Virginia: Boar's Head Inn for the holidays Charlottesville

With colorful leaves swirling around Charlottesville, it’s time to start planning ahead for the holiday events that are coming up starting right after Thanksgiving. If you haven’t already made your reservations, it’s not too late to get tickets to most of these events.

The Christmas Season kicks off on November 25 with the Boar’s Head Inn Store open house from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Carolers will begin performing at 5:00 p.m. followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at approx. 5:20. Santa will light the Christmas tree on the front lawn at 5:30 p.m.



Families and children may take a complimentary carriage ride following the tree lighting from 6-8 p.m. and photos with Santa are offered in the Pavilion. Hot cocoa and cookies under the Main Inn portico will be and of course, dinner is offered in the AAA Four Diamond Old Mill Room Restaurant. Guests are encouraged to walk around the property and enjoy the fire pits that will provide a warm welcome.

Come early on Friday, November 25th, so that you can take a sneak peek at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen tree in the pavilion. Maps for the self-guided Tree Tour can be picked up at the Inn Store.


Enjoy Holiday Tea from December 1-30 every day except Christmas Day in the Old Mill Room of the inn from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Indulge in tea sandwiches, warm scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and orange marmalade and tea sweets. A selection of teas is available.


If you have always wanted to make a gingerbread house but didn’t know where to start, join Mrs. Claus and the Boar’s Head Inn pastry chef on Sunday, November 27, December 4, 11 and 18. Reservations are required. This is a unique opportunity to design and create your own masterpiece.

Breakfast with Santa is also available but almost totally sold out. There are still some spots available for November 28.

A full schedule of events awaits locals and visitors alike and don’t forget to visit the store at the Inn for a great selection of Christmas gift and decorating items.

Vermont: New England getaways Shelburne

Shelburne Vermont is located on the shores of Lake Champlain which of course means that in the last days of summer and early fall, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to keep the whole family occupied but it also has all the makings of a great romantic getaway.

Getting to Shelburne

Shelburne is located on Route 7 which means you can come straight up Route 7 from western MA and Connecticut. This is what can be called the scenic route. If you are in a hurry and would rather not meander then you can take Interstate 91 to route 89 and then do a little scenic driving.

Staying in Shelburne

If you want to stay in a chain hotel you can choose the Quality Inn, The Days Inn or the Econo Lodge. In Shelburne, there are two motels, The T-Bird Motor Inn which is a modern motor inn with all the amenities that you would want including non-smoking rooms and either two double beds or two queen sized beds. Another option is the Countryside Motel which also offers doubles or queens and is also well located. For something a little special, the Inn at Shelburne Farms offers luxurious accommodations. If you want a comfortable country bed and breakfast Elliot House is an excellent choice.  

What to do

Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum is a one of kind sort of place. There are 39 buildings which house an art, folk art, and decorative arts collection that is as diverse as it is exciting. There are marvelous gardens and lots of things to see and do. You can walk around the entire grounds on your own or there is a bus which has several stops around the property. There is a restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a bite to eat. You can spend an entire day here.

Shelburne Farm

Shelburne Farms is a working farm that has a lot for you to do and see. There is a children's farmyard, you can watch them make cheese and you can enjoy a delicious lunch. If the kids have a lot of pent-up energy, there is a lot of open space for them to run around and enjoy the outdoors.

Vermont Teddy Bear Company

You might think that this is just for the kids but the tour is a lot of fun even for adults. There is a hospital where injured teddy bears can be sent to be repaired. You can order a custom teddy bear and you will see everything that goes into producing their very special teddy bears. Of course, there is a store where you can shop for that very special bear and there is also a make a bear area where the kids can make a friend to take home.

When you are ready to take a paddle boat ride on Lake Champlain or rent a boat or a kayak, you head a little north to Burlington and everything you could possibly want is available.

Shelburne Vermont is a delightful place to get away for a week or a long weekend. It is a popular summer destination  but is very enjoyable in the off-season.

Fun Facts about the Mill Mountain Star Roanoke, Va.

