Adventures for Anyone

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Dr. Suess and The Other Springfield Museums

There's a little kid inside of all of us. There's a big kid inside of me. The very minute that I first heard about the Dr. Suess Museum and Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Mass., I knew I had to go. I don't care how old I am. I was raised on Dr. Suess and so was my son.

So, I dragged my husband to the Springfield Museums and found what I was looking for and so much more. There are five museums and the sculpture garden at the Springfield Museums. There is the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Fine Arts Museum, Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, The Springfield Science Museum, and The Amazing World of Dr. Suess and the Dr. Suess Memorial Sculpture Garden. All in one spot. There's a lot of variety, a lot to learn, a lot to see, and a good time for all.

The art collections are from around the world and span more than a 1,000 years. There are sculptures, religious artifacts, dynastic armor, works by the masters, dinosaur bones, and face it; there's a Lorax on the lawn. I went up to Springfield because it was a sort of rainy day and it's local for me. I go to Springfield often to go to the Big E or to see Christmas lights; but I'd never bothered to go to the museums. I should have gone sooner. I had my picture taken with the Cat in the Hat. You can't beat that. I also saw local water life in the aquarium on the basement level of the Science Museum and a Monet in the Fine Arts Museum. The place tickles all of your senses.

There are a lot of things to do in Springfield, the quirky little capital of Massachusetts. The Basketball Hall of Fame is there and the brand new MGM Grand Casino. But, right in the middle of the downtown area where all the best restaurants and bars are, sit the Springfield Museums. I've spent a lot of my life going to museums, and this is the most comprehensive bundle of museums I've ever gone to. I like the idea that I can pay one price and enjoy all kinds of art, science and history for a whole day. And, if Dr. Suess was what drove me to this discovery; well that's all the better. Enjoy!

https://springfieldmuseums.org/about/
https://www.booking.com/city/us/springfield-massachusetts.en.html?aid=346685&label=msn-bEc*ybnZpYODQspn138D5w-80745398568532:tikwd-17273502465:loc-190:neo:mte:dec:qsspringfield%20mass&utm_campaign=MA%3A%20Massachusetts&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=bEc*ybnZpYODQspn138D5w&msclkid=5edafa336fb510e5d256a191345649cf
https://www.springfieldmo.org/free-to-see/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Springfield%20(SEM-MOSpr)%20Leisure%20Free%20To%20See&utm_term=free%20things%20to%20see%20in%20springfield&utm_content=Free%20To%20See
https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/
https://www.facebook.com/places/Things-to-do-in-Springfield-Massachusetts/112781448736001/
https://www.opentable.com/ma/springfield-restaurants
http://www.hoophall.com/
https://www.easternstatesexposition.com/
https://www.mgmspringfield.com/en.html
https://www.springfieldmo.org/events/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Springfield%20(SEM-MOSpr)%20Leisure%20Events&utm_term=springfield%20calendar%20of%20events&utm_content=Events
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ma--springfield/events/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
http://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Going to the Beach on Long Island

I give tips. It's what I do. I am offering some solid advice on visiting Long Island in this entry. I went out to Long Island twice this summer. I specifically went to the South Fork one time and specifically the North Fork the other time. We are talking about the Eastern Half of Long Island here, so all you city folk don't be upset. This is what I found.

My first trip was to the South Fork, and I loved every minute that I spent in Montauk. The lighthouse was amazing. The whole area was amazing. That being said, I encountered some problems at the beach. My husband and I stayed in Westhampton Beach at the loveliest little bed at breakfast you ever saw, called the Grassmere Inn. I loved this place so much that even though I was not impressed by the area, I stayed there on my second trip as well.

The Hamptons has a reputation, and the problem is that they live up to it. We went out Dune Road, because we just wanted to see what it was all about. We discovered that there are beaches and a National Seashore that you can go on. The problem is that there is no place to park and it's miles from town. So, the locals have effectively made is so that no outsiders can invade their haven by putting in parking laws. It's clever, but it's also offensive. Live and learn. You can't even park at the National Seashore.

On my second trip, I concentrated on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island. There I found beautiful beaches and parks at the State Parks with lots of parking and lots of people having a wonderful time. I found lighthouses to look at, nice little restaurants to eat in, and great tourist spots. This is also the area where the ferries come in from Connecticut, so it is convenient for me. The beaches are rockier, but they have something that I did not see on the south fork except at Montauk. They have dunes, and I love dunes.

