Destination: Solomon's Castle, Ona, Florida

Solomon's Castle is one of those road-side America must do's. I first heard about it through my in-laws who insisted we go see it during one of Gman and my visits. They described it with great enthusiasm, "This man built an entire castle by hand, out of garbage. Well, out of recycled materials. He built the whole thing! You can take a tour and have lunch in the Boat in the Moat. The funny thing is the whole thing is a pun. Its a joke. Its great, we have to go!" And so finally after years of talking about it with my anticipation building, we finally went this summer.

You can only get to Solomon's Castle by car and it is recommended that you start with a full tank of gas as you exit Interstate 75. It is located pretty far into the wilderness of the middle of the state. Also bring cash with you for tour tickets and lunch. Surprisingly, its easy to spend a full day there so start your journey early in the morning. The closest large town is Sarasota, so it might be a fun day trip if you are enjoying a week at the beach. Other logistics to note, since the whole experience is run by a family who actually lives in the castle that you take a tour in, sometimes they need time off. It is closed all Mondays and the months of July, August, and September. This seems like a lot but if you have ever experienced summer in Florida, you're going to only want to be at the beach or in the AC somewhere anyways. The middle of the state gets pretty hot and every afternoon has incredible thunderstorms. 

Redneck Coat of Arms

"Wrong Brothers"

Editor's note: Before you make fun of me for going on a geriatric tour with the Red Hat Society, remember, they were out exploring while you were at home watching TV and surfing the internet. 

My favorite thing about Solomon's Castle is that everything there, including the building itself was crafted by hand by the owner and artist Howard Solomon. If I remember correctly (too busy enjoying myself to take notes!) he has been working on it for several decades. He created each sculpture, stained glass window, painting, or piece of architecture out of found objects. The outside of the castle, for example, is made from old printing press plates that were otherwise going to be thrown away. The tour you go on takes you through a museum of Mr. Solomon's artwork and through his home. Some of the items might seem like crudely constructed rifts on great works of art or just a wooden gun inside a box, but each piece is a visual pun. Its the epitome of everything I studied about conceptual art. I freakin' loved it! The tour guide was so dry that he barely smiled. I was laughing out loud the entire tour. For example, the image below is of Mr. Solomon's dining room window with a bunch of cameras on the ledge. Its a "picture window." GET IT?! I was dying. I could barely catch my breath as each joke rolled off the tongue of the guide. I just love that Mr. Solomon was inspired to create each concept and he had the drive and talent enough to actually follow through and make each thing. I feel like I always have these crazy ideas but then I don't take action. He didn't let other people discourage him from building his own castle in the middle of Florida. In fact his whole family, children, grand-children, all live on the property and support his fantastic dreams.

You're going to work up an appetite on the tour. Go directly to the Boat in the Moat, run by his daughter, and order some traditional Floridian cuisine. I enjoyed the classic BLT with a fruit salad and marshmallows and a sweet tea. For dessert we split a few slices of Key Lime Pie, a must! The food was simple but delicious, fresh (mostly sourced from local farms), and prepared with friendly hands.

After lunch I recommend a walk on the nature path, a stop by Mr. Solomon's workshop, and a visit to his latest piece, The Alice Shmo, a to scale replica of The Alamo. There is a gift shop too (where you purchase tour tickets) if you are in a silly mood and interested in taking a joke home with you.

If you aren't quite ready to leave, perhaps a stay at the castle is in your cards? There is a one room Bed & Breakfast located in the top of the tower. Want to bring your friends back with you? They have a beautiful room you can rent for parties of 20+ people. Getting the party out there is on you...

"Picture window"

Boat in the Moat Restaurant

"This mural is protected by fencing." 

Plant loving friends, are you impressed by this staghorn fern? I was!

Art to Inspiration: ...now imagine all the strange birdsong as thick as the forest

Lara, Harwood, ...now imagine all the strange birdsong as thick as the forest, 2009

I have this fantasy of going to India. It started with a love of Bollywood movies and Indian food, then Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited added fuel to my fire. Not to mention I have a few friends living there who say nothing but good things. August's Art to Inspiration featuring Lara Harwood's watercolor ...now imagine all the strange birdsong as thick as the forest furthered this fantasy. Her playful, melodic line and serene color palate take me to this place in my mind where I can smell the dust and curry in the air. I am shopping for golden trinkets, fabrics, and furniture, exploring religious monuments, temples, and baths, and completely indulging myself in all the gastronomic splendors available. I drink tea in the afternoon and take some time to relax at a luxury hotel with Gman.

