Out and About at The Fells: Signs of Spring Stirrings
Tuesday, March 22, 10-11 AM Signs of Spring Stirrings
During the month of March we will follow spring’s progress from the first signs of melting snow to the sweet rising of the sap. Join Lake Sunapee Protective Association’s education staff in this program for pre-school age children and their caregivers. Children will love the hands on learning and sensory experiences, guided exploration, creative play, and art and music. No reservations necessary. Free. Co-sponsored by The Fells and Lake Sunapee Protective Association. Meets at The Fells Historic Estate and Garden Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x3,www.thefells.org.
Thursday’s Child at The Coach House Restaurant
March 24, 5:30-9 PM
Thursday’s Child at the Coach House Restaurant supports local community non-profits one plate at a time by donating 50 percent of the evening’s net proceeds to the designated organization. Join us for divine dining on March 24 to benefit The Fells—tables fill fast, so get your friends together and reserve now. Call 526-2791 or go online to thenewlondoninn.com/reservations-for-the-coach-house-restaurant/. See you there!
Vegetable Gardening 101
Saturday, April 9, 9:30 to noon
Novice or experienced gardener? Need the basics for planning your vegetable garden? Master Gardener Linda West guides you through the process with tips on how to establish a garden, what to plant, what critters to expect, and unique ways to grow some of your favorite veggies. Open to all, requested donation $10. Advance registration required. To register, call 763-4789 x3. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and Garden Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. thefells.org. Sponsored by the Sullivan County Master Gardeners in conjunction with the UNH Extension Service for community education.
Out and About at The Fells: Pools of Mud and Magic
Tuesday, April 12, 10 to 11 AM
Come explore magical spring ponds full of new life! Peeping frogs, squirming salamanders, and emerging turtles will be the stars of our April activities. Join Lake Sunapee Protective Association’s education staff in this program for pre-school age children and their caregivers. Children will love the hands on learning and sensory experiences, guided exploration, creativeplay, and art and music. Free. No reservations necessary. Meets at The Fells Historic Estate and Garden Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x3, thefells.org. Co-sponsored by The Fells and Lake Sunapee Protective Association.
Vernal Pool Adventure Walk for Families
Saturday, April 16, 1 to 2:30 PM
Bring the whole family for a learning experience at one of TheFells vernal pools and discover who lives there and why these temporary habitats are so important. Waterproof footwear recommended. Led by Lake Sunapee Protective Association Education Director Kathleen Stowell. Fells and LSPA members free, non-members $5 per family. No registration required. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. To register, call 763-4789 x 3 or thefells.org. Co-sponsored by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association.
Preparing to Open Your Garden
Thursday, May 5, 1 to 2:30 PM
For the novice to experienced gardeners, join Fells’ Nursery Manager Sue Ellen Weed-Parkes to review steps to prepare to open your garden. Review steps from preparing soils to starting seeds. Meet in John Hay Classroom in the Gatehouse. Open to all, requested donation $10. Advance registration required. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and GardensGatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. To register, call 603-763-4789 x 3. thefells.org.
National Public Gardens Day
Friday-Sunday, May 6-8, 10 to4 PM
As part of the ninth annual National Public Gardens Day, join The Fells in a nation-wide celebration of public gardens. “Public gardens are indispensable—they provide places to recreate, learn about the environment, and observe the beauty of nature.” Explore the beauty of The Fells and discover the colorful spring blooms in the Rock Garden and the fragrant blossoms of early flowering trees and shrubs. Get a preview of Art in Nature 2016 Outdoor Sculpture. Treat mom on her day (Sunday, May 8) and pack a picnic to enjoy on our Veranda—carry-in/carry-out please. Admission is free to all the entire weekend. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789x 3, thefells.org.
Birding by Ear and Sight
Saturday, May 7, 7:30 to 9 AM (Rain Date May 8, 7:30-9am)
Join Peter Newbern for a morning of learning some tricks to identify bird songs and calls by interpreting what it seems like they are singing, followed by a chance to hear and see some of the various neo-tropical birds returning to nest. This is an easy/moderate walkaround the grounds of The Fells. Members free, non-members $8. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. To register, call 763-4789 x 3. thefells.org.
