tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66371247349505503272024-02-20T18:13:06.805-08:00The Traveling Grandma: Adventures with IsabelleGrandmas are not just for baking cookies anymore!! This grandma loves to travel!! Join me as I visit great places, enjoy museums, historic sites, hotels and bed and breakfasts and offer loads of visitor tips and musings.Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.comBlogger732125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-41694844433901341722022-11-21T03:00:00.000-08:002022-11-21T03:00:00.170-08:00Texas: Austin Music Festivals<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Austin has adopted the slogan "The Live Music Capital of the World" and they couldn't have made a better choice. The city offers festivals for music lovers of every genre. Here is just a sampling of what this vibrant city has to offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">South by Southwest</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For over twenty years the South by Southwest music festival has been bringing music and so much more to Austin every March. This isn't just a one-weekend event; it's an 11-day event that makes the whole city throb with crowds of music and cinema lovers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is not a one venue <a href="http://www.sxsw.com/schedule">festival</a>; it takes place all over town. It is more than just a festival it is a convention. Artists come to share both their knowledge and their talent. You will be able to hear the various artists at many locations around the city.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Even Superman couldn't do them all so you will need to find out where and when your favorites are going to be performing and make sure that you don't miss your favorites. This is as much about making connections for the artists as it is for the audiences to enjoy the performances.</span><br />
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<a href="http://oldsettlersmusicfest.org/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Old Settlers Music Festival</span></a></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In April Austin offers American music at its finest and the bluebonnets are at their finest this time of year as well. Come to listen to great music, eat delicious food and if you want to sleep in your tent that is available too. This is a family event with lots of activities geared toward the kids and runs Thursday to Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Austin City Limits Festival</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Austin City Limits Festival is a six-day event which takes place every October. Zilker Park comes alive as eight stages host hundreds of bands with such well-known groups as Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Beastie Boys headlining in years past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can purchase a three-day pass or a single day for whichever day you might want to attend. They are on sale at the official website for the festival along with parking passes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While music is the main theme of the weekend it doesn't end there. The Austin Eats Food Court will introduce you to a variety of local restaurants and cuisines. It is a great way to try out a variety of eateries all at one central location.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The SoCo Art Market will offer local arts and crafts and other very interesting items. It is different every year so you can never be sure who and what will be here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For the kids, the Austin Kiddie Limits is the place to be. Kids under 10 get in free with a ticket-bearing adult. You can never start too young to introduce your kids to music and this is the perfect way to do it. They can learn how to be and look like a rock star or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the festivals, kid's style.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Austin City Limits Festival offers activities and fun for the whole family to enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Celtic Music Festival</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">November brings the sounds of the British Isles to Austin. You don't have to have Celtic roots to enjoy the highland games, the dancing, the storytelling and the music of Ireland and Scotland. The sounds of the bagpipes and the flute will make you feel roots you never knew you had.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Austin is indeed the live music capital of the world and it has the festivals to back that title up. No matter what type of music you prefer, you will find it in Austin's music festivals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.aclfestival.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.austincelticfestival.com</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-23837064461795563652022-11-07T03:00:00.000-08:002022-11-07T03:00:00.175-08:00An Emotional Visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Dallas<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For me, the one reason I had for visiting Dallas was to visit the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. I don ‘t think that there is anyone who was alive on November 22, 1963, who doesn’t remember exactly where he was when he heard the news. A whole nation was stunned. It was as if time stopped as if our innocence was shattered. As far as impact goes it ranks right up there with September 11, 2001. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In our family, this was a date we could never forget because it was also my fathers birthday. I was in 8th grade in 1963. We were all called back to our homerooms and told that the president had been shot and killed. We were let out of school early and for days just sat home glued to the television.<br /><br />This museum brought this all back with a vengeance but though I cried several times while going through it was also cathartic, as if finally it could be put to rest. I am so glad that we went even though we all admitted that we left with a very heavy heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">NO photography is allowed in the museum. You enter through the lobby and take the elevator to the 6th floor. The displays are chronological and include pictures, lots to read and some memorabilia. We start by learning about John F Kennedy, his family, his political life, the campaign and the years of his presidency. We work our way slowly into November 1963. We followed the President and Mrs. Kennedy through the other cities in Texas to that fateful noon in Dallas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we work our way to the sixth-floor window where Lee Harvey Oswald had created a barricade, it becomes more and more emotional. I find myself wanting the ending to change. I think everybody there was hoping the same thing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the 7th floor, there is an exhibit from the Dallas Police Department detailing the day from their perspective. It was a difficult time, they were prepared for some protesters but no one had any idea that this type of plan was afoot. After shooting President Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald killed a Dallas Police Officer and for a while, no one knew that it was the same man who had committed both crimes. The door that was on the precinct on that particular day is in this exhibit.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Entrance to the museum is $16. There is also a 45-minute audio tour for an additional $4.00. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are several other video exhibits that last a few minutes each along the way and then there is a small theater where a 10-minute video entitled “The Nation and World </span>Responds<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">” is shown.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You end your tour by passing through the proverbial gift shop. The <a href="https://www.jfk.org/" target="_blank">museum</a> has it’s own parking lot with paid parking. </span></div>
Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-63518562822540845872022-10-17T03:00:00.000-07:002022-10-17T03:00:00.190-07:00The Dallas Museum of Art<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Dallas Museum of Art developed from a modest beginning in the Public Library. A dedicated group of citizens set about making the space an attractive, well-lit area. Once they had space they began procuring additional art to display. The first two works were My Gondolier’s Kitchen by Herbert Faulkner and September Moonrise by Childe Hassam. These led to other donations and acquisitions, and in 1903 The Dallas Art Association was formed. In 1909 the DAA donated their collection to the City of Dallas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1984 the museum moved downtown and since has expanded and supplemented the original building as need and funds have allowed. Major donations have given them a fabulous decorative art’s collection. Today the museum has more than 23,000 pieces of art from ancient to modern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We began our visit by having lunch at the Atrium Café. Even the Café is a work of art. The large windows are covered in colorful glass flowers. There is a headphone tour that you may request at the check-in desk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We fell in love with this museum. We began in the American section and they have done a wonderful job of integrating the art and the decorative arts. I was absolutely floored to find a late 18th-century portrait that had a view of the town hall in my hometown, Middletown Ct. in the background. I have never seen a picture of the town hall from that period before and I am not quite sure if anyone knows that there is one. I was mesmerized by it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Photography without flash is allowed in the museum so as you can imagine I had a ball. You need to look at your map of the museum because some of the Impressionist Art is a little hard to find. It is shown in room settings and you need to find the rooms. There is something extra special about seeing the art in the rooms as it would have been displayed.<br /><br />The silver collection is excellent. The Gorham dressing table and stool are like nothing else you have ever seen. Created for the Paris exposition it is breathtaking and just the tip of the iceberg.<br /><br />Expect to see artwork by John Singleton Copley, Frederick Church, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Piet Modrian, Henri Matisse, and much more.<br /><br />For us, however, the standout was the Wendy and Emery Reeves Collection. Consisting of more than 1,400 pieces, it was donated to the <a href="https://www.dma.org/" target="_blank">Museum</a> in 1984. The Museum opened a 16,500-floor wing to house the collection. It will knock your socks off. The rooms recreate the Villa of La Pausa where the Reeves entertained among others, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo. This will help explain the small room of Churchill artworks and memorabilia. Add to this, works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, and Monet among others and you will get a small idea of the magnificence that awaits you.</span><br />
