Tag Archives: Architecture

The View From Down Here

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We exited Grand Central Station and started down the street when I turned and looked back. I have a habit of turning to look behind me for a variety of reasons.

One is a bit of paranoia, simply wanting to know what’s happening around me. It’s also a hiking habit. It’s always good to know what the trail looks like from the other direction in case you need to turn back. This habit also comes in handy when exploring new places because the coolest view is often behind you.

This was the view when I turned around at that moment – the building on the left is Grand Central. The tall one is the glorious Art Deco wonder called the Chrysler Building. Completed in 1930, it was briefly the tallest building in the world at 1,046 feet.

This early skyscraper is easy to pick out in the New York skyline. I have never been inside but hope to visit their new observation deck someday. It’s under construction but I’m hopeful for the future.

Have you been inside? Tell me what it’s like!

Grand Central Terminal

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Grand Central Station is one of those New York landmarks that everyone should experience at least once.

Built between 1903 and 1913, it’s a National Historic Landmark located in midtown Manhattan. We have Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to thank for that landmark status as she was influential in the declaration and in saving this incredible building from the wrecking ball in the seventies.

You’ve likely seen it featured on tv shows and movies.

Grand Central covers 48 acres with platforms that serve 43 tracks for passenger train service. There are also a variety of stores, restaurants and event spaces.

Step inside the main concourse and you’ll find a sea of humanity zig zagging every which way. In fact, a staggering 250,000 people commute through this station every single day.

There’s an iconic information booth in the center with a four sided brass clock that I completely forgot to photograph up close.

This space is cavernous and seems even more so when you look up at the fabulous ceiling which features a highly stylized star map.

The experience was even more special this time because it was all decked out for the holiday!

It’s a sight to behold even if you just want to step inside for a minute and look around. We were there to visit Summit One, an observation tower attached to Grand Central. We also had a quick breakfast here and shopped a pop up Christmas market. Stay tuned for more on our trip through Summit.

Here’s one more picture – one of many soldiers we saw.

It was a gentle reminder that not everyone makes it home for the holidays and to be grateful for those who serve our nation.

Randolph County Courthouse

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This is the Randolph County Courthouse in Elkins, West Virginia. That tower is 150 feet high and is an impressive sight to behold.

Here’s another view.

This building and an adjacent county jail were built between 1902 and 1904. It is a prominent anchor in the town and one of my favorite courthouses that I’ve seen in person. It’s also just down the street from that gorgeous church I told you about yesterday. Click here if you missed it!

Durango

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Of all the places we visited in Colorado this summer, Durango is the one I truly hated to leave.

The climate was pleasant and the town is the rare combination of charming AND prepared for guests. There’s a ton of opportunity to get outside and plenty of places to be entertained and engaged.

This southwest Colorado town was founded in 1880. It has a rich railroad history and is near Mesa Verde National Park which I enjoyed immensely (aside from the snake).

The Animas River cuts through town and there’s a River Walk that gives you a beautiful place to view the water while getting some exercise.

The historic downtown district has a host of restaurants and cute shops including some great used bookstores. We had a few delicious meals here too.

My friend was especially thrilled to find that the local humane society runs a thrift store. It was a nice one too, arranged more like a boutique than a traditional thrift store which always seem a little too messy.

This area is blessed with charm, beauty and so much opportunity for exploration I regretted not scheduling more time to enjoy it.

I’m already plotting a return trip next year. This time, I’ll be with two friends and I’m hoping to find a good Airbnb in Durango to use as home base while we adventure.

Isn’t it wonderful having a place to look forward to exploring?

Who Could Blame Me?

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When the color of the car complements the sky so well, there’s really no choice but to slam on the breaks and pull out the trusty cell phone for a picture. Who could blame me? Look how nicely the lines and colors of the buildings contrast with this car.

This classic Dodge was in charming downtown Chillicothe, Ohio on Sunday morning after my hike. That building is Fifty West Brewing Company, a popular hangout in a neighborhood that’s experiencing an impressive renaissance. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a long weekend, there’s plenty to do in the Chillicothe area to keep you entertained.

Biltmore Estate

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In 1889, George Vanderbilt began construction on his summer house at Asheville, North Carolina. He called the 175,000 square foot home his “little mountain escape.”

By the time it was completed in 1895, over 1,000 workers plus about 60 stonemasons had labored on the Gilded Age mansion.

Look at that detail.

It remains today the largest private residence in America. Most private residences don’t have a front door flanked by life sized stone lions. I’m obsessed with these lions.

Tomorrow I will show you some inside photos. Did you catch yesterday’s story about the grounds? Click here to read it.