Needless to say, I and was thrilled to finally make my first formal visit.  Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by the knowledgeable, gracious and down to earth Mrs. Reagan, who enlightened me with facts about not only the Phillips House, but also, the history of Rockville Centre, the town within which it is located.  

With the passage of time, different homeowners, as well as changes and expansions in the town through the greater part of the 20th Century, The Phillips House grew into disrepair and was also situated in the wrong location, when in 1977, plans were being implemented to demolish the old beauty to make way for a parking lot.

​Thankfully, for the efforts of a handful of dedicated town residents, who fought hard to preserve the old, historic home, it was not demolished and instead, moved to its current location in 1977.   While the interior and built-in structures are original and remain in tact, the furnishings and accessories are all donations of items from the Victorian-era in which the house was inhabited by Captain Phillips’ family. Fortunately, for the town and visitors, the house was renovated and rededicated in October of 1995 by the Historical Society of Rockville Centre to the people of the town.

And a what a gift these visionaries have left for the town and for posterity!  I did not quite know what to expect as I searched for a parking spot and was more than thrilled (to say the least!) when I began walking around this charming former residence.  Mrs. Reagan started her enchanting tour in the Guest Parlor, filled with items that were typical of the time, including lovely period furniture and decorative items.  As we proceeded towards the back of the home, we made our way into the Family Parlor, with a beautiful couch and chairs, adorned with needlepointed imagery.

Both of these parlors still contained the original canal coal fireplaces, which would have been “state of the art” in its day, a “step up” from wood burning fireplaces, which required regularly chopping wood for the fire(s).

The kitchen, is perhaps one of the most fun rooms of all!  Not only will you find an old “ice box”, the predecessor of our modern day refrigerator, as well as a super cool stove that had the option for both coal burning (to give off more heat in the cold weather) and electric (for the summer), but a huge collection of kitchen gadgets for almost every use possible for cooking.
I learned all about the gadgets that were used for cooking and meal preparation, as at the time, food required much more at home prep than it does today.  Many of these items had the patent number engraved on them.

All of these items have been cataloged for the museum. This tedious job was the work of Christopher Mackey, a local boy scout working on his Eagle Scout badge, roughly 20 years ago.

The collection, which has been called the "finest collection of kitchen gadgets" originally belonged to Lillian Blumberg. In fact, so extensive is this collection, that its previous owner, Lillian Blumberg, was offered a great sum from Sotheby’s, but she decided instead to donate it to the museum.

​Making our way upstairs, I was all ears listening to every detailed word from Mrs. Reagan.  With two cameras in hand, I snapped away, took notes and studied everything in my midst.

The second floor was a good size, with plenty of light shining in from outside.  From the bedrooms to the large, central sitting area, were pieces of history all around on display.  Clothing and accessories from a gone-by era adorned the beds and furnishings.  A vintage wedding dress and shoes, which were so small that we pondered who could have possibly fit into them as well as an entire ladies’ grooming set, were highlights for me.

As the sole visitor at the time of my visit, I had Mrs. Reagan and her wealth of knowledge and historical stories to myself. I agreed to be draped with a ladies cape whose weight made clear why men needed to help a lady put it on in those days. 

Prominently located in a corner of the upstairs sitting was a vintage Victrola from 1882.  Requiring the use of a crank, the needles were originally bamboo (which were on display), which had subsequently been replaced with metal needles.

The rooms in this house were also clad with beautiful built in drawers, which I was told were built by Captain Phillips’ ship makers.  There was no indoor plumbing, so the “bathrooms” were the basins and chamber pots within the bedrooms - another interesting historical aspect of life during the 1800’s.  

Walking up further to the third  floor attic, I was enchanted to see the old fashioned "twisted chimney." When building chimney's during this period, the superstition was that a twisted chimney would prevent the evil spirits from entering the home. Builders would make the chimney straight on the exterior and "twisted" on the interior, like this one that is in the attic of The Phillips House Museum.

The exterior is beautifully maintained with historic markers as well as a piece of Rockville Centre history with an original wheel from one of three of the DeMott Mills in the town. 

The Phillips House Museum is truly a joy for the young and old! 
-Elisa

We gals just love Amazon!  The convenience of shopping online, the variety of products at great prices and quick delivery make Amazon a go-to resource for Travelin' Cousins.