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Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-72843905551378777362022-10-03T03:00:00.000-07:002022-10-03T03:00:00.172-07:00State parks near Phoenix, Arizona<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Phoenix proper has a desert climate and yet within just a short drive, you can find yourself in the mountains where you can swim in crystal clear waters, walk among tall green trees of the verdant forests or take advantage of any number of outdoor sports and activities. The desert has its own haunting beauty but in the heat of spring, summer, and fall, people in the city often prefer to escape to the cooler areas nearby. Many state parks of the Phoenix area offer activities for every member of the family.<br /><br />The Phoenix metro area has many state parks and also some city parks that can provide a more rural atmosphere. Among the city parks are South and North Mountain Parks. If you are looking for state parks, here are a few you should consider visiting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Dead Horse Ranch State Park</b><br /><br />If you want to try camping, this park which is located along the Verde River offers sites for those who want a site with amenities and also more rustic ones. The Verde River Greenway offers the opportunity to hike, bike and picnic. It is quite high in the mountains at 3,300 feet and spacious at 423 acres.<br /><br />Located along the Verde River this State Park offers campsites both with and without electricity, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails and the Verde River Greenway Natural Area. There are 423 developed acres and the elevation of 3,300 feet makes it ideal for all outdoor endeavors.<br /><br />No matter what your level of fitness, one of the 10 trails will be perfect for you. They vary greatly in distance and in difficulty. The Verde River Greenway has canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Many birds make their home in the area and you might see blue herons or black hawks, every season offers different choices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Lost Dutchman State Park </b><br /><br />One of the mysteries of the southwest is that of the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Generations of treasure hunters have flocked to the area looking for his lost gold. They miss the real treasure of the park, the desert landscape. Lost Dutchman State Park offers hiking trails, camping, picnic facilities and nature trails. In the summer temperatures can rise above 100 degrees. A visit in the winter will be more comfortable at 60 degrees.<br /><br />The Superstition Mountains offer a change of altitude and provide a sense of mystery. Is there really a lost Dutchman's Mine, no one knows for sure but what we do know is that many people have died trying to find it. Don't become one of them, respect this area and always have a plan in case you get lost.<br /><br />Plan to enjoy one or more of the five hiking trails that are available. They vary from less than a mile to over five miles. Always carry plenty of water especially in the summertime.<br /><br /><b>Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park</b><br /><br />Boyce Thompson Arboretum is an amazing place to visit. It is the oldest and largest of its kind in Arizona. It covers 323 acres and offers guest a chance to become familiar with the outstanding variety of the fauna of Arizona. They offer a variety of special programs and tours throughout the year.<br />Fort Verde State Historical Park<br /><br />Some state parks are more about history than hiking and <a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/FOVE/">Fort Verde</a> is one of them. Three historic buildings are located within the grounds and provide guests with a good idea of what life would have been like at a 19th-century fort during the Indian Wars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Tonto Natural Bridge State Park</b><br />Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Nature created this over a period of thousands of years. It can be seen from the top or you can walk below it. This is a very difficult hike. Even though the trails are short their require strength and stamina. The facilities are limited to a gift shop, picnic tables and a portable restroom.<br /><br />As you can see, the abundant state parks of the Phoenix metro area have a lot to offer. No matter what types of outdoor activities you enjoy, you will find it in one or more of these parks.</span></div>
Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-87449332065652683912022-09-19T03:00:00.000-07:002022-09-19T03:00:00.161-07:00Ancient Attractions of the Middle East<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Middle East is an area of great historical significance. Visiting the ancient attractions of the Middle East is a dream for many including myself. Located within its geographical borders are the roots of three of the world’s great religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to Carol J. Riphenburg, Ph.D. in the academic community, the term Middle East refers to the Arab countries of North Africa; the Arab countries of Asia; Israel; and the non-Arab countries of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to some broader definitions, it may also include the five countries of Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Some might also include Azerbaijan. Many must-see archeological sites are located in this array of countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Babylon</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The remains of the ancient city of Babel are in the current day country of Iraq. The political unrest in the area makes this a difficult place to actually visit but in no way diminishes its importance as an archeological site. The location of the city has never been in question. They were just not excavated until 1899. Under the debris of ages was found the remnants of the magnificent walls, Nebuchadnezzar Palace, the foundation of the Tower of Babel and the main procession road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was thought at the time that the basement of the Hanging Gardens had been discovered but modern-day archeologists dispute that finding and agree that the location thought to be the gardens is likely something else. Enough remains of this magnificent empire to make a visit to Babylon something that lovers of history and archeology would most certainly enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Troy</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who has not heard of the Trojan Horse, made famous by Homer in his epic story the lliad? The history of Troy, however, is older than this time of the war between <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/849">Troy</a> and Sparta, going back as far as the Bronze Age and lasting well into the Ottoman era. Troy is not just one city, it is a series of cities built one upon the other as its predecessor fell victim to a catastrophic event either man-made or natural.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Archeologists have found evidence of what was probably the burning of the city by the Spartans and it has also fallen to an earthquake. It is perhaps one of the best known archeological sites in the world and was discovered over 200 years ago, It remains just as interesting today. With its located in Turkey, it is not hard to see that it held an important geographic location for trade to the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Petra</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Located in the kingdom of Jordan, Petra is one of the most magnificent archeological ruins in the world. Today, it is more of a tourist attraction than an active archeological site but that does not detract from what was created here and what still exists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Carved into the rose-colored cliffs of this city are the facades of magnificent buildings and archeologist are discovery more about this fascinating city all the time. They now know that it began in about 100 B.C. and thrived for 400 years. It was a rich city with pleasure palaces and lush gardens. Excavations in the area are revealing more information all the time. It is without doubt, stunningly beautiful and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys great architecture and historically significant locations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUCHfcRSuyBoM6Mald1p_rVRSUMMH1u_ynv4uTS2yYw5Uzx5zH_FCYiNgWLb7p9g8jZyRI9JL14BKniDMwP8hWBb0XMkqwj07OftBtZaHMpIvjtZtFKEfM_LV2O8F3fTmXv93qRhq4l0/s1600/petra_1428984080-300x205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="300" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUCHfcRSuyBoM6Mald1p_rVRSUMMH1u_ynv4uTS2yYw5Uzx5zH_FCYiNgWLb7p9g8jZyRI9JL14BKniDMwP8hWBb0XMkqwj07OftBtZaHMpIvjtZtFKEfM_LV2O8F3fTmXv93qRhq4l0/s400/petra_1428984080-300x205.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are just three of the many archeological sites that are located throughout the Middle East. Jerusalem is an archeological gem though it is very difficult to do archeological digs within the city these days. The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is still giving up its secrets after so many years. The Middle East has much to offer when it comes to history and archeology and without doubt, there are many treasures still to be discovered.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-35240698246867445312022-09-05T03:00:00.000-07:002022-09-05T03:00:00.169-07:00Off the Beaten Track in Switzerland<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Switzerland will forever be associated with the story of Heidi, and in the minds of many all there is to Switzerland is the Alps. While the Alps are magnificent and certainly are an important part of Switzerland, there is much more to this delightfully neutral country than just yodeling and the Matterhorn. Wonderful food, exceptional art and charming cities and towns await the adventurous traveler. Going off the beaten track in Switzerland will give you a better picture of the real Switzerland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Am Romerholz Winterthur</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the finest private art collections in the world is located overlooking the city of Winterthur. Winterthur is the 6th largest city in Switzerland and also one of its most artistically rich. Oskar Reinhart was a businessman who was also a very serious art collector. What he managed to accumulate in his lifetime is quite astonishing. The house is still set up like a home with an art gallery added. There are works from the old masters such as Lucas Cranach, Matthias Grunewald and Pieter Bruegel. An exceptionally deep collection of French Impressionists completes the collection including works by Monet, Manet and Cezanne hung alongside works by Van Gogh, Goya and Poussin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and stop at the cafe for a bite to eat after or enjoy lunch before you begin, it is a very good choice and in spite of being a captive audience, you will be happy that you chose to dine there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fribourg</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fribourg is a delightful medieval city with wonderful museums and facades to enjoy. The city is on two levels, there is an upper city and the older lower city. It is a feast for the eyes, there are so many beautiful old buildings. Strolling through the streets, stopping to enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious pastry, are all part of the entire appeal of the city. This is primarily a French-speaking part of Switzerland. The Art and History Museum is a treasure and is a delight to wander through though English subtitles are noticeably missing. I came here because my one Swiss ancestor, Pierre Miville was born here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a44oCxNcBcpztsQZfZDzzwvUi9rFmGmxNS7ymKMFo1T1b6Yf2T-gVRAqgsaKVbtkLDGXCef-8WRZMyC9-tup-YWTBqkPCA9hZV8BZF40CGlRIlBeGZYSG6K37OsXGrkouK2RuXHejmE/s1600/fribourg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a44oCxNcBcpztsQZfZDzzwvUi9rFmGmxNS7ymKMFo1T1b6Yf2T-gVRAqgsaKVbtkLDGXCef-8WRZMyC9-tup-YWTBqkPCA9hZV8BZF40CGlRIlBeGZYSG6K37OsXGrkouK2RuXHejmE/s400/fribourg.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Gempen</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The tiny village of Gempen is high up in the Alps. It has stunning views out over the valley below. The reason to come all this way up is to eat in the <a href="http://www.gempenturm.ch/">restaurant</a> that is perched on what seems to be the edge of the earth. Gempen is located in the north of Switzerland, not too far from the city of Basel. The menu reflects this heritage and is German in inspiration. The food, however good, isn’t the main attraction, it is the view. Sit and eat and enjoy the spectacular scenery that is Switzerland. We came here to have fondue and excellent fondue it was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Switzerland is full of famous places to visit but sometimes the traveler prefers to choose the road less traveled and absorb all the atmosphere, the history and the food that an area has to offer. Switzerland is a country that inspires just this sort of a visit. Going off the beaten track in Switzerland will provide enough memories to last a lifetime.</span><br />
