What could be better than spending a week in New England in Autumn?
Quite simply, not much.
We spent the weekend in Vermont, near a charming town called Chester that looks like Mayberry’s’ clone. For the icing on the cake, we happened to be there on a weekend when they were having a Fall Harvest Festival, and folks, no one does Harvest Festivals like New Englanders.
If you’re a fan of victorian homes, then I’ll excuse you for a moment while you wipe the drool off your chin.
Take a good look at the details on this beauty. The corbels, the trim, the railings. I could go on.
And I will :).
What about the paint colors? Even though there are several, they all blend beautifully together and don’t overwhelm the home. Perfectly executed, don’t you think?
The Victorian is a hard act to follow, so let’s not even try. But I was quite taken with this next one too. Normally, I wouldn’t think I would like this color for a house, but it works. Love the wraparound porch and trim along the roof line.
When I think of small town Vermont, this is what comes to mind. Subtle, quaint and unpretentious.
For all you gardeners out there, this lovely Inn had some beautiful climbing plants in the front by their fence. I don’t have a picture, but they said it’s called Thumbria. It’s an annual but grows quickly. I took note because if it can do that well in Vermont, it can do well in Massachusetts and maybe where you live too. The flowers it produces are beautiful, vibrant shades of yellow or orange. I’ll be looking into that for next year!
Am I the only one out there who likes old cemeteries? Our daughter thinks I’m nuts, but then again, she doesn’t even want to live in a house because she thinks they’re all haunted.
Speaking of haunted, isn’t this creepy, but in a funny kind of way?
Inside the above ‘creepy’ building was a tag sale, and here’s something that’s not creepy at all. I LOVE this rug! And you know what I loved even more? The price. It was only $50, and it was huge! At least 10’x14′ and appeared to be wool. The colors were beautiful, and I stared at it for about 10 minutes, trying to figure out if there was any way I could use it, but no.
That concludes the tour of Chester, but back at the ranch, i.e., near our camp site, there was a cute fairy garden display near the river, and you know I love my fairy gardens!
After our weekend we headed to Bar Harbor where we hung our hats for five days. A couple of weeks ago I showed you some of the photos from that trip, but I left out pics of the town itself, so here goes.
Clever name! Notice the backdrop. Those are the mountains called ‘The Bubbles’, near Jordan Pond, which I showed you last time. Admittedly, they do look like they could use a good bra.
This is the town green area, located right near the ocean.
If you look to your left from the Green, you’ll see this stately Inn.
And if you look to your left a bit more, you’ll see this. On this particular day, it was cloudy and foggy, but you can see there is a rather large cruise ship in the background which had just arrived that day. In my first post about Maine I showed you a photo of a ship leaving the Harbor, which I believe may have been this one below.
There are lots of interesting (albeit expensive) shops in town. Have you ever seen a chandelier like this? I haven’t, and I simply love it! I could see this working in a contemporary space, a traditional one or definitely shabby chic.
I took this picture while having lunch. We snagged a street side table, perfect for people watching. I imagine someone lives here. Maybe the owner of the store below?
We took a walk to one of the side streets in Bar Harbor, and this home was one of my favorite finds. The picture doesn’t do it justice. Maybe it’s because it’s not a very exciting color, but it was so incredibly charming! I love the side porches, and the gardens were so pretty! I so wished I could have had a tour of the inside, but I feel that way about most homes I see, even if they’re not this pretty!
This is actually a restaurant, but I wanted to show it to you anyway. Love the look of the vines on the outside and the arched door.
The day before we left Bar Harbor we headed to the Schoodic Peninsula, which is basically the mainland part of Acadia National Park. This area is considerably less touristy than Bar Harbor and beautiful in its own right. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
Not far from the peninsula is a town called Winter Harbor where there are a few lovely shops and restaurants. This one was nearly impossible to resist, and the merchandise did not disappoint.
That concludes the grand tour my friends, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you have never been to New England in the Fall, you MUST come! There’s a cabin on Fox Den Rd. just waiting for you, and in case you need convincing, I’ve got some freshly baked chocolate biscotti, my ‘cheese lover’s lasagna‘, and some Italian Wedding Soup with your name on it. We’ll keep the light on for ya’.
Now, if you don’t have a travel board on Pinterest, make one and PinIt!
In other news…
I started writing this post a little earlier than usual (on Sunday) since my computer is in our guest room and Sarissa & Josh will be here on Friday (when I normally publish my weekly posts). The leaves are at peak right now, so it’s a good time for them to visit. They don’t see too much foliage in Singapore ;).
I’m now writing on Friday afternoon, and Sarissa & Josh went to NY to pick up Mikey and bring him back for the weekend so I have some time to finish this post up. Yesterday we drove to Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in the Berkshires, so they can experience the beautiful foliage, only to have it rain and have zero visibility! Ya’ gotta love it :).
