Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Trip to Madison

Michael and I had the rare opportunity to get away by ourselves earlier this week! We travelled to a beautiful town called Madison.

Madison is situated on the Ohio river with Kentucky just on the other side.



The Lanier Mansion is one of the more stately homes in the 132 blocks of historic homes. We enjoyed taking a tour of it and I will post more pictures on another day.

There are lots of antique shops to look in, coffee shops and cafes to visit, and beautiful architecture to enjoy. The "Downtowner" is where we took two of our meals. Here we are in front of the Lanier Mansion.

Alleys were everywhere and so many of them looked inviting! I liked this picture because the building wasn't so nice yet someone took time to plant a great big pot of pink geraniums by the back door.

Dinner at the Downtowner:

We stayed at a delightful B&B called the Iron Gate Inn.

Our room was beautiful and the decor felt very restful.

The B&B owner did the remodeling of the bath area himself. A job well done!

We loved all the period furniture in the living room. The house was built in 1840 with 6 bedrooms. The ceilings were so, so tall!


Candlelight breakfast was enjoyed by all -- we were joined at the table by a couple who live just 5 miles from us. The front door gave an indication of the abundance of tassles to be found within. The owner's wife used to work for a tassle and trim company. I counted 13 tassles in our bedroom alone! I couldn't help but think of my friend Heather who's been making tassles recently.

After breakfast we made a quick stop at the local farmer's market before the rain came on. I bought my very first tomatillos.

Then it rained and rained so we sat at the Madison Coffee and Tea Company and read or knitted while sipping coffee.

Later, when the rain cleared, we enjoyed some more perusing of the shops.

And then it was time for lunch -- tomato soup and grilled cheese -- what could be more perfect for a rainy day!

We were home by dinner time and greeted by 4 sweet little faces. Many thanks to my sister, Emily, and my mom who took on the task of watching the munchkins while we were away. Tomorrow I'll have more pictures.....

7 comments:

Monica said...

This looks wonderful- so glad you were able to get away and be alone. You should see the movie, Madison. It is about.... I don't want to spoil it for you.

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

How southern romantic...it may be Ohio but Kentucky is putting a southern spin on things I think.

I just love it when bloggers blog their travels, both near and far. Now I know if I ever get the chance, I should be sure to spend a spell in Madison!

Ann Kroeker said...

Madison--you've made it seem utterly dreamy! With all those beautiful buildings, it looks European. Glad you got that getaway.

willow said...

A lovely post and photographs. It looks as if it was a perfect relaxing break. I liked the photographs of the house that you stayed in, very elegant.

southseaislandhome said...

How nice that you were able to get away just the two of you for awhile and it looks such a lovely place. And you're looking so nice and tanned too, Heather! The B & B looks dreamy - what a treat - and so beautifully decorated.
Rachel L

Alaina said...

I am so glad you had a chance to get away! It looks such a lovely place!

Heather Anne said...

So lovely to be thought of in such a lovely place! I'm so glad you got away together and had such a delightful time! My Historian and I have an anniversary coming in a couple of months - Madison sounds like it should go on our list of possibilities!