Reynolda House is the home that Katherine Smith Reynolds built in Winston-Salem. She was the wife of tobacco baron R.J. Reynolds. Theirs is a unique love story, a May-December romance of the owner of the company and his private secretary who together planned and built the house that they would refer to as "the bungalow."
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At the time, it was unusual to have the deed for the house strictly in a woman's name, it is very telling of their relationship. Katherine was college educated and R.J. respected and admired her mind and her ability to think clearly. In the case of Reynolda House, she had a clear vision of a self-sustaining home where everything they would need would be produced on the estate.
Charles Barton Keen was the architect for the house, the farm and the village which gives the estate a unified appearance. The style of the house reflects the style of the times it was built in. It is Arts and Crafts with a little Colonial Revival thrown in. Craftsmen moved into the village and farmers worked the farm. Everything they needed was right here at Reynolda including a school and a church.
The family moved into the house in 1917. The interlude was short; R.J died 7 months after they moved in. Four years later Katherine married the principal of the school in the village and she herself died in childbirth 3 years later. It was the end of an era.
The stewardship of the house passed to daughter Mary Reynolds Babcock and then to granddaughter Barbara Babcock Millhouse. It was Barbara who began the art collection that is so much a part of Reynolda House today.
Enough about the history, let's get on to visiting the house. There is plenty of parking both regular and handicapped. The entrance fee is $18 for adults but there are also discounts available for seniors, AAA, and children. A headphone tour is included in the price of admission.
The first stop is an orientation center where you can watch an 11-minute video that tells you the background story of the house. Large wall plaques provide information and pictures that you can read and there are phones where you can listen to firsthand accounts about the family and the house.
The house was opened for tours in 1967 and the public immediately came to love the house and its amazing collection of art. We went on a private tour of the house on February 1, 2011. Sharyn Turner from their Public Relations Department gave us a wonderful hour-long tour and introduced us to this lovely house. A note for anyone visiting, there is an elevator which makes this home accessible for people with disabilities.
The house is decorated much as it would have been in 1917. Structural changes have been made to the house and a few other things are different but overall you get a very World War I time period feel. The butler's pantry is very interesting, certainly one of the largest I have ever personally seen.
A few things, in particular, are of interest to visitors. A huge Aeolian Organ in the home provides concerts for guests on some Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The costume collection which has many pieces that belong to Katherine Reynolds and her daughters is also interesting. Of special note are the hats and shoes and a nice selection of children's clothing. A great collection of toys that belonged to the children of the house is on display. Keep your eyes open for the Sonia Henie doll. I will give you a tip, she is near Charlie McCarthy.
A trip to the basement of Reynolda House is an eye-opener. There is a shooting gallery, a squash court, a bowling alley, a great bar area and an indoor pool. While it is obvious that this is a mansion, this part of the house feels like a family home.
We were particularly interested in the important collection of American Art that Barbara Millhouse bought for the house Paintings by Frederick Church, Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Hart Benton among others are displayed around the house in a natural setting.
A new wing was opened in 2005 and this gave them some much-needed gallery space. They hold two exhibitions a year and have classes for children their parents every month to introduce them to art.
Gardens, as well as much more, are open to visit and of course a great gift shop. On the way out of the estate, you will drive into Reynolda Village. A variety of very upscale shops and a few places to eat are located there. It is worth just looking around to appreciate the concept of the self-sustaining estate.
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Chattanooga has reinvented itself. It has gone from being a rundown industrial city to a lively center for arts and entertainment. There is a lot of history in Chattanooga and you can become part of it during your visit.
Chattanooga was the site of some fierce fighting during the Civil War. It was a vital link in the supply chain of the Southern states and the Confederate Army. From early in the War Lincoln was aware of what an important city this was for the Union army to gain control of. The Confederacy was also aware of its importance and made every effort to secure it from the Union.
By 1863 the Union was in a position to make a concerted effort to take control. There were two major battles in the area, Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. As you can well imagine a mountain, especially one called Lookout Mountain, would be an advantage to both sides in a conflict. One of the reasons to take the Lookout Mountain Incline is to get to Point Park. This is maintained by the National Park Service.
A visitor center greets you at Point Park which explains the significance of the Battle for Chattanooga. This is explained with displays and a short video. You also need to buy your ticket to get into Point Park, this is not one of the free Park Department locations. It is inexpensive, $3 for adults but you will want to do it. The view is excellent and the monument erected to commemorate both the Union and the Confederate troops who fought here is unique in the fact that they are shown shaking hands on the top of the monument.
Today getting to the top of Lookout Mountain is much easier than it was during the Civil War. Opened in 1895 the Incline Railway is the steepest incline in the world, at some points 72 degrees, which is very steep indeed. There are two cars that both leave their respective stations at the same time, when they meet in the middle the conductors change cars and go back to the station they came from. Going up seems steeper but getting on the car at the upper station is a production since unlike other inclines no attempt is made to keep you level, you have to climb down into the car, you have to see it to understand but it is tricky.
