Celebrate Father's Day With A Hands-On Culinary Experience At The Saybrook Point Inn!!

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa Celebrates Fathers The American Way

Dads to enjoy hands-on culinary experience with Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Package

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn., (April 13, 2015) – The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is excited to announce a new Grilling & Chilling package as a part of its Food Lover’s Weekend Getaways. The weekend of June 12-14, 2015 will be dedicated to the special men and grill masters of the outdoors. The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Weekend offers a wide range of activities for fathers and families to spend quality time together during the shoreline’s greatest time of year. 

With the help of Fresh Salt’s incredible award-winning chefs, guests will learn to prepare a colorful and delicious summer menu using the season’s freshest ingredients. This fully hands-on culinary experience will allow guests to learn every cooking aspect of the grilling process, including farm-to-table. First, guests will visit local farms and markets to personally choose fresh produce and prime cuts of meat and fish. In addition, they will experience the joy and excitement of gathering fresh fish caught right off the docks of Saybrook Point Marina.

Guests will also cook alongside Fresh Salt’s chefs to prepare for a special Saturday evening Gala. They will learn the mastery behind cooking the perfect Butterflied Leg of Lamb, Rib Roast “Prime Rib,” Grilled Romaine Caesar, Grilled Hearth Bread Salad with roasted strawberries, mystic cheese, and honey grilled corn, Barbeque Baked Beans, and fresh farm stand Ratatouille.

The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Weekend package also includes a class dedicated to grilling the most delectable gourmet burger, as well as a pastry class to experience the magic behind preparing America’s favorite summertime treat – Native Strawberry Shortcake with sweet cream. And during Saturday evening’s Gala dinner, guests will also relax and enjoy a special local craft beer tasting.

The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Package will prove to be a great weekend of celebration and sunshine for all participants. The package includes a welcome reception, breakfast (2), lunch and full dinner with a craft beer tasting on Saturday night. The Package starts at $658, and day passes are also available at $175.95 per person. For more details or to book a reservation, please call 800-243-0212.

About Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

Situated along the picturesque coastal community of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, in the hamlet of Saybrook Point, the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa features 82 elegantly appointed guestrooms, the rejuvenating full-service spa SANNO, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt. The property also features the historic Three Stories guesthouse, where each room conveys the story of a famed local resident, including Katharine Hepburn’s mother, who was a leading suffragette. This completely renovated Italianate home overlooking Long Island Sound was originally built in 1892 as a single-family home for the prominent engineer William Vars. Today, as an eight-room guesthouse, it features wrap-around porches, private gardens, balconies, fine linens, heated bathroom floors, extensive water views, and original artwork by local artists. The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa also shines with the historic Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark yachting dock conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River with easy access to Long Island Sound. It can accommodate vessels from 12 to 200 feet and has received numerous premier Connecticut marina awards. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Edaville's Christmas Festival of Lights- Now Until January 1st

Christmas Festival of Lights Nov. 28-30, Dec. 1-Jan. 1

Edaville's Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights.

Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas.

Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.

Trains typically run on an hourly schedule beginning one hour after opening and the last train is at 8pm.

Celebrate the Holidays at Edaville's Christmas Festival of Lights Now-Jan. 1


This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Here Are The Winners Of The 31st Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla

Crowd favorite - "Yellow Submarine" - photo by Brad Austin Butler

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC - Named one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2013, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla celebrated its 31-year anniversary in Wrightsville Beach over Thanksgiving weekend.

An estimated 50,000 visitors, gathering on water and land, cheered on the parade of yachts and motorboats, each decorated with a holiday theme and thousands of glittering lights. The flotilla followed a 4-mile route through Motts Channel, Banks Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway, passing the judges' viewing stand at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

A panel of judges, including John Boy, of John Boy and Billy's Big Show, carefully selected the winners, all competing for $10,500 in cash prizes plus holiday bragging rights. Text voting continued this year, with Crowd Favorite and People's Choice Awards determined by spectators.

The evening ended with a stunning 21-minute, 4,000-round fireworks display by Zambelli International, illuminating the night sky, and showering the waterway with sound and color.

Fall weather conditions were favorable with mild wind, clear sky, and fall temperature in the upper 40s.

2014 winners include:

Best Overall - "Good Tiding to You, Turtle" - photo by Beth Watson Hedgepeth

Category: Best Overall
Captain: Mike Spivey
Vessel: Angler Management
Theme: Good Tidings to You, Turtle

Category: Peoples Choice
Captain: Ava and Scott Werstlein
Vessel: No Name
Theme: Furtilla

Category: Crowd Favorite
Captain: Skip Wilson

Vessel: The Bottom Line
Theme: Yellow Submarine

Category: Best Powerboat 31ft. and over
Captain: Bob Bleecker
Vessel: J&B
Theme: Salt Life Santa

Category: Best Powerboat 23ft. - 31ft.
Captain: Eric Burns
Vessel: Chuck Norris
Theme: Sleigh Surfing

Category: Best Powerboat 22ft. and under
Captain: Brent Jernigan
Vessel: Craig Cat
Theme: Christmas Hummingbird

Category: Best Costumes & Crew Spirit
Captain: Castle Branch
Vessel: The Jolly Roger
Theme: Peter Pan

Click here for list of winners and photos

Flotilla website: www.NCHolidayFlotilla.org 

NC Holiday Flotilla Fireworks - photo by Brad Austin Butler

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Howard Johnson Is Looking For Former 1960's Employees #HOJO

In celebration of 60 years of hospitality, Howard Johnson is launching a nationwide search for former employees who were once the stars of the brand’s 1960’s ad campaign, “Spotlight On You”, with the hope of bringing them into the orange limelight once more.