But then reality strikes, it's very hot in India (and I've heard deodorant isn't the norm...). There is heartbreaking poverty and some political unrest. Old traditions are vying for relevancy in contemporary markets and the food safety standards aren't quite what I'm used to.  ...now imagine all the strange birdsong as thick as the forest becomes a poetic escape from reality, from the fantasy even. Here, a figure is floating alone, listening quietly to the blanket of noise and music from the flora and fauna of the jungle, which is just out of reach. A relaxing moment, quickly and methodically captured in watercolor, goes by for hours and a second all at once. It changes my fantasy, this is the India I want to experience.


If you would like to participate in Art to Inspiration, click here to read more and sign up.

And just in case you missed it, July's Art to Inspiration.

Weekend Recap: The White House

Weekend Recap time! I try to get a post up right away on Monday mornings, but I've kept you waiting this week. I do hope you can forgive me! The highlight of my weekend was Friday night when Gman and I went on a private tour of the West Wing of the White House. The West Wing has been the official office of the president since 1902. It has been renovated since then and I couldn't wait to see where some of the most important choices of our country's future were decided. I don't watch shows like The West Wing and I'm not super into politics, so I did not have specific/grand expectations. In fact, until we arrived I didn't realize we were going to the West Wing, I thought we were going to the East Wing.

me standing in the entrancy to the West Wing Lobby

The space was more modest than one might imagine, with maze-like hallways, beige walls, and old carpet. The walls were lined with photographs of the president's recent engagements and activities and were hung strategically- for example pictures of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton watching the Osama bin Laden situation unfold were hung outside the Situation Room.

The tour included spaces like the Navy Mess, the West Colonnade, Rose Garden and South Lawn -which were lovely in the middle of winter and in the dark, so I can only imagine how spectacular they are in the middle of spring! I thought it would be such a nice place for a picnic.

We got to peek inside the Cabinet Room, Oval Office, Roosevelt Room, Upper Press Hallway, and West Wing Lobby. What I liked about the Cabinet Room was that each member had a specific chair, literally engraved with their name, and the chairs were strategically placed around in order of when the department was established, with older departments closer to the president. The president's chair was larger than everyone else's. Our guide mentioned that when a member leaves the cabinet, they have the option of purchasing their chair. Gman and I agreed we would totally buy ours. Also the enormous table was solid mahogany (impressive!).

Paintings of daily American life, presidential portraits, bronze sculptures, and historic furniture made the offices feel homey and somehow ordinary. I kept thinking, I was just at work all day and now I'm taking a tour of someone else's office? What am I doing? But it was the president's office after all so I felt silly for even thinking that.

Amy Merrick

upholstered chair, table lamp, side table, chair, couch, floral fabric, striped fabric, patterned fabric

We stopped at the Oval Office for quite some time. There were only six of us on the tour and we had the place to ourselves. I kept pinching myself as I stared at the Resolute Desk, and great American works of art by Chile Hassam and Norman Rockwell flanking its sides. Behind the desk were pictures of Mr. Obama's family. This is where he sits all day, figuring out the worlds problems. Wow.

Then I noticed the other furniture. Our guide mentioned that each president gets to decorate the office to his taste except for the white marble fireplace mantle (original to the 1909 office), the presidential seal on the ceiling, and the two flags behind the desk. I thought over-all it was decorated OK, but imagined that Mr. Obama did this on his own, saying to Michelle, "hands off my man space. I'm going to do this my way." And so he included two plain ol' couches.

The rest of the weekend I obsessed over how I would decorate the Oval Office if I were the president. I was so distracted by it that I had to take action. I began searching for the objects I would use. I've never designed anything specific before and I got excited that I was designing my office in the White House. Way to put the cart before the horse, right! Well this blog can be my fantasy land so I present to you for the first time ever, a High Heeled Traveler interior!

