May 21: Carmine & Round Top

Until about 18 months ago, Deb and Matt operated a bed and breakfast out of their two-story Queen Anne style Victorian home. Then a busted pipe flooded the house while they were out of town, wreaking major damage. Since then they have been slowly and lovingly renovating, one room at a time.





Breakfast over, it was time to go exploring. So what is there to see out there in the middle of nowhere?

You have no idea!!

With no preamble whatsoever, Deb took me to the Round Top Festival Institute. My jaw was on the floor as I stood in the most incredible concert hall, claimed by many to be one of the five best in the world.





I was speechless. How did this come to be? How long has it been here? Why is this place here in the middle of cow fields? You can read a little of the Institute's history here.

There are many lovely buildings on the 200 acre campus, including a charming chapel.




Still in a daze, I was persuaded by Deb to let her photograph me on the grounds. I haven't been snapped by a professional since childhood! It was fