Blithewold ~ Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum with an Afternoon Tea and shopping in Newport in Bristol & Newport, Rhode Island.
8:45 AM Depart Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich
6:30 PM Approximate return time to Norwich
Overlooking Narragansett Bay, Blithewold is a 33-acre summer estate of the Van Wickle/McKee family. Originally purchased in 1894 and rebuilt in 1907 after a fire destroyed the original mansion, the property features a 45-room authentically furnished mansion filled with family heirlooms and numerous lovely gardens that range in character from mysterious to exotic and from poetic to practical. An exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, trees, an accessible greenhouse, and whimsical stonework reflect a vision that is romantic, fresh, and inspiring – and unique to Blithewold.
Your enjoyable day starts with a guided tour of Blithewold Mansion and Gardens. During the tour you will be giving the history of the mansion, a visit to each of the 10 gardens on the property and learn about the Van Wickle/McKee family who placed great emphasis on the landscape. You will be amazed at the sweeping 10-acre lawn which stops at the water’s edge and the unique features which make this property a truly indoor-outdoor living space.
After the guided tour, enjoy a formal Afternoon Tea in the Mansion’s dining room. A delightful assortment of finger sandwiches and mini desserts will be served to you at your table. Relax and enjoy yourself! After the Tea, you will have time on your own to visit the gift shop, revisit the gardens to take pictures or explore the mansion once more.
Following our visit to Blithewold, a short drive will bring us to Newport. You will be dropped off at the Newport Visitor Center to enjoy time on your own for shopping, a late afternoon snack or just enjoying the beautiful views that Newport has to offer. A great way to end your wonderful day!
Afternoon Tea Menu: Cheddar Chive Scone, Cranberry Orange Scone, Cucumber & Dill Sandwich, Mini Quiche, Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Chicken Salad in Phyllo Cup, Mini Desserts and Blithewold’s Special Blend Tea.
COST: $65 per person includes roundtrip motorcoach, guided tour of Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, and Afternoon Tea. Driver tip is not included.
This trip has moderate walking.
Trip is open to all adults over 18 years old.
REGISTRATION BY TELEPHONE
*On your registration day, Dial (860) 889-5960. When you hear the message
saying the Senior Center is closed, dial 3433 and follow the instructions.*
Senior Center Members, Norwich Residents
-Beginning Monday, June 10 at 5:00pm
Senior Center Members, Non-Residents
-Beginning Tuesday, June 11 at 5:00pm
Open Registration (Any Adults, aged 18 and older)
-Beginning Wednesday, June 12 at 5:00pm
SENIOR CENTER DAY TRIPS
Open to Non-Residents if there is availability.Non-residents will be charged a $1.00 surcharge.
When registering for any of the trips listed below, you can sign up yourself and one other person only. Payment is due upon registration. Please stop by the Senior Center office.
Senior Center Day Trips use a bus from the Center for transport to and from the destinations. Number of seats very limited.
Departure time: 10:00am
Return time: 3:00pm
Join us for a special 11:30am WNBA basketball game at the Mohegan Sun. Our Connecticut Sun will be playing the New York Liberty. We have lower level seating. Lunch on your own at the casino. Departure from the Senior Center at 10am. Return time around 3pm. Trip fee is $19pp.
SENIOR CENTER DAY TRIPS
Open to Non-Residents if there is availability.
Non-residents will be charged a $1.00 surcharge.
When registering for any of the trips listed below, you can sign up yourself and one other person only. Payment is due upon registration. Please stop by the Senior Center office.
Senior Center Day Trips use a bus from the Center for transport to and from the destinations. Number of seats very limited.
Departure time: 11:00am
Return time: 3:30pm
Join us for lunch at the Yantic River Inn in Norwich. Shopping afterwards. Departure from the Senior Center. Trip fee is $5pp.
Departure time: TBD
Return time: TBD
When registering for any of the below trips, you can sign up yourself and one other person only. Payment is due upon registration. Please stop by the Senior Center office.
DAY TRIPS Registration begins on the dates noted below. Register as soon as you can. Trip counts are required a month in advance to determine if we have the minimum number for a trip to run. Detailed flyers available for all Day Trips.
Join us on a delightful ferry ride to Long Island where we will enjoy a 30 minute guided of Raphael Winery and sample 3 of their wines and have a bit of cheese. Lunch & time on your own in Greenport. Trip fee is $103pp. Registration begins June 3rd. begun. Lots of walking.
RED SOXS vs WHITE SOX
We take a coach bus from Groton Senior Center to Fenway to cheer on our 2018 World Series Champs play the Chicago White Sox from our Right Field Box seats. This is a family friendly afternoon game. We have 40 seats only! $111 per resident includes transportation, game ticket and driver gratuity.
**Payment is required to register for any day trip**
Our trips are open to all in our area—not just for Groton residents nor just for seniors– as Groton Senior Center is a division of Groton Town Parks & Recreation Dept.
New York Yankees vs Astros
Baseball with a touch of Luxury AUDI YANKEES CLUB VIP PACKAGE A 2-hour luxury dining pregame experience in the Audi Yankees Club at the dining room tables, Section 129 tickets, coach bus transportation, driver gratuity, parking fee & an incredible way to see these baseball teams play live! $230 per person for a magnificent experience!
**Payment is required to register for any day trip**
Our trips are open to all in our area—not just for Groton residents nor just for seniors– as Groton Senior Center is a division of Groton Town Parks & Recreation Dept.
Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Enjoy a great afternoon watching the 2018 World Series Championship team Boston Red Sox play the Chicago White Sox at Historic Fenway Park. Great seat location behind home plate in Grandstand section 21. These seats are located under an overhang (so no sitting in the sun) and have an awesome view of the action on the field!
Our coach bus will drop us off and pick us up on Ipswich Street which is right next to Fenway Park. We will arrive with enough time for you to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants outside of Fenway or in plenty of time to watch all the warm-up action on the field before the game. (Game time 1:05 p.m.)
COST: $99 per person includes transportation and game ticket. Driver tip is not included.
8:45 AM Depart Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich
8:00 PM Approximate return time to Norwich
This trip has moderate walking (including stairs).
Boston on Your Own
A great opportunity to visit Boston for some fantastic sightseeing, fun shopping and wonderful restaurants. Your drop off and pickup location will be next to Fenway Park on Ipswich Street. With multiple restaurants in the area, you will have a hard time choosing where to eat!
The sights within walking distance include Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Symphony Hall and the Prudential Center which is home to multiple shops and restaurants. Feeling more adventurous? Jump on the “T” (Boston subway) and your Boston sights to visit are endless!
(Please note: We will be leaving Boston following the Red Sox game at approximately 5:00 p.m.)
COST: $33 per person includes transportation. Driver tip is not included.
8:45 AM Depart Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich
8:00 PM Approximate return time to Norwich
This trip has mostly walking.
Call Hilary to Sign Up at 860-889-5960
OATS (Outdoor Active Traveling Seniors)Each event requires registration please—860-441-6623
Departure time to be Determined.
We talked about giving back to the community in our activities ~ GPR Recreation Division is recruiting volunteers to man the course 9:30 am – 12:30 pm for this community favorite road race.
