November 20, 2009 - Boston Flora

November 30 – December 31 – Christmas in Newport

November 20, 2009 by Boston Flora

Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 39th 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.The lights are meant to simulate candlelight, and are the brainchild of Christmas in Newport founder Ruth Myers, who wished to recapture the candlelit holidays of bygone days. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed in the annual program must be free of charge or must benefit a non-profit institution or charity.

For more information about Christmas in Newport, call our hot line atÂ (401) 849-6454, or visit the web site at http://www.christmasinnewport.org/ (courtesy of Pirata Media)Â A 30-minute video highlighting many of our December activities is available for a fee from Video Image Productions at (401) 847-3229. For a listing of accommodations in the Newport area, please write the Gateway Information Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue or call (800) 326-6030.

Saturday, November 28, 10:00 am – 12 noon – Doyle Reservation Tree Tour

November 20, 2009 by Boston Flora

Join a self-proclaimed lover of trees (and forester) on a guided tour of the grounds at the Doyle Estate and Pierce Park on Saturday, November 28, from 10:00 am – 12 noon.Â You will be introduced to the over fifty species of trees which call the estate home.Â This is a free event, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations, and you may sign up by calling 978-840-4446, x 1900, or emailing central@ttor.org.Â Driving directions to Leominster are available at www.thetrustees.org.

At the turn of the 20th century, Harry W. Pierce assembled a grand estate featuring a 29-room stucco mansion, stable, horse paddocks, a pond, and an extensive system of bridle paths. Today, this estate is the Doyle Reservation, with Pierce Park and the Doyle Conservation Center at its heart.

Pierce Park is made up of 10 of the original landscaped grounds from the estate (most of the trees and shrubs are from the estate’s original design and plantings). Doyle Conservation Center, a LEED Gold-Certified â€œgreenâ€ building, serves as one of The Trustees of Reservationsâ€™ regional offices.Â Pierce Park is a link in the Monoosnoc Trail. More trails are planned.