The dog days of summer have never been like this. So it’s time to get out of town. And we have some great exclusive deals for Westchester Magazine readers. Plus there are some deals for later this year.
BED & BREAKFAST AND THE BOSTON SYMPHONY
Where: Birchwood Inn, 7 Hubbard St, Lenox, MA, (413) 637-2600
What’s special: This comfortably elegant 1766 mansion is located in the historic village of Lenox, Massachusetts. Many of the inn’s 11 guestrooms and suites boast four-poster beds, fireplaces, large sitting areas, and scenic views. Voted “Best Breakfast in New England” by Arrington’s Inn Traveler Magazine, its breakfast is a multi-course feast of seasonal fruit dishes, homemade breads, and hot entrées served in the 19th-century dining room overlooking the front garden. In the afternoon, there’s tea and freshly baked pastries. Birchwood Inn is also dog-friendly. It’s a member of Select Registry: Distinguished Inns of North America.
Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, Lenox is one of America’s premier cultural destinations. Take in exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum or the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the country’s largest center for contemporary art. Catch a concert at Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Or, savor a fine dinner at one of the area’s many awarding-winning restaurants.
The deal: Stay Monday and Tuesday and receive 50 percent off your Wednesday night stay. Mention “The Great Escape Special” when making your reservation. Prices range from $220 to $335.
When: Valid August and September 2010
THE BEAUTIFUL FINGER LAKES
Where: Finger Lakes B&Bs
What’s special: The eleven pristine Finger Lakes, spread like fingers across central New York, encompass 9,000-plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots. In addition to an abundance of Thoreau-esque lakeside retreats, the region offers world-class vineyards, farm-to-table culinary delights, and internationally acclaimed annual festivals.
The deal: The Finger Lakes Escape Package: Seven Bed and Breakfasts in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes Region between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake invite wanderlusters to enjoy their hospitality at very special package rates. The package includes two nights’ accommodations at one of their well-appointed B&Bs; full complimentary breakfast each morning; a $40 gift certificate valid at local restaurants, wineries, and retail outlets; a VIP passport for free wine-tastings; and special discounts at more than a dozen wineries on Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, as well as several retail shops in downtown Penn Yan. Rates start at $259 per couple. Mention Westchester Magazine and receive a free bottle of wine.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday, and some weekends at the discretion of the Innkeeper, August through October, 2010.
AT THE BASE OF THE MOUNTAIN
Where: Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT, (802) 253-3560
What’s special: Escape it all. Stowe Mountain Lodge offers a pristine location and classic beauty. Built at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe Mountain Lodge provides guests with luxury while still paying respect to the Vermont traditions of utilizing local artisan products and nature’s best—timber and stone. It’s rustic and romantic. Go hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, golfing, and swimming. Relax at the spa, dine—enjoy it all.
The deal: Two nights’ stay with 20 percent off of its best available rate, $50 spa note, complimentary upgrade for our readers only (up to $150 value)—mention promo code “WEST.” Rates start at $199.
When: Book now through August 31, 2010, and stay through December 23, 2010. Based on availability, subject to change; blackout dates may apply.
IN THE HEART OF WOODSTOCK
Where: Woodstock Inn & Resort, Fourteen The Green Woodstock, VT, (800) 448-7900 or (877) 599-8718
What’s special: Woodstock Inn & Resort is located in the heart of Woodstock, where guests will discover nostalgic main street rural attractions and untouched panoramas. The atmosphere is low-key, the décor modern yet rustic with natural materials throughout. Named one of the ”top 100 golf resorts” by Golf Magazine, it features a Robert Trent Jones, Sr., course. Also, there is indoor and outdoor tennis, swimming, and a remodeled Racquet & Fitness Club. Enjoy gourmet cuisine made with fresh seasonal ingredients and regional recipes using locally grown food.
