Artists Weekend Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14, 10am-4pm Come enjoy watching prominent New England artists working en plein air amid the beauty of The Fells landscape and gardens. On Saturday, observe the artists as their creations take form. On Sunday there will be a children’s art table, and the Artists Reception and Wet Paint Sale with free admission, refreshments and live music from 3-4pm. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Rain or shine. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens on Lake Sunapee, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x 3 or visit TheFells.org
Concert on the Veranda Sunday, July 21, 4-6pm Broadway Star Nancy Tripp and her winsome quintet perform favorites from Hoagy Carmichael. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and wine from 4-5pm. Concert begins at 5pm. $30 pp. Reserve early, as seating is limited. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens on Lake Sunapee, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x 3 or visit TheFells.org
Animals of The Fells Wednesday, July 24 through Monday, October 14 Main House Gallery, open during Main House hours A veritable safari in art depicting the fauna of the forests, fields, lakeshore and aquatic environments of The Fells. Features the works of wildlife artists from the Sunapee region and beyond. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens on Lake Sunapee, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x 3 or visit TheFells.org
All The Great Prizes: The Life of John Hay: Author’s Reception Wednesday, July 24, 4-5:30pm Renowned author John Taliaferro will read from his new book All The Great Prizes: The Life of John Hay, from Lincoln to Roosevelt, published by Simon & Schuster. Hay was both witness and author of many significant chapters in American history— from the birth of the Republican Party, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War, to the prelude to the First World War. Much of what we know about Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt comes from observations Hay made in the Oval Office. Taliaferro’s book is the first authoritative biography of Hay in eighty years and renders a fascinating portrait of this brilliant American and his many worlds. A book signing opportunity and reception will follow. Free. No reservations required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens on Lake Sunapee, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x 3 or visit TheFells.org
Fairy House Festival and Tea Party Sunday 28 July, 1-4pm Back by popular demand! A celebration of Fairy Houses that connects children to the natural world. This magical afternoon features Tracy Kane reading from her book, Fairy Houses, and sharing photos of whimsical fairy habitats built from all natural materials to attract fairies and their friends. Children visit The Fells Fairy Village and create their very own fairy house. The afternoon culminates with a meet-the-author/book signing by Tracy Kane and a fanciful Tea Party on the Veranda. Children are invited to wear original garments inspired by their idea of fairies, fairy houses and the magic of nature and to bring an original fairy house for display (optional). Children $6, adults $12, includes site admission. Advance registration required by July 22. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens on Lake Sunapee, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x 3 or visit TheFells.org
On Gossamer Wings: The Dragonflies & Damselflies of Chalk Pond Saturday, August 3, 11am-12:30pm Dragonflies and damselflies are aerial acrobats and rapacious hunters of insects, including mosquitoes and black flies. Pamela Hunt, Senior Biologist for New Hampshire Audubon, will offer a brief introduction to their biology and life cycle before leading the group on an excursion to experience the fascinating dragonflies of nearby Chalk Pond. Wear water-suitable footwear and bring an insect net if you have one. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Meets at The Fells Gate House classroom. Made possible with support from the Creekmore and Adele Fath Charitable Foundation.
Hay Day Family Festival Saturday, August 10, 10am-3pm This is our most popular family event! Enjoy old-fashioned games, music, children’s art projects, scavenger hunt, petting zoo, face painting and delicious food. Features a live performance at 1pm by the New London Barn Playhouse Junior Players and a reading of Ellen Wassell’s new book Hay Day, which describes Ellen’s activities as Alice Hay’s maid in the 1970s.. While here explore our varied nature trails, visit the Fairy Village, view the Art in Nature-2013outdoor sculpture exhibit and the Main House art exhibit, Animals of The Fells. Hourly historic tours of the Main House and a 1pm tour of the gardens offered. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Rain or shine.
Of Constellations & Perseids: Star Gazing and Meteors Monday, August 12, 8-9:30pm (Rain date, August 13) With our eyes to the arch of the night sky, we’ll explore constellations and watch for meteors during the height of the summer Perseid meteor shower, which can produce up to 60 meteors per hour! Fred Sladen of the New London Outing Club will lead this field trip of star-gazing and shooting-stars during the halcyon evenings of summer. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission.