Maine's Southern Coast: St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery

Every day when we drove from our vacation house into town, we passed the entrance to St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery.  Noticing a sign that welcomed the public and seeing only glimpses of some lovely stonework, my husband and I became more and more curious about what was beyond the entrance.  So one evening just before dark as we were driving home from town, we decided to take a peak beyond the gate.  

We didn't go far or stay long because daylight was almost gone, but what we saw was enchanting.  We returned the next day to explore, and I'm so glad we did!  The Franciscan Monastery is located just off of Beach Road in Kennebunkport, and it's a lovely, peaceful spot to stretch your legs and be inspired.

Beautiful trails run through the property.

A small statue and prayer to St. Anthony

We saw beautiful ferns along the trails at the monastery & throughout the area.

Flowers were tucked into tree trunks and rocks along the trails.

Benches & a swing that overlook the Kennebunk River

Wander through the marsh to this quiet spot

From the bench in the marsh, you can watch the boats come and go.

Kateri Tekakwitha

Observing the harbor and downtown Kennebunkport

Lily of the Valley

Rhodedendron

Lilac

Annapolis, Maryland: A Final Look

We spent a wonderful five days in Annapolis.  Would we like to return one day? Most definitely!  I want to see Annapolis in the Spring when the lovely gardens are in bloom and lots of boats and ships are in full sail in the bay.  I want to explore some of the smaller towns along the Chesapeake Bay and see more of the parks and nature preserves in the area.  My husband needs to try out some more running trails and play at least one round of golf.  We need to spend more time gazing at the water, and we need to watch the sunset on the bay.

Until then, here are a few parting shots of Annapolis.

Annapolis, Maryland: First and Lasting Impressions

Annapolis welcomed us.  People were friendly, gracious, and helpful.

The dome of the Maryland State House dominates the skyline day. . .

. . .and night.
Photo by Chip Southworth

Crab is king.

History is everywhere--and it is preserved, respected, and displayed.
The William Paca House, c. 1763

All kinds of history abounds!

Wherever you are in Annapolis, you're never far from the water.

Annapolis has a large Irish population--and lots of Irish pubs.

This is a fun city around St. Patrick's Day!

Perhaps the most telling and endearing impression we had of Annapolis
is that it is a very dog-friendly city.

In the front window of a local bookstore

Advice to Fellow Travelers

I have three pieces of advice for those of you who enjoy traveling like we do.

1.  A GPS device can be a great help while traveling, but only when you   keep it updated .  Traveling from Manassas, Virginia, to Annapolis, Maryland, we thought our GPS was taking us south of Washington, D. C., thus bypassing downtown D.C. traffic and construction. Unfortunately, because of outdated maps, we drove right through the heart of the city--several times--on a Friday afternoon.  My advice? Update your GPS, use a map, or stop and ask for directions.


2.  Enjoy the journey even when you're lost.  I snapped these shots from the car while traveling through D.C.

Washington Monument

Jefferson Memorial

Washington Monument

3.  Recognize when it's time to put away your camera and help your stressed-out traveling companion (who happens to be driving and not sightseeing) navigate these unfamiliar streets.

Manassas Battlefield

The first major battle of the American Civil War was fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia.  Thinking this would be only a skirmish and a quick end to the talk of an actual war, many people who lived in the area brought picnic lunches and observed the fighting from surrounding hills. While the Union troops showed strength and progress early in the fighting, the Confederate forces stood their ground and gained strength from reinforcements.  Victory at First Manassas (or First Bull Run) belonged to the South, and it became evident that the Civil War was real and not quickly or easily resolved.

On our drive from Lexington, Virginia, to Annapolis, Maryland, we stopped to stretch our legs and see the site of the Battles of Manassas. The battlefield today is a quiet, beautiful place just outside the busy town of Manassas.  

The Henry family farm, site of the First Battle of Manassas

Home of 85 year old Judith Henry who refused to
leave when the battle began on her farm.

Grave of Judith Henry, the only civilian casualty of this battle.
She was killed when caught in the crossfire of the battle.

Confederate Battle Line

Monument to Confederate General (and VMI graduate) Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
"There stands Jackson like a stone wall."

Monument to those who died during First Manassas