RSS Feed Follow Me On Twitter Join Me On Facebook

Archive for September, 2014

September 21st, 2014

Fall Travels, First Congregational Church, Old North Vestry, The Tower, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 1725, Restoration, Preservation, Daily Visit, Worship on Sunday

dscn1546dscn1526

Sunday, a day of worship for many and reflection.  While in Nantucket, MA, we visited the First Congregational Church and Old North Vestry located at 62 Centre St., which is a few blocks off Main Street.  It is the tallest white bell tower visible from anywhere in town.  Tel. 508-228-0950.  Website?  http://www.nantucketfcc.org.   Since 1725, The Vestry is the oldest structure for religious purposes on the island.  It may also be one of the oldest continuosly used church buildings in the U.S.

The older part of the church, “Old North Vestry” was built in 1725, but was not located on this part of the town.  It was about a mile north from this present site.  It was moved in 1765 to this more commanding position on “Beacon Hill”.

The Big Church as they call it was built in 1834.  A that time the church was composed mostly of women because the men were away at sea.  The box pews still carry the numbers of their original owners.

dscn1543

The original trompe-l’oeil painting was done by an Italian painter and is most unique, even now.  The chandelier measuring over 7 feet in diameter, weighs 600 pounds and was crafted in England.

dscn1544

The steeple rises over 120 feet and up to the observation Tower we went.  The original tower was built in 1795, and in 1800 a 1,000 pound bell was added.  For years the church had been going restoration and in 1970 it was completed and rededicated.  Photos of this journey can be found as you climb to the Tower.

dscn1531dscn1532

It is a steep climb so be prepared.

dscn1530

From the Tower commanding views of Nantucket Island.

dscn1540

dscn1542

dscn1536

You are welcome to visit daily and to worship with the community on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  Dress attire?  Come as you are.

dscn1545

Have a great day!!

Comments Off on Fall Travels, First Congregational Church, Old North Vestry, The Tower, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 1725, Restoration, Preservation, Daily Visit, Worship on Sunday

September 17th, 2014

Destination? Nantucket, Massachusetts, Fall Travels

dscn1475

Cape Air brought me to Nantucket safe and sound.  Just a few of us in the airplane.  Mike was our pilot.

dscn1482

The airport in Nantucket is called Nantucket Memorial Airport.  Can you believe that this airport is the second busiest commercial airport in the state?  Must be all those private jets landing all the time to enjoy one beautiful island.

dscn1487

My friends were waiting for me and we took off to eat at the their club.  Privacy of the club….it will remain anonymous.

dscn1500

The view from our outdoor seating was gorgeous.

dscn1497

Clam chowder for some of us….I thought delish!!

dscn1490

Lobster roll for me….I ate it in memory of my husband, John Merryman, III who thought that there was no other lobster roll in the world as good as in Nantucket.

dscn1493

Fried clam chowder for another….our 95 year old Aunt Barbie.

dscn1492

Then, Welsh Rarebit for another one eating it also in memory of Peter.

dscn1495

And a sandwich with more amazing onions rings!! Well, behind the mountain of onion rings.

dscn1496

I will have more posts from Nantucket…stay tuned.

This island is loved by many.  I thought there was a lot of new construction in town.  Some traveling authorities say that it is the Best Island in The World, or one of America’s Top Ten Most Desirable Islands, or, the Perfect Beach Town for a Fall Vacation….I would have to agree on that one.

dscn1499

September 16th, 2014

Traveling, Airports, Hotels? Hampton Inn, Pizza? Pizza King, Warwick, Providence, Rhode Island

I could keep on venting, but I will not.  The flight to Providence was to have taken one hour, if that, from Philly.  Nothing ever goes smoothly when traveling, or does it?

US Airways, plane on the air…then the announcement that we would have to go back to Philly….oh don’t worry you will see fire trucks and ambulances on the ground….a window popped out.  What?  All I could think was that my connection was already gone.

To make a long story short….we got to Providence around 6:30 p.m. from a 1:50 p.m. flight.

dscn1466

Now where to stay?  I wanted something next to the airport.  Reading the reviews I saw plenty of excellent ones for the Hampton Inn, right next to the airport, in Warwick.  That the service was excellent, yada yada yada.

dscn1467

I am passing the info., just in case you are traveling this corridor.  It has been excellent, from the moment that the driver picked me up at the airport.  He has been working for this Hampton Inn for 14 years.