Located atop Mill Mountain, it is hard not to notice the huge star shining above the city. It is an easy 115-minute drive from downtown Roanoke up the hill. While the view of the star is better from below, the outlook that was created in front of the star offers spectacular views of the city of Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The star is illuminated every day until midnight. Usually, it shines white but it can be red white and blue for special occasions and memorials.


Parking is free and facilities are located at the top. Picnicking and hiking are available on Mill Mountain and the Mill Mountain Zoo and Discovery Center are also on the top of the mountain.


Blue Ridge Parkway signpost 120 is nearby and offers an additional way to get to Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star.

Fun Facts about the star:

· Height of star – 88.5 feet


· Weight of star – 10,000 pounds


· Height above sea level – 1,847 feet


· Height above the city – 1,045 feet


· Visibility from the air – 60 miles


· Building cost – $28,000


· World’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star


· Illuminated by 2,000 feet of neon tubing


· First illuminated November 23, 1949

If you are planning a visit to Roanoke, be sure to allow enough time to take a drive up the mountain and enjoy the unparalleled views of the city and the Shenandoah Mountains offered from Mill Mountain. The Mill Mountain Star is one of the most popular local attractions.

Hotel review: Lambert Hotel, Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire

The Lambert Hotel is a former Georgian coaching inn that has been restored and converted into a lovely place to stay along the M-40 just a short drive from Oxford. It is located off of exit 6 and is visible if you are coming from Oxford.

The front of the main building is everything you could want in a romantic looking country inn. Looking Tudor being white and black, it is not nearly that old but rather mid-Victorian. There is an additional brick building behind which houses the majority of rooms. Nine are located within the inn and are the superior rooms. The inn sells itself as a wedding venue for up to 120 people and there are event rooms as well.

Rooms are on two floors and there is an elevator, so don't worry about having to carry your luggage. Plenty of free parking is available not far from the room. The room had two twin beds put together as a king size. A plasma TV was on the wall with a nice selection of channels. Two chairs flank a small table that holds a tea tray with biscuits and tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

The room also has a desk with Internet connection which is complimentary. The wireless, however, only works in the lobby and the restaurant not in the rooms. Two bottles of water are provided on the desk as well as the information book about available services as well as what to visit in the area, there is a lot.

The room is spacious, not just in British terms but in American terms. It has additional furniture in the form of an armoire and two-night stands and an additional small table. Plenty of lights and electric plugs are also offered. The rooms were immaculate, the floors were carpeted and the overall, the decor was warm. There were three mirrors as well, one in the bathroom, a full length on the wall and one over the desk.

The bathroom has a large deep tub, pedestal sink and is also spacious. The shampoo and conditioner are good enough to take with you and use again.

The dining room has one rosette. Dinner was an excellent experience even though the fish and chips were a bit heavy with grease. The dessert sampler, however, is excellent and worth getting.

Breakfast is served during the week between 7-9 a.m., it is included in the price but it is Continental. If you want a hot meal, there is an additional charge. The Continental is a buffet. It offers cold meats and cheeses, fruit, bread to toast, cereal and yogurt. Plenty of food is provided but it is disappointing to not get hot food for the rates that are charged for the rooms here.

The dining staff in the evening was wonderful. The desk staff in the evening was not knowledgeable and needs to get additional training. If you are looking for a place to stay close to the A-40 this hotel is well- located and comfortable but not as special you might expect from the website.

Hotel Review: Residence Inn Newark, Delaware

Located about an hour and a half from Washington and two hours from New York City, Newark, Del. is a convenient stop when heading up and down the east coast on I-95. There are a number of hotels off of exit 3 among them the Residence Inn. It is located close to the highway, less than a mile drive and actually, the buildings are located so close to I-95 that you can see and hear the traffic from the rooms. This hotel might not be ideal for a light sleeper; we, on the other hand, have stayed here before and had no problem sleeping soundly.



There are a variety of accommodation styles like most Residence Inns. This particular one is an older style with all exterior entrances. They offer studio, as well as one and two-bedroom units. The two bedroom units are in the loft style with a king size bedded room on the first floor and the second bedroom with a queen bed upstairs. Both bedrooms have a private bathroom. The two-bed units have three televisions, one in each bedroom and a larger one in the living room area.