<br />Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-36643918837974217572022-08-08T03:00:00.000-07:002022-08-08T03:00:00.168-07:00Key West on a budget<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Key West has a reputation for being a getaway that is glamorous and expensive. It was indeed the place where Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman came to chill out, but it is also the land of Jimmy Buffett and Margueritaville.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The reputation for being expensive is true. The area is small and the demand is large, this will result in higher prices. However, there are many ways to travel to Key West and keep your expenses within your budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Understanding Key West</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Key West is an island. It is the farthest of the Keys from Miami, more than 150 miles. Most of the road is a two-lane highway that works its way through the Keys. If you drive from Miami, it will take over three and a half hours. You can choose to arrive by plane, ferry or cruise ship if the drive doesn't sound like fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdhwd0DmWZn9twnWF-CYJEyeIVB7GB4wNrhh84pfsNq39ruAuRNvucDvPHazpFtkmYEvgxIDCYKhNGm7y5JUYv04sliaLdhXHm9cva-DIcTy0kGGZLj9ABZ2unU-KBGzH9oJkgZQmLK4/s1600/key+west.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdhwd0DmWZn9twnWF-CYJEyeIVB7GB4wNrhh84pfsNq39ruAuRNvucDvPHazpFtkmYEvgxIDCYKhNGm7y5JUYv04sliaLdhXHm9cva-DIcTy0kGGZLj9ABZ2unU-KBGzH9oJkgZQmLK4/s400/key+west.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Cruising into Key West</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the most budget-friendly ways to visit Key West is on a cruise. You will pull into port, hop off and see the city on your own or take one of the tours that are offered. You can take a trolley, hop on the conch train, rent a bicycle or the most budget-friendly way of all, walking. The downtown area is small and walking is not going to wear you out.</span><br />
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Rent a condo</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Accommodations are one of the big expenses on Key West. One way to minimize the amount that you spend is to rent a condo. This will not only save you money but it will give you extra space making it a particularly family-friendly option. Car rentals are expensive and it may be a more budget-friendly option to explore on a bicycle. Cabs are also easy to call and not too expensive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Eating on a budget</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Key West offers lots of dining options. If you opt for a condo you will be able to buy groceries for some of your meals and cook in. Grab the ingredients and make a picnic or just try to go a little away from the main tourist area. These strategies will allow you more money for the exploring part of your visit to Key West. You will want to explore the water on Key West and bringing your own snorkeling equipment with you will be much more budget friendly than renting.</span><br />
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Others ways to explore Key West</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By renting a condo and cooking meals in you will save enough money to allow for a little splurge in your budget. One way to splurge is to explore the ocean with a jet ski. You can rent these by the hour and get a totally different view of the sparkling water and the beautiful sunsets. Another way to explore <a href="https://www.keywestchamber.org/">Key West</a> is to get out and try parasailing. If these are a little too much for you, why not take a catamaran or sailboat tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Key West is a fantastic place to explore. Miles of beaches and almost continual sunshine beckon. Some of the most gorgeous sunsets in the world and sparkling blue water are yours to see for free. With careful planning, you will be able to do everything you want to and still visit Key West on a budget.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-65018704690692220602022-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:002022-07-18T03:00:00.162-07:00Visiting Fort Lauderdale Beyond the Beach <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When most people think of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they think about cruising and the beach. While these certainly are a part of the overall vibe of Fort Lauderdale, there is so much more to a visit there than just the beach. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3HmpuFZaImUbEAt3e5aRX5HG8gsCQkgcS0xm9svKIBVB4pu7-fXqZmJRMaWOjEMbZP4DhtuKrQNtV-bEtTjxLQ5Z6qBS_cSuL4yuqrflou1pGAuYYFjmN8nmY46cmLN3JPRwNQMUYBc/s1600/fort+lauderdale1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3HmpuFZaImUbEAt3e5aRX5HG8gsCQkgcS0xm9svKIBVB4pu7-fXqZmJRMaWOjEMbZP4DhtuKrQNtV-bEtTjxLQ5Z6qBS_cSuL4yuqrflou1pGAuYYFjmN8nmY46cmLN3JPRwNQMUYBc/s400/fort+lauderdale1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For more than 20 years, Broward Center for the Performing Arts has been bringing the arts to residents and visitors. Concerts of all sorts are offered. Make it an entire evening by booking dinner at Serenade, the upscale dining venue at the Center.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Parker Playhouse is part of the Broward Performing Arts Center and has a 40 plus year history of providing a great venue for smaller productions. The Playhouse seats slightly more than 1,100 patrons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fort Lauderdale has a unique Antique Car Museum. It is dedicated to the Packard and has 22 of them that date from 1909 through 1947. In addition, there are other items collected by Arthur O. Stone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From the IMAX Theatre to the child-friendly exhibits, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a place the entire family can and will enjoy. A newer permanent exhibit about the human body adds a new dimension to the already jam-packed museum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Every visitor to Fort Lauderdale should take a tour and what could be more fun than a paddle boat. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Jungle Queen offers three-hour sightseeing of the New River. It also offers a BBQ dinner at 6 p.m. in the evening. Dine on chicken, BBQ ribs and shrimp while enjoying a comedy revue. The boat provides a delicious and memorable evening’s entertainment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dining</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you are ready to eat, head to the <a href="http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/">Las Olas Riverfront </a>area. This area has a wide selection of dining options including Big City Tavern, Café de Paris and The Tilted Kilt just to name a few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you are planning a visit to Fort Lauderdale you will find lots of things to see and do. It is easy to get there and you will find plenty of places to stay and eat. You can spend an entire vacation getting to know the area. You can use this guide to help you plan the perfect trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More information:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.granadainn.net/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.granadainn.net</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.junglequeen.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://browardcenter.org/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.mods.org</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-80287486710877988732022-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:002022-05-16T03:00:00.176-07:00A Visit to Friendship Hill National Historic Site<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Who would have guessed that someone whom we had never heard of before we visit his house, Friendship Hill, would have turned out to be such a fascinating man.. Albert Gallatin was born in Switzerland and came to this country as a young man. Among other things, he taught French at Harvard before moving west to the Pittsburgh area. He was elected to Congress and eventually was the Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzpQIqYy-tpnyHm2prmM1kRSpxfYvD7Jsf3VkKorcCJkfUHXXikRptFS3ubF08BZjKsPoDX_OB-pP-YoeFHxZGiTAezhjuCDKds4bwSconAKGCoX8eDLufVFmE6HxhCDOoQGxcwnUcyk/s1600/friendship+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzpQIqYy-tpnyHm2prmM1kRSpxfYvD7Jsf3VkKorcCJkfUHXXikRptFS3ubF08BZjKsPoDX_OB-pP-YoeFHxZGiTAezhjuCDKds4bwSconAKGCoX8eDLufVFmE6HxhCDOoQGxcwnUcyk/s400/friendship+hill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His major claims to fame are the fact that he is responsible for the Louisiana Purchase and also for getting the Louis and Clarke Expedition going. It is hard to imagine why someone who was so important to this country’s early development has been almost entirely forgotten by the majority of Americans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Friendship Hill is the home he built and where he brought home his first wife, Sophie Allegre. This is a sad story, Sophie died within months of their wedding having married against the wishes of her mother and never having been reconciled with her. Her grave is still on the property and though it is unmarked per her wishes it is surrounded by a small wall so that you can find it. Eventually, Albert did marry and had children but his wife never cared much for the house, she was a city girl and I am sure that as the second wife didn’t need to be reminded of his first love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The house is now owned by the National Park Service. You begin your visit in the gift shop, there is a short video that you can sit and watch. Albert introduces himself to you and also tells you his story. You then walk through the house on a self-guided tour. There is an elevator to take you to the second floor and to the basement where the restrooms are. A couple of rooms are offered that can only be viewed by walking up a staircase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The grounds are well worth walking through. A gazebo in the rear of the property has great views of the Monongahela River. You can also choose to visit Sophie’s grave which is across the yard, down a hill, along a meadow and through the woods. It is definitely not wheelchair accessible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Picnic tables are located near the parking lot if you care to bring your lunch and the walkway from the lot is steep but paved so it would be accessible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The gift shop has the typical Park Department items with a few really interesting books thrown in. Admission is free. I highly recommend a visit to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/frhi/index.htm">Friendship Hill</a> which is located in Marion, Pennsylvania.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-20222522969361528462022-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:002022-05-02T03:00:00.188-07:00The Amazing Philadelphia Art Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhODLFGHakLelRZBaugDNU1aHewlurTcw-yPfObsQiTJ6snqjJkQcCDpuuf1nTYdlTzAUE42j7-Qgj9K_0BWYNMCpUTxxMiHliCbfapSXTm55GKSJw0dDmurtoTJlYmzsW2YA6na-mHA/s1600/old+pictures+1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhODLFGHakLelRZBaugDNU1aHewlurTcw-yPfObsQiTJ6snqjJkQcCDpuuf1nTYdlTzAUE42j7-Qgj9K_0BWYNMCpUTxxMiHliCbfapSXTm55GKSJw0dDmurtoTJlYmzsW2YA6na-mHA/s400/old+pictures+1472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Philadelphia Museum of Art was founded in 1876. With over 200,000 pieces of art in its collection, it encompasses everything from textiles to Eastern art. It has one of the finest American collections in the world. The collection is anchored by local artist Thomas Eakins. The museum contains not only pieces of artwork but also furniture, glass, pottery and silver. It is a comprehensive collection that can stand up against just about any museum in the world.<br /><br />Even if you have never visited Philadelphia, chances are you know what the art museum looks like. When Rocky runs up the stairs in that famous scene, he is doing it on the front stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is a very distinctive building and makes a great impression when you first see it. If you are like most people who visit Philadelphia however, you will want to take your turn running up the stairs humming the Rocky theme. To enter the museum however, you will need to go around to the other side of the building.<br /><br />When you enter the museum, check to see what special tours they are offering that day. The board next to the main desk will give you that information. You can also pick up a copy of Today at the Museum which will tell you what is being offered. If you visit on Sunday you can make whatever donation you choose as your entrance fee.