I was inspired by one of Amy Merrick's fabulous floral designs, which I often secretly drool over, and that leather couch, which I must have in my life immediately. I wanted to modernize the space with color and texture, without taking away from its seriousness and historical nature.

What do you think? How would you decorate the Oval Office?

Shoe Love: Structured sandals

Burak Uyan sandals

I know. I know. It's the middle of winter. But I snuck in a few minutes on the web to browse the Net-a-Porter sale and got all lusty over these. After being in Florida for two weeks I'm fantasizing about wearing a sandal for New Year's. I love the architectural design of these and can imagine wearing them in any season - especially if I can get away with pairing them with black tights for the colder days. What do you think?

Inspired, I decided to wear a sandal with tights and in real life I'm going to wear these for my New Year's festivities, which are surprisingly comfortable. No joke!

High Heeled Traveler's Holiday Gift Guide

Pendleton bag, ipad, leopard flats, globe, scarf, cutting board, bangle, The Art Book, blouse, cork screw

I spent the weekend shopping for Christmas presents - for myself and others. I have this horrible habit of buying one thing for a friend and one thing for myself. By actually taking the time to shop I discover so many little treasures - it's so hard to resist! Shopping for the holidays is one of my favorite traditions. I love picking out gifts for my loved ones and I love making a list of things I need, want, or dream about. And as much as I information gather throughout the year I don't compile a list of desirable goodies until Thanksgiving.

This year we are traveling for much of December (surprise!) so I've got my eye on a few items that would make my holiday voyage more pleasurable as well as gift ideas for the home and for all those holiday parties. So here are my top gift pics for the High Heeled Traveler (mom and dad I hope you're reading).

We'll start with my fantasy presents...

A frequent traveler is always in need of a weekend bag. I love the stolen-from-the-boys plaid on this Pendleton one.

If you are in a super generous mood this holiday season, an ipad is great for filling with magazines, books, and browsing blogs online, plus, you can download your favorite travel apps, games, manage your itinerary, and take pictures all with one lightweight tablet. Hooray for lighter luggage (or room for more shoes?)!

I've had my eye on these leopard ballet flats for a while now. As much as I like to wear heels for everything, flats are great for quickly navigating the airport, a new city, or driving an unfamiliar rental car (does anyone else I know like to drive barefoot?).

I know, I know. A globe seems like such a typical gift for a traveler. How passe. BUT I don't have one and I would love to decorate our apartment with antique maps and globes. I always thought it would be fun to have a map/globe with pins marking where you've been and where you want to go.

Gifts for the traveling hostess...

It sounds crazy but I carry a bottle opener when I travel (in my checked luggage) (... who am I kidding, I have one in my purse now too). You never know when you might partake in an impromptu picnic and I've been a helpful guest at many a party.

I found these fabulous state shaped cutting boards on Etsy by A.Heirloom. Most are priced under $45 and would be a more thoughtful gift than a bottle of wine.

A cozy scarf or brightly colored bangle will certainly keep you warm and stylish at any destination. And a silk blouse is a must. You can wear it in any city, countryside, in any temperature, day or night.

Last but not least, The Art Book. Gman bought this for me for our first Christmas and I have found it to be quite handy ever since. It lists artists and art movements alphabetically for quick and easy reference. I like to refresh my memory before heading out to an art museum or gallery. It also looks nice on the coffee table and guests often check it out at parties.

I hope this is helpful to you for your holiday shopping! I know my cart is already full...

I want to go to there.



via Cognac and Coffee. Does anyone know who photographed this? I would love to buy a print (and credit their work)!

If you follow me on twitter, you might have noticed that I am clearly having difficulties focusing. Where do you want to go next? What do I want to write about? While searching for inspiration I came across many lovely photos for future tantalizing trips on tumblr. Beautiful images abound from fashion, women, food, interiors, and landscapes. I get lost in the time that passes as I go from page to page. So much beauty it makes me want to trash my wardrobe and head to the gym. (note: I would obviously keep the leopard booties and jorts). (and my abundance of blazers)... (afterwords I would immediately buy a Celine handbag and have champagne at a rooftop bar in NYC wearing strappy sandals, a silk blouse, and skimpy skirt... oh sorry, is this not fantasy time?).

