Gadsby's Tavern

Friday, July 14th Dan and I took a break from the regular day routines to be tourists in Alexandria, Va.

Here is one of the spots we stopped by to see.

It's a self guided tour and being a very hot day we went up the stairs to the third floor dormer level - top floor on the left side below - to start our tour.

There are two bedchambers there which were let to guests.

The bed above would have slept three people the signage said.

The second chamber had three beds.

The wooden device on this bed was to tighten the cords so the bed ticking wouldn't sag.

To the question "Which cost more: a meal or bed?"

This bed had no frame.

Down on the second level was the Assembly Room.

Here are the stairs down from the bedchambers above.

 The tavern had a ballroom - here filled with an art exhibit.

Notice where the musicians sit, above the ballroom floor.

Here's a portrait of John Gadsby who propelled the tavern to fame.

On the first floor was this private eating room and

the public one. The tavern is still a restaurant but we didn't venture to that side.

We did pause to play three games with this board.  Dan one best 2 out of 3.

The Gadsby Tavern at 134 North Royal Street is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria.

Joining Through My Lens and Tuesday Treasures

Carlyle House

Friday, July 14th Dan and I took a break from the regular day routines to be tourists in Alexandria, Va.

Here is one of the spots we stopped by to see.

Carlyle House Historic Park at 121 North Fairfax Street.

The museum here is owned by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

John Carlyle, a second son, made his living as a merchant.  He came to the colonies and did very well, marrying Sarah Fairfax who came from a very wealthy family.  The house was completed in 1753 on the banks of the Potomac River.  Now its several blocks from the river's edge.

The main bedroom is on the first floor. No flash photography was allowed so I apologize for some of the dark pictures.

The dining room of the house which hosted British General Edward Braddock in 1755 as he prepared for early campaigns in the French and Indian War.

The small parlor had this spinet, a plucked instrument predecessor to the piano.

In the mid 1800s in the front yard of the Carlyle House a hotel was built which then served as a hospital in the Civil War. 

Two of the upstairs bedrooms were set up as though they were in that Civil War time period.

Another bedroom showed the restoration work.

The upstairs hall featured re-creations of Sarah Fairfax's wedding dress (left) and how it was modified by her daughter for a ball (right).  Carlyle descendants had in their possession a sleeve cut from the silk wedding gown so the fabric could be copied.

A view of the garden which would have bordered the Potomac but many years ago the water there was backfilled with soil taken from the bluffs to level the city out.  

High Tea

Friday, last, I joined three book club friends for afternoon tea at the Granite Rose Tea Parlour.

What fun!

Coming in the front door the tea kitchen is straight back.  The rest of the kitchen is downstairs.

One dining room to the left was once the owners living room.

We were in the red dining room to the right.  Here are Sally and Sue seated while we wait for Ellen.  We were going to be a party of 6 but two canceled out.

There is a two sided tea list to choose from.

I had Baroness Grey, a change for me because I usually order Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

I like my tea with a bit of sugar and milk or cream.

First course was scones with a hint of lavender and made with coconut milk so they were lactose free not that any of us needed that.

Next course was a cold blueberry soup with pomegranate juice.

The next course went down too fast and I didn't get photos.  It was the petite sandwiches.

Here's the dessert course.

Here are all of us.  Ellen on the far left then me.

Our gracious hostess, Kathy.  Her husband Bill did not get his photo taken.  I met them when we lived in our last house and we were both active in the local community association.

Granite Rose Tea Parlour

SaveSave

Still More from Tour of the East Wing of National Gallery

If you like really modern art you may like these.

Here's the group contemplating Rothko

Many of the works are Untitled.

Joining Tuesday Treasures.