While doing their research for the book, Simon and Anita both felt it was important to interview either the owners or managers of the tea rooms and coffee houses they visited to give an honest appraisal of the places they visited. Fancy A Cuppa, USA? features only the United States tea and coffee houses they’ve visited while Fancy A Cuppa? the original version of the book review more than 50 places in the United Kingdom. Either book can be ordered from their website at the end of this article. Simon and Anita feel their book is as much about the owners and managers who own and run the tea rooms and coffee houses as it is about the tea and coffee! These are the people who help determine whether the experience you have is a pleasurable one or one you won’t return to.

You can see the online version of the book here and you can also order your very own copy. While the web site is excellent, I’d rather have my own personal copy of the book. Order one now, you won’t be sorry.

Fancy A Cuppa? web site.

The Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center has been open several years now and is housed in a brand-new, period style stone building. Ambassador John L Loeb, Jr. welcomes you in his personal message:

I am John L. Loeb Jr. and I’d like to welcome you to the Loeb Visitors Center at the Touro Synagogue. The Touro Synagogue is an American treasure, the oldest active synagogue in the United States. I am a descendent of the Touro family, so it holds great personal significance for me.

This Synagogue and its early congregation are considered icons of American religious freedom because of the important letter that George Washington sent to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport in 1790. That letter directly affirmed the principle of religious liberty based on the separation of church and state that is guaranteed to every one of us through the Bill of Rights. The building stands as a physical manifestation and reminder of the event and of the concepts embodied in the letter.

Both this website and the exhibits planned for the Visitors Center tell the story of this historical landmark, its architectural beauty and its symbolic role in the development of American Democracy.

While our new Visitors Center space is being constructed, I invite you to spend some time exploring these web pages and then come visit us in Newport, Rhode Island.

Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr.

The Visitors Center has been open several years now, Ambassador Loeb’s message welcomes you to visit.  Having toured the Center and the Synagogue many times, Susan and I can assure you you won’t be disappointed. Only a minutes walk from The Spring Seasons Inn. You can see their web site at Touro Synagogue. Close their page to come back to the Spring Seasons Inn.

Tour for Curious People has recently opened in Newport, Rhode Island and it is a must do while visiting Newport. Started by Carol Miller, a native Newporter whose family has a long history in Newport. Carol takes her clients on a tour of the Point district of Newport, an area rich in history that goes back several hundred years. Carol is a very knowledgeable and personable tour guide who not only shares her extensive of knowledge of Newport but is also known to pull period antiques out of her pocket to supplement an interesting point that she is sharing with you. Having met Carol, Susan and I can attest to her enthusiasm and knowledge of Newport and can assure you, you won’t be disappointed or bored on this tour. Carol has a website that gives some general information that you may find useful at www.toursforcuriouspeople.com. Close this window to return to the Spring Seasons Inn.

Restaurant Week runs from March 23, 2012 through April 1, 2012. Some places may reuqire reservations.

Prices are as follows, taxes not included:

Victoria’s Room, $300 for two nights

The Venice Suite, $$350 for two nights

The Newport Suite, $400 for two nights

Reserve now and don’t be disappointed later. Enjoy a great weekend in Newport where something is always happening.

Wed    11/9      -   **CD RELEASE PARTY!!!!**
Dick Lupino, bass,  vocals, Mike Renzi,                                      piano, Vin Pagano, drums

Wed    11/16   -   **Marlene VerPlanck** vocals, Dick Lupino,                                   bass, vocals
Mike Renzi, piano, Vin Pagano, drums
Wed    11/23   -   Dick Lupino, bass, vocals, Debbie Sullivan,                                    piano, vocals
Wed    11/30  -   Dick Lupino, bass vocals, Dennis Cook, sax,                               Paul Nagel, piano

     Greenvale will host live music by Dick Lupino on bass and vocals, Mike Renzi on piano, and Vin Pagano on drums. In addition, the celebration will include harvest games, soup samplings, tractor rides and walking tours along with tastings of Greenvale Vineyards’ award winning, estate grown wines!

     Greenvale Vineyards is located at 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth, along the Sakonnet River. This historic property produces approximately 3,500 cases of wine each year from twenty four acres of vines, which include Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.  All the wines are made from estate grown, hand-harvested grapes.  The Tasting Room is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, with tours daily at 2:00 p.m. or by appointment. For further information, call (401) 847-3777 or visit us online at www.greenvale.com.