Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Botanical Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor Maine

 In December the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME come alive with colorful lights during the Gardens Aglow.  Made it into a family weekend and had a de "light" fun time together. 


                                                                Slim Jimmy 
Pizza then fireworks in the harbor to top off a fun night together.

enjoy,
k

Friday, October 27, 2023

Bourbon Tour - Kentucky

Free flight vouchers presented themselves to us.  So my job was to find somewhere to go.... I got it!

    Our anniversary was coming up and we do enjoy a good bourbon.  So off we go to Louisville, KY for a Bourbon Tour.   

One of our first visits was to Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles.  
They've been making Kentucky Straight Bourbon here since 1812.  It was a little learnin' a little tastin' 

And I'd say we can vouch for the fact that they are great at what they do! 

This one we happened to stumble upon (figuratively not literally) - Castle and Key in Frankfort, KY.  They've restored the historic Taylor Distillery dating back to the early 1900's.  Including an elaborate sunken garden and a botanical walking trail.  Great spot to visit if you're in the neighborhood.  If you need a bite to eat before imbibing head down the road to The Stave on the bank of Glenn's Creek for some good ol' Kentucky inspired dishes.  You know you're in Kentucky when every restaurant has a 4 page Bourbon list on their menu!  


Old Friends Equine was a delightful stop.  Located in Georgetown, KY this non profit farm takes in retired racehorses and allows them to live out their days in green pastures surrounded by loving friends.  
Yes, some were Kentucky Derby winners but others were there without such dynamic merits to their names.  All were treated with kindness and grace.  A place that feels good to your soul.



Barrels, barrels everywhere... a few other stops on our little tour were Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam.

At both places we were able to take a behind the scenes tour  

learning how bourbon is made, stored and
...tasted.  Got to be sure it's good to go!

We did nothing wrong - at least that's our story and we're sticking to it.  Our last couple of nights were staying at the Old Jailers Inn in Bardstown, KY  Got a tour of the old jail that housed prisoners until 1987.  

The back jail dates to 1874 and is completely surrounded by a stone wall.  It made for a lovely outside breakfast area - but back in the day would have felt a little differently.  


enjoy,

k

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Searsport Maine to Machias to Cutler

 A lovely stay and visit to Captain John P Nichols' mansion...

dating back to 1860's with charm and character from the days of old.  Reminding us of the seafaring heritage brought over with the English sailors.
The Homeport Inn and Tavern is a treasure beautifully restored along with the English Pub located in the basement entertaining us a with her convivial atmosphere. 

From Searsport we drove up to Bucksport and made a stop to visit Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
A 19th century granite fort with tunnels that need to be explored.
Further up the coast to Cutler - known as the Bold Coast of Maine.  

So many well maintained trails to go exploring.  The further up the coast we went...
the fewer people we saw.  


We've come to appreciate the less "people-y" places on our adventures.  

enjoy,

k


Tuesday, May 16, 2023

A Little Spring in our Steps

 A quick getaway weekend to Maine with the kids.  Time to connect...



...slow down and just enjoy time together. 


A walk around Mackworth Island State Park just a short walk from our house in Falmouth. 

Took the ferry from Portland to Peak's Island.  Had some fun tooling around on golf carts and exploring Battery Steele.  

Remembering times we would go "crabbing" off the Footbridge in Ogunquit. 
I love it when the kids remember these times from their childhood.  It's not always about the
big stuff - sometimes it's those little things....  


Slowing our pace during a walk out to Little John Island's beach 


A beautiful spot to explore and connect and reminds us... 


            ...to always keep a little spring in your step!


enjoy,

k



Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Exploring the Outer Banks ...from tip to tale

A visit to the Outer Banks gave us much to explore...
First landed in Kill Devil Hills for some time to relax and enjoy the warmth and energy from the ocean.  
Slowing our pace down to go exploring as we made our way south to Pea Island in Salvo.


 The Wright Brothers Museum was awe inspiring - showing us where we started in flight exploration!
A push and on your way...


Taking the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke

After an hours journey Jim was at the ready...

Lighthouses dotted our route along Highway 12.  Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head has been helping to guide boats since 1848.  

Sunset and cocktails in Hatteras on a beautiful evening.  

Corolla Park holds on to the history from their elite hunting club dating back to the 1920's.  

You can just imagine some of the tales that have been shared over the years.... 

enjoy,
k