Q and A
Sunny Art Classes
Q. I'd like to spend the winter at an artist colony or school in a warm area. Have you any recommendations? -- Dorothy Epstein, Brick Township, N.J.
A. First, find a good guide to art schools, colonies and workshops, since there are many to choose from in all parts of the country -- although many run in the summer in areas that welcome skiers in the winter. Also remember that many true artist colonies are places that do not offer instruction, but are retreats for working away from most mundane distractions, according to Miriam Feurle, program coordinator at the Alliance of Artists' Communities, 2325 East Burnside Street, Portland, Ore. 97214; (503) 797-6988, fax (503)-797-956.
The alliance offers a directory of artists' communities -- many of which, but not all, are competitive-entry refuges that do not offer classes -- for $20.95, which includes shipping, by mail or through its Web site, www.artistcommunities.org/.
A broader listing of art-study opportunities is available through Shawguides, which offers its Guide to Art and Craft Workshops ( 1991) for $16.95 from Bookmasters, (800) 247-6553 or (419) 281-1802, fax (419) 281-6883. This is not updated yearly, but the Web site, www.shawguides.com/ is, and it allows you to look for classes by subject or region.
Among those that may meet your desires are these three:
Scottsdale Artists' School, 3720 North Marshall Way, Post Office Box 8527, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85252; (800) 333-5707, fax (602) 990-0652. This organization offers dozens of five-day workshops through the winter taught by visiting professional artists from around the country, costing $375 to $500. It also offers classes one day a week for 10 to 12 weeks. It doesn't provide lodging, but arranges for discounts from hotels and motels.
Konis Art offers a chance to 'paint and party' in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 6 to 15. Taught by Ben Konis, who specializes in pastels and oils,  classes are held four hours on each of five days of the trip. There will be informal Spanish lessons at cocktail hours. Accommodations at the villa Casa de los Abuelos and all meals -- but not air fare -- are included in the price of $2,125. Contact Jini Konis, Workshop Director, 712 West 17th Street, Amarillo, Tex. 79102; (806) 373-8458, fax (806) 354-2148.
Atlantic Center for the Arts offers more of a residency experience. Teachers choose up to 10 students for the five to six sessions -- lasting from one to three weeks -- from slides, a resume and a letter of intent. But Jim Frost, assistant to the program director, says the program is not limited to experienced artists and encourages anyone to apply.
A three-week residency costs $800, including a private room with bath, communal living space and kitchen. Transportation and meals are extra. The center is at 1414 Art Center Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. 32168; (904) 427-6975, fax (904) 427-5669; www.atlantic-centerarts.org.
A Quick Honeymoon
Q.  I am getting married this fall and my fiance and I want to go on a mini-honeymoon of just two nights, within a few hours' drive of home. Any suggestions? -- Lenore Levy, New York, N.Y.
A.  There are surely many choices within 150 miles of New York, but a few destinations come to mind.
The Mayflower Inn, Route 47, Washington, Conn. 06793, is definitely romantic -- a number of couples hold their weddings there each year. This restored inn is set among spectacular gardens in a quiet corner of Litchfield County. There are 25 rooms, painstakingly decorated with antiques, an excellent restaurant, tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, a spa, aerobics and tai chi classes and wilderness trails. Doubles range in price from $270 to $430, suites $450 to $710; all meals are extra. Reservations: (860) 868-9466, fax (860) 868-1497.
If you enjoy seaside vacations, consider the Mainstay Inn in Cape May, N.J., a Victorian former gentlemen's club (read casino). It has three buildings -- two traditional B & B's and the more resortlike Officer's Quarters, with four suites that offer an array of amenities like fireplaces, in-room Continental breakfast and whirlpool tubs. All buildings have airy rooms and furnishings that you might think belong in a museum. There is no smoking in the buildings. Double-occupancy rates, which include Continental breakfast and afternoon tea, are $95 to $255. Call (609) 884-8690.
Fall is prime season to enjoy the Berkshires and Blantyre, Post Office Box 95, Lenox, Mass. 01240, which treats honeymooners to champagne in their rooms. This Tudor mansion has 23 rooms -- eight with fireplaces -- divided among the main house, carriage house and three cottages, on 85 acres, and a splendid restaurant. There are a heated pool, whirlpools, sauna, four Har-Tru tennis courts and two croquet lawns. Rates: $285 to $500, suites $325 to $675, double occupancy, including Continental breakfast. Dinner is $70 a person. Reservations: (413) 637-3556, fax (413) 637-4282.
For an active retreat, Skytop Lodge, Skytop, Pa. 18357, in the Poconos is a large, picturesque, old-fashioned fieldstone resort on 5,500 acres that include a golf course, tennis courts, a lake for boating, streams for fishing and trails for biking and hiking. There are 185 rooms, including 19 suites, decorated in English country or contemporary style. A Romantic Getaway package, including three meals a day, champagne, flowers and use of all recreational facilities is $575 a night plus tax and 15 percent gratuity. Reservations: (800) 345-7759.
Getting to Althorp
Q.  I plan to visit Althorp, the ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales, next year. Is there public transportation available from London? -- Lucy Foster, Stratford, Conn.
A.  The closest train station to Althorp, some 70 miles northwest of London, is Northampton. According Britrail, there are frequent trains -- as many as three an hour -- from Euston station in London to Northampton, costing $32 first class or $22 second class each way for the 75-minute trip.
This summer, shuttle buses took visitors from Northampton to the estate, several miles out of town. Transportation information was given out with tickets to tour the estate. But it closed to the public Aug. 30, and next year's schedule won't be announced for several months. The telephone number for Althorp ticket information is (44-1604) 592-020; for Britrail information and tickets, (888) 274-8724.
RAY CORMIER