<br /><br />Among the tours that are offered is a headphone tour narrated by the Director of the museum called “Director’s Delights” there is also one called” Museum Highlights”. If you have the time it is worth your while to do one of these tours.<br /><br />The second floor of the museum has the Old Masters collection. Galleries 250-299 cover European art from 1500-1850. These galleries contain a variety of art and styles, as well as period rooms. One exceptional piece is the portrait of Queen Marie Antoinette by Elisabeth Viger LeBrun, On the Director’s Tour, you are led to the Landsdowne Room, an Adams drawing room which once graced Landsdowne House in London. It has an amazing ceiling and this room has played host to many famous people during its heyday.<br /><br />Among the early European artists featured are Rogier Van der Weyden and Jan Van Eyck. Van Eyck’s painting of St Francis is a difficult painting to find because it is very tiny. In a place of prominence, you will find the Hudon’s bust of Benjamin Franklin; it seems fitting, since this is Philadelphia where Franklin lived for so many years.<br /><br />The arms and armor collection is a favorite with men and boys and the textiles collection will delight any of the girls and woman in your group. On Sundays, special programs are offered for the children in the family. To find out any special exhibits that they will be hosting check out their website.<br /><br />If you get hungry, there is a cafeteria, as well as a more formal restaurant. There are several gift shops, with the main one being in the same area as the restaurants. If you are staying in downtown Philadelphia one of the stops on Phlash Bus is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There is a parking lot but the number of spots is limited. Why not join the 1 million other people who will visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art this year. You will not be disappointed.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-74377214488061089122022-04-18T03:00:00.000-07:002022-04-18T03:00:00.188-07:00Hotel review: Bluff View Inn Chattanooga Tenn. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to views in Chattanooga, Tenn, there is nowhere that can compare with the Bluff View Arts District. This is the area of town where the wealthy chose to make their home in days past. Today, it covers a block and a half and encompasses museums, galleries, restaurants and the Bluff View Inn. If you are looking for someplace interesting to stay, this is a good choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Inn consists of three separate historic houses. All of them have the potential to have great views, it just depends on the price you are willing to spend for your room. We were not willing to pay for the view, and really unless you want to be able to look out your window and see the river, you don't need to either. Great views can be had by just walking along the River Walk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The website for the Bluff View Inn really does give a pretty accurate picture of what the rooms look like. They are all pretty and we asked and were shown quite a few of them. I enjoyed seeing the luxury of the rooms in the other two buildings but we opted to stay at the more affordable Thompson House.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had the Newell Room. It was on the ground floor and had a king sized bed. It was the library in the house and the sliding doors were indicative of that use. There was free WiFi and cable TV. We also had a sofa and a coffee table which I used as my office while we were there. Our bed was very comfortable, we slept great. The bathroom was large and well stocked as well. We were very comfortable here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The parlor was right outside of our room and we gathered there to indulge in the soft drinks and water that were provided in the afternoon. There was a gas fireplace that provided some atmosphere as well as warmth since we visited in January. In the early morning, coffee is delivered to the hall outside of our room and we could relax with a cup while reading the local newspaper which was also delivered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Continental breakfast was available to us at the coffee shop down the street. This was my least favorite thing. It was always busy, crowded and we had a hard time lingering. I think we should have just picked up our food and gone back to the room, it would have been more enjoyable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Free parking is provided and the location on The Bluff is perfect. Many of the things you may want to do in Chattanooga are located either right on the Bluff or very close by. It is within an easy walk from the aquarium and some interesting shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The one downside of the Thompson House is the fact that the highway is so close. In the morning the noise from rush hour traffic was distracting. A light sleeper might have a hard time in the Thompson House.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I really did enjoy staying here, there is a real character to the houses and on the weekends, you do get a breakfast at the McClellan House which is really good, luckily we had one weekend night. There is a lot to be said for not having to take out the car unless you really want to. I would not hesitate at stay again at the <a href="http://74.91.165.221/index.php">Bluff View Inn</a> in Chattanooga. </span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-72037355389935576752022-04-04T03:00:00.002-07:002022-04-04T03:00:00.193-07:00Presidential Site: Andrew Johnson Historic Site Greenville, Tenn. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Visiting presidential sites has become the great American pastime. It is an entertaining way to get a history lesson while taking a vacation and getting the kids to understand the people who have occupied the White House. Greenville, Tenn. offers just such an opportunity, the Andrew Johnson Historic Site.<br /><br />Andrew Johnson was the 17th president of the United States. He was never elected to that office in his own right, he became the president when the 16th president Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, and then died the next day. This was not a very auspicious start to a presidency. While Andrew Johnson was not the first president to gain the office through the death of the president, he was the first who did so after an assassination.<br /><br />Lincoln had chosen Johnson as a running mate to balance the ticket. Johnson was a southerner and a Democrat. He was also the only senator from a southern state who kept his seat during the Civil War. His election as Vice President was a reward for his loyalty.<br /><br />Actually, his thinking on reconstruction was not very different from that of President Lincoln. The difference was the fact that he was a southerner and had a very intractable attitude. He never did learn to compromise. He butted heads with the Congress to such an extent that they had him <a href="https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/02/the-impeachment-trial-of-president-andrew-johnson/">impeached</a>. He wasn't forced out of office but he also did not run again for the Presidency. He did, however, run for and was reelected to the Senate where he got to face down many of his sworn enemies.<br /><br />He was a man of firm convictions who had worked as a tailor in his earlier life. He understood the working man and was a champion they could count on. His legacy has been tarnished to some extent by the impeachment proceedings but he is a fascinating man and visiting Greenville, Tenn. will help any history buff to get to know the man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Head to the<a href="https://www.nps.gov/anjo/index.htm" target="_blank"> Andrew Johnson Historic Site</a> Visitor Center to begin your trip through history. It is located at the corner of College and Depot St. A parking lot is available where you can leave your car for free. At this site, there is the first home that the Johnson's owned in Greenville. It is small and the tour is self-guided. Cross the street and enter the visitor center. Go to the desk first thing and sign up for a tour of the Andrew Johnson Home Site. These are guided tours and must be done with a guide, numbers are limited so do that first.<br /><br />You can then tour the museum where his original tailor shop is located as well as view a video about Andrew Johnson and his life in Greenville as well as in Washington.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguqBtGWYbPg0SoYWu9rP_p04bMf4sbcUZsIXpHx6u165ILMRmQotkwI4qHeQ1e0WUZOjnzZf3Wgtq-UCJ2qHGrWoRmYSTKGR7IRmsc7LYRm-PBUWNLBwsMZ49Tz9R6LgqWzzNvjtFeJg/s1600/Andrew-johnson-house-tn1-250x200.jpg"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguqBtGWYbPg0SoYWu9rP_p04bMf4sbcUZsIXpHx6u165ILMRmQotkwI4qHeQ1e0WUZOjnzZf3Wgtq-UCJ2qHGrWoRmYSTKGR7IRmsc7LYRm-PBUWNLBwsMZ49Tz9R6LgqWzzNvjtFeJg/s400/Andrew-johnson-house-tn1-250x200.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />You can drive or walk to the home site it is only a few blocks away. The house tour is fascinating and depending on who your guide is you will learn a lot of personal information about the family. There is a lot of sadness in this story but I don't want to ruin it for you. Allow at least a couple of hours to do all of these things.<br /><br />The next stop should be the cemetery to see the graves of Andrew and his family. It is a very impressive monument. You need to be able to climb stairs to get up onto the deck of the monument itself, it is, however, visible even from your car. The views of Greenville are quite spectacular from atop this hill.<br /><br />One more stop is outside of the city to complete a presidential trip. The Andrew Johnson Museum and Library is located on the campus of Tusculum University. He was a benefactor of the University so it is fitting that this is where his library ended up. This is not a large museum, it only has three rooms but it has a nice collection of Johnson memorabilia from both his private and public life. His library of books is also housed here.<br /><br />You can visit all the Johnson sites in one day but Greenville has some other very interesting places to visit around town so allow yourself at least one other day. Greenville is located in the Smokey Mountains and is easily driven to from both Knoxville and Asheville, N.C.<br /><br />I never knew very much about Andrew Johnson and what I learned here made me realize that he was a good man who history has treated quite badly. He became president under nearly impossible conditions and the fact that he was not a success was more an indication of the times than of the man.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-76413494903787432962022-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:002022-03-28T03:00:00.175-07:00A Visitor's Guide to the Rock and Soul Museum Memphis <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx5dhlKv880fpXM5U7GMWi5hWNuevmuiSfKPu3pJ4TRFwEb7xZ5uGAawQoWbPIyhdZPpXM7jVSM2509Dh2kH1Sk_w-LtcA-jJHiPhbpwX7KdJpXXz6XYrE00QT6rQ2ig7rarYbruANUI/s1600/Rock_n_Soul_Museum_Memphis_TN_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1024" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx5dhlKv880fpXM5U7GMWi5hWNuevmuiSfKPu3pJ4TRFwEb7xZ5uGAawQoWbPIyhdZPpXM7jVSM2509Dh2kH1Sk_w-LtcA-jJHiPhbpwX7KdJpXXz6XYrE00QT6rQ2ig7rarYbruANUI/s320/Rock_n_Soul_Museum_Memphis_TN_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Anyone who has ever listened to Rock and Roll, Soul, Rhythm, and Blues or Country Music should run not walk to the amazing Rock and Soul Museum in Memphis. The address is Beale St but in reality, it is about a block off, right across the street from the Gibson Guitar Company.<br /><br />Your visit begins with a video that lasts about 15-20 minutes. When it is over you are handed an audio tour that you follow through the museum.<br /><br /><br />You begin your journey traveling through the rural south in the 1920-s and 30-s where the life of the sharecropper was hard and their music was a way to take them away from the harsh realities. In the fields and on the front porches both black and white they made music that was the roots of rhythm and blues and also of Country Music.<br /><br />By the 1940's the invention by the Ford Motor company of a tractor that could plow the cotton fields had decimated the tenant farmers of the south. The landlords no longer needed them and many families moved to cities like Memphis, Detroit, and Chicago. They brought their musical style with them and the North was introduced to the likes of which they had never heard.