Tag Archives: Lodging

The Humphrey Hughes House Bed & Breakfast 5

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Over the next few posts, I want to introduce you to another one of my favorite places, Cape May, New Jersey!! Cape May is our nation’s oldest seaside resort located on the southern tip of New Jersey.  I’ll start with our favorite place to stay in Cape May ~ The Humphrey Hughes House ~ “For Ladies & Gentlemen on Seaside Holiday”! I’ve been so fortunate to have stayed at this magnificent B&B each summer for over 20 years. When Hub’s and I arrive at the HHH, we feel like we are home. We are welcomed back each year by the inn’s owners and our dear friends, Lorraine and Terry Schmidt. Lorraine and Terry have run the inn impeccably since 1987. Not one detail is overlooked, the home is spotless, cozy, friendly and inviting with its Victorian charm. And the accommodations our outstanding in every way. I almost want to keep this my little secret but, I must share!! The secret is out. Our visit wouldn’t be complete without a romp with the resident pooch, Oliver. A stunning silver standard poodle who is just a love!

Built in 1903, the HHH sits one block from the glorious Cape May beaches. It has been restored to absolute perfection. With its wide, expansive wrap around front porch where guests enjoy breakfast each morning, one can lounge in the afternoons reading a book watching the trolley’s go by and enjoy an aperitif in the evening. The Humphrey Hughes House is a true Victorian gem. The home sits in the middle of the historic downtown district of Cape May. The HHH is walking distance to all the best restaurants, shopping and entertainment that Cape May has to offer. I will be sharing oodles of information with you in my next few posts!

Now let’s chat a bit about the breakfast that each guest enjoys each morning of their stay ~ can I say “Wow”!!! Lorraine goes above and beyond each morning to create not only the most delicious creations but, goes just a bit further with her delightful presentation. Hubs and I love good food and Lorraine’s breakfast never disappoints. Lorraine also has a cookbook which can be purchased by calling the HHH at 609-884-4428. Below is a sampling of our divine morning treats!

A big shout out to Lorraine, Terry and their fabulous staff for always welcoming us back to this little slice of heaven on the Jersey shore! Visit The Humphrey Hughes House in charming, historical Cape May, New Jersey!

Photo source: Anna Sullivan Photography

Willkommen bei Fredericksburg 2

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So, here ends our Easter weekend journey where we actually started our trip, Fredericksburg, Texas. We have traveled to Fredericksburg many times and we always discover new fun places each time we visit. We really adore this little German town in the Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia. In 1970, Fredericksburg was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas. With its humble beginnings as farm and ranch communities of German heritage, you will still find many German beer pubs, bakeries and authentic German cuisine to satisfy your cravings for Kartoffelsuppe, Schweinebraten or Dampfnudel.

The architecture in Fredericksburg always peaks my interest. “Sunday Houses” are unique to the German culture of the Texas Hill Country. Rural farmers would build Sunday Houses to use on weekends when they would come into town to provision and attend church services. They are small dwellings usually made of limestone coated with a whitewash. Many of these historic houses have been restored and some are being used as B&B’s.

From fine art galleries to wineries, pie shops to museums, live music to scenic drives, Fredericksburg is the perfect getaway to please all discerning tastes. Some of our favorites include:

Favorite Fine Art Galleries: InSight Gallery, Artisans at Rocky Hill, Whistle Pik Gallery, and RS Hanna Gallery. First Friday Art Walk is always a fun way to experience the art scene in F’burg!

Favorite Scenic Drive: Willow City Loop. We rose early one morning to beat the bumper to bumper traffic you might experience during Bluebonnet season. We were not disappointed. The Bluebonnets (Texas State Flower) and other wild flowers like the Indian Blanket, Green Thread Winecup and the Square-Bud Primrose were in full bloom and were breathtaking. Folks drive for 100′s of miles to witness this once a year, spring extravaganza.

We photographed my favorite Texas Longhorns who’s gentle disposition and intelligence along with their distinct horns (that can extend tip to tip up to 7′ wide) make them one of my cherished moments. 

The drive wouldn’t be complete without viewing the Burro’s (small donkeys). The “Loop” is a long winding road through private ranch lands. The ranchers kindly ask all spectators to respect their lands and stay in their cars!

Favorite Live Music: Hondo’s and Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse (they serve up some fine Shrimp and Grits).

Favorite Food: Alamo Springs Cafe (best burger!), Fredericksburg Herb Farm (peaceful and delish!), Bejas Grill (fun to sit on the outside patio and enjoy a margarita and exceptional shrimp soft tacos), Mahaley’s Cafe (sensational burritos), August E’s (Nouveau Texas Cuisine) and the Fredericksburg Pie Company (simply divine pie!).

The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, TX is a local favorite (we usually stop here on our way to Fredericksburg from the Austin airport).

Favorite Things to Do: Browse the National Museum of the Pacific War, Shop at Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market, Taste at Becker Vineyards, Hike the Enchanted Rock, and shop all up and down Main Street till your heart’s content.

And stay at one of many private cottages, guest houses and B&B’s, reserve at: Absolute Charm or 1st Class B&B. Or book the stunning cottages of Settlers Crossing.

 

Photos: Anna Sullivan Photography

Fredericksburg Herb Farm 1

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I couldn’t imagine a more peaceful and lovely spot to spend Easter Sunday. I have visited Fredericksburg, Texas many times but, wanted an extra special restaurant for Easter brunch. I called the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and they highly recommended the Fredericksburg Herb Farm. What an incredibly special compound only four blocks off Main Street. Upon entering the Herb Farm you will be immersed with luscious gardens abound. You can stroll through herb gardens, flower gardens, browse the Poet’s Haus Gift Shop, relax in the Nature’s Spa, dine in the Farm Haus Bistro and even stay in one of the fourteen Sunday Haus Cottage’s. Sunday house cottages are unique to Fredericksburg.  German settlers would build these small “City Houses” to use on weekends when they came to town to buy provisions for the week and to also attend Sunday Church services. 

Now you can see the Herb Farm close up and personal with this new 360 degree adventure of the property, watch here!

Our lunch was spectacular and the weather was spring perfection. We sat in the “glass room” next to a huge picture window overlooking the front garden. Our Easter lunch was superb and the atmosphere was tranquil. I highly recommend a visit and a stay at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm.

Photos: Anna Sullivan Photography