Then I switch to magazines, TV, and movies for inspiration. My first stop is always Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. I've had a wild crush (admiration really) on this man since the debut of his show. If only to be a travel buddy to tag along on his adventures, banter with his sarcastic ass, and eat and drink well with lovely and thoughtful people. That is the way to live life right there. And if in the mean time you discover something profound or delicious or obscene its a bonus. I like the way he integrates a little culture, tradition, and history of the people while mostly talking about/eating food. A special thanks to his writers/producers for putting it all together so naturally. Then writing about the post production shit shows on twitter for us all to enjoy.

After all that, I'm still left day dreaming. Completely blocked from writing my own story. This week might have to be "wanderlusty mind week" instead of a destination. I hope you get to know me a little more in the process!

Do you have a wandering mind? How do you focus after a long day at work or school? Do you write or draw or play music? Any coping mechanisms? I would love to get your thoughts.

"Glamping"



via Crush Cul du Sac

Here is another way to camp, "glamping". Does this come with a chef?

And speaking of glamour, the June issue of Vogue featured some great American summer travel destinations. They also had some camping/hiking/outdoorsy outfit suggestions... pick up a copy for details!

Shoe Love



Miu Miu

I bet when you have these on you can't help but dance! How beautifully designed.

Happy Friday everyone! I've been busy this week job hunting and drafting stories for your reading pleasure. Over the next few weeks I'll be giving you some summer travel inspiration. In the meantime, any plans this weekend? I went to Phillips After 5 last night which featured jazz musicians jamming to impressionist and modern art. There was also [free] BBQ which by the way people hovered over the food, and pushed and cut in line, (I seriously thought someone was going to dive at the table. Is this what BBQ does to people?!) you would have thought it was feeding starving children in Africa and not well-to-do artsy people. Although I bet the children in Africa have better manners...

In order to socialize in my new city, I joined a co-ed softball team. I know, its funny because I don't play sports. My first game is tonight. Gman is coming just to watch the spectacle. If he brings a camera, I'll post a picture.

Cheers!

Bring Back Civil War Facial Hair!



via

The men of 19th century America were wildly expirimental with their facial hair styles and Civil War facial hair has become a cult phenomenon. Here are some great examples and blogs who document these fine gentlemen:

Smithsonian's top 24 Vote for your favorite! It's amazing. I bet some of these guys were real lady killers.
Civil War facial hair
Mustaches of the 19th century




Maj. Gen. Alpheus Williams via

Favorite Civil War Era Movies



via

As you may know, many people are quite obsessed with the Civil War. Not only are there daily reenactments, books written, memorabilia collected, and stories told, but Hollywood got in on the action too. Over the years it has developed and perpetuated our sensibilities towards the war. While these films range in age, style, and point of view they still speak to our love of adventure and nostalgia for the past today.

My top five Civil War era movies:

1. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
2. Glory
3. Gone with the Wind
4. Gettysburg
5. Cold Mountain

I must say that I have not seen Cold Mountain, however many insisted on its inclusion. So let me know what you think! Do you have a favorite Civil War era movie?

Wardrobe: Civil War Inspired



In attempts to be inspired by Civil War Era fashion it is difficult not to address the elephant in the room: women's lack of rights during the 19th century. I won't get too deep into the 19th century view point on women. I'll just get fired up. Basically we have the Cult of Domesticity. The notion that a woman's place is in the home. As the delicate sex it is in her nature to be quiet and moral. She should only worry herself with organizing parties and hosting guests of her husband. Women should not be concerned with matters outside the home, especially politics. In fact it might hurt them to do so... blah blah blah.

Bag, grey pants, cream pants, shoes, blazer, top, earrings, scarf

There were some efforts by women to gain equal rights in the mid 19th century and although women were not considered in the fight of equality for all men, I think it certainly got the wheels turning.

That being said, women's fashion of that time wasn't necessary my taste either. However what happened to fashion as an industry is very influential to how we think about clothing today.