<br /><br />It wasn't until 1953 that they found what they had been looking for, a white man who sang like a black man. His name was Elvis Presley and in him, all the pieces came together. Once Elvis had opened the door, there were many singers who went rushing through it and a whole new sound was born.<br /><br />What this museum is all about is the development of that sound. You will see and hear about the record studios where the sound was born, the radio stations that promoted it and the singers and songwriters who made rock and roll and soul what they are today. <br /><br />Names like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Al Green, and B.B. King are found and expounded upon. All along the way, you will have the opportunity to not only read about the history of Rock and Soul but to hear the songs that made the 50's and 60's such a revolutionary time.<br /><br />Your audio tour tells the story but there are over 90 opportunities to play songs through that audio guide. Groups like the Carter family and singers like Jerry Lee Lewis bring the sound right to you.<br /><br />Rock and Roll was a revolution built on the poverty in the rural south and on the disapproval of parents. Without this combination, Rock could have never thrived the way it did.<br /><br />If you only have time for one <a href="http://www.memphisrocknsoul.org/">museum</a> in Memphis, make it this one. All the music that we enjoy today had its start in Memphis over 50 years ago and it is a nostalgic trip down the musical memory lane for any baby boomer.<br /><br />This Museum is part of the Smithsonian Museum so you can be assured that everything is done well. Allow at least two hours and if you love music, allow more.<br /><br />The entrance is $12 for adult and they do have an AAA discount but they won't offer if you don't ask. The tour finishes at the gift shop which is small but has a few interesting items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A parking garage is located near the Peabody Hotel or if you are lucky there is metered parking along the street. This may be my favorite museum of all times; I guess that remains to be seen.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-52495329850687458762022-03-14T03:00:00.007-07:002022-03-14T03:00:00.176-07:00Civil War Battlefields in Tennessee<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>Tennessee was a very active state during the Civil War. Many of the sites where battles were fought in this state had to do with transportation. The fact that the western border of the state of Tennessee is the Mississippi River made it vital to both the Union and to the Confederacy.<br /><br />Part of the Union's plan for winning the war was to control the Mississippi River. It was one of the early decisions that proved successful and helped to win the war for the Union.<br /><br />The Union began their campaign in Cairo, Ill. and worked their way down the Mississippi River. In February 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant led a Union force of 15,000 against first Fort Henry and then Fort Donelson. This was a major blow to the Confederacy as it opened the door to Union control of this part of the Mississippi River.<br /><br />Fort Henry was a minor skirmish with only 119 casualties. The Confederates had a force of over 12,000 at Fort Donelson and this was a major confrontation that lasted several days. Union forces had swollen and though reports differ, it is believed to have been between 25,000 and 35,000. Casualties were high, a total of almost 4,000 from both sides not including the missing.<br /><br />The war moved south along the Mississippi River and in April, one of the major battles of the Civil War was fought. Up to this point, casualties had been relatively light, that was going to change. When the two sides met at Shiloh Church, devastation followed. Before the fighting was over, almost 24,000 men had died. The first day of the battle favored the Confederates but they suffered a major blow in the death of General Albert Sidney Johnston.<br /><br />Overnight, reinforcements arrived at the Union Army from Nashville and the second day went to the Union with the Confederates retreating by days end. Both sides were stunned by the ferocity of this battle and it was a wake-up call to those who thought this was going to be a shortived and relatively bloodless war. <br /><br />Chattanooga was a major rail center and controlled a vital spot on the Tennessee River. Once the western part of Tennessee was under Union control, it was deemed time to control the eastern part and put a strangle hold on the ability of the Confederacy to ship goods and men.<br /><br /><br />In June 1862, the first skirmishes took place at Chattanooga, but it wasn’t until over a year later in November 1863 that the major battle for the control of Lookout Mountain took place. It was to be a Union victory and the south never controlled this area again.<br /><br /><br />The Battle of Franklin took place in and around Carnton Plantation. It was one was the most savage battles of the war. On November 30, 1864 40,000 men met on the field of battle. Much of the combat was hand to hand. The battle only lasted for 5 hours but it left 2500 dead, 7000 wounded and 1000 missing. The hurting that it placed on the Confederate Army would lead to the eventual end of the war in April 1865.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOPXI6wS0BmByFLN8Qhk8xISQA6FajZLWQHopuz2psPtpecrVe29f0i1KmQm_2QI0LqiWKFQ87vPVwRB_rqSfMGyyPnS1lXMC-qsXApIv7YkghfNaSZ382Lru8G65OuPjp97g0GVICZk/s1600/civil+war+battlefields.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOPXI6wS0BmByFLN8Qhk8xISQA6FajZLWQHopuz2psPtpecrVe29f0i1KmQm_2QI0LqiWKFQ87vPVwRB_rqSfMGyyPnS1lXMC-qsXApIv7YkghfNaSZ382Lru8G65OuPjp97g0GVICZk/s400/civil+war+battlefields.jpg" /></a></span>These are just some of the Civil War battlefields in Tennessee. Tennessee was the site of many other battles, both small and large, and to this day retains many of the scars and memorials to the many Americans who lost their lives there on both sides.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-87672759399135056372022-02-21T03:00:00.000-08:002022-02-21T03:00:00.179-08:00Searching For Architectural Treasures at Black Dog Salvage Roanoke Virginia<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have a confession to make before I went to Roanoke, I had never heard of Black Dog Salvage. Now I feel pretty silly because, in all honesty, this is one of the most amazing stores I have ever been to. We were headed to Cups Coffee and Tea on Grandin Road to get some breakfast and stopped there on the way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgUJyaBdsu20BaAbJ6uRKBTiFAeT0IJR4zyGxFkn4RwaSKVvjL71b0wx6L4nB4b5PKxR2YHS1YkSyjtgLSSn7w4IJMtuI1CeEnjLFQC38TBsB1EnQ8YUSUS2ukE-bwWhHvXpDNFvw5BY/s1600/Black+Dog+Salvage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgUJyaBdsu20BaAbJ6uRKBTiFAeT0IJR4zyGxFkn4RwaSKVvjL71b0wx6L4nB4b5PKxR2YHS1YkSyjtgLSSn7w4IJMtuI1CeEnjLFQC38TBsB1EnQ8YUSUS2ukE-bwWhHvXpDNFvw5BY/s400/Black+Dog+Salvage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As I said, I had never watched the DIY Network show so I didn’t know about the real black dog. Sally greeted us as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. She looked us over, decided we were okay and went on her way. Once we went inside we met the new baby black dog and oh my goodness, that is one cute puppy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The staff at Black Dog Salvage was amazing and very happy to point out things that we might want to look at. I did meet one of the owners, can you believe I didn’t take his picture and he was happy to chat for a few minutes even though this was a filming day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0KYHo_otEJGDw02k7WIXyuGFHy4J-nZWiY1lsFqdCK8a-KZXWj5nz0jp0PEQ4q6u39khUhx3RTn_9pz7me2EzLG0240XfdTdgqntkB807Gdqd8atlb4HFWLUbqA1mOiC3e5B4M8gudk/s1600/blackdog+salvage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0KYHo_otEJGDw02k7WIXyuGFHy4J-nZWiY1lsFqdCK8a-KZXWj5nz0jp0PEQ4q6u39khUhx3RTn_9pz7me2EzLG0240XfdTdgqntkB807Gdqd8atlb4HFWLUbqA1mOiC3e5B4M8gudk/s400/blackdog+salvage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My husband and I strolled around the salvage part and I wished that we had come with a truck. I could see lots of great salvage that I wanted to take home with me. I fell in love with the most beautiful mantles, they made mine seem so pedestrian. It is so cool, I can’t stress that enough, loads of doors, shutters, sinks, and knobs, I loved the knobs and pulls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we had finished looking around, I stopped back at the counter and the staff told me I had just barely scratched the surface. Another part of the building is filled with vendors who sell equally unique items made from salvaged material. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKREVNmBc7giz7cn9XGH45zAvQ0oO4AAwE4M7pJez9acyVYeCpOfRSgV3NlcXeS_vfxueI3837cj3BqWKXXxfPTbZrqETqmGTh5fESQavVf5UFYTNR7Q3LZlfOSyK5Gy8lPC5CZ4kLZU/s1600/blackdog+salvage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKREVNmBc7giz7cn9XGH45zAvQ0oO4AAwE4M7pJez9acyVYeCpOfRSgV3NlcXeS_vfxueI3837cj3BqWKXXxfPTbZrqETqmGTh5fESQavVf5UFYTNR7Q3LZlfOSyK5Gy8lPC5CZ4kLZU/s400/blackdog+salvage2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for an unusual, one of a kind gifts or decorating items for your home, this is the place to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fabulous is the word that comes to mind. I was blown away by what we saw and I highly recommend if you are going to be anywhere in the area that you stop by and give them a look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The owners Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp have been in business since 1999. When you see the things that they have saved you really appreciate what a passion they both bring to Black Dog Salvage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think it is great that they have a popular show but what they have here can certainly stand on its own even if like me you have no idea that they are all semi-famous. But, if you can’t get to Black Dog Salvage, you can buy their amazing architectural treasures on the Internet on their <a href="http://www.blackdogsalvage.com/section.aspx?pid=115">website</a>.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-31925995554312713962022-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:002022-02-07T03:00:00.196-08:00History and Fun Facts about Phoenix, Az. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The history of Phoenix began hundreds of years before eastern cities in the United States had any population other than Native Americans. The ruins of Pueblo Grande stand as a silent testimony to the fact that this area was occupied between 700-1400 A.D.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With no supply of water except the Salt River to give life to what we now call the Valley of the Sun, the Hohokams farmed the land as early as 300 B.C. They developed an irrigation system with 135 miles of canals. Their efforts brought fertility to the valley as they grew corn, beans and squash. They had a sophisticated style of art and have left us some fascinating glimpse of what their lives were like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometime between their heyday and 1400 A.D., the Hohokams disappeared and we have only speculations as to their ultimate fate. The name Hohokam "The people who have gone" and it is the name they were given by the natives who discovered their abandoned civilization.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jack Swilling was the most influential man in the founding of Phoenix. He saw the farming potential in the area. This former Confederate soldier founded the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company to bring to the rich soil the element it was missing to become a breadbasket, water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When it came time to the name of the new city, the choice of Phoenix is credited to Darrell Duppa who pointed out that it was being built on the ashes of a former culture. This was 1868 and on June 15 the first Post Office opened with Jack Swilling as the postmaster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1870, the site for the town of Phoenix was determined and it is what would now be called the downtown business district. On December 23 and 24, 1870, a great sale of lots was held to help build the downtown area. This great sale resulted in 61 lots being sold at an average of $48 per lot. 1871 saw the building of the first general store and the first church. This was Hancock's Store and the Central Methodist Church. The first Catholic Church, Sacred Heart of St Louis wasn't built until 1881.