I am impressed by the huge homes on Long Island. I am also impressed by the thirty or so wineries on the end of the North Fork. What impresses me as a traveler however, is the people. For this I have to recommend travel in the North Fork. You'll get to see the beaches, and the people are friendly even if they happen to have money. The South Fork was nice, except the Hamptons. There's an old quote that says that I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member, and if I were to become rich; I think that quote would apply to me. I would much rather join the down to earth people on the North Fork than deal with the snooty, pretentious, fake people in the Hamptons. I hate to wear navy and beige. That being said, the one shining spot in that neighborhood is the Grassmere Inn in Westhampton Beach. That hotel is delightful.

Sorry to be so harsh, but I feel the need to give honest advice to would be travelers. And, Long Island is one of those places that information is not that easy to come by. Enjoy!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-state/long-island
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/travel-guide/
https://www.facebook.com/travellongisland/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g148424-Long_Island_Out_Islands_Bahamas-Hotel-Deals.html
https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-travel-by-train-discounts?cmp=pdsrch-NER%7CNon-Brand%20Driving%20Directions%7CDesktop_DFCB-bing&msclkid=811dfe1dd325187b05b5a5bc8a6ca4b1&gclid=CJmV1eWrxd0CFY6NxQIdGWwGBQ&gclsrc=ds
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/long-island
https://www.aaa.com/travelguides/long-island-ny
https://www.newsday.com/travel
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/things-to-do/beaches-ocean-fun/
https://mommypoppins.com/long-island-kids/beaches-lakes/best-family-beaches-on-long-island
https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/beaches/?gclsrc=ds
http://www.resortsguides.com/?fr=2615
https://www.findhotel.net/Hotel/Grassmere_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast.htm?highRate=&pageIndex=0&session_id=fh_fi3QNmBK17-636T411aRHg&section=&checkout=&newSearch=false&checkin=&isAvailabilitySearch=false&destination=&placeFilename=place:Westhampton_Beach&lang=en&reset=false&hotelID=1596757&sortOrder=Descending&pageSize=25&radius=0&curr=USD&search_id=fh_fi3QNmBK17-636T411aRHg|15373010363058927&lowRate=&datype=&rooms=2&hotelFilename=Grassmere_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast&sortField=Popularity&noRedirect=&hotelName=&_force_=true
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1173658-i13118-k3794076-North_Fork_or_South_For-North_Fork_Long_Island_New_York.html
http://longislandwinetours.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr93i6bDF3QIV1MDICh1oiw4fEAAYASAAEgJ1r_D_BwE
https://hamptons.curbed.com/maps/north-fork-vineyards-wineries-map
http://longislandlighthouses.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

2018 Fall Activities in New England!

Okay, it's my yearly pitch about New England in the fall. We have beautiful trees; so beautiful that people come from all over the world to see them turn their fiery shades of red, yellow and orange. We as New Englanders are not quite ready for winter, so we enjoy our fall. We have Foliage Tours all over the area. We have country and regional fairs. We have Renaissance Faires. We have Oktoberfests. We have a lot of fun whether it be driving around looking at leaves, shopping at a craft fair, riding rides, going to a haunted graveyard or corn maze, taking a hay ride or whatever you can imagine. New England is actually at it's most lively in the fall and you should come and check it out. Enough said. The schedules are below, and you should join us for some amazing times. Enjoy!

https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/fairs-and-festivals/
https://eventegg.com/the-big-e/
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/biggest-agricultural-fairs-in-new-england/
https://www.everfest.com/us/new-england-festivals
http://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticuts-country-fairs
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/best-fall-food-festivals-in-new-england/
https://www.funtober.com/festivals/newhampshire/
https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/united-states/usa-fall-foliage?msclkid=a391319fbd171b6b37986a3eee7d07bb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Genres&utm_term=new%20england%20fall%20foliage%20tours&utm_content=Fall%20Foliage%20-%20Phrase
https://www.jeff-foliage.com/2018/01/new-england-fall-foliage-forecast-2018/
https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/fall-foliage-in-new-england/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/new-england-halloween-haunted-houses-1600491
http://www.halloweennewengland.com/
http://hauntedgraveyard.com/
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/best-corn-mazes/
http://www.vermontcornmaze.com/
http://www.halloweennewengland.com/massachusetts/night-and-haunted-corn-mazes/
https://ctfaire.com/
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/2018-oktoberfest-events-in-new-england.585538/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

I'm Learning to Travel by Ferry

Ferries are a way of life for many people in the world. It was once believed that technology would render them obsolete, but as we have discovered; there are many places where the alternative is just ridiculous and won't work. There are places where planes are not a suitable alternative and bridges are impossible. This is where you still find ferries. There are also many ferry routes around the world that are so traditional that there would be an uprising of the people if anyone were ballsy enough to try and take the ferries away. It is in this spirit that I am beginning to live my new life. I am trying to familiarize myself with all modes of public transportation; whether it be trains, buses, subways or ferries, so that eventually I can take the trip of a lifetime on these traditional modes of transport. This summer I've spent some time getting a bit used to ferry travel. I've been running back and forth some to Long Island from our home in Connecticut.

