Autumn in Chagrin Falls, a quiet beauty

The sun is setting, silhouetting trees and shades and golden hues of color. Glimmering leaves dazzle, shimmer in the breeze or float peacefully past rocks or broken branches. The sound of water dashes hard. It pummels and penetrates the lower banks, creating a second home.

The church bell chimes, the town hall tower shines, the square defers. Muted colors, softly enclose in preparation of a bolder season of celebration, ahead. Christmas and the holidays are drawing near, and chopped evergreens subtly await, still slumbering, hidden in back alleys or along building’s edges.

Shopkeepers anticipate the cold bite of winter, while shoppers shiver and pull their coats a little bit closer.

We open a door and warm air rushes out, greeting us with genial arms of invitation. Though the hour has not yet come, we are welcomed with tea, cheer, and a cozy fire. Through sprawling windows we see the long, wide drop of inspiration.

A sip and a nudge. A view, and a bite. With you by the fire, the world once again, right.

Find beauty ’round the corner, just beyond the bend,
Or in the eyes of loved ones near or far,  

Past, present, in the future, For always in the end,

We n’er leave ourselves behind,
Create your joy, your love, your friends.

Sherrie

Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Just beyond… Cleveland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sampling of shops,  Inn and Restaurants of Chagrin, Ohio, listed below:
https://www.facebook.com/Winds-of-Change-111953242215815/

http://innofchagrin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nola-True/159967410692272https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nola-True/159967410692272

http://hedgeschagrinfalls.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Toni-In-Style-195127467202003/
http://www.jekyllskitchen.com/

http://www.sugarmedesserterie.com/

Or contact https://yourhometownchagrinfalls.com/

Also, for more 2chicks information:

https://www.facebook.com/sherrierobinsart/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

https://www.facebook.com/2chicks2go/

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sherrie-robins.html?tab=artwork

https://twitter.com/Tweaterpated

 

 

 

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2chicksNiagara ~ Whale Breaches Niagara?

Whale Breeches Niagara?

#Really ? #NotReally

The Arteest in the 2chicks came out to play. 

Enjoy your hot July summer’s day

Think of the cool refreshing Niagara

And the mysterious whale who says ‘back atch’ya’! 😉

(You were wondering what THAT rhyme was gonna be, weren’t you)??

#original #art #SherrieRobinsArt

 

2chicks Canada ~ Having a Tea Party!

Niagara on the Lake is History come alive. But sometimes it’s just plain fun history. Like Alice In Wonderland kind of fun. Mad Hatter Tea Party kind of crazy.

This is a two-parter blog post. First the tea party, because we just couldn’t resist. Our next blog post on Niagara on the Lake, will be “History alive”. But isn’t that kind of the same thing? So we shall just begin at the beginning.

It all starts with the Shaw Festival and their play, Alice in Wonderland. Here is the link including dates and showtimes. This really is something you wouldn’t care to miss. Surely you’d better hurry and not be late…for a very important date! http://www.shawfest.com/playbill/alice-in-wonderland/

The Shaw Festival across from Fort George. Everything old is new again.

Secondly, all in strictly proper timing, we’re sure, Beau Chapeau has the most felicitous of window dressings. You will be missing out if you don’t drop by for a look-see. And while looking you may just want to stop inside and find the very hat you’ve been looking for, from a by-gone era or not. https://beauchapeau.com/  (3 slide-show below. Click arrows if you’re still late)…

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See how that crazy Mad Hatter worked on his tea-potion to blend the old and new? What a guy! Gotta tip your hat to him. 😉

Lastly, nothing like a sample of the real deal. A real tea party, done up in Mad Hatter style. An homage to the Shaw and the Carroll, Alice and the Queen.

Let’s stroll down the Avenue to meet the Prince: Prince of Wales that is, the dreamy little Hotel hosting this gem of a party in their very own Tea Room.

Step back into yesteryear and enter the upside down world of the Hatter. The Queen will be sure to greet you. The Queen of Hearts, that is.

She will beguile you with her charms and entice you with the aroma of sugar and spice and everything nice.

For your pleasure, another quick slide-show, below, 4 photos.

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With a tower of tea sandwiches, pastries, buttery croissants and muffins set before you, who would not surely be happy? Mouth watering house made scones with devonshire cream and strawberry jam? Specialty teas? Served by a Queen? Oh my!
http://www.vintage-hotels.com/princeofwales/downloads/menus/pw-alice-wonderland-menu.pdf

All in all, if in Niagara on the Lake and you see a cute little rabbit dashing down a hole, we would suggest that you “begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end, then stop”.

 

 

 

2Chicks Canada, MadHatter peek…

 

2Chicks CANADA ~ NIAGARA

Just a sneak peek at our blog to come. A Mad Hatter tea party? Sounds like fun to me. Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Soon…more to come!

