A visit to Quebec City

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-EQbmv3IPG0_JlYV5aA2pxwgnOYfm7aJUXtlf7DCrGLPG7XJG59d7G7uxzKk7DPMFw9M_Ws_UJwtLoQN5SIi9OpicHVkbIxKqIjUNHwdzrhEJvDaWlPrBIo5MhmRx26C5ezOuKNqxNp0/s1600/Pulpit+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-EQbmv3IPG0_JlYV5aA2pxwgnOYfm7aJUXtlf7DCrGLPG7XJG59d7G7uxzKk7DPMFw9M_Ws_UJwtLoQN5SIi9OpicHVkbIxKqIjUNHwdzrhEJvDaWlPrBIo5MhmRx26C5ezOuKNqxNp0/s400/Pulpit+detail.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I recently spent 5 days in Quebec City, Canada, and wanted to share with you some of that amazing little town. I call it a town for a reason; it's a quaint and charming '<i>ye olde towne</i>' despite being the capital of Quebec.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FhSZWfiFSTUj9X-TtRVuD6RRtDBu0vg_v2pdmfX8Nkpf1Qgjgix8Wxmo3QH0h709M4ZPOZCpy7QqokgxNz2Qur77xd02O0tS3B-F_52RV7AvmR3FmQqLFwlKK9aB_JAP55IGGnGl4hXv/s1600/Quebec+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FhSZWfiFSTUj9X-TtRVuD6RRtDBu0vg_v2pdmfX8Nkpf1Qgjgix8Wxmo3QH0h709M4ZPOZCpy7QqokgxNz2Qur77xd02O0tS3B-F_52RV7AvmR3FmQqLFwlKK9aB_JAP55IGGnGl4hXv/s400/Quebec+City.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone has seen pictures of the famous Hotel, <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/">Le Chateau Frontenac</a>, perched high on a cliff overlooking the St Lawrence river. Currently undergoing a massive restoration only half of the hotel is in operation but it remains a great home-base in the city; most evenings were finished in their round bar overlooking the river.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nm5oCRhi0OEdPoicbMPJnJ8e4JULPiAcvLXPCOv8vUZQl5uoXhqv-efz6vvw2o8yJ_hsuizZXrgKS-sRYtCniXSF-hgH0tfRzOPxrLNFuqio13EyF2xemDjuSDgCQetg8ph3PgKXeUCZ/s1600/Quebec+city+hillside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nm5oCRhi0OEdPoicbMPJnJ8e4JULPiAcvLXPCOv8vUZQl5uoXhqv-efz6vvw2o8yJ_hsuizZXrgKS-sRYtCniXSF-hgH0tfRzOPxrLNFuqio13EyF2xemDjuSDgCQetg8ph3PgKXeUCZ/s400/Quebec+city+hillside.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The oldest parts of Quebec City are actually down on the riverfront far below the Frontenac. This area dates to the 17th century and the exteriors have been faithfully maintained (if not the interiors which hold a warren of gimmicky tourist shops).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbH91p3l92g8O4u7RkwGBzWT_OGjmWPGTTs7uCglFxenDMuRGenuqxoacc1l6qzAZWSfvH0O3PHdmxGDhledG_xtIlEMCs8xxbTj8PhSZLiYx0j26lDIrpAgrS3dvg83rtzU9AMfae6_n/s1600/Quebec+City+walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbH91p3l92g8O4u7RkwGBzWT_OGjmWPGTTs7uCglFxenDMuRGenuqxoacc1l6qzAZWSfvH0O3PHdmxGDhledG_xtIlEMCs8xxbTj8PhSZLiYx0j26lDIrpAgrS3dvg83rtzU9AMfae6_n/s400/Quebec+City+walls.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The city is surrounded by an enormous wall, separating the old town from the modern city. While once it defended the French and British troops, these fortifications are now freely crossed by hoards of tourists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3ab-U3oMjLx9A_Au97kjFqtHzH93VhRvGcnd60KwAjkbKlzfssEkrkCObYJu_H6DeODiyZomUYztiliypPQi3IKxe7erV_hkyWAGnXCm_r8ej-HQaoxMFWUAYSwU-FNGytfhuV1IYaTx/s1600/Quebec+City+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3ab-U3oMjLx9A_Au97kjFqtHzH93VhRvGcnd60KwAjkbKlzfssEkrkCObYJu_H6DeODiyZomUYztiliypPQi3IKxe7erV_hkyWAGnXCm_r8ej-HQaoxMFWUAYSwU-FNGytfhuV1IYaTx/s400/Quebec+City+wall.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Definitely take a walk along the top most part of the wall for stunning views of the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ddQfrS17qOWH5tZOHHhdFuqQ96fu8peUqRTSj6VypNMfZ1TEmqzv7Lgzxh9J6rNN0nfq2ybVBxQYisNsafOz-cURdM3J-4xUWuPSYaR4nh_-nhs_UAM29yGOQMbJeb-AAiEGq6h4R9R/s1600/Cote+de+la+Montagne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ddQfrS17qOWH5tZOHHhdFuqQ96fu8peUqRTSj6VypNMfZ1TEmqzv7Lgzxh9J6rNN0nfq2ybVBxQYisNsafOz-cURdM3J-4xUWuPSYaR4nh_-nhs_UAM29yGOQMbJeb-AAiEGq6h4R9R/s400/Cote+de+la+Montagne.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The terrain is of course challenging, resulting in some cliff-like streets such as Cote de la Montagne see above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YcIWnPiOjJ-0IZTeX6-M6FmChDRPh4yReKPIZu9NFWFawpIZxu0c125xHoGV7aoj4FvoOa2IKUuU96SJkDnzajJ-yN7rTGxPy2T91QWEIq9uANZ7gZOqiEj8PBEMrs9cJOqYoCLMH-vG/s1600/Rue+St+Jean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YcIWnPiOjJ-0IZTeX6-M6FmChDRPh4yReKPIZu9NFWFawpIZxu0c125xHoGV7aoj4FvoOa2IKUuU96SJkDnzajJ-yN7rTGxPy2T91QWEIq9uANZ7gZOqiEj8PBEMrs9cJOqYoCLMH-vG/s400/Rue+St+Jean.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main street of Rue St Jean is a charming lane full of shops and restaurants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrPzyPa7-JHQ9hNP9ZqEHgbTT-qxoRip1HDqA94KqkvOfNfiTk6Bn5BxzF_jAa-fHYs1gq_rts4MljAaHyrAgoJWjCKh898Eb2NnLiFNyMikKn-OGFjZpvIGNnKlOKDzLE6gGHDkGwgt5/s1600/Auberge+St+Antoine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrPzyPa7-JHQ9hNP9ZqEHgbTT-qxoRip1HDqA94KqkvOfNfiTk6Bn5BxzF_jAa-fHYs1gq_rts4MljAaHyrAgoJWjCKh898Eb2NnLiFNyMikKn-OGFjZpvIGNnKlOKDzLE6gGHDkGwgt5/s400/Auberge+St+Antoine.