An interesting little fact we learned on our tour of Harper's Ferry (important sight for the Abolisionists' and famous for John Brown's ill fated attempt at a slave rebellion), is that standardized sizing of ready-made clothing came about through the Civil War. Previous to that the wealthy had their clothes taylored to their exact measurements and the less well off made their own or bought used items. This includes shoes, hats, gloves, and other accessories. Some ready-made clothing was produced but was so ill fitting that they were known as "slops". Data was collected from the troops and used to create standardized sizes so that clothing, shoes, and hats could be mass produced.

This profoundly influenced the way we interact with clothing now. Ready-made items are cheaper to produce and the main source for dressing most if not all Americans. Plus shopping as a past-time would arguably not exist.

So here is my Civil War inspired ensemble for today's publicly and politically participating female.

*Custom made clothing still exists today and is known as Couture but that is a story for another posting.

Pizza, red wine, burlesque, nature, and... more food

It's Monday again, let's take some time to bask in our memories of the weekend, shall we?

As you already know it was G-man and my wedding anniversary! As you may also know, the traditional one year wedding anniversary gift is paper. We (I) already have an abundance of stationary and pens, so we decided to get creative. G-man is quite the outdoors man. He's a thrill seeker who used to jump out of airplanes for fun. He's a badass who can survive in nature with a pocket knife and a compass. I, on the other hand, like shopping and walking in cities. I like perusing pastry shops and looking at paintings and architecture. So we take turns and end up experiencing many new things. Although I will not jump out of an airplane.

 

This weekend we ate amazing food, starting with a homemade pizza, and drank too much wine! Friday night we went to see Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey, one of our favorite burlesque duos (his gift to me, the paper tickets).

Then on Saturday, it was nice to relax together as we hiked through Harper's Ferry (The gift was trees, get it!? Paper is made from trees...) and had a leisurely picnic lunch while overlooking the historic town and surrounding mountains. The air was clean and crisp and the sun warmed our skin. Then G-man taught me to climb rocks!

 

 

Driving through the country was so romantic too. Looking out the window at the rolling pastures, farm houses, and tiny towns, I felt like I was in The Great Gatsby taking a Sunday drive.

Do you ever have moments like that?

I want to go to there



via Cognac and Coffee

Art history majors, does this look familiar? It is the The Manneporte near Étretat in the North of France which Monet painted several times. There is now a golf course just above. Can you imagine?! {le sigh}...

My Happy Place

Whenever I'm feeling down, uninspired, tired, frustrated, preoccupied... I find that seeing art always brings me back to life. I have had a seriously difficult week so its lucky that I live down the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I go there often to refresh my state of mind. When I am traveling I do the same. I love stopping off in an art museum and perusing local galleries. One gets a sense of a country's pride and priorities through their art and cultural preservation. I love to see what is important to people through time and in different parts of the world. It makes me feel connected and comforted.

It would be impossible to see the breadth of the Met's collection in one day or even a week. So as with many museums, I go to see one or two exhibits per visit. This time I went straight to some of my favorites: Greek and Roman Antiquities and Impressionists and Modern Paintings and Sculpture. I was in many an Ancient Greek art class in college and I continue to be intrigued by the detail oriented, thoughtful craftsmanship of each piece.

On the way to the Impressionist wing I strolled past these lovely Qing Dynasty vases. I would love to take them home!

I also took a detour on the way to the Impressionists exhibit when I discovered a special photography exhibition, Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand. Their photography exemplifies the early 20th century experiments in the new medium. I am always fascinated by that time period. It's revealing to see what they choose to capture on film and the people are captivating. I was so captivated, in fact, I didn't take any photos of the exhibit, but I recommend you see it if you can!

Once in the Impressionist wing I ran into one of my favorite Rodin sculptures. It epitomizes the sensuous humanity of art that makes me fall in love again and again. Not only is the subject's pose sensual but you can see touch of the artist's hand through the medium as he explored it.

And last but not least, Monet's ever awe inspiring Waterlilies. This particular version was made during WWI and you can see the violence and anxiety he was experiencing through his brushstrokes. This resonated with me as I struggle with my own pain and sorrow...

Shoe Love



The Coveteur via Apartment 34

Think of all the adventures you would have in these!

 

this is glamorous

Is this what heaven looks like?!

 

Happy weekend!