I've taken 10 of my favorite "Under $10" items and compiled them here for you!!
​Happy Shopping!!!

-Elisa

Each product we feature is used by Elisa.  If you make a purchase using the links included we may earn commission, so thanks!

1. AmazonBasics Nylon Braided USB A to Lightning Compatible Cable
This cable is great and much stronger than the normal "non-braided" cords.  It is compatible with Apple with iPhone X / 8 Plus / 8 / 7 Plus / 7 / 6s Plus / 6s / 6 Plus / 6 / 5s / 5c / 5 / iPad Pro / iPad Air / Air 2 / iPad mini / mini 2 / mini 4 / iPad 4th gen / iPod Touch 5th gen / iPod nano 7th gen and Beats Pill+

This is one of Elisa's favorites!

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2. JETech Screen Protector for Apple iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus, 5.5-Inch, Tempered Glass Film, 2-Pack
Dropping one's phone is pretty inevitable and that is why a tempered glass film is an important and inexpensive investment to protect your phone's screen. 

3. Trader Joe's Organic Ginger and Turmeric Tea
The health benefits of both ginger and turmeric are plenty - get a daily dose of both of these with this organic tea.

4. Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Beauty Gift Set, 5 Travel Size Products - Deep Cleansing Cream, Hand Salve, Body Lotion, Foot Cream and Lip Balm
Easy for traveling and natural for using on your next trip.

5. Blueberry Pet Dog Car Seatbelt
If you love to take your fur baby for rides in the car as much as I do, you are concerned about their safety.  This seat belt attaches to your dog's collar or harness on one end and on the other end, attaches to the car seat safety latch to keep your pet safe.

6. YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set of 4 Waterproof Nylon With Zipper For Men & Women
Love, love love these.  Not only do these nylon shoe bags keep your footwear safe, but they prevent your shoes from touching your clothing and other packed items.

6. Travel Life Journal
Nothing is better than the written word when traveling.  I just love keeping a journal while traveling and writing down personal thoughts, feelings and inspirations.  

7. Live Your Dreams: Adult Coloring Book with Fun Inspirational Quotes
We all need to relax - coloring is so therapeutic no matter where you are.

8. Toulon Skin Firming Serum For Face, Neck & Decollete with All Natural Anti-Aging Minerals & Antioxidants

9. Kneipp Primrose Intensive Balm
This is by far my absolute favorite hand cream.  It's all vegan and botanical, contains no mineral oils, paraben, paraffin and sulfate free.

10. Travelambo Neck Wallet and Passport Holder Travel Wallet 
No more fumbling for your documents when going through security!  I have had this for years and cannot tell you how much I think this is a MUST-HAVE for any traveler!

What is it about hot air balloons that make them so magical and inspire excitement.  Well, for one, they are super cool looking, full of vibrant colors, cool images and even a variety of shapes!  I suppose, the fact that these massive and majestic hovering marvels make their way through the air, in what appears to be an effortless manner.  Whatever the reason, hot air ballooning is clearly a beloved spectator sport for which I cannot get enough.

Spending two days at the 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival, it was hard to keep my head out of clouds with all of the festivities at the  Dutchess County Fairgrounds, which hosted the event, making this year's balloon bash a 25-reason, memorable experience!

1. Hot Air Balloons are Just Plain Cool!!
Not much more to say than that!  To see a whole bunch of huge, colorful, hot air balloons up close is amazing!

2. Getting up at the crack of Dawn to watch a launch
While most of the world is still asleep, only a few adventurous souls get up super early to witness a balloon launch!

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3. Festive Hot Air Balloon Merchandise
With the Fairgrounds full of vendors of all types, there is a plethora of fun and useful hot air balloon-inspired merchandise from which to choose.

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4. Dutchess County Fairgrounds is a beautiful Venue
One of the nicest of its kind, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds is well laid out, organized, clean and expansive to enjoy all the festivities of a hot air balloon festival.

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5. A Salute to our American Veterans
The Warrior Wagon is the horse-drawn War Wagon which was created by Frank Castella, Sr. in order to honor our Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. A wonderful part of this festive event.

