Membership really does carry special privileges. Any that I've purchased or been given as a gift have brought me a great deal of pleasure in some of the most beautiful spots in southern New England. Blithewold, pictured above, in Bristol, RI, combines the best of outdoors and indoors. Check out the images online for the full picture of a stunning mansion, manicured lawn that rolls down to the bay, flower gardens that vary from month to month, hundreds of exotic trees and a Monet-worthy pond complete with irises and water lilies in season. Where tourists pay by the day, a member can go anytime and also take advantage of planned events on the property, such as mah jongg lessons in the formal dining room or perhaps have the opportunity to volunteer as a docent (look it up!).
Blithewold is only practical if you live reasonably close, but these membership opportunities are everywhere. Find a place you love and sign up. A basic membership has always worked for me. It's cost-effective yet allows me to enjoy the properties to the fullest. As a sidebar, Blithewold is also featured in the Aug. 2012 edition of SOCO Magazine.
Another favorite was for the Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts which gave me access to almost a hundred properties I didn't know existed from wooded trails and beaches to, yes, more mansions. Besides the cachet associated with this type of membership, you're contributing toward the preservation of special places. Do a little research, pick something you like and sign up or give it as a gift and really wow someone close.
. M
A good friend brought me to the Christmas Tea at Blithewold last year. We enjoyed delicious tea
ReplyDeleteand scrumptious baked goodies followed by a tour of the mansion in all it's Christmas splendor.
It's definitely a place not to be missed this time
of year!