The deal: “Wake up in Woodstock” includes one-night accommodation, breakfast, welcome gift, admission to the Billing Farm & Museum, admission to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, complimentary use of Racquet & Fitness Club and complimentary appetizer per table in The Red Rooster for dinner. Everyone receives a welcome gift of cheese and crackers, bonbons, and 1.7 ounces of pure Vermont maple syrup. Mention Westchester Magazine and receive a cheese and fruit platter (valued $25).. Rates for midweek start at $278.
When: Valid August 2010
CHARM CITY—BALTIMORE
Where: Celie’s Waterfront Inn, 1714 Thames St, Baltimore, MD, (800) 432-0184
What’s special: This charming historic inn is located in Fell’s Point, a historic waterfront community within walking distance of the famous Baltimore Inner Harbor. Some of the inn’s seven rooms feature fireplaces, harbor views, balconies, whirlpool tubs, and private decks, and guests enjoy a hearty continental breakfast. The inn is centrally located and close to everything—Fell’s Point restaurants and attractions, the National Aquarium, shops, restaurants, the Baltimore Orioles (in August, they host the Angels, White Sox, Mariners, Rangers, and Red Sox), and so much more. Visitors also can take advantage of the many August Baltimore events including Summer Restaurant Week (August 13-22) and Films on the Pier (Fell’s Point Broadway Pier every Wednesday at sundown).
The deal: Stay two nights and receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a gourmet cheese platter (an $80 value). Average cost of 2-night stay is $450 (tax included).
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday through August 31, 2010. Code: Westchester.
EUROPE IN NORTH AMERICA
Where: Loews Hotel Le Concorde, 1225 cours du General-De Montcalm, Quebec City, (800) 23-LOEWS
What’s special: The hotel is in the heart of the city and has an outdoor heated pool, exercise room, and revolving rooftop restaurant. Four-century-old Quebec City has the distinct feel of a walled European city. Walk down cobblestone streets, shop the boutiques, visit the open-air art gallery, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River, visit museums, dine at great restaurants, enjoy festivals, see Cirque du Soleil, and visit Montmorency Falls Park featuring falls higher than Niagara Falls.
The deal: Whoopie Weekends at Loews include luxury accommodations for two, morning Whoopie for two breakfast in bed or hotel restaurant, two Whoopie T-shirts, late checkout, and a create-your-own Whoopie Pie welcome amenity. Prices start at $267.60. Mention Westchester Magazine and receive a free upgrade with your reservation, a $30 value. Code WW.
When: Valid through August 2010.
ON THE WILD SIDE—UNTAMED AFRICA and TRADITIONAL TENTED SPLENDOR
Where: Serian Camp, Kenya, (212) 246-7650
What’s special: Experience the Maasai Mara in depth on this eight-day safari in this magical area. Arrive and settle in to the exclusive and luxurious Ngare Serian Camp set above the burbling Mara River deep in the North Mara Reserve. From the vantage point of your sunken tub, watch hippos wallowing in the river. On day two, you will explore the reserve in an open safari vehicle. Day three is a walking safari with a Masaai tracker, a very different experience from being perched atop a 4×4. After another night at Ngare Serian, you will walk to Suguroi Hill Tree House in a totally untouched area adjoining the concession. You will the trek to Nkorombo Mobile Camp where you will spend the last three days of your stay experiencing the wildlife in a much more direct atmosphere sleeping in beautiful large stand-up tents with real beds situated to best capture the movements of the wildlife. (There’s a short rainy season in November).
The deal: Through December 15, Westchester Magazine readers receive a 25-percent discount on this seven-night Safari (bringing the rate to $2,800 plus $700 park fees). This itinerary is all-inclusive and Westchester Magazine readers who book the trip receive a bag ($95 value) from Extraordinary Journeys Africa. Airfare not included; mention Westchester Magazine when booking.
When: Through December 15, 2010
If you love a travel deal, we have some terrific ones coming this September. And remember, it’s still summer, but the crowds are gone. Here’s a sneak preview—Stay at the Samoset in Maine, Hyatt Newport in Rhode Island, Peacock Inn in Princeton, New Jersey, Settlers Inn in the Poconos, and much more.
