Calling all pottery lovers!!!

There’s magic in handmade pottery. And while I don’t know a thing about ‘centering’ the clay myself, I have a great appreciation for it. The glazing, shapes, colors and artistry of it all.

A few weeks ago a friend and I meandered country roads south to Merrimack, MA to visit Purple Sage Pottery.

I first discovered Purple Sage when Jon and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary (nearly a decade ago!) with a quick getaway to Newburyport, MA. We spied a gorgeous fish platter peeking from a little boutique window. The rest is history.

The fish platter we bought was thrown by potter Iris Minc from Purple Sage Pottery. I’ve since visited her shop in Merrimack and added (very slowly!) to my collection through the years.

This maple chai tea latte recipe I posted a few years ago was just right in this mug. Your hands fit perfectly around it, just right. And filled with something warm and delicious in wintertime, it’s an experience in itself. Especially when the white stuff falls outside the window pane. Downright cozy!

And this batter bowl by Iris was included in my recent omelette recipe!

Twice yearly Purple Sage hosts an open house with many different potters displaying and selling their wares. That’s why we went down a few weeks ago, for the open house.

Purple Sage also offers pottery classes and space for potters to work at the wheel and fire their pieces.

While Iris glazes with many different colors, my favorite is the purple/turquoise. I think it’s called sea foam. In fact, her fish platter above was the inspiration piece for decorating our new kitchen!

I’ve never been much of a collector. Not stamps or baseball cards or even teapots. Maybe teddy bears as a kid. But we enjoyed using our fish serving platter so much. And then I got two mugs. (And then someone who will remain unnamed broke one! Eek.) And then I got three more. (See what I did there?) And most recently, the small batter bowl…

So perhaps I’m becoming a collector after all. It’s a great experience using these pieces, reminiscing about our anniversary trip to Newburyport and subsequent visits to Purple Sage Pottery.

Are you a pottery lover too? My son Charlie (12) has taken a few pottery classes at the Currier Art Center downtown and loves it. And I have friends who throw pottery. (Maybe someday it will be me.)

Have a super weekend, and if you’re ever in this neck of the woods, take a little detour off the beaten path and drop by Purple Sage Pottery.

XOXO,

Allie 

The post Eat Clay Love – Favorite Things #6 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Wishing a great weekend to everyone out there today! It’s been a crazy week for us East coasters, what with another two foot snow dump this past Tuesday.

That’s ok. New Englanders are a resilient bunch, still smiling. (Some of us.) Grabbing our shovels. (Pick axes?) Pulling on our snow bibs like everyone else, one leg at a time. (I hear another storm’s on the way. Just sayin’ and don’t shoot the messenger.)

Two feet of white stuff is a bit much, and thankfully it wasn’t heavy like last week’s batch. (So say the shovelers at my house.) We already had snow on the ground, so our mailbox is now completely encased in white. I think every mail delivery worker up here should get a big fat bonus check during arctic stretches like this. It can’t be easy.

I spy candied maple bacon biscuits. And fresh cider donuts. Eek!!!

A few weekends ago, in the midst of our kitchen renovations (think no stovetop, oven and kitchen sink for weeks) we escaped the indoor kitchen camping scene for a delicious homemade breakfast up in Sugar Hill, NH at Polly’s Pancake Parlor.

You’ll find all things maple at Polly’s Pancakes.

Jon and I first discovered Polly’s by accident last fall when we sneaked off on a quick weekend getaway to Sugar Hill and Jackson, NH. We visited the Garnet Hill outlet in Franconia then googled for a bite to eat and Polly’s Pancake Parlor came up first. Lucky us, what a great find!

Real maple syrup. Real maple sugar. Real maple spread. My kind of heaven on earth.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor has been around for over seventy-five years now and I know why. Great food, real maple syrup/maple syrup products, and excellent customer service are top priority.

Not to mention the view out the dining room windows!

We’ve since visited twice more with the boys and had a great experience each time.

If you remember nothing else, please note that you can call ahead to Polly’s and get your name on the waiting list. That’s a very good idea if you’re planning a visit. We went during the Christmas holidays and took the boys on our way up to Quebec City.

Shop all kinds of homemade mixes and maple products while you wait.

We called Polly’s when we left the house and still waited twenty minutes after arriving. And we’re an hour and a half away! So do call ahead, especially during busy holiday times.

Some of you know our special little guy Hudson. He’s got Downs and autism, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for delicious homemade pancakes a bit.

In fact, he’s a carb lover. And while he’s got sensory issues and typically covers his face if a camera appears, he forgot all about that when his stack arrived!

So here’s the squeeze on Polly’s. There are different kinds of homemade pancake batter to choose from. Oatmeal buttermilk. Plain. Buckwheat. Corn meal. Gingerbread.

And then there are the add-ins: walnuts and coconut. And your server works behind the long griddles, flipping your flapjacks! And when you finish your first custom stack of three, your server magically reappears with the second. That’s how they do it at Polly’s. And I didn’t hear anyone complaining. Check out their extensive menu here.

Originally Hildex Farm in Sugar Hill, Polly’s Pancake Parlor started in 1938.

Polly’s mills their own flours. And in 2006, they received a James Beard Award in the “American Classics” category.

So if you’ve never been to Polly’s Pancake Parlor, add it to your New England bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.

We left Polly’s and headed to the Garnet Hill Outlet, just a hop, skip and a jump away. If you’re not familiar with Garnet Hill, it’s primarily a women’s clothing company known for natural fibers, linen, fabulous wools and cashmere. They also carry the exclusive Eileen Fisher brand. I didn’t buy anything there, but that’s not the end of the story.

We headed on to Chutter’s in Littleton, NH, not far away. While Jon and the kids shopped at the longest continuous candy counter in the world, I slipped in to the shop next door – Emma & Co. Consignment.

And scored this beautiful Garnet Hill leather bag for a song. Patience is a virtue! The girl who checked me out said they carry lots of Garnet Hill because the outlet is so close.

And quick kitchen update – it’s functional! Kitchen sink, stovetop and oven happened this week. Now it’s just the details. I’ll keep you posted.

Have a beautiful, relaxing weekend and hope it includes a short stack with real maple syrup!

XOXO,

Allie

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This little shop has stolen my heart. Hand-painted silk scarves, pottery, paintings, hand-made cards and eclectic artisan gifts in a rustic, serene setting. If you’re local, you must visit Barn In Bloom!

I’ve had several delightful chats with owner and creative, Sarah. (Be sure to check hours first: open Wed. – Sat. only.) Savor homemade soups and artisan breads next door at Buckley’s Bakery and Cafe.

Tattle tale on me: I left my sunroof open on a 74° February day last week. Not recommended here in NH. It snowed 5″ the next day. YASSS! I was shocked to discover my fronts seats and console filled with the white stuff late the next day, had to grab a shovel. Reminds me of that other time when I forgot something else pretty important.

But spring is not so far away. (A girl can dream!) Here’s the personalized doormat I have and love.

Pure sweetness!

Scrumptious and unusual: a slice of fresh rosemary olive oil cake I shared with a friend here. Worth the splurge. This unique little cafe featuring farm to table and Mediterranean cuisine has a free online recipe club . (I signed on the dotted line and so can you.)

“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” -Frank A. Clark

It’s school vacation week here in NH and all continues to be chaotic with our kitchen remodel. A fun adventure none-the-less. Loved hearing about your kitchen renovations in the comments last week, thank you! And look forward to sharing the “after” pictures of ours here. Whenever “after” finally arrives. (Patience is a virtue, so I’m told.)

Enjoying a cup of this in the quiet this morning.

It’s stormy here on the East coast this weekend, stay safe!

XOXO,

allie

The post Favorite Things #3 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hi friends, and a very happy autumn weekend to you! It’s been a while since we took a field trip here, so it’s time. Past time. Let’s go! I love featuring unique New England places. Today we’re dropping by Castle in the Clouds in Moltonborough, New Hampshire.

This amazing estate has both incredible history and beauty. I’ll tell you how we landed there for a visit this past summer.

Our local library has an awesome selection of free museum passes available, so I checked out the list on the web. I was looking for a fun place to celebrate my birthday when I spied Castle in the Clouds.

I vaguely remembered visiting Castle in the Clouds as a little girl with my family when we vacationed in Wolfeboro, NH several summers. (Also recalled the enormous black Newfie at the cottage camp where we stayed. A huge, black gentle bear of a dog with twinkling eyes and a slow-wagging tail.)

