After our fun filled adventure in Montevideo, we sailed overnight to Punta Del Este – the final port for Uruguay. Punta del Este is a seaside city and peninsula that started as a small town, it later became internationally known as a resort for the Latin and North American jet set and tourists. The city has been referred to as “the Monaco of the South”, “The Pearl of the Atlantic”, “the Hamptons of South America”, “the Miami Beach of South America”, or “the St. Tropez of South America”. Surrounded by mountains, the city is built along the coastline with many tall buildings.
As you can see, the weather didn’t make a good view of the city.
The beaches are said to be some of the best in the world with lovely sand and gentle breezes. Generally, a resort town, it has several film festivals, wonderful restaurants and a growing art colony.
Views we “might” have seenAn interesting art installation
We didn’t make it ashore here – way too much relaxing happening on board the ship.
Itajaí was our first port of call in Brazil. The city was founded on June 15, 1860, but the colonization of Itajaí had started in 1658 when the Paulista João Dias D’Arzão arrived in the region. In 1750, Portuguese colonists coming from Madeira and the Azores made this region their home. By 1823 it became a prominent region for Portuguese settlers and, at the end of the 19th century, received a great number of German immigrants. Unfortunately, the seas were rough (I could certainly agree, as sleeping was less than wonderful due to the conditions) and as we had to use the tenders to go to shore ,the decision was made by the Captain that there would be no shore excursions. A little disappointing as I had been looking forward to visiting the Bavarian Biergaten Pavillion where the biggest annual beer festival outside Germany happens every year.
The Biergaten we DIDN’T get to see
However, we had to stick around for several hours as everyone’s passports had to be checked and stamped. After getting all the required clearances, the ship continued on to our next port – São Francisco do Sul.
São Francisco do Sul is another village founded by the Portuguese (1658) and has become quite an important part of the Brazilian infrastructure. It provides large bulk shipping facilities and is served by the major container shipping lines connecting with the South American east and west coasts, Africa, Asia, North and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. However, as we arrived on a Sunday there wasn’t much happening and we had not signed on for any excursions. The 30 minute tender ride was the most exciting excursion of the day.
Interesting location for some potted plants.
Church of our MotherNot a lot of activity even on a SundayProof we were there!Some of the stalls along the Pier. Not much really of interest .
After our tour of Buenos Aires, and now onboard the ship, we moved into our cabin and immediately made-a-mess of the place. Clearly it doesn’t take me long to spread out over every available surface. However, once most of our stuff was put away, we gathered with the Bells and had a dinner at the Terrance Café. Once back to our cabin we finished unpacking and put together our first load of laundry – as the clothing we had been wearing on the Iguazu Falls adventure never dried, and then, early bed.
While we slept, the ship headed out the Rio de la Plata estuary for Montevideo. Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. According to the 2011 census, the city proper has a population of 1,319,108 (about one-third of the country’s total population) in an area of 78 sq miles. Montevideo is situated on the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata.
Our guide for the Couch TourSeems there are a bunch of tours heading out.
A Portuguese garrison was established in 1723 near the place which is the city of Montevideo. The Portuguese garrison was expelled in February 1724 by a Spanish soldier, Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst the Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region. There is no official document establishing the foundation of the city, but the “Diario” of Bruno Mauricio de Zabala officially mentions the date of 24th of December of 1726 as the foundation, corroborated by witnesses. The complete independence from Buenos Aires as a real city was not reached until the 1st of January of 1730. Montevideo was also under brief British rule in 1807, but eventually the city was retaken by Spanish criollos who defeated the British invasions of the River Plata. Montevideo is the seat of the administrative headquarters of Mercosur and ALADI, Latin America’s leading trade blocs, a position that entailed comparisons to the role of Brussels in Europe.
The city has preserved European architecture, being considered one of the cities with the most art deco influence. It is the hub of commerce and higher education in Uruguay as well as its chief port. The city is also the financial hub of Uruguay and the cultural anchor of a metropolitan area with a population of around 2 million.
Our first adventure of the day, City Landmarks, Wine & Dance Performance, was via bus to a winery. Upon arrival in the Cuchilla Pereira wine district, we stopped at Bodega Spinoglio.
This winery is currently being operated by the 3rd or 4th generation of the family who are working towards improving the overall quality of the product and enhancing the property. Now we have been to a lot of wineries in our travels and this was similar in design and character to many we have visited. Of course, they had a number of older pieces of equipment on display and some interesting concrete/stone wine vats (that are now being turned into B&B style bedrooms).