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stayed at the luxurious <a href="http://www.saint-antoine.com/">Auberge St Antoine</a>, a <a href="http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/">Relais & Chateaux</a> property located in the heart of the Old Port district. Centrally located, comfortable, and accommodating, I can't recommend this hotel enough!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5fN1yAA7MdiR_Aq2ZwaifTZKcaKUu3HmSNvkkp0mqk7YyUozqL08C7MJ6PzrXBtBfQ-n0HRln0D3KuUxs8puy1Bua1i6RtlmMziVY5uFO0Rp9jEx-n3YtMjdMqgBcSBvr9tHJKNu9Qj/s1600/Auberge+St+Antoine+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5fN1yAA7MdiR_Aq2ZwaifTZKcaKUu3HmSNvkkp0mqk7YyUozqL08C7MJ6PzrXBtBfQ-n0HRln0D3KuUxs8puy1Bua1i6RtlmMziVY5uFO0Rp9jEx-n3YtMjdMqgBcSBvr9tHJKNu9Qj/s400/Auberge+St+Antoine+bar.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much time was spent in the lounge / bar / restaurant relaxing, reading, and snacking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxkES2qjhwmUmCq-ZTF6LiSoV2feq_ngeNfbcvx3n0yUP7flHFYGz3UDgfuLDLyZz1vU3uNJ8-zOO5OfSqW2IH7lErQMH-MZbtyLbN2f5TbKU5HUhyv3N7DguYyNK9a8QMxw0KfLKP1aN/s1600/Gilden+pulpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxkES2qjhwmUmCq-ZTF6LiSoV2feq_ngeNfbcvx3n0yUP7flHFYGz3UDgfuLDLyZz1vU3uNJ8-zOO5OfSqW2IH7lErQMH-MZbtyLbN2f5TbKU5HUhyv3N7DguYyNK9a8QMxw0KfLKP1aN/s400/Gilden+pulpit.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is there to do in Quebec City you may ask? Well......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS4plP09a_Vc4cto4J_VCj8Nrb4smeqFrn_UfNRVBbr1-cYeRyvXSIwHxZfDswgxd1h6Lt7KPRQUlaNmSNVUFPVjQRXjSoqZkVXha5xpeTHFPFg9FOT9k1fFg6pM9UPkRfFTEgcCAp4g8/s1600/Notre+Dame+des+Victoires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS4plP09a_Vc4cto4J_VCj8Nrb4smeqFrn_UfNRVBbr1-cYeRyvXSIwHxZfDswgxd1h6Lt7KPRQUlaNmSNVUFPVjQRXjSoqZkVXha5xpeTHFPFg9FOT9k1fFg6pM9UPkRfFTEgcCAp4g8/s400/Notre+Dame+des+Victoires.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...the answer is probably not much.  If you are looking for a completely charming and beautiful location to relax, Quebec City may be the vacation destination for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEgHDMV8_skAdl29G1VT36T-rD0Pn0PqIvIMOfH3X47CPO8bEkbV1EhGXctQHC-k8Q65C5rdaBmxByU-Ye_s9nmTWWCloaH1aqNqj9RqECqX3H1JWscym3OxoWfVVLGxANNHHZnMXKtD1/s1600/Cathedral+of+the+Holy+Trinity+pulpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEgHDMV8_skAdl29G1VT36T-rD0Pn0PqIvIMOfH3X47CPO8bEkbV1EhGXctQHC-k8Q65C5rdaBmxByU-Ye_s9nmTWWCloaH1aqNqj9RqECqX3H1JWscym3OxoWfVVLGxANNHHZnMXKtD1/s400/Cathedral+of+the+Holy+Trinity+pulpit.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than a handful of beautiful historic churches there isn't much to tour or visit other than walking the streets of the town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstZYwNRbSfx11gPyqsDqj2VOZAhWysvMCKghMzxsdg2fGNE5JqNr1sZlNO3VbumWH1mN90NiwT6rPkQsvtwjbyhluSN7McwShuvQ2fizdFcMsC38a9nef9u6MqUsh_DMKFXoiSeiVuidu/s1600/Cathedral+of+the+Holy+Trinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstZYwNRbSfx11gPyqsDqj2VOZAhWysvMCKghMzxsdg2fGNE5JqNr1sZlNO3VbumWH1mN90NiwT6rPkQsvtwjbyhluSN7McwShuvQ2fizdFcMsC38a9nef9u6MqUsh_DMKFXoiSeiVuidu/s400/Cathedral+of+the+Holy+Trinity.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know because we saw each and every one. Each church was friendly and happy to have visitors tour their beautiful buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUyAQ3Xc3DUQP4y4lyOwVqJklLGClPmYaG4pJIOBos_9MSAdbG6YTbxAgpXjy6-8Z_SWKmu2HcgXHUEM3Il8BPRxuvaYI8r7FmOK5sqaab51pOUHBIVv4fTiRB8xcPlqrQWZWiZBs2bc-/s1600/classical+architecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUyAQ3Xc3DUQP4y4lyOwVqJklLGClPmYaG4pJIOBos_9MSAdbG6YTbxAgpXjy6-8Z_SWKmu2HcgXHUEM3Il8BPRxuvaYI8r7FmOK5sqaab51pOUHBIVv4fTiRB8xcPlqrQWZWiZBs2bc-/s400/classical+architecture.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did find one minuscule shop that was definitely worth a visit, the <i>Boutique a la Capucine</i> near my hotel on the Rue St Pierre opposite the <a href="http://www.mcq.org/">Museum of Civilization</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfs0TCKGMhMGVBs6ywf6Z6-gN7h_q4Bon9uOW7dU-CGndl5kVb1rybEChKOfXCEylNgZHC6S9I5YRFL_CG7-VOPBQsNrZOVTxyAY1UXUk6AlcSr082QZCqnGeyuqf8OoitJZRQjhNQjvQ/s1600/Boutique+a+la+capucine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfs0TCKGMhMGVBs6ywf6Z6-gN7h_q4Bon9uOW7dU-CGndl5kVb1rybEChKOfXCEylNgZHC6S9I5YRFL_CG7-VOPBQsNrZOVTxyAY1UXUk6AlcSr082QZCqnGeyuqf8OoitJZRQjhNQjvQ/s400/Boutique+a+la+capucine.