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The track is one mile from top to bottom and it cost $15 round trip for adults, $7 for children aged 3-12 when we were there. There is a running narrative on the incline that plays while you go up and another one on the way down. One thing we learned was that when there is snow or ice the people who live on Lookout Mountain take the incline to get down the mountain. We didn't drive the road up but I can well imagine that it is steep.
Gift stores are located at both the top and the bottom of the incline and they have a large free parking lot at the bottom. It is a little walk to Point Park at the top but most of it has sidewalks. This is an experience that should not be missed if you are visiting Chattanooga. The views from the top are spectacular.
Back Bay is a very popular and affluent neighborhood in Boston. It includes the Prudential Center, Copley Square, Newbury Street and the Colonnade Hotel.
If you want to be at the epicenter of great shopping and nightlife then this is the perfect hotel choice. Part of the Preferred Hotel Group this venerable boutique hotel has been offering quality digs in Bean town for the last forty plus years. It has undergone a major renovation and everything is very modern and very sleek.
The lobby is designed to impress with lots of marble and a modern style. You will find the desk staff to be cordial and willing to answer your questions about what to do and see in the area as well as where to dine. You won’t have any complaints about the elevators either they are very fast and spacious.
While the standard rooms are not large, they have all the amenities that any discriminating traveler could want. Our room had bedding done is brown and white with a boutique feel. A row of pillows lined the headboard.
The mattress had a pillow top and was distinctly cushy and we slept very well even though we were unimpressed by the soundproofing in our room, it could be improved upon. We were able to hear noises from the hall due to the ill-fitting exterior door.
Our room had two beds since we were traveling with our teenage granddaughter. We had to share the small bathroom which was, however, attractively outfitted with good lighting and a marble vanity. Plenty of push towels were provided as well as two robes in the spacious closet. If you want to bring home a souvenir, you will love the duck that is provided to float in your bath.
We got an excellent bargain on our room rate, you will find that on average the prices are typical for a city hotel in a great area. Try to get free parking or breakfast included in your rate. The hotel does not have its own parking but a parking garage is located next door and it has direct access to the hotel.
We ordered room service which greatly impressed our granddaughter. Prices for this are typical for the area. We had breakfast delivered and were completely satisfied. The hotel does have a restaurant as well but we didn't eat in it.
With its location in the Back Bay area of Boston, you will be able to walk to some attractions and certainly can walk to some great shopping. We chose to take a cab on the way out and the T on the way back. The T stop is just 100 feet from the hotel.
From the Colonnade Hotel you will head to The Freedom Trail or Quincy Market on the inbound and to the Gardner Museum or Fenway on the outbound.
If you like boutique hotels with style, the Colonnade is an excellent choice. While it is not quite in the most historic area of town, it has its own attractions, especially shopping on Newbury Street.
If you are looking for a hotel "near" Boston but would like to avoid the horrible traffic, this is an excellent choice. Located overlooking the Charles River in Newton, The Boston Marriott Newton is set just off of the I-95 and we encountered no traffic whatsoever. The downside is that we had to drive quite far to find a restaurant. But, the one we found was so good that the drive was well worth it.
I liked pretty much everything about this hotel. The one area that I found weak was when I asked the front desk for a list of hotels that offer delivery to the hotel, which I have done at countless other Marriotts, I was handed three menus. Three choices does not a list make!! You can eat in the hotel, the bar offers food and there is a restaurant. I assume this is what they want you to do!!
I was there for a genealogy conference which was held in the ballroom and other conference rooms. Other than being freezing cold, the facilities were exceptional. It was a smaller conference with only 350 attendees but very well organized.
You enter the hotel on level four, it is built into a hill. Having the lobby on the 4th floor confused everyone pretty much but it worked for us since our room was on the same floor. We had two queen beds, a chair not at the desk and a comfortable chair at the desk. The TV was huge. We also had a small fridge and coffee maker but no microwave which was a bummer.
The beds had all white bedding and were very comfortable. Lots of pillows made for a good night's sleep. I like the extra plugs that were located on the shared nightstand.
Our room overlooked the parking lot which wasn't all bad as Kathy's car was basically right outside and we had an easy entrance and exit nearby.
The bathroom had a large shower with rain head. The bathroom, however, was petite, very petite.
The food overall was a weak point, the onion soup we had was alright but nothing to write home about. The Bloody Mary, however, was outstanding. Mine was $7 and a virgin but excellent. I had two, lol. The conference had a continental breakfast and the muffins were tasty but the lunch sandwiches I found to be subpar.
Normally, parking costs $11 a night, it was included in our conference rate and the Internet also is not free but I am a silver member so it was included.
I would love to come back to this hotel. It would be convenient for some of the outside of Boston things I want to do like visit the National Archives in Waltham.
Visiting the border region of Scotland and England offers lots of historic option. Jedburgh Abbey, Hadrian's Wall, Flodden Field and Floors Castle. You can stay at a variety of bed and breakfast, hotels, country inns and guest houses or you can stay in a self-catering cottage and not only have more space but also spend less money.
