The Hudson River School Artist and one of America's most important painters, Frederick Church, fashioned Olana in the style of a Moorish castle. Church's family home (and studio) is situated high atop a mountain along the Hudson River between Germantown and the City of Hudson, NY. Our visit to Olana was in the late fall of 2011, but things don't change at Olana. In fact, the housewares, art, books, and souveniers from Frederick Church and family's significant voyages abroad are virtually intact - just as they were when they lived there. The property is part of the New York State Park's system. The paintings, sculpture and furnishings Frederic and Isabel Church acquired over the course of their lives was described by a 19th century guest as, "a museum of fine arts rich in bronzes, paintings, sculptures ... read more

La Moda Lisa, one of our favorite Capital Region consignment shops, invited us for a motor coach trip to New York with a Flea Market Theme. The company was great my sister, Zita; my aunt Ellen; and my cousin Patti. The price was amazing $25 for the round trip on a comfy bus with games (I won a prize), movies (The Bridesmaid and The Help), snacks, and a $10 gift certificate for La Moda Lisa. The rainy, windy weather did not deter us and just goes to show "rain or shine...we'll have a good time!" The description of several flea markets and our new find, “Eataly,” a fun foodie market place follow after the "jump." We found a small Artsy Vintage Flea Market in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn near the Skylight One Flea Market (surprising ... read more

Duncan’s Family Camp Ground in Lothian, Maryland, proved to be a convenient place to camp while we explored Annapolis. March is still “pre-season” and while Duncan’s is open year round, the campground staff was hustling to get things in shape! Enough said about the campground! We drove through some beautiful farm land, and were at the Anapolis Visitor’s center (free parking in the adjacent garage) in less than 30 minutes. We met up with Squire Harvey, a Bronx transplant of a certain age, who guided us through the interesting narrow streets, chatting smartly about the history and architecture of Annapolis. We ogled the Governor’s Mansion, legislative chambers (each with a Tiffany skylight) in the stately State House, viewed a painting of George Washington resigning his commission, and saw the room where it all happened. Wending our ... read more

A highlight of our trip across Florida from Sarasota on the west coast (Gulf of Mexico) to Jensen Beach on the east coast (Atlantic Ocean) was a sunset sail with three other couples from home on Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures’ Schooner "Lily." We packed some snacks, wine and beer and felt that the $30 booking fee was a bargain as we set sail for a unique experience. The Lily departs from the downtown Stuart Riverwalk Pier. The Lily is a traditional wooden sailing vessel, a schooner rig with a scow hull. According to the brochure she is a double masted sailing barge--a flat bottomed boat with a blunt bow. This ship was actually a working boat; a piece of the north east cargo history! She transported primarily lumber between Martha’s vineyard and Maine. Owners Captain Fred ... read more

Sarasota area has quite an Amish population. We've noticed them, men with their distinctive beards and straw hats; women in their simple dresses and headpieces, riding three wheeler bikes around town. The area boasts five "Amish restaurants." Of our choices, Der Dutchman, Dutch Haus, Dutch Oven, and Sugar & Spice; we choose Yoder’s. It's located in an area of town where many Amish and Mennonites reside. While Wes held our place in a considerable line of prospective diners, I explored the "Dutch Village" that the Yoder family has created adjacent to the restaurant. The gift shop disappointed, my expectation -was authentic needle work and hand woven baskets. In hokey reality, the inventory was hokey and cutesy with imported "country" items one can buy anywhere. On our way home, I noticed some quilt and wood working shops ... read more