Aloha to Montpelier Mansion (part 2)

Continuing our tour of the Montpelier Mansion (link),  

A fine example of Georgian architecture popular in Maryland in the late 1700's, Montpelier Mansion sits on approximately 70 acres of beautiful parkland. Architectural and building construction details, as well as historical research, suggest that the house was constructed between 1781 and 1785. Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne, original owners of Montpelier Mansion, welcomed many distinguished guests into their home, including George Washington and Abigail Adams. 

I found the upstairs connection to the secret passageway!

This bed, too, looks so comfy!

The top hat caught my eye ...

... as did the holiday decorations in the hallway!

Given Major Snowden served in the Revolutionary War, the fife and drum accented his house!

The children's room was also decorated on the mantel ...

... while the homemade doll enjoyed the warmth of the fire!

Across the hall, we found a rope-turned trundle bed.

Downstairs, I spied a dollhouse built into a cupboard ...

... with Santa Claus on the roof ...

... and cats in the kitchen!

Outside, the Osage orange tree frames the summer house in the distance.

The cook relied upon the spices grown in the herb garden.    Montpelier Mansion is one of many historic homes maintained by the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreations (link).  I look forward to exploring (and sharing) the other sites!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

From my not-so-historic neighborhood

Aloha to the Montpelier Mansion (part 1)

Major Thomas Snowden served in the Revolutionary War.   He built Montpelier Mansion near the Patuxent River in present day Laurel, Maryland.   From its website (link),

A fine example of Georgian architecture popular in Maryland in the late 1700's, Montpelier Mansion sits on approximately 70 acres of beautiful parkland. Architectural and building construction details, as well as historical research, suggest that the house was constructed between 1781 and 1785. Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne, original owners of Montpelier Mansion, welcomed many distinguished guests into their home, including George Washington and Abigail Adams. 

Notice the bronze plaque to the right of the door ... Montpelier Mansion is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

We entered through the kitchen, purchased our tickets, and wandered through the "hyphen" - the small galley that connected the dining wing to the living quarters of the house.

The staff pay homage to the nearby historic Laurel Park racetrack.

Who wouldn't love this high-and-comfy canopy bed?!?!

Notice the secret compartment with the servants' stairs.

The grand hall was decorated with cheer ...

... with timeless charm.

We'll explore more of this historic house in a future post.

How did you spend Boxing Day?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

 

Aloha to the Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Inner Harbor

Last week, I chaperoned the 7th grade visit to the Maryland Science Center (link).

MSC offered an interactive display about the earth's evolution ... and a few dinosaurs!

We sat outside for lunch ...

... overlooking Baltimore's Inner Harbor!

After lunch, the staff brought out the ACME Chicken Flinger ...

... to demonstrate catapults!

It was entertaining!

Have you visited a science center?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The Inner Harbor is also home
to the National Aquarium (link)

Aloha to Hood College in Historic Frederick

I accompanied a friend when she drove her daughter to a swim meet at Hood College in historic Frederick. From its website (link),

Hood College was founded May 12, 1893, the date of the first meeting of the board of directors, who at that time established The Woman's College of Frederick, now known as Hood College. Meeting at the parsonage of the Reformed Church (now the Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ) five members of the church established an independent college for women. Their goal was to establish a college that would prepare women for roles both in the home and, if they so chose, the work place. Their guiding principle was that a liberal arts education provides the best preparation for a productive life.

It was a clear day to explore this charming campus, including a traditional chapel.

The historic houses look much like the generals' quarters on Fort Meade.

The Brodbeck Music House offers red brick facade ...

... with a stunning cupola that has been lovingly restored after a hundred years of service.

  
I spotted these beautiful roses ...

 ... which reminded me of Hawaii.  

  

Walking off campus ...

 ... we found Halloween fun!

This proud homeowner salutes the veterans of the past ...

... and the symbols of America!   

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Howard County Parks - Savage Mill Trail

I am blessed with beautiful trails for my daily walk.  I took advantage of the nature path along the Little Patuxent River near Savage Mill - check out my pictures of the mill at this link.

Above is the historic railroad leading to Savage Mill; below is the vintage building from the mill complex.

Locals come to fish in the river ...

... this fisherman waded into the river in pursuit of trout.

 Heavy rains created picturesque water falls along the river.

The water connects me to my beloved Hawaii!  Do you have any nature trails near you?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City