Travel
- In Your Backyard
Embracing
the simple tranquility and beauty of nature takes us along paths of
self-discovery on our romantic journey. We encourage you to take the
time to appreciate the small things, the detail that can be
overlooked.
As we have all heard quoted, life is a journey, not a
destination.
Melissa Hamilton shares the places she has
enjoyed in her "backyard."
Bristol Renaissance Faire
The
Bristol Renaissance Faire gives a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the fashions of
the period. The actors are meticulous in every detail including hair design,
period fashion, and conversation.
Brookfield Zoo
Do you recall the last time you visited the zoo? If you
haven't gone in a while, stop by for a visit. It can be lots of fun!
Fall on Fall (Settlers' Park, Plainfield,
Illinois)
Settlers' Park is marvelous. The design of the park is functional,
educational, and beautiful. (The education part is fun - along the
walkway, stones reveal historical information about the town.)
Kline Creek Farm
"A Glimpse of the Past: Kline Creek Farm."
This DuPage County working farm escorts visitors into a family farm from the
1890s.
Kline Creek Farm - Saturday Visit
Melissa Hamilton recently returned to Kline Creek Farm and discovered you can
always find new and exciting adventures in old places.
Long Grove, Illinois
"Long Grove: The
Place for Culture & Shopping." Long Grove is a relaxing day
outing whereby you may visit over 80 shops, enjoy a meal, and take in the
ambience of a historic town. (You absolutely must stop by the candy shop
to purchase some Long Grove candy!)
The Pumpkin Patch
I had a grand time walking through the rows upon rows of
pumpkins. Each pumpkin had a unique face, a special texture, a beautiful
shade of orange. The smell of Fall was in the air. The vivid blue
sky and sunshine created the perfect weather for our outing.
Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, Illinois
There are shopping malls located everywhere
throughout the United States. The mall that is practically in my backyard
is the Oakbrook Center Shopping Mall located in Oakbrook, Illinois.
Throughout the season, the staff creates a visual balance of beauty using
flowers, trees, and fountains.
Winter: Backyard Window
(Melissa Hamilton's backyard!)
On
this particular morning (around 8:00 a.m.), the
first real snow fall of the winter had finished. The subjects in
these photos are literally just outside my back window. With my nose and
camera to the windowpane, I snapped my shots. Once again, study in the
detail is observed.
Lisle, Illinois
Lisle, Illinois
We opted to visit one of the small parks in Lisle which has a
memorial dedicated to service men and women.
The photo categories below were
taken at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. The Arboretum is a wonder to
behold any time of year!
A Summer Waterfall
The day was warm on that July afternoon. The rays of
the sun beat down, but a gentle breeze provided just enough relief to make the
afternoon pleasant.
Daffodils in Spring
Yellow, white and green. These are the shades that
explode against the backdrop of multiple shades of brown and texture awaiting
their own budding.
Winter Beauty
I had a wonderful surprise when awakening one Sunday morning
in March 2002. Mother Nature had given us one last snowfall before
spring. What a marvelous site awaited us who went outside to play!
Naperville, Illinois
Naperville in the Fall
I took my camera with me in the early fall to capture the
scenery before it melted into the winter season. No matter the time of
year, the Naperville River Walk always provides a relaxing getaway, even for
just an hour.
Note: I also provide some
information about our unique Carillon instrument located downtown.
Stone Reveals a Story
I have always found
cemeteries fascinating from both a human experience and as a connection to the
past. The Naperville Cemetery located on Washington Street has been the
final resting place for generations of Naperville citizens. The names of
early settlers, infants, Civil War soldiers, grandmothers, and men in their
prime rest beneath the trees that have watched the decades roll by.
Plainfield, Illinois
Winter Sunset - Plainfield, Illinois
Most of the time we are too busy to stop and enjoy a sunset. Of course, we
enjoy a view when on vacation, particularly if holidaying in a tropical
paradise. I was reminded that we don't need to go out of town to enjoy the
beauty of nature. Spectacular sunsets are just over our shoulder.
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Invite us to your "backyard"
Where do you enjoy spending the day? Do you live in a historical
area? Share with our readers about the one-day getaway in your own
backyard. Send me an e-mail with a few photos (jpeg) at
mhamilton@romanceeverafter.com
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