Old wine storage tanks being redone as bedrooms
Situated with lots of vines around the Bodega, we were first offered a lovely chardonnay as a refreshing treat upon arrival.
Once we had all gathered together, our guide gave a quick tour of the vineyard and brought us into one of the large rooms where we took our seats around various tables.
Harvest is very close for these grapes
Then began another Tango presentation along with various wines and tasty snacks! It was a authentic and interactive presentation and the wines were quite good. They have a number of varieties including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Tannat.
A disagreement settled with danceThe “madam” in red sings and keeps things civil
It was an interesting presentation of dance, wine and snacks. Naturally, once all the entertainment was complete there was an opportunity to buy a bottle or two to take home.
The birthday girl, Janeen, with the Dancers
Once back on the bus, we headed back into town and stopped in the main square to view the various significant buildings and afterwards did a drive through several significant districts of the city. As we took in the key sights during our panoramic drive through downtown, we saw a number of landmarks including the Solis Theatre, Legislative Palace, historic Centenario Stadium (The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup).
An impressive equestrian statue of José Gervasio Artigas , The Father of Uruguay , was one of the most significant ‘freedom fighters’ during Uruguay’s struggle for independence.
Once back on board the ship, we relaxed for a bit and then met up with Sally and Jim at one of the specialty restaurants on board, Jacques – a French themed eatery.
The dinner was clearly set to celebrate Janeen’s birthday with all the trimmings and attention to her needs as one could hope. For dessert, a special cake had been ordered (thanks to Jessica our travel advisor!) which came as a wonderful surprise at the end of dinner – along with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to You sung by the wait staff. This was a lovely reminder of the song in German, Spanish and English which our grand girls serenaded Janeen earlier.
When we returned to our cabin, after dinner, another birthday surprise greeted Janeen with balloons and ‘towel’ art on the bed. All-in-all a very nice day to celebrate Janeen’s birthday.
While we had spent the previous night in Buenos Aires, we really didn’t tour much beyond the bus ride from the airport. Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina having gained independence from Spain in the early 1800’s. It is the largest city in Argentina, and has become quite cosmopolitan. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, which is lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace (from which Eve Perón would wave to the people below). Other major attractions include Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house with nearly 2,500 seats, and the modern MALBA museum, displaying Latin American art.
Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house
It is known for its preserved eclectic European architecture and rich cultural life. It is a multicultural city that is home to multiple ethnic and religious groups, contributing to its culture as well as to the dialect spoken in the city and in some other parts of the country. This is because since the 19th century, the city, and the country in general, has been a major recipient of millions of immigrants from all over the world, making it a melting pot where several ethnic groups live together. Thus, Buenos Aires is considered one of the most diverse cities of the Americas.
The following morning, back on the bus for a highlight tour of Buenos Aires, our first stop was to visit The La Recoleta Cemetery. This cemetery holds the remains of many notable people including, several presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners and lots of others. However, the tomb that is visited the most often, is for Eva Perón, the former first Lady of Argentina who died in 1952. Her memorial isn’t grand or excessive but part of a Duarte family vault within the cemetery. She was revered by the lower economic classes and helped enact a number of reforms and policies to their benefit. She also helped bring about the passage of Argentina’s women’s suffrage law.
Eva was a Durate thus added to the family Crypt.
Eva Perón
There are many elaborate marble mausoleums, decorated with statues in a variety of architectural styles, including the honeymoon bride. The Bride died while on her honeymoon and this was done to memorialize her for all time.
They had to put a barrier around this as the dog’s nose was polished by hands.
After the visit to the cemetery, we stopped for a coffee and pastry at La Biela – a historic eatery specializing in salads, sandwiches & classic Argentinean mains. It was a nice stop under the old trees with delicious croissants.
From there onto the bus for more highlights of the city. Our first stop was at Plaza de Mayo to view the various buildings including the presidential palace and Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires.
The Presidential Palace
If you look closely, below the horse statue there are hundreds of stones. These were placed there by loved ones as remembrance of those who died during the Pandemic.
You may recall that this was the home church for Pope Francis – who was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires prior to his elevation to Pope.
