Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Manor House And More,...

This past weekend I was in Alexandria Bay, NY for a bluegrass music weekend event sponsored by Thousand Island Bluegrass Preservation Society. It was held at Bonnie Castle Resort. The orginal part of the hotel is called "The Manor House." Here you see that portion with the dining room and conference/stage area which has been added on the front.

The white railing in the first picture is the side of the deck which is accessable by a boardwalk and stairs.
The deck and gazebo provide a wonderful place to enjoy the expanse of the St.Lawrence River flowing by,...

Looking downriver is the view above, as well as the channel marking lighthouse here,...


Across from Bonnie Castle is Boldt Castle. This time of year it looks drab and almost haunted. In the summer it is awash with brilliant colors from all the flowers that border the walkways and porches. Each year more restoration is done. I haven't visited in five years -- definitely time for me to tour Boldt Castle again!


On the back side of the Manor House is the modern motel. This is one of two buildings where the guest rooms are. The bluegrass association booked the whole hotel, so no matter where you went you could hear music coming out of conference rooms and guest rooms.

Friday night on the banquet hall stage everyone enjoyed Dave Nichols and Spare Change, and Beartracks. Saturday night was Dave Nichols again and then Acoustic Blue. Both nights were outstanding shows! One of the nicest things was seeing the next generation of bluegrass stepping up to play. I don't know these little boys, but they were playing with family members in the atrium area when we arrived Friday afternoon.

Only 51 more weeks until next year's Bonnie Castle weekend!

16 comments:

Erica Houskeeper said...

Hi Cedar - What a great trip! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I love the photos, especially the second to last image of the two boys.

Boldt Castle looks really cool. I'll have to check it out sometime.

Anonymous said...

What a pleasant weekend and in such a nice setting! You do such a great job in your posts showcasing these places, I bet they are very pleased to see you return!

violetlady said...

That sounds like a fun weekend. I like blue grass music, but don't know a lot about it. I think we have a blue grass festival here in Delaware, though.

SunshinecruiserTN said...

Looks like you had a terrific weekend. I love bluegrass music. Those buildings are amazing! Very nice.

Carolyn said...

What a wonderful weekend Cedar and what a treat to be able to spend time in this beautiful area without a "million" visitors and nice weather to boot!
Have a great week.
Blessings and smiles

Chris said...

What a wonderful experience!

Clytie said...

Wow, what a wonderful time you had! (jealousy, jealousy, jealousy!) :=}

Shelley said...

What a beautiful place to visit! I love going to see live music outside in the spring & summer!

Tammie Lee said...

Yah! I know how you love these festivals! I feel so happy that you give this gift to yourself. It sure looks as though it was a grand time!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Cedar, I KNOW you had a marvelous time at the Bluegrass Festival.. That is so neat!!!!! AND--the setting must have been fabulous

Those kids are learning YOUNG. aren't they??? Like you said--the next generation.

I'd love to visit the Boldt Castle someday...

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

NCmountainwoman said...

What a treat for the eyes and ears. I'd love to go there sometime.

The Silver Age Sara said...

What a lovely, restful spot to be on the water. I'd love to see pictures of the castle when you go. Sounds intriguing!

Dog Trot Farm said...

Looks like a beautiful setting with great people and wonderful music, what more could you as for! Has the new camper hit the road yet? Happy Spring.

Cedar ... said...

Dog Trot Farm asks: "Has the new camper hit the road yet?"... not yet. First official trip is Memorial Day weekend. shakedown in back yard by mid-May. Really looking forward to it!

Robynn's Ravings said...

You guys go to the neatest venues!! I have never heard of these places so it's a real treat to find out about things I would never know about otherwise. And so the travels begin! :)

Beth Niquette said...

What a wonderful place to visit, Cedar! I LOVE it!