St Eustache is one of the premier churches in Paris. A church has stood on this site for almost one thousand years. The current church, however, was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and is in the Gothic style with Renaissance decorative elements. It has been enlarged several times and chapels were added during the time of Colbert the great financial minister of Louis XIV.
I came to this beautiful Gothic church not because of its historical connections, though it has many, nor for its beautiful architecture and Renaissance glory, which it has in abundance. I came here because my ancestress, Anne Pineau de la Vieville, was baptized here before coming to Canada as a fille du roi, basically what we would now call a mail-order bride, albeit one with a dowry supplemented by the King. I had hoped to find some trace of her here, but there was none. For my own interest, I found the baptismal font and took a photo in the hopes that it was the one she was baptized in. She shares the sacrament with some illustrious company, Cardinal Richelieu, Moliere and Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, (the future Marquise de Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress). Louis XIV made his First Communion here, as I am sure Anne did.
What I did find here was the magnificent Coysevox monument of Colbert, Louis XIV's minister. It is an exceptional piece. I had done my homework, so I knew I would find it, but I didn't expect to find a wooden screen protecting a chapel which was saved by the Princess of Lambale who worshipped here. The chapel opposite has lost its wooden screen and has a metal one like all the other chapels. Just walking through this historic church was a special moment for me on so many levels.
This church is noted for the quality of its acoustics, which are good enough that Berlioz performed his "Te Dium" here for the first time, and Liszt his "Messe de Gran". Unfortunately, we were here on a weekday and didn't get to experience this aspect of St. Eustache. It is really was a shame since in addition to its past tradition it has a magnificent new organ with has been quite a phenomenon in the music world.
I don't want to leave the impression that this is just a historical site; it is a vital, living parish, and Mass is still celebrated here. The church is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and a priest is available from 3-7:30 p.m.
This is just one of the family churches I visited in Paris but certainly it is one of the most impressive.
Newport, R. I. was the playground of the Gilded Age millionaires. It was a summer destination where families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors came to see and be seen. Their “cottages” are a popular destination for visitors from all over who want a glimpse of a time and place that no longer exists. At Christmastime, there is a special glow and glitter to these magnificent homes and the entire city.
How to get here
The closest airport is TS Greene in Providence. It is an easy drive to Newport from Providence and rental cars are available. Amtrak has rail service in the area. The train stops in North Kingston and there is van/shuttle service to Newport. Driving is the most popular way to get to Newport, there is plenty of parking in the area though some streets can be quite narrow especially in the older historic part. The mansions have parking lots so driving on Bellevue Avenue is not an issue.
Where to stay
There are lots of hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and timeshares in Newport. The Marriott has a very convenient location and there is a Hyatt on Goat Island. Rates in town will be higher than outside the city but as usual, it is location, location, location. The Hotel Viking is a personal favorite of mine with plenty of charm and reasonable rates.
Things to do
The Preservation Society of Newport has been in the business of rescuing the iconic mansions in the city of Newport for many years. At Christmas time, three of the homes they own are decorated and open to the public. The three that are open are The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House. There is a combination ticket for all three houses or you can buy any one ticket alone.
The festivities start in November and run until just after the New Year. Evening, as well as daytime activities, are offered. Check out the Preservation Society website for times, dates and costs.
A visit to Newport offers more than just visiting the mansions, there is shopping. Americas Cup Avenue, Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Avenue all offer the opportunity to indulge in retail therapy. There are some chain stores as well as lots of smaller local businesses. There is definitely some great shopping at the mansions as well and there is a gift store from the Mansions located on Banister Wharf.
Dining
Many great options are available dining in Newport. Seafood is an important part of the cuisine of the area and you won’t be surprised to see Italian and even Portuguese dishes on the menu. There are plenty of casual restaurants, as well as fine dining. Brick Alley Pub is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, including me.
Newport, R.I. is a fascinating place to visit at any time of the year but it really sparkles at the Christmas holiday. This may have been the playground of the rich and famous but today, you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy all the events and excitement that are available every year during the holiday season. Christmas in Newport has lots of ideas to help you with your plans.