After walking around and taking in the sites, went to La Ventana for lunch and a Tango Show. The La Ventana is clearly the place to go in Buenos Aires to see a tango show. The cellar restaurant was packed to capacity with long family style tables (although we scored a table for four) and waitstaff juggled pasta, beef or chicken brought from stacking carriers. A dulce de leche was finished just as the lights dimmed and the curtain to the side opened on a grand piano, double bass, guitar and an accordion like instrument which set the rhythm for the dancers. Three pairs of dancers appeared with opening moves, gliding and twisting. When the tango singer set the mood, one couple at a time began their play of seductive moves to the music.
Our guide, Sol, said that the beginnings of the tango are thought to have been brought over by African slaves, and then adapted to the favelas and brothels of the city. The arms and legs of the dancers twist and turn spin and kick as they glide together across the floor.
At the sound of drums, El Gaucho came on stage stamping his heels and eventually, both he and his companion Gaucha swung the bolos in rapid wheels, tapping the floor in a rhythm with the drums.
A solo male singer shared the songs of the barrios, and a single spotlighted woman shared “don’t cry for me Argentina” in Spanish.
After the show, we motored around looking at various neighborhoods before heading to the harbor to board our ship, Oceana Marina!
Several years ago, Janeen mentioned that seeing the Iguazu Falls was on her ‘bucket list’. Iguaçu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world. Not having been in this part of the world I had no ready reference to how to get there or how to coordinate the trip. After looking at a variety of tour options, my travel agent found a land excursion as part of an ocean cruise that would work out wonderfully. So, we signed up – the trip, started in Buenos Aires and ends 30-plus days later in Miami, Florida visiting several countries along the way.
After connecting flights from Dulles via Houston we arrived in Buenos Aires, the final flight of 10 plus hours connected us with our friends Jim and Sally Bell and we overnighted at the Hotel Emperador. We have been friends of Jim and Sally for the over 40 years – and when they heard about our upcoming adventure, they signed on to join us for the trip. We had previously travelled with them when we did our Panama Canal transit in 2020 – just before the world changed and cruising become impossible for a while.
The Lees and Bells on another Adventure
Our first night was at a lovely hotel – Hotel Emperador where we crashed early. Following breakfast, at the hotel, we transferred to the domestic airline for our 90-minute flight to Iguazu. After arriving, we boarded the bus and headed into the Iguazu Falls National Park on the Brazilian side. The Falls are located within the Park as was our Hotel for the evening. After lunch, the fun began.
New 7 Wonder of the NatureOur local guide explaining the trails and fallsSol, our guide for this adventure
The afternoon adventure was to be a “motorized Boat Cruise” a Zodiac adventure.
However, prior to getting on the boat there were 240 steps down from the parking area to the river. Going down, not so much of a problem, climbing back up was a bitch.
We were repeatedly told that “You will get wet on this trip” and they weren’t fooling around. Once down the steps, we donned life jackets and climbed aboard the boat for the trip. Our first views, of the Falls, was from quite a distance but they take up a good amount of space and are maybe two or three distinct sections – each several hundred feet wide with LOTS of water flowing.
After getting in the boat, I am fairly certain the skipper was aiming for the big waves as we headed towards the falls as several times I was slammed with a big wave of water – yes, I got wet repeatedly!
After getting close to the falls, we then motored directly into them and through the downpour! If you could get any wetter, I would be very surprised. No wonder they gave us dry bags for our shoes and other stuff before leaving the dock! Fortunately, I had the foresight to get a waterproof case from my iPhone and was able to take a bunch of pictures throughout the adventure.
Crew member ready for the FallsAnd we all got WetJaneen seems to be happy after her shower!
After the trip through the St. Martin falls (twice!), the boat headed back to the dock where we got out and headed back up the 240 stairs. Needless to say, Janeen and were the last to get to the top and it was not an enjoyable climb, particularly after using up 150% of any adrenaline during the boat ride. Once we are at the top, we climbed into the ‘truck’ to take us to the Hotel. As we got closer to the hotel and the drop off point, it started to rain. Nothing like getting wet all over again! But as all guides repeated “It’s a Rain Forest!”
Once in the Hotel, a truly lovely place with a fantastic view of the Falls from our room, we changed into dry clothes and tried to relax for a bit before going down for dinner.
The following day we gathered for a walk along the lower walkway that traverses through the Park with spectacular views of the falls. All of the Falls have names and our guide was able to tell us a bit about each of them and how they got their name.
Chico Falls
In many areas, where the mist was rising from the Falls, there were rainbows.
