Day 2 - Lakeside [Ohio] Chautauqua

We were up early for breakfast at 'The Patio' restaurant, and then off to the antique show that opened at 9:30 a.m.  The weather was perfect - not too hot or not to chilly, with sunny skies. We split up to see the antiques at our own pace.

There were three large buildings full of antiques, two smaller ones, and lots of outdoor vendors.  We agreed to meet-up at 12:30 p.m.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular, and nothing called my name.  I wanted a keepsake from the trip, and something to share at our 'show and tell' time later in the evening, so I went to the vendor I bought a Beatrix Potter figurine from last year, and bought 'Mrs. Flopsy Bunny' to add to my small collection.

I also bought a gold teapot pin with a heart-shaped pearl in the center and on top.

One vendor sold antique picture frames with photographs of vintage brides.  I was surprised when I saw Eleanor Clay Ford's picture in one of the frames.  I asked the vendor if she knew who the bride was, and she said no.  I told her I was from southeastern Michigan, and the bride was Edsel Ford's wife.  She looked stunned.  Hmm... is it legal to copy Eleanor's photograph for resale without permission from the Ford family??

After our meet-up we went to Sloopy's Sport's Cafe on the campgrounds for lunch.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of their Gold Peak Tea urn.

Then we drove to nearby Marblehead to shop in quaint family-run stores.  The only thing I purchased was a comfy black cotton dress to take on the upcoming Southern Belle Tea Tour. Since returning home I've ordered a white T-shirt with short ruffled sleeves from White House Black Market.  I hope it arrives in time.

We returned to Chautauqua, and soon it was time to get in line for a good seat at an 8:15 p.m. Elvis concert.  I was never a huge Elvis fan.  He was king of Rock 'n' Roll during my brother's teen years, but Mike Albert - the Elvis impersonator - was fantastic.  My friends had either seen Elvis in a live concert, or been to several shows honoring him, and they all agreed Mike Albert was the best they had ever seen.  He looked, acted, and sounded just like Elvis.

Hoover Auditorium, built in 1928, is where the concert was held.

The auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,600 and nearly every seat was filled.

The concert concluded with The Battle Hymn of the Republic, which brought the audience to their feet.  What an awesome concert!

On Sunday morning we had breakfast at 'The Patio' restaurant again, then we headed back home. It's always fun to go away, and I had a great time at Lakeside, but I love crossing the Michigan state line that says I'm back home again!  

Lakeside [Ohio] Chautauqua

Last Friday morning, four friends and I left on a 'girls' outing to Lakeside Chautauqua on Lake Erie. This was my third consecutive year to go.  Thanks  for inviting me again, Linda! The main attraction is the annual indoor/outdoor antique show [#57 this year] with more than 85 dealers, but it's also a tranquil respite.

Lakeside is a private community, formed in 1873 by members of the Methodist Church and remains a church-affiliated vacation resort.  If I never make it to Martha's Vineyard, this quaint resort will suffice. It is one of only a few continuously operating independent Chautauquas in the 21st century, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chautauqua means a retreat or resort combining religious observation, summer education, recreation and cultural opportunities.  

We had Afternoon Tea reservations for 1:00 o'clock, so we dropped our things off at the cottage where we were staying, and then made our way to the tearoom.

 ~ Residents and guests travel around the resort on golf carts. ~

Below is Tea by the Sea tearoom.  Though the house has had additions over the years, it was originally built in 1876 and is one of the original houses on the campgrounds.  The first owner was a minister.  Now it's owned by Ruth Ann and her husband.

We posed for a photo before we went inside for tea.  Ruth Ann [tearoom proprietor] is in the second row wearing a black top and white skirt. Suzanne is next to her.  In the front row is Linda and me, and in back is Barb and Louise.

The table was ready and waiting.

My first cup of tea was Paris Blend by Harney & Son.  Later I switched to Coconut Pouchong by Golden Moon.

Ruth Ann started us off with her signature Swedish pan-fried Scones.

~ Then came the three-tiered server.  ~

The sandwiches were Cucumber and Cream Cheese on Wheat, Egg Salad on White, Pimento Cheese with Bacon Bits on Pumpernickel, Chicken Salad in a Phyllo Cup, and a Ham and Cheese Pinwheel garnished with a Green Olive.

Desserts: Neiman Marcus Bar, Chocolate Truffle,  and individual Cheese Cake.

~ Fresh Fruit ~

We finished with a scoop of Toft's Ice Cream

Afterwards we walked the business district on Second Street.  Below is Cindy, owner of Joseph Wise Fine Clocks and much more.

To be continued...

Lakeside, Ohio - Part II

After our tea, a shuttle [driver with a deluxe golf cart] took us on a tour of the campgrounds.

~ Lake Erie ~

~ Hotel porch that overlooks the lake ~

In the evening we went to a concert in Hoover Auditorium by the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra.

Bright and early the next morning [Saturday] we got up, dressed, and had breakfast at The Patio Restaurant, and then we made our way over to the antique show.  The vendors began selling at 9:30 a.m.  I made my major purchase at the very first booth I visited - a hanging leaded glass piece for my living room.  It will hang in the C-shape wall cut-out.  I was sooo happy to find it.

~ A Chintz candy dish ~

~ A blue and white cow creamer from Germany ~

He's already found his spot on my living room shelves.

~ An ivory sugar cube tray with numbered markings ~

We split up to do our shopping, and when we met for lunch Linda purchased two blue and white porcelain pieces for me, and said if I didn't like them to just pass them along to someone else. Well, I like them and have already found a spot for them on my shelves.  ;-)

~ A Spode Tray ~

~ A Milk Jug ~

We left for home Sunday morning after breakfast.  What a fun two days, and I'm already looking forward to next year!