The iconic Howard Johnson chain is looking back at the milestones throughout the years: from Howard Johnson’s drugstore ice cream counter— with its infamous 28 flavors— to the opening of the restaurant chain, the first hotel in 1954, and ultimately the expansion of the brand internationally, the Howard Johnson brand has become synonymous with Americana.

Through the end of the year, Howard Johnson is searching for the 14 former hotel and restaurant employees featured in the “Spotlight on You” ads. These former associates will receive a free stay at a Howard Johnson hotel, and may also be invited to participate in an upcoming company ad campaign.  For additional information, visit www.hojoadsearch.com.

About Howard Johnson

Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Howard Johnson® hotel brand is a global chain of nearly 440 hotels with locations around the world, most of which offer an array of complimentary amenities including free Wi-Fi and free Rise & Dine® continental breakfast. Many properties also offer meeting and fitness facilities, swimming pools and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand’s guest loyalty program. Travelers can join the free program at www.wyndhamrewards.com. This year marks the hotel brand’s 60^th anniversary. 

Each Howard Johnson hotel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Howard Johnson International, a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN). Reservations and information are available by visiting www.hojo.com.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

31st Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla

This looks like a lot of fun.  I wish I lived closer!!

31^st Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla

A Thanksgiving Tradition

NC Holiday Flotilla, photography by Joshua McClure

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC - Named one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2013, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla weekend, a coastal Thanksgiving tradition, returns to Wrightsville Beach,Nov. 27-30.

Celebrating a 31-year run, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla attracts 50,000 visitors to its culminating event, a maritime parade featuring thematically decorated power yacht and sailboat floats. The spectacle, reflected in the Banks Channel, glitters with thousands of twinkling lights.

Located directly on the parade route, sponsor and host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort launches the weekend with a gala, Thanksgiving Day feast for early arrivals. Soundside, Cape Fear Naturalist Captain Joe Abbate navigates local waters guiding Masonboro Island, Harbor Island and Sunset Cruises for the family.

Friday brings Santa Claus and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to Wrightsville Beach Town Hall Park. Children anxiously await, list in hand, for a personal audience with St. Nick. At 7:00 p.m., The Embers - Featuring Craig Woolard, headline Atlantic Marine's festive Flotilla Launch Party, including dancing, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and silent auction of gifts from civic-minded supporters.

"One of the hidden gems during flotilla weekend is Saturday's Festival in the Park for the children," said Pres Davenport, Chairman of the Holiday Flotilla board.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the park is bustling with bouncy houses, slides, climbing walls, the Arab Choo Choo, live blue-grass music, an antique auto show, and, an estimated 100 booths featuring local merchants and arts and crafts vendors. Children will have an opportunity to decorate and submit entries in the flotilla boat-coloring contest, and Home Depot will be on site with wooden boat kits, free for young carpenters. Admission is free for the entire family.

2013 Best In Show, Photography by Beth Watson-Hedgepeth

Saturday at 6:00 p.m., a short burst of aerial fireworks will light up the sky announcing the twilight parade of beautifully lit and decorated power and sailing vessels. The flotilla weaves a 4-mile route through Motts Channel, Banks Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway, passing the judges' viewing stand at Blockade Runner, all competing for $10,500 in cash prizes. A panel of judges, including John Boy, of John Boy and Billy's Big Show, carefully select the winners. Text voting continues this year, with the Crowd Favorite and People's Choice Awards determined by spectators.

Immediately following the flotilla, a stunning 21-minute, 4,000-round fireworks display illuminates the night sky, showering the waterway with sound and color. "We have a long show by Zambelli International, one of the most reputable fireworks companies in the world," said Davenport. "We're able to put on a really impressive display that rivals or surpasses most July 4^thshows. Most shows are 15 minutes. That additional five to six minutes puts a great cap on the weekend with an impressive fireworks finale."

"Another thing we're really excited about this year is the fact that the Surfrider Foundation has volunteered to help clean up the waterway and beaches the morning after the fireworks show, to make sure the debris is gone and we are good stewards of the environment," said Davenport.

Flotilla website: www.NCHolidayFlotilla.org

Host hotel accommodations: Click here

 
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips On Travel Thanks To Mrs. Potato Head

Post by Disney Movies Anywhere.

MRS. POTATO HEAD’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #1: MAKE A LIST!

Mr. Potato Head can be a klutz when it comes to packing, which is why Mrs. Potato Head loves to make a list of packing essentials for their vacation needs. It’s a good idea for the sweet potato to start planning her list weeks before the traveling ‘taters head off on their journey. By planning so far in advance, you are much less likely to miss off any travel necessities!