Along the elevated walkway there were lots of different plants and some wildlife – it is a jungle after all.
Ginger PlantPhocides polybius ButterflyRings – clearlyWild life for sure
While I did see some monkeys after the boat ride, I wasn’t able to get any pictures – and the Toucan that several people saw flew away before I got to see him. All very beautiful and wonderful adventure for sure. After our walk, we returned to the hotel for some lunch and the final bus trip back to the airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires and the Hotel to be reunited with our cruise luggage.
It is not too late to sign on for this Christmas Market Cruise in November and be part of our continuing adventures.
We are going on a Christmas Market River Cruise next year with UniWorld called Christmas Cruise – Rhine Holiday Markets. So far there are 9 cabins booked for our group with limited availability if you want to join the adventure. If you are at all interested in joining our group, a reservation should be made ASAP as there are only 6 or 7 cabins left!. The current cost for a French Balcony cabin, which is where most of our group are booked, is $4,299 which reflects the group rate discount, the normal rate is $5,099! As this will be a Group Rate, you need to speak to my travel person (Jessica listed below) for specific costs and savings available. Travel arrangements would be on your own, but Jessica or your travel agent can make those arrangements.
The dates are November 25, 2024 departure from Cologne Germany going to Basel Switzerland, ending December 2, 2024.
There are limited number of cabins still available as this is a very popular river cruise. Information about the ship and the cruise are available on the link below. Just a reminder, the river cruise is pretty inclusive with excursions, meals, beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water are all included.
Right now, we have 9 cabins and 18 travelers – the more the merrier and the greater the fun we can have together. If anyone wants to join the group, please Jessica Causer at 703-762-5053 or email jcauser@mccabeworld.com at McCabe World Travel in McLean VA. This way you can take advantage of the group discounts. Jessica can also help with any travel arrangements. Be sure to say you are part of the David Lee group. A deposit needs to be placed ASAP with final payment not due until July of next year.
More information about the cruise, and cabin locations and descriptions is at:
Our adventure for today, was to set sail for a journey across Lake Winnipesaukee on what has been called the “most beautiful cruise in New England.” Sail from the home port of Weirs Beach aboard the M/S Mount Washington to Wolfeboro, known as the oldest resort town in New Hampshire. Along the way, the fully narrated trip across the lake was one of the most enjoyable adventures during our Fall Color Tour.
Mount Washington getting ready for our adventure.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. It is approximately 21 miles long and from 1 to 9 miles wide covering 69 square miles square miles and reaches a maximum depth of 180 feet. The shoreline is approximately 288 miles with many lovely homes dotting the shore. Lake Winnipesaukee is the third-largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake.
On board the Mount Washington there was an abundance of deck space to enjoy the views – and it was a beautiful day for sure. The original Mount Washington, unfortunately, had a fire and was destroyed. This ship, the second ship with this name to ply the waters of the lake started its service on Lake Champlain in Vermont and was built in 1888. To move the ship to Lake Winnipesaukee, it had to be cut into sections, transported by rail and re-assembled on the lake – it started service on the Lake in 1940. After many years, and new ownership, the ship was again modified in 1982. At that time, it was again cut in half in the middle extending the length of the ship by an additional 25 feet.
With various lounges and benches to relax, plus snacks available it was truly a wonderful time on the water.
The entire island is the house!Privacy in the trees for sure.
There were spots of color but not a lot – another week or two will work wonders for color around the Lake.
This makes 76 pictures with a life ring we have taken.
After landing in Wolfeboro, we all had an opportunity for lunch and a bit of shopping and a chance to experience this lovely spot on the lake.
A lovely spot of color in front of the Post OfficeSHARING By Derek Wernher
After we boarded the bus, we continued to Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels and the summer home to many of America’s rich and famous. Adorned with stately homes, Kennebunkport seems to wait breathlessly for its captains to return from sea.
This is the Bush Family Compound – yes, the President’s place.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore – just watched as the town slipped by out the windows of our bus.
This is a partial map of the route we took on this adventure.
As this was our last night of the adventure, we gathered for a farewell dinner to share memories with our traveling companions and get packed for our flights home.
We had a lovely time sharing this adventure with our neighbors and fellow travelers with Mayflower Tours.
