Get Sippy at Grapefull Sisters Vineyard In South Carolina
Grapefull Sisters Vineyard
Wine tasting can be a lot of fun, what with all that sipping of various wines but a trip to Grapefull Sisters Vineyard creates a total wine experience that’s not just about tasting. Located just 17 miles north of Myrtle Beach, this sprawling working vineyard offers gardens, a bed and breakfast, an RV camping ground and yes, wine tasting.
Grapefull Sisters non-alcoholic wine
The 28-acre Grapefull Sisters Vineyard has been in the Suggs family for nine generations. Surrounded by tobacco farm land, the picturesque vineyard boasts a pond and roaming geese and ducks. But the star of the place is the Muscadine grape, native to the area and reputed to be 40 times higher in antioxidants than regular grapes. I can’t attest to the health benefits of Muscadine wine but I can verify the flavorful sweetness. Wine tastings are held every day for $5 and I tasted eight different wines using the handy tasting notes that the sisters provide. Bottles are sold for $12 to $15 and I guarantee you will be compelled to buy a few. The vineyard also sells homemade jams and even non-alcoholic wine. The three-bedroom inn, Inn D’Vine, supplies a country cottage themed cozy space with antiques and handmade quilts. For the more adventurous, the sisters also offer glamping or glamorous camping, in an elevated, heated, two-bedroom tent outfitted with a wine basket and strawberry and blueberry stuffed French toast. For a more traditional hotel experience, Inlet Sports Lodge provides rustic yet elegant rooms and an upscale gourmet restaurant.
Photos courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Disclosure, the wine tasting was part of a sponsored media trip.
Finding Your Inner Artiste At Newton Massachusetts’ The Paint Bar
Mix It Up
I love going to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and marveling at the paintings of the Impressionist Masters. My brother inherited all of my mother’s artistic abilities, so I have always wondered what it felt like to be able to create or replicate something beautiful. When we were invited to a friend’s milestone birthday party at The Paint Bar in Newton, my only question was whether or not alcohol would be served. That’s the only way I could survive an evening of painting lessons.
Our Guide For The Evening
With the word “bar” in the name of the place, it was confirmed that beer and wine would be available and so I confirmed our attendance. When we arrived that evening, we found a very bright and packed room filled with blank canvases awaiting our creative works. After being outfitted with smocks, the appropriate paint, brushes and an adult beverage, we chose our stools and awaited instruction. I must say that the example of the painting we would be recreating as a group that evening was incredibly intimidating. Why couldn’t the birthday girl have selected something perhaps less pretty but far easier looking?
Our Incredible Teacher
Our instructor, Ellie, for the evening was vibrant, fun and reassuring. She made everything idiot-proof and empowering. We were not treated like children (though family days on Sundays are a big hit) or artistes, but instead were considered able adults with hidden talent simply needing to be coaxed out. I knew we were in good hands when she pointed out the importance of distinction between your drink container and your brush water. Picking up a cup of watered down paint instead of your beer or wine is not a mistake you want to make. The lesson here? Pay close attention to your task rather than getting lost in the beauty of your art.
Beer On The Left, Brush Water On The Right
At The Paint Bar, your instructor guides all in attendance through the step by step process of recreating a sample painting chosen in advance. Which brush to use, how much paint to apply, when and how much to mix colors and brush stroke techniques are all provided along the way. As your instructor demonstrates on their canvas, you paint along on your own. While you are completing your efforts the instructor wanders the floor and answers any questions or doles out individual advice as requested. Criticism and comparison are discouraged. Focus on your own creation.
Music of all varieties is played for entertainment and there are those beverages for sale to keep you loose and smiling. During drying time, be sure to grab some take-out from next door so that all those drinks don’t go to your head and interfere with your fine detail strokes. They sell vending machine style snacks and you can bring in your own cake or other food item if you like, but there isn’t much room to lay it out or time to eat it up. Your two hours are mostly spent creating that work of art.
Our Hidden Talent Revealed
As the time went by and the basic background and forms were done, our confidence grew and we were ready to be let loose with our painting to add our own personal flair – treating the guide painting as just that, a guide. At the end of the night, it was amazing to see all the different takes on the same work. I won’t say whose was better – that would be against the rules of fun. But we were pretty proud of ourselves. And of our friends’ interpretations too. We carefully stowed our nearly dry paintings in the car before moving along to snacks and drinks with a belly dancer down the street. It was a night of artistic expression after all. And thanks to The Paint Bar, we’ve got some new artwork hanging on the wall.