I've not previously been a person who spends a lot of time along the shore, but this year I have. It's been a whole new experience for me, and the travel is part of the awakening. I do admit that it's hard to live my life by a schedule. Most ferries that run around my area are easy to just walk on and go where you wish. But, if you take your car, you need a reservation. Then, when you arrive at the ferry dock to use your reservation, you need to wait in line until it is time; similar to readying to ride a roller coaster in an amusement park. The ferry will show up. You will see the vehicles unload and when it is time, the attendants will tell you how to get on the boat and where to park. If there is more than one person, which is normally the case, because who travels alone; you will need an extra ticket for the ferry as a walk on for that person. Only the driver and vehicle are included in the ticket. Also, check the tables for that ferry. Many times, if you have a trailer or a larger vehicle than a regular passenger car; you will need a higher priced ticket. Face it, if you take up too much room; you need to pay more money.

The ferry that I have been experimenting with this summer is the Port Jefferson Long Island to Bridgeport, Connecticut Ferry. This is a one hour and fifteen minute each way or so ferry. It's just long enough to give you the idea of how it feels to take your car on a boat ride, but not too long to drive you completely insane and make you never want to go on a ferry again. The question is; what is the perk to taking a ferry?

For starters, there's the view. There is something terribly calming about water, and if you can't find enjoyment in that on a ferry, then I can't help you and maybe you should just stay home. Everything you see from a boat looks different than when you see it from land. It's that way in a kayak and it's that way in or on any boat. The ferry is unique in that it is not designed for your entertainment although the ones that cross Long Island Sound have snack bars and cocktail lounges in them. But, a ferry is there to get you and your things from one shore to the other. That brings about one of the best things about ferries. They are not as expensive as other kinds of boats. You get to take your car on a vacation instead of going on a cruise and being stuck close to port. There are a chain of ferries that run all the way from Maine to Newfoundland up the Atlantic Coast and another that runs up the shores of British Columbia into Alaska. You can really travel on ferries. They are all over the world. As a matter of fact, you can nearly circle the globe with your car because of them. That's food for thought.

While there are several pleasing scenes to look at while traveling on a ferry, keep in mind that these boats are used for transportation. They go in and out of industrial harbors all over the world. There are ferries running around most areas that have several islands, all of the great lakes, from one country to another, and even across the Atlantic Ocean. That's right; there's a ferry that goes all the way from Iceland to Denmark. If you look into it, there are far more ferries than you would imagine. There are two ferries that frequently pass from Connecticut to Long Island. There are ferries all over Long Island that go to the area's smaller islands like Fire Island and Shelter Island. There are ferries that go to the outlying islands around New England, like Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. There's a ferry from Boston to Provincetown. They are all over and do many things. There are ferry companies that also run tours to see lighthouses. There are dinner cruises. You never know. Some of them, like one in Norway make full coastline tours. There's one in Norway that goes all the way to Svarlbard.

Some ferries take off and sail into absolutely nowhere, like the New London Connecticut to Orient Point Long Island Ferry. There's not much at Orient Point, but there is a bus that will take you into eastern Long Island. It's all set up for you. Some ferries have overnight staterooms, like the ones up the coasts and the ones that cross major bodies of water. If you have to be on it overnight, there are probably overnight accommodations available. You will have to book that in advance just like taking the car with you.

Here's one thing to learn. Ferries are big boats, but they are not ocean liners. When the weather kicks up, you can have a bumpy ride. This happened on my last trip. I'm insane and loved the feeling of adventure. The ferry staff wasn't concerned, so neither was I. I was afraid that my car parked precariously on the back opened edge of the ferry would pitch into Long Island Sound, but other than that, I still had a good time.

