I'm afraid you're going to see a few posts on our outings, because I go everywhere with a camera in hand and I took 500 photos this weekend. :) I've pared it way, way back, but still - we did a lot!
So, here's the beginning of our trip.
We rented a van so we could all ride together. Here we are on Friday morning, on the road!
We drove for several hours and made a stop in Charlevoix, to see Castle Farms. It was built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, the acting president of Sear and Roebuck as a model dairy farm and was modeled after the stone barns and castles found in Normandy, France. It was very successful and produced prize winning cattle. However, at some time it fell into disrepair and was purchased in 2001, needing extensive renovation. It has now been fully restored, gardens have been added and it's now a wedding and even destination, as well as a tourist attraction.
Here's a view of it from the back. It doesn't look like any farm I've seen before!
This is Sid, the sea monster, with Alaina and Ruby sitting on him.
This castle also has a dragon!
Every turn you make, has another beautiful view.
This courtyard had an opening for teams of horses or cars to drive into. The girls liked the fountain.
This is a small section inside. This is a small sandwich shop and wine tasting venue.
Alaina and Ruby had to try out the thrones.
Wouldn't this be a great place for a wedding reception?
One section of the gardens was set up with miniature trains that buzzed all over. There was even a gazebo where the trains went up to the ceiling.
They had a children's garden, with flowers to go with every letter in the alphabet. The girls found their letters.
One last view of the castle! If you're even in the Charlevoix area, stop and visit Castle Farms.
Just lovely. I especially like the gardens. Am glad you got away with family. I know it meant a lot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place and how wonderful it has been restored and used as an event venue. It would, indeed, make a lovely setting for a wedding and reception! Looking forward to seeing more from your weekend away!
ReplyDeleteHow nice, it sounds like a lovely trip, even more so family. I look forward to seeing more of your photos
ReplyDeleteOmgoodness...this is gonna be an adventure for us all! Thanks for the fun....looking forward to more coming soon! Right away I fell in love with Sid.
ReplyDeleteWOW beautiful place and beautiful pictures; thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift and a wonderful weekend to remember.
ReplyDeleteOh how wonderful, Mari!!!! I can't believe how much Alaina and Ruby have grown, smiles.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you were allowed to have a weekend away with your family. That it self is a blessing. The place looks very interesting. Loved the dragon and sea monster. And the weather was good too! Glad you had a lovely time.
ReplyDeleteWe are still in lockdown, with slight easing of some restrictions.
What a fun farm to visit. Thanks for taking us along ☺
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a fun trip together. The girls sure are growing up, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique place! And such an interesting history! Wow, a trip with the girls - delightful!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful photos, Mari. I would love to visit here or at least attend a wedding here! The girls look like they had fun in the Alphabet Garden. I also love the wisteria growing on the trellis.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit Castle Farms. That giant chess set! I'm normally not the touristy type as such but this is awesome. TG is very into model trains right now (no; he doesn't have any because we have no room for such things) and I've sent him a link to an article about the trains. That in itself would be such fun to see. xoxo
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