The Paint Bar
823 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02460
(617) 872-0720
www.thepaintbar.com
Post by and all photos credited to Molly G. @The Bumbles Blog
New Hampshire’s Primary Diner
The eyes of America are on New Hampshire today, but what about the stomachs? Sure, everyone is making time to vote, but what about time to dine? Ask Bobby (or his girl), dining is important. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t come up in the debates.
I’ve been to New Hampton, New Hampshire (or through it as the case may be), but I didn’t spot this diner. Too bad, I’m a sucker for cool signs, romantic gestures, and bacon.
New Hampshire is a great year-round destination for family vacations. Also, voting.
This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Diners & Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.
Winter Family Vacation in the Lake Champlain Region of New York
Ausable Chasm in the Winter
This Christmas break my family hopped in our Toyota Prius and road-tripped to the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks. Although the ski conditions near our home in Massachusetts were just awful due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, the conditions were great in the Adirondacks.
To start, we traveled to Plattsburgh by way of Vermont, taking the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry. It was incredibly easy to take the ferry, which runs every few minutes twenty-four hours a day, and saved us lots of time. Once we arrived in Plattsburgh, it was just a short drive to the Comfort Inn and Suites, where we were staying for our trip.
The next morning, we bundled up (it was cold – about 12 degrees), and headed out to Ausable Chasm, a popular summer attraction that is now offering winter tours. Guests can choose from a 30-minute self-guided tour, or a one or two-hour guided tour. We did both the 30-minute tour and the guided tour, and absolutely loved them. Our guide was incredibly informative and helpful, and the kids loved walking on the paths right by the cliffs and falls. When the paths are icy (as they were on our trip), guests are provided with ice cleat to put on their shoes, and if it’s snowy, guests are provided with snowshoes.
The next day, we drove about an hour and a half to Titus Mountain Family Ski Center for a morning of skiing. The kids were enrolled in ski school, since they’d only skied one time. Of course, by the end of the lesson, my daughter was whizzing by me on the mountain, as I struggled in my class (I’m very much a beginner). Titus Mountain seems to be the perfect place for families to visit – it’s small enough to be approachable, but had lots of really great instructors.
We’ll definitely be back to this area – perhaps in the spring or summer so we can see the gorgeous Ausable Chasm at a different time of year!
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: We received complimentary lodging, ski rentals, lift tickets, lessons, and tickets to Ausable Chasm for purposes of review.
Winter Family Vacation in the Lake Champlain Region of Boston
Ausable Chasm in the Winter
This Christmas break, my family hopped in our Toyota Prius and road-tripped to the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks. Although the ski conditions near our home in Massachusetts were just awful due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, the conditions were great in the Adirondacks.
To start, we traveled to Plattsburgh by way of Vermont, taking the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry. It was incredibly easy to take the ferry, which runs every few minutes twenty-four hours a day, and saved us lots of time. Once we arrived in Plattsburgh, it was just a short drive to the Comfort Inn and Suites, where we were staying for our trip.
The next morning, we bundled up (it was cold – about 12 degrees), and headed out to Ausable Chasm, a popular summer attraction that is now offering winter tours. Guests can choose from a 30-minute self-guided tour, or a one- or two-hour guided tour. We did both the 30-minute tour and the guided tour, and absolutely loved it. Our guide was incredibly informative and helpful, and the kids loved walking on the paths right by the cliffs and falls. When the paths are icy (as they were on our trip), guests are provided with ice cleat to put on their shoes, and if it’s snowy, guests are provided with snowshoes.
The next day, we drove about an hour and a half to Titus Mountain Family Ski Center for a morning of skiing. The kids were enrolled in ski school, since they’d only skied one time. Of course, by the end of the lesson, my daughter was whizzing by me on the mountain, as I struggled in my class (I’m very much a beginner). Titus Mountain seems to be the perfect place for families to visit – it’s small enough to be approachable, but had lots of really great instructors.
We’ll definitely be back to this area – perhaps in the spring or summer so we can see the gorgeous Ausable Chasm at a different time of year!