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather in mid September was comfortable but rather damp with tremendous fog each evening and morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77_4hUOl2dfYR15nf3ic7ElHTb5OO94CbaeOK4kl4JTyYfVIX2Dy4JzxQ2qzsKXwr7i47jzqHvvT1dfgi5iDYVdUrWrnq6JJZF3aYBVXPKgv2b3U_OG2LjGe0nBvyP96nsAFFWMPPjVdw/s1600/Frontenac+in+fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77_4hUOl2dfYR15nf3ic7ElHTb5OO94CbaeOK4kl4JTyYfVIX2Dy4JzxQ2qzsKXwr7i47jzqHvvT1dfgi5iDYVdUrWrnq6JJZF3aYBVXPKgv2b3U_OG2LjGe0nBvyP96nsAFFWMPPjVdw/s400/Frontenac+in+fog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much of the city was viewed through a romantic mist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG0NRlXiMFEuCW4uMxZutgwRY3woa2sSvxgAy1M8rj892n2Yao6jhnK_b8LScaw3kct9ZES58oTVkvuF30bo2EPYg_sa0lPesOqDDA3Q9s0najkCNv1hZ_pYqvYmmScuzmXuRpxSL5wVf/s1600/Gare+du+Palais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG0NRlXiMFEuCW4uMxZutgwRY3woa2sSvxgAy1M8rj892n2Yao6jhnK_b8LScaw3kct9ZES58oTVkvuF30bo2EPYg_sa0lPesOqDDA3Q9s0najkCNv1hZ_pYqvYmmScuzmXuRpxSL5wVf/s400/Gare+du+Palais.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The train station is a beautiful Beaux Arts building down near the river that is definitely worth a visit near the entertaining food market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq_9z85-KnURDMtSA44YrWbQmoGsSM2gYzyB3nvf-Fpfh9Uvb4zo3cwm9-HtSyQrw40ksepMEwrqrVSpVl-7nf6-Vdbhw9bXdS3ic3oqPk0EL-VA2ZaS_SU9NrSampptjMcdNK6oUuPLM/s1600/Porte+St+Jean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq_9z85-KnURDMtSA44YrWbQmoGsSM2gYzyB3nvf-Fpfh9Uvb4zo3cwm9-HtSyQrw40ksepMEwrqrVSpVl-7nf6-Vdbhw9bXdS3ic3oqPk0EL-VA2ZaS_SU9NrSampptjMcdNK6oUuPLM/s400/Porte+St+Jean.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quebec is, as you probably already know, a French bastion of culture in Canada. Amazing French restaurants abound and I highly recommend both the <a href="http://www.tonresto.ca/restaurant-quebec/vieux-quebec/122-restaurant-le-continental.html">Continental</a> for old school HIGH French food, and the <a href="http://saint-amour.com/">Saint Amour</a> for nouvelle French cuisine. <a href="http://www.lecafedumonde.com/">The Cafe du Monde</a> down on the river has fantastic views and a wonderful brunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5JXnzY82n7uyBzd69GcM-lrqGHq8_OVAjgQCpVIrrjnKdAVr1Qsmy-RhHm5m5z19edKeJIfXlW7BPUQaCc9_pdoMxwJ7Y8MNHgbEP8-oHc2_iXwJDvsGVAwXLoNDDGvXWI_fx3bKYXhh/s1600/Restaurant+Continental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5JXnzY82n7uyBzd69GcM-lrqGHq8_OVAjgQCpVIrrjnKdAVr1Qsmy-RhHm5m5z19edKeJIfXlW7BPUQaCc9_pdoMxwJ7Y8MNHgbEP8-oHc2_iXwJDvsGVAwXLoNDDGvXWI_fx3bKYXhh/s400/Restaurant+Continental.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walking around the city is a pleasure, despite any negative feedback you are sensing here. Surprises lurk around every corner, such as this tiny Victorian rowhouse squeezed between 2 much larger buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvavhARC9MhQ-XJJMeCaSFoHDKvu2tpYxiCdk9m7S966GzEFSxmIooqtpGzycOkEKC3JkE6jOkdcC-iLgnzqwhW_Y5PRA5LbebPLXXQ4tyjOQOR5pRs4zcCu9s_Wti9SPFM8xESEozsxWz/s1600/small+victorian+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvavhARC9MhQ-XJJMeCaSFoHDKvu2tpYxiCdk9m7S966GzEFSxmIooqtpGzycOkEKC3JkE6jOkdcC-iLgnzqwhW_Y5PRA5LbebPLXXQ4tyjOQOR5pRs4zcCu9s_Wti9SPFM8xESEozsxWz/s400/small+victorian+house.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The perfect length of time to spend in Quebec City is a weekend. This is generally what travelers have as it's a common stop for cruise ships which constantly hover over the lower part of town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqmfN7KLkfu04RWTGwYlq3wuYlA4FMFeVV1TaD-Izj-PGDpHYsjf_jPnzcZYcPeFpge1grB9XgQaXkkK4zflwK_s2_ikc5zNpwhLXXI5inHEH-jvB_lRVKDx_uvlAT0-LCsurzx0TPOYn/s1600/St+Lawrence+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqmfN7KLkfu04RWTGwYlq3wuYlA4FMFeVV1TaD-Izj-PGDpHYsjf_jPnzcZYcPeFpge1grB9XgQaXkkK4zflwK_s2_ikc5zNpwhLXXI5inHEH-jvB_lRVKDx_uvlAT0-LCsurzx0TPOYn/s400/St+Lawrence+River.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly I have to commend the city for keeping the town immaculately clean with beautiful plantings and street art to be found through the city. Go for the food, go for the views, but just GO!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREPyctRPm2xyzOlemoJRfZz8FUlUNfdD2XL6j3HzuENoO-4cNAFXmQ2nmM-lOKxVMdjZvfdM_NjOzyHQnrXVad1lMPpM-XLW5pFwoqXBbJw6nXxb8BTEvzq1jYrQ5-3auNRMQxtEOxDbG/s1600/exterior+plantings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREPyctRPm2xyzOlemoJRfZz8FUlUNfdD2XL6j3HzuENoO-4cNAFXmQ2nmM-lOKxVMdjZvfdM_NjOzyHQnrXVad1lMPpM-XLW5pFwoqXBbJw6nXxb8BTEvzq1jYrQ5-3auNRMQxtEOxDbG/s400/exterior+plantings.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

A visit to Quebec City

I recently spent 5 days in Quebec City, Canada, and wanted to share with you some of that amazing little town. I call it a town for a reason...