Hudson was NOT a fan of the huge drop-off behind the house, just beyond the gate FYI.

So we visited back in July. Castle in the Clouds is a country estate that’s home to Lucknow, an unusually lush home built in 1914 on a mountaintop in the Ossippee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.

First we climbed the mountain by car, then meandered our way down the curvy one way entrance lane, stopping to view the impressive waterfalls on our way to the famous Lucknow estate. We toted along a picnic and ate lunch on the grounds.

Lucknow is an example of  “Arts and Crafts architecture in New England, expressing that aesthetic movement’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature.” Designed by J. Williams Beal & Sons of Boston,  it was technologically advanced for the day.

The original estate featured 6,300 acres, a sixteen room mansion,  a stable/garage, two gate houses, a 100 foot greenhouse, farm buildings, an 18-hole golf course, tennis court, a lake for swimming and fishing and 45 miles of carriage and bridal trails.

Wow! It’s quite impressive, and these views of Winnipesaukee from the back lawn are stunning.

The story of how Lucknow came to be is quite an amazing one of rags to riches. Then rags again. Thomas Plant was just a poor boy from Bath, Maine. At the age of 14, he left school and home to seek his fortune, working in various odd manufacturing jobs.

There was a wall phone in every room! (Remember, it’s 1914.)

By the time he was twenty-five years old, he’d opened the Thomas G. Plant Company. By 1910, his Jamaica Plains shoe manufacturing company was the largest shoe manufacturing facility in the world.

The docents did a fabulous job conveying how technologically advanced the factory building (that covered five city blocks) was in 1914 with fitness rooms, health insurance for all employees, three bowling alleys for entertainment and rooftop gardens where families met employees for recreation and meals. Truly amazing advances for the day.

The organized storage and closets throughout the house were fabulous.

Need a massage? Check out the three needle shower! (But men only please.)

This sign cracked me up.

Unfortunately, after a series of failed investments, Plant tried, from the mid-1920s through the era of the Great Depression, to sell the mountaintop estate. However, no buyer was found, and the Plants mortgaged the property to a friend and continued to live at Lucknow until Tom Plant’s death in 1941, when the property was sold.

In 1959 the estate was opened to the public as Castle in the Clouds and is managed by a preservation society that oversees the care, restoration and preservation of Lucknow today.

The ducks were as interested in the fish food as the trout when we stopped at the fish pond on our way out.

We dropped by the docks near the village green in Wolfeboro for ice cream and a gazebo band concert on our way home.

Can you tell I love it here in New Hampshire? It’s so beautiful with the lakes, mountains and ocean nearby. Many thanks for coming along today, hope you enjoyed the views! What are your favorite New England haunts?

You may also like: Sugarbush Farms

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I spent July 4th weekend in beautiful Whitefish Bay, WI on Lake Michigan and just had to tell you all about it today. Beautiful sights you don’t want to miss!

Hello my friends — and a very happy summer weekend to you wherever you may be. I can’t even believe August is already here, can you? I mean, how can this be? And seriously, where has the summer gone.

Thankfully my kids don’t go back to school ’til the end of August, so there are still a few more weeks of freedom around here. I’m all for that, it’s been such a nice summer. I’ve loved every minute.

My sister Susan and I met for the long weekend in Whitefish Bay over July 4th because my sweet cousin was getting married. YES!!!! This was a long anticipated wedding in our extended family, and so naturally we just had to be there to cheer her on. Not only that, we wanted to be there and also to meet her groom!

But the truth is, I had to make myself go, and I’ll tell you why. Because I’m kind of a homebody. Especially when I haven’t seen extended family or friends for a while. I get just a tad anxious before reconnecting. Maybe that’s just me. Once I get there I’m glad I went, but there’s always that initial little tummy butterfly.

So the morning of the wedding, Susan and I went out in search of a lovely walking route along Lake Michigan. We asked the hotel staff for suggestions and got blank stares only. So thank goodness for Google. I searched “parks near me”, and in a flash, the first place that came up was Big Bay Park, just ten minutes away. Susan helped me capture some of the beautiful shots below. (Merci, sista!)