This completes our New England Fall Color Tour. It was an enjoyable time with lots to see. Not as much color as we had hoped but there was certainly sufficient to cover our needs. If you missed any, you can look back anytime and see where we have been. Stay tuned for future adventures as we look forward to visiting Iguazu Falls and a cruise on Oceania from Buenos Aires to Miami next March and a Christmas Market Cruise in November of 2024. Of course other adventures could happen at any time and a blog could be happen so stay tuned.
Several years ago, we moved into a 55+ community in Williamsburg VA. As part of this community, the HOA has a Travel Club. This Club provides travel adventures for the residents year-round and this year we chose to hop on the New England and Cape Cod Autumn Foliage trip. We had discussed going to New England to see the fall foliage and this trip solved all the logistic problems – no driving, no hunting for places to sleep – all travel included.
The trip was set for the end of September when, hopefully, the fall colors in New England would be in abundance. So, with 30 or so of our neighbors we set out for this adventure. Our adventure started off by driving all of a mile over to the HOA Clubhouse where we all boarded a couch and headed to the Richmond Airport.
After a short flight we landed at Boston’s Logan Airport and found our way to Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Once at the hotel we were met by our tour director, Debby Swope.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel – lovely.
Once settled into our room, we ventured across the street to Boston Common and explored a bit of the area. Having lived in Cambridge (across the river) and Janeen having worked on Newbury Street (which ends at the Common) it is an area we had visited in the past. Unfortunately, the Swan Boats were not on the pond so no boating today. However, it was a lovely day and lots of views to take in.
Janeen with SumnerYou see the most interesting things in the CommonDavid and Kosciuszko
Finally, she got all her ducks in a row!
The following morning, our first tour was an overview the oldest part of Boston – a place we have visited by many years ago. Our “step on” guide (local guide who joined us on the bus) was very knowledgeable of Boston and did a great job of pointing out significant places along our trip.
The majority of the ride focused on the Freedom Trail – The Boston Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Boston that passes by 17 locations significant to the history of the Boston and marked with a red brick line in the sidewalk. It winds from Boston Common, to the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
Old Meeting HouseOld South Church
Copp’s Hill grave yard from the 1660’s.
Paul Revere’s HouseOur group at Paul’s Statue
Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides. The USS Constitution is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy and is the world’s oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Bucker Hill or Old Ironsides but it was a good overview of the City and the historical significance of many of the places.
Faneuil HallQuincy Market
We ended the tour at Faneuil Hall where we had time for lunch and a little exploration of all the markets around the place.
Shops around Faneuil Hall
After rejoining our group, after lunch, we boarded the Couch and headed towards Plymouth and Cape Cod.
The RockPlymouth Rock’s Home – it sits in the hollow where the tides can still sweep in and cover it with seaweed.
Plymouth Massachusetts is the home of Plymouth Rock, the traditional site of disembarkation of the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in December 1620. We are all familiar with the story about the Pilgrims and their establishment of the colony here but it wasn’t until a hundred years or so later there is a written reference to the “rock”. In 1741, 121 years after the Pilgrims arrived, there is a written documentation about the landing place when it was described in the town boundary records as “a great rock”. Regardless, the establishment of the colony in this location is significant and the story of the rock is a good timeline marker.
We all took advantage of the time off the bus to explore and take some pictures. In the Park around the “rock” is the Mayflower II, a reproduction of the original ship which brought the Pilgrims across the Atlantic. So, back on the bus and off to Cape Cod.
Mayflower II
Chuck and Sally – our Neighbors were also on the adventure.
While in Plymouth, we also visited The National Monument to the Forefathers, formerly known as the Pilgrim Monument.
This commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims and was dedicated on August 1, 1889, it honors their ideals as later generally embraced by the United States. It is thought to be the world’s largest solid granite monument.
On the main pedestal stands the heroic figure of “Faith” with her right hand pointing toward heaven and her left hand clutching the Bible. Upon the four buttresses also are seated figures emblematic of the principles upon which the Pilgrims founded their Commonwealth; Morality, Law, Education, and Liberty.
After our visit, we headed towards South Yarmouth where we were booked in for two nights.
Day 6 of our adventure to see Fall Color started at a reasonable time with our having to be on the bus around 8:15 – less hectic than the other days when bus time was 7 or so. We were leaving the hotel heading to North Conway Village to board the train for a ride through the White Mountains to view the changing colors.
However, along the way we made a couple of stops to take pictures of covered bridges, color along the road and to enjoy the beautiful day. This location also provided a group photo opportunity which was shared on a photo circle.
