Don’t you just love it when you’re driving and you suddenly stumble upon a beautiful vista…one that you’ve never seen before but happens to be practically in your own backyard?
That happens a lot here.
There was construction happening on the road leading to our house and everyone was detoured. It was a bit inconvenient, but I’d never have found this gorgeous view otherwise. There’s a house just behind where I took the picture, so they get to see this every day.
Imagine what it will look like in a few weeks when the leaves are turning?!
On the other side of town, you’ll find views like this…
and this, which is the garden of a historic estate built in the mid 1800’s.
Dotted in between the majestic views are beautiful historic homes, detailed with magnificent moldings and pillared porches.
Not to be outdone by the homes, New England churches are famous for their white steeples and gothic or classic designs.
My favorite structures are the barns…the endless array of rustic, working or abandoned barns that grab your attention at seemingly every turn.
Even some of the restaurants look like a barn (and this one is amazing!).
Here’s something that NEVER would fly in our old stomping grounds, NY. Farm stands that work on the honor system. Nearly every farm has one, whether it’s a simple tent and table like this one selling limited basics…
or a cute little house where you can pick up soups, cheeses, eggs, veggies, jams, honey and maple syrup.
You can even get perennials!
You see that little white sign near the door?
You’ve heard the joke about having so many zucchini people will bag them and ring your bell then run away? lol
I see some zucchini bread in my future :).
In other news…
We took a little break from doing stuff around the house this week, but we did manage to strip some logs and now have two tables for the fire pit area. My next project will be to paint the guest bath vanity (NOT looking forward to that!) and then get ready for the Fall Home Tour. It’s gonna be good, and I’m honored to be included among so many fabulous bloggers!
I guess I better step up my game ;).
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Wow, what beauty you have in your neck of the woods! I love old barns. I’d love to drive around here and try to find some, but afraid I’d get hopelessly lost.
Brenda
Red Rose Alley says
wow, the views on your drive are so pretty, Doreen. This looks like a very peaceful ride. And the historic homes along the way are so charming and kept up. My dad grew zucchini in his garden every year, so my mom was always cooking it up for dinner. The churches are lovely with their tall steeples. It’s amazing what we can find when we take a little detour on another road. : )
Have a pleasant weekend.
~Sheri
Julie says
HinDoreen, thanks for that wonderful peaceful drive today. I too loved the barns. That is what I love, the trust factor and honor system and getting your own veggies and flowers. I love the zuchini and cute shed!
Enjoy the long weekend and have a nice week.
Julie xo
denise says
Great post! Makes me want to move to the Berkshires! xxDenise
SharonFromMichigan says
What breathtaking pictures! I had to laugh about the zucchini – my neighbor grows it and we keep getting it! I’ve added it to everything from spaghetti sauce to making chocolate zucchini bread. Don’t you just want to get your hands on some of that old barn wood? The churches are just gorgeous – I especially love the one with the wreaths on the double front doors. Have a great weekend!
Doreen says
That’s exactly what I thought Sharon about that wood! It would make a great backdrop too.
Hope you’re doing well? It’s good to hear from you!
xxx
Emily says
How absolutely beautiful where you live, so totally picturesque America! Yes, zucchini bread is perfect for this time of year.
Enjoy your Sunday, I enjoyed my drive with you…………..
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
I want to take a drive with you!!! OMGoodness the scenery is delicious!!! I am waiting for Joe to WAKE UP already and hoping he’ll want to go to breakfast and then maybe take a drive. I would love some zucchini bread too!!!! Happy weekend, Doreen!!!!
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
Hey…what gorgeous views..It must be freeing to not be under the control of a the nanny state anymore. Gosh, now your can decide what size drink your want! LOL. The view, homes, barns and side stands are a great tribute to what life should be. Free to be and do. I just love old barns and these are beautiful. Thanks for sharing views I might not ever see any wise. Must be spectacular in all it’s fall glory…hope you show the photos again.
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
What gorgeous views..It must be freeing to not be under the control of a the nanny state anymore. Gosh, now your can decide what size drink your want! LOL. The view, homes, barns and side stands are a great tribute to what life should be. Free to be and do. I just love old barns and these are beautiful. Thanks for sharing views I might not ever see any wise. Must be spectacular in all it’s fall glory…hope you show the photos again.
Sue says
Thanks for the nice Sunday Drive. It is so peaceful to think of those little stands to get fruit and vegetables and an honor system. I miss that and wish there was more of that in the US. You live in a beautiful area. I like that view with the lake and all the houses, churches, barns and farmstands.
Jemma says
Good Afternoon Doreen!
What fabulous photos, I just bet you enjoyed this ride and being able to use your camera to capture such incredible and Historical architectural finds. I love old barns and Church steeples and I enjoy letting my imagination go to wherever it wants as it creates stories of the people and their lives, from long ago.
New England, what a special place to call home, I envy your scenery, I really do. When you are a flat lander such as myself I find myself drooling just imagining the Fall color that is just around the corner, are you having any frost yet?
