Looking for  a great sailing experience close to home?  Than look no further than the schooner “Sound Waters” which sails from Stamford Harbor.   This is a great way to sail the beautiful Long Island sound on a classic sailing ship, but you are supporting environmental education and awareness as well

SoundWaters is a recognized organization focused on protecting Long Island Sound Sound  Waters  have sustained relationships built on shared value and trust for 25 years that includes community, school, business, and political leaders. We have been awarded a 4-star rating, the highest possible, from Charity Navigator based on our financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

The story begins Len Miller read a series of articles in the Stamford Advocate about the plight of the Sound  and its environmental decline. He saw this as an opportunity to increase learning and exploration and he set in motion a course of science and stewardship that continues to inspire over 30,000 students per year.

In 1990 Len and a group of friends purchased a replica of an 18th century Chesapeake Bay sharpie schooner. The 80 foot vessel was refit with education stations on the deck and rechristened “SoundWaters.” The ship, with its six person crew, immediately made an impact as the “floating classroom of Long Island Sound,” sailing with classrooms of students from its home port of Stamford.

You too can sail on this amazing 80 foot schooner.

Maritime History Sails

Discover the rich history of sailing and oystering on Long Island Sound. Learn the importance of design and use of a sharpie schooner as you sail aboard a 19th century replica.. All passengers must be at least 5 years old. Price: $30/adults, $20 for Seniors ages 65+ and $15 for children ages 5-12.

Afternoon Sails (good for families)

Enjoy the excitement and wonder of the Long Island Sound aboard our 80′ Schooner. Work together to raise the sails, examine firsthand the rich diversity of the life that exists beneath the waves, sample and test water quality, learn about hypoxia, and analyze groundwater. All passengers must be at least 5 years old. Price: $30/adults, $20 for Seniors ages 65+ and $15 for children ages 5-12.

 Sunset Sails – Great for Adults!

This is the sail we enjoyed.  A warm August breeze carried us out of Stamford harbor for a wonderful and peaceful two hour sunset sail.  In the distance you can see Long Island, and even New York City.  Bring your own food and beverage (no hard spirits) and watch the the sun dip below the horizon. You will feel for two hours that you are on vacation.

All passengers must be at least 5 years old. Price $40/person.

Sound Waters

https://soundwaters.org

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Sound Waters HarborFest brings the community together through the initiative to educate and create a great experience on the harbor for Stamford and surrounding areas. Hosted in Harbor Point, Stamford CT Saturday, August 24th from 10am – 9pm, located at 2200 Atlantic Street. Plenty of free parking is available in the Harbor Point garages and parking lots. Something for all ages Harbor Fest 2019 is a FREE event that allows the community a fun day on the water.

We attended Harborfest last year and enjoyed the food trucks, strolled along the harbor on the walk, witnessed the cardboard boat races and even sailed out for a short ride on the 80 foot sailing schooner, “Sound Waters”

Complete event information:  SoundWatersHarborFest.org

Part of the activities for the day will be the  Race for the Mayor’s Trophy in the Aquarion Cardboard Kayak Races. The wildly popular Cardboard Kayak Race is returning. Teams will build their boats from 1:00 – 3:00pm from supplied materials and race their boats on the Harbor. The race will take place at 3:15pm. The race is open to all comers, but teams must register in advance and space is limited. There is a $100 team registration fee to cover the cost of materials.

Stay all day and enjoy, Good Eats & Drinks on the Harbor, Listen to Live Music, Touch a Truck, Boat Rides, Oyster Lounge , Corn Hole Competition, Mini Golf, Under the Sea Doggie Costume Contest, Tour of Harbor Village, Painting with Pinot’s Palette, Tours the boats of the Harbor, and so much more.

The City of Stamford will be sponsoring FIREWORKS this year!   So come out and enjoy a beautiful day on Stamford harbor at Harbor Point.

You can learn about Sound Waters and their mission to educate children on what an amazing resource that is Long Island Sound and how we need to protect the sound.

Sound Waters Harbor Fest

for more information please visit:

SoundWatersHarborFest.org

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We live in a busy world that where every minute of the day you seem to be bombarded with the demands of modern life. We recently stayed and inn in the heart of the Hudson Valley which is the perfect tonic for the hectic lives we lead.