The Albany Bridge – There are 58 covered bridges in New Hampshire – this one was originally built in 1857.
Conway Valley Train is a classic rural train ride through the area. Built in 1872, the heritage railroad serviced passengers and freight for nearly 100 years before coming to a halt in 1961. Under new ownership in 1974, the railroad rebranded from a freight and passenger train to a scenic excursion train. Departing from the historic 1874 Victorian Station in the heart of North Conway Village, we had an open carriage journey through scenic mountains of New Hampshire.
Our Group waiting for our train .
All Aboard!
The narrated trip included history of the railroad, sites along the way and general information about this scenic loop back to Conway.
Debby our Mayflower Tours Guide and Terry from Colonial Heritage Travel ClubLots of room as we had the entire train car for our group.Here we go!Color all around
Debby got help handing out the box lunch sandwich, apple, water bottle and sweet.
WE crossed several streams and riversThe Snow Plow is ready!
Train buffs were given time to tour the gift shop, and then we boarded our replacement vehicle (which had coat hangers and cup holders on each seat!) and headed for our resort hotel. Along the way we stopped for a quick picture or two.
The hills were alive with colorTerry and her husband Mike
The Omni Mt Washington Resort – was NOT where we were staying
Once back to our hotel, we packed for the following days adventure – a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee
After our visit to Newport, we hit the road to find Fall Colors! Our first stop was Brattleboro Vermont which was just an overnight spot and a chance to relax for a few minutes. The following morning, after breakfast, we boarded the coach and headed out to try and find some Fall Color with the goal of reaching Weston VT and the Vermont Country Store. Along the way we made a couple of stops, one at Starbucks with a lovely park next to the parking lot. While not everyone on the coach rushed into Starbucks, it was clear the majority were interested in a hot beverage.
The Ashuelot River Park, in Keene Vermont, was a lovely place to wander around for a few minutes while finishing my coffee.
Back on the bus we headed towards the Vermont Country Store. We did stop for some pictures.
What a surprise, we hadn’t gone very far when I saw this Bob’s Big Boy on top of Dari Joy! How did this get all the way here? Bob’s started in Southern California.
We made a stop along the way to take pictures of the fall colors.
Many years ago, when we lived in Cambridge Massachusetts, Janeen worked at an importer of wooden ware – H.A. Mack and Company. The primary focus was the import of wooden ware such as spoons, bowls and lots of other kitchen gadgets. One of the places they sold to was the Vermont Country Store! So we have known about this place for many years – back when the original owner, Vrest Orton. ran the place with his wife Mildred. Since that time, we have received their catalogue every so often and even ordered a thing or two over the years. However, we have never visited the store even though we passed through the area from time to time when we lived in Cambridge.
Started in 1946, the Vermont Country Store in the village of Weston was inspired by childhood memories of his father’s general store in North Calais, Vermont. The Weston store became the first restored rural general store in the nation. Today the place is owned and operated by his son and grandsons – together they are 7th and 8th generation Vermonters. They still adhere to the old-fashion values set by their father and take pride in being the Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find. When we have looked for something obscure like Necco Wafers for use on gingerbread houses we reach out to them for sure. When Janeen asked for licorice Scottie Dogs, they rushed them up from in back.
Once in the store, it’s clear there is a LOT to choose from. Our stop was to be an hour or so but it could have lasted all day with all the nooks and crannies there were to discover.
Decisions need to be made.Not nearly as much wooden ware as they used to carry.
I thought we did pretty good getting out only spending $130!
So much to see.Terry deciding on what to buy!
Back on the bus we headed to Woodstock Vermont for a little sight-seeing and lunch. Woodstock is a small town with historic buildings surrounding the central square and considered to be one of the most beautiful little towns in Vermont. Being that it was a beautiful day, and the color was beginning to decorate all the trees, the place was busy to say the least. We finally found a place that had only a 30-minute wait for lunch and enjoyed a nice sandwich on the patio.
When we got back to the bus, we discovered a problem – the rear end of the bus was open and the driver was checking the motor. It seems the fan belt had broken and we weren’t going anywhere for a while!
After further investigation, Karim (the driver) found a belt on board another bus, but then there was still the problem of getting it installed. All he had in the way of tools was a butter knife and a broom handle.
As we were stranded in Woodstock for a while, and we were parked next to the Woodstock Inn & Resort, many of our group went inside for adult beverages and to have a nice place to sit. The Inn was very generous to us given our predicament.