Growing Food in Small Spaces
Saturday, May 7, 10 to 11:30 AM
No space for a garden? WMUR-TV’s host of Grow it Green and Agriculture Resources Educator at UNH Cooperative Extension in Hillsborough County, Margret Hagen has some ideas for finding space & growing more food in the space you have. She will sharespace-saving techniques for increasing yields in small garden spaces: vertical cropping, intercropping, succession planting, raised-bed gardening, and intensive planting. Open to all, requested donation $10. Advance registration required. Meets at The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. To register, call 763-4789 x 3. thefells.org.
Sponsored by the Sullivan County Master Gardeners in conjunction with the UNH Extension Service for community education.
Out and About at The Fells: Blooms, Buds and Bugs
Tuesday, May 24, 10 to 11 AM
May bursts forth with the colors and sounds of Spring! Children investigate the best of the Spring Season. Join Lake Sunapee Protective Association’s education staff in this program for pre-school age children and their caregivers. Children will love the hands on learning and sensory experiences: guided exploration, creative play, and art and music. Free. No reservations necessary. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens Gatehouse, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. To register, call 763-4789 x 3. thefells.org
Art Exhibit: Barns and Farms in the Landscape
May 27 toJuly 10, Main House Art Gallery, open during Main House hours
In 1888, John Milton Hay quietly began acquiring nearly 1,100 acres of abandoned farms to create his family’s new summer home. In the early 1900’s, The Fells itself became a self-sustaining working farm. In this all new art exhibit, select artists from the New Hampshire Art Association, capture the essence of historic and contemporary barns and farms that are an important feature of the New Hampshire landscape. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3, thefells.org
Ecology Exhibit: Life Cycles of The Fells
May 28 to October 10, Main House John Hay Ecology Center, open during Main House hours
The now 84 acres of The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens (originally 1,100 acres) was more than a home for the Hay family. This exhibit explores the wildlife residents, plant life, and ecological aspects of The Fells. Learn more about the brooks and streams, Lake Sunapee shoreline, and species of trees and wildflowers. Children of all ages will also enjoy interactive exhibits with wildlife such as owls, bats and mammal pelts. Come and view our butterfly house to examine larvae as they transform from larvae, to chrysalis, to butterfly. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3, thefells.org
Art in Nature 2016: Outdoor Sculpture
Saturday, May 28 to Monday, October 10
Discover the spectacular art of well-known New England sculptors as you explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of The Fells. Each piece is sited to seamlessly integrate into the surrounding gardens and natural landscape. Curated by Janet Miller Haines and Professor Jon P. Keenan, Fine and Performing Arts Department, Colby-Sawyer College, New London. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
History Exhibit: The Education of a Diplomat: John Milton Hay: The Early Years
May 28-October 10, Main House Exhibit Gallery, open during Main House hours
John Milton Hay was appointed Secretary of State in President William McKinley’s Cabinet. He continued in office under President Theodore Roosevelt following McKinley’s assassination in 1901 and served until his death in office on July 1, 1905. He was instrumental in taking the United States on to the theater of world politics by bartering an agreement to limit European influence in Asia, negotiating the Panama Canal Treaty, the Alaskan Boundary Dispute, and the Venezuelan Crisis. Get to know John Milton Hay, and how his early life prepared him to be a statesman that helped shape his accomplishments. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Wednesday Evening Education Series: The Natural and Cultural Land Use History of the Fells
June 1, 15, and 29 4 to 7 PM
A three-part series of summer evening hikes led by Forest Society Naturalist, Director of Education, Dave Anderson. Learn about forest ecology, forest history, and how people have shaped the forests surrounding the formal landscape gardens at The Fells. Attend one or all three programs. (See program descriptions listed chronologically below.) SPNHF and Fells members $10., non-members $15. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Introduction to the Forests of The Fells
Wednesday, June 1 4 to 7 PM
