400 Luxuriate at Florida’s Premier Destination
$2,500
The legendary Palm Beach lifestyle awaits you and a friend during this four-day/three-night adventure in one of America’s most posh cities. Your headquarters will be The Breakers, a luxurious oceanfront resort situated on 140 acres of tropical paradise, including more than a half-mile of private beachfront with breathtaking ocean views. In addition to exquisite room accommodations, you can look forward to championship golf, a soothing spa center, tennis, water sports, and just relaxing by one of four swimming pools. Your stay will include a private tour of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the home of a turn-of-the-century oil and railroad magnate, and the Norton Museum of Art, home to 19th and 20th century art from around the world. Your Palm Beach adventure will include dinner at the Everglades Club with the Mount Vernon Vice Regent for Florida and famous author Ted Bell, member of Mount Vernon’s Advisory Committee. Date and time of visit arranged according to mutual convenience.
Courtesy of The Breakers and Mrs. Stanley N. Gaines, Vice Regent for Florida, and Mr. Gaines
401 A Taste of Ireland at Ashford Castle
$1,600
You and a guest will feel like royalty for five nights at the magnificent Ashford Castle Hotel in the foothills of County Mayo near Ireland’s west coast. For over 700 years, this distinguished country Castle has offered its guests sweeping views of the Lough Corrib and 350 acres of private woodlands. Considered by many to be the finest hotel in Ireland, the Castle offers not only wonderful rooms but also sensational cuisine and wine, golf, tennis fishing, and many other amenities. The offer is from May 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Walton
402 Lots to Do in Historic Staunton, Virginia
$750
Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Staunton is less than a three-hour scenic drive down the Shenandoah Valley from Washington. Spend two nights in the beautifully restored Stonewall Jackson Hotel and enjoy a lively performance next door at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars’ Playhouse, a stunning replica of London’s 17th Century theater. Dine at the Staunton Grocery, Chef Ian Boden’s nationally acclaimed restaurant featuring modern interpretations of Southern cuisine and using natural ingredients from the surrounding Shenandoah Valley.
Take a self-guided walking tour to view the extraordinary collection of architectural styles employed in residences, churches, schools and commercial buildings from the 18th to the 20th centuries, including Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace and historic Trinity Church where Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other members of Virginia’s General Assembly met after fleeing Banastre Tarleton’s troops during the Revolution. Visit the outdoor Museum of American Frontier Culture, where three working farms, dismantled in Europe and reconstructed in Staunton, demonstrate the intermingling of the English, Scots-Irish, and German cultures in the Valley of Virginia.
Courtesy of Mrs. P. William Moore, Jr., Vice Regent for Virginia, and Mr. Christopher Little
403 Relax in Quaint Point Clear on Alabama’s Mobile Bay
$8,000
Point Clear is one of several charming communities which encompass the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. As you visit this popular destination, your senses will be overwhelmed with breathtaking views of the glistening waters of the bay and warm breezes carrying the aromatic scent of azaleas. Point Clear is Southern hospitality at its finest, and this little slice of paradise is able to maintain all of its small-town charm while providing easy access to the airports and other amenities provided by the larger metropolitan areas of Mobile and Pensacola, each located just minutes away. This package offers a week on the Boardwalk in a six-bedroom house with access to golf, tennis, swimming, and boating. The house is available during spring or fall by mutual agreement with the owner.
Courtesy of Mrs. H. Taylor Morrissette
404 The George Washington Inn in Washington State I
405 The George Washington Inn in Washington State II
$535 per package
Stay at this Mount Vernon look-alike bed & breakfast inn between Sequim and Port Angeles, Washington (how appropriate!) for two nights in one of the deluxe suites during the months of September through May, subject to availability. The majestic snow-capped Olympic Mountains spread across the southern sky and evening lights of Victoria, British Columbia sparkle from a distant shore, only a ferry ride away. Proprietors Dan and Janet Abbott, who are Mount Vernon contributors and have visited here many times, created a one-of-a-kind inn that is an almost-exact replica of George Washington's mansion on the outside. They can regale you with stories of their efforts working with Mount Vernon staff on details as they built the inn.
Meanwhile, your deluxe suite offers a king bed, spa tub and shower, HDTV, parlor with kitchenette, private entrance, and veranda access. The room has an ocean view from the bedroom and mountain view from the parlor. Enjoy Mount Vernon western-style just three hours from Seattle. Included in the gift basket is a 12-ounce bag of George Washington Coffee, a mug and a sachet of Washington lavender.
