An impromptu invitation from my impulsive friend led to a day on the scenic by-ways from Mid-Coast Maine to the Western Mountains. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful and we were met at the end – Sugarloaf ski resort – with a lovely arts and crafts fair AND these delicious mini-donuts glazed with apple cider!!
Irene and I have had a fabulous four days in Quebec City. The weather was perfect, the food amazing, the people delightful, a totally European ambiance without the transatlantic flight! and plenty of time to catch up.
Vieux Quebec (old town) from top to bottom and bottom to top!
Some of the food ..
Some of the art … we especially enjoyed a large exhibit of Berthe Morisot’s pairings (55) which just opened on June 21. The Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec was a beautiful venue where we managed to while away six hours, including an amazing lunch at their restaurant.
We even created a piece of art ourselves!
One day was spent on a road trip to Charlevoix and the lovely little artist hamlet of Baie St. Paul on the St. Lawrence. We strolled the main street with its numerous galleries, and both of us fell in love with the paintings by Christian Bergeron with his bold colors layered with a palette depicting the beautiful scenery of the region. Some of the paintings,done in a prismatic style that he is known for, were particularly eye-catching with their straight lines.
After an amazing lunch – some of the best food I’ve had in ages – at Mouton Noir, we took a short ride down to the harbor for a blustery walk on the beach and through the forest.
The day was capped off with a stop at Chute Montmerency – falls 30 feet higher than Niagara.
A terrific little city break in Montreal to meet up with Irene from Toronto. A great AirBnB apartment in south west Montreal and very convenient to metro and downtown.
May 17 was Montreal’s 375th birthday and we were treated to free metro transport! We visited the impressively huge Jean Talon market and Old Montreal.
Subway sights….
Despite the blistering heat (totally unexpected after all the cold weather!) we spent an enjoyable day at the botanical gardens. In another week or so we would have been wowed by the peonies, but I will be wowed by my own in the garden at home!!!
We started the day with an 11 a.m. Christmas Chamber Music concert at the Staatstheater, but actually held in the elegant foyer.
The afternoon we were in the Rheingau and Eltville for a walk through town and along the Rhein.
And ended the day and vacation at Gutschaenke Langehof in Rauenthal.