Summer Holiday

What's It Wednesday #37

As you know I love vintage and antique items as well as old architecture. My fascination for historical relics dates back to when I was a little girl. So of course any artifact that fit this description made my summer holiday even more special.

Key West water fountain

I am basically intrigued by human creativity and innovation. I consider myself a voyeur of human history. While strolling through the historical district of Key West, and drooling over the Victorian, Bahamian, and New England blend of architecture (known as Key West style), I ran across this darling water fountain.

Fort Jefferson, The Dry Tortugas

After nosing around Key West we took the Yankee Freedom ferry about 70 miles west of Key West to the Dry Tortugas for a three day adventure. Fort Jefferson is absolutely my favorite fort. This is actually a side of the fort that has not been repaired and it's my favorite side. I loved walking around the moat and imagining the brave men (soldiers), women, and children who braved the heat, disease and war time uncertainty in order to protect our country. 

Fort Jefferson lighthouse

This lighthouse has an octagonal shaped tower. It is located on top of the fort and dates back to 1826 and is constructed of iron broiler plates. It is a very special place for a dear friend of mine. This is where her husband proposed to her at the top of the lighthouse. The view of sunsets and sunrises are exceptional from this vantage point. 

Whenever I am on Garden Key, which is where the fort is located in the Dry Tortugas, I place my hand on the 19th century graffiti making a connection to the artists. Apparently very bored soldiers carved their names in the masonry. 

Historic Building, Loggerhead Key

Loggerhead Key, in the Dry Tortugas, was a magical place. This historic building points in the direction of one of the most spectacular places I have ever snorkeled, a reef tract called Little Africa. This structure has also seen its share of hurricanes and yet it still stands proudly.

Chinaberry Hill, Tacoma Washington A luxury Victorian B & B

After dealing with weeks in the South Florida scorching heat it was time to head west, northwest that is to Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. This Victorian B & B holds a very special place in my heart. 11 years ago, on July 17th, I woke up in the carriage house to depart for Victoria, B.C. Canada. That is the day I met my husband. A year later to the day we got married. So it was the perfect place for us to wake up on July 17, 2012 and make our way to Victoria, B.C. in celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary and 11 anniversary together.

This 1889 grand Victorian Inn is owned and operated by the Cecil and Yarrow Wayman. I have always felt that they were the inspiration for me meeting my husband on that fateful day. Throughout their home are the most amazing Victorian touches. So you know I was in hog heaven.

Yarrow and Cecil are masters of using antiques in unique and creative ways.

In their elegant dining room sits this gorgeous computing scale. Now you know I must find me one so I can place snacks on it. Hmmmmm, not a bad idea to place snacks in my great-grandmother's mixer. What do you think? Stay tuned.

The light fixtures throughout the main house and the carriage house (where we stayed) are just gorgeous.

Cecil is known for his fabulous breakfast and charming personality. He truly is a wonderful host. Every morning we were delighted by incredible music from the early 20th century and a delicious meal. I would stare at this amazing built-in each and every morning in total awe.

This charming fireplace was one of many throughout the home.

This clock is just stunning and added elegance to the dining room.

Old books always add a wonderful touch to any room. These books on the window sill are silently beckoning guest to read them. 

On July 17th we woke up in the carriage house of Chinaberry Hill and headed to Victoria, British Colombia, Canada, just as I had done 11 years ago. We entered the Fairmont Empress hotel and you all know I thought I had died and gone to heaven. This place is a Victorian lovers dream palace. A week was not long enough for me to drool over the amazing Victorian decor and the Colonial-Indian style of the Bengal lounge. This was the best summer holiday ever. 

What was your favorite summer holiday memory?

xoxoxo

Paula

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Here are this week's fabulous features.

Visit the fantastic artistry of beautiful copper moulds at  Silber + Rosen

This beautiful transformation of an old fern stand is a must see at Forever Decorating

This copycat came out better than the inspiration at
Shabby Sweet Cottage 

For the love of blue and whites at Designs by Pinky

This Tiffany inspired chair once resided on a street curb. Check out this beautiful transformation at De Tout, De Rien

Poppy has a wonderful way with sweet lavender at
With a Dash of Color