Nana Diana says
What a wonderful, wonderful post! Your pictures are FALLtastic! I love that area in the fall-especially Bar Harbor. And OH the lobster!!! Nothing in the world like Maine lobster. Have a wonderful, wonderful time. You are making lifetime memories there, Doreen! xo Diana
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Loved your photos and all the Victorian houses! Just love them and they are so fun to look at the inside. I lived in a sweet 100 yr old Victorian up in Waitsburg, Washington in 1990 to 1993. Sure was neat, although they had “modernized” the kitchen so it looked nothing like it had “way back when”. That was kind of sad. I love the colors of Victorian houses, and that fact that they lend themselves so well to many colors! Your harbor and village pictures are priceless… wish I could go there. I’ve always wanted to go to a New England sea town. Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs.. Marilyn
Melanie says
Love the Victorian houses – and looks like there was a lot of great shopping! Too funny with the picture of the bra on the mountains, lol.
Rosella says
Doreen – this sounds absolutely wonderful. I need to make a note to put this on our wish list for next Fall perhaps. Such a pretty place to visit indeed!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
What a fun post full of so many sights!! I have planted Thunbergia here in previous summers ( though not this year ) in the front of the house and it grows and grows and grows and by the end of the summer is just amazing! So if it will do well in my climate it will do well in yours. I have never found seeds for it in the local stores but around late-May / early June I have found starters at a nursery and once at Lowe’s. Oftentimes is it labled at “Black Eyed Susan Vine” here…
Julie says
Hi Doreen, wow what fun you and your husband have together traveling around. It’s so pretty where you visited and I LOVE those victorian houses. I pinned this post and thanks for sharing about it. I hope you have a wonderful time with your daughter. Take care and enjoy the weekend. 🙂
Julie xo
Rita C at Panoply says
Oh, Doreen, this brought back some really good memories for me and our two trips to New England – thank you! VIntage Vermont looked like a store I could’ve spent a good part of a day in, and your highlights of all the areas were delightful.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Oh my gosh Doreen what a beautiful tour. I am swooning and having fun just through your pictures. I think I need to put this on the bucket list to visit. What a cute area with lots of history and fun shops. Really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.
Kris
Cecilia says
Oh how I love the houses you showcased! I love old Victorians. They just seem so charming and genteel. Ha, I’m glad I’m not the only one who wants to tour all the homes that catch my eye! And I find old cemeteries fascinating. They are peaceful places. Thank you for taking us along to both places. The ‘Bra Harbor’ store made me chuckle. Now about that cabin to stay in….
Happy weekend!
Cecilia
Mary Baldwin says
Hi Doreen, Next year is our 50th anniversary, and we’re planning an RV trip up to Nova Scotia, while stopping along the way in Keene NH (daughter and family), then Vermont etc. You mentioned heading to your campsite near Chester. I’ve been pinning your escapades, as ideas for this trip and would like to know what campground is that?
tammy j says
never have seen a cuter couple in front of an old cemetery!
and I too love to walk through old cemeteries.
my gram and I walked through many in upstate new york … dating back to the revolutionary war and even one or two before!
some died of cholera and some said simply ‘the plague’ … it was fascinating.
wonder if ours will say ‘stress’ in the distant future! LOL!
you KNOW I’ve loved this tour. it’s exquisite. just everything I wanted to see.
and I didn’t have to put up with a bus and a lady with a whistle around her neck corralling me all the way! thanks.
xoxoxo♥
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen you are making me homesick with these gorgeous photos. The town is so quaint and picturesque and the architecture is beau tiful. I k now you had a good time! I used to visit the north fork of Long Island when I lived in the States and these photos remind me of those areas. Greenport, Orient point. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about! I’m sad to hear that you had bad weather on the top of the mountain. But hopefully things will clear up before your daughter leaves. Enjoy the fall foliage, and I will enjoy it too thru your photos.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I don’t like to travel. But one place I have ALWAYS wanted to see is New England in the fall. If I were to go somewhere, that would be it! I love those exquisite baskets!
Brenda
denise says
I love all your traveling around! John and I continue to consider different areas for retirement. Chester, VT looks like a good place! You can do all the reconnaissance for me! I follow along all your posts and research the web for houses for sale! Keep up the good work. I’m so jealous that you are having so much fun at home and away! xxDenise
Linda says
Doreen,
I love Chester!!! It’s a short drive from where I live! We always stop at the Vermont Country Store when we head over to Chester! I was in Chester over the summer and they were working on that inn. It looks gorgeous! You had perfect weather for the trip I see! Actually we have had perfect weather almost every day for months!!! Glad you shared these photos with us! I was very excited to see one of my favorite places! Beautiful photos!
xo
Linda
Cindy says
Chester reminds me of Cape May, NJ with all its Victorian glory. The cruise ship is neat in the fog. One trip John and I never got to take was the River Cruise through New England. Not possible now but we would have loved it.
I may just show up on your doorstep with John, Reeses and Peanut to hangout for a weekend to eat some of the Famous chocolate biscotti that I know are unbelievable.