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1881 the city was incorporated and elections for the first mayor were held in May of that year. What was the population of Phoenix in 1881? It was 2500. As the city developed it began to attract business and one of the first major ones was the Holsum Bakery. In 1886 one of the first electric plants in the west was established in Phoenix and that same year, the Phoenix Fire Engine Company Number 1 came into existence, it was a volunteer fire department that served the city for many years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On July 4, 1886, the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in Phoenix and this would give the whole area a real boost. On February 14, 1912, Phoenix became the capital of the United States newest state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In more recent times, Phoenix was visited by some strange and unusual lights. On March 13, 1997, thousands of people swear that Phoenix was visited by ufos. Who knows, maybe there is more to the Superstition Mountains than superstitions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that if Jack Swilling had his way we would be writing interesting historical facts about "Stonewall" Arizona? How about the fact that in 1874 there were more saloons and dance halls in Phoenix than there were churches? Not so much of a surprise for a wild western town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Phoenix is a very interesting and historic city, the facts bear that out. It is still as attractive to potential residents as it has been throughout most of its history.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-27715119936915336902022-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:002022-01-17T03:00:00.166-08:00Hotel Review: Augustus Zevely Inn Winston Salem, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Historic Salem, North Carolina is literally in the shadows of the skyscrapers in downtown Winston-Salem. It is an amazing sight to be standing on this historic Main Street and look down to the modern city such a short distance away. The Augustus T. Zevely Inn is a wonderful historic building right in the middle of the village. The history of this lovely house is available on the inn's <a href="http://www.winston-salem-inn.com/">website</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We stayed here the last weekend of January and the weather was amazingly delightful. We arrived at around 3 p.m. on Sunday and since check-in is from 4-8 p.m. we had time to walk in the village before we checked in. This whole area is a photo op.<br /><br />From the exterior, the building is impressively tall and brick. Parking is available in front of the building, on the side street and on the street behind the yellow house which is behind the inn. Our room which is the Master Suite was on the first floor in the front but on the second floor in the back. It was more convenient for us to park on the side street and walk up one flight of outdoor stairs. There are two levels of outdoor porches in the rear with chairs and benches so that you can sit and absorb all the history.<br /><br />Linda, the Innkeeper, was there to greet us and to show us the ropes. We actually had two bedrooms with a little sitting room in between. They can be rented separately but we wanted them both. It is called the Winter Kitchen Suite, The Master Suite has a king size bed, a fireplace and a pair of wing chairs that face the fireplace. A TV can be found in the armoire and Wi-Fi is available, it is both fast and easy to access. The bathroom is spacious and includes a jetted tub.<br /><br />The fireplace is gas and it adds a lot of heat and ambiance to the room. It was a really lovely room, we loved it. Our friend was in the Guest Room. He had a queen sized bed and his TV was in the little sitting-room between our bedrooms. When we got there the door between the rooms was locked, Linda opened it for us.<br /><br />Your key also lets you into the main part of the house where there is a refrigerator with cold drinks and an ice maker. You are welcome to help yourself.<br /><br />I was able to tour many of the other bedrooms and they are all charming. Some are more spacious than others and not all have a bathtub so be sure to let Linda know your preference. Two rooms also have two beds, a queen and a twin. You really can't make a bad choice.<br /><br />Breakfast was served at 8:30 a.m. During the week it is a much expanded continental. We were greeted with coffee and juice and a very nice spread. Yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, muffins, boiled eggs, pecan sticky puns, Moravian sugar cake, bread to toast and sausage muffins were all offered. On the second morning, w</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">e had the option of oatmeal or granola and a biscuit with scrambled egg and bacon which was delicious. Needless to say, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">we did not leave the table hungry. On the weekends there are French toast on Saturday and egg casseroles on Sunday in addition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />I highly recommend a stay here, the house is lovely and very comfortable, the innkeeper is friendly and will offer you any assistance you might need and the location is perfect. What could be better than waking to the tweeting of the birds? On the other hand, if you are looking for lively entertainment and a wild time, this is not the place for you. Come here to enjoy the peace and quiet of a bygone age, you will be glad you did.</span></div>
Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-75890662076441984332022-01-10T03:00:00.001-08:002022-01-10T03:00:00.174-08:00Maine: Traveling along scenic Route 1 <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scenic Route 1 in Maine runs from Kittery all the way to the New Brunswick border at Calais and then north to Fort Kent, 734 miles in all. A variety of different attractions are located along the way and are sure to please every member of the family. Several beaches are worth a visit and located just slightly off of Route 1 including Old Orchard Beach which has a lot of attractions and Ogunquit Beach which is much quieter. Both are located in Southern Maine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Kittery</b><br /><br />Time was when Kittery was one of the major outlet destinations in the Northeast. It still has a lot of outlets but there is a lot more competition today. What they have over outlet areas like Westbrook and Clinton CT is lobster. What could be better than a day browsing through outlet stores or the Kittery Trading Post where even the most reluctant husband is happy to spend a few hours.<br /><br />The Weathervane is one of several restaurants on Route 1 in Kittery where you can get a whole lobster, lobster pie, lazy mans lobster or a lobster roll. If lobster isn't your thing, there are plenty of other choices but in Maine, it is a lot easier to just love lobster.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Portland</b><br /><br />While Maine is known more for spectacular scenery, there is also culture available. Portland has a wonderful art museum, the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House and enough entertainment at the old port to justify a full day or more.<br />Freeport<br /><br />When everyone thinks of Maine one thing that doesn't usually come to mind is a desert. That is wrong, however, outside of Freeport off of Route 1 is The Desert of Maine. Freeport is also the home of LL Bean and for many people, the main reason to make the trip to Freeport.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Camden</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iGvKiEMf-1EWdXTXkdzjfWFv1lo61-kAcU2mDl2B6GlmvwYdfD_8pNq54bfsJ16PUnYqoe7qpGQWj1R1isprjafQlj4_xzbn5_WZvZVXOvSu0MRgwEQf5lFNw0zMEGo-ChzSOFFQ5hg/s1600/Freeport_maine_1439423285-300x225.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iGvKiEMf-1EWdXTXkdzjfWFv1lo61-kAcU2mDl2B6GlmvwYdfD_8pNq54bfsJ16PUnYqoe7qpGQWj1R1isprjafQlj4_xzbn5_WZvZVXOvSu0MRgwEQf5lFNw0zMEGo-ChzSOFFQ5hg/s400/Freeport_maine_1439423285-300x225.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />Camden is the home of Camden Hill State Park. If you are into hiking this is a great place to stop on Route 1. There is a small fee involved but you can opt to hike the tallest of the coastal mountains. If hiking isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the spectacular views from Mount Battle at the lookout on top of the mountain which is drivable. Besides Mount Battle, Mount Megunticook offers hikes from easy to challenging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Belfast</b><br /><br />If you are into sea kayaking, Belfast is a great place to stop. There are kayak rentals as well as several tour companies offering a variety of options for kayaking in Penobscot Bay.<br />Calais<br /><br />If you are looking for a place to play a little golf, Calais has a nine-hole course. If however, you want a better option, you will have to have your passport with you and cross over into New Brunswick where there are several options quite close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />Presque Isle</b><br /><br />This is the home Aroonstook State Park where you can enjoy a picnic, swim in a crystal clear lake, boat, canoe and paddle boats are available to rent. This is a very family friendly place to visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Van Buren Maine</b><br /><br />The home to the Acadian Village which celebrates the heritage of these displaced French Canadians who made their home here in northern Maine. Houses have been moved to the village from all over the area.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are up for taking a vacation of more than 700 miles, a drive on Scenic Route 1 in Maine will offer these attractions and many more. Take the drive and make enough memories to last a lifetime and fill several vacations.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-81771205469360597182021-10-11T03:00:00.000-07:002021-10-11T03:00:00.385-07:00Presidential Sites: Abraham Lincoln Home Springfield Ill<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Visiting Springfield, Ill. is a fascinating experience for anyone who is a history buff and especially those who have an <a href="https://isabelletravels.blogspot.com/2016/10/springfield-illinois-for-lincoln-lovers.html" target="_blank">interest</a> in Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 when Lincoln was elected president, he was living and practicing law in Springfield. He intended to return here when his second term of office was over. He came back to Springfield after his assassination to be buried here. His wife Mary, distraught and half-crazy with grief, never returned to the home they had shared. This may be a good thing because it remains pretty much as it was at the time that they left to go to Washington.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When the Lincolns purchased the house that you visit today, they had only one son, nine-month-old Robert. They would have three more sons, all born in this house. The home has 12 rooms and is what you would have expected a relatively successful Springfield lawyer to have in this time period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The home is now maintained by the National Park Service and is visited on a guided tour. You sign up for the tour which is free at the visitor center. The visitor center has two films that are worth watching and other displays relating to the Lincoln property and to his time in Springfield. We watched "Abraham Lincoln: A Journey to Greatness" which dealt with the arrival of Lincoln in Springfield in 1837 and the beginning of his career in this town. The other film is a tour of the house. They last between 20 and 25 minutes and run on the hour and half hour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In addition to the house visit and the visitor center, there are scheduled events on the property, it changes day to day and the meetings occur several times each day in the summertime. It might be a Union soldier who is available to speak with visitors as was the case during our visit but there are other options. They are listed on the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm" target="_blank">website</a> and takes place during the summer months only.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I visited in August and the temperature was in the upper 90's. The house and visitor center are air-conditioned so it was a treat to go inside. The house dates from 1839 and was originally built for Rev. Charles Dresser who was the minister who actually married Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln. Two years after their 1842 wedding, he sold them the house. Today the houses nearby are not occupied, it looks like a neighborhood but actually, it is not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The tour of the house takes about 20 minutes and you need to be able to climb stairs. Questions are encouraged and the more you engage your tour guide the more information they will impart. The guide that we had loved his job and with a little encouragement gave out a great deal of additional information. You will see Lincoln's bedrooms, the mirror that Mr. Lincoln used to shave in and the beds they slept in. The furniture is all original and the wallpaper, drapes, and carpets are to the period. The front parlor was a no children zone and it was where Mary loved to display her latest purchases. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Free parking is available on the street if you are lucky or there is a parking lot at the visitor center. The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm">Lincoln Home </a>is located within an easy walk of many of the other sites that you will want to visit in Springfield including his law office and the Old State Capital Building. As you walk the streets near the home you will definitely get the feeling that you are walking in the footsteps of the great man since he often walked to both of these destinations.</span><br />