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Hamilton House museum, South Berwick, Maine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfAcpAjBQ5cUWzD9e7-w82U26RBMHxf066wrsXS_nBIeRShHqO9EyGZIRM83pf1XTQpbSqtRTg1zesOje0HDBDoMm9pcH_8NRSibTwO3maT-jF-Vu3L7n5j22PQ86SuiBEaiS1py1a4MB/s1600/Hamilton+house+dormer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfAcpAjBQ5cUWzD9e7-w82U26RBMHxf066wrsXS_nBIeRShHqO9EyGZIRM83pf1XTQpbSqtRTg1zesOje0HDBDoMm9pcH_8NRSibTwO3maT-jF-Vu3L7n5j22PQ86SuiBEaiS1py1a4MB/s400/Hamilton+house+dormer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/hamilton-house">Hamilton House</a> was built by Jonathan Hamilton, a shipping merchant, in 1785 but that is not where its fame nor interest really derive. Sitting on a hill overlooking the Salmon Falls River the setting is as picturesque as can be imagined and so caught the attent<span style="font-family: inherit;">ion of 2 ladies</span> in the early 20th century who turned it into what it has become today. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoPPBMiQMa0xDTXtNis_VrfcJuMg3YOLF_rCRT_LnM6IevKPAlUK8ZjH6yScVqRoavkuHyWqxJyqrFTpqg9NT3DYrBtruQwuEryia4xzjR9LJ01bHJQ07Tssk1wN1WkryseesIAcqywif/s1600/Hamilton+House+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoPPBMiQMa0xDTXtNis_VrfcJuMg3YOLF_rCRT_LnM6IevKPAlUK8ZjH6yScVqRoavkuHyWqxJyqrFTpqg9NT3DYrBtruQwuEryia4xzjR9LJ01bHJQ07Tssk1wN1WkryseesIAcqywif/s400/Hamilton+House+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Emily Tyson and her stepdaughter, Elise, purchased the house as it had been marvelously kept intact since the 18th century.  They imparted their own version of the 18th century on the house and inserted their fascinating collection of furniture and decorative arts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d_aTXyQ7GRE5QE9Xbbzm2hdDBMmNpGKOkz9vAVEnPpuqQZecpXUuaPth7RR53N9tJwP7rpgKyZgDWKO0EDhRp4tAsA6NKFrHKQMTa-pXV5zJVHYpXr9Jx35njXmA14MQLjSgZRPbLDzd/s1600/hamilton+house+foyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d_aTXyQ7GRE5QE9Xbbzm2hdDBMmNpGKOkz9vAVEnPpuqQZecpXUuaPth7RR53N9tJwP7rpgKyZgDWKO0EDhRp4tAsA6NKFrHKQMTa-pXV5zJVHYpXr9Jx35njXmA14MQLjSgZRPbLDzd/s320/hamilton+house+foyer.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>Photographs aren't allowed inside Hamilton House so I found 2 images from the <a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/hamilton-house">website</a> to share with you and perhaps entice you to visit! The central entry hall spans the depth of the house and features this crazy architectural wallpaper the Tysons had recreated from a sample found.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BJW3FqUGFOxhbX3qthApplZ9-K9HYUbL1JP8-6cHdQ4xbIdLAXjNp0sKoRASShio0Nf96MlSHVJSmhwHP3ZaI5iRRKMSwMzfkT9FsP9uAPdYABV64tW-uSvbT0miF3NN7VbvYK2nFP2m/s1600/hamilton+house+parlor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BJW3FqUGFOxhbX3qthApplZ9-K9HYUbL1JP8-6cHdQ4xbIdLAXjNp0sKoRASShio0Nf96MlSHVJSmhwHP3ZaI5iRRKMSwMzfkT9FsP9uAPdYABV64tW-uSvbT0miF3NN7VbvYK2nFP2m/s320/hamilton+house+parlor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The highlight on the interior for me are murals on the dining room and parlor walls depicting both Greek & Roman scenes and other local historic houses and ships. All of the woodwork found throughout the house is original to the 18th century; I particularly like the decorative arches in the parlor flanking a fireplace. The Tysons built the shelves hidden behind them during their occupancy where their books still lay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju21YfntGcLSbUzsBat9gOaEBpCu8ZI9651fVbQ_VR4QujIjDdNPpL53hpan_iNAHeUximKuSkrF8_zeGptWjbblfKDaEhXEzOpp96ySa1tJAXRVcHs4zhXIGc51w87eI1ilxwDkq31h4A/s1600/Hamilton+House+side+facade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju21YfntGcLSbUzsBat9gOaEBpCu8ZI9651fVbQ_VR4QujIjDdNPpL53hpan_iNAHeUximKuSkrF8_zeGptWjbblfKDaEhXEzOpp96ySa1tJAXRVcHs4zhXIGc51w87eI1ilxwDkq31h4A/s400/Hamilton+House+side+facade.