Feed back from atendee:

To Merilee, Jennifer, JJ, Johnny, and Susan:

"You asked what we most appreciated about the trip, and I hardly know where to begin! I signed up because it sounded like fun, but it was way more than that. The people, both as individuals and as a group, were what made it so special. Each one was a joy to spend time with and a delight to get to know, however briefly. Such lovely qualities were expressed by all! I certainly will look forward to seeing everyone again.

I appreciated the great variety of things to do, and the choice to split into smaller groups and go just where we liked. (Thank goodness for cell phones and GPS making the logistics easy!) I also thought there was a satisfying balance of large-group and small-group outings, strenuous activities and quieter ones.

When you want to get the most out of a visit to a new place, it helps to have a guide who knows all about it, and Merrilee was a fantastic guide. I’ve been to Newport a couple of times before, but this time I felt like I was getting an inside view that was so much fuller and more detailed. The info and stories Merrilee shared added a lot to the visit.

Chef Johnny’s meals were outstanding, and sharing them together at Martha’s house was always a highlight of the day. Not to forget the spiritual inspiration Susan Collins provided at mealtimes—always so apropos.

Anyway, it was clear to all of us how much advance prep went into the Newport trip, plus all the work you did throughout the five days. I heard many comments about how beautifully it all unfolded. It really was a top-notch experience. You deserve tons of gratitude and lots of hugs!" Nancy

August 19-23, 2015

Active Single Christian Scientists Association – ASCSA

Fun, Food, and Christian Science Fellowship!
 
Newport, Rhode Island (New England)
(Only about an hour from Boston)
Newport, the City-by-the-Sea, is a world-class destination known for outstanding sailing, beautiful beaches
 and Guilded Age mansions. ~ Located on the southern tip of beautiful Aquidneck Island

  • Chef Johnny sharing his flare and love for food – at breakfast and on the grill!
  • Practitioner support, metaphysical talk, church together, and sharing gratitude.
  • Stay in one of two hostels close to hundreds of years of history by foot, by trolley and waterfront: 
    • Walk on the beach, walk along the cliffs by the sea, water taxi, sailing, schooner rides, mansion tours, tennis
    • Ride bicycles (we have bikes or bring your bike),
    • Dancing, touring, historic Newport, eclectic shopping, outdoor cafes, vibrant nightlife,
    • Music, public concerts … and more!

Night tours offered by co-host, Merrilee, starting at 9 or 10pm from one of two Guesthouse Hostels: William Gyles Guesthouse, Newport Hostel in downtown Newport and the other 10 minutes away.

1) Historic walking tour: Walk to Bowen's Wharf which is the heart of the action in Newport with lots of restaurants and bars and outdoor cafes. Hang out for a half hour at the Coffee Grinder on the waterfront and have a coffee or cold drink. Continue the evening walking to the oldest part of town (1600's) to see the oldest Quaker Meeting House and oldest Synagogue in America and walk along the historic Broadway and Colonial Washington Square. Visit Queen Anne Square with historic Trinity Church lit up at night (1800's) then walk back to guesthouse along historic waterfront. Cost: Drink at Coffee Grinder $5 (or not - just sit in the big adirondack chairs near the cafe and enjoy the view!).

2) Walking tour along waterfront to water taxi near Bowen's Wharf (downtown Newport). Take water taxi ride to nearby Goat Island ($5). Walk back to downtown Newport over a small bridge where people are fishing. Walk back to guesthouse along waterfront.

3) Walking tour of Lower Thames Street (where Merrilee's guesthouse is located) and waterfront (this is a different direction than the above walks). Walk along a boardwalk that passes between a marina full of beautiful yachts and some lively nightlife (bars & nightclubs). If there is time we will walk to the Coffee Grinder at Bowen's Wharf and have a coffee. Cost: Drink at Coffee Grinder $5 (or not - just sit in the big adirondack chairs near the cafe and enjoy the view!).

Day tour of sailing vessel being restored called The Coronet (1/2 hour during normal business hours - weekdays 8-5pm). You can go on your own (ie. don't need to be accompanied by Merrilee) At the end of Merrilee's street there is an elegant sailing vessel from 1185 called The Cornet which is in the process of being restored. There is a platform for tourists to watch people at work restoring this fine vessel. www.coronet1885.com/

Bicycles are available to take out and ride in any number of directions. Driving here, don't forget to load up your own bike.

"Our two overnight hostesses, Martha Parker and Merrilee Zellner, are both members of the nearby First Church of Christ Scientist, North Kingston, Rhode Island, where we will be attending church services"

www.newporthostel.com/directions.htm

Merrellee Hostel (see pictures of lodging)

Martha's House (see pictures of lodging)

castle on hill
bowens warf
wiew to warf dorm room
marthas house
newport ocean view
mansions in

 

 

 

We hope that you will be joining us again this year or for the first time.  Send those registrations in before the deadline!

     
 
 
 
JJ co-host
jennifer doak
merrillee zellner

Your Newport Weekend Hosts:

JJ,
Jennifer Doak,
Merrilee Zeliner