When the Fox Theater opened on September 3, 1931 in Spokane, Washington, the 2,300-seat art deco venue was part of William Fox's growing movie empire. Today, it's known as the Martin Woldston Theater at the Fox, and it's among the best restored movie palaces from the early age of the big screen. Those efforts are … Continue reading Fox Theater celebrates 90th birthday September 3 in Spokane
Photo by Cheryl Landes The Catio Tour is among the hottest events in Portland every year. The 2021 event includes two options: sign up for either a self-guided, in-person tour of the catios, or go virtual. The in-person event is on Saturday, September 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you choose the in-person … Continue reading 2021 Catio Tour September 11 in Portland
Photo credit: Comstock House After an extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic Comstock House is open again for guided tours in Moorhead, Minnesota. Solomon Comstock, a prominent businessman in the city, hired Kees and Fisk to design the Victorian-style home for his family. The house was built during the summers of 1882 … Continue reading Comstock House reopens for tours in Moorhead, Minnesota
Image by David Mark from Pixabay Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's estate, in Memphis, Tennessee, during a two-hour live virtual tour. Elvis expert Angie Marchese, the Vice President of Graceland Archives and Exhibits, hosts this in-depth look into his life. The tour includes a behind-the-ropes journey into the mansion, a the Lisa Marie jet (named after … Continue reading Take a live virtual tour of Graceland
Decorations on one of the Christmas trees inside Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut Photos by Cheryl Landes In November and December, volunteers decorate the Gillette Castle inside and out for the holidays. The 24-room mansion overlooking the Connecticut River Valley resembles a medieval-style castle. It's the former home of William Gillette (1853-1937), an actor … Continue reading Christmas at the Gillette Castle
A view of the early fall colors in the Connecticut River Valley near East Haddam Photos by Cheryl Landes The Connecticut River Valley is a beautiful mix of scenery, history, and wildlife. In the fall, the changing colors enhance the experience. I joined some local friends on a day trip through the valley one day … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall day trip in the Connecticut River Valley with a stop at Gillette Castle
The Bog House and entrance to the trails at the Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts, is a pleasant place to go for a walk any time of year. It's also a nice place for snowshoeing in the winter. The trails, which are the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Carlisle Cranberry Bog
The stockade at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopened on October 20 after being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours are limited, as are some capacities. The visitor center is open on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. until … Continue reading Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopens after COVID closure
The tiny pioneer post office near Mineral, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes A tiny empty building that looks like a weathered shed stands at the side of Mineral Hill Road one mile north of the small town of Mineral, Washington. That might not sound impressive, but this tiny building has a big history. It's considered … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A tiny pioneer post office near Mineral, Washington
Photo by Cheryl Landes Pasadena is best known for the Rose Bowl, but most people aren't aware that the city has some of the best preserved architecture in California. Los Angeles Times contributor Sharon Boorstin created a guide to 16 sites, ranging from public buildings to mansions, with brief descriptions and directions. She plotted the … Continue reading Take a self-guided architectural driving tour in Pasadena
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 