By Wendy Wood-Prince
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag
Winslow Homer. West Point, Prouts Neck, 1900.
As I ponder my travels over the last year, where to explore next is on my mind. The great thing about traveling is that it is always a new adventure—whether you have never been to a particular destination or you have been there 1,000 times—it’s one thing that makes traveling so addicting.
Winslow Homer Home and Studio in Prouts Neck, Maine
Winslow Homer Home and Studio.
One place that seems to beckon is Portland, Maine, and specifically the Winslow Homer Studio in Prouts Neck, Maine. Winslow Homer, arguably, one of America’s most renowned and talented painters, moved to Prouts Neck in 1883. His home and studio, perched just a few yards from the ocean, had a full-length balcony where he created many of his famous works. Transformed from a carriage house by John Calvin Stevens, a prominent Portland architect, Homer lived there from the 1880s until his death in 1910. The studio is a member of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program (HAHS) of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was purchased by the Portland Museum of Art in 2006 and restored to its original state.
The Winslow Homer Studio is only open to limited groups of 10 people at a time with a limited schedule. All tours depart and return to the Portland Museum of Art. For more information, visit portlandmuseum.org.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel
Photo courtesy of Monastero Santa Rosa.
Hotel Monastero.
The Hotel Monastero Santa Rosa re-opened in 2012 after an extensive renovation and has to be one of the most spectacular hotels anywhere. This hotel dominates the cliffside in the town of Conca dei Marini. This hotel was originally a 17th century monastery famous for the amazing pastries that the sisters who lived there created.
Hotel Monastero.
The Amalfi Coast.
With just 20 rooms, four levels of gardens and an infinity pool that looks down at the coast, this is a place to see. The hotel offers a full-service spa and has a daily shuttle to Amalfi. With exceptional service and staff available, there are a few special activities offered. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the hotel during a guided hike while you soak in some beautiful scenery or join Chef Christoph Bob in creating a meal after picking fresh produce from the hotel’s vegetable garden. The Spa features aromatic oils derived from local herbs. Visit monasterosantarosa.com for more details.
Tales from the Field
Bill Collins travels to Antarctica.
Currently, my nephew, Bill Collins, is on a trek to Antarctica, and I am excited that he will be sharing his trip and photos with Classic Chicago in January. I have enjoyed receiving updates and tales from his travels with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. From the whale and penguin sightings to crossing the nauseating Drake Passage, the tidbits he has been able to communicate have been fascinating and I look forward to hearing all of the tales from his adventure.
Photo courtesy of Bill Collins.
Serene beauty in Antarctica.
Photo courtesy of Bill Collins.
Penguins hop across the ice.
Wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year.
