Into the woods...

Nenonen "social distance heaven" came in the form of a rustic 125 old log cabin tucked away on 265 acres of private land this week.  We traded masks and bleach wipes for ATV rides in the walnut groves, fields of wildflowers, hikes beneath the mighty pines, dips in the spring-fed lake, bonfire fun, architectural goodies...

 

 ...and true solitude that only unplugged nature can provide from the challenges of 2020. 

Nature heals, at least for the Nenonens. A perfect life pause to enjoy one another and the tail end of Summer before it is back to school. ❤️

Snuck away to Innsbrook...

The final "back to school" countdown has started here in Casa de Nenonen, as our oldest prepares for his Junior year in college and our youngest ventures in to his Senior year in high school.  As a final "shebang", we slipped out in to the wilderness for a few days where the WiFi was spotty, but the memories were plentiful!   

A teeny-tiny peek at the fun...

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean

Steve and I snuck south of the border for a few days. Thanks for another lovely day, Puerto Vallarta...

A long weekend in Innsbrook...

We grabbed an AirBnb and slipped outside of the city limits to a cozy little a-frame chalet in Innsbrook for a few days of summer “fun in the sun”, before the boys go back to school.  A quick peek at the fun...

If you have never been to Innsbrook and seek a little nature refuge, sites like AirBnb offer terrific weekend getaways without the commitment of buying in the gated community.  From  dozens of hiking trails, beaches, and lakes to plentiful community amenities like a pool, gym, golf course, and a restaurant... Innsbrook is the ultimate area HIDDEN GEM for nature lovers.

Hidden Gem: The Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Steve and I recently snuck away to Hot Springs, Arkansas for a few days to celebrate his birthday with lake play, mineral bath spa time, and quality relaxation...  

If you have never been to Hot Springs, it is a magical destination nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, where soothing thermal mineral waters bubble from the earth at 143 degrees...

As a result,the area is home to some of the finest and most abundant quartz mines in the world...

While our entire Hot Springs adventure was weekender perfection, we did find ourselves at a spot that I would deem to be an absolute must-see for any nature lover/architecture buff who finds themselves in the area.  Hence, had to share!

Nestled in a dense woodland garden on the banks of Lake Hamilton... 

... sits a magical glass chapel that perfectly marries the beauty of nature, architecture, and design.  Constructed of native material and boasting floor to ceiling glass panels that soar 57 feet (6 stories) in to the treetops, it is a religious experience despite your affiliation. 

We were lucky enough to have 15 minutes alone here. We laid on our backs in silence on the altar and gazed through the open-rafter ceiling panels. Nature furiously bustles around you, 360 degrees, as you meditate in silence. Magical place, unforgettable moment.  Had to share.✨

Nitty Gritty:

The Anthony Chapel in the Garvan Gardens
550 Arkridge Rd,
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913

Phone: (501) 262-9608

WEB: http://www.garvangardens.org/the_gardens/anthony-chapel-complex/anthony-chapel.aspx 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/garvangardenschapel/

Off the beaten path in Innsbrook...

In the continued Nenonen pursuit for a little place of our own tucked in the woods, I had the pleasure of touring rustic a-frame chalets in the lovely Innsbrook Resort today.

So quiet, so peaceful, so lovely...

In a cabin in the woods...

I slipped outside of the city for a couple of days of quiet reflection, figuratively and quite literally off the lake outside of my cabin. Hello, Thursday...

... had to share.🌲

Spring Break in Denver, Colorado...

A weekend in Chicago: Art, Architecture, and Anniversary fun!

If you follow me on Instagram, you are aware that my husband recently surprised me with a long weekend trip to Chicago to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary...  

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NOTE: Despite numerous trips to Chicago over the years, we have never taken the Amtrak. What an incredible alternative to driving and flying?!  The ride was comfortable, scenic, and oh so EASY.  Once in the city, Uber was a dream.  Highly recommend.

Blessed with a gorgeous and unseasonably warm forecast...

...an Executive level room at the historic Palmer House, circa 1875...

... and sought-after tickets to Hamilton ...

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 ... it truly was a weekend to remember!  Yes, Hamilton lives up to the hype.  It was incredible.

We enjoyed the sights under blue sunny skies...

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Shared a number of memorable meals...

Soaked in the historic architecture...

 ... and shared many lazy hours at the museums...

 Steve certainly knows how to make a girl feel appreciated and loved, not just this weekend but every single day.  I am so fortunate. 🎔

While the entire weekend was perfection, one of the highlights for me was an afternoon in Oak Park...

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If you have read my blog for awhile, you know my love for historic homes and my affinity towards local real estate when I travel. That being said, however, I have a pronounced connection with Frank Lloyd Wright homes and always have.  The fact is, I am the daughter of two FLW aficionados. I grew up touring his properties and enjoying books of his work, which sat on the coffee table of my childhood home.

Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959, was the ultimate trailblazer in American architecture.  I have toured HUNDREDS of late 19th century homes over 15+ years as a Realtor and none of them aesthetically compare to a FLW home. His design was way before its time-  clean, seamless, practical, thought out, and purposeful.  I highly recommend reading "Loving Frank" for a closer peek into the his life and work. Entertaining read about a very complicated yet brilliant man.

Personally, I have always been drawn to the symmetry, simplicity, utility (genius built-ins), and organic nature of his design. Wright strived to have the interior and exterior of a home interact with one another to create a harmony of space and nature, achieved by the use of angles and intricate stained glass.  The end result? Clean and bold geometric design drenched in painted natural light.  Truly glorious!

Per the video above, the property in Oak Park is significant as it is the VERY first home that he built and is essentially where his career began .  While the property is not as pristine and original as many of the other FLW homes I have toured, it is no less important.  In fact, Steve and I found it interesting that MANY of the features of this home are key elements in most of the FLW designs to follow, like the signature fireplace nook.

This property uniquely offers a $5 press pass, allowing me to share photos with my blog.   Um, yes please.  Without further ado, here is teeny peek inside the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio through my eyes, friends.

The residential home:

The attached work studio:

There are many spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Chicago area.  I highly recommend touring one (or more) the next time that you are in the area!  Regardless, I had to share.

Thank you for a wonderful getaway, Chicago...

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Happy Anniversary and THANK you for the weekend of a lifetime, Steve!

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