The Olde Rhinebeck Inn located just outside the beautiful village of Rhinebeck NY in Dutchess County  is the perfect escape.  Rhinebeck is a thriving little village filled with shops, fine dining, an arts movie house, and is home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.  The building itself dates back to 1738 when the original structure (now the dining room) was built by Johann Michael Pultz a tenant farmer.   As his family grew as  did the family farm, the house expanded adding a room every 5 to 10 years.  The family would occupy the house for 12 generations or close to 240 years.

It is this special historic farmhouse that is situated on a quiet country lane that is now operated as an B & B by  Jonna and Cindy.  Jonna who grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn and whose family turned their house into the city’s  first B & B  is a natural innkeeper.  Cindy at grew up in the house itself and would go on to own a inn right in the village of Rhinebeck as well as manage other properties.  Hospitality comes naturally to these innkeepers and it shows in the numerous ways they make their guests feel at home.  The Inn’s website provides more detailed history and would encourage the reader to visit their site.

Upon reaching the inn , you feel instantly transported to another era. The house is beautifully maintained as is the garden that lines your path as you make your way to the front door.  As soon as you step over the threshold the house embraces you in warmth and authenticity.  The small entrance foyer leads to a charming main room with its original fireplace, mantle and wood surrounds still wearing its original blue paint.  Wide board wood floors and low ceiling instantly remind you that you are in a special place.  The room is tastefully decorated with comfy furniture, antiques,  and repurposed items.  The effect is instantly welcoming as if you were returning to a family homestead.

The dining room (the original part of the house) is adorned with a long communal table repurposed from barn wood which is the setting for a healthy and delicious breakfast.  Two Dutch doors lead to the outside as well as allow natural light to fill the room.

The first floor  also features two large room suites with their own bath.  Our room was the Ryefield Suite, which features a large king size canopy bed,  a separate sitting room (with a twin bed for an additional guest) and a modern bath with rainfall shower.    The room was beautifully decorated  and featured fresh cut flowers, and a plate of welcome treats of fresh fruit, candy and chocolate dipped strawberries.   A really welcoming touch.

The bed was very comfortable as were the pillows.  The bed was covered in fine white cotton sheets and a soft comforter.  On a steamy July day the inn we were thankful for the very effective air conditioners that were quiet and kept our room at the perfect sleeping temp.  The rooms come with flat screen televisions, free netflix, wi-fi  (if you must be connected) and comfy robes.

There are two additional guest  rooms on the second floor .  Each room is unique and has its own charm and character.   On the first floor there is also a coffee and tea station available to the guests at all times.

After a peaceful nights rest, we joined the other guests in the charming dining room for breakfast.  We were in for a delightful morning.  Fresh juice and coffee were served followed by a fresh fruit salad.  An egg and cheese souffle was delightful with a side of sausage.  The meal was finished with a beautiful Dutch pancake with stone fruit.   A hearty and delicious way to start our day.

After breakfast we strolled the property of the inn. Outside is a stone patio with overhead string lights and a comfortable grouping of outdoor couches.  A  perfect spot to relax after you travels.  The inn also provides a peaceful and relaxing setting with a wide lawns spreading down to a small pond.

Along the pond are 4 wicker rockers facing the water creating the perfect location spot to read or to just take in the serenity.

Our stay at the inn was brief.  We returned to sit and talk with our wonderful hosts, Jonna and Cindy who shared stories of their passion for hospitality, local history, and or course provided us with suggestions on what to do in this special corner of the Hudson Valley.  The inn is a perfect base for exploring the area including wineries, historic sites, the Culinary Institute, Walkway across the Hudson, or cultural events at The Fisher Center at Bard College.

The Inn was voted as a 2019 Top Ten Best Romantic Inn by iloveinns website.

Jonna and Cindy have provided an experience you cannot obtain in and air bnb or a hotel.  In our brief stay we immersed ourselves in the authentic richness of the Olde Rhinebeck Inn and combined with the warmth and hospitality of our hosts,  we left feeling rested and restored by our experience.

Olde Rhinebeck Inn

340 Wurtemburg Road

Rhinebeck NY 12572

tel. 845.871.1745

web>>>>>>https://rhinebeckinn.com/

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