From seedlings and saplings to snags and stumps—this hike will interpret the forests at The Fells using trees as clues to regional forest history. Where are the oldest trees at The Fells and where are the youngest—and why? What factors—both natural and cultural—shaped the forests and wildlife habitats? Learn how local and regional disturbance histories, coupled with natural forest succession, shaped tree species composition at The Fells. Which tree species colonized former pastures? Which trees established in the shade of preceding forests? How did the Hurricane of ‘38, a decade of sporadic fires that followed and the more recent ice storms shape local forests? What new factors including climate, weather, and exotic insect pests could affect future forest health and species composition? A moderate walk of about 1.5 miles along trails at The Fells, with off-trail exploration along the shore of Lake Sunapee and returning uphill on the Ecology Trail along Beech Brook to the Gate House. SPNHF and Fells members $10., non-members $15. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Wildflowers of New Hampshire
Thursday, June 2 7 to 8:30 PM
Join botanist Ted Elliman for a look at the wildflowers of New Hampshire as described in his new book A Field Guide to the Wildflowers of New England. Published by Timber Press in partnership with New England Wild Flower Society, this comprehensive guide describes and illustrates more than 1,000 of New England’s native and naturalized wildflowers. In this lecture, Ted discusses the flora of many of New Hampshire’s natural communities, presenting images of common and rare plants and highlighting species that are particularly distinct to the state. Ted has been engaged in botanical work in New England and other northeastern states for more than thirty years. Most recently, he was a botanist and plant ecologist on the staff of New England Wild Flower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts, where he conducted botanical inventories, natural community surveys, and invasive species control programs. Books will be available for sale, and a book signing will follow the lecture. NEWFS and Fells members $14., non-members $16. Advance registration required. Bring water and a snack. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
25th Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, June 11, 9:30 to noon (Early bird for members, 8:30-9:30 AM)
Buy quality, well established plants and shrubs propagated and field dug from The Fells very own gardens as well as from the region’s finest nurseries. We have a terrific selection of Fells signature plants, perennials, and shrubs. Unique art for your garden also available from Sugar Plum. Members, bring your membership cards and save 10% on all Fells plant purchases! Not a member? The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
The Hidden History of the Fells
Wednesday, June 15, 4 to 7 PM
This walk at the Forest Society’s Hay Forest Reservation will visit virtually unknown features of the former “Fells Farm” era during the tenure of Clarence L. Hay and Alice Appleton Hay. Hidden in the woods of the Forest Society’s Hay Forest Reservation are cement cisterns that once fed water to The Fells, early logging trails, and the ruins of a former maple sugarhouse. We’ll visit the cellar hole ruins of the Milton Clark and Nathan Baker farm—the final and most expensive—of seven farms purchased by Secretary John Milton Hay. We’ll visit the Sarah Bartlett cellar on the “Old Farm Road Trail” and the impoundment, filter house, and cistern house which still provide gravity-fed water to fountains in the formal gardens of The Fells.
This is a guided hike of about 2.5 miles that includes more rugged sections of off-trail exploration as well as easier walking along trails and woods roads. SPNHF and Fells members $10, non-members $15. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3, thefells.org
How Sweet It Is—The Exciting Lifecycle of the Honey Bee and Her Sweet Rewards!
Saturday, June 18, 10 to 11:30 AM
Learn what it takes to keep bees in New Hampshire! If you are thinking of becoming a beekeeper, this workshop will explain the requirements and help you get started. You will discuss products from the hive, taste honey and have a few laughs along theway. Wendy Booth, President of the New Hampshire Beekeepers, will give a digital presentation on the fascinating life of the Honey Bee and the sweet rewards of keeping bees. Wendy’s bee photos have been featured in national bee publications and she has been featured on New Hampshire Chronicle. Requested donation $10. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
A Celebration of Rhododendron: Savories and Silent Auction
Sunday, June 26, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Enjoy a delightful summer repast and exclusive Silent Auction featuring fine wines, gourmet dining and exceptional travel experiences. $45 per person, reservations required by June 19.
