If I Could Turn Back Time

Every year around this time I must stop on Chestnut Street in Salem, MA. Have you ever been? First of all it is approximately 80 feet wide. For today's standards I think that is pretty amazing. Secondly if you like architecture this street will take your breath away. It is lined with the most grand homes dating back to the 1800's. These homes were originally built  for sea captains and merchants of the day. Imagine!

I always stop at #34 Chestnut Street, The Phillips House. It is one of the jewels of this street. The Phillips House was purchased in the 1911 by Anna Wheatland Phillips who bought the home for “$1.00 and various sundries. ......That's it, If I could turn back time I'd go back to the 1900's because I have a dollar, and a boat load of sundries too!  

Among the obvious reasons that I make this a "Must" Stop Along The Way the other reason is one that captured my heart several years ago. Around this time of year the lawn at #34 is filled with these white flowers. They are so happy and hopeful that I can't resist them. I want to pluck them out of the ground and bring them home with me, but since I can't,  I find myself  longing for their arrival, welcoming them, and then bidding them a farewell until next year.  I'm so glad that I made this stop. I hope you will too. They will probably be around for a few more weeks, but after that they will be gone, so don't delay!

P.S. The Philips House is the only house on Chestnut Street that is open to the public. Take a tour you won't be disappointed. 

Open Tuesday - Sunday, June - October
Saturday and Sunday, November - May
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Admission $5 adults
$4 seniors
$2.50 students
Free for Historic New England members and Salem residents

Click here for more details about The Phillips House 

A Little Bit Of Happiness

A few years ago I was traveling down a main road when I spotted a small sign displaying a honey pot. Remembering the delights that  Winne The Pooh's honey brought him, I turned right to see what I would discover. The road was bordered by mature trees and horses grazing in the meadow. The sun made everything glisten , it was as if I were entering the most magnificent fairy tale...and then when I thought it couldn't get any better, adjoining the meadows on thirty acres of land was a 200 year old, rambling colonial graced by sweeping lawns, terraces and woodland walkways. A little sign pointed to an entrance where the honey could be found.  I entered the home and found myself surrounded by antiques galore; wallpaper, furniture, tapestries. Such wonderfulness! And then lovingly displayed on a table was Gretel's golden honey. I bought several jars that day and continue to replenish my stock often. Gretel's honey is delicious in tea, on warm morning scones, fresh muffins, pancakes,waffles, and anything else that needs a little touch of happiness. This was a delightful discovery and it all happened because 
I Stopped Along The Way. 

Click here for directions to Gretel's