Members of our group enjoying the hospitality of the Woodstock Inn
Terry (our HOA Travel Club person) jumped in and even went so far as to ask the Manager if we might borrow some tools to repair the bus! After a couple of hours, with help from mechanic passengers and borrowed tools, hungry tourists were ready to head to our hotel. Our driver realized he could not get us to the hotel buffet in a timely manner, so negotiated with the boss for a pizza & beer stop en route to the hotel.
We all enjoyed some pizza and beer along the way to our hotel for the evening.
Now off to our hotel where we are staying for two nights!
For a number of years, I have wanted to attend the Newport Jazz and Music Festival but alas I have not been able to put it on my schedule. While I have known Newport Rhode Island is much more than a just a music venue, I really hadn’t thought about it much. OK, I remember the America’s Cup Race was held there for many years (until the Cup was lost to Australia in 1983) but beyond that I didn’t have a clue about the history of the place.
Clearly, I didn’t take this picture but it does give you a lovely view of a good portion of Newport.
Our adventure today was to visit Newport – a drive around with a local guide and time to tour The Breakers. Founded in 1639 Newport was one of the most import port cities in the North American Colonies during the 18th century. Commerce included the importation and sale of enslaved persons as well as manufactures of whale-oil candles, rum and fine furniture. The Revolutionary War didn’t help the place much and the entire area declined after the war. In the mid 1800’s things began to improve as it become a fashionable summer resort favored for its temperate oceanside climate.
Lots of boating happens And of course shopping is available
During the late 1800’s – The Gilded Age – Newport gained prominence as leaders of finance and industry (the 1 percenters of the time) from New York and elsewhere built ever larger ‘summer cottages’ and enjoyed a glittering social life of dinners, sports and lots and lots of parties. By the turn of the century, these cottages included European-inspired places with servants to support them during the 8 to 10-week summer ‘season’.
Dwight D. Eisenhower used the house as his summer residence during his presidency in 1958 and 1960.
The front of the Breakers
The Vanderbilt family seemed to particularly like Newport building several ‘cottages’ include The Marble House (1982) and Breakers(1895). Others included a Nevada silver heiress, Theresa Fair Oelrichs who built Rosecliff in 1902 . Our focus for our tour was on The Breakers – which is considered the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age.
The Grand Staircase and a view of the area from the balcony.
Neat little fountain under the Grand Stairs
My lovely Janeen by one of the lamps in the entrance area
However, prior to getting to the Breakers we did drive around the city and in particular the spot where the Jazz and Music Festival is held. Once we finished our couch tour, we were dropped off at the Breakers to allow us to explore this property.
Music Room
The Breakers was built between 1893 and 1895 as a summer residence for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. He purchased the property for $450,000 and he commissioned the creation of the ‘cottage’. This 70-room mansion, with a gross area of 138,300 square feet and 62,482 square feet of living area on five floors, and was designed by Richard Morris Hunt in the Renaissance Revival style; the interior decor was by Jules Allard and Sons and Ogden Codman Jr.
Look closely for our ‘selfie’
Concerned that the prior house, on the property, had been destroyed by fire, Vanderbilt insisted that the building be made as fireproof as possible, resulting in a structure composed of masonry and steel trusses, with no wooden parts. He even required that the boiler be located away from the house in an underground space below the front lawn.
Could be the LibraryDining Room
The interior was created using marble imported from Italy and Africa and rare woods and mosaics from countries around the world. The project was completed in 1892. When completed, it was the largest, most opulent house in Newport area. Upon his death, the property went his wife who outlived him by 35 years whereupon she left it to her youngest daughter Countess Gladys Széchenyi.
Cornelius Vanderbilt’s BedroomMiss Gertrude Vanderbilt’s bedroom
This was one of several bathrooms – all about the same size. They include a “sits” bath on the right side of the room and the tub had 4 taps – 2 for fresh water and 2 for salt water.
Lots of copper pans for sure
In 1948, Gladys leased the high-maintenance property to The Preservation Society of Newport County for $1 per year. It is now the most-visited attraction in Rhode Island, with approximately 450,000 visitors annually as of 2017.
The recent HBO series – The Gilded Age – filmed a portion of their program in The Breakers.
After we finished our tour of the property, we were the last ones on the bus, we headed out to Vermont where we might actually see some fall color!
