That was a very nice article indeed. I haven't been to Blithewold for about five years and it sounds as if they have done a lot of work there. It amazes me how much milder the climate is there, compared to north of Boston. Blithewold is a must-see for New England gardeners--and so pretty at Christmas in the house.

You know Ginny I am glad you mentioned that you liked the Christmas decorated mansion. We are always looking for things to do with my mother in law who lives on the South shore near Foxboro, MA. Blithewold looks to be not to far a drive from there (according to Mapquest).

Do you have any recommendation for places to eat in or around Bristol?

Gee, we did eat in Bristol but I can't remember the names of places to recommend. I'm sorry.

There was a nice feature in one of the garden magazines too, this summer. I think it was Fine Gardening or Horticulture. I went to Blithewold for the first time last month, and enjoyed it. We did the house tour and the gardens of course. I could have sat in the bamboo grove all day. The cutting garden next to it was full of wonderful varieties, some of which I have never seen before.

It's worth a visit, and some of the events they have sound like fun as well.

Any Rhode Island people know of restaurants near Blithewold mansion? Do you need restaurant reservations for a Saturday evening? Looking for a nice place for dinner for me, my husband and my mother in law.

I am going this Saturday to visit the mansion and see the Christmas decorations. I will post a note about the visit in case any other people are interested in going. Sorry if this is off topic.

Visiting gardens and the houses they may happen to contain is never off topic! Besides, I am planning to go again myself during Christmas week so I am interested in any replies to this. Check out their website at www.blithewold.org for photos of the gardens and info about upcoming events, hort classes etc.

I usually visit Tower Hill a few times a year-The autumn festival is very fun and you get to sample the heirloom apples during the tour. I also like to go in the winter to the l'orangerie, just to smell the citrus.

I also make several visits to Flag Hill winery in Lee, NH. Matter of fact, I'm due for a trip before Christmas so I can pick up a few gifts-I send local wine to my winesnob brother who lives in California. Flag Hill has a Cayuga White that is lovely if you like white wine that is not on the dry side. Also some great dessert wines.

Blithewold sounds like a must as well this season and probably next spring/summer as well.

Terryboc - thanks for the reccommendation for Flag Hill Winery. I also have some relatives that like to try different local wines. Good suggestion this time of year!

Ginny12 - my post at Tripadvisor for Bristol restaurants has yielded a few suggestions. See the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bristol Restaurants Post

Thanks! That is a big help. Would love to hear what you think of wherever you decide to go.

I'm not from RI but have relatives living in Tiverton. What kind of dining experience are you looking for?

Roberto's in nice...overpriced for the quality, but nice, with a good atmosphere. It's a nice place to linger over dinner, as long as you're not sitting at the table nearest the door in cold weather. You will need a reservation there, most likely.

There's a little Italian/pizza place in..I believe...Warren. I'm going to have to ask my mum what its name is (I've only been there once), but it's good if you're looking for the opposite of Roberto's--I recall plastic tablecloths & chairs and some noise; good salads; pasta okay; didn't try the pizza, I'm afraid.

If you can make it into Providence and are up for Roberto's-type prices, I would highly recommend Rue de l'Espoir. Really good food! Roberto's has a slightly nicer atmosphere, but I'd say try for Rue de l'Espoir if you really like to eat and it's not too far for you to drive. Make a reservation.

I've only been to Blithewold in the spring, but that was wonderful. They have a magnificent daffodil display.

Enjoy your trip!

Amanda

Here is a link that might be useful: Rue d l'Espoir

i also would recommend Green Gardens (wrong name?)right near blithewold- for their topiary (and nice borders in season; maybe they're closed now)also, if you are interested in historic trees, you can actually drive a mile or so north from blithewold and see the oldest examples of various japanese-originated conifers that were the first of their kind to be brought to this country, in the 19th c. They are all now mainstays in our everyday landscape. These particularly huge specimens are on the site of a former estate (now a condo community)of the plant collector who brought them from japan.i can't remember any more of the particulars( i 'toured the trees' many years ago) but the director of blithewold knows about this, and maybe other GW people.
best, mindy

Asarum - To answer the question about the type of food we are looking for - I guess we are looking for a nice place that you could have a conversation in (not too loud, and no live music) with entrees priced $12-$20 range. My mother in law likes all types of food except Asian cuisines (Thai, Chinese, etc. would be out). A place with free or nearby parking would be good so we don't have to be out in the cold.

Arbo_return - We've been to the Green Animals in summer. It was interesting then. I don't know if it is open this time of year. I guess it will depend on the weather this Saturday how much outdoor things are possible. Thanks for the tip on the Conifers!

As there is another nice article about Blithewold in today's Globe, focusing on Christmas festivities, I thought I'd bring this thread back up. Even better, there is also a full page of info about Bristol RI, where Blithewold is located, including *restaurants*. I have cut it out for my files.

It's also worth noting that Blithewold is one of the few places that remains open for visitors during Christmas week. A nice place to take company or to just get away from the wrapping paper debris.

I have learned much about gardening from garden travels and visiting, and this is a special place for us in New England.

Yes Ginny -- what a nice article! I just read it online on Boston.com. It is great that is open next week.

I've included the link below... Check it out...

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas at Blithewold article (free reg reqd)

Oh and here is the link to the Britol, RI information. Great article too!

Here is a link that might be useful: Bristol, RI article (free reg reqd)