The tropical blue of this water is so stunning! I’d been to Lake Michigan before but forgot just how blue!

And then, as if the beautiful sights, sand and azure water weren’t enough, we came upon adorable Zola!

This furry little girl loves the wet!

And she plays a mean game of fetch besides!

This the joy of life. Waking up each day, never quite knowing what amazing or incredible sights you might come upon. Such a gift this world is, just waiting to be discovered. I loved our unexpected time together at Big Pay Park.

So we worked up a healthy brunch appetite on our beach hike, asked the locals where we should go for authentic Wisconsin. Everybody said Solly’s Grille downtown.

Susan was looking for authentic Wisconsin fried cheese curds on the menu, and we were disappointed not to find them. But the good news, Solly’s had lots of other authentic Wisconsin. Like hand-breaded Alaskan cod fillets, America’s original Cheesehead burgers, and the famous Wisconsin butter burgers!

What exactly, is a butter burger you ask? Think beef burger fried in butter. Butter on the bun. Lots o’ butter. Yeah. (See above.) No, I did NOT have a butter burger. And no, Susan didn’t either. (Fish for these girls.)

The wedding itself was beautiful in every way, and this photo captures the most poignant moment for me. The bride and groom, both sets of parents and the pastor, quietly dedicating the marriage during the ceremony.

Announcing: Mr. and Mrs.! Woo hoo and congratulations to the newlyweds!

The scene above moved me most – my dear aunt and uncle enjoying sweet moments on the dance floor at the reception.

Before my flight out Sunday, I spent some wonderful time with my aunt, cousins and their kids on the shores of Lake Michigan at Concordia University in Mequon.

Such a stunning campus! I don’t think I’d get any studying done. (I’d be out flying a kite on these rocks.)

Here are just a few of my precious cousins above. So glad I was able to make it to the wedding, tummy butterflies and all. Extended family is a blessing. I’m so thankful for mine, along with wonderful new memories besides!

You may also like: Inhale Exhale

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Hello my friends, wishing you a very happy July weekend wherever you may be. Hope you’re soaking in some rays and enjoying some rest and relax with your friends and family this summer. Filling you in today on a quick get-away Jon and I squeezed in a few weekends ago in June, celebrating our twenty-third anniversary in Portsmouth, NH.

First. Can I just say: love this city.

And second. Time: it really flies. And how can it be twenty-three years since we solemnly exchanged vows in that little white church on the village green?

And it seems to me, the older I get — the faster time flies by. And those beyond me, they say he rumbles even faster further down the rails. Yikes!

So I tentatively whisper: “Slow down Father Time.” (He pays no mind.)

That’s why it’s important to take a little breather if you can from the regular routine. Celebrate the important milestones. Because time — it just keep ticking. Whether we stop to celebrate the special moments or not.

So we escaped for a night to Portsmouth, NH just an hour away on the coast. What a quaint and beautiful old New England coastal city with character and history. I love the architecture. Can’t wait to show you the sights. So let’s go!

We stayed at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel, got a fantastic deal on-line through Hotwire, in case you’re thinking of a visit. So we arrive to check in, and the desk attendant, she asks if we’re celebrating anything special. (!)

And of course we are, so we tell her our news. And she says, “Congrats, and let me upgrade you to our Club Access Level.” Gulp. And thank you!

And just like that, suddenly we’re VIP’s, on the elevator, whisked up to the restricted access top floor with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the evening, complimentary breakfast in the morning and a gorgeous harbor view to boot!

Woo hoo. I tell you: Someone is watching out for us. That I believe.

If you can’t tell, I’m fascinated by this bridge. It really was a sight to see as the sun was setting just before twilight. On other days I’ve seen it draw up to accommodate big ships, also a sight to behold.

Spent time roaming the streets. Shopping. Drinking in all the beautiful sights.

Had a lovely salmon dinner on the upper deck of River House with this stunning view of the harbor!

Love a church spire against the brilliant blue!

The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at the lovely Byrnes & Carlson Chocolatier. And yes, we “sampled”. (And yes, they provide generous samples, FYI!)

Picked up a souvenir and a few birthday gifts for some very special birthday girls at Seaside Allure, a new boutique downtown. If you like Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, this is your new dream store. (Mine too!)

