Dogs were in the kennel, so we had a few days to see some historic areas we normally zip by on the interstate.
The Museums of Old York, in York, Maine show a different side of this area, mostly known for its beaches. The "Old Gaol" (jail), and the historic house above, were wonderful time capsules, and offered that "old house smell" that is part of being in a building that has stood for centuries. The museum consists of a number of building (more than we could visit that day), and is well worth a trip (http://www.oldyork.org).
A day spent in Portland, Maine to see the "Artist Colonies of the Coast" exhibit was a fitting way to spend a summer day. In addition, visited the Victoria Mansion (http://www.victoriamansion.org/) and the Longfellow house (http://www.mainehistory.org/house_overview.shtml) where the poet lived in his early years) Both of these were notable for the high percentage of original material, structure and furnishings still in place. The Victoria mansion is an incredible example of high-style Victorian, reflecting an opulence one would expect in New York or Newport.
On the way home, stopped in Portsmouth for the Moffatt Ladd (www.moffattladd.org) house (gardens shown above) and the Warner House (http://www.warnerhouse.org/). One thing about the old New Englanders - nothing was thrown away. Again, both houses outstanding for original contents, primarily due to family desires to preserve for posterity. The Warner house interpreter assumed the role of a family member, and was outstanding. Worth the visit just for her performance as a Boston woman preserving her family's history.
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