Last Wednesday, I turned the “big 3-0” and I’m going to drop an honesty bomb on you, because I love doing that so, I wasn’t into it. At all. Despite my crap attitude, it turned out to be one of the best birthdays ever. Look at life, surprising me.
The boif (pronounced boy-fff) and I went up to Hyde Park (what people from NYC call ‘upstate’) for the duration of the week and it was outstanding. I highly recommend it. Minus me having a huge near-meltdown on my actual birthday whilst trying to get my act together to catch a train (spoiler alert: we missed that train), the rest of the day was great; including that train ride. If you haven’t taken the Metro-North up the Hudson, I suggest you do so.
We wanted to see a few things, but not completely exhaust ourselves so Thursday morning after breakfast we headed across the street to the Vanderbilt Mansion at Hyde Park for a quick tour. The tour was only an hour, which was perfect and the Park ranger was super knowledgeable.
From the outside I was like “meh, I’ve seen better in my parent’s neighborhood” but inside it is breathtaking. Frederick Vanderbilt’s niece donated it to the Park’s service with ALL of the original furnishings. I was taking pictures like crazy and the older couple on the tour with us thought I was some sort of crazy person but one does not merely pass by a velvet upholstered sofa with tufting and tassels without documenting it thoroughly.
Are you obsessed? I was so into that green velvet fabric that I wanted to take it back with me, so incredibly rich and lovely. Or the red velvet used in the dining room on the curtains and the chairs. You know, I used to hate that, matching curtains and furniture but now I think I’ll need to do it. Because, Vanderbilt’s guys. The ceilings? I used to think the ceilings in our apartment were so pretty and now they’re the red headed stepchild of ceilings.
Also to note, I want this place to be more about original content and photography so you’ll be seeing more of that, okay? I think it will make things much more interesting for all of us.
Part 2 of our visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park NY is coming up later this week!
You’re bringing back some memories! I went to school down the street, so we used to often go hike around around the mansion. So much better than FDR’s house next door. 😉
That sofa is legit. I bet it was even better in person, because you know, I see that type of fabric everywhere and designers these days (kids these days) are doing that but I think it’s especially cool the first time around.
Also, I like original content! I need to do more of that, but I feel like when I do it’s lame and…not as pretty? I don’t know. I need to work on that, but I suck at photos.
Glad you’re back
That sofa! gorgeous. what a fun way to celebrate the big 3-0. i wanted to get out and explore my state more this year but that hasn’t happened. you may have inspired me to finally plan something! haha.
I could really go for some red velvet curtains. I think it would really add something to my beautiful Boston abode. But freal gimme dat couch.
Last time I was there (the mansion) we were only allowed to go outside, so I’m super jealous!