Courtesy of Janet & Dan Abbott
406 Fun in Sun Valley
$5,000
Settle into Sun Valley, Idaho for your next vacation and get a load of the rugged romance of the Old West in gorgeous, pristine Idaho. Born out of a desire to bring the magic of European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon, without peer on this continent or any other. Boasting four distinct seasons, each as awe-inspiring as the next, Sun Valley's nearly one million acres of wilderness promise long sunny days, bright starry nights and a resort experience that your family will cherish for generations.
You and up to five of your guests will stay in a beautiful private lodge for six days and five nights in the heart of Sun Valley. This area offers challenging skiing on the slopes of Mt. Baldy in winter. During the mild summer months, there is world-class golf, hiking, and biking in every direction. The area also offers plenty of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Courtesy of J. R. Simplot Company
407 Eastern Shore Getaway
$800
Peaceful relaxation is only a bay away from Washington, DC. Save the weekend of June 5-7, 2009 to stay in a charming house on Morris Street in historic Oxford, Maryland. This cottage, built in 1920, has wrap-around porches with views of the Tred Avon River and its own small beach in the back. Ideal for a family or couples’ weekend getaway, there are four bedrooms and a children’s loft.
A charming, tree-lined and waterbound village with a population of less than 1,000, Oxford is one of the oldest towns in America and has a long history in maritime activities. Early in the day, you will still find local watermen at the town dock unloading the catch of the day. You can watch the sailboats arriving from all over the Chesapeake to dine at the various local restaurants the town has to offer. While other waterfront Eastern Shore towns have succumbed to condos and glitz, Oxford has retained its historic charm. The tourism and leisure activities are fueled by the desire for quiet charm, fresh air, summer breezes, and a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Beyer, Jr.
408 Historic Overnight in Williamsburg, Virginia
$650
Spend a night in the president’s charming guest cottage on the historic campus of The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. A continental breakfast is included as well as enjoying a dinner for two at the Fat Canary, a gourmet restaurant just a leisurely stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street. The offer is available until April 30, 2010.
Courtesy of The College of William and Mary and Ms. Terry Thompson
409 Be Charmed in Lovely Charleston, South Carolina
$4,500
There will be great excitement in Charleston during the Charleston International Antiques Show for two people, March 18-19, 2010. You will have a two-night stay downtown at the Historic Mills House Hotel, which includes breakfast. Private tours include an Ace Basin plantation, as well as the Nathaniel Russell House and/or the Aiken Rhett House, both of which are premier Charleston museums. Two tickets include the preview of the Charleston International Antiques Show, Festival of Houses and Gardens, and Historic Middleton Place Plantation tour, plus tickets for the wonderful carriage rides unique to Charleston lore. Of special note is the invitation for cocktails one evening with the Vice Regent of South Carolina, Virginia Lane.
Courtesy of Mrs. Charles G. Lane, Vice Regent of South Carolina, and Mr. Lane
410 An Amazing, Action-Packed Jaunt in Nashville, Tennessee
$3,200
Visit “Music City” in style! This vacation package comprises two deluxe rooms for four nights at the Leow’s Vanderbilt Plaza from November 10-13, 2009. During your stay, you will receive four tickets to the Country Music Awards, recognized worldwide as “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” This evening will feature a wide variety of exceptional talent and is sure to provide outstanding entertainment and excitement for a three-hour broadcast.
You will also receive four tickets to enjoy the following: the Grand Old Opry; The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home; the Frist Center for the Visual Arts; a tour of The Parthenon, the 1897 replica of the structure in Athens, Greece; and a private tour of a recording studio.
Courtesy of Anonymous
411 A Collector’s Tour of Boston
$750
Join some of Boston’s most esteemed curators and collectors for a wonderful visit for two this May or June. You will be the guest of the Museum of Fine Arts for two extraordinary exhibits--Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice and Celebrating Kyoto: Modern Arts from Boston's Sister City. About the Titian exhibit, The New York Times raved, “Transatlantic loans of the kind that make this show the breathtaker it is are a big drain on strapped museum budgets. Boston was lucky to partner with the Louvre on this project, but such masterpiece gatherings are likely to be rare in years to come.”
You will also be the guests for a private tour of one couple’s stunning collection of period American furniture. At the end of the day you can rest up from your adventures at the Renaissance Waterfront Boston, arise the next morning, and after a nourishing breakfast, go out to enjoy even more cultural delights! To be arranged at a mutually convenient time in the month of May or June 2009. Note that private museum tours should be scheduled for a weekday.