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #2: ROLL UP, ROLL UP!

Who wants to iron an outfit when you reach your destination? Mr. Potato Head doesn't, that’s for sure! Instead of folding your clothes and placing them in your suitcase, try rolling them. Tightly rolled clothes are less likely to get heavy wrinkles from fold creases and they take up less room.

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #3: PACK LIGHTLY!

Nobody wants to be weighed down with heavy baggage, especially if you’re a tourist ‘tater who wants to wander around with ease. That’s exactly why Mrs. Potato Head suggests everybody packs lightly. Pack layers of clothing that you can easily put on or take off. And think twice about adding that spare pair of shoes to your luggage. Do you really need them?

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #4: KNOW THE RULES!

Mrs. Potato Head is a stickler for the rules. Get to know them all before you travel, especially if you’re flying! If your journey involves an airplane ride, make sure you pack correctly and don’t place any large liquids (such as a regular-sized bottle of perfume or a can of hairspray) in your carry-on luggage. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller. And they must all be placed inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #5: CARRY-ON VALUABLES…

What would Mr. Potato Head do without his trusty bowler hat and his angry eyes? Well, every now and then luggage gets delayed or lost – and that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to pack your travel essentials and valuables in your carry-on bag. Never put them in your checked luggage! Make sure your ID, passport, keys, money, credit cards, jewelry and electronics are safe and secure in your carry-on bag, as well as items like extra contact lenses and a spare pair of undies. Happy traveling!

MRS. POTATO HEAD’S PACKING ESSENTIALS

Mrs. Potato Head says: “I’m packing your extra pair of shoes!” 

Don’t be a couch potato on your summer vacation; head outside and explore. When you’re packing your bags, make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes in your luggage. Nobody wants sore tootsies!  

“And your angry eyes, just in case!”

Who wants to get angry-eyed in the blazing sunshine? Nobody! That’s why it’s important to pack your sunglasses. If your eyes need some extra help, don’t forget to take your spectacles and contact lenses, too.

“A dime!”

A few dollars will certainly help ease your summer vacation needs. It also helps to have a credit card for any unexpected incidentals, as well as the purchase of the odd souvenir or two. See if you can seek out a bargain!

“Cheese puffs!”

Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the journey. If you’re a picky eater, it might be wise to add a few of your favorite munchies to your suitcase to ensure you’ve got lots of treats to eat while you’re away, too. Mmmm!

“A spare set of lips!”

Mr. Potato Head can swap his lips with a spare set if they become chapped or sore in the sizzling sunshine. Non-spuds can’t do that, which is why it’s a good idea to pack some lip balm for your travels. Pucker up!

“A key!”

It’s always a good idea to keep all your essentials together in one place, including your keys, money, ID and passport. Be a safe spud on your travels; don’t be a loser this summer!

“Sunscreen!”

Never forget to apply sunscreen in the scorching summer sun… Or, you’ll end up baked!

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Maine Reports Gradual Change In Leaf Color In The North #VisitMaine

Great Country Fairs This Weekend!

Augusta, ME September 17, 2014 - There is a hint of color in northern Maine as The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports low 10 – 30%  color change and very low leaf drop. 

 

“We are right on target for a glorious fall foliage season, said Gale Ross, Fall Foliage Coordinator for Maine. “With the low leaf drop we anticipate that the northern part of the state will soon be a tapestry of beautiful colors,” she added.

 

For more information visit the state’s official foliage website www.MaineFoliage.com and receive weekly reports by e-mails. Visitors and natives can share their photos of the riot of color throughout the state as the leaves gradually change. For information about the fall foliage ranger-led hikes in state parks and public lands visit www.maine.gov/dacf/fallfoliagehikes.

 

Now is the time to plan a trip to beautiful Aroostook County in northern Maine for a ringside seat to experience sensational fall foliage.  Aroostook is so big that it actually covers an area greater than the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Aroostook State Park offers hiking trails that provide great views from atop Quoggy Jo Mountain.  http://www.visitaroostook.com/

 

While waiting for the leaves to change, there is still plenty to do in Maine this weekend.  Maine’s Lakes and Mountains Region is a wonderland of hiking and biking trails. The 17^th Annual Harvest Fest & Chowdah Cook-off takes place in Bethel on September 20^th complete with scarecrows and harvest decorations as well as an arts & crafts festival, a farmer’s market, forest-products mill tours, a 50-mile scenic bike tour and the famous Chowdah Cook-off. Location: Bethel Village. Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information www.bethelmaine.com.

 

Or travel up to Unity between Waterville and Bangor for the popular Common Ground Country Fair held from Friday, September 19^th through Sunday, September 20^th.  The fair boasts a great farmers’ market, crafts and folk arts, Indian basketmakers, and entertainment on the Maine Folk Traditions stage.   Participate in a 5K foot race, enjoy sheep dog demonstrations, and watch a draft horse show.  This annual celebration of rural living and organically grown Maine produce also offers some of the best festival food in Maine. http://www.mofga.org/theFair

 

For a complete list of activities and events in Maine this fall visit www.visitmaine.com

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.