French Lick & West Baden Springs, Indiana: Exploring West Baden Springs Resort (Part 1)

I highly recommend the tour of West Baden Springs Resort.  The hotel has such an interesting history, and it's great to know what you're seeing as you wander through the hotel and grounds.  Tours are offered a couple of times a day and last about an hour.  Here's some of what we saw on the tour and during our stay at West Baden.

West Baden Springs Resort

Rookwood Pottery tiles are used throughout the property, like in this crest at the entrance.

More Rookwood tiles on the floor in the atrium.  These ladies are enjoying afternoon tea.

One of the many seating areas in the atrium

Many statues and pieces of art are on the property. This lady was my favorite.

A focal point of the atrium is this fireplace surround created by Rookwood Pottery.

Detail of fireplace surround

One of many amazing light fixtures

Lobby by the check-in desk

One of several stained glass windows and doors

Hallway Lighting

At night, the massive light fixture in the atrium dome changes colors.

Loved the blues and purples here

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.

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.

Annapolis, Maryland: The Perfect Vacation Rental (Part 1)

For comfort, location, and usually extra savings, we often rent a vacation home or condo when traveling instead of staying in a hotel. We've stayed in a number of wonderful vacation rentals over the years, but the place we called home in Annapolis is our favorite so far.  The Parish Condo #3, located at 139 1/2 Maryland Avenue, had it all: a great location in the heart of the historic district; comfortable, well-equipped living spaces; and character, history, and beauty throughout. For a special occasion (my husband's birthday), this was the perfect place for us.

Our condo was one of three units that were built about 10 years
ago in this abandoned church constructed in the 1890s.

Entrance to the building.  Once inside the old church, unit 3 is
on the right.

The door to unit 3 opens into a small foyer where you're
greeted by this guy.  This small space, complete with original
 wood floors, is the first of the condo's four levels.  From here
you have a choice to make!

Should you take the stairs to the upper levels?

Or should you catch a ride on the old (but renovated) elevator?

Two stories of clear and stained glass windows take your breath away when you reach the second level of the condo.

This chandelier hangs from the fourth floor ceiling to light up this open space and the
stained glass at night.

Looking down from the third floor interior window, you can see
the living and dining areas on the second level.

Also on the second level is the kitchen. . .

. . .as well as a small powder room and this built-in wet bar.

Great touches, like this table fashioned from one of the church's old arches, can be seen
throughout the home.

These stairs (or the elevator) take you from the second level
to the third level of the condo.

Level three is all about the master suite.

This is the view from the master bed.  That's the Maryland State House dome in the
center window.  There are blinds you can lower to block the light if you wish.

The master bathroom adjoins the bedroom, and it also has
a view of the windows and the second level of the condo.

Continue through the bathroom into a hallway that leads to a
walk-in closet and this spiral staircase.  The original brick walls
of the church are left exposed here, and you just HAVE to find
out what's at the top of these stairs!

Check back soon for part 2 of "The Perfect Vacation Rental"!