So, my goal is to make a trip around the world by using ferries, buses, trains and the like. I've spent the last couple of months getting a taste of ferry travel. I have other ferry trips planned in the near future and I think I will enjoy them. It's a whole new world, but it can take you around the world so it's worth a try. The journey is part of the trip. Make the journey stand out and take a ferry. Enjoy!

https://www.aferry.com/?msclkid=c30a7c3d945110cf4b1d279caaa8d72c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=COM%20-%20AFerry%20-%20General%20-%20Desktop&utm_term=ferry&utm_content=General%20-%20SKAG%20-%20Ferry%20-%20Exact
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/
http://www.nywaterway.com/ferryroutesschedules.aspx
https://www.siferry.com/
https://88844ferry.com/default.aspx
https://www.ferry.nyc/
https://www.bcferries.com/
http://www.alaska.org/transportation/ferry
https://www.galveston.com/galvestonferry/
http://ferries.com/
https://www.steamshipauthority.com/
https://www.phuketferry.com/
https://www.blockislandferry.com/
https://toryferry.com/
https://www.cmlf.com/
https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry
https://www.catalinaexpress.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Catalina%20Express&utm_term=Transportation%20to%20Catalina&utm_content=Southern%2FCalifornia
http://www.poferries.com/en/portal
https://www.ferries.ca/
https://ferries.greeka.com/
http://roatanferry.com/schedule-fares/
https://trip.experienceandamans.com/ferry/government-ferry.html
https://www.bostonharborcruises.com/provincetown-ferry/
http://go-lanai.com/
https://www.dfdsseaways.com/
http://italiantourism.com/ferries.html
https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry-to-holland
https://www.millerferry.com/
https://www.manxferries.com/
https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia
http://www.smyrilline.com/
https://www.directferries.co.uk/asia.htm
https://www.longisland.com/ferry-schedules.html
http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/new-london-orient-point-long-island-ny-ferry
http://liferries.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Tips for New York City 2018!

Ah, New York City. This is one of my favorite spots, and this year it was time to take my son and his girlfriend to the city for their graduation trip. My son wanted me to play tour guide for them, and there's nothing else that I love to do more. So, while on that trip, I picked up some current tips and new discoveries. Here they are.

First, I always stay on Wall Street. On the weekends it slows down, and only the tourists remain. Fun fact, most of them go away after 5 pm. Makes it a quiet neighborhood with all the conveniences that you need. My favorite hotel will always be Club Quarters on Wall Street. This place is the best spot in town, particularly on the weekends. The staff there will put up with any of a plethora of situations, which I unfortunately tested this time. They will be unbelievably polite, helpful, and expedient. They will let you check in as soon as your room is ready for the day. They will hang onto your bags before and after you check out so you can roam the city. They will find the stuff you left behind and get it to you. They are, in a word, wonderful.

But, there's more to staying on Wall Street than just the hotel I love. In less than one block from the hotel is a lovely open plaza to hang out in. There is a building with an open public space to hang out in when it's cold or it rains or both. There are at least five coffee places including a Starbucks and a Dunkin. There is a Duane Reade for all your pharmacy and convenience store needs. There are three subway stations. There are food trucks with great food and an amazing deli. There is a bar and restaurant. This is all within a block. Not joking. You are also in the neighborhood with Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the original Tiffany's, and the New York Stock Exchange. You are walking distance from all that goes on around One WTC. You are a few blocks from the waterfront at pier 11 where you can catch all kinds of ferries and water taxis to just about anywhere. You can also take a helicopter ride. It's really an amazing neighborhood and a great place to stay.

Things to remember. Citibike is a great way to get around, but make sure you stop in and park the bike at a station every 30 minutes or so. You will get charged extra if you don't do that. Also, if you love IKEA or the food trucks at the Red Hook Ball Fields on the weekends, take the shuttle provided by the NY Water Taxi. The shuttle costs $5.00, but it's a cheap ride to Brooklyn. The Water Taxi also provides it's hop on hop off service to all the major sights in south Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Intrepid Museum.

Speaking of the Intrepid Museum. We went for a visit and had a great time. For those of you who haven't been there in a while, there are some changes. They have a pop up planetarium at the moment with fascinating shows. It's in the Exploratorium, but it's great for adults too. Also, there is a virtual reality ride that is worth a try. As always there are great things to see and do for kids of all ages, even mine.

One of my favorite Intrepid surprises on this visit was to find that viewing the space shuttle is now part of the regular admission price. Last time I was there it was extra. So, finally, we can just take a look.

Always remember when visiting waterfront attractions that you are getting an added bonus. The view. I love the Hudson River and the Intrepid is a great place to get a great view of the river. It's part of the trip.

Here's one thing. The subway is my choice of travel in the city, but there are no subway stations particularly close to the Intrepid. Did you know that there is a shuttle bus service for the NY Ferry which is right next door? It's a thought. Just saying.

In other news this season. There are many things going on in Times Square. There are several art displays worth looking at. Unusual and interesting stuff. The Hershey Store is gone, but the M & M's Store remains. Kinky Boots is still playing on Broadway, but not for long. Anastasia is coming back to Broadway soon for all you Romanov fans like me.