Good Eats ~ Country Style

A warm spring day in Niagara. A healthy appetite. Yearning for a bit of adventure. Whadd’ ya got? Our Saturday trip to the country! So if you like farm-sourced food, delicious house-made baked goods, a drive in the country, and a few good snaps, you’re in for a treat.

First, hats off to a little place in Ransomville, called “Knead the Dough”.https://www.facebook.com/Knead-the-Dough-412887704147/?fref=ts  It’s an unassuming place, on the main drag, with a lot full of cars.

There’s nothing too surprising for a country restaurant, on the outside…

But on the inside…

And the food was perhaps as surprising.

From scratch corned-beef-hash

They make their baked goods including the croissant for this plate.

The home fries weren’t greasy. The burrito filled with lovelies. Different taste combinations, friendly staff. We give it 4 chicks! 

Then it was off to the Farm! There were…

Fine-feathered turkeys…

A chicken laying eggs…supervised by a rooster…

A Chick NOT laying eggs, supervised by a Rooster…

Speaking of eggs…and rocks…

Speaking of roosters…

And chickens…

Isn’t this farm just ducky?? (HAD to do it)…

Oh, and did we mention the farm was at a market? Or rather, the market is at a farm?

Dispenza’s is a rather unique, family owned market that sells meat and dairy products, as close to nature as they are practically able to do. If you are interested in such things, it would be a good idea to visit them. https://www.facebook.com/DispenzasMeatMarket/?fref=ts
They have farm fresh milk and eggs and other locally sourced food items, along with some standard, popular Western New York fare. We chicks certainly enjoyed the items we purchased! Best milk we ever had…

Then, we made a quick stop over, Youngstown way to Sanger Farms for some fresh baked goods, like cherry pie and banana pineapple bread. The aroma of fresh baking hit us right in the nose,when we walked in the door. https://www.facebook.com/sangerfarms/?fref=ts

There’s no place like the country for good eats! Niagara County is just really good at it…

Your farm friendly chicks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Easter!

 

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica

I couldn’t wait to post this one…a day early.

A popular pilgrimage and destination, and close to Niagara. If you enjoy glorious old churches, made in the grand way of by-gone days, and you’re visiting the area, you will want to add this to your itinerary. If like me, you’re from around the area, please take the time to visit. It will be worth your while.

Have a blessed and Happy Easter!

Sunshine Glimmers

Photo taken above the Horseshoe Falls on the Three Sisters Islands. The weather is warm, and the chill of winter is fading fast!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From Niagara Falls and the 2chicks, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving Day! Now, if you don’t celebrate American Thanksgiving, there is still much to be grateful for…right?

Three Sister’s Islands ~ Niagara’s hidden gem

There is a corner, on an island, among the trees. You can hear the rushing waters of the rapids, and the thunderous roar from beyond your view, and if the wind is blowing just right, the mist may kiss your face. The place is Three Sister’s Islands, set above the mighty cataract. And if you’ve heard of Niagara ~ you may very well never have heard of these Islands, nor of the girls they are named after: Asenath, Angeline, Celinda Eliza and their little brother Solon. These are three daughters and a son, long gone, yet there are four islands, above the Horseshoe Falls, that are called by their names. (*See bottom of page).

 {I heard this song on the radio, just before this was pressed…. & I Felt  it in those waters. Maybe you will too}…  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maT4phfTXR4

Refreshing and relentless, on it’s way to a hefty plunge.

There are those of us who remember, in the not-so distant past, when we could still run free, and stick our toes in the dangerous rush of rapid, before the fences were placed solid, and the pristine paths were poured. But we made room for you, the far off soul, not familiar with our slippery and sultry siren, who called out our names, but we would not heed.

The water’s changing color beckons, cool and clear, deceptively calm in places…

…brash and bold in others.

Seagulls remain unaffected by the water’s impatience, and sit placidly in place, hopeful of a meal.

Well-worn paths, from years of use, will soon be overgrown, set behind wire and stone.

Even rock is eroded by the relentless power of the water’s downward trek to the gorge, creating miniature islands in the river.

.

Billows of white, like crashing waves, plummet, repeatedly as the land declines toward the great drop.

Each and every step offers another facet of their personality, as if the islands are mimicking the sisters, themselves.

And then we emerge, past the protection of the crannies and the coves, to face a full on onslaught, a deluge of froth and foam; an International border clothed in lacy white.