Had a delightful lunch at the famous Portsmouth Brewery downtown. Great atmosphere and food!

Just a little more meandering, and all too soon, it’s time to head for home.

Hoped to browse inside Le Roux Kitchen but ran out of time. Check out the rainbow stacks of Le Creuset!

Loved this garden tub vignette we spied through the wrought iron gate heading out of town…

One last stop on the way home at our favorite New Hampshire beach, New Castle. Just off the beaten path, minutes from Portsmouth. Deserted. Perfect.

It’s usually calm in the cove, but today the wind was up and there were actually waves and whitecaps.

Things got blurry when I stumbled on this sign posted above the drinking fountain at the bath house. I’d heard of The Kindness Project before, didn’t know what it was all about. A pile of children’s pails and shovels were underneath the fountain. Sniff. And God bless Maddi’s gracious family.

New Castle Beach was the perfect peaceful conclusion to a magical whirlwind day and night away.

And looking forward with anticipation to the next twenty-three…

You may also enjoy: Arctic Expedition to Old Quebec City

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This Jordan Pond House Best Popover recipe is sure to be a hit at your house! These popovers are known regionally as the best popovers in all of New England. If you’ve never tried a popover before, you’re in for a real treat.

Jump to Recipe

What Are Popovers?

A popover is a light, fluffy muffin made from a thin eggy batter that rises to form a hollow shell when baked. That airy shell is typically served hot and slathered with butter and strawberry jam.

You can easily buy an expensive gourmet popover baking mix, but since there are only 5 ingredients — flour, milk, eggs, salt, and baking soda — why not make your own? The taste is just as delicious, and popovers are so easy to make.

The baking technique for making popovers is a crucial element to this recipe. There’s lots of beating with your electric hand mixer. And absolutely no opening the oven door and peeking! This could cause the popovers to deflate, similar to a soufflé. 

The Famous Jordan Pond House at Acadia National Park

If you’ve ever visited the Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, you likely know about the Jordan Pond House — a lovely tea house on Park Loop Road inside the park.

Jon and I visited Acadia National Park and The Jordan Pond House seven summers ago when we spent a romantic long weekend in Bar Harbor, Maine, celebrating our anniversary. We stayed at the Primrose Inn in Bar Harbor, which is a gorgeous 1878 Victorian-era bed & breakfast. Acadia National Park is a stunning park with beautiful trails, mountain vistas, and incredible views.

On our way home from the long weekend, we stopped at The Jordan Pond House for popovers and a glass of iced tea. They serve afternoon tea with popovers every day from 11:30-5:30. We heard about the popovers over the weekend. And after savoring one, we “popped” into the gift shop to buy a popover pan that included the famous Jordan Pond House “Best Popover Recipe.”

These popovers are known regionally as the best popovers in New England, and they’re not hard to make. Just follow the easy directions below from “The Story of Jordan Pond,” published by the Acadia Corporation.

Key Ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients to make the best popovers ever at home! As far as dry ingredients go, you’ll need to sift together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. For the wet ingredients, all you need is whole milk and room temperature eggs. That’s all!

How To Make the Best Homemade Popovers

These popovers take less than an hour to make, and only require 5 simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now. So, get to baking!

1. In a large bowl, add the eggs and mix at a high speed until they are doubled in size, which should be around 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate a lot of air into the eggs (especially the egg white) so that the batter is light and fluffy. Once the eggs are whipped, turn the speed down. Pour the milk in, and whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
2. Continue mixing, and add the sifted dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda). Once everything is mixed well, but not overly so or to the point that the whipped eggs have deflated, add the remaining milk, and continue whisking for another minute.
3. Grease the muffin pan, and add it into the 425 degrees F oven to preheat for 5 minutes. While the pan is preheating, strain the batter to prevent lumps, and then divide the mixture equally into the muffin pan. 
4. Bake in the middle shelf for 15 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 350 F. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, then carefully remove from the muffin tin, and serve warm with softened butter and jam. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Popover pans can be substituted with a regular muffin pan, but there will be a slight difference in the height of the popovers since the muffin pan is shorter.
• Have your eggs sitting at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing the batter for best results.
• To get a smooth batter, sift the flour before mixing it into the eggs. And also, strain the batter before adding it to the muffin pans.
• Avoid opening the oven in the first 15 minutes so the popovers get the right form and texture.