6. Rockin' Bandstand Entertainment
No shortage of music to create a lively atmosphere throughout the event!

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7. Hot and Sugary Zeppoles
If you are a fan of fried dough and Zeppoles, you will find some of the best here! Light, airy, not greasy and full of powdered sugary goodness!
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8. Family Friendly Fun & Games
Slides and bouncy house galore for the little ones to enjoy and stay busy, making the festival a perfect family destination.
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9. Rhinebeck Aerodrome Antique Airplane Fly-overs
Enjoy taking a step back in time to the early 20th Century, viewing the antique airplanes gracing the skies!
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10. Comfortable and Roomy Grandstand
For the perfect view of the Fairgrounds, Musical entertainment and of course, the Night Glow and Candlestick Glow, the Grandstand is the place to be. 
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11. Candlestick Glow at Night
A special treat for the first night of the 2018 festival due to winds too high for the planned Balloon Glow, it was an incredible sight.

12.  Patriotic and Big Band Music under the Night Sky
​from Aerophone 50-piece band
Did you know that Hudson Valley has an amazing community band?  Aerophone, a 50-piece band, under the direction of Richard Holod, who founded Aerophone in 2009 as another outlet for musicians who are passionate about band literature and want to enrich their playing experience by rehearsing and performing with others who share their enthusiasm. Listening to music under the stars is pure joy.

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13. The Historic Town of Rhinebeck
An exciting aspect of attending the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival, is that it takes place in the historic and quaint town of Rhinebeck, New York.  With a history over 300 years old, it is a mecca for art & culture, fine dining, casual bistros, and has been touted as one of America’s best Gourmet towns. Stroll the streets, browse the little boutiques and snap away at historic buildings such as the Rhinebeck Post Office, Beekman Arms, the oldest inn in America and Benner House.

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14. Cool, Crisp Country Air
Upstate New York is truly breathtaking, with its crisp, clean air and with hot air balloon launch time being first thing in the morning, that cool country air is a great way to start the day!


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15. The Excitement of Balloons Inflating
It's hard to imagine that these massive balloons are folded up and stored in bags, but they are!  And as the expert ballooners do their thing, getting ready for launch, as a visitor, you have the opportunity to stand as close as you want (without, of course, getting in the way of their set up), to see the whole process, from laying out the balloon to its inflation with the use of a propane burner, to an upright position, once fully inflated!
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16. The Sound of Hot Air Propane Burners
Being up close to these air floating wonders allows you to hear the fiery burning sound of the propane burners that supply the hot air that keep these giant balloons afloat.  The sound is very cool and almost eery but quite an experience to hear!

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17. A Great Weekend Road Trip
Only two and one-half hours from New York City and Long Island, Rhinebeck is a great destination any time, but with the chance to experience hot air balloons up close is a most memorable event around which to create an overnight or weekend visit.

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18. Great Photo Ops
It's hard to stop snapping away!  All the colors, different balloons, it is all one big photo op!
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Tethered Balloon Rides
If you are not up for the heights of a hot air balloon ride (or the cost, which can go well over $200 per person), a tethered balloon ride might be more your style.  Safely tethered to the ground, and at a cost of only $20, you can try your hand at hovering above the ground in the basket of a magnificent hot air balloon.

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20. Casual All The Way
No need for dressy clothes or fancy outfits. This is a casual and comfortable destination.
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21. Amazing Video Ops to Relive Over and Over - Candle Stick Glow
Photo ops are great but video ops are even better for reliving an experience over and over!
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22. Nearby Historical Sites 
A hop, skip and a jump away is beautiful Hyde Park, the former home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  This historical site has much to experience and combining a bit of history after the fun of hot air balloons really rounds out a visit to Dutchess County.

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​23.  Great Experience For Kids
No matter how much kids may balk at getting up early, seeing those hot air balloons will leave an impression on them for life!

24. Manageable Size
Having been to other hot air balloon festivals, this one is a manageable size for seeing and doing everything offered.  Although the Dutchess County Fairgrounds is expansive and large, the festival is quite intimate and has all the charm of a small-town America.

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25. It's An Annual Event
Not to fear - if you missed the festival this year, you can always catch it next year, in 2019 at the 28th Annual Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival!

One of my favorite things to do is taking half-day local excursions!  Getting out and on the road early, hitting a new sight and point of interest and always, always, enjoying a 'local' food experience.

