Travel

Iconic US Eateries (At Least According to This Preservation Reporter)

Posted on: April 2nd, 2013 by David Robert Weible

 

Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington DC. Credit: fensterbme, flickr
Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington, D.C.

I've lived all over the country -- the Midwest, Southwest, East Coast -- and traveled nearly everywhere else. Regardless of regional affiliations or local alliances, one thing I've noticed about Americans is that our sense of place is often tied to our sense of taste.

Another thing I've noticed: The places to try the iconic food of each locale are decidedly those frequented by the common man -- usually sometime after midnight. Here are just a few of my favorites.... Read More →

David Robert Weible

David Robert Weible

David Robert Weible is an assistant editor at Preservation magazine. He came to DC from Cleveland, Ohio, where he wrote for Sailing World and Outside magazines.

[Sitings] The Farnsworth House in Plano, Ill.

Posted on: March 30th, 2013 by Mame McCully 2 Comments

 

Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House is located about an hour west of downtown Chicago in Plano, Illinois. Conceived in 1945 for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the home was completed in 1951.
Conceived in 1945 for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the home was completed in 1951.

Plano, Illinois is a small town about an hour from Chicago, but what many don’t know is that it’s home to The Farnsworth House, an internationally known piece of architecture by famous architect Mies van der Rohe. Sitting alongside the Fox River, the glass-walled home is truly an experience for architecture and design lovers.

If you are in Chicago, don’t miss this gem and the chance to sneak away from the Windy City to see what else Illinois has to offer. Tours begin April 3; visitors are encouraged to get their tickets online in advance.

Another famous home, Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Conn., was inspired by van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. Both homes are frequented by architects and those that love architecture from around the world.
Mame McCully

Mame McCully is a marketing manager at the National Trust. Her heart is forever in the Midwest, but she loves to travel, explore new places, and spend time with family and friends.

Spend the Perfect Day in Monterey

Posted on: March 27th, 2013 by Katherine Flynn 3 Comments

 

3) Another view of Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Credit: Michael PG, Flickr
Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf was used as an active wholesale fish market into the 1960s.

While history-rich Monterey is the ideal destination for those hoping to learn more about California’s colonial past, it is also chock-full of scenic views, stunning art, and delicious food. We’ve put together the perfect day in Monterey and invite you to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this jewel on the California coast.... Read More →

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn is an editorial assistant at Preservation magazine. Her work has appeared online at the Washington Post and in Consequence of Sound, a music and culture blog.

[Slideshow] Sitings: Belle Grove Plantation

Posted on: March 23rd, 2013 by Mame McCully

 

Spring has sprung and at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia, this means that this historic site opens for the season just as it has every year since 1967. A short trip from Washington D.C., the site and historic Cedar Creek Battlefield are a perfect stop if you are passing by on a roadtrip or if you want to escape for a day from a nearby city.

Check out some of the beautiful vistas and fun facts from this historic site of the National Trust:... Read More →

Mame McCully

Mame McCully is a marketing manager at the National Trust. Her heart is forever in the Midwest, but she loves to travel, explore new places, and spend time with family and friends.

[Slideshow] Sitings: Shadows-on-the-Teche

Posted on: March 16th, 2013 by Julia Rocchi 4 Comments

 

The Shadows at magic hour. Credit: adie reed, Flickr
The Shadows at magic hour

You can't help but get a little more pep in your step when spring arrives, and for preservationists, that often means escaping the indoors to go visit beautiful historic places.

But in case you can't make it to all those places on your historic bucket list right now, we'll bring the scenery to you -- with a fresh slideshow each week featuring shots and scenes from the lovely historic sites of the National Trust.

First up: The Shadows in New Iberia, Louisiana. March is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit this historic antebellum house museum, with live oaks, Spanish moss, and the Bayou Teche bringing nature right up to the front door. The Shadows is open year-round, Monday thru Saturday, with guided tours daily, so definitely plan a visit if you're in the area.

We hope one day you have the chance to experience the rich culture and history of this Gulf Coast treasure firsthand. In the meantime, enjoy this week's Sitings slideshow!

  • The Shadows was built from 1831-1834 for David Weeks and his wife Mary C. Weeks. It's surrounded by live oak trees with Spanish moss.
  • The Shadows sits on the beautiful banks of the Bayou Teche.
  • Find The Shadows on Main Street in New Iberia, Louisiana.
  • One of the statues in the gardens surrounding The Shadows.
  • A view off the back porch of The Shadows looking towards the Bayou Teche.
  • The historic kitchen on the first floor of The Shadows.
  • Inside the parlor on the estate's second floor.
Inside the parlor on the estate’s second floor.
Julia Rocchi

Julia Rocchi

Julia Rocchi is the managing editor for the National Trust. By day she wrangles content; by night (and weekends), she shops local, travels to story-rich places, and walks around looking up at buildings.