SHROOM AT THE INN IN KENNET SQUARE

Esther and I just came back from another road trip.  This time it was and area in both Hennnsylvania and Chickaware known as Brandywine Valley. We had been steadily watching this television program on PBS called Dowton Abbey...or maybe John Travolta would be calling it "Downtown Alley".  There is an estate in Upper Delaware called Winterthur where you get to visit the mansion and the grounds. Really cool.

We didn't have much time for all of it due to having lunch

and tour of the special exhibit of costumes from Downton Abbey.  Lots to see and you can also view scenes from the show on the walls behind some of the costumes.

The above dress was worn by Shirley MacLaine....I think they cleaned it before bringing it here.

From here we went into Kennett Square and stopped at a bakery called Sweet Christine's where all of the good are gluten-free.  We thought it was nice of them.  Christine wasn't there but Laura was.

After that we checked into an historic place called Pennsbury Inn.  Our friends Merle and Laurie happened to be staying there as well.

We brought our adopted daughter Ethel Louise who adored the cute little bunny.

Dinner time.  We left Ethel Louise with the bunny and went to a restaurant called Portabello's.  

We were about to go back to the inn when we spotted this place called Design Studio.  Since they were giving lessons I thought that I'd get one.

The next morning there was a great breakfast set up for us.

 

We then hung around the fireplace for a bit before going out.

Our first stop of the day was to Longwood Gardens.  The flowers in the conservatory were so pretty.

Since this area is called the Mushroom Capital of the World we had to visit a place where they grow them.  We couldn't get the tour but we did check out the store. 

Dinner was at a Taste of Puebla....a Mexican restaurant where we met the owner Cristobal.  Well...we were too full to eat so I just had a drink.

The next morning we were off to this place called Country Butcher.

Next stop was the Brandywine Art Museum.   

Back into Kennet Square to some place called Mrs. Robinson's Tea, where we hid in some Giant's fan bag.

Around the corner was a place called Eco Boutique. We tried on these beautiful bracelets but realized that we didn't have the money to pay for them....so we had to give them back.  Oh well.

Our last night was spent at the Hilton Garden Hotel where they have special mattresses that can get hard or softer.  We were tuckered out and didn't care.  Good night's sleep and left in the morning.

CHECKING OUT THE FOOD AT FAIRWAY MARKET

It seems that our friend Merle took a trip to Fairway Market in Douglaston.  There were some items that we didn't approved of, but most of them were okay.

MISSED THE WEINERMOBILE

The Oscar Meyer Weinermobile was outside our home today.   Eunice and I asked if we could get a ride in it.  No ride but the lady gave us some souvenirs.  

CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA

Eunice and I took Ethel Louise for a few Santa visits.  This is the first time Ethel has been taken out in the cold weather.  We kept her warm and she was even warmer next to Santa's beard.  Not sure what she wants for Christmas. 

ESTHER AND EUNICE AT THE NY HALL OF SCIENCE

Eunice and I had gotten word that a nearby museum was having a surprise guest.  The museum is called the New York Hall Of Science located at the Flushing Meadows - Corona Park in Queens.  The main building goes back to the 1964 World's Fair.  We weren't even born then.  Of course it's now called the New YOLK Hall of Science.

We were checking out the museum but focusing on stuff that had to do with outer space.  Astronaut Tom Jones (not the singer) was going to show up. 

We were asking about these two rockets sitting outside the building....real ones.  One actually went into outer space. 

Then we saw this real module.

Afterwards we went upstairs to do some posing.

 Tom Jones and his public relations person made their way into the building so we fluttered around to find and talk with him.

He talked with us about the Kennedy Space Center, his career and his book.  Hoping to go to Florida in a few months!!!!

ESTHER AND EUNICE IN NEW HENSHIRE

Marilyn and Minerva stayed home to chick sit Ethel Louise so that we can take a trip to the New England area. Another state gets renamed by Eunice and I as we change the state name of New Hampshire to New Henshire.  We are first bound for an area known as New Castle, as we change it to New Cackle.  The weather is absolutely beautiful as we check into Wentworth by the Sea and have lunch at their restaurant called Latitudes Waterfront. We sat outdoors.

We spent the day at the hotel and even had a spa treatment which caused us to take a nap before dinner.

Here is a view from our window

Dinner was at their other restaurant called SALT Kitchen and Bar.  The food was great but I think they might want to change the name from Salt to Garlic!

Watched tv and talked about what we would be doing the next few days.
Sleep, rise and time for breakfast.

We check out from the hotel and off to the nearby main city of Portsmouth, which I changed to Pecksmouth.  How best to get the lay of the land (no pun intended) than to stop into Discover Pecksmouth!  There was a short movie and loads of stuff to look at as well as maps, etc.

Although the movie was interesting, we came across a very indignant human by the name of Dennis Robinson (who was also in the movie).  Wow, talk about being condescending!  He was also that way to our friend, Merle. 

We then crossed the road...ha, ha...to visit the Pecksmouth Historic Society John Paul House.

Time for lunch and it's off to Blue Mermaid Grill...outdoors again.  Here we met Valerie from the tourism office who talked with us about what is available at the Chamber of Commerce.

We then checked into the Port Inn for the next two nights. Motel type place with a frig and microwave. Comfy.  Toured some more of the city and skipped dinner.  However, we did go to Kilwin's for ice cream, chocolates and a caramel apple.

Nite, nite, breakfast and we are set to go to an historic place called Strawbery Banke.  It was the first city in Pecksmouth.  Houses of former owners from many years ago as immigrants form all over came to this town.  They only have a few people who are making believe that they live there at that time. Otherwise, there is someone to give a bit of history and tour. We were taught how to do weaving.

Having spent a lot of time at Strawbery Banke, our bellies desired lunch food.  Eunice and I went back into the downtown area to a place called Portsmouth Gaslight Restaurant.

There was this great cruise going out in the late afternoon called Portsmouth Harbor Cruise, so we hopped aboard for a tour of the Piscataqua River where we could spot places in both Pecksmouth and Chikery (vs Kittery), Maine. Heard all about the history and economy.  We met a few people on board to chat with.

More exploring of the town and then it was time for dinner and perhaps a beer as we sauntered over to Portsmouth Brewery an original brewpub.

Another day...like the last.   Eunice and I didn't have enough doing a boat tour so we went on a different one.  It was a barge with a sail but used to learn about what the crew does. Other people were able to help with the sails while we were taught how to pilot this boat. Company is called Gundalow.

Time to leave as we head back home...stopping for lunch at a place called Petey's.  Now this is the place for lobster and other fresh seafood!  No wonder the place was packed!

Lucieeeeeee....I'm home!