I was so thrilled and surprised to learn today that not only does China have beautiful lantern festivals every year ( one which I was so fortunate to be able to attend this month - please see last post)...but so does Martha's Vineyard! Did anyone else know about this, or am I just way too secluded up here in the most Northwest corner of the United States?!
And it's not just the glowing lanterns that everyone flocks to the "Campground" at Oak Bluffs" to see every year...it's also the colorful and very ornate, Victorian gingerbread cottages which said lights are strung upon that people from near and far come to admire and sigh over.
So evening or daytime...there is magic and charm to experience here in this tiny village of petite painted ladies. I still can't believe that I had not heard of this little historic gem of a town before! If it wasn't for Susan Branch's marvelous, first hand account of it that she posted on her adorable new blog (she was there last night!), well...I'd still be in the dark about the whole thing this very moment!
So relax, and enjoy, as I did...this quaint little village of candy colored, lantern festooned cottages that were built in the 1800's, and survive today as a truly inspired vision of a what a cookie cutter community of homes could be...gingerbread cookies that is!
These next beautiful images were taken by Cafe Chatelaine...who has also been fortunate enough to have experienced stepping back in time here.
With our summer camp 'travels' ending today...finding out about this delightful town helped me to slow down, take in a deep, leisurely breath of whimsy...and dream of strolling one day past these sweet homes at a very tranquil pace, and maybe even renting one....
Lanterns or no lanterns....
I just really want to be sitting on one of these porches right now.
(image1- here, images 2 & 3- here, image 4- here, images 5, 6, 7 here, images- 8, 9, 10 ,11here, image 12- here, image 13- here)
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20 comments:
August is the month for lanterns. And those little "ginger bread houses" - mmmm
Hello Jessica:
We too had never heard of this festival in America until now. It all looks to be scenes from a fairy story, what huge fun it must have been to have experienced it at first hand. The cottages are delightful. As you say, an absolute gem, and well worth a visit.
We hope that you have managed to enjoy some relaxation on your summer camp. You have certainly seen so many interesting places which will surely be great stimuli for your work.
How illuminating!
Beautiful, what an experience! I love that last grey one, can we come visit you there??? Love you.
M
I DO live in the Northeast and had no idea about this lantern festival on the Vineyard. How charming! I'm a Nantucket girl and have just never made it over to the "big" island. I love Susan Branche. I have all her books and will have to check out her blog. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Linnea...I never realized how much August *was* the month for lanters...but it is! I suppose because it's nice to be able to stroll around on a beautiful summer evening and enjoy them. And the houses...I know, I just want to eat them up! xo
Hello Jane&Lance...You've been missed! You're so right, the little cottages are right out of a fairy story....Handel and Gretel came to my mind actually when I saw them, although I can't imagine a mean old witch living in any of them! xo
M!...I've missed you!!! Get back to writing your blog would you! That's an order!!! And of course you can come visit us there...supposedly, they sleep quite a few people...lets do it! ;)
Quintessence...Oh that makes me feel better! Now get yourself over there next year...or sooner, I bet it's beautiful there in the fall as well, and please be sure to tell us all about it! I have all of Susan's books too and love her to bits...her blog is wonderful, I know you'll love it!! Wonderful weekend wishes to you too!! xo
Oh what a visual treat this post is! I want to hang lanterns on my back porch now :) Gorgeous!!!
PS I'm so glad you like my chickens ;)
Lovely images! like a fantasy...
Hope you're having a wonderful time camping!
I've been "away" awhile...stop by for a "visit" soon!
((hugs))
Elizabeth...Oh you should! If I had a back porch...or a front porch even, I'd be hanging some up as well!! xo
(your chickens are the best!)
Ivy...So happy to see your sweet 'little' face, glad you're back!
It is like a fantasy there isn't it...another perfect description for this place!
Big hugs to you too friend...xo
This is just the loveliest vision and a delightful village. It is amazing how much beauty surrounds us we don't even know about!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
How magical and lovely. I'd be right next to you on the porch, and a nice cool drink would be nice too!
Pop on over and visit my blog too, if you get a chance...
ciao
Karena...I know! I love finding surprises like this, it's nice to know places like this are still out there, waiting to be discovered! xo
Fabiana...Great! The more on the porch...the merrier I say...we can toast with our nice cool drinks to cute cottages and porches! xo
Hello Jessica
Martha's Vineyard is one of my favourite places in the USA - also Nantucket.
Are you travelling with the President and First Lady? I believe they are presently at "the vineyard"
Those cottages are absolute gems and that little porch so welcoming.
Wishing you rest, peace and joy
Helen xx
Loved the colors! Amazing!
Cute blog, by the way. Maybe you could come visit me too sometime.
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http://mustbeliberating.blogspot.com
It is absolutely beautiful!!!!!
I never heard of this. So I learned a little bit more.
Helen...I'd love to see *your* artful view of these cottages...I know it would be such a lovely rendition! How fortunate that you've been able to visit Nantucket, I hope one day to visit, I think the charm will overwhelm me, but in a good way of course! xo
Luisa...So happy you visited, thank you!!!
Geri...Don't you just love learning about new places like this? I do! xo
What I could do with my paint brushes there! Oh my, it is marvelously illuminating.
pve
pve...I can only imagine how beautiful your renderings of these cottages would be. xo
Gorgeous photos and I wish I could go there and visit! It looks absolutely amazing! Thank you for your words of encouragment and support too. I really appreciate it.
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