Category Archives: Destinations – Historic
How to Plan a Storybook “Christmas in Connecticut” 2022
We originally researched and published this article over a decade ago, and it has proven to be a winter holiday favorite among our readers ever since. Some things have changed In a decade things change. Some of the wonderful people we met are no longer with us. The children have grown up and been replaced …
Surrounded by the Spirit of Christmas in a Connecticut Castle
Prelude to Christmas At the turn of the 20th century, William Gillette was a renowned American actor and playwright. In 1914 he purchased a scenic 184-acre plot of land that overlooked the majestic Connecticut River in East Haddam, Connecticut. On a ridge at the site, Gillette constructed a magnificent hand-tooled stone castle where he hoped …
You, the Stars, and Vasquez Rocks
With the Covid virus keeping us housebound for a year, and judging by the huge increase in streaming TV subscribers, we have all viewed more than our share of TV shows and movies. It’s time to get active. We know from past correspondence that many of our readers are interested in the locations where movies …
A Tour of Pearl Harbor: Remembering December 7, 1941
The USS Arizona Memorial is a national monument honoring those who served in the Pacific Theatre during and after the Japanese naval assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The memorial structure is built on and directly over the rusted remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona. This is the final resting place of …
How to Plan a Storybook “Christmas in Connecticut” 2020 Style
We originally researched and published this article in 2012, and it has proven to be a winter holiday favorite among our readers ever since. We believe there is magic in the air in the small towns of Connecticut at Christmas time. See if you agree. Here is our story: Note: We check every year to …
Achilleion: For Your Eyes Only
In October 1980 a Hollywood crew descended on the quiet Island of Corfu located between Italy and Greece in the Ionian Sea. The production company filming the 12th James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only,” had secured the elegant Achilleion Palace Casino for an important sequence in the film. Thank you James Bond The viewing public is always treated to …
The Future of the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia shrine in Istanbul is a breath-taking religious and cultural icon that has stood the ravages of time, disease, and conflicts for over 1500 years. It is venerated and visited by millions of tourists each year – but that may change. If you haven’t seen the Hagia Sophia, it is truly inspirational and worthy …
Another Great Inn Reopens: The Inn at Longshore in Westport, Connecticut
The Inn at Longshore reopened for business on July 22, 2020. Another great American inn adds its prestigious name to the fight against COVID-19 and the economic hardship it has caused the travel industry. Originally built in 1890 as a private residence, by the early 20th century The Inn at Longshore had become “the in …
The Queen Mary Hotel is Open for Business
The Queen Mary has faced many challenges since her keel was laid in 1930. Now she is part of a new effort to beat an unprecedented enemy as she helps the world get back to business. Here’s a little more of her inspiring story: The great ship Queen Mary has been part of Southern California’s …
How to Find the Perfect 19th Century Connecticut Inn
The scenic Litchfield Hills in northwest Connecticut is home to several historic inns and restaurants. One of the very best is the Hopkins Inn. Overlooking the northern shore of beautiful Lake Waramaug and the Berkshire Mountain foothills, the Inn was opened as the Hopkins Place, a summer boarding house, in 1847. It operated as such …
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