This Hampton Inn is located at 2100 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886.  Warwick is where the airport is located, as well.  Tel. 401-739-8888.

Plenty of travelers must have thought the same way.  Lots guests here. Bar and lounge available too.

dscn1470

They were so friendly.  Great services.  They can take you free of charge to so many restaurants in the area.  A welcoming snack, as well.

Breakfast in the morning.

dscn1469

The hotel is super clean, has a bar and the rooms are good size.

They bake cookies every day in house.  Perfect!!

And coffee is always served!

dscn1468

So, I really did not want to go anywhere for dinner, after my traveling experience.

Pizza!!  That’s what I wanted.  The guys here told me that Pizza King was great.  They are local, family owned and operated for 30 years.  And, they deliver to the hotel.

Pizza King is located at 1800 Post Rd., right in Warwick too.  I ordered a small one with mushrooms and a salad!!  Surprise, Surprise.

The pizza was gorgeous and well done….I did not even have to ask for that.  So good.

dscn1472

And look at the salad!!  They recommended their homemade vinaigrette!!  Really good.

dscn1473

At $13.92 plus tip….what a welcoming deal!!  Thanks!.

My blog is written mostly about my experiences….it is word of mouth.  Got to give credit when credit is due…and both, this Hampton Inn, and, Pizza King deserve to be highlighted on my post.

My destination today?  Nantucket Island

Comments Off on Traveling, Airports, Hotels? Hampton Inn, Pizza? Pizza King, Warwick, Providence, Rhode Island

September 14th, 2014

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, At The Water’s Edge, Delaware Beaches, Coastal Delaware, Sussex County, Southern Delaware

On a day like today, I was walking the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  The Boardwalk is an award winning one.  Walking right along the Atlantic Ocean.  It was somewhat cool, it was already fall.  Some were on the beach, playing.  Kids never get cold; they just run around loving a day at the beach.

Then, at the water’s edge there were a group of people, mingling along with others trying to feel how cold the water was.  The group attracted my attention.  And, I took my camera out.

dscn5984

I started to get closer.  The family was Amish.  The Amish community closest to us is in the Dover area, or Kent County, about 40 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach.  I got a little closer still.  There were 2 other people taking photos, but I think they were just taking in the scenery.

dscn5986

Then I stood pretty close, but giving them their privacy.  Standing at the water’s edge, watching the waves roll in.  A serenity of sorts.  A penny for their thoughts.  It is one of my favorite photos.

dscn5987

Have a great day!!

Comments Off on Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, At The Water’s Edge, Delaware Beaches, Coastal Delaware, Sussex County, Southern Delaware

September 14th, 2014

Breakfast? Cape Charles Coffee House, Cape Charles, Virginia, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Loved the BELT!!

dscn1353

I am not one to have every day that most important meal…breakfast.  But, when on vacation, I love it.  Find a local restaurant, eat like the locals.

Even though Hotel Cape Charles had coffee and light breakfast, after a walk around Downtown, we decided we wanted something more substantial, shall we say?

Cape Charles Coffee House is located at 241 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310  Website?  http://www.thecapecharlescoffeehouse.com. The building was from 1910 and, originally, it was the Cape Charles Bank.

Our orders of pancakes…..adding fried eggs.

dscn1354

Traditional French Toast…

dscn1355

The BELT is what caught our attention.  It was a classic BLT, except that when adding a fried egg….it becomes a BELT.  Cindi and I had the same.  I liked Cindi’s better.  I would have preferred the rye toast…well done.  The combination is so good that the BELT is my new “customized” sandwich for breakfast.

dscn1356

dscn1357

Have a great day, wherever you are!!

Comments Off on Breakfast? Cape Charles Coffee House, Cape Charles, Virginia, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Loved the BELT!!

September 13th, 2014

Destination? Lewes, Delaware, Activities, Events, 9/14/14 – 9/20/14, The Second Season in Historic Lewes, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

dscn1532

Historic small towns, alongs scenic  waterways….resorts along the Delaware Beaches.  Historic Lewes, Delaware is the First Town in The First State.  Just as the Summer Season brings plenty of visitors to Lewes, the Second Season gives this historic town a glow…an aura. A year round resort, Lewes, is a busy little town.  If you are visiting this coming week, check what is going on.

