Trip to Blithewold Mansion & Gardens
with lunch at Blithewold and shopping in Newport
on Thursday, July 20th
Located on Narragansett Bay, Blithewold is the 33-acre summer estate of the Van Wickle family. Rebuilt in 1906 after a fire, the 45-room mansion is filled with family heirlooms and authentic furnishings. Numerous breathtaking gardens, spread throughout the property, contain an exceptional collection of plants, trees, and whimsical stonework reflecting a vision that is romantic, fresh, and inspiring.
Your enjoyable day starts with a guided tour of Blithewold Mansion and Gardens. Your guide will take you through the mansion while telling the history of the Van Wickle family who placed great emphasis on the gardens and landscape. You will also visit each of the ten gardens, the Bamboo Grove, the Summerhouse and the Lord and Burnham greenhouse complex.
After the guided tour, enjoy a freshly prepared buffet style luncheon with an assortment of sandwiches, pasta salad, chips, dessert, and drinks which will be served on the mansion’s terrace overlooking the expansive lawn and Narragansett Bay. Relax and enjoy yourself! After lunch, 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!
COST: $89 per person includes charter coach bus transportation, guided tour of Blithewold, and buffet luncheon. Driver tip is not included.
8:30 AM Depart Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich
6:00 PM Approximate return time to Norwich
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 Wednesday, June 7 at 5:00pm
Senior Center Members, Non-Residents:
-Beginning Thursday, June 8 at 5:00pm
Open Registration (Any Adults, aged 18 and older):
-Beginning Friday, June 9 at 5:00pm