The kitchen is modern with granite counter tops. The appliances are mismatched, the fridge and stove are in white and the dishwasher is stainless steel. They are probably replacing the white with the more modern stainless as the appliances fail and obviously only the dishwasher in this unit has failed. A table in the kitchen seats four and a coffee pot on the counter. The cabinets are stocked with everything you need to cook a meal or eat a delivered meal.




The living room is quite comfortable with a sofa and chair for TV viewing as well as a fireplace. Logs are for sale for $5 at the front desk. The sofa converts is a sleeper which allows these units to hold up to six guests. WiFi is provided free and was easy to access and quite fast.



Residence Inns do not have a restaurant. They offer breakfast in the morning and on some evenings a manager’s reception with snacks but other than frozen food in their little store or the free cookies offered at check-in, there is no evening dining on-site. Delivery, however, is available. A call to the front desk had menus delivered to the room and though the choices were limited, there was Chinese, Italian and Domino’s Pizza. We ordered Chinese which was delivered faster than expected and quite good.

Residence Inns in general, serve quite an expansive included breakfast. Several hot dishes are offered along with abundant continental choices. One option is to make your own Belgian waffles. Enough different things are provided to satisfy just about anyone.


The beds are very comfortable and there were enough different pillows that it wasn’t hard to find one that suited. However, whoever had made the bed had not properly fitted the bottom sheet and it needed to be refitted as it came off almost immediately. The bedroom was very clean as were the bathrooms and the kitchen and living room.

The hotel has an outdoor pool in season, as well as a basketball court. The price for this unit was reasonable considering the convenient location. One note, however, the two bedroom loft units are on the second floor and you need to be able to climb exterior stairs with your luggage to access the unit. I have stayed here twice and would not hesitate to stay here again if the occasion arises.

Best cities to enjoy Christmas

Christmas is a magical time around the world. From the frigid north to the steamy south, east and west there are Yuletide celebrations that can bring the spirit of the season to life. Christmas is celebrated in many ways and in many places. If you want to get away, these are just a few of the places that are extra special at this time of year.

New York City

There is no place more magical at Christmas than New York City. The Christmas season begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and goes on until the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Not be to be missed: The Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center is a star filled event. This is a great time to try ice skating at the rink. The department stores in New York City compete to provide the best display and whether it is on Fifth Avenue or at Macy’s, it is guaranteed to impress. Of course shopping is always a big attraction and Christmas time is no exception. 

photo by petercruise CC license

Bethlehem

As the birthplace of Jesus, there is no place where Christmas is more meaningful. Many religions are represented here and it is revered by all of them. Not to be missed are the religious services all over the city. The Church of the Nativity has Mass almost nonstop and there are processions and gatherings in Manger Square and Shepherd’s Grotto.

Buenos Aires

Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, Buenos Aires is warm during the holiday season. This in no way diminishes the joy and celebration in the city. Shopping is always great in Buenos Aires and the addition of the lights and the festive feeling of the Christmas season makes it an unforgettable experience. The local malls compete to see who can have the largest and best decorated Christmas tree. The fireworks display on Christmas Eve is sure to be a highlight of any visit.

London

Christmas is London is all about the sights and smells of Christmas. It brings to mind the stories of Charles Dickens and the days of Queen Victoria. There might even be snow. But there definitely will be terrific shopping and shows. Not to be missed: The Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square and the lights on Regents Street and at Covent Garden are part of the appeal of London. Ice skating rinks open all over London including one at Somerset House and at the Tower of London. Be sure to look for hot chestnuts roasting on an open fire or a grill, they are located all over the city and be sure to have at east one serving of Christmas Pudding.

Melbourne

It may be warm in Melbourne for Christmas but there is plenty of Christmas spirit in the city. It is the place to be down under during the holidays. Not to be missed: Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is the place to be on Christmas Eve in Melbourne. Top notch entertainment and all for a good cause make it one of the most popular places to be not only in Australia but the world. Since 1937 this has been a family tradition and a must for visitors.