The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Sunset Hill Evening Hike: In the Company of Light: Readings from the Works of Naturalist John Hay and Picnic on Sunset Hill
Wednesday, June 29, 4 to 7 PM
Naturalist John Hay was fond of hiking the hills of New Hampshire. Join Dave Anderson— Education Director of the Society for the Protection of the New Hampshire Forests—for a traditional summer evening hike to spectacular views from the summit of Sunset Hill, the ancestral Hay family summer picnic spot. Dave reads several passages from John Hay’s writings—all inspired by John Hay’s boyhood rambles at The Fells, Lake Sunapee and his own summertime explorations of the former farms which comprise The Fells and the Forest Society’s Hay Forest Reservation. A comfortable, leisurely pace on a moderate, 2.4-mile round-trip hike that gains 550 feet to the 1800-foot elevation at the summit of SunsetHill. BYO picnic supper to enjoy on the summit. SPNHF andFells members $10, non-members $15. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury.763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Photography Camp for Young Adults (Ages 10-16)
Tuesday through Friday, July 5-8, 9 to noon
Join instructor Susan Dutton for a four day workshop to learn the essentials of nature photography and composition. Bring your camera (no phone cameras please) and your creativity and leave with outstanding images. Members $30, nonmembers $45. Advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Newbury Residents Free!
Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10, 10 AM to 4 PM
The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens is proud to be part of Newbury’s historic heritage and civic-minded spirit and extends an invitation to Newbury residents, town employees, civic volunteers, and their immediate families to tour the gardens, trails, and Main House free of charge throughout the entire weekend. Take a guided tour of the historic Main House, go on a garden tour or nature walk, tour the Art in Nature 2016 sculpture exhibit, or simply relax on our Veranda and admire the view. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Concert on the Veranda with Opera North
A Cottage for Two, 5 to 7PM
Classical music theater at its best, performed by Opera North’s Resident Artists, accompanied by General Director Evans Haile on The Fells grand piano. Enjoy hearty hors d’ouervres and wine bar from 5 to 6 PM. $35 per person, reserve early, seating is limited.The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Visual Verse: An Exhibit of Art and Poetry Inspired by The Fells
July 13 through October 10, Main House Art Gallery, open during Main House hours
This is a collaboration between en plein air artists who have captured the magnificent beauty of The Fells on canvas and local poets from the John Hay Poetry Society will interpret these works in verse. Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Layering words over the experience of viewing a painting enriches the overall experience allowing the viewer to discover The Fells in a whole new way. Exhibit runs from July 13 through October 10 in The Fells Main House Gallery, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. thefells.org. 763-4789×3.
Painting with Water Colors for Kids (Ages 8-16)
Wednesday through Friday, July 13-15, 9 to noon
Join instructor Rebecca Bense for a three day workshop on the essentials of watercolor painting. Students will learn watercolor techniques and express their creativity while learning about color, composition and perspective. Members $20, non-members $35. All materials provided. Advance reservations required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Artists Weekend
Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17, 10 AM to 3 PM
Discover the natural beauty and gardens of The Fells through the eyes of prominent New England artists as they create en plein air. Visitors are invited to observe artists interpreting the landscape and watch as their paintings come to life and discuss their individual techniques and learn what inspires them. Come Saturday to see our Young Artist exhibit. Sunday culminates with a 3 PM reception of tea and treat, an exhibit of the weekend’s paintings, and a wet paint sale. Note that Sunday’s reception is free to all beginning at 3 PM and that paintings may be purchased off the easel anytime on Saturday or Sunday. Members free, non-members pay Fells Site Admission. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Botany Camp for Kids (Ages 9-12)
Monday through Friday, July 18-22, 9 ton oon
Young scientists will participate in a “hands-on” science camp to explore the inner-lives of plants. Activities will include investigation of plant cells, DNA extraction, seeds, germination and photosynthesis. Members$50, non-members $75. Advanced registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Introduction to Ferns of The Fells
Monday, July 18, 10 to noon
