12 of you will be treated to a priceless 2 hour cruise on the iconic Aphrodite while enjoying wine, beer, and hors d' oeuvres.

Once the pride of the Gold Coast commuter boats that whisked financiers from their Long Island homes to their Wall Street offices in the 1930s, Aphrodite, one of the most easily recognized boats on the water, is now the pride of Watch Hill, having been totally restored back to her former glory.

Even in its original incarnation, Aphrodite was never just another pretty commuter boat. It was commissioned by John Hay "Jock" Whitney in 1937 from the Purdy Boat Company in Port Washington, on the north shore of Long Island. Purdy-built Aphrodite to go fast, with twin 1,500-hp Packard airplane engines. It also was arguably the prettiest commuter boat on the water, with its signature torpedo stern, long, low, black profile, and gleaming mahogany.

During the Second World War, Whitney gave the boat to the Navy, which used it to carry dignitaries (including President Roosevelt) up and down the East Coast. After the war, when Whitney was the publisher of The New York Herald Tribune, he sent Aphrodite every morning from his then summer home on Fishers Island to New London to pick up the morning papers. He also entertained on the boat, with a guest list running from Fred Astaire and Spencer Tracy to Shirley Temple. In the '60s Whitney donated Aphrodite to charity, and it eventually went through several owners and various states of disrepair.

In 2003, Chuck Royce, of Royce Mutual Funds, found Aphrodite languishing in Florida and brought it up to the Brooklin Boatyard in Maine for a total, two-year restoration. The boat now is moored in Watch Hill, near the Ocean House, which Royce also restored.

Dates must be mutually agreeable, preference to be used June 2022 or September 2022. Subject to availability.

Take home this cannonball from the War of 1812 era for an entire year -- a truly priceless item!

This cannonball was recovered in Stonington and weighs about 18 pounds. It is believed to have been shot during the Battle of Stonington in 1814, but dating iron this old can be tricky; so it is possible that this cannonball is older than that! You can display this stunning conversation piece in your home or office. The cannons used to defend Stonington during the War of 1812 - and now on display in Cannon Square - are 18 pounders. They were a popular defense cannon against naval warfare since they were mostly stationary and had a long range of accuracy for the time period (up to one mile!). 18 pounds refers to the weight of the ball; but also to the size or caliber of the cannons themselves. Typically; the powder charge used to fire the shot was about 1/3 as much as the shot itself; meaning these 18-pound cannonballs were fired with 6 pounds of gunpowder.

As a memento of your stewardship of the cannonball for a year, you will also receive a copy of "The Rockets' Red Glare" by Glenn Gordinier. This cannonball must be returned to the Stonington Historical Society by May 15, 2022, with the case. The cannonball cannot be removed from the case.

Local delivery only or can be picked up at the Captain Nathaniel Palmer House, 40 Palmer Street, Stonington. CT.

Looking for a special spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of life? This mountain retreat is perfect!

Up to five of you will enjoy a 1-week stay in a 3 bedroom house above the Italian Riviera in Valletti, part of the beautiful town of Varese Ligure. About 4 miles from Varese, Valletti takes its name from the numerous "valets" or streams that cross it.

The home offers 1 queen bed and 3 twin beds so perfect for a family of 5!

Everything will be made ready for your stay, including a complimentary dinner for up to five at the 18th century Albergo Amici in Varese Ligure.

The hill town of Varese Ligure is in a quiet location in the Vara Valley, in the hills of north-east Liguria, to the east of Chiavari. and north of the villages of the Cinque Terre. The town is interesting because of the circular layout of the town, the attractive brightly-colored medieval houses, and the small fortress. This unusual town layout dates from the 13th century.

The principal historic monuments of interest in Varese Ligure are the 15th-century castle and the 17th century Church of San Filipo Neri and Santa Teresa D'Avila, both in the center of the village. The castle is not open to the public but you can walk around the outside. You can go into the church to see a collection of paintings and frescoes. A second church nearby, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, also contains some notable 16th-century artifacts and artworks.

A car will be needed. Airfare is not included.

Available May 1 to September 30, 2022; dates must be mutually agreed upon.

What better way to celebrate the bounties of Autumn with a gourmet fish and game dinner for up to 8 guests at Amy van der Velde's elegant seaside home in Stonington Borough. You will consult with Chef Larry Snoddon on the four-course menu - roast pheasant, wild boar ragout over pappardelle, roasted wild salmon...many options to suit your palate.

Each course will be paired with wines selected by knowledgeable wine enthusiast, Monika Gibbons. A host of servers will see to it that the evening is perfection. A rare opportunity.

Choice of three dates: November 11, 12, or 13, 2021.

Up to 8 of you will enjoy a specially prepared farm-to-table dinner outside at the beautiful Wehpittituck Farm on Cove Road in Stonington. While you are enjoying welcome cocktails and a tour of this exquisite farm, Gourmet Galley will prepare your sumptuous dinner for 8.

An excellent opportunity to celebrate a special occasion with your besties!!!

Part of the original Thomas Miner land grant dating back to 1652, Wehpittituck Farm (Pequot name translates to "let us eat together") is a prominent local produce supplier to restaurants and residents alike. The farm stand was built about 1910 with salvaged wood taken from the razed home of William Miner, who fought in the Revolutionary War. The property is also renowned for its extensive stone walls.

Available spring, summer, or fall 2022. The date must be mutually agreed upon and weather permitting.