A Snow Covered Day in Historical New England

We had about eight inches of snow fall on Friday. The roads Friday night were really slippery and it looked like a blizzard. Saturday morning you wouldn't have even believed it had just snowed. The roads were completely plowed, and although it was a bit chilly the day was beautiful with a lovely white icing trim on all the places to admire, without slippery roads to contend with. I headed out for a ride to a lovely town called Sudbury.

The historical Wayside Inn is in a beautiful setting, especially with the backdrop of a snowy scene. The country roads all around the area are so beautiful. On the same road is the Old Grist Mill, which I and a million people have photographed in all seasons. As well as the Martha-Mary Chapel, which is so simple, yet magnificent on top of the hill.



I spent some time going inside the Old Grist Mill last Summer and there is a tour once inside.



Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Grist Mill and on the same side of the road as the historical Wayside Inn you can't miss the Martha-Mary Chapel. This chapel was rebuilt in 1940 and the construction was overseen by Henry Ford. Today they host the most romantic weddings here, and people choose to have their reception at the Wayside Inn or put up a tent on the grounds of the chapel.



Last summer I took a ride to take some photographs and had the good fortune to be there on a day when The Wayside Inn was hosting a celebration with characters in period dress. I quickly peeked behind the trees to capture them walking through the woods.




Snowy days in New England seem so romantic in a more historical setting. Driving down roads with circa 1700 homes, old barns and fences made out of rocks truly congers up what we learned about in our American History classes. I have often wished that I had lived here when we were studying American History...it all would have come alive for me.




My favorite writers were all friends and many of them lived in the same town of Concord. No wonder they found so many great stories in this beautiful backdrop. The history of the Wayside Inn is fascinating to me and the thought of Longfellow staying here and writing the Tales of the Wayside Inn makes it even more special.

The Wayside Inn is probably one of the most photographed and painted buildings in Massachusetts. Searching through a Vintage shop one day I found this lovely painting in a rustic frame, painted by Lyn Proctor. I suppose a local artist, I have no idea when it was painted, but it so embraces the feeling, history and historical attributes.




Going on an adventure in New England, no matter which season always inspires me. Perhaps it is because I am not from here that I can always see the beauty around me with fresh new eyes, and not take it for granted. All that I know is that as much as I long for Spring, the snowy historical places make me remember my history lessons and feel thrilled with inspiration as I see what the great writers embraced. As the sun was setting and the shadows of the trees made the snow look a deep aqua hue, I was ready to take my inspiration home.

"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing,
while others judge us by what we have already done."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The name of the song for this post is Winter Spirits. Perhaps Longfellow's spirit was enchanting me on Saturday, I only know that when I returned home, the beauty that was inside my camera reflected something more than a simple ride in the country.