Join Jane Williamson for a mid-summer walk to identify ferns in the woods, along the roadsides, and among the rocks of the Fells. Learn about the structures, evolution, and life cycle of these amazing plants. Bring a magnifying glass to check out their pinnules, sporangia, hairs, and veins (and much more!) up close. Members free, non-members $8. Meet at the Gatehouse. No advance registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Art in Bloom
Wednesday through Sunday, July 20-July 24
Experience the art of our current Gallery exhibit through the eyes of talented New London Garden Club members and local floral designers. Experience how they interpret the painted canvas through innovative floral designs—from a single stem set in the perfect vase to an elaborate arrangement. Members free, non-members pay Fells Site Admission. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Art in Bloom: Floral Arranging Demonstration
Wednesday, July 20, 1:30- to 3:30 PM
Come and watch professional floral designer, Robert Jensen of Robert Jensen Floral Design, New London, interpret a painting or sculpture from the current exhibit. Learn how to select materials and containers and create style, shape and color. Members $5, non-members $15 or see “package pricing” above (includes site admission). Advance registration. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org
Art in Bloom: Using Your Camera Effectively for Still Life Photography
Friday, July 22, 9 to 11 AM
Learn to effectively use your camera to capture the beauty of still life settings and designs. Larry Harper of Portrait Design Photography shares tips used by the pros to get the best pictures. Bring your camera and your creativity and leave with outstanding images. Members $5, non-members $15 (special “package pricing” available). Advance registration. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Art in Bloom: Still Life Floral Photography
Friday, July 22, 11:15 to 12:30PM
A photography class for beginners and intermediates. Learn how to effectively use your camera to capture the beauty of the still life settings of Art in Bloom with Larry Harper, Portrait Design Photography. Bring your own camera. Members $5, non-members $15 (special “package pricing” available). Advance registration. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Fairy House Festival and Tea Party
Sunday, July 24, to 4 PM
This celebration of Fairy Houses connects children to the natural world and includes a reading by renowned Fairy House author Tracy Kane, book signing, crafts, a whimsical Tea Party on the Veranda, and building of fairy habitats in The Fells Fairy Village. Children are invited to dress in their finest Fairy or Gnome attire. Members; adults $10, children $5: non-members; adults $20, children $10 (Includes site admission). Advance registration. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Newbury Ecology Camp for Children
Monday through Friday, July 25-29, 9 to 12:30 PM
Children, ages 6-13, will enhance their love and respect for the natural world while learning wetland and watershed ecology with naturalists and scientists. Activities will be outdoors, weather permitting, and include hiking and boating at The Fells. Offered by the Newbury Recreation Department and the Lake Sunapee Protective Association in partnership with The Fells. To register, or for more information contact Travis Dezotell, travis@nullnewburynh.org 763-4940 x210, or go to newburynh.org.
Daniel Thomas Moran: Poetry and the Creative Spirits
Friday, July 29, 5:30 to7:30 PM
Join poet and author Daniel Thomas Moran, former poet laureate of Suffolk County, NY, for a poetry reading on the Veranda. Dan will discuss his poems, the creative process, and how living in New Hampshire has influenced his work. Books will be available for sale and a book signing will follow the reading. Light refreshments. Members free, nonmembers $5. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
The Fells Veranda Concert with Nancy Tripp: I Get a Kick Out Of Cole
Sunday, July 31, 5 to 7 PM
Composer, lyricist, bon vivant, Cole Porter brought such a stylish individuality to his work that a brand known as “the Cole Porter song” became well recognized during “the ’30s” and “the ’40s” . His witty and urbane lyrics, sinuous or bouncy melodies, and clever rhyme schemes characterize the genre that is comprised of more than 800 songs. Nancy Tripp and her trio of Andy Bourke on bass, BillyRosen on guitar, and Mike Parker on saxophone perform a selection of Porter classics as Nancy tells the story of the composer’s life Always True to You in My Fashion, Anything Goes, Begin the Bequine, Don’t Fence Me In, Too Darn Hot, and I Love Paris are among the many Porter tunes performed. Enjoy hearty hors d’ouervres and wine bar from 5 to 6 PM. $35 per person, reserve early. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
The Fells Veranda Concert with the North Country Chordsmen
Sunday, August 7, 5 to 7 PM
The popular and talented North Country Chordsmen perform under the marquee on the beautiful Fells Rose Terrace. Enjoy hearty hors d’ouevres and wine bar from 5- to 6 PM. $35 per person, reserve early. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