Beautiful!
xoxo
Jemma
Doreen says
No frost Jemma! Not even close, and I’m glad. Still holding on to Summer with every fiber of my being :).
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Such a gorgeous area Doreen! Those views are amazing. I’ve been to a few parts of New England but not enough. I need to go touring more of those States someday. 😉
I need to start dragging out my Fall goodies – but I have some bigger cleaning projects I NEED to get done first and I haven’t been motivated enough. Hopefully this week and I can decorate next weekend.
Blessings on the rest of your weekend Hon! xoxo
Doreen says
You can always put the New England area on your bucket list for when you get your RV ;).
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Exactly!! 🙂
Jane says
You live in a gorgeous area with beautiful views. I’ve always loved Victorian homes and so many of these are in those pretty colors. So great that you stumbled on these.
Oh, Wpw! Free zucchini! Let me know if you need recipes—what a great gesture.
Can’t wait to see what you are planning! I’m not a fan of painting—I need a lot of space and time between those projects. lol!
Hope you’re having a great holiday weekend. “lakeless”, we’re al little lost! 🙁
Jane x
Doreen says
I could always use some recipes, especially from YOU!!
I guess not having the lake this summer was tough, but with any luck this time next year you’ll be sittin’ pretty :).
xxx
Linda Chapman says
Oh, what a beautiful part of the country YOU get to live in!!! I loved every picture!!!
Vickie says
What gorgeous scenery and historic homes! I could walk around a historic town and look at those beautiful homes all day long! And the first view is breathtaking!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Your “game” is top notch, Doreen! Loved the drive, loved the views, all the houses, barns, churches and farm stands. I want to move where you live!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Loved the drive, loved the views, all the houses, barns, churches and farm stands. I want to move where you live! And as for your game? It’s top-notch!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
OK, I thought my first comment disappeared!
Poppy says
Construction chaos or serendipity? Hmm. Me thinks that the latter may just have played a bigger role in your rural escape to eye candy country! I love all the beautiful homes from the heritage coloured to the multi sloped, as well as the crisp and clean toned church, but it’s those humble, barn red barns that get me every time, and make my heart beat just a little faster!
Happy Labour Day, Doreen!
xoxo
Poppy
AnnMarie says
I just love your part of the country and have been to the Berkshires many times, just recently this summer. I have a friend that owns an Inn there that is located in NY and MA. We spent a day in Great Barrington and Stockbridge. Love that area.
Congrats on winning Amy’s prize!!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
It is no wonder that you moved there as you are surround by such beauty!!!!…and free zucchini !!
Cecilia says
Oh, I enjoyed the drive! Beautiful views and wonderful homes. Um, can you go back and take pictures when the leaves change? I bet it’s going to be spectacular! Hope you have a great week.
Hugs
Cecilia
Doreen says
Absolutely Cecilia! It’s truly spectacular, but it’s also related to the weather so I’m not sure if they will be as beautiful as usual. We’ll see soon enough.
xxx
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I enjoyed this drive very much 🙂
Vicky Hunt says
Such gorgeous views and homes! Love the first church…so pretty! I saw some gorgeous homes over the weekend on my beach trip. I didn’t take any photos of them though. I told the hubby I wanted to take a road trip one day just so I can stop when I want to take pix! 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
rue says
Bah! The Fall home tour will be a piece of cake for you. You already have a beautiful home and you have great taste 🙂
Damn… I’ll take a drive with you any time. You live in an absolutely gorgeous area. The honor system… haven’t seen that since I left Ohio and I was always amazed by it.
xo,
rue
Kelly says
You live in such a picturesque community! I’ve never been there before so I enjoyed seeing your pictures. Love that honor system for paying for homegrown vegetables. I have seen some of those around here but not often. I live in a mix of suburban and rural area. In other words, we have subdivisions next door to cow pastures. LOL!
Jan says
Hi – I’ve just hopped over from Amy’s blog …
What great photo’s – just love those old barns.
Take Care
All the best Jan
Feral Turtle says
What breathtaking countryside. Thanks for sharing.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
So reminded of the trip last year with my son. Thanks so much for helping me remember ;-}
Benita says
OH MY GOODNESS!!! What gorgeous scenery! I would never go home if I could drive around and see that every day! I know the fall color will be gorgeous and can’t wait to see those pics!!
Cindi says
Oh my! I’m so far behind.
I almost missed this post!
Everything is SO pretty1
I think I want that house with the red barn!
I love that there are places that still have the honor system.
i saw on the News a while back that they had stands all over the country with the honor system as a “test”
and actually most of the places were very honest.
Except for Washington D.C.
Apparently not only did they not pay, they took money out of the jar too!
Somehow I find that not surprising, considering the location! LOL!
Thanks for the virtual drive!
xo
Doreen says
That’s one of my favorite houses too! Yup, the honor system works here, which still surprises me being from NY! lol
Mary-In the boondocks says
Such beauty to see on a simple drive. We can all use a drive now and then.