Glenstone Museum II

Glenstone is a private contemporary art museum located in Potomac, Maryland, USA. Founded by Emily Wei Rales and Mitchell Rales, it opened its doors to the public in 2006 but underwent significant expansion and renovation, culminating in a major reopening in 2018. The museum's mission is to integrate art, architecture, and landscape into a seamless and immersive experience for visitors.

One of Glenstone's unique features is its extensive outdoor sculpture garden, which showcases a wide range of contemporary sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The museum's grounds cover approximately 230 acres, and they are carefully landscaped to create a harmonious environment for both art and nature.

Glenstone offers nearly 300 acres of landscape integrated with the architecture and art. The landscape includes paths, trails, streams, meadows, forests and outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds which showcases a wide range of contemporary sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The museum's grounds are carefully landscaped to create a harmonious environment for both art and nature.

I have first visited this place in February, here are the photos taken from second visit in September when the grounds are decorated with colorful wildflowers and grasses; clouds hang higher in the blue sky! It was truly a special experience to enjoy art, architecture and landscape all in one place!

The Winery at Bull Run, Pearmund Cellars

"Virginia is for Wine Lovers" is not just a catchy slogan; it's a testament to the thriving wine culture that has taken root in the state of Virginia. Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the rolling hills of Central Virginia, Virginia's wine country has emerged as a prominent destination for oenophiles and enthusiasts alike. The Winery at Bull Run, Pearmund Cellars are two examples of such fine wineries that is less than one hour away from downtown Washington, DC that we visited this summer.  

The Winery at Bull Run.

 

Pearmund Cellars

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Virginia's winemaking history dates back to the early 17th century when settlers first attempted to cultivate grapes in the New World. Over the centuries, this endeavor has evolved into a flourishing industry that consistently produces award-winning wines. Here are a few key highlights that define Virginia's status as a wine lover's paradise: 

 - Virginia's diverse climate and topography provide an ideal environment for growing a wide range of grape varietals. You can find everything from classic Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties to more unique grapes like Viognier and Petit Verdot. 

 - Scenic Vineyards: The state's wineries are often set against breathtaking backdrops, making wine tasting a multisensory experience. Rolling vine-covered hills, historic estates, and charming tasting rooms contribute to the overall ambiance. 

 - Tasting Experiences: Virginia wineries are known for their warm hospitality and inviting tasting experiences. Visitors can tour vineyards, meet winemakers, and sample an array of wines, often accompanied by locally sourced cheeses and gourmet snacks. 

 - Wine Trails: Virginia boasts several wine trails and regions, including the Northern Virginia Wine Trail and the Monticello Wine Trail. These trails allow wine lovers to explore clusters of wineries and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. - Award-Winning Wines: Virginia wines have garnered national and international acclaim, winning prestigious awards for their quality and craftsmanship. The state's winemakers continually push the boundaries of what's possible in American winemaking.

I Love New York-8) Untermyer Gardens Conservancy

The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the historic Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, New York. The gardens are part of the Untermyer Park and Gardens, which were originally created by Samuel Untermyer, a prominent lawyer and civic leader, in the early 20th century.

The Untermyer Gardens are renowned for their historical and horticultural significance. They were designed in the early 20th century by William Welles Bosworth, a renowned landscape architect, and were known as "America's Most Spectacular Garden" during their heyday.

The gardens encompass various terraces, courtyards, and themed areas, each with unique horticultural elements and design inspirations. Some of the notable features include the Walled Garden, the Temple of Love, the Vista Overlook, and the Indo-Persian Garden.

It is free for public to visit.  On the day we visited it rained on and off, but it did not stop us walking around and enjoy the gardens. 

I love New York- 7) Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that spans the East River in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable bridges in the United States, as well as a historic and architectural landmark.

The Brooklyn Bridge was designed to provide a transportation link between the crowded neighborhoods of Manhattan and the rapidly growing city of Brooklyn. Before the bridge's construction, the only way to travel between the two boroughs was by ferry.

Pedestrian Walkway: The bridge features a dedicated pedestrian walkway elevated above the traffic lanes. This walkway provides stunning views of the East River, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

Here are some of the photos captured during my walk. As you walk across the bridge, you can see:

Manhattan Skyline: The bridge provides an excellent vantage point for the famous Manhattan skyline, including towering skyscrapers such as One World Trade Center, the Woolworth Building, and the New York City Municipal Building.

Brooklyn Skyline: When you're approaching the Brooklyn side of the bridge, you can see the skyline of downtown Brooklyn, including various buildings and structures like the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower and the Manhattan Bridge.

East River: Of course, you'll have a great view of the East River, with its traffic of boats and ships.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: As you approach the Brooklyn side, you'll see the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, which includes green spaces, piers, and recreational areas.

DUMBO: When you're closer to the Brooklyn side, you'll be able to spot the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood, known for its artistic vibes and cobblestone streets.

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Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. It was designed by engineer John A. Roebling, but he died before the construction was completed. His son, Washington Roebling, took over as chief engineer and oversaw the completion of the bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge is renowned for its innovative design and use of suspension cables. It was one of the first bridges to use steel cables, which provided the necessary strength for the long span. The bridge's distinctive Gothic towers and graceful arches contribute to its aesthetic appeal.

The main span of the Brooklyn Bridge measures 1,595 feet (486 meters), making it one of the longest suspension bridges of its time. The total length of the bridge, including approaches, is about 5,989 feet (1,825 meters).