The Fells Veranda Concert with Cyn Barrett
August 14, 5 to 7 PM
Cyn Barrette and her quartet perform In a Mellow Tone—standards and Latin music to cool and refresh the spirit. Enjoy hearty hors d’ouevres and wine bar from 5- to 6 PM. $35 per person, reserve early, limited seating. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Hay Day Family Festival at The Fells
Sunday, August 21, 10 AM to 3 PM
A fun-filled day for all ages with old-fashioned games, music, children’s art projects, scavenger hunt, petting zoo, face painting, and a special performance by The New London Barn Playhouse Junior Players. Come and watch demonstrations by Billings Farms and local craft people. Explore nature trails, create a fairy house in the Fairy Village, discover Art in Nature 2016, Outdoor Sculpture exhibit, and other brand new art and history exhibits in the Main House. Step back in time and take a historic tour of the Main House and gardens, or simply imagine a simpler by gone life while relaxing on the Veranda. A delicious lunch from the grill and strawberry shortcake will be for sale from 11 to 2 PM. Members free, non-members pay Fells Site Admission. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Take a Child Outside Week
September 24 through September 30
In cooperation with Take a Child Outside Week, an international program created to help and encourage children discover the natural world, The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens extends an invitation to “Bring a child, receive one free adult admission.” Be part of this national movement and bring a child to The Fells to experience the beauty of our natural world. All children are free. For more information see takeachildoutside.org. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Smithsonian’s Museum Day Live!
Saturday, September 24, 9am-4pm
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket. Explore the natural beauty of The Fells, and discover five acres of landscaped gardens set amid 84 acres of diverse woodland and fields. More information smithsonianmag.com/museumday/. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Putting your Garden to Bed
Thursday, September 29, 1- to 3 PM
Join Fells Nursery Manager Sue Ellen Weed-Parkes to learn how to divide perennials and put your garden to bed. Meet in the Fells Nursery for this hands-on workshop. Open to all, requested donation of $10. Advance registration required.The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Fungi Foray for Beginners
Sunday, October 2, 1 to 4 PM
Montshire Mushroom Clubmembers, Maynard Wheeler and Jill Montgomery, present an introduction to fungi for beginners followed by a foray amid the rich Fells woodlands and ending with an identification session. Bring a basket and knife. Members $5, non-members $10. Advance registration. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Christmas at The Fells: Let it Snow Preview Gala
November 4, 5 to 7 PM
“…the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!…” The sparkle of newly fallen snow, the serenade of carolers, the twinkling of lights, and the scent of freshly cut pine boughs combined with incredible holiday decor, all promise to inspire! Enjoy holiday cheer and sumptuous appetizes. Mingle with the talented interior designers, floral artists and volunteer decorators, and shop ahead of the crowds at the fabulous Boutique. You won’t want to miss this magical evening. $100 per person. Reservations required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Christmas at The Fells: Let it Snow
November 5-13, 10AM to 3 PM
“…the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!…” Come tour The Fells and experience the historic Main House, transformed to the theme of Let it Snow! Get inspired by festive fireside vignettes and the sparkle of newly fallen snow. Professional interior designers, floral artists, decorators, and talented volunteers have sprinkled their white magic throughout to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas showcase. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!… Tickets: $18 in advance through October 30; $23 at the door; $5 children. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.
Tour-goers can also enjoy a scrumptious lunch in our Dining Room Cafe (open weekends from 11 AM to 2:30 PM) where a selection of delicious soups, garnished green salad, artisan bread, beverage, and dessert can be purchased for $15. Reserve (and pay) at the door.
Also open to tour goers is our Holiday Gift Boutique, where we have assembled the finest regional artisans for an unparalleled shopping experience.
Christmas at The Fells for Kids: Let it Snow
November 5 and November 12, 10 to noon
Songs, crafts and stories for ages four through eight. Check back later for more information. Meets at the Gatehouse classroom. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury. 763-4789 x 3 thefells.org.