100_1346

Sunday, 9/14 – 11th ANNUAL CANNONBALL 5K RUN & TRENNY ELLIOTT MEMORIAL ONE MILE WALK – 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8:30 a.m.  Considered “The Most Beautiful Race in Delaware”, The Lewes Historical Society is presenting this race.  Online pre-registration is available by visiting http://www.seashorestriders.com/content/11th-cannonball-5k-run-trenny-elliott-memorial-walk.

Location?  The Lewes Historical Society Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in historic Lewes.  This race benefits the Society’s preservation and educational programming.  Breathtaking scenery along Pilottown Rd., and views of the Great Marsh, Shipcarpenter Square, Second Street, and the canal.  A description of the historic sites will be included with your registration papers.  More info?  Please visit http://www.historiclewes.org.

dscn4903

Sunday, 9/14 – SECOND ANNUAL LEWES DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Location?  Canalfront Park in Downtown Lewes.  Teams, sponsors, vendors and volunteers are more than ready.  This festival was created to benefit the capital campaign for the Sussex Academy, which is a public charter school that serves students, at present, grades 6 to 10 in Sussex County.  All proceeds will go directly to help pay for the campus and buildings of the Sussex Academy.

What are the Dragon Boats?  Click on http://www.lewesdragonboat.com.  There are practices ongoing today, Saturday through 1 p.m.

dscn1009

Tuesday, 9/16 – CHICKS FOR CHARITY MONTHLY LUNCHEON – SOUTHERN DELAWARE THERAPEUTIC & RECREATIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING, INC. – This is a great organization that has been holding monthly dinners for Charity at Fish On! located at The Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware.  Time?  6:30 p.m.  Cost?  $25.00 per person.  This price includes a delicious buffet along with salad and dessert…gratuity, as well.  There will be a cash bar available.  Cash or check only…payable to Fish On!.  Raffle items and a 50/50 will add to the excitement of the evening.  RSVP to Chicksdinner@gmail.com.  No calls to the restaurant, please.

Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding provides equine-assisted therapy, promoting the physical, emotional and educational growth of children and adults with special needs in our community.  Horseback riding is a progressive form of therapy for individuals with physical and emotional challenges.  The horses, instructors and volunteers create a caring environment that enables participants to gain valuable communication and coping skills.  For more information, please visit http://www.sdtrhr.com.

dscn1530

Friday, 9/19 – LEWES 1812 PARK RENOVATION & MONUMENT DEDICATION – 11 a.m. until Noon.  Location?  Front St. and Savannah Rd.  Join the City of Lewes in the celebration….Celebrate the 100th year of  the War of 1812 monument and completion of Phase I of the 1812 Park renovation.  Your contributions funded the renovation.  There will be a presentation of the history of the War of 1812, a cannon salute, and light refreshments.  Family, friends, visitors are all welcome!!

dscn1525

Friday, 9/19 – LEWES’ THIRD OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION FRIDAY NIGHT – 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  Please note that Market Street between Front St. and Second St. will be closed to traffic from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Lewes will create a “beer garden” atmosphere on Market St…..No Beer, though….City’s ordinances. Dogfishhead commemorative glass beer steins sold, beginning, Monday, 9/15, at the Chamber’s visitor center at the Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park can be taken into participating restaurants and presented to receive a discount on Dogfish beer.  German cuisine will be featured in many of the restaurants, as well.

Dancing will take place in front of Mary Vessels Park.  Bavarian-style dancers will be performing and encouraging the public to participate too.  A 10-piece Oompah band, The Happy Wanderers, will be entertaining those gathered to participate in the festivities.

dscn3196

Saturday, 9/20 – HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS’ MARKET – Every Saturday!! Location?  The Lewes Historical Society Complex in Historic Lewes, from 8 a.m. until Noon.  http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org Visit the website for more information, and for recipes.

100_5321

Saturday, 9/20 – RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DELAWARE 3rd ANNUAL 5k RUN/WALK – At Irish Eyes on Anglers Rd. in Lewes.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m.  Register on line by visiting http://www.races2run.com.  More info?  Please call 302-428-5330.

100_1348

Saturday, 9/20 – LEWES ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR – Free and you do not need a ticket to attend.  21 regionally and nationally acclaimed artists will be opening their studios for an upclose and personal look at their work.  9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  For more info., please visit http://www.leweschamber.com/event/community-event/lewes-artists-studio-tour.  To view some of the art, please visit http://www.lewesart.com.

