A Weekend in Winchester: The Art and Culture of Relaxation

In addition to being steeped in history, Winchester is also rich in art and culture.

Local Sights

We walked a lot that weekend, mostly because we loved to take in the sights, get a feel for the area, and explore. Our girls are great explorers, enjoying the farm markets as much as the antique shops. When we asked Maisey what was her favorite part of the weekend, she said she loved walking around the Old Town Winchester, looking at things. Sometimes the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

It was fun posing for pictures at local landmarks in and around Old Town Winchester, or capturing each other enjoying the sights.

We were told to check out the George Washington Hotel a few blocks away, and we found it pretty interesting, though we didn't eat at The Dancing Goat.

We stopped in at GNC Antiques and found lots of beautiful furniture and nostalgic things to keep everyone occupied.

Evie took this picture of Clint in one of the shops.

Enjoying the sunny outdoors.

We went inside one of the coffee shops for warm drinks and sweet refreshments, and of course a quick game of Chess a la Evie.

Art and Culture

We wandered into an art gallery in the Old Town Winchester just across from the Old Courthouse, and were treated to a private watercolor painting demonstration by the artist, Eugene B. Smith. The girls enjoyed visiting his second floor studio and learning a few tricks for painting with water colors.

Awesome 2nd floor studio, where Eugene told us the building used to be just an alley way in George Washington's time, but was built into a rowhouse with first floor shops some time in the 19th century. It was a beautiful space.

The landscape piece Eugene painted for the girls.

Relaxing at the Hotel

After a full day around town, I snapped this photo after room service arrived and Maisey exclaimed, "Ah, this is the life." She definitely knows what she's talking about.

Clint asked the girls, jokingly, to "wash their teeth and brush their face for bed." Why did he think they'd do anything else?

We spent a good deal of time at the pool and hot tub.

Each night, the girls settled down to watch a movie while I read and clint played his mandolin.

Playing in the Leaves

One of the best things to watch is children playing in autumn leaves. They did this in the Pedestrian Mall in Old Town Winchester.