there is a playground available in the area as well for younger folks, though adults could have some fun swinging on the swings too. For those who like to fish, the Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground has just what you need.

There is access to various bodies of water in the park, and all of them are full of fish. Camping is also available for those who feel like staying for a longer visit, so you could put up a tent and have a campfire if that's your thing. Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is located near many beaches and other parks, so when you are done having fun at the park there are many other things you can do in the area.

Take A Stop By Easton's Beach

Ask a local Rhode Islander about Easton's Beach and they may simply smile at you and say, "Oh, you must mean First Beach.." --see, that's what they call it around Newport. Whatever name you go by, Easton's Beach is at the far end of Memorial Boulevard and not to be missed, no matter what time of year you visit Newport.

During the 'on' season, Easton's Beach is a happening place, with giggling children enjoying the carousel, couples taking wedding photos and the ever-present aroma of 'chowda' and boiling crabs. In summer, Tuesday nights are special events, with various festivities hosted by the city of Newport. Sailboats pepper the breezy waters off the southwest shore of Aquidneck Island and serve as just part of the spectacular view from Easton's Beach.

Strolling through the deep, soft sands of Easton's is a beachcomber's dream, especially during winter, when tides wash all manner of goodies up from the deep. Find clams, whelks, moon shells and horseshoe crabs and, if you're lucky, a 'mermaid's purse' --actually the egg casing of a certain shark. Dried seaweed abounds, and the type with the bulbous air bladders is an especially tasty fuel to use at a clam bake. Easton's Beach has been a popular play area for centuries; once you visit, you'll understand why.

During the late 1800s and through the Roaring Twenties, Newport was the beachside getaway of wealthy New York society, many of them building their summer 'cottages' (think 'mansions') along Bellevue Avenue, just a scramble up the cliffs to get there. Easton's Beach was their playground-- you can just imagine F. Scott and Zelda frolicking in the surf, wearing those overdone swimming outfits. By the way, it's always a good idea to wear a big-brimmed hat while beach combing --you may be competing with sea gulls for those seashells.

Seeing Chepstow

If you are going to be visiting the lovely area of Newport, Rhode Island, you should think about going on a tour of some of the local mansions. One wonderful mansion that is a true beauty to behold is called Chepstow. Now, you can view this lovely structure by taking your very own tour with Newport Mansions. This is a fabulous way to take in some of the beautiful architecture that Newport has to offer with your family or your entire sightseeing group.

The gorgeous Chepstow Mansion was actually built way back in 1860 by a gentleman named George Champlin Mason. All visitors who stop by are truly delighted to learn all about the rich history of this stunning home. Chepstow Mansion is still filled with all kinds of beautiful documents, furnishing and paintings from years past that had belonged to the Morris family, with whom were the previous owners.

When you are taking a tour of the Chepstow Mansion, it is best that you allow yourself approximately an hour or so to get in a full viewing. This way you will have ample time so that you can explore the house as well as the grounds. You will also want to be sure and remember to bring along some extra spending money so that you can pick up a few gifts or souvenirs from the Newport Mansions Stores.

If you wish to stop by and visit the Chepstow Mansion, reservations are required for all tours. You may make your reservations by calling the Chepstow directly at (401) 845-1000, extension 165.

Chateau-sur-Mer: A House Above the Sea

The first stone mansion constructed on Bellevue Avenue, Chateau-sur-Mer is older and the interior significantly darker than most of the other 'cottages' erected years later. In 1852, when William S. Wetmore spent a large chunk of the cash he earned from Chinese imports, Bellevue Avenue was a sandy dirt road that meandered along the cliffs overlooking the shimmering silver of the Rhode Island Atlantic.

Even in the 1870s, when Richard Morris Hunt made several additions to the home, it was nearly unimaginable that Bellevue Avenue would ever be the playground of New York society that it became in the Roaring Twenties. It's entirely likely that Mr. Wetmore simply wanted a nice, relaxing beachside home and built one for himself, quite unaware that he was, in fact, ushering in Newport's Gilded Age of opulence and style. By the early part of the 20th century, the chateau stood in the elegant company of such hoi-polloi as the Astor and Vanderbilt families of New York.