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Even on a gray, rainy day like we experienced the gardens and setting are stunning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYIqH2W54cEFu_ofuxDLeMaZmW5xviQ3A7gPE0xdNJjSo4Kdj6_0UM7RBm1RURRZphc4REjgQjoxPxKqS8cN1pHZfaqBHcCeYHmAYRIG7D9j7PMdQ5yEMlvU6WHshOP9Flc_vTd3DXlqX/s1600/Hamilton+House+rear+door+surround.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYIqH2W54cEFu_ofuxDLeMaZmW5xviQ3A7gPE0xdNJjSo4Kdj6_0UM7RBm1RURRZphc4REjgQjoxPxKqS8cN1pHZfaqBHcCeYHmAYRIG7D9j7PMdQ5yEMlvU6WHshOP9Flc_vTd3DXlqX/s400/Hamilton+House+rear+door+surround.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>The gardens were well published in the Tyson's day, as was the house, as examples of Colonial Revival style.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBzQgJci_Hxmj2BSfGcOy93cU3-myx0zVM62vWDV_Tob73c8olDSUlBhd9U1SbeI-Hy9iN0iaUAknrM8G7IGVJul9YAH31Sj890_jIU5LJ1haCMHcdzYKOY6xh9HL4Y16rYSdARte2mAi/s1600/Hamilton+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBzQgJci_Hxmj2BSfGcOy93cU3-myx0zVM62vWDV_Tob73c8olDSUlBhd9U1SbeI-Hy9iN0iaUAknrM8G7IGVJul9YAH31Sj890_jIU5LJ1haCMHcdzYKOY6xh9HL4Y16rYSdARte2mAi/s400/Hamilton+House.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> After Emily's death, Elise and her husband kept summering in the house until her death in 1949.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4nFy0Jm4Lu0pBGLTPgUL_mUDYSoS-TN07BXnmy5whl0zq_537c1-c5-4C_HQfqimGrpLTt0-sETXnm5JVvv4b9NUEdamaMA4QXSEgclneffKo1URFfL2_g9TaqR7yZRxqthbd7f4Kxub/s1600/Hamilton+House+view+of+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4nFy0Jm4Lu0pBGLTPgUL_mUDYSoS-TN07BXnmy5whl0zq_537c1-c5-4C_HQfqimGrpLTt0-sETXnm5JVvv4b9NUEdamaMA4QXSEgclneffKo1URFfL2_g9TaqR7yZRxqthbd7f4Kxub/s400/Hamilton+House+view+of+river.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Elise had left the house and its contents to <a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/">Historic New England</a> so that we can all enjoy it and the surrounding forest to this day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-k6VeAH0VAwXtOvV02MqOLOS2VNLrZNbrb6dZs90JC0xdZpLdM5V_Mlujc3gQ4TDZaCfDKMX7o5VoJ38kWoBZne-_4lVpIFF-_RHlt_ae_rAmQoG_71COs1rjIic73t79pNgECcf9Uf/s1600/Hamilton+House+formal+gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3-k6VeAH0VAwXtOvV02MqOLOS2VNLrZNbrb6dZs90JC0xdZpLdM5V_Mlujc3gQ4TDZaCfDKMX7o5VoJ38kWoBZne-_4lVpIFF-_RHlt_ae_rAmQoG_71COs1rjIic73t79pNgECcf9Uf/s400/Hamilton+House+formal+gardens.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The highlight of the garden is this formal patch between the house and the garden cottage built by the Tysons from other salvaged 18th century houses.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJvN40TAltda8OdX2_K_uWkQJem8hLT2yesCWoTlXKo_Sjjm1JvcJJAsy5uLkNQmhTRGXVa53ML-PoNGK7s8crDMnz7fsXtsyW8TFlx_BQW0hhnj1eqmbedKIcJR9YnEVH68sPeaQOJ7w/s1600/Hamilton+House+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJvN40TAltda8OdX2_K_uWkQJem8hLT2yesCWoTlXKo_Sjjm1JvcJJAsy5uLkNQmhTRGXVa53ML-PoNGK7s8crDMnz7fsXtsyW8TFlx_BQW0hhnj1eqmbedKIcJR9YnEVH68sPeaQOJ7w/s400/Hamilton+House+garden.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The cottage was as charming as could be and one could easily imagine having it as their own summer get away. That huge window in the main room was especially inspiring.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw8lfrm94RWEcxV_0HMUqUII_1aqB8hQmEmWAfKKJEOqHmlpnPTCpWvrNZFOH4nDV_OgU41HF5Xey4OLS1bH9GqeWGYyb6tqhUHV3sLKD966xKYqq9U4UV26tShZhG8MuHcX-N1rol12Q/s1600/Hamilton+House+garden+cottage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw8lfrm94RWEcxV_0HMUqUII_1aqB8hQmEmWAfKKJEOqHmlpnPTCpWvrNZFOH4nDV_OgU41HF5Xey4OLS1bH9GqeWGYyb6tqhUHV3sLKD966xKYqq9U4UV26tShZhG8MuHcX-N1rol12Q/s400/Hamilton+House+garden+cottage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Be sure to visit Hamilton House and other <a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/hamilton-house">Historic New England</a> houses while visiting Maine!

Hamilton House museum, South Berwick, Maine

Hamilton House was built by Jonathan Hamilton, a shipping merchant, in 1785 but that is not where its fame nor interest really derive. Sitt...