And if we turn our heads to the right, towards the sound of a torrent, we can see the rising cloud as the Sisters saw…

…and the Alabaster City as they could not see…

And back at the beginning…a pretty path…

…and a trolley car…

…and a gleaming trolley stop…

…But we can still see the flowers beneath the ancient stones…

…and the bridge…

…and we all have a place to picnic…

For we are sharing of our beautiful bounty, and we have made a place for all to see, and enjoy…

…and we can still remember…

http://www.niagarafallsinfo.com/history-item.php?entry_id=1293¤t_category_id=162

Me and my ‘Rooster’; a substitute ‘chick’ for the day!

Niagara Falls, New York. Old Falls Street ~ What’s the Buzz about?

T.G.I.F.’s outdoor patio, and a view down Old Falls Street.

Niagara Falls, New York has been experiencing a tremendous upswing in the amount of tourists coming around, this 2015 season. As a matter of fact, tourism is up somewhere near 200% since 2014! That’s quite the statistic.

http://www.twcnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2015/09/1/record-tourism-numbers-for-summers-end-in-niagara.html

There are varied reasons for this, and if you’re curious, feel free to click the above link. (Let’s just say the park has had a face lift, and some new money has come into the city).

One of the places that is showing off a bit, is Old Falls Street, adjacent to the Reservation State Park (where the actual Falls are).

So what’s been going on there, exactly?

May we show you in some pictures?

Starting with this uber-excited chess-playing young man! Hint: more games to follow…

 

The newly added Rainforest Cafe

 

The Rainforest Cafe patio.

 

How many monkeys DOES it take to help Atlas shoulder the world?

 

A common sound on Old Falls Street ~ Live Music! (The Sheraton’s At The Falls Arcade).

And might we add, for more information on this Live Music on Old Falls Street, see their Face Book Page! https://www.facebook.com/events/1005160562848902/
This includes info on the Eighth Annual Niagara Falls Blues Festival: http://8th Annual Niagara Falls Blues Festival and The Sixth Annual Old Falls Street Oktoberfest! https://www.facebook.com/events/894374640582768/

We came for a visit to Old Falls Street, on the Taste of Niagara Falls weekend. May we say it was very ‘tastefully’ done?

*Below are photos of several of the vendors who displayed/served their wares/food at the Taste of Niagara Falls. Following these…GAMES! Old Falls Street is full of FREE GAMES available for the public to participate in.

The food was enough to have you make a pig of yourself!

http://www.scipionecatering.com/

We would like to welcome a fairly recent addition to the restaurants in Niagara Falls: The 755 Restaurant: located at City Market, a family owned enterprise, serving Mediterranean/Lebanese food. This falafel pita sample was delicious.

…as was the chicken souvlaki pita.

http://www.755westmarket.com/

                          

The food festival had ample customers. This is a candid shot of Tony Roma’s stall. The Rainforest Cafe, and TGIF’s chain restaurants were all represented.

 

The Meeting Place has an interesting mix of American fast food and Greek foods and is located in Bergholtz. http://www.meetingplaceniagarafalls.com/

 

Cupcakes. Did you say Cupcakes??!

 

A brand new shop! Looking forward to checking it out…

http://www.babycakescupcakediner.com/

The Como Restaurant is a goodie. This NF fixture needs to be visited by anyone who is an Italian food lover.

 

Pizza bread? Como-style? What’s not to like?

 

Bar food. Mmmm. Solidays, in the city.

 

Did you say ‘tots’? With dipping sauce? Yes please.

https://www.facebook.com/solidaysbarandgrille?fref=ts

Nope. Not a restaurant. A promotional for no-kill shelters. But these festivals attract varied groups and vendors. We thought this seemed like a good one!

http://www.THESOHOPROJECT.org

And DANG! They had good quinoa bowls. Yum!

 

Who doesn’t like chocolate? Niagara’s Honeymoon Sweets ought to do the trick!

http://www.NiagarasHoneymoonSweets.com

Always classy. LOVED the Angel. ❤

 

Dragonfly Jams and Jellies, Youngstown New York. Both delicious and economical.

https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyJamsandJellies

We loved the atmosphere! A positive ambiance. It was family friendly, had a beer tent, games were being played by young and old, alike. Plenty of seats were available, even some in the shade, during the September heat wave…

*Drumroll…The promised GAMES:

We especially enjoyed the ping pong. I won. 😉

 

Jenga anyone?

 

What would you write?

 

A big ole’ sidewalk chessboard, or two or so…

 

Somebody was having a good time!

 

Rainforest Cafe shuttle. http://www.niagara-usa.com/listings/Rainforest-Cafe/1032/#.Ve-QoBFViko

The Rainforest Cafe has a shuttle available to the public. They would love to have you come on over and hop on for a ride! You must admit this looks like a lot of fun…

So thanks again, for hopping along on OUR tour. This time it was a tour of our town, good ole’ Niagara Falls. And the best IS yet to come!

__________________________

More to come on 2chicks: Farmers Markets and part III Niagara Parks!

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