My latest jaunt included both a historic destination and a tasty treat!  As a history buff, and a lover of the borough of the Bronx, I decided to visit Fort Schuyler in the Bronx. I cannot tell you how many times throughout my life, I have gone over the Throgs Neck Bridge, and yet, I had yet to visit this 19th century fortification and Maritime Industry Museum housed within.

Housed within the grounds of SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, Fort Schuyler and The Maritime Industry Museum are located on the Throgs Neck peninsula where the East River meets Long Island Sound.

The area is designated an Historic District, with The Fort having been a New York City Landmark since 1966 and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places, ten years later.

​The weather was absolutely glorious during my visit, perfect for enjoying the scenic views of the Long Island Sound and Throgs Neck Bridge. Engulfed in my surroundings of the natural waterway and the imposing man-made steel structure of the bridge, captivated by the sea air smell and delicate breeze, I snapped away, oblivious to the nearly 100-year old ominous stone structure that comprised the former military fort on the grounds. 

It's important to note, that when visiting any sight or destination, I always do some homework, so that i have am fortified (no pun intended) with basic knowledge and history.  So, of course, I was aware of a few facts going in...

* The location of the Fort Schuyler was strategically selected and positioned to protect New York City from naval attack through Long Island Sound.

* The purpose of the fort was to guard the eastern entrance to New York Harbor. 

* Situated on Throgs Neck, it lies on the southeastern tip of the Bronx, where the East River meets Long Island Sound. 
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* In combination with Fort Totten, which faces it on the opposite side of the river, their interlocking batteries created a bottle-neck of defenses against ships attempting to approach New York City.

The facts are pretty straight forward, but, what a difference the descriptive facts take on with an in-person visit. Accompanied by my fourteen year old daughter, we approached the fort's entrance and took it all in - the thick stone fortification walls, the cannons on the grounds, and of course, the areas that once housed the artillery battery. The fort is a pentagon-shaped edifice, with four of the five sides facing  the Long Island Sound.

​The Maritime Industry Museum is within what is called St. Mary's Pentagon, and was established in 1986 and is filled with a plethora of unique artifacts ranging from the Clipper Ship era to the present. The exhibitions are well-designed with a historical layout chock full of details and facts about the maritime industry, displayed chronologically, filled with paintings, early sailing vessels, turn of the 19th and 20th Century vessels up to present day.

With an extensive ship model collection it also serves as a significant depository of maritime industry books, periodicals, documents, papers, prints, photographs, and old steamship company records, as well as some interactive items including ship steering wheels, for those who want to feel like they are at the helm of a sea vessel, and navigational instruments of bygone days through the modern era.

I found myself staring and studying every detail of the impeccably crafted ship model reproductions meticulously scattered throughout the display halls.  So much care and attention to detail!  Most intriguingly to me was the circular staircase leading to the "lighthouse".  I attempted to climb to the very top (alone, as my daughter opted to stay below), but alas, I was disappointed (but not surprised) that the door was locked.  The walk up and down the spiral steps was, in any case, worth it!

Since the Maritime Industry Museum's  inception, it has received donations from steamship lines, related companies in the maritime industry, and private collectors, with hundreds of artifacts to add to the museum's collection. 

​Boasting one of the largest collections of maritime industry materials in the nation, the Museum's website states, "Today, the Maritime Industry Museum has over 2,000 items on display, and thousands of other items in its archives, which will be preserved for future generations."

What a great way to start the day!

Of course, no day outing would be complete without a foodie pitstop and some yummy goodness! So, after stimulating our intellectual curiosities, we headed north to Little Italy in the Belmont section of the Bronx (about a 10 minute ride), where we tantalized our tastebuds with a visit to DeLillo's Pastry Shop on 187th Street. 

​Seated in the cozy interior, we enjoyed a delightful cappuccino each, sharing a chocolate cannoli and tiramisu.  Perfect for a weekend morning trip, leaving us with plenty of time for an afternoon adventure!
-Elisa

For Your Reference

Fort Schuyler
SUNY Maritime College
 6 Pennyfield Ave, Bronx, NY 
Phone: (718) 409-7200
 www.sunymaritime.edu 

DeLillo Pastry Shop
610 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 
Phone: (718) 367-8198
www.delillopastryshop.com