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R Jorgensen Fine Antiques, Maine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgxgpzrEB6AKgITidZVsSB4DG-v7_-k00oZ_eZNhQyuQdJSvgvlEmhkQMQ0gTVZYHKCYJPPXiMO1is790x9z-5p-xYDoKxC8LLWHMbKZoVLY3lqRhsjcWDAiP4YTbzloQIa5PLhwy27wq/s1600/neoclassical+clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgxgpzrEB6AKgITidZVsSB4DG-v7_-k00oZ_eZNhQyuQdJSvgvlEmhkQMQ0gTVZYHKCYJPPXiMO1is790x9z-5p-xYDoKxC8LLWHMbKZoVLY3lqRhsjcWDAiP4YTbzloQIa5PLhwy27wq/s400/neoclassical+clock.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>One of the biggest surprises I encountered on my trip to Maine was the large number of fine antique stores. I'm not sure why this surprised me as the area is known for it's historical importance! Probably the most famous and finest of all of these shops is <a href="http://www.maineantiquesdealer.com/">R Jorgensen</a> in Wells, Maine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaZlYoJbtIKJ3uznjBpmCOVoxhZog5bYtkFujcb7IVEDGbPuHgzshb7aF2hbkvLjbJUhDWE3EmF-LQb5335w8WlQks_EUmEu3Y6AdZX19SVPwsSHB1WrKO-TAIC1hq5HJ_EttHMSNgbTJ/s1600/old+maine+barn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaZlYoJbtIKJ3uznjBpmCOVoxhZog5bYtkFujcb7IVEDGbPuHgzshb7aF2hbkvLjbJUhDWE3EmF-LQb5335w8WlQks_EUmEu3Y6AdZX19SVPwsSHB1WrKO-TAIC1hq5HJ_EttHMSNgbTJ/s400/old+maine+barn.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not only featuring fine antiques the structures (a house and barn) date to the late 17th century. The gardens really steal the show here. On their <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/">website</a> many of the antiques are beautifully photographed outdoors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza18qfCGxmxsVDFUEso1hCX6YjyQ7Xav0GYL1lxPGg99bkC2WLjy2RaVBjfIdmnYxZV-hVQ_EYV0ANB5NyKpq7FvvS29p6zoXrkH0tnDUddkA8VttFeTpR23W_PBxa4l7iYITCVaCIUPH/s1600/R+Jorgensen+antique+store.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza18qfCGxmxsVDFUEso1hCX6YjyQ7Xav0GYL1lxPGg99bkC2WLjy2RaVBjfIdmnYxZV-hVQ_EYV0ANB5NyKpq7FvvS29p6zoXrkH0tnDUddkA8VttFeTpR23W_PBxa4l7iYITCVaCIUPH/s400/R+Jorgensen+antique+store.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Also be sure not to miss their fantastic, fun, and informative <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/blog">blog</a>. As you can see above there is something for everyone, from the primitive and rustic to highly refined antique.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCuLsN-D06noMaiPIoUhMsdHqy0DLfMm_RkmcAiWdzeLPXaSPdNl7gi2hwVYOqcaYVbfVhbLetYeFG-orxEmdavXTRWo00D7PqWaYe51-gBgdjq6nXh733IKUWMLXbQ3OnMLRH9tNIwyI/s1600/antique+breakfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCuLsN-D06noMaiPIoUhMsdHqy0DLfMm_RkmcAiWdzeLPXaSPdNl7gi2hwVYOqcaYVbfVhbLetYeFG-orxEmdavXTRWo00D7PqWaYe51-gBgdjq6nXh733IKUWMLXbQ3OnMLRH9tNIwyI/s400/antique+breakfront.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Most of their antiques are so fine as to be real showpieces like this <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/antiques/chippendale-mahogany-breakfront-bookcase-r14396">Chippendale breakfront</a>. One can imagine designing an entire room around one piece.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_QU2XSJvcicNH0lB2LxRH5Xyn6xIO2kpU2ql1dXwckY5mckvvtGB4-h55kXERC_1GHxQkuPsa4rlfiTpbvZSEiB_EWoke4ZLkX4OGc5zE3Ewf2HxnHVf_Dz21TnCLko5H2getY6_8Z1R/s1600/antique+dressers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_QU2XSJvcicNH0lB2LxRH5Xyn6xIO2kpU2ql1dXwckY5mckvvtGB4-h55kXERC_1GHxQkuPsa4rlfiTpbvZSEiB_EWoke4ZLkX4OGc5zE3Ewf2HxnHVf_Dz21TnCLko5H2getY6_8Z1R/s400/antique+dressers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The inventory is staggering, almost like an encyclopedia of antiques. Merely reading the labels provides one with a real education!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO94pdzEbUGfuXcgKix8ZaNP81Y4s0MEet6i4GYq2HBvy-q31_Ki1lDpQ_rLwl0Nm1T9sV5vc2JQApXx-8CJJRBQMrTBh0A-WEaxyWWl6ILQh9P7jg4d3628wYmvlXvceTV4ivm9jcBzB/s1600/baroque+mirror.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO94pdzEbUGfuXcgKix8ZaNP81Y4s0MEet6i4GYq2HBvy-q31_Ki1lDpQ_rLwl0Nm1T9sV5vc2JQApXx-8CJJRBQMrTBh0A-WEaxyWWl6ILQh9P7jg4d3628wYmvlXvceTV4ivm9jcBzB/s400/baroque+mirror.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>The shop is also thoughtfully staged. I particularly loved this statue admiring herself in the ornate antique mirror.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdQigXcwh0a6naOhX11691EoM2MNicwQrgEBwelndNK7JgW4MhpN4oH2iIhNEjyWLYP2LeIQYUP5wy0fGb4WlXQ470P5nSO0InOigXA9fuJAqK2dwes95PXUZBGCZE_59wC4MaDzVOSqL/s1600/crystal+chandelier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdQigXcwh0a6naOhX11691EoM2MNicwQrgEBwelndNK7JgW4MhpN4oH2iIhNEjyWLYP2LeIQYUP5wy0fGb4WlXQ470P5nSO0InOigXA9fuJAqK2dwes95PXUZBGCZE_59wC4MaDzVOSqL/s400/crystal+chandelier.JPG" width="278" /></a></div> Don't forget antique lighting!