charleston on my mind

My husband and I are trying to figure out our vacation/travel schedule for the upcoming year.  Well, we are in the initial phases of discussion; which means, he's broached the topic.  ;)  I am itching to get back to Charleston, South Carolina.  The heart and soul of all that is classic and southern.
I haven't been to the Holy City in over 13 years, much, much too long. And, since it has been named the most friendly city in the nation by Travel and Leisure Magazine as of yesterday; here is what I am thinking.  Since my wonderful mate has never been, why not take him during the beautiful Historic Charleston Foundation’s 64th Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens?  Whoo hoo!  And, to make it even better.....Southwest Airlines will begin offering direct flights from my local airport, Long Island Islip Macarthur Airport on March 13th!  How awesome is that for timing! So excited!  Can't wait to show hubby all that Charleston has to offer and see the gardens and homes that I so dearly love.
 

Experience the intimate charm and elegance found only beyond Charleston's private garden gates and historic thresholds during Historic Charleston Foundation’s 64th Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens. Tickets for the spring 2011 tours go on sale Nov. 1, 2010.  Here are the details:

March 17 - April 16, 2011

Set amid the historic ambience of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century.

Visit Charleston to see why it has been renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden.” The Festival is set during the peak of the city's blooming season. Tours feature seven to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian eras, to early 20th century. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston, which has consistently been named among the 10 most courteous and friendly cities in America.  Tours and events vary daily to allow you to enjoy the diversity of this unique port city which traces its origins to 1670.

huntington historical house tour 2010

This house tour should satisfy my craving for all things historical and festive in my beautiful town of Huntington. I especially look forward to enjoying my favorite, the Bunce home! What history and beauty in one!  It will be a busy week! Enjoy!

2010 Holiday Historic House Tour

Sunday, December 5th, Noon to 4:00

"Houses with a View to History"

The 2010 Holiday Historic House Tour includes five private homes that have been built over the more than 350 years since the first settlement of Huntington. This year's tour includes a house built by the descendants of one of the earliest families to settle in Huntington the Fleet family, in the area now known as Fleet's Cove. Besides this early settlement home, this year will have houses that represent different eras of home building throughout our history. One home with a spectacular water view, built by the J. T. Robb family, will be included in the tour as well as a mid 19th century house owned by several generations of sea captains in Cold Spring Harbor.

See Huntington Historial Society.org for more information. 

making the new, old...or trying to add character

My long term goal for our 7-year old, builder spec home is to give it character.  Or, as my son says, make it look old.  My most recent attempt at this is by shopping for vintage newel posts.  You know, the base post for your staircase that sits at the very bottom of the steps? As my staircase is the first thing visitors see upon entering my front door, I've wanted since day 1, to create an entry with a newel post that says 'wow!'  I've found some gorgeous mahogany posts that brim with character with their softly rubbed finishes and huge, knobby turned posts.  But, trying to find someone to install one is the current issue I am facing.  No one will return my phone calls!  Ug!  What to do! Keep on trying, and I am sure I will find someone who won't charge me a ton of money for something I know is fairly simple.  Right?!

mansions and millionaires show house 2010

One of my favorite events of the year, sure to make me return again and again is the Mansions & Millionaires show house event.  Here are the details for this year! Enjoy!

WHERE:  Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf.  The historic Sefton Manor, which is on the grounds of the school, was the locale for the Mansions & Millionaires tabletop show in 2008. This year, the rooms will be decorated with holiday flair.

WHEN:  The Mansions & Millionaires event will be open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 2 to Dec. 12. Admission is $30 for general admission, $28 for senior citizens, $7 for children under 12, and $26 for a group of 20 or more.

WHY:  The showhouse will benefit the school's Early Childhood Center, which serves 3- and 4-year-olds with autism and speech and language disabilities.

Also, of note:  The Mill Neck Family of Organizations is the subject of a new hardcover book titled "Mill Neck at the Millennium."  The six-week showcase will feature 27 to 30 designers, a large number of which are from Long Island. These designers include Evelyn Miller from Oyster Bay, Anne Tarasoff from Port Washington, and Susan Bloom and Roland Cotter-Kroboth, both from Locust Valley. Audiences can enjoy lectures on interior design as well.

north shore holiday house tour 2010

My holidays officially begin on December 2nd!  I love this house tour which combines the best of the interior decorating world and the best of exterior holiday decor by some of my favorite local nurseries!  And, of course, my most favorite part of the day is lunch at the beautiful Honu in Huntington Village with my girlfriends!  Join us as it will benefit the good works done by the North Shore Holiday House.  Will keep  you posted!

North Shore Holiday House Presents

“Deck the Halls”

5th Annual

House Tour & Luncheon

Thursday, December 2th 2010

10am-4pm

North Shore Holiday House is thrilled to invite you to our 5th Annual “Deck the Halls” House Tour and luncheon. The day begins with the viewing of homes in the Lloyd Harbor area beautifully decorated to ring in this festive season. Select florists, holiday decorators, and interior designers will professionally enhance each home. The day will include a luncheon at Honu in Huntington village. This event held on Thursday, December 2nd, will support North Shore Holiday House Camp. Each summer, the camp provides 200 girls from Long Island an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun, free from stressful or unstable family situations.

Tickets are $75 per person.

Tickets are $100 per person, if purchased the day of the tour.

Price includes tour and lunch.

Tickets and map of homes will be mailed you to by Monday, November 29th