Climbing the Acropolis in Athens

Just to clarify, 

the Acropolis is the hill, 

the Parthenon sits on top. 

The view from the rooftop of The Acropolis Select Hotel.

The best time to go is off season,

first thing in the morning or later in the day.

Midday in season is a mob scene. 

From 11am-1pm do something else. 

The Parthenon

If you go in the early morning,

don't stop at any viewpoints. 

Go right to the top 

before the mob arrives.

The Erechtheion 

You'll need about an hour and a half to walk up,

enjoy your quiet time, and get your pictures.

The Erechtheion where the roof supported by six statues of maidens.
Note the legs-one is a leg, one is a column.

By the time I left it was already getting crowded. 

It took 8-9 years to build the Parthenon, 
the restoration is over 40 years ongoing. 

Then take your time heading back down 

and check out the views you passed on your way up. 

Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus

The Temple of Athena Nike
Restorations appear white compared to the original stones.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Ancient and new.
Restored in 1950.

Below the Acropolis across from the touristy restaurants, 

don't miss the Acropolis Museum which was built 

overtop an excavated village.

You can see this part of excavations near the entrance
without visiting the museum. 

The museum is modern in style 

compared to the ancient structures on the Acropolis.

Allow 2 or more hours here depending on your interest. 

Can you spot the restored areas? 
The color gives it away.

From the museum exit, 

there is a path and a gate to access 

more of the village under the museum. 

You need to show your ticket, 

so don't lose it.

Here you can see the supporting columns for the museum 
rising up from the forgotten village.

For information on visiting the museum, 

click here.

Here is information for visiting the Acropolis.

You can visit both in one morning. 

Take water and a snack 

or buy it on the street outside.

I wouldn't waste time with 

slow service in the cafeteria there.

There is tourist information 

and public restrooms

at the corner of Thrassillou Street on the south end.

Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 58, Greece

Over 20 Inspiring Christmas Wreath Ideas from Colonial Williamsburg

At Christmastime each year, 

Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg has a wreath competition, 

After which I come home inspired and up my wreath game. 

It's been a while since we were there...

the wreath game was in need of upping! 

Here are lots of samples...

See that cute little colonial guy? 

I bought one in one of the colonial shops. 

'Made in China.'

It broke my heart. 

(You can buy them much cheaper online anyway.) 

I love peacock feathers.

Feeling inspired yet? 

I am. 

The wreaths made with fresh fruits or flowers are 

updated throughout the seasons when needed to keep them fresh.  

You are able to walk the streets without admission tickets. 

You do need tickets to enter the buildings though.

Colonial Williamsburg 

101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA

The full Williamsburg photo gallery is here. 

Day Trip to Historic Bellefonte: Home of Governors

Seven governors have called Bellefonte their home 

and this is a source of pride to the residents there. 

Governors: 

Packer 

Beaver 

Bigler (x2)

Walker 

Packer 

Curtin 

Their names adorn the streets here 

as well as the campus of Penn State University 

just 12 miles to the southwest. 

Bellefonte is the county seat 

of Centre County, Pennsylvania. 

I guess all those governors 

were inspired by local government.

Another draw to Bellefonte  

are the 296 Victorian era buildings 

that fill the historic district. 

Talleyrand Park, 

walking distance from the Historic District,

 is definitely worth a visit 

while you are in town. 

It is beautiful, 

with the Spring Creek,  

paths and bridges. 

We were staying in State College 

and made a day trip to Bellefonte. 

You can easily walk the historic district, 

enjoy the park, 

make a stop at Big Springs Distillery, 

(great for cocktails)

and visit the local art museum 

in one day. 

If you have extra time 

take a walk along the 

Spring Creek Canyon Trail.

6.3 mi out and back.  

But what I didn't know about until after we left

was Eagle Ironworks at Curtin Village

which is just 9 minutes out of town. 

I think we would have liked a visit there. 

Let me know how it is if you go! 

There are more images in my gallery here: 

https://www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com/Travel/Pennsylvania/Center-COunty/Bellefonte