New iPhone App Caters to the "Inn" Crowd

Now you can find your favorite bed and breakfast getaway spot right on your iPhone.

Looking for a romantic getaway at a great little boutique inn or bed and breakfast?

iLoveInns.com presents your guide to America's best and most romantic inns right on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Are you fed up with overpriced hotels and long faceless hallways? Top award-winning inns offer you unique one-of-a-kind adventures and great value for your dollar. Business travelers can find the perfect inn from thousands across the country.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

38th Annual Christmas in Newport celebrates the noncommercial traditition of the holiday season.

Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 38th year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar.

In a community collaboration among residents, businesses and the city, only clear bulbs illuminate the scenic harbor and wharves, the restored colonials of the Point and Historic Hill sections, and the Victorian splendor of Bellevue Avenue.

For more information about Christmas in Newport, call our hot line at (401) 849-6454, or visit our web site at http://www.christmasinnewport.org.

Newport's Astors' Beechwood Schedual for the Annaul Christmas Feast

As you cross the threshold of the Astors' Beechwood Mansion, you step back in time to St. Nicholas Day1891. You are a dear friend coming to join Mrs. Astor and her family for a magnificent celebration.

The home is decorated in full holiday splendor and
music fills the air. Once you have greeted Mrs. Astor,
please tour the home and visit with the family.
Don’t forget to sneak into the servants’ hall for a
behind the scenes glimpse of holiday activity!

As the touring winds down, the butler will invite you into the
ballroom. You will be seated at a table for ten guests and
will have the opportunity to interact with them, as well as
members of the Astor family, throughout the event.

As the performance begins, and you journey back in time,
the beautiful voices of our company of actors will help
re-create this bygone era. After introductions, dinner begins.

You will be entertained during your entire stay at Beechwood.
You will enjoy delightful events between each course, chuckle
at the servants’ antics, and you just might see St. Nicholas
himself. The highlight of this spectacular soirée is a vocal
performance so breathtaking it will fill even the hardest heart
with the true spirit of Christmas. We look forward to your visit.

2008 Feast Performance Dates

Saturday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 13, 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 20, 7:00 pm

Tickets on sale September 2nd
$125 per person

RESERVATIONS: 401-846-3772

Rhode Island's Newport Preservation Society celebrates Christmas at the Newport Mansions

5 Holiday Evening at the Breakers

Why wait 'til December to get into the holiday spirit? Get your cheer on early by heading to The Breakers mansion in Newport on Saturday. Decked out with garland, trees, wreaths and ribbon, the mansion -- and in our opinion, the city itself -- is in its finest form this time of year. The Jubilate Chorale is scheduled to perform, a spread of sweets will be out for the taking, and you can tour the property at your leisure. This Saturday marks the first of five such events, which run through December 27.
The Details: November 22. 6 to 8 p.m. $25 (when purchased in advance), $30 (at the door) adults; $10 youth ages 6-17. 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, 847-1000, www.newportmansions.org.

Newport's Old Quarter The Arts & Culture Neighborhood

Newport's storied history still thrives in the Old Quarter. Stately trees and striking 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including the country's largest collection of Colonial houses, line its charming narrow streets. The heart of this city by the sea is packed with museums, places of worship, and other fascinating sites that document its role as America's welcoming harbor of religious freedom. Experience the Old Quarter's living history in its galleries, shops, taverns, restaurants, and on the vibrant streets of this timeless arts-and-culture neighborhood. Visit the Old Quarter web site: www.theoldquarter.org

Located in Newport's Old Quarter, Hydrangea House Inn is within walking distance to all of Newport's Colonial sites.

Newport Preservation Society's 2008 Annual Flower Show at the Newport Mansions

Each day of the 2008 Newport Flower Show offers guests opportunities to enjoy judged horticultural specimens and floral designs, special garden exhibitions, free lectures and demonstrations, as well as wonderful shopping experiences in both the Oceanside Boutiques and the new Gardeners' Marketplace. Tickets are also available for special luncheons, lectures and workshops. Explore! which ticket or package offers you the best value to fully enjoy all the Botanical Passions of this year's show.

Visit the Newport Mansion web site for a complete list of Flower Show exhibits and lecture series.

Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 401-847-1000.

My Aunt Bernice's Carrot Cake Recipe - a Hydrangea House Inn favorite!

My Aunt Bernice and Uncle Walter owned a 48 bed nursing home back in the 50's through the 70's. I grew up there in a private home on the sprawling property for the first 8 years of my life. I have fond memories of that time---exploring the wooded acreage, fishing on the ponds (skating in the winter), and sitting on a tall stool in the nursing home's kitchen watching "Cookie" create her daily magic for the resident's in house. Cookie was my aunt and uncle's chef. Even though I was young, she brought her skills to me. And, I am told, I cooked, while unsupervised, my first fried egg when I was just 3 while standing on a chair by the stove in my own parent's kitchen. (Fortunately, I not longer have to stand on a chair!)

Here is my Aunt Bernice's Carrot Cake recipe. It's a winner! And it makes great muffins too! After baked, be sure to add your own favorite cream cheese frosting. And, like we tell all our guest at Hydrangea House Inn, "We don't cook with calories"....this recipe is no exception! Just enjoy!

Boil together:
3/4 C oil
2 C shredded carrots
1 C crushed pinapple
2 C sugar

Until carrots are tender...just about 5 minutes. cool.

Sift together:
2 C flour
2 Tsp. Soda
2 Tsp Cinammon
1/2 Tsp nutmeg
1/2 Tsp. Cloves
1/2 Tsp. Salt

Add to:
3 eggs well beaten
1 C. chopped nuts (walnuts are fine...."Have you seen the price lately?"
1 C shredded coconut

Bake in a well greased 13 x 9 pan at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Call me if you have any questions.

Grant (Edmondson)
Owner/Innkeeper/Chef and anything else asked of me!
401-846-4435