Chateau-sur-Mer may not look as outwardly impressive as the other mansions on the block, but its historical significance makes it a worthwhile tour stop. That's probably why it's now an informative, entertaining museum where you can learn how Newport came about. Actually, the Chateau serves best as the initial stop of your tour. Seeing the first of the Newport 'cottages' lets you see how styles evolved into the over-the-top excesses of the Gilded Age. Yes, the interior is very dark, due in great part to the extensive use of dark woods, which was quite in style circa 1850s New England. The 45' stained-glass skylight in the main hallway casts colorful confetti on the inside walls in homage to a festive time gone by.

Everything Leads To Bellevue Avenue

You simply cannot take a trip to the lovely town of Newport, Rhode Island without hitting Bellevue Avenue. This strip is considered to be not only the widest, but also the longest street in all of Newport, stretching approximately two and a half miles. Bellevue Avenue could possibly be one of the most historical streets in the history of the United States. This area was the place where all of the most important people and socialites used to go for recreation during the 19th and 20th centuries.

When you come upon Bellevue Avenue, you are immediately drawn to all of the gorgeous buildings that are a part of this area of town. Only the wealthiest of families had their homes built here. Many of these gorgeous homes and mansions really take on a life of their own when you start to learn all about their rich history. You will find such gems including French palaces and even Gothic Revival style cottages.

During your visit to Bellevue Avenue, you can also take part in an interesting and informative walking tour. This is the perfect way to spend the day with your family while learning all about these picturesque homes and the families that have lived there throughout the years. It is quite a great experience to learn about the popular trends and fashions of years gone by as well as all of the soirees that had been held in many of the mansions.

For further information on Bellevue Avenue or if you would like to inquire about a guided tour, you may call (401) 847-2251.

Beechwood Mansion: Where American High Society Began

Whoever said that time-traveling isn't possible apparently never visited the Astor family's Beechwood Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. From the moment you step into the exquisite Victorian-style foyer, you will feel as if you have gone back in time, to a place where elegance and graciousness were the rule of the day.

It's not simply the decor, either. Every member of the Beechwood staff, from scullery maids, butlers and footmen to the talented actors portraying the Astor family and other notables of the period remains in historical character, making it effortless to believe that you are actually visiting the Beechwood mansion in its heyday. And what a heyday it was!

For the past twenty-five years the Astor's Beechwood Mansion has been a historically accurate living-history museum, delighting visitors with real-to-life enactments of Roaring-Twenties high society. To add a little swing to the mansion, Larry Brown's Swinglane joins talented forces with the Beechwood Theatre Company to create an authentic, 1940s-themed dance party in the grand ballroom. Bring your best dancing shoes to jump and jive or just relax at the cash bar and enjoy the big-band sounds of Swinglane. Don't be surprised if you glance across the room and see Cole Porter smiling back at you.

Check the Beechwood calendar at Beechwood to see what'll be happening at the Beechwood during the time you'll be in the oh-so-posh neighborhood. Or call 401-846-3772 The Astor mansion is located at 580 Bellevue Ave, Newport, Rhode Island 02840 --Your charter bus driver will know how to get you there.

Sailing on the Arabella

Have you ever thought of taking off on an amazing, world class cruise? If so, you need to check out what the gorgeous vessel Arabella has to offer. This beautiful schooner offers cruises around New England and even the Caribbean. You are sure to have the trip of a lifetime if you book an excursion on the Arabella.

The Arabella is available for charter by families as well as businesses. Just some of the wonderful events that have taken place on the Arabella in the past include, seminars, tours, weddings, birthday celebrations and even family reunions. There is no limit to the stunning wonders that you may discover when you embark on an ocean adventure on this vessel. The Arabella can accommodate up to 149 people for a day trip or up to 42 people for an overnight stay.

Just a few of the fabulous amenities on board include satellite television, salon and bar, telephones, hot water spa and more. In each of the staterooms you can enjoy viewing port holes, climate control and a bathroom complete with shower. There are also several activities to keep you busy such as sea kayaks, snorkeling, and even an afternoon tea service.

Just imagine all of the wonderful places that you could see in New England alone. All of the New England Cruises include stops at Martha's Vineyard, Newport, Cuttyhunk and Nantucket. The Arabella would sure make for an excursion to remember for a lifetime. If you would like to get more information or to book a trip on the Arabella, you may call (800) 395-1343.