The latest puzzle....that's a lot of butterflies!

The perfect day for a blazing fire...a bulrush cast iron fire pit at Longwood Gardens a few days ago.

Goldblush - Longwood Gardens is a favorite of mine.

Here's another Philadelphia favorite - DD took me to see The Nutcracker at The Academy of Music last week. It's been years since a saw a performance and it was as magical as I remember.

Here's an off-center shot of the chandelier.

And a link to what it really looks like. This is after a year long restoration in France and before it was lifted back to the ceiling.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/year-in-review/20080925_Restored_chandelier_glows_at_Academy_of_Music.html

Goldblush, I so envy your being able to see Longwood in winter. I have done spring, summer and fall. A winter visit for me now is out of the question. It has been nearly 14 years since my last visit there. Every year it is on my list to do, but somehow doesn't happen.

I've not done longwood in winter either but it looks incredible...I'll have to put it on my list.

Maire_cat that chandelier is awesome! Just breathtaking. Now I will have to find an excuse to go to the Academy of Music soon:)!

Annie & lgmd_gaz, it's funny how even being so close to it, many of us do not go that often. I can only imagine the concerted effort it takes to come over if you are far away. This year, I was fortunate to have different friends who were just as excited to go as I was.

Here's to more visits, for all of us, this year!

Yes! We went to Lyndhurst Castle in the fall and want to see it at xmas too. It's such an incredible mansion and in such a pretty setting on the Hudson.

Goldblush, my first visit there was a 600 mile trip one way. Then we moved back to PA so the last 4 trips were just 180 miles, still requiring an over night stay. Have there been any decent motels added nearby in the last 14 years? I was really surprised (mystified even) at how few motels there were within reasonable distance to Longwood when last there.

lgmd_gaz you bring up a good point. I did not see any motels in the area but I believe there are a couple of hotels in Kennett Square, which is the town about 10 minutes from Longwood. You are right though, that there doesn't seem to be much. I wonder if there are AirBnb's in the area as well?

There are several chain motels that are near Kennett Square and a few smaller inns and B&B's. Some of them offer deals that include tickets to Longwood Gardens.

We attended a wedding in that area a few years ago and rather than driving home late at night after the reception we booked a room at a Best Western Plus in Glen Mills. It had either just opened or had recently been remodeled and it was very nice. The Brandywine Valley area would make great getaway trip - there a lot of interesting museums, gardens and historical sites.

When we were there 14 years ago, we had made reservations ahead at a chain name motel. When we got there and inspected the room, immediately walked out and attempted to cancel. Unfortunately it was past their hour to do so. We left anyway. No way were we going to stay in that filth. We have traveled in the states extensively, and never even came close to doing that. We drove back toward Harrisburg and stayed.

Last time we went to Longwood we stayed here...place was lovely and the owner is a former restaurant owner so the breakfast was delish! It is literally around the corner from Longwood.

Inn at Whitewing Farm

Annie, wow, Whitewing Farm is beautiful, looks so homey and comfortable. But what I have found when looking at Bed and Breakfast type accommodations is that they don't have the handicapped accessibility that I must have. At least none that I have looked into have had.

My little electric fireplace in FREEDOM. It's actually very cute and puts out a lot of heat but none of it gets hot except for the bottom part.