Learning Vacations (Edu-tainment and the Art of Having Fun)

Don't despair, just because it's a little cool out. Spring is the perfect time to learn something new... (and so is the fall for that matter).

Have you ever secretly dreamed of running your own bed and breakfast? Wanted to follow your roots and trace your family tree? Or maybe give Martha Stewart a run for her money and brush up on your hostessing skills.

You can...

... Join a Group - Sign up for one of our scheduled workshops and seminars. The date is set and everything is planned and organized for you. Larger numbers in the group allows for a more content rich learning experience - with the added bonus of expert speakers - at a lower cost than can be arranged on your own . And who knows...you might even meet some new friends who share your interests.

... Bring Your Own Gang - Already have a group of friends with a shared interest? Looking for a unique outing for your club? Then our Bring Your Own Gang events are perfect for you. We make all the arrangements... all you have to do is tell us how many people will be coming. Your group will be our only guests, so you can feel free to enjoy yourselves without having to keep up appearances or mind your manners too much (within reason, of course...we do have neighbours, you know).

Join a Group

Your Family Tree - A Scottish Genealogy Workshop

Have you ever wanted to research your family tree but were uncertain as to how to get started? Did someone in your family (you know...way back when) come through Pictou on their way over from Scotland?

Join us on March 6th, 7th and 8th (2009) for an intensive introduction to genealogical research in Pictou County.

Start the weekend with a Friday evening wine and cheese Meet & Greet and on Saturday, we'll take over the Hector Exhibit Centre and have their director all to our selves. There will be a comprehensive lesson on getting started - the resources you'll need and how to use them - as well as a step-by-step workbook to keep you on track. A web resource tutorial will help you continue your work when you get home. Private tours of both the McCulloch House Museum and the Hector Heritage Quay are included. The weekend will also feature a Scottish themed lunch and dinner provided by Mrs. MacGregor's Tea Room

$249.00 per person, double occupancy (taxes not included).

While many aspects of this workshop will apply to all genealogical research, it will best appreciated by individuals with family connections to Pictou County.

Learn to Be An Innkeeper (beginner and advanced)

Coming this fall (2009)

Have you ever dreamed of running your own Bed & Breakfast? If you have, then you probably already know how you're going to decorate it...and what you'll call it... and how to be a terrific host or hostess.

With almost 30 years combined experience as innkeepers (we've run tea rooms, managed wedding facilitiies and worked for major hotel chains too!) we can help you out with all the things that you don't know that you don't know how to do.

In addition to being the Innkeeper, you may also be chief cook and bottlewasher, concierge, receptionist, handyman, marketing director, public relations expert, web designer (and technical support division) and housekeeper. This is a great opportunity to learn from several experts who can help you avoid the pitfalls and frustrations.

Bring Your Own Gang

Chocolate Indulgence

Is your club or organization (or adventurous group of friends) looking for new ideas for getaways and retreats? How about Chocolate Indulgence- A Tour of The World's Best Chocolate . Have no fear - this is no frivolous foray into decadence! This is the very serious and very educational first step in our new Art of Entertainment series. Don't let the formal chocolate tasting and ten different kinds of chocolate cocktails fool you! This is higher education people! A grueling bootcamp of truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries! O.K…. So maybe not grueling, per se ... more like lots of fun with a little education thrown in, but who wants to be nitpicky about these things.

So get your gang together and pick the date.... we'll handle all the details.

Package includes two nights accommodation with breakfast, lunch, dinner, samplings of some of the world's best chocolate, lectures and hands-on demonstrations.

Never forget....chocolate is health food for women!

$249.00 per person, double occupancy. All participants must be 19 years old.