San Antonio

San Antonio combines Mexican and American traditions and the Christmas season is celebrated with a great deal of spirit in this city. Not to be missed: The Riverwalk is decorated with 40 Christmas trees and almost 200,000 lights. It evokes all the best of the holiday season. The weather may be warm enough to enjoy dining outdoors along the Riverwalk. Shopping is at its best at this time of year and everything from designers to crafts is offered.

Vancouver

Vancouver is blessed with some of Canada’s finest weather and Christmas time can be quite comfortable for outdoor activities. Not to be missed: Van Dusen Botanical Garden offers a spectacular light show for Christmas. Festival of Lights runs in the park from December through January. Expect to see 1.4 million lights glowing throughout the garden. Another big attraction is the Christmas Market.

Munich

Munich is known for its Oktoberfest but the Christmas season brings out another side of this fascinating city. Not to be missed: One of Germany’s largest Christmas Markets is located in Munich’s Marienplatz and offers more than just the traditional shopping experience. There will be music and even visits from Santa. The Market is open from late November to right before Christmas. 

Manila

As one of the few Christian countries in Asia, the Philippines are a great place to experience the Christmas season. Not to be missed: There are an abundance of Christmas trees and lights on display throughout the city. There is a tradition of markets that pop up all over town during the holidays. These markets known as Tiangges offer inexpensive gifts as well as Christmas food items. There is also a parade. The UP Parade will take place in mid-December.

Orlando

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, Walt Disney World in Orlando is also one of the top ten places to spend Christmas. Not to be missed: The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is an amazing display that every member if the family will enjoy. It is offered from Thanksgiving through the end of December.

Christmas is celebrated in many ways and in many places. If you want to get away, these are just a few of the places that are extra special at this time of year. 

Visiting the historic Paul Revere House in Boston

The Paul Revere House is not one of the easiest historic sites to find in Boston. It is located in the North End where much has changed in the last 200 years. This is the Italian section today. When the Reveres lived in the house, it was a working-class neighborhood. The house is dwarfed by all the buildings around it as is so often the case with downtown historic houses. If you follow the Freedom Trail red bricks you should be able to locate it. There are no signs that I could find pointing it out. It is one block east of Hanover St. Was The Paul Revere House worth finding? Yes and no.

The cost of entry is $5 for adults and for an additional $1 you get two postcards and a visitor's guide. Cash only. No photography is allowed inside the house.

You can begin by looking at a bell that was produced by the Revere Foundry which is housed in the courtyard. Another one of the Revere bells is in the steeple of St Stephens Church around the corner. You have to wait to be allowed into the house as it is indeed very small.



The Paul Revere House was built in 1681 for a wealthy merchant Robert Howard. It was constructed in the Tudor style with the second floor overhanging the first and an irregular shape. By the time it was purchased by Paul Revere 90 years later, it had undergone many changes. One very interesting fact that you will learn here was that Paul was the son of a French Huguenot émigré named Appolos Rivere. Somehow, one would never think that Paul Reverewas a first generation American.

You visit four rooms inside The Paul Revere House. A docent on available for questions on each floor as well as informational signs in each of the rooms.

The kitchen is the first room as you enter. This was not the location of the kitchen in the Howard House, it was in the basement. It has a large fireplace and in it are the implements that they would have used to cook meals. A fence keeps you from getting too close to anything and since there is no crowd control if there are more than a few people in the room you are going to have a very hard time reading any of the signs.

Considering that it was after 3 p.m. in the afternoon on a November weekend and we were surrounded by visitors, I can't even begin to imagine what it might be like in the season. It really was a shame because the signs we did get to read were very interesting. I wish they would offer a headphone tour or at the very least a brochure that would give you the information. The folder that I bought does not give the information on the signs.

The front room is decorated as if they were celebrating an occasion. It was a real multi-purpose room being used as a dining room and as a parlor.

The stairs are steep and narrow so you need to have a certain amount of mobility. The second floor holds the master bedroom and what was probably Paul's mother Deborah's room, the children would have slept on the third floor.

As far as historic houses go, The Paul Revere House isn't an amazing house but it was the home of one of Boston's most famous patriots. For that alone, you will want to find and visit it. After you leave you can always go and get in line at one of the bakeries to get a cannoli.