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: We received complimentary lodging, ski rentals, lift tickets, lessons, and tickets to Ausable Chasm for purposes of review.
Getaway Guide For Maryland And Beyond
We looked at the Christmas getaway through Virginia. Now, let’s talk about the great fan-out through Maryland and points north and west, starting with one of the questions from Monday’s online chat that set the theme.
Heading north this weekend?
“We need to be Vermont this weekend. Are better off leaving Friday or Saturday. Have a Happy Holiday.”
Aliens Holiday in New York
It’s the holiday season, why not spend your Christmas vacation doing a little window shopping. You don’t have to buy presents, you can just look. Holiday window decorations are the best of the year, and they’re free for your gazing pleasure. Saving money is my favorite.
This Christmas window is in New York City at the New Museum. It appears that alien kids love the holidays as much as the rest of us. Who knew? Stop in on your New York City holiday vacation!
The New Museum is located at:
235 BoweryNew York, NY 10002
212.219.1222It’s just one of the many great museums in NYC. Also, one of the great holiday windows! Two birds, people. Two birds.
Please note that the New Museum in New York has special holiday hours that can be found on their website.
This month we are featuring Holiday Window Decorations! Normally on Tuesdays we run the UpTake Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.
Photo: makerbot via Flickr
Tourists Stuff Suitcases at Orlando Outlet Malls
Carting a suitcase behind her, Camilla Nunes looked like a typical tourist — except she was strolling down the walkway of an Orlando outlet mall instead of a hotel lobby.
“I bought the suitcase here and a whole bunch of stuff that is inside,” said Nunes, 25, from Recife, Brazil.
By early afternoon, Nunes had filled the Calvin Klein bag with clothes for herself and her boyfriend at Orlando Premium Outlets — Vineland Ave.
Christmas Season on Nantucket
Nantucket Harbor at Christmas Time
Imagine the most quaint, historic little town imaginable, a place that is equally charming and upscale. Then, imagine that place decorated for Christmas. That is exactly the scene at Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebrate which is in full force over the Nantucket Stroll weekend (which is when we visited).
Visit the quaint Main Street in Nantucket, where each business, in conjunction with local nonprofit organizations, has decorated a tree in front of the store. Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where eighty trees, all uniquely decorated, are on display. My kids loved walking up and down Main Street and through the museum, pointing out their favorite trees.
During the stroll weekend, there is something for everyone, including art gallery parties, craft shows, shopping discounts, tasting menus at local restaurants, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via Coast Guard ship. My kids happily waited in line to greet Santa at the Jared Coffin House – despite the line. Nantucket Noel is really the epitome of the spirit of Christmas, and our whole family loved it.
Not every restaurant and hotel is open in December, so it’s best to check well in advance before making plans. Ferries do run, but on an abbreviated schedule, so make sure you make reservations for both legs of your journey. During Nantucket Noel, we stayed at Harborview Place – a community of absolutely gorgeous vacation homes located right in town.
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Harborview Place provided transportation and accommodations for our stay.
Soaring on Myrtle Beach’s Sky Wheel
Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel
Myrtle Beach, SC gets lots of attention for being a sunny family destination brimming with beaches, water parks and Southern hospitality. The fun has increased considerably with the opening of the SkyWheel attraction on Myrtle Beach’s new boardwalk. Flying into the airport, you’ll spot the slowing turning wheel, especially at night, when there’s a light show. But once you get up close, you realize that it’s much more than a fancy ferris wheel.
The most striking detail is that the seats are enclosed. The Sky Wheel boasts 42 glass-enclosed gondola’s that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and much of Myrtle Beach. It winds 200 feet above sea level and is reportedly the only observation wheel of it’s kind in the U.S. Sitting inside a gondola and gazing down the boardwalk, the views are lovely. Although I didn’t quite spot neighboring North Carolina as the attendant claimed. For $12 for adults and $8 for children, you get to slowing spin around for about three revolutions. There’s even a $50 VIP experience that includes special access to a gondola sporting Ferrari leather seats and a glass bottom for views below and above. It’s a nice ride but may be a little scary for those afraid of heights. After the ride, head to the Landshark Bar & Grill next door and sample the fish tacos and chips with salsa.
Photo courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Disclosure: The Sky Wheel excursion was part of a sponsored media trip.