September 30, 2012

DAY #9

PROVIDENCE, RI

My intent was to take a walking tour of Providence this morning.  However, it was raining, so I drove by the State Capitol to snap a photo.

The State Capitol is constructed of white Georgian marble with one of the top four self-supported marble domes in the world.

Then I went with Plan B and drove to Newport.

NEWPORT, RI

This is the oldest operating tavern in America.

They were open for Sunday Brunch.

The dining room had wooden beams in the ceiling.

I had a bowl of clam chowder and eggs benedict with potatos and coffee.

The tables had linen tablecloths with lighted candles.

Excellent food and very elegant.

After lunch I took a short walking tour of Newport.

Newport City Hall

Shopping Area

Newport Jail House Inn

Mid afternoon I drove to Cape Cod.

Hyannis, MA

Hyannis Walking Path to the Marina

Memorial Park overlooking the marina

Marina

Hyannis Church

I had dinner here. Pizza and Samual Adams beer.

The owner lived in San Francisco in the 1980's and owned a restaurant in North Beach.

We talked 49er's and Giants.

He was a Joe Montana fan.

Another fun day.

September 29, 2012

DAY #8

I drove through the Berkshires of Western Massacheusetts this morning on my way to Connecticut - a very scenic drive.

Hartford, CT

I arrived in Hartford about 10:30 and did a short walking tour of the city.
 

This is one of the largest State Capitols I have seen.

Bushnell Park

EnvisionFest is a downtown-wide celebration of the culture in Hartford.

There were concerts in the park, marching bands, free guided tours, & art displays.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch

The Bushnell Park Carousel (c. 1914) was created by Solomon Stein & Harry Goldstein.

Ancient Burying Ground

From the 1600's until about 1800, everyone who died in town, regardless of age, gender, race, economic status, or religious faith were buried here.  Buildings have been built around the area, so only about 4 acres remain. The oldest gravesite is thought to be of Timothy Stanley who died in 1648.

Old State House

I drove along Rt. 169 ( a National Scenic Byway) from Lisbon to North Woodstock.

WOODSTOCK, CT

Roseland Cottage (1846)

National Historic Landmark

Greek Revival Architecture

I drove to Providence, Rhode Island late in the afternoon and checked into my hotel. Had time to watch the last quarter of the Ohio State game. Ohio State 17, Michigan State 16.  Go Buckeyes!

WATERFIRE FESTIVAL

WATERPLACE PARK

PROVIDENCE, RI

During Waterfire, 100 bonfires burn just above the surface of the 3 rivers that pass through downtown Providence. Average attendence is 40,000.

This was an amazing performance. Six men were suspended from ropes attached at the top of the skycraper. They performed synchronized maneuvers to music which was played over loudspeakers in the square.

Musicians played in various venues throughout the downtown area.

 

Many food stands were located throughout the downtown area.

 

 

This man performed twirling fire while standing in a boat moving slowly down the river.

Stationary bonfires built just above the water

A memorable night.

September 28,2012

DAY #7

MONTPERLIER, VT

I did a short walking tour of the State Capitol this morning.

Vermont Historical Society Museum

Washington County Courthouse

City Hall

After the walk I had coffee and a waffle with strawberries, kiwi, and whipped cream at the

Coffee Corner Diner

BURLINGTON, VT

It was raining when I got to Burlington.
I drove through the Campus District (University of Vermont) and then had lunch at A Single Pebble.

The food was wonderful. I started with a pot of Jasmine tea and the soup of the day, Red Thai Curry Soup with Tofu. Next course was a Sweet and Pungent Chicken Rice Platter with two small egg rolls. The bill arrived with a single pebble on top. An excellent meal thanks to Ashley's recommendation!

Afterward, I drove to the Burlington Bay on Lake Champlain

WATERBURY, VT

For dessert, I drove to Waterbury and the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory.

I took the 30-minute tour which includes a short film, a tour of the plant, and a tasting.

The flavor of the day was Chocolate Nougat Crunch - yum.

It was a fun, whimsical tour.

I then drove south along Highway 100 and Highway 7 to the Bennington area. It was still raining, so  I  checked into my hotel just across the border in New Ashford, Massachusetts.