The Border Area covers both Scotland and England and there are self-catering units on both sides of the border. If you are looking for a vacation rental on the England/Scotland border, here are a few options for you to consider. Whether you want a family sized unit or a cottage for two, you will be sure to find what you are looking for.
England
For a small family or a couple, or two couples willing to have separate cottages, Lilliestead Cottages offers two former workers cottages that have been converted into self-catering units. They have been furnished comfortably and you will find a fully equipped kitchen, a living room to relax in and modern bathroom with a bathtub with an overhead shower.
The heat and electricity are included as are the bed linens. The cottages come equipped with a washing machine.
East Cottage has a fireplace and two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with a single bed. West Cottage has one bedroom and the couch in the living room that can sleep one.
From this location near Berwick on Tweed, you can drive all over the border area easily.
Scotland
If you are looking for a five-star cottage in the perfect location between Berwick on Tweed and Kelso Lazydays Cottages may be just what you are looking for. These are modern log cottages with open floor plans and all the modern conveniences. There are three separate cottages, each with two bedrooms, each of which has its own private bathroom. For the ultimate in relaxation, there is an onsite hot tub as well as a Finnish sauna.
The cottages themselves have gorgeous, the master bedroom has a tiled bathroom with a huge tub and the second bedroom has a large walk-in shower. The walls are log throughout and the decor is warm and comfortable. All the cottages are fully equipped with everything you might need to make your vacation comfortable including plasma TV. They are all a little different but equally comfortable. Washers and dryers are available.
Family Cottage
Finding the perfect family accommodation is not always easy. In the Scottish border area, there are some that will fit your needs but Glenview Cottage is among the best.
They are family and dog-friendly yet offer a level of luxury that will guarantee that your stay is comfortable. There are three beds, two of them with their own bathrooms and the sofa in the living room can sleep another two for a total of 8.
A welcome pack awaits visitors on arrival to get you started. The cottage has a great location right off the village green in the small town of Kirk Yetholm. You will be able to walk out to get something to eat at the local pub or to visit the village shops which are a half mile away.
The standard is very high here. The bathrooms have heated travertine tile floors and there are open fires in the lounges. You will even find a bathrobe to relax in. The kitchen is open and gorgeous with a center island and all the appliances you need to cook and clean easily. The house is historic and offers lots of space for families. The location is convenient to Kelso and all the other border attractions.
If you are planning a vacation or a getaway to the Border area of England and Scotland, self-catering is an excellent option. These are just a few of the choices that are available.
Whitehall is one of the best-known districts in the city of London. It gets a lot of press coverage on any given day due to the activities that take place there. The district of Whitehall begins at Trafalgar Square and ends at Westminster. It is an amazingly interesting area which has a long history. Let's talk about some of the places of interest in London's Whitehall District.
The area is named after the Palace of Whitehall. It was the home of the English monarch for centuries. All that changed when the palace was destroyed by fire in 1698. Today, the one remaining portion of that palace which survived the fire is still located on Whitehall Street. There are many government buildings in this area including the Prime Minister's home. The number 11 bus is a good choice to visit all the places of interest on Whitehall Street and in the district of Whitehall.
The Horse Guard building is located on Whitehall Street. It is the home of the troops who are technically in charge of protecting the Queen. Two of them are on duty, sitting on their horses, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. If you want to avoid the crowds that congregate at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard, you can come here and watch a smaller, much less crowded version. The color of the uniforms will identify which regiment the guards belong to. Life Guards wear red and the Blues and Royals wear blue.
The Banqueting House is the one remaining piece of Whitehall Palace. It is much younger than the palace which was destroyed having been commissioned by James I to replace one destroyed in a 1619 fire. Completed in 1622, it was designed by Inigo Jones in the Italian High Renaissance style. It became the center of the court and the place where banquets and theatricals were held. Later, from this room, King Charles I stepped out of the window to his death on the scaffold. The ceiling in the room was painted by Rubens and one of the thrills of visiting here today is getting to view this ceiling. It can be seen in more detail with the rolling mirror that is provided in the room.
Downing Street, which holds the home of the prime minister at Number 10, is off of Whitehall Street. The street is blocked so that the average person can’t just walk up to 10 Downing Street and ring the doorbell. You can, however, get a pretty good look at it from the barricade. If you are patient, you might just get a glimpse of the prime minister.
If you are going to be in London in November and want to catch a glimpse of the Queen, there is one place she is guaranteed to be. On Remembrance Day, the Sunday nearest November 11th, she will place a wreath at the Cenotaph on Whitehall Street. It is a memorial to the fallen soldiers in the two World Wars. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is constructed of Portland Stone. It sits in the middle of the road so it is hard to miss.
Given the fact that so many government buildings are located on Whitehall Street and in the Whitehall District, it is not surprising that there is also a wide selection of restaurants and bars in the area. Take the time to walk up the street, enjoy the sites, visit the important places and then sit down and enjoy watching the real business of government taking place over a meal or a pint. It is a not to be missed experience.
