travel

One for the fiber enthusiasts – Perfect Blend yarn shop, Saugerties NY

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perfect-blend

If you’re going to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck this year (more commonly known simply as “Rhinebeck”), a quick detour to the Perfect Blend Yarn and Tea Shop in Saugerties NY is well worth the trip. It’s a lovely little shop, with tea samples and all manner of delightful yarn (including the much-loved Madeline Tosh). The staff are friendly, and there’s even a table and chairs to sit and rest a while (and maybe cast on a new project while you’re at it).

 

It also happens to be down the road from the gorgeous Saugerties Lighthouse, which is a worthwhile trip in and of itself, and benefits from easy walking to cafes and independent bookstores nearby- click here for more information about Saugerties to help plan your visit.

Architectural trivia: Albany, NY – Fort Frederick Apartments

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fort-frederick-apts-behind-office-building

Behind a (probably half-empty, I’m guessing) office building on Swan Street in downtown Albany NY is the apartment building that is the subject of one of my favorite “wait, what?” stories in the area. The Fort Frederick apartments were completed in 1917 at the corner of Swan Street and Washington Avenue. In the mid-1920s, when it was determined that a building needed to be built to house New York state government offices that were scattered around the city, the powers that be decided that location conveniently across from the Capitol building would be ideal for a brand-new skyscraper, now known as the Alfred E. Smith building (on the National Register of Historic Places, that building is an interesting Art Deco structure itself). So they did what any reasonable person might immediately think to do: they moved it a block away. According to Albany Architecture: A Guide to the City (ed. Diana S. White, pub. 1993, Mount Ida Press),  “J.W. and J.P. Eichleay of Pittsburgh jacked the eight-story structure up two feet and placed it on several hundred steel rollers laid on railroad tracks. It was then gently propelled 350 feet south by two teams of horses and two winches at a rate of seventy feet a day.”. And they didn’t even break a single pane of glass.

 

Amazing.

Time on the water in Boston- Georges Island, in Boston Harbor National Recreational Area

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Boston cityscape from Georges Island

The ferry to Georges Island, one of the thirty-plus Boston Harbor islands, only takes about 45 minutes from Long Wharf, but it could easily be a world away. The ferry itself is a treat- as you watch the skyline of Boston recede, the sea breeze will give you respite from the summer’s heat. As you look out across the harbor, you’ll see the other harbor islands dotting the horizon, and each of them has their own unique and interesting story. You’ll pass Castle Island, which has been the site of a fortification since 1634, and Logan Airport on the opposite side of the harbor. You’ll also pass Spectacle Island, which has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, and currently boasts beautiful walking trails (with spectacular views of the city), picnicking areas, swimming facilities and a weekly clambake on Thursday evenings during the summer. Georges Island hosts Wednesday evening barbecues during the summer months. Continue reading →

The long and short of it….

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Over the years, friends have contacted me when they’re planning a trip, looking for suggestions and advice. I love helping people plan travel, so I get excited and come up with huge long lists of things that they can do, or favorite spots to eat/drink/have coffee/see a show/attractions not to miss if I’ve visited or (often) lived there.

I set up this website as a place to store, and share, these recommendations. I’ve lived in Ireland and the Northeastern U.S., and traveled around Britain and parts of Europe as well as hitting every state on the east coast of the U.S. at least once. If I don’t already know about a place, one of my favourite things to do is to research places that people are going- and find out about the transportation, if there are tourist discount cards available, and the interesting, unusual and historical attractions that may be slightly off the beaten track.

I intend, eventually, to offer my services to do this research for busy people who want to travel, but aren’t sure what to do when they get there. For the moment, however, I will be posting regularly(ish) on the blog. If you’re interested in that sort of thing, I also have a collection of goodies featuring images of a variety of places in my cafepress shop, and calendars for your enjoyment over on Lulu.

Stay tuned….