We have been coming to Sea Crest Beach Hotel for more than 12 years. Josh was a little boy when we first came here the day after Thanksgiving. We don't come every year, as a matter of fact, we haven't been here since Jack was just a few months old. We used to alternate with the cottage in Pennsylvania, we go to the Christmas market in Bethlehem. Josh's hockey schedule has played havoc with this tradition.
Luckily, this year we were able to come back. The place is recently renovated and just lovely. We got a warm welcome last night and our rooms were ready and waiting for us.
We choose the fireplace rooms. They are in a separate building and include a king bed, sleeper sofa and of course a fireplace. The rooms are spacious and very clean.
I wish I had known they now have a Keurig in the room, I could have brought some of my own pods, next year lol.
The bathroom is huge and it has a deep soaker tub and double sinks.
We had dinner last night in Reds which is the bar/cafe. It was quite good and not over priced. The main restaurant serves a breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner.
Kasey and John used the gym for an early morning workout and they also have a pool and hot tub. Of course, the beach is a big attraction and though we are not beachfront, we can see the water.
I love this place, It is convenient to many things to do. We plan to head off to Sandwich today.
I first came to Sea Crest Beach Hotel for a genealogy conference and fell in love with the amenities and location and it is still a favorite getaway.
For some people, Christmas is about family and home, for others, it is about getting away. Taking a vacation at Christmas time can be exciting and a great way to avoid a lot of the stress of the holiday.
One way to enjoy a Christmas vacation is by taking a cruise. This is the perfect way to get to the warm climate that you are longing for and not having to worry about a long drive and depending on where you live, a long flight. Cruises leave the east coast of the U.S. and head for the Caribbean and the west coast and head down to Mexico. Cruising north is not something that usually happens at Christmas time. What could be more enjoyable than having your delicious Christmas meal cooked for you by a dedicated staff who wants to satisfy your every wish? The ship will be decorated for the season and there will be plenty of holiday spirit in the air.
Possibly the most popular of the warm destinations for a Christmas vacation is Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The happiest place on earth is even happier during the holidays with special parades and lights and lots more. Especially for children, there is no place quite as magical as Disney World. The weather in Orlando may not be exactly balmy at Christmas time but it is certainly very temperate and it is a rare year when a winter coat would be a necessity. A wide selection of accommodations is offered both in the park and nearby with prices that can fit almost any budget. The Disney site can help you to make all the necessary reservations including dining.
New York City is a popular Christmas destination. The city is at its best with all the festive lights, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the store windows with their amazing displays and ice skating in Central Park. Even the Metropolitan Art Museum has special holiday exhibits. Radio City Music Hall has their spectacular with the Rockettes and anyone who has even ever Miracle on 34th Street knows that a visit to see Santa at Macy’s is a must for the kids. There are so many things to do that it just might become a holiday tradition.
Some popular Christmas destinations are outside of the United States. Some are quite close like Quebec City where snow is almost guaranteed and a Gallic flavor that is unique in North America. The Chateau Frontenac offers a close to ideal opportunity to enjoy a luxurious holiday.
Christmas, as we celebrate it today, is in many ways a German tradition and visiting Germany at Christmas time is a great way to enjoy these traditions in the motherland. There will be Christmas markets, warm gingerbread, and a very festive atmosphere. You can pick almost any city but there are some that are big favorites including Cologne and Nuremberg.
These are just a few of the popular places where you can choose to spend your Christmas vacation. The best place for you will be one that offers everything that is important to you at the holidays.
The church of St. Germain l'Auxerrois is a Gothic gem located right around the corner from the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement. For me, it was like coming home. This is the home parish of several of my ancestors, including the one who carries my mother's family name, Jacques Bernier. It is also the parish of one of my more famous ancestors Louis Hebert, one of the first colonists of Quebec.
Nothing remains of the 17th-century neighborhood where he lived, so going to this church where generations of his family worshiped was of particular interest to me. I got quite emotional.
