I used to travel quite a bit, especially when I was coaching for a company that produced national tours of Broadway musicals. I would find myself in a new city for 3 or 4 days at a time, often without a car. No problem. I love walking around a new place, getting to know it, discovering hidden beauties, gardens, interesting architecture, parks, historic sites. I’ve been walking around Hartford lately. Though it’s a city in which I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the last two years, I have much to explore. Here are some photos from my walking tours during the past few days.
1. Presbyterian Church 2. Gardens at the Butler-McCook Homestead 3. Apartments at The Linden (love these balconies) 4. Butler-McCook House, built in 1791, gorgeous 5. Flowers at The Linden 6. Brownstones 7. Butler-McCook House 8. Flowers in the Butler-McCook gardens
1. Imposing door 2. Ornate grillwork at The Linden 3. Flowers at The Linden 4. Beautiful walkway and park
I fell in love with those apartment balconies, very reminiscent of New Orleans. And those brownstones speak to me, as do the flowers, the architecture, and all the little discoveries that awaited me during my walks. It’s such fun. Exercise and new-to-me places – that’s a good combination. I topped it all off yesterday by taking a book to the park. I plopped myself down on a bench and read for a couple of hours. It was too nice a day to stay indoors for long.
Oh, and I also walked by the library where two guys who sang and played the blues were giving a lunchtime concert! An unexpected delight. Of course, the interior of the library soon called to me and I checked out 3 books. I’m only here for 9 more days. What the heck am I thinking?
I can’t help it. Like a magnetic force, a library calls to me. Books, books and more books. Amen.
Happy Thursday.
sharron says
Thanks for the tour..the architecture is amazing. It really is the everyday views that make life so special!
Claudia says
I agree, Sharron!
Lori says
Fun to see pictures of “your neighborhood” Claudia…glad you were able to check out some books at the library. Enjoy what appears to be beautiful weather :)
Lori
Claudia says
The weather has been lovely lately, Lori.
Cranberry Morning says
Thank you for sharing these photos with us, Claudia! I love walking tours. And that looks like someplace I’d love to explore.
Claudia says
It has a lot of history, that’s for sure.
Dawn says
Love the pic of the old yellow and green place:) They just don’t make places like that anymore.
Claudia says
No, they don’t! The gardens in the back are really pretty, too.
Laura says
Such a wonderful historic town. I would be walking and enjoying it too, Claudia. Thanks for sharing. xo Laura
Claudia says
You are most welcome, Laura.
Judy Ainsworth says
Wow Claudia what a Great Eye! -Judy A-
Claudia says
Thanks, Judy!
Janie F. says
Love the pics. of the buildings & especially the balconies. Reminds me of when my sisters and I and a neice went to Savannah to celebrate turning 50 for me and my (step) sister and her daughter tuning 30. We really enjoyed taking long walks and looking at all the beautiful old homes and churches and the parks, oh my. I know exactly what you mean about books. I have so many I’ve bought at library book sales and thrift stores that I’m almost out of room for them. My problem is that if a book really touches me I think I have to keep it because reading it again is like visiting with an old friend. Will be looking forward to more photos.
Claudia says
I love Savannah – I was only there for one day, but it is such a beautiful city.
Nancy Blue Moon says
Nine more days until home..It is so wonderful to hear those words Claudia..You can’t see beauty like that when driving around in a car can you dear?
Claudia says
No, you have to be willing to walk and explore!
Karen says
Love pictures of windows and doors!
Claudia says
Thanks, Karen!
Carol Ann says
Your pictures are all lovely. Must of been nice to travel and see all the things you mentioned.
Claudia says
It gave me to the opportunity to visit Alabama, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, North Carolina, Indiana….I’m sure there’s more that I”m forgetting!
Donnamae says
Thanks for the tour…great architecture. That’s what I like about older cities…especially out east, they have so much character. Well, I do believe you can do a lot of reading in 9 days…especially if the reads are interesting! ;)
Claudia says
They look pretty interesting, Donna!
Cheryl says
In the apartment photo it looks like a man of days gone by is standing in that one window over the shortest tree. Beautiful photos!
Claudia says
You’re right! Almost like a ghost…
Cheryl says
That’s what I thought. Very neat, even if it might be a curtain..lol!
Jane says
Thanks for the tour of beautiful Hartford! I think it would be a great place to visit.
Three books are going to make the time fly!
XO,
Jane
Claudia says
And that’s not counting the one I’m in the middle of and the one I have to review for next week!
Tana says
I bond with any other woman who likes books and fabric. Or fabric and books. And walks! Let me know if you are ever in Seattle.
Claudia says
I sure will, Tana!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Wonderful photos! I love exploring a new place. So much beauty around us if we would only open our eyes and look!
Melanie says
Beautiful photos! Thanks for the tour. Who can resist a library and/or books? Certainly not me. Only 9 more days in Hartford…yay! I’m sure you’ll be so glad to get home to Don and the pup. :-)
debi says
Well, Claudia, if you have to be away from home for work, at least you get to be in a beautiful town. I love the gorgeous buildings!
lilliesinthecountry says
What a beautiful town to tour, so charming.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Such a lovely shaded walkway there ! Loved the tour! :)