My parents used to got to Bar Harbor they loved it. Love the name Bra Harbor, I got a good chuckle.
Cindy
Cindi says
LOVE this post!
You take such great photos!
I feel like I was there, well almost! LOL!
I hope to make it to Chester! and Bar Harbor.
I’m fascinated with cemeteries too.
I did a post about the one in our town a years back,
Hmmm. I should run over there and take photos NOW!
Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m so glad to read your daughter and SIL are in town.
Enjoy!
XOXOXOXO
Marsha says
Love, love, love the Victorian houses. So much fun. I would be thrilled to visit that area some time. I have been all over the US, but not to that area. I would be right at home at the little shops. (More like…hold me back!)
Al says
So many beautiful photos and experiences. Where to start? I love the look of the victorian houses. I used to work in a very old victorian house that was converted into a bed and breakfast, and it was stunning. It actually burned down last summer. I also would love to go shopping at some of those stores. The deals looks amazing and the merchandise looks so enticing. Also, these pictures make me a little homesick. I grew up in Newfoundland, so lots of old buildings and cliffs and oceans. It reminds me of those last few photos. Thanks for sharing!
Valerie says
This is my dream. I love the pics. How fun it would be to go during Autumn.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
One of my favorite vacations of all time was my trip to New England. In a different life I would move there in a heart beat. The painted houses, the street festivals, the rocky shoreline and the beauty of it all. You’ve really captured the charm. Thanks for sharing these. My yearning to go back is only greater now ;D
Vickie says
How I love a stroll through a charming old town with historic homes! Thanks so much for taking us along!
Olympia says
Dearest Doreen,
What a lovely area brimming with handsome homes, charming restaurants, picturesque harbours, street life, stores, everything! How lucky to be nearby such a wonderful place. It seems like the greatest fall outing. I truly enjoyed rambling this charming region, it looks quite exotic to me!
Thanks for sharing!
Olympia
Kim says
Bar Harbor was one of my mom’s favorite places to go as a kid. So many stories…thanks for the tour. It’s on the travel list!!
Amy says
Holy moly, Doreen, I want to head in the car right now and drive to New England! We’re actually heading up to Rhode Island in a few weeks, but it will be past peak foliage time. I could get lost in the shops you pictured for hours! Enjoy the time with your Sarissa and Josh!
Debbie from MountainMama says
Oh, my friend, what a gorgeous trip you had – I’m so happy you got to enjoy Autumn in Vermont AND Maine – you lucky dog!!!! Love the photos, just glorious. Enjoy your daughter’s visit!!
Poppy says
Gorgeous pics of your week in New England! I’m in love with that other unpretentious beauty, the gray house with the two side porches, bay window, and lush gardens. Smart and stately, but in a low-profile way. If it were personified, it would definitely be sweet and humble, even though it would be the object of everyone’s attention.
You look like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for the tour; really enjoyed following you around!
xx
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh my goodness Doreen! I was in heaven this whole post!! From Victorian and charming cottage homes, to fall foliage, wonderful sales and fairy moments!! Love love love!!
I did pin it and it’s a total dream of mine to get to New England in the Fall one of these days. So keep that light burning in the years ahead and I’ll keep ya posted. We are definitely cut from the same cloth Lady! 😉
I literally guffawed at the bra moment. That is too funny – and I relate too well. Sometimes I feel I’m hoisting up some mountains. 😛
I hope your beautiful Daughter and SIL have a wonderful visit and eventually get some cooperative visibility! Lol
Blessings to you dear Gal Pal ‘O Mine xoxo
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh and P.S. – I’m obsessed with old cemeteries too! I think they’re actually the prettiest places to go for a walk – like a lovely park but without annoying tourists. Ha!
Have you ever been to New Orleans? Talk about some cool cemeteries! xoxo
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
Hi Doreen, I’m your newest follower 😉 What a charming tour and you’re so right it does remind me of Mayberry! Such fun and the perfect time to visit! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Emily says
Sorry I’m late but just home from spending time with family. So glad I didn’t miss this post, so beautiful! What a perfect time to be in New England. Those homes are amazing, and to be so lucky as to catch the fall festival. Must have been a wonderful trip Doreen. Thanks for all the photos, hope to get there and see this some day……….
Jemma says
I think that this is your niche Doreen. You have such a beautiful talent for bringing your trips to life for all of us and for me who has never visited New England.
I probably will never make it your way, so I can enjoy the scenery, food, nuances and experiences through your photography and writing.
This was pure pleasure!
Thank you,
xo
Jemma
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen! 🙂
I loved reading this post!! I’m from Nova Scotia…so the photos in this post reminded me a lot of home!
Beautiful scenery and colorful homes…and the seaside!
Those Victorian homes are amazing, I am always in awe of the details!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!
Hugs, Kimberley
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I’ve always wanted to visit New England, so I drooled appropriately over each picture!