In other news, there's a lot of work going on at the World Trade Center site. The Westfield Shops are now opening in that thing that looks like a whale skeleton. There are a couple of other buildings that they are working on too.

O'Hara's is still going strong, but I think the secret is out. So many of us have discovered the magic of learning about 9/11 at this amazing location that it has become seriously popular. We could barely find a place to sit this time and the noise was unbelievable. My advice; go there during the week if you can. It has to be more intimate and quiet then.

There are a lot of subway lines being worked on, so make sure you check the work and delay schedules at most stations.

Little Italy has not changed one little bit and Casa Bella is still my favorite spot.

So, when in town, notice the differences. I visit NYC at least once a year; normally more often. I will always provide the little tidbits that I pick up on my visits.
Enjoy!

https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
http://nywaterway.com/
http://www.mta.info/
https://www.timessquarenyc.org/
https://www.iloveny.com/
https://official.nyc.com/broadway_tickets/?msclkid=1379045359281aee888a5fca6df229c1
https://www.nycgo.com/
https://www.onewtc.com/
https://oneworldobservatory.com/en-US
https://www.911memorial.org/
https://www.westfield.com/westfieldworldtradecenter
https://www.citibikenyc.com/
https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/
https://www.seaportdistrict.nyc/
https://www.nywatertaxi.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/nyregion/oharas-ground-zero-pub-where-memories-are-a-badge-of-honor.html
https://www.facebook.com/OharasPubNYC/
https://www.getyourguide.com/-l3414/?cmp=bing&campaign_id=326239222&adgroup_id=1258941012759903&target_id=kwd-78683941385290:loc-190&loc_physical_ms=44738&match_type=p&ad_id={creative}&keyword=tour%20wall%20street&ad_position={adposition}&feed_item_id=&placement={placement}&partner_id=CD951&msclkid=b36d14db9f2a160314e24f42a9997465&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=united%20states%3A8%7Ccore%7Cen%7Cus&utm_term=tour%20wall%20street&utm_content=new%20york%3A59%7Cf5%7Cwall%20street%20ny%3A3414%7Ctour%3A942%7C%7Btd22%7D%7C%7Byr16%7D
https://www.thewallstreetexperience.com/
https://www.hotels.com/
https://www.booking.com/
https://www.airbnb.com/
https://www.expedia.com/
https://www.amtrak.com/home
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
http://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Kykuit...The Rockefeller Estate

The Hudson River Valley is a great place to escape to on a questionable weather day. I recently went to see yet another great mansion in the area. This time we visited Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate. This fabulous place was created by John D. Rockefeller and his family lived on this palatial estate up until Governor Nelson Rockefeller. There were several changes over the generations, and they are all fabulously showcased by the historians who run the tours and care for the estate.

The Rockefellers were not only amazing wealthy, but slightly eccentric, which makes it fun to visit. The fountain at the entrance to the estate is the largest privately owned fountain in the country, even though it is now state property. The Rockefellers were also known for having an art gallery in the cellar with Picasso tapestries on the walls.

The estate's name is a Dutch word that means lookout. The estate was placed delicately on the top of a hill overlooking the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow, NY; and the Palisades. John D. Rockefeller wanted to have the perfect view, so he had the very top of the hill removed for optimum viewing. The grounds are exquisite at the site, and the views, to defend John D., are amazing.

Governor Nelson Rockefeller was the most diligent of the art collectors in the family. He made the art gallery in the lower level. There are beautiful gardens at the estate and they are littered with art. There are gates rivaling Versailles. There are Rodins in the yard. There's abstract art and a statue of Aphrodite in a temple. The amazing pieces seem to never end. There are fountains, statues, and buildings that are all art.

Even the stables are amazing. The spiral staircase to the offices is nothing. I love the Tiffany chandeliers and the Middle Eastern saddle. It's an impressive location and the horses must have loved living there. The opposite side of the stable housed the fleet of cars that were driven by the staff of the Rockefellers over the years. It now makes an impressive car museum.

That being said, this is an estate that is amazing and I loved seeing it and hearing all the stories of where the art came from and who lived there when. However, keep in mind that you will be spending a lot of time outside. You are not allowed to take any pictures in the house and you only get to see the main floor and the art gallery downstairs. I was happy that the weather cleared up that day, because of the two and a half hours that we were touring the estate; a lot of time was spent outside. So, while I loved it--not lying, it is not a rainy day venue. You will also ride a shuttle bus from the visitor center to the house, so don't even try to drive there.