Have a great time!!

Comments Off on Destination? Lewes, Delaware, Activities, Events, 9/14/14 – 9/20/14, The Second Season in Historic Lewes, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

September 12th, 2014

What’s Going On? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Activities, Events, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Saturday, September 13, 2014

dscn5713

The best part of the Second Season is that it is a little quieter…..except this week-end when bikers riding towards Ocean City, Maryland were endless…it is Bike Week in O.C.  Here in Rehoboth Beach we are having a busy Saturday.

So, what are you doing this week-end?  If you are looking for something to do….check this out.

It is Saturday at the Beach!  While driving around you can see that pumpkins, mums, and apples are already making an appearance.

img_7261

2014 REHOBOTH BEACH WALK TO DEFEAT ALS – Registration begins on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:30 a.m. on the Boardwalk in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Distance will be 2 miles.  Donations can be mailed to:  The ALS Association, 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.  Checks can be made payable to The ALS Association.  For more info., please visit http://www.alsphiladelphia.org.

dscn7445

4th ANNUAL WINGS OF HOPE…A BUTTERFLY RELEASE – 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – Rain date will be Sunday.  This is a benefit for the Cancer Support Community Delaware.  This is the only organization in Delaware dedicated exclusively to helping people cope with and manage the emotional aspect of cancer.  All programs are free of charge.

It should be a fun time and everyone is invited.  There will be food and the event will certainly be uplifting.  Location?  Medical Arts Building, 18947 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach.  More info?  http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org/wingsofhope.php.

dscn0637

THIRD ANNUAL CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW – 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Super G, 22 Lighthouse Plaza, Coastal Highway North in Rehoboth Beach.  This show will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Children’s Cancer Research Fund…a mission of finding a cure for childhood cancer.  More info?  Please visit http://www.alexslemonade.org.

dscn0272

PLAYTIME AT THE BEACH – DOGFRIENDLY HAPPY HOUR – THE PURPLE PARROT GRILL, Bier Garten from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m  Location? 134 Rehoboth Avenue.  Meet and ming with other animal lovers who support Delaware Humane Association.  Local restaurants and bars in Rehoboth host a series of “doggy happy hours” from May through October each year.  Dogs are welcome at each venue but must be on a leash.  A portion of the proceeds from each happy hour will be donated to the Delaware Humane Association.  Next one will be on Saturday, October 11th from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Seafood Shack on Baltimore Ave.

Have a great Saturday!!

dscn5716

Comments Off on What’s Going On? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Activities, Events, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Saturday, September 13, 2014

September 12th, 2014

Cooking Rehoboth, Cook, Shop, Eat, Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Market Tour, Cooking Demo, Lunch, Recipes, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

dscn0599

A great mid day activity in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that I am not sure if you already know.  Through September, on Tuesdays, and beginning at 11 a.m., you can start your mid day with a cooking class….here is how it works.

dscn3205

It is called Cooking Rehoboth.  You can get more info., by visiting http://www.cookingrehoboth.com, but, in the meantime, even though I have not attended this weekly event, I can pass on the info., before September flies by.

The cost is $75 per person.  Group discount for 2 or more, as well.

Location?  The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market at Grove Park, located next to the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce and The Visitor’s Center in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  More info?  http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com/map.html.

dscn0571

You will start in the instructor’s kitchen which is around the corner.  Beginning with a pie crust, takling about the culinary heritage of Delmarva…pie crust done and then in the refrigerator.  Off to the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com to find fresh fruit to put in the pie.  There is always plenty of fresh fruit at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market.  It will be a surprise, though.

dscn3235dscn0577

Shorter days and cooler temperatures bring a different atmosphere to this market.  It will be a great experience to shop, then cook, and….Eat!!!

Never a lack for seafood at the market, but at times, meat and poultry are not available on that particular Tuesday.  The chef might have to order fresh meats ahead of time.  That is all that might be pre-planned.  The rest of the meal will be an unexpected surprise….you will have to see what’s available at the market that day.

dscn3213dscn3216

The lunch will be casual, yet elegant.  It will be easy to make so that you can do so, as well, at home.

You can watch or, as they say, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the moment.

I think it sounds great!!  Have a good day.

dscn0598

Comments Off on Cooking Rehoboth, Cook, Shop, Eat, Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Market Tour, Cooking Demo, Lunch, Recipes, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

Search the Archives