Courtesy of the Renaissance Waterfront Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Christie’s
412 Marvelous Malibu Beach Inn
$3,000
Deluxe accommodations for two people at Malibu's most luxurious oceanfront hotel. Enjoy five days and four nights of sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, tickets to the Getty Villa and Getty Center museums, dinner at the famous Dukes of Malibu Restaurant, and lunch or dinner hosted by Ken and Alice Starr at renowned Geoffrey's Restaurant (where the "stars" like to eat). You will be picked up and delivered back to LAX airport by HCS town car service and will also have town car service for shopping on Rodeo Drive and/or visiting museums. Make your reservations for January or February of 2010 at least one month in advance to ensure space.
Courtesy of Alice and Ken Starr
413 Little Black Creek Lodge
$1,500
Little Black Creek Lodge is located within Longleaf Plantation, a renowned hunting preserve, near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. You can arrange additional hunting packages if you desire, but there is plenty to do on your own. This four bedroom home’s amenities include a private tennis court, hot tub, screened porches, large yard for play, wonderful deck overlooking the spring-fed creek, and a beautiful setting for walks throughout the countryside. Stay the entire time in this hidden beauty or feel free to take day trips to New Orleans, Natchez, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and more. Up to eight people can stay for five days/four nights anytime during 2010.
Courtesy of Mrs. Stewart Gammill III, Vice Regent for Mississippi, and Mr. Gammill
414 Weekend in Western Pennsylvania
$1,200
Your home base for you and five guests for a weekend will be a private residence in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. If you are interested in the 18th century days of George Washington in western Pennsylvania, this is your opportunity to see Fort Necessity, Fort Ligonier, Braddock’s grave and more. The 21st century opportunities include a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece “Fallingwater” and another of his amazing houses “Kentuck Knob.” And, of course, there is South Fort Dam, site of the beginning of the Johnstown flood. You can have lots of great adventures. The house is in a preserve so there are great walking trails and lots of peace and quiet. You will be our guest at the Rolling Rock Club for dinner after one of your sightseeing days. Dates and times to be arranged on mutually agreeable terms.
Courtesty of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Walton
415 Vacation in Nantucket
$1,800
Charming Nantucket awaits you and a guest for three nights at the Summer House Fair Street plus dinner at the Summer House Restaurant on Nantucket Island. Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included. Certificate expires June 30, 2010.
Courtesy of Danielle de Benedictis and Peter Karlson
416 Civil War Weekend in Atlanta
$800
Enjoy a private tour of the acclaimed DuBose collection of civil war memorabilia at the Atlanta History Center conducted by the owner, Beverly M. DuBose III followed by dinner at the estate overlooking the Chattahoochee River and site of many Civil War battles. Includes two nights at the Ritz-Carlton, dinner at the Piedmont Driving Club and expert tours of other Atlanta Civil War sites and museums to be arrange by the winning bidder and the donor according to the winner’s interest.
Courtesy of Mrs. Shepard B. Ansley, Regent, and Mr. Ansley
417 Bed and Breakfast Experience in Natchez
$800
Up to three couples can stay for three nights at each of these charming Southern bed-and-breakfast getaways, Hope Farm and Elgin Plantation. Located in Natchez, Mississippi, the properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and nestled in this small, quaint city with over 600 ante-bellum structures. After a hearty Southern breakfast, the sisters who own the properties will help map out your stay to include antiquing, architectural interests, Civil War and other historic sites of interest, and marvelous food and wine experiences. Here is your chance to arrange a Big Chill weekend for some of your closest friends! To be arranged at a mutually convenient date.
Courtesy of Ethel Green Banta and Ruth Ellen Green Calhoun
418 Pure Ritz Style in DC’s West End
$500
Here is the ticket to your getaway in one of the nation’s most beautiful cities, Washington DC! You and a guest will enjoy a weekend night at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC and enjoy a sumptuous dinner for two at the "Pass" at Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert.
Courtesy of Ritz Carlton, Washington DC
419 Paris in the Autumn
$1,900
You and your guest need to be in Paris this October! This one bedroom apartment in the fashionable and chic St. Germain des Pres makes it a necessity, not a luxury. Located in a 17th century building this fully remodeled pied-á-terre has a modern kitchen, and tasteful furnishings. Just a block from the Seine and the Pont des Arts (6th arrondissement), you can walk everywhere. Owner recommends that you choose a week in October 2009, to be mutually agreed upon. Package includes six nights and seven days—and is sure to revive your creative juices!
Courtesy of Marjorie Kohn, Whimsy Inc.
