Montpelier Estate, Virginia
Montpelier is the sprawling plantation estate of our fourth president, James Madison. Without time to enjoy the house tour, we ambled through the garden and around the grounds. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
Orange, Virginia
Orange, Virginia seems a great example of small-town America. We stopped here en route across the US to look around and get some snapshots for a friend of Susanne’s that shares her last name with this quaint little town.
Picker’s Supply, Fredericksburg, VA
Picker’s Supply is a musical instrument and instruction center in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. Susanne was diverted by the pretty green guitar in the window and mentioned to me she was thinking about ‘picking’ up (sorry!) an instrument, so we decided…
Downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia
Before starting out across Virginia state, Susanne and I stopped in Fredericksburg’s quaint downtown area to grab an espresso and take a peek at the local shops. This is a friendly little town with lots of personality. Susanne told me…
Alexandria, Virginia …stopping for coffee
On our way out of Washington DC we stopped to grab coffee in Alexandria, Virginia and stumbled upon a great little cafe called Killer ESP. The ESP part stands for espresso, sorbet and pie! Susanne enjoyed her latte and I…
Cross Country Road Trip: Day One
Today I embark on a cross country road trip. From Washington DC straight across the middle of the US to the San Francisco Bay. I’ve just flown into Washington DC and met up with my dear friend Susanne. Tomorrow we…
Ironwork of France
While in the French countryside, I became fascinated with the beautiful and artistic ironwork displayed in gates, balconies, windows and religious artifacts throughout the towns and villages. I’d like to share with you some of my favorites.
The Gardens of Marqueyssac
The Gardens of Marqueyssac are often referred to as the hanging gardens because they sit on a long plateau that hovers above the Dordogne Valley. This offers visitors panoramic views of the entire valley surrounding it. It is a private…
Belvès, France
Many towns and villages had street decorations overhead, but the town of Belvès wins for it’s exuberance in this arena. It’s also a pretty little town that sits atop a hill.
Chateau de Castelnaud
Chateau de Castelnaud originated in the 13th century, though it has been reconstructed and built upon throughout the years. A local came out to say Bonjour! The views from the castle mount are stunning. It was a formidable stronghold in…
Chateau des Milandes
Chateau des Milandes was built in 1489 by Francois de Caumont, Lord of Castelnaud, whose wife preferred to live in a castle rather than in the feudal fortress of Castelnaud. It became the home of Music Hall icon Josephine Baker…
Abbey and Cloister of Cadouin
Cadouin is yet another beautiful historic town and it has a stunning cloister. The Abbey of Cadouin dates from around 1115. The cloister, rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, displays strongly Gothic architecture.