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.

Maine's Southern Coast: Kennebunkport

Each of the towns we visited along the southern coast of Maine had it's own unique charm, but my favorite was Kennebunkport.  The people I encountered there were friendly and obviously took pride in their town.  There was a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities to keep us busy and happy, and there were many more that were within a 30-45 minute drive.  Located where the Kennebunk River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Kennebunkport's natural setting was simply beautiful.  We visited in early June before the summer tourist season really got started, so we were able to enjoy the town's easy-going, fun, and peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrived.  Kennebunkport is a great little town that is a nice blend of classy and quirky.

"Love Locks" on the bridge entering downtown Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Harbor

Planters in downtown Kennebunkport

Take a carriage ride and see the town

The wood slices on the side of this hotel seemed to fit well
with the driftwood along the shore of the river.

Cider Mill Press

Lobster, anyone?

The Nott House, 1853
National Register of Historic Places

Mermaids and Seahorses

Lovely homes everywhere

Love these creative planters!

An adorable fairy garden. . .

. . .and fairies arriving by hot air balloon!

Evening on Kennebunkport Harbor

Great Small Towns: Jerome, Arizona

In the Spring of 2008, my husband, our two then teenage sons, and I spent a week in Sedona, Arizona.  One of the highlights of that vacation was our day trip to Jerome, Arizona.  With a population of about 400 today, Jerome perches on the side of Cleopatra Hill at an elevation of 5,200 feet and is only 20 miles from Sedona.  It's a really neat little town with a fascinating history and a hopeful future, and it's a fun place to spend the day.

Jerome was founded in 1876, and by the 1920s it was a bustling copper mining town with a population of about 15,000.  People from all over the world made their way to Jerome in search of work in the copper mines and in hopes of making their fortune in gold rumored to have have been hidden in the area. Once called "the wickedest town in America," Jerome seems to have seen its share of gun fights, gambling, prostitution, and drinking back in those early days.  The demand for copper greatly diminished by the 1950s and the mines began to close.  Jerome became little more than a ghost town.  Thanks to the dedication of the few remaining citizens and some others enchanted by Jerome's history and location, the town has made a comeback as an artists' haven and a tourist destination. It's a great small town that is worth a visit.

  Getting to the town from the valley floor is a fun drive on a series of switchbacks. 

The views from Jerome of the Verde Valley and distant mountains are worth the trip.

Once in Jerome, you'll find lots of shops, restaurants, and a couple of museums, and if you decide to stay for more than a day there are several inns, a hotel, and a few vacation rentals and B & Bs.  Most of these establishments are in buildings that were part of early 20th century Jerome, so much of what you see is like peaking into a time capsule.  You'll also see ruins of the copper mining industry and shells of deserted homes and buildings.  You can learn more about the history of the town at Jerome State Park (sometimes called Douglas Mansion State Park) located just below town.  There is also a mine museum in town and a place called Gold King Mine and Ghost Town where you can see an actual mine shaft as well as some touristy displays and activities.  Haunted tours are offered and so are home and garden tours at certain times of the year.

Once home to the workers at the Little Daisy Mine, this is now a private residence.

The Liberty Theatre once hosted silent movies and vaudeville acts (1918-1929).  

Old movie projector outside The Liberty Theatre

A unique jewelry store

Nellie Bly was my favorite store. Numerous unique kaleidoscopes are the stars of this place.

Historical plaques recall Jerome's feisty past

Jerome Mine Museum

The original Hotel Connor and The Spirit Room pub on the first floor

The Jerome Grand Hotel, originally a hospital, is also home to The Asylum restaurant.

The entire town of Jerome is now on the National Historic Register, and it is well worth a visit for the history, the fun, and the beautiful views it offers.