A church has stood on this site since the 5th century. The church is dedicated to St. Germanus of Auxerre (Burgundy), and since it was the parish church of the Louvre Palace, I imagine that is why the rois (roi is king in French) was added to the name. It has played an important role in history, as well, and it was the sounding of matins by the bells of St Germain that signaled the start of the St. Bartholomew massacre of the Huguenots. This is not a role they are proud of, it is a black mark on their history. The bell tower from which matins sounded still stands though it has lost most of its Romanesque style.
The current church dates from the 13th century and has had many, many restorations done on it. The porch that encircles the whole church and its balustrade are worthy of note and were added in the 14th century. After the French Revolution, the church was used for many things other than a church. Today, it is an active Roman Catholic parish.
This church has seen many famous people pass through its doors, not the least of which is Moliere, who was married here. Coypel, Chardin, and Boucher are buried here, along with the sculptor Coysevox. I was anxious to find the baptismal font. Using my not so perfect French, I managed to converse with a volunteer and ask if he knew the history of the current font. He didn't, and no literature he had provided any inkling of its age.
I was disappointed, but this is a lovely church to visit even if you don't have roots here. Some Renaissance stained glass remains and the wonderful rose window is beautiful. Pay particular note to the Stations of the Cross on the pillars. They are very modern-looking in such an old church, yet they beautifully link the past and the present. Take the time to visit the chapels that flank both sides; they are very attractive and contain some lovely statuary.
The city of LeClaire, Iowa is named for Antoine LeClaire. He was important in developing the area where he maintained a sandstone quarry. The city is located just a few miles from the Quad-cities on a bend in the Mississippi, River and is known for its yearly Tug Fest which is a tug of war across the river with the town of Port Byron, Illinois.
LeClaire is probably best known today as the home of “The American Pickers”. Their shop is in the downtown area and is a major tourist attraction. On the day we were in LeClaire, there was a steady stream of visitors to the alley where the shop is located.
The main street in LeClaire is a shopper’s paradise. An eclectic array of shops offer everything from popcorn to upscale fashion. Additionally, there is a wine tasting room and a distillery as well as restaurants for every taste.
For lovers of American history, LeClaire is also the hometown of Buffalo Bill Cody. One of the attractions in this friendly city is the Buffalo Bill Museum.
Buffalo Bill Museum
Your visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum begins with an 8-minute film that will give you’re the background that you need to really enjoy this museum. It is eclectic and probably not exactly what you may be expecting. While Buffalo Bill certainly is the raison d’etre for the museum there is a lot more to it including a river boat that is completely inside the building. It is an interesting place to visit and one that the kids will enjoy as well.
Mississippi River Distillery Tour
If you are interested in seeing how fine spirits are distilled, the Mississippi River Distilling Company offers free tours daily on the hour between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Included with the tour is a tasting so that you know exactly which ones you would like to purchase in their retail store. It is a fascinating tour that gives you a lot of information. You don’t move around much so this is perfect for just about anyone. One fact that I took away is that Bourbon can only be made in the United States. Who knew?
Antique Archeology
There is hardly a person in this country who hasn’t heard of “The American Pickers” and their shop, Antique Archeology here in LeClaire has become must visit place for fans of the show. If you want to purchase souvenirs with their logo on it, you have come to the right place. Don’t expect to see the owners or Danielle for that matter and shop to looks smaller than on TV. You will know you are there when you see the vintage car parked in front of the shop with their name on it.
Wide River Winery
Located in a historic 19th-century building, the Wide River Winery Tasting Room has been open in LeClaire for two years. You can enjoy a wine tasting, buy a bottle of wine and bring your own food to dine on in the Courtyard Garden. Live entertainment is also offered on Friday evenings.
If you happen to be visiting the Quad-Cities area, LeClaire is just a short drive away and well worth the effort to visit. We certainly enjoyed our day there.
Old Sturbridge Village will be putting on its Chrismas finery soon and I thought I would share some of my photos from our visit last year in December.
