Monday, October 17, 2016

Blithewold and Bristol, Rhode Island Field Trip

Mister took a day off from work and he took me exploring into Rhode Island. I love little New England towns and if they are close to the water the magnetic pull for me is irresistible. We love Newport and the mansions and all the opulence of a bygone era. I am an architecture junkie. I love the old stone work, the carved wood, paneling...ahhh. Come on, lets go on a field trip. (Homeschool mom's call everything a field trip.)

Because he knows me so well, Mister finds places he thinks I would like and he did not disappoint. Blithewold Mansion is on 32 acres, located on the harbor in Bristol, R.I. It was the home of the Van Wickle family who purchased the land in 1894 to build their summer home. They made their money in coal mining during the Industrial Age that produced mega-wealthy families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. Ten years after it was built there was a fire that destroyed the house but the Van Wickles rebuilt. The home is now open to the public and the grounds available for hire to accommodate weddings and events.
The front entrance.

The back door in the center gives an excellent view of the harbor.

Dentil molding and carved wood work surround the interior of the front entry.

Corinthian columns...be still, heart.


Plaster work surrounding the simplest light in the front entry way. Even the modern bulb couldn't make this look bad.



The property boasts beautiful gardens to include this cutting garden.





The volunteer staff at Blithewold told me that they decorate for Christmas so maybe we will have to take a trip back here in December.

This is the view from the back lawn.


Bristol is a seaport town with cute little protected harbors and tree lined streets. In the summer it hosts a "home-town U.S.A." type of Independence Day parade. From what I understand Bristol is packed that day. But, summer is gone and the town was back down to it's regular population. Sweet boutiques, quaint shops and restaurants were conveniently located within walking distance of one another. Mister took my hand in his and we strolled along streets that New Englanders have strolled for hundreds of years. I imagined men returning from whaling trips, captains returning from long voyages across the Atlantic to trade with Europe....



This little building sits empty waiting for someone to open a cute shop. Couldn't you just see cupcakes or fresh bread coming out of here!?


Then there were houses trimmed in the most scrumptious gingerbread trim. This house was so sweet and I so much wanted to just pull the political signs out of the front yard to just get a good photo. 


Seaport towns have homes and buildings set along the water that were used to unload cargo. Many times today we see these buildings have been turned into condominiums. 



I was walking down the street I passed a shop window that made me stop in my tracks. The color and design on the wall screamed at me to enter. Mister dutifully asked "Do you want to go in?" Me: "Um, YEAH!" He really is a good sport...



This place screamed HAPPY to me! I loved everything in there but truly the color is what got me most! Where can I use this wallpaper? I need a room with some height! That dark blue wall in the back along with the wall behind the counter set it over the top for me. Anyway, if you are in Bristol, this shop is worth a stop! Another shop, across the street, caught my attention with some of the wares on display outside on the fence. Yes, I did make my way over there....


This was my first trip to Bristol, Rhode Island but I will be back, Lord willing. Even though summer is past the sea still calls to me. My guy knows this and indulges me a bit. Regardless of where we end up as long as my hand is in his I am blessed beyond measure.

Party time! 

18 comments:

  1. What a charming town. I bet it will be fantastic all dressed up for Christmas. I hope if you go back you will share it.

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    1. Thank you for visiting with me this evening, Debra. I will definitely share if I go back for Christmas!

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  2. I loved your last statement! I feel that same way about my hubby. Isn't it a blessing after all these years? I'm so glad you got to go to this gorgeous town. I hope you get to go there for Christmas. I bet it is wonderful! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Good marriages are a blessing from God, to be sure! I am glad to know that your marriage is like that! Thanks for hosting the party, Jann and for spending time with me. I always enjoy the visit!

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  3. Beautiful spots. What a lovely statement about your husband in the last sentence! Good marriages are a blessing from God. Thank you for hosting at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Thank you, and thank you for visiting with me. Yes, good marriages are a blessing from the Lord for sure.

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  4. Ah, I'd love to go one day! I really love all the photos you took and it seems like you've had a wonderful day!

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    1. It was a beautiful day and the town lends itself to being photographed. I don't think it would be possible to take a bad one there. Thanks for hanging out with me!

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  5. Wow...looks so pretty! How fun!

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  6. The town looks like a lovely place to visit. The setting is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your post at the #HomeMattersParty. Hope to see you link up again this week - the party post goes live on Fridays at 12am EST.

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    1. Thank you, Nicole and thanks for visiting with me!

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  7. This looks so peaceful and quaint.

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    1. Thanks for visiting with me, Sandra and thanks for the party!

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  8. Such a beautiful place, I brought Luke and the kids this summer. So magical. xx

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    1. Hi, Danielle. Bristol is a beautiful little town and Blithewold was breathtaking. Green Animals Topiary Garden was a summer favorite of my girls when they were littler. Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me this evening. I missed seeing you at Adam's Farm; maybe next time.

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  9. What a lovely story!! This old Connecticut Yankee just soaks in your New England stories!! I may be "lingering" in Texas, but my blood still runs Yankee red!!
    Thank you for the nice visit and your great story!
    Blessings to you,
    J
    PS: hubster and I are 70 and 83 and we still, very often, walk hand in hand.:^)

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    1. Jaybird, I am so glad for your visit today! I am thrilled to know that you stop by here to get a taste of home. I was transplanted to this region when I was 30 and have spent the many years since growing to love the diverse offerings of the area. I was especially touched to know that you and your mister still hold hands. It is sweet and endearing. In my mind that is what the real "happily ever after" (in this world) looks like.

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