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxURrvz6At2MWEMguie-yJdtZhm1qOdGuhSlfGeVHs9NB_Ii9x5o60Z-zFsa7qg51wKFNX1LC9Y9HdiifJbrHEud9DTd1eKei2PHNl6f4OMQJLs9jn0w6YPC9lbv17nrkABbz41me-71s/s1600/Gothic+chandlier+and+waterford+crystal+sconces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxURrvz6At2MWEMguie-yJdtZhm1qOdGuhSlfGeVHs9NB_Ii9x5o60Z-zFsa7qg51wKFNX1LC9Y9HdiifJbrHEud9DTd1eKei2PHNl6f4OMQJLs9jn0w6YPC9lbv17nrkABbz41me-71s/s400/Gothic+chandlier+and+waterford+crystal+sconces.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> If <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/antiques/crystal-chandelier-r12856">crystal chandeliers</a> or <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/antiques/pair-of-crystal-wall-light-brackets-r14390">sconces</a> aren't your thing, maybe Gothic will entice you?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCLaCKdGwIOCjkXfC1ie0gy64nRdn0egMSRaV6jekHWFAlbD1pzMOD3nylVxwHpKA63yN0mZaDnoLAkOB9k0fnzK7nJxkJXIretMB2zTw02jIAezyVilHTcb3XROsJRAtubQ8IufaV2zV/s1600/milk+stool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCLaCKdGwIOCjkXfC1ie0gy64nRdn0egMSRaV6jekHWFAlbD1pzMOD3nylVxwHpKA63yN0mZaDnoLAkOB9k0fnzK7nJxkJXIretMB2zTw02jIAezyVilHTcb3XROsJRAtubQ8IufaV2zV/s400/milk+stool.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>I had never seen such elegant little (milking?) stools such as these and was tempted to buy at least one for my fireplace at home.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpd-p5umazsQKnA4_8seYEGj6kFV4TXAD04_aJDKU43HNHf-A3ya6eXPuBJKPW2YzBl0Mc34zcF4CzP-NjDjuesBSN9LOVHBYVau-MpW0YvFlEqZelo3h7tUU4Evmp46Hc1qBXrPYzI1y/s1600/Pine+armoire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpd-p5umazsQKnA4_8seYEGj6kFV4TXAD04_aJDKU43HNHf-A3ya6eXPuBJKPW2YzBl0Mc34zcF4CzP-NjDjuesBSN9LOVHBYVau-MpW0YvFlEqZelo3h7tUU4Evmp46Hc1qBXrPYzI1y/s400/Pine+armoire.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>Old houses which scream out for antiques generally have the problem of limited closet space. Large armoires, dressers, or <a href="http://www.maineantiquesdealer.com/antiques/wardrobe-or-compactum-ra11912">compactum</a> such as this are not only handy then but a great focal point. I particularly liked the informality and architectural lines of this English pine piece.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5AMTLJ9TvVTCejFth8wO_bWqSu2K2yCcDNJiDkpP3X52npxvesE_l2qN72RECC7MiNCzdG3UUcShoPtl0l53Y6dLat2IALGivcVzJVcQ8D1LotwpQYV3H7OUKAssLycq5DG754PgQbm3/s1600/sideboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5AMTLJ9TvVTCejFth8wO_bWqSu2K2yCcDNJiDkpP3X52npxvesE_l2qN72RECC7MiNCzdG3UUcShoPtl0l53Y6dLat2IALGivcVzJVcQ8D1LotwpQYV3H7OUKAssLycq5DG754PgQbm3/s400/sideboard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And what hostess doesn't want a beautiful sideboard in her dining room for informal buffets? Doesn't this remind you out of an English Country House drama breakfast scene? Again, I love the architectural lines of this piece and all of the wonderful storage! Definitely stop by R Jorgensen if you find yourself in Maine and tell them I sent you (and to save me that orange painted neoclassical grandfathers clock)!<br /><i>I received no compensation from R Jorgensen for this post. They actually had no idea I was photographing the shop as I walked through and I hope they approve of my posting! If they felt inclined as to give me a large discount there are a number of items I would gladly take off their hands though - call me!</i>

R Jorgensen Fine Antiques, Maine

One of the biggest surprises I encountered on my trip to Maine was the large number of fine antique stores. I'm not sure why this surpri...

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A vacation in Maine

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdYRva9n561mgp6TlawZ1ZW-syzcbhR80F7mqw9eQku9mANoTKc-iTOnUNv5ff1Sx2J0yDGZukZ6dQ944TUwn1NQPkKjofEt3i-dewb1yB2ppS2aNvlzb4LAeGjUSuxvM40bnPMpCnRpk/s1600/Hamilton+House+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdYRva9n561mgp6TlawZ1ZW-syzcbhR80F7mqw9eQku9mANoTKc-iTOnUNv5ff1Sx2J0yDGZukZ6dQ944TUwn1NQPkKjofEt3i-dewb1yB2ppS2aNvlzb4LAeGjUSuxvM40bnPMpCnRpk/s400/Hamilton+House+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As I mentioned I just returned from a vacation partly spent in southern Maine visiting <a href="http://janetblyberg.blogspot.com/">dear friends</a>. I wanted to share with you some of the highlights in case you decide to visit Maine yourself (I highly recommend it!).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaf7s-z_429ELUUM9HZMqunehRzKx3njVaGW5KAFO9ByYUgpaT58L9LO0G3lat4wM932po7R9FTJcVOkGwiFbSb-SGfgEtysroBlUVeiYM8byFVJk9m1W7JrBxsmbEuVxFqcU5R4Ci6Gx/s1600/IMG_4832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaf7s-z_429ELUUM9HZMqunehRzKx3njVaGW5KAFO9ByYUgpaT58L9LO0G3lat4wM932po7R9FTJcVOkGwiFbSb-SGfgEtysroBlUVeiYM8byFVJk9m1W7JrBxsmbEuVxFqcU5R4Ci6Gx/s400/IMG_4832.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>It wouldn't be a vacation for me without 2 things: house museums and antique stores. Luckily Maine hosted an abundance of each!