Tag Archives: antiques

Royal Victorian Manor Woodstock McHenry County Illinois

Movie Buffs: Do you remember the stately Victorian bed & breakfast that Bill Murray’s character stayed at in the movie “Groundhog Day” target=”_blank”>Groundhog Day“? Now you can spend the night in this same b&b in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois. Inn keeper/owners Karla Stewart Martin and Everton Martin completely renovated the home beginning in 2008 and opened the Royal Victorian Manor for business this summer.

We were welcomed by a roaring fire in the entry way fireplace which took the chill out of the overcast, drizzly morning. The Martin’s invited us in to their parlor where their niece Mghnon Martin treated us to several pieces on the violin. While living in Milwaukee, the couple decided to relocate and began a search across the county. When they saw this house in Woodstock, the Martin’s knew they found the perfect home.

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Inn keeper/owners Karla Stewart Martin

The main floor of the house is warm and inviting. Visitors can lounge in the large parlor providing the mid-century leather recliner, dining area or the wrap around porch overlooking the gardens. Enjoy a restful evening in one of the five unique guest rooms each with a private bath.

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Manor Suite

Guests will be sure to wake for breakfast as Karla selects recipes based on who is visiting. She told us guests often sit with them in the large kitchen and chat over coffee while they fix the meal. Breakfast is served in the large dining room.

The Groundhog Day movie was directed by Harold Ramis and stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott. The home was used for outdoor scenes of the b&b and interior shots of Bill Murray as Phil Connors the weather man looking out the bedroom window. Of course, the Martin’s have a copy of the movie you can watch during your stay. The home is available for bridal or baby showers, renewal ceremonies, corporate events and retreats.

Click on the picture below to see a video of our visit to the Royal Victorian Manor in Woodstock, Illinois.

Our trip was sponsored by the McHenry County Visitors Bureau and Royal Victorian Manor.

Royal Victorian Manor
344 Fremont Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 308-5432
http://www.royalvictorianmanor.com/

Ginger Blossom Rug Craft Antiques Furniture Richmond McHenry County

Our McHenry County journey continues at Ginger Blossom in Richmond, McHenry County, Illinois. Ginger Blossom is the Northern Illinois place for rug, craft, antiques, furniture and more. Yes, Ginger Blossom is the owner and it is her real name.

Ginger travels around the world shopping for items she finds interesting and are a good value. She keep prices low by purchasing directly from producers, cutting out the middle men. Fair trade practices are important to Ginger so she seeks vendors who pay an equitable wage based on local context. Products are created in an environmentally sustainable manner using no child labor.

Welcome to Ginger Blossom Richamond, Illinois

Welcome to Ginger Blossom Richamond, Illinois

While we were there, Ginger was unpacking shipments from recent travels to Mexico, Nepal, India, Thailand, Java and Bali. A cornucopia of items from around the world are on display in multiple buildings and outdoors at this family farmstead. Sit for a spell on the spacious front porch, sample a cup of coffee, a cookie and enjoy the fresh air.

Wander through the converted cow milking barn erected in 1917 that now houses rugs of all sizes, patterns and a rainbow of colors. Stroll down aisles of hand crafted furniture from the four corners of the globe. There are some of Allen Roth lighting pieces, too.

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It is the perfect time of year to shop in the Sweater Barn for vest, booties, mittens and sweaters to keep you toasty warm during the long Midwest winters. Update your garden with a babbling fountain or sculpture.

Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”

Note to fellow yoga enthusiasts: Outdoor yoga classes are held on the farm during the summer. Meditation and more to start the week!

Do not miss the organic produce at the self-serve market in the gazebo. The tomatoes we purchased were sweet, juicy and flavorful.

Ginger Blossom
3016 RT 173
Richmond, IL 60071
815-678-4015

Read more about our adventures in McHenry County.

Our trip was sponsored by the McHenry County Visitors Bureau and Ginger Blossom.

Aloha Shirt Paradise in Honolulu Hawaii

In this episode of “Where Are You Today” we visit David Bailey of Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts.

A few years ago while in Honolulu, Hawaii, we walked down Kapahulu Street and spotted a unique store. Located just outside Waikiki is Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts. Although it started as an antique store, Bailey’s primary business is the barter and sale of Aloha shirts. The store is packed with over 15,000 Aloha shirts priced from under $10 to thousands of dollars. Most shirts are vintage new while others are new.

Shirts are the focal point in this store. You will find other Hawaiian related items like books, drinking glasses and jewelry at the store. The selection changes daily. If you find something you like, take it home because it may not be there on your next visit.

Bailey’s will help you if you have a special request for a specific shirt. They will keep an eye out for your desired color, pattern and style then send you photos of shirts that come into the store.

We talked with David Bailey’s about the origin of Aloha shirts and his unique store. Did you know these shirts were created by a kimono maker?

Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”