Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, USA

A typical American Colonial street can be seen by taking a stroll down Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia.

The houses here are typical of the early 1700’s. Each one has it’s own history and many are listed as historic sites. Elfreth’s Alley is located just off Second Street, between Race and Market Streets. Go slow or you’ll miss the sign marking the alley. Walking tours are given and the guides provide details about the people who lived and worked in these homes. I came here to conjure up some of the early American atmosphere that will be featured in my novel MacMillan Judge, Privateer. MacMillan’s father is a Quaker who left Philadelphia for a farm farther west. However, MacMillan himself works on the Philadelphia waterfront, which in colonial times was only a short jaunt from Elfreth’s Alley. Of course, while perusing the homes here, I spotted this comfortable feline taking his afternoon nap in the sunshine.

Yes, he has the right idea: lunch followed by nap.

Published in: on September 25, 2008 at 9:38 am  Leave a Comment  
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Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is hallowed ground. It was here that George Washington and his ragtag army toughed out a bitter winter. He rallied those troops despite the conditions and challenges that lay ahead. Today, there is a park where the troops formed their camp. A bicycle trail traces a path around the perimeter.

This building serves as offices for the nearby church. I’ve always liked it. The stonework is exceptional, the leaded glass windows stately. It’s located a bit close to the road. Still, if I could move it to another place, it would be a noble home. Behind it is a cemetery encased in mature, leafy trees. More hallowed ground.

Throughout the park, you’ll find replicas of the huts the Continental Army used as shelter. (You’ll also find plenty of deer. Be careful when driving through the area. The deer have a habit of jumping out at the last minute.) Here is a photo of the huts.

On this day, 7 years after the 9/11 attacks in New York, we should all be thankful for those who’ve made recent sacrifices as well as those who did more than 200 years ago in order to begin the United States of America. They risked their lives against the world’s superpower in 1776, suffered through winters like the one at Valley Forge, and ultimately prevailed. Are we willing to give it our all the way they did?

Published in: on September 11, 2008 at 10:27 am  Leave a Comment  
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Cupcakes!

I almost forgot about this post. Terrible omission on my part. Around the other corner from the bookstore in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA, on Oakland Street is a place called, “Let Them Eat Cupcakes.” This past Friday night was their opening. Now, let me say, I love chocolate cake and a cupcake is simply a portion of the whole. Plus, when you eat cupcakes you can sample a variety of flavors. Check out what was on offer:

There were all the usual flavors as well as Red Velvet, a buttermilk mix that is among my favorites. Not only that, check out the presentation: silver trays, handsome case, and as you can see below, a crystal chandelier overhead.

Here’s the menu board, as if I would pay any attention to that. I’m a more “give me one of each” type of guy.

The cupcakes were excellent and the people in the shop friendly enough to allow me to take all these photos. If you’re in the area, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed until you try to fasten your belt the next morning.

Published in: on September 9, 2008 at 5:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cape May, New Jersey, USA

This is only the second time that I’ve seen the Cape May Lighthouse from shore. Of course, I saw it numerous times from the water.

The lighthouse is actually located in Cape May Point, NJ. This is a great place if you’re into bird watching, quiet living, and enjoy the salt air. The lighthouse itself is open for tours. You can climb to the top of it as well as walk around the balcony just below the light. The view is fantastic. You can see into the Delaware Bay, out into the Atlantic Ocean, and over the beaches that fringe the end of New Jersey’s coastline.

It’s always a good idea to come here early as the crowds build throughout the day, especially when the weather is as nice as it was when I took this photo. Here’s a look at the beach at Cape May Point.

You can see it wasn’t crowded. People had just started to stake out their patch of sand. The airplanes were towing banners, advertising everything from restaurant specials to Atlantic City casinos. Cape May itself is filled with Victorian-style homes. I took this photo of two modest places, but there are many more that are as big as these two put together and more brightly painted than a carnival ride.

Still, I think these represent a pleasant scale that is both practical and inviting. Readers of this blog know that I’m partial to Spanish Colonial Architecture. However, I enjoyed a morning stroll through Cape May, taking in the variety of Victorian homes. The residents here take good care of their property. The sidewalks and streets are immaculate. If you want to do some shopping or antique hunting, there’s a pedestrian mall in the center of town that looks like this:

We found a place for lunch here that was quite good. Of course, an ice-cold Coca-Cola was had for dessert before more walking around town. Cape May deserves its reputation as a low-key, friendly destination. The beach can get crowded but all good beaches do. There are plenty of good restaurants, quaint bed and breakfast establishments if you want to stay a few days, and lots of quite streets to welcome you. (I’d like to work Cape May into a story some day, just haven’t figured out exactly how.)

Published in: on September 1, 2008 at 11:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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