<br />Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-62998702255652269872021-10-01T14:56:00.001-07:002021-10-01T14:56:00.270-07:00<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_jAzDx8PcS5aWG-BzbegRZ5v8wMVMZ0ysbCOvbwsnPSwHyjn96khXJtESf8J5usKvhVkUa-YF5yCKYpFPbdQe4AlKyA6O32lNyI-siImg_S_SqZB2e4HCT0LrCfOSnyS5xWvgqINVCs/s2048/james+river+plantations+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_jAzDx8PcS5aWG-BzbegRZ5v8wMVMZ0ysbCOvbwsnPSwHyjn96khXJtESf8J5usKvhVkUa-YF5yCKYpFPbdQe4AlKyA6O32lNyI-siImg_S_SqZB2e4HCT0LrCfOSnyS5xWvgqINVCs/w300-h400/james+river+plantations+019.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br />Shirley is one of the </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">James River plantations. It is called “Virginia’s First Plantation” because eleven generations of the same family have lived in the house. The original family name was Hill and in the fourth generation, Elizabeth Hill married John Carter and the house has been in the Carter family ever since. The original land grant given to Sir Thomas West, Baron de la Warr was named West and Sherley Hundred after his and his wife’s family names, she being Lady Cessalye Sherley. The name Shirley has stuck since 1613.</span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Captain Edward Hill was the first of the family to own the property in 1638. He married the widow of his neighbor and vastly enlarged his holdings. The first family home called Hill House was used by three generations of the Hill family. In the third generation, the eldest son died at the age of 16 and since the two eldest daughters were married and in England, Shirley Plantation went to the youngest daughter Elizabeth. Her husband John Carter was the son of the richest man in America, Robert “King” Carter. After their marriage, the building began for the plantation house that exists today.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The plantation is located down a long road lined with fields; it still appears in many ways to be farm country. We actually stopped and picked up a cotton ball that was still attached to a stem having never seen one before. After parking, you walk up to the gift store where you sign up for the tour of the house. You can visit the outbuildings before or after the house tour, there is no right or wrong way to tour.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our house guide’s name was Julian Charity and his love and devotion to Shirley were evident from the moment the tour began. You enter directly into the hall from the portico, there is no entrance. Originally almost all guests to the house would have arrived on the river so having the Great Hall on the landside is not the usual setup. We learned a lot about the history of the house in the Great Hall where there are some pictures of the early residents. The square-rigged flying staircase is of particular interest, it appears to be unsupported for three stories. It is original to the 1738 house so has been soaring under the weight of countless family members, visitors, and servants for over 270 years.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The tour of the interior of the house visits the first floor, the current family lives on the upper floors. The ceilings in the house are tall ranging from 11.5 feet on the first floor to nine on the third story. From the Great Hall, the tour moves to the parlor which faces the river. The parlor was removed in 1771 and wonderful woodwork which is still very much in evidence was added. The parlor was also the place where many family events took place. One of particular interest to history buffs was the marriage of Ann Hill Carter to Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee who had a rather famous son, Robert E. Lee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Shirley Plantation survived the Civil War literally unscathed but it wasn’t because of its connection to the Lee family, rather it was the women of the house who helped injured Union soldiers who were camped on the grounds of Shirley that led to the order to not hurt the women or the house. Two additional rooms are visited on the tour, the dining room, and a first-floor bedroom. The tour takes between 30 and 40 minutes depending on the number of people, questions asked, and how busy it is. In January, our group was the only ones on the tour and the property so it was a bit longer.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Randy Carter joined us at the completion of the house tour to add some information about the grounds and the running of the property today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show “Turn” filmed some scenes on the grounds and in the house at Shirley. The kitchen is certainly interesting and located at a distance from the house to protect it from fire danger. There is also the ice house, smokehouse, laundry, stable, corn crib, pump house, storehouse, and dovecote. The willow oak is a beautiful old tree and there are gardens that were not worth a visit in January. Be sure to browse in Lady Cessalye’s Shop which offers a nice selection of items related to the house and Virginia.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5Se1hhoAe_E9TpSObN0SPILrLt9ION0VWW60ENutdcubL1h7ikNjqBH5eX8SAbThb2R_mx0Ri9zZeVuF3v4MYYjL1VeyvntuIoKKNuiSEqpbxbHPeL8Deqg8RZf_YvOTmO_-USBPopg/s2048/james+river+plantations+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5Se1hhoAe_E9TpSObN0SPILrLt9ION0VWW60ENutdcubL1h7ikNjqBH5eX8SAbThb2R_mx0Ri9zZeVuF3v4MYYjL1VeyvntuIoKKNuiSEqpbxbHPeL8Deqg8RZf_YvOTmO_-USBPopg/s320/james+river+plantations+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><a name="_GoBack"></a></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A visit to <a href="http://www.shirleyplantation.com/">Shirley Plantation </a>is a lesson in Virginia history. The Hill and the Carter family were all politically active and involved in some of the most exciting and traumatic times in American history.</span></p>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-63884002001170811022021-08-16T03:00:00.000-07:002021-08-16T03:00:00.179-07:00The Stunning Inn at 835 Springfield, Ill.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOIvahfiUIWu6M90buurzgz2oyHqlDkHRSTVZljNtMZiCPvphbXLfT2bHz3NTkFGxS5viHE-xVN5egoPAYrbV-CIWVOOLs1hmvRSSMEgHhHCxUXrT_CSrc0Xqs-IUIi7XFaJKNoiGorw/s1600/Inn+at+835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOIvahfiUIWu6M90buurzgz2oyHqlDkHRSTVZljNtMZiCPvphbXLfT2bHz3NTkFGxS5viHE-xVN5egoPAYrbV-CIWVOOLs1hmvRSSMEgHhHCxUXrT_CSrc0Xqs-IUIi7XFaJKNoiGorw/s400/Inn+at+835.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Inn at 835 is a stunning bed and breakfast located in Springfield, Ill. which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn was designed by George Helmlebuilt and built in 1909 during the Arts and Crafts movement. It was one of Springfield’s first modern apartment buildings. The original design was for six apartments of about 2,000 sq. feet each. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The building had all the modern amenities, private baths, central heating and half gas/half electric lighting. It was a woman, Miss Belle Miller, who owned the building and hired the architect to create the quality building that she dreamed of. She was very proud of what she created and there are some who say she has never left the building. Today, the inn consists of 13 luxurious rooms and suites.<br /><br />The Rose Suite is an amazing room on the 3rd floor. It faces the front of the building and has two large windows. A door provides access to a balcony shared with one other room. A table and chairs allow you to enjoy the outdoor space. The bed is a massive king with four posters and curtains. Tons of decorative pillows adorn the bed and the bedding and curtains are lush, combining gold and crimson very elegantly. It is the epitome of luxury and comfort.<br /><br />The room also has a seating area with a gas fireplace and two wing chairs with a table between. The TV sits on an antique bureau facing the chairs. The floors are wood with an oriental rug for warmth. A stereo is available if you want romantic background music and there are loads of TV channels.<br /><br />The bathroom is a show stopper. We just walked in and went oh my, oh my. A huge Jacuzzi tub, an armoire that holds the robes, a very pretty mission style vanity and the piece de resistance, a two-person shower with glass block walls. It was the most amazing bathroom we have ever seen and we have seen a few. The Jacuzzi tub came with herbal salts which were welcome after a long day walking around in the heat.<br /><br />A basket appeared on our doorknob around 8 p.m. with four sugar cookies in it. They were still warm from the oven, what a nice treat. After a leisurely soak, sitting watching TV in my Inn at 835 bathrobe, eating cookies and drinking a cup of decaf was a perfect way to end the day.<br /><br />Public rooms are located on the first floor. A lovely parlor where, if you are interested, you can look at the photo album showing the renovation that went into this building in 1996 and 1997. A formal dining room, as well as, the breakfast room is nearby. Breakfast is served from 7-9 a.m. during the week and 8-10 a.m. on the weekend. Cold cereal is available if you want and then your juice, coffee or tea and a hot entree are delivered to your table. On the morning we were there it was scrambled eggs, a sausage patty, and blueberry pancakes. The chef is a great cook and friendly as well.<br /><br />In the afternoon from 5-7 p.m. wine, as well as cheese and crackers, are available in the first-floor hallway. Coffee is available there at other times. On the third floor, a guest pantry is available where you use the honor system to help yourself to cold drinks and snacks. Prices are very reasonable. Rooms come furnished with a coffee maker.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.innat835.com/">The Inn at 835</a> provides free internet access and parking adjacent to the building. The location is within walking distance of the capital building and convenient to everything else including the <a href="http://isabelletravels.blogspot.com/2016/10/dana-thomas-house-springfield-illinois.html" target="_blank">Dana-Thomas House.</a> This is such a beautiful, friendly and romantic place to stay and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a place to stay that is beyond anything they can imagine.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-37931289044547262342021-07-26T03:00:00.000-07:002021-07-26T03:00:00.157-07:00Presidential Sites: A Visit to the Adams National Historic Park Quincy, Mass. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have been fascinated by the love story of John and Abigail Adams ever since I read the book Those Who Love by Irving Stone 40 years ago. I decided that I really had to visit the Adams National Historic Park in Quincy, Mass. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">John and Abigail Adams seem in many ways to be an odd pairing. John, well John was opinionated and difficult and a bit of a hypochondriac and Abby was outgoing and way too smart for a woman. Actually just how smart she was is proven by her marriage to John, who was perhaps the only man in Colonial America who was appreciative of her sound advice and financial expertise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No shrinking violet Abby, she used her very considerable skills as a businesswoman to keep her husband's interests from failing and to supply him with the funds he needed to survive in Europe during his several appointments there.<br /><br />A visit to the Adams Historic site involves three houses that you get to visit. The first two are the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams. They are the two oldest presidential birthplaces in the US. The first house was purchased by John Adams's father Deacon John Adams in 1720. Originally it had six acres of land and was a two over two construction. It is furnished with period pieces, but not original Adams pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />We begin the tour in Susanna Boylston Adams kitchen. They were not a wealthy family so Susanna would have done her own cooking over an open fire in the kitchen. In order to know how long to cook certain things they would sing a song or recite a verse the right length, pretty inventive I thought. John Adams wanted to be a farmer when he was young but his love of books won out and he attended Harvard and became a lawyer.<br /><br />I was much more interested in John Quincy Adams birthplace. This is the house where Abby and John lived and had their children. But what really interested me was the parlor. It is the home of the original desk where Abby wrote all the wonderful letters to John, many of which have survived. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While he was away on his lawyer circuit, while he was in Philadelphia, in Paris and London, their letters are one of the best historical records of the times, especially at the ground level. We get her view of events as they transpired. She watched the battle of Bunker Hill from a hillside in Quincy. She was always hungry for information about what is going on in negotiations wherever John was. We also get John’s view on some of the other great figures of the time. He was not a big Ben Franklin fan. It is a simple house by today’s standards and small, the Adams were always struggling to pay their bills.<br /><br />The third house called Old House is a much larger house and it was here that the Adams came after John returned from England. It is built in the Southern style, and Abby had her uncle buy it while they were still in Europe. It was not nearly as well kept as Abby remembered, and required quite a lot to get it into shape. John Quincy Adams lived here until the end of his life and changed it from a farmhouse to a country estate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The last Adams family members to live here were the grandchildren of John Quincy. It is furnished with original Adams furniture and that alone makes the visit worthwhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can also visit John Quincy’s library which is fabulous. John Adams had 4,000 books when he died, 3,000 were sent to the Boston Public library, John Quincy added an additional 12,000 books. It is now managed by the National Park Service and security is very tight. All three of the houses must be visited on tours that are conducted by the park service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 2017 256,000 people toured the houses. Visits to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/adam/index.htm">Adams National Historic Park</a> the visitor center where a trolley provides transportation. The number of people is managed so you need to get your tickets early. The last trolley leaves the visitor center at 3 p.m. Allow 2 to 2 ½ hours to visit the three houses. a carriage house that may be visited.</span></div>
Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-20136448469212741662021-07-12T03:00:00.000-07:002021-07-12T03:00:00.148-07:00Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Brookline, Mass.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Located just one mile from the Boston Fine Arts Museum, The Holiday Inn Brookline is the perfect location, just outside the center city and easily accessible from the Mass. Turnpike. The hotel provides very good directions on their website. The T runs right up Beacon Street with a stop directly in front of the hotel. The hotel has its own parking garage, as these cost change frequently, check with them at the time you plan to visit.<br /><br />I have to admit I had serious doubts after I booked this hotel for a ridiculously low price on one of the discount sites. Trip Advisor had some scathing reviews, which only deepened my doubt. Relax, this hotel is just fine and an excellent bargain to boot.<br /><br />One of the complaints was about the smell of chlorine from the pool. We had room 189, which was located right next to the hot tub and adjacent to the pool. No problem whatsoever. Yes, you can smell chlorine when you walk by the pool, that is a good thing. In our room nothing. If you want to use them you call the front desk and it is then unlocked. I loved that because we had the hot tub all to ourselves.<br /><br />Our room had a king size bed, very comfortable, and with feather pillows optional. It was a very good size room with a desk, chair, table, and good lighting. Everything was very clean and in good repair. I have not one disparaging thing to say. No, we didn’t have a view from our window (another Trip Advisor complaint) but there was a flower box to compensate. Do I wish they had a deeper tub, you bet but I can live with just taking a shower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />The small gym is located right behind the pool area, which you can access with your room key card. They had cardio and weight machines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />You can choose to eat in the hotel, there are a restaurant and a lounge. We stopped at the lounge Saturday evening for a drink Our bartender was a charming Irishman who gave us good service but did fail to offer us a bowl of pretzels. Just as well, I suppose, since we shouldn’t be eating them anyway.<br /><br />The breakfast buffet that the hotel offers is quite good and has an omelet bar. It offered a variety of cereal, bread, fruit, yogurt, bacon, and sausage, pancakes, and potatoes. Your waiter will deliver your juice and coffee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Overall I was very impressed with everything at the <a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/brookline/bklma/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-US-_-BKLMA#scmisc=nav_hoteldetail_hi">Holiday Inn Brookline</a> and I have actually bought another visit. Where else could I stay for under $100?</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-56253818938008309562021-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:002021-06-28T03:00:00.153-07:00Presidential Sites: John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Brookline, Mass<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Having spent Saturday visiting the Adams family sites in Quincy, it seemed important to add one more president to our weekend. Finding the house on Beal Street was a challenge. It is very poorly signed and we kept going around in circles. I am sure if Google Maps will help but I would give it a try.<br /><br />Once you are on Beal St. you will be surprised by the street itself. It isn’t filled with mansions or large fancy houses. It almost looks like an urban working class neighborhood. There is a marker in front of the house and you can park along the street. This is a real neighborhood so please be aware of not blocking someone’s driveway.<br /><br />What you will find most striking is that this is a real family home, you can imagine raising your own family in a very similar house. The entrance is around the back in the basement. There is an introductory film that runs about 15 minutes. The film is narrated by Rose and she talks about raising her nine children. This house is about Rose and her life as much as about Jack Kennedy.<br /><br />Rose Fitzgerald was the daughter of the mayor of Boston. Her father Honey Fitz was the son of famine immigrants, and the first son of Irish immigrants to be elected mayor of any city. At 17 Rose wanted to attend Wesley College, but her father refused permission because it wasn’t a Catholic college.<br /><br />She and Joe had a 7-year courtship. They married in 1914 and five of their children were born in this house.<br /><br />Rose was very organized. She had a card file on each of her none children, this way she had all their information at her fingertips. She trained them from birth that those who had a lot owed a lot. Service was one thing that all the Kennedy children understood.<br /><br />After watching the video you will be taken on a guided tour of the first and second floor of the house. It is every bit a family home with toys on display and comfortable not overly formal furniture. The Kennedy’s had money though, they had two live-in servants--a cook, and a nanny. We get to see the parlor where Rose darned socks, Joe read the newspaper, and the children played.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The children had a strict upbringing. Rose believed in healthy living and Joe expected his children to be able to participate in dinner conversation. They were encouraged to know about current events and were groomed to be articulate. It is obvious when you listen to any of them speak that they were born to public service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You will see the room where Rose gave birth to the future president and also the room where he spent his early years. You need to be able to climb stairs to visit here. I highly recommend a visit to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jofi/index.htm">John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site</a> for anyone who remembers Camelot or who wishes they did.</span><br />
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Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637124734950550327.post-85052928020374156402021-06-14T03:00:00.000-07:002021-06-14T03:00:00.171-07:00Presidential Sites: United First Parish Church Quincy, Mass.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now a Unitarian Church, <a href="http://www.ufpc.org/">United First Parish Church</a> was Congregational when John and Abigail were buried here. Like many of our early leaders, John's leanings would have fit in very nicely with the direction the church has gone. The present church was built in 1828 but it has been a congregation for over 350 years and has had several different buildings (the current is the second stone church) and at least two different locations.<br /><br />Today you will find the burial place of both Adams presidents and their wives in the crypt. While we were waiting for one tour to end we sat in the rear of the church. What we learned there was a little about the history of the town of Quincy, which began its life as the north precinct of the town of Braintree. Each of the suburban Boston towns had its own charter and by 1640 each was looking to form its own church since attendance was mandatory in Massachusetts Colony.<br /><br />John Hancock was born in Braintree and both he and John Adams were baptized by Rev. Hancock. In 1792 the town received its name of Quincy, after Abby’s grandfather. Now you starting to get a picture of just how much a part of the Massachusetts fabric these two families were, think of the names of some of the towns Adams, Quincy, Boylston just to name a few.<br /><br />We sat in the Adams family pew while our docent gave us our verbal tour of the church. The pews are the original ones, there is a mahogany pulpit and some of the glass is the wavy original. The ceiling is beautiful with a passion flower in the center. Two plaques in the church are dedicated to the Adams family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One interesting fact that I took from this tour was that "It came upon the Midnight Clear" was sung in this church for the first time ever in 1849. A bit of trivia that might come in useful.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What most people come here for is to visit the graves of the second and sixth presidents and their first ladies. John and Abigail were buried first in the cemetery across the street but were later moved into the more secure crypt of the church.</span>Isabelle Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16370099636686796860noreply@blogger.com0