Advice to Fellow Travelers: Take the Road Less Traveled

Some of our most memorable and enjoyable travel experiences have happened when we have gone off the beaten path--when we have ditched the plan and just wandered.  During our recent trip to Maine after visiting the famous Nubble Lighthouse, we took the back way (Shore Road) from Cape Neddick to Ogunquit, leaving Highway 1 to the other tourists.  What we found was the beautiful St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

This beautiful church, constructed in 1897, is made of stone, wood, and gorgeous stained glass and is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. The church sits near the top of Christian Hill where, at the request of original owner of the land, its cross can be seen by fishermen when they are at sea. A memorial garden sits among the woods beside the church.  Services are held at St. Peter's on Sundays during the summer.  Visit the church's website for a virtual tour and more information.

The Hope and Glory Inn: Sightseeing in the Area

During our three-day stay at The Hope and Glory Inn, we set out each day to explore.  The area is quiet and uncrowded, but full of history and its own special beauty.  Here are a few of our finds.

* Stratford Hall, Birthplace of Robert E. Lee

Stratford Hall, constructed in 1738
Stratford, Virginia

The house, gardens, and grounds are open to the public.

Part of the property overlooks the Potomac River.  There are picnic tables and a short
hiking trail here.

* Beaches and Waterways

* Historic Christ Church

Christ Church, c. 1735
Weems, Virginia

Snapshots from the Passenger Seat: I-70 & I-68, Maryland

On the way home from Annapolis, we bypassed Baltimore and headed west on I-70 and I-68.  Western Maryland is mountainous and beautiful, and we had great weather for our drive home.  Here's a bit of what we saw.

Keeping us company was this fuzzy blue crab we bought in Annapolis for our dog, Sadie.

Lots of steep hills along the way!

See the gorilla?

Cumberland, Maryland

Cumberland, Maryland

We watched, but we didn't see any animals.

A lighthouse in the mountains.

Annapolis, Maryland: The United States Naval Academy

When in Annapolis, a visit to the United States Naval Academy is well worth your time. Take a guided tour or get a map and set out on your own like we did.

One of the residence halls

Detail on residence hall

Dahlgren Hall
The Dry Dock Restaurant, open to the public, is located here.  Dahlgren Hall houses
many social activities for the cadets.

Outside detail on Dahlgren Hall

Inside Dahlgren Hall

Huge model ship at one end of Dalgren Hall

Model of the Wright B-1 Flyer hanging in Dalgren Hall

The chapel is a "must-see"

The gorgeous stained glass windows in the chapel were made
by Tiffany.

We were lucky enough to hear this gentleman playing the organ when we
visited the chapel.

Below the chapel is the crypt of John Paul Jones,
hero of the American Revolution.

The elaborate marble coffin of John Paul Jones

Preble Hall houses the U. S. Naval Museum

On the second floor of the museum is a large collection of intricate model ships.