LINCOLN, New Hampshire ??” On August 13, a vacation to Italy won’t require a passport, a long flight or the exchange of dollars to euros. With a short drive to Loon Mountain, visitors will experience the pleasures of fine living – Italian style – with “An Afternoon in Tuscany.”

Loon’s Octagon Lodge will be transformed into an Italian trattoria for a sampling of fine Italian wines and hors d’oeuvres from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 13. Phil Gagnon of Horizon Ultra will provide an assortment of Italian vino for a wine tasting to include informative presentations about the vineyards represented and the characteristics of the wines. Musical accompaniment to the wine tasting will be provided by jazz vocalist Wendee Glick, a singer with a strong stage presence, sense of humor, and ability to belt out a tune or sing a ballad with a “bell-like” quality. She has graced the stages of many New England jazz clubs and large venues such as Boston’s Fleet Center and Hatch Shell, performing with top-notch musicians. Admission to “An Afternoon in Tuscany” is $35 per person and includes a complimentary souvenir tasting glass.
Children are invited to participate in grape-stomping, starting at 2 p.m., just outside the Octagon Lodge.

The Italian experience can continue after imbibing in the tastes of Tuscany, with an array of natural body treatments including a full-body massage, manicure, facial, aromatherapy or more at the Viaggio Spa and Health Club, located at the Mountain Club on Loon. Viaggio is the Italian word for “journey” and the Viaggio Spa specializes in transporting guests to a soothing holiday for the senses. The trickling waters of the Bella Cascada, or “beautiful waterfall,” combine with the aromatics of the Mediterranean to remind visitors that it’s not about the destination, but the journey to a state of relaxation and rejuvenation. Each of Viaggio’s private treatment rooms is designed with an al fresco theme: seascapes, woodlands and vineyards. A full selection of massages and facials is eclipsed only by Viaggio’s assortment of signature body treatments that include wraps and scrubs. For a soothing and detoxifying body wrap, guests may choose the Parafango Italian mud and paraffin wrap that includes an energizing Swiss Shower. The Lavender Fields body wrap starts with a dry brushing for exfoliation and a warm mask to cocoon the body, followed by a wrap of warm linens infused with the scent of lavender blossoms. To exfoliate and renew the skin, spa guests may choose from two of Viaggio’s signature scrubs. The Citrus and Olive Oil Salt Glow is an invigorating scrub with essential oils of sweet orange, tangerine and bergamont combined with extra virgin olive oil and natural sea salt. For a decadent awakening of the senses, Viaggio’s Tiramisu Body Scrub starts with an exfoliation of crushed almonds, espresso beans and vanilla, followed by a soothing vanilla hydrating lotion massage.

Home to the Viaggio Spa, The Mountain Club on Loon offers 117 suites, 119 king-size-bed club rooms and 117 studio family rooms – all with views of Loon Mountain’s trails or the Pemigewassett River and picturesque mountains beyond.

For more information, or to reserve a place for “An Afternoon in Tuscany,” please call 800-229-LOON (5666). For a spa reservation, please call 800-229-7829, extension 5287, or visit mtnclub.com.