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7NsjdFBlPESt0C5waDKMu75hIj58XX42oko6Fp0skNBoNW379vDDTAQwxiduyrhZpe4HCtZ-mD5Z7IGF3E-VnYJzf0nTma1Tg-hJV_4YWGw2-KPcyAoYigee0gw4I2LHx2fIK3tofHb/s1600/French+neoclassical+sidechair+circa+1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7NsjdFBlPESt0C5waDKMu75hIj58XX42oko6Fp0skNBoNW379vDDTAQwxiduyrhZpe4HCtZ-mD5Z7IGF3E-VnYJzf0nTma1Tg-hJV_4YWGw2-KPcyAoYigee0gw4I2LHx2fIK3tofHb/s400/French+neoclassical+sidechair+circa+1810.JPG" width="338" /></a></div>The first picture shows gorgeous <a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/historic-properties/homes/hamilton-house">Hamilton House</a>, an 18th century house museum located in South Berwick, Maine. Famous for its early 20th century gardens and quirky collections we unfortunately visited on a rainy day. All the better to enjoy the house and gardens all to ourselves!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096wYcgtTm8RuKVTAbFEzuFpirG_FG_wvURHlgwfp74C5EcgHwB8vIeDLrAItpWuEel3_KSl8RsygNuhIcsl8ML2iYqzoffPr1orviaWvEFyFAc3R6TuXofW6XkkCFS0AE1HOUo9xP4AZ/s1600/Kittery+point.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096wYcgtTm8RuKVTAbFEzuFpirG_FG_wvURHlgwfp74C5EcgHwB8vIeDLrAItpWuEel3_KSl8RsygNuhIcsl8ML2iYqzoffPr1orviaWvEFyFAc3R6TuXofW6XkkCFS0AE1HOUo9xP4AZ/s400/Kittery+point.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Two of the most amazing antique stores I have ever visited were located along Route 1, <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/">R. Jorgensen</a> and <a href="http://www.macdougall-gionet.com/">MacDougall-Gionet</a> (respectively in the above photos).  Be sure to check out the fascinating blog on R. Jorgensen's <a href="http://www.rjorgensen.com/blog">website</a>; I'll be doing a further post on my trip there soon.  I wish I had purchased the Neoclassical French sidechair shown at MacDougall-Gionets!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BpZ-baaewdJF-jxTMC6h1M1QOqnzUXTV5CsROzIbHK0qTmPnfnDhH1LXEJjo8ChtUjVgcTaUdZVXXH_ao-1l4I862P65AmVuWwsH5kGSdZMSRDihKj54NzbdP7T-agD-8l10PimI5un9/s1600/kittery+point+graveyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BpZ-baaewdJF-jxTMC6h1M1QOqnzUXTV5CsROzIbHK0qTmPnfnDhH1LXEJjo8ChtUjVgcTaUdZVXXH_ao-1l4I862P65AmVuWwsH5kGSdZMSRDihKj54NzbdP7T-agD-8l10PimI5un9/s400/kittery+point+graveyard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Of course just driving along Routes 1 and 1a shows one some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country as well as beautiful historic houses and sites.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjTifutXcveg5GUbAlEs8cjd7DYj1vjerucguuDjRlWbJAhj3opi-xAYksocyT-_vEAsUTAgaYFxZJf1RHb3tx3737iXZdJc8mJeX2wAlJcVq3oiYIhfvMmUk_RF61CATL7jAQjBRWR1N/s1600/Stonewall+kitchens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjTifutXcveg5GUbAlEs8cjd7DYj1vjerucguuDjRlWbJAhj3opi-xAYksocyT-_vEAsUTAgaYFxZJf1RHb3tx3737iXZdJc8mJeX2wAlJcVq3oiYIhfvMmUk_RF61CATL7jAQjBRWR1N/s400/Stonewall+kitchens.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A visit to world famous <a href="http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/">Stonewall Kitchen</a> in York was at the very top of my list - I'll be fully stocked on jams and condiments for the year to come (favorites are the <a href="http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/shop/speciality-foods/jams-jellies-butters/marmalades/Pink_Grapefruit_Marmalade.html">Pink Grapefruit marmalade</a> and <a href="http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/shop/speciality-foods/chutneys/130821.html">Major Grey's chutney</a>)!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvhW7qKfyRsBsyTgCD80mjMRYFHypFyq-REwCYeIf1UW6CD5EJsoR26WrqMxGktvUbF8MaJIdbWX-9WVlqpq41aCg_Hk-MdMPFmJiiJdQf5OH9ogwYc7ZYQxurxU4Jr51kYpoVRU6ayki/s1600/Ogunquit+playhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvhW7qKfyRsBsyTgCD80mjMRYFHypFyq-REwCYeIf1UW6CD5EJsoR26WrqMxGktvUbF8MaJIdbWX-9WVlqpq41aCg_Hk-MdMPFmJiiJdQf5OH9ogwYc7ZYQxurxU4Jr51kYpoVRU6ayki/s400/Ogunquit+playhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A drive past the <a href="http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/">Ogunquit Playhouse</a> was exciting as well, after all of the stories one hears. However their choice of performer during our time there was a bit questionable. Needless to say we didn't stop in.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBAT0ichAKf_6rBHI1Lrt94YqDJS4cN41bmw7CNCp_oE6VIO4chg-t9ag3TNqs6thRLDNnlGXGOHFbgnkwvcsTIt4Dv6c-rQqW5G9np1UpHzTrK3R9Y7JXFqxqTS1JSa-CpYySldqQuM8/s1600/Ogunquit+playhouse+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBAT0ichAKf_6rBHI1Lrt94YqDJS4cN41bmw7CNCp_oE6VIO4chg-t9ag3TNqs6thRLDNnlGXGOHFbgnkwvcsTIt4Dv6c-rQqW5G9np1UpHzTrK3R9Y7JXFqxqTS1JSa-CpYySldqQuM8/s400/Ogunquit+playhouse+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I highly encourage you to visit the southern coast of Maine (such an easy trip from Boston) and come back to see more in-depth posts on some of my favorite activities! What did you do this summer?

A vacation in Maine

As I mentioned I just returned from a vacation partly spent in southern Maine visiting dear friends . I wanted to share with you some of the...

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