What To Serve with Popovers

Popovers are traditionally served warm or hot with butter and strawberry jam. They can also be served savory with butter, sliced ham or turkey, or even taco filling. They can be served sweet with Nutella, chocolate ganache, sweet marscarpone, or pie filling.

More Baked Goods Recipes To Try

• Fresh Strawberry Crepes
• Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Birthday Cupcakes
• Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Print

Jordan Pond House Best Popover Recipe

Best popover recipe in all of New England! Light and airy. Traditionally served hot with butter and jam.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Allie Taylor

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sifted all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Speck of baking soda

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Sift and measure flour, salt and soda. Set aside.
• Beat the eggs at high speed until lemon colored (2-3 minutes).
• On slowest speed, very slowly 1/2 cup of the milk. Beat until well mixed.
• Add slowly (with mixer going on slow speed) the dry ingredients.
• When mixed, stop beating.
• Scrape sides of the bowl with a spatula.
• Beat at medium speed and slowly add the remaining milk.
• Beat 2 minutes.
• Place well-greased muffin tin or popover pan into oven to warm up for five minutes.
• Turn mixer to high speed and beat 5-7 minutes.
• Batter should be smooth and about the thickness of heavy cream.
• Pour batter through a strainer, and into well-greased, preheated muffin tins or popover pan.
• Bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven at 425° for the first 15 minutes.
• Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350° and bake 15 - 20 minutes longer.
• Popovers are best served at once, but may be kept in the warm oven for up to five minutes.
• Serve immediately with butter and strawberry jam.

The post Jordan Pond House Best Popover Recipe appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hello friends and a very happy weekend to you! Today we’re going on a field trip. Out of the country. Yep. We’re headed to Old Quebec City in Canada. You in?

Jon and I went last weekend, had a great time and I want to tell you all about it. Old Quebec City is steeped in history and was a fantastic way to spend a long weekend. It’s the closest thing to Europe without hopping a plane.

A different culture, cobbled streets, pastry shops, bon jour and au revoir. While much of the U.S. is basking in spring sunshine right now, Jon and I are just thawing out from our tundra trip north.

I’m not kidding. Lucky for us Old Quebec City is only five and a half hours north. But the temperature was SO much colder. Thankfully we’d checked the weather and were prepared for the frigid. So hey, let’s go!

We drove in on a Thursday evening, arrived at dusk. They’d just had a fresh snow fall of nearly a foot, making the narrow streets that much narrower! We had mucho trouble parking at our B & B (read: Jon had to grab a shovel and clear out a parking space. Apparently all hands on deck!) Snow was everywhere, and we saw (and heard) snow removal trucks working all over the city. We quickly realized the easiest way to get around is on foot, especially with the tight parking situation. Fortunately we didn’t experience any falling ice!

That first night we happened on an authentic creperie not far from where we stayed. Ham, asparagus and swiss cheese crepes! Delish.

The next day we explored the old walled city. Pictured above is the Basilica de Notre Dame.

This imposing building is the Seminary of Quebec.

I seriously can’t believe how steep the hills were in Old Quebec City. Oh my word. We must have climbed a billion and a half stairs just to get to the base of Chateau de Frontenac, the premier hotel of the city.

Chateau de Frontenac originally opened in 1893 and is built above the wall overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Here’s the view just in front of Chateau de Frontenac looking out.

Jon spied this sign for toboggan rides. Asked me if I wanted to go. I used my manners, said no thank you. Then changed my mind after seeing his crestfallen face.

See that hill? We climbed it, pulled our toboggan to get to the top. Truth: I only climbed. Jon pulled the toboggan.

And here’s the view from the top of the slide! There were brakes underneath the floor of the slide holding the toboggans in place. We somehow managed to get our rope stuck around the brake underneath and had to get off and untangle it. Leave it to us. Ha ha. The toboggan went 40 mph going down and I was terrified. Sort of. It felt just like a rollercoaster. Of course Jon was thrilled. (He loves rollercoasters.) Me, not so much. The view helped. Chateau de Frontenac towered on the left and the mostly frozen St. Lawrence River to the right.

We skipped the stairs on the way down, took the Funiculaire, an enclosed outdoor glass elevator instead. This was our incredible view through the window going down.

And here’s the view looking back up. It was super steep.

So why did we take a ferry to cross the St. Lawrence River? To get to the other side of course. (Also a famous chocolate shop.)

The ferry pushed through snow and ice on the St. Lawrence River and we had a great view of Chateau de Frontenac from the top deck.

Then we climbed another billion and a half stairs up the bank on the other side to Chocolats Favoris, where all the locals apparently stock up on gourmet chocolate! Score.

Every chocolate known to man (woman and child) underneath that immaculate glass case!

And every kind of fondue imaginable, from cookies & cream to dulce de leche.

Thankfully they sold the fondue in cans so we could bring some home “for the boys.” Ha ha. For us too. You actually boil it in water on the stovetop (in the sealed can) for twenty minutes, then serve it over ice cream or dip fruit in it, etc. We got both the milk chocolate and the dulche de leche. Amazing stuff.

We did more sightseeing in the old city.

I loved this steeple glinting in the sun.

So many boulangeries!!! We picked up a few snacks here.

We shopped in this Parisian section on Avenue Cartier in an artsy part of the city. The unusual overhanging street lamps were recently installed by local artists.

Our last stop as we headed out of the city towards home was the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency containing an 83 meter high waterfall that’s 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Yeah. See the faint rainbow in front of the falls? Also the foot bridge spanning the falls. There’s a cable car ride and also a zip-line. That, I would not do. Maybe the cable car. But NEVER the zip line. My children need me. (Or I like to think so.)

Here I am on the footpath, smiling because I am far far away from the footbridge and zip-line!

We took a quick selfie in front of the falls before heading out, facing the sun. Can you see my eyes are totally shut? So funny. I didn’t think they’d show up behind the shades in the picture, but they sure did. Caught.

We had a truly magical weekend away. A few friends asked why Quebec and why in winter. And here’s the truth. We’ve always wanted to do Europe and it hasn’t happened yet. Old Quebec City is like a little Europe. The exchange rate is awesome right now.

It’s also the off season. Gas prices are cheap. It was definitely the right time to go for us. Honestly, we could’ve cared less the destination. The beautiful thing, and the only thing that really mattered, was that we got away. Together.

Made precious memories. Listened to an audio book coming and going. Savored the quiet. No catastrophes at home with the kids. Just getting away for a few days was like pushing a re-set button. A gift.

So grateful for all who helped out on the home front so we could go. Thank you.

You may also like: Sugarbush Farms

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Well hello friends and how are you today? Happy pre-Thanksgiving weekend! We’re headed on a little field trip to Stonewall Kitchen in York, Maine. One of my all-time favorite haunts, and hope you’re coming along for the ride. (You in?) Everyone’s busy talking food, menus and pumpkin pie before the big day, so let’s take a little break from all that jazz and talk about… FOOD! ‘Cuz we just can’t talk Stonewall Kitchen without talking good eats!

Before we head to Stonewall, let me fill you in. If you follow along here you know my brother had a serious accident back in September. He’s been in a wheelchair since, but making progress every day and greatly looking forward to the day when he’ll walk again. Last weekend we had the opportunity to take him out for a car ride north. He loves the beach and seafood. Me too, so I thought Ogunquit might be the perfect place to get out in the sunshine.

If you know me at all you know I adore Ogunquit, ME. Jagged coastline, the Marginal Way. Quaint little uppity New England coastal town. Oh. Yeah. We headed north to Ogunquit, stopped at Stonewall Kitchen for lunch and window-shopping along the way. So hey, let’s go!

There are nine New England Stonewall Kitchen locations, but the main company store is located in York. Here’s the view driving in. On the left (with the weathervane) is the cooking school, and on the right is the store/cafe.

Love these unique gourd topiaries by the side door…

First we sat down for lunch in the gorgeous cafe. Such a pleasant place to drop in for a bite .

So many great New England eats on the menu! Also a great coffee bar.

I chose the BLT & Avocado Grilled Sandwich: cherrywood smoked bacon, lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes and avocado with house-made basil mayonnaise, served on toasted farm-house white bread. (Hungry yet???) The basil mayonnaise really made the sandwich, not to mention the cherrywood smoked bacon…

After lunch it was time for browsing in the store…This raspberry syrup would be yummy on Saturday morning waffles.

Every kind of gourmet jam, jelly or sauce you can imagine…Stonewall Kitchen is famous for their gorgeous gourmet gift baskets.

Plus tasting stations…yup, time for dessert!

I’ve always loved these Maine Sea Bags. Wish I’d snapped a shot of the one with the whale. So darn cute. Made from genuine boat sails…

Here’s the test kitchen…boy would I love the spacious shelving!

Cutest wintry silver-ware holder ever!

So I’d love to be rocking on the veranda, drinking in a sea-side view, my java sloshing in that mug…Yeah, that would about do it for me.

After lunch and window shopping, we drove just a few more minutes to Ogunquit, along the coast into Perkins Cove. The seaside views were absolutely stunning on a gorgeous fall day. If you’ve never visited Stonewall Kitchen or Ogunquit, Maine, put them on your New England bucket list. Great food, shopping and excellent times! Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

You might also like these posts on Ogunquit, Maine:

Inhale Exhale

Engaging Bagpipes

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It’s always fun to discover a gem practically in your own back yard. That’s what happened to me recently when I stumbled on LaBelle Winery in Amherst, NH. Friends took me out for a fun birthday lunch a few weeks ago and I wasn’t clued in where we were going. We followed 101 West through Bedford and came upon LaBelle Winery just as we crossed the line into Amherst. What a lovely winery, restaurant and grounds to “discover.”

Lots of great outdoor patio seating…

Many specialty wines, cheeses, crackers, jams and jellies available in the gift shop.

Wine tasting in progress…

We checked out the gorgeous function room used for weddings and special events…

Says co-owner Amy of LaBelle Winery:

“This special place began as a dream of mine in 2001 – a dream that happened as I visited a small winery in Nova Scotia Canada. The moment I walked into that winery, I had a “lightning bolt” moment, and I knew that I was meant to make wine. So, I began learning the art of winemaking first at home in my small Boston apartment, and then at UC Davis, California in their distance learning program, and I was hooked. I continued to work on a business plan and building knowledge and practice of winemaking, all the while keeping my “day job” as an attorney at Fidelity Investments, as I saved my pennies and planned for the future LaBelle Winery.

In 2005, I launched a small commercial production at the gorgeous Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH where I fermented small batches of Apple Wines for two years. By then I had met and married my dear husband, Cesar Arboleda, and we moved the winery to a barn behind our residence in Amherst, NH where we grew production to 18,000 gallons. In 2010, with 200 wholesale accounts and no more room for expansion, we decided to take the big leap and embarked on our journey to build what is now our 20,000 square foot, state of the art, LaBelle Winery, Bistro Restaurant and Event Center.

With the dream of winemaking was also born the dream to build a place where community could gather and enjoy excellent food, wine, and cultural arts. At LaBelle Winery you can taste award-winning wine, learn on a winery and vineyard tour, dine in The Bistro at LaBelle Winery with fresh, organic product straight from The Farm at LaBelle Winery, listen to live music, take a class, stroll through our art gallery, enjoy the gorgeous architecture that evokes New England’s past in a very modern, sleek way, celebrate a special moment, or simply put your feet up and relax with a glass of wine on our terrace while sitting by our fire-bowl. We are so proud to offer you not just a place to go, but an experience unlike any other.”

The Bistro Restaurant is airy and open, modern and rustic. Comfortable with clean, minimalist lines.

Lots of great choices on the drinks menu. You’d think I’d choose wine, but the birthday girl was tempted by a Raspberry Daiquiri instead. And our lunch was fantastic!

Caribbean Chicken Flatbread

Tempura Chicken on a Mango Avocado Salad w/Lime Shimmer Vinaigrette

And a BLT Tartine. Never seen a BLT quite like this…heavy on the B!

We walked the grounds afterwards, checked out the beautiful vineyard…

And the many herb and edible flower beds…

LaBelle Winery is an exceptional experience in every way. From the food, the wine, the grounds, the atmosphere and service, it was such a memorable time. I can’t wait to go back again. Hope you get the chance to visit someday.

Is there a great winery near you we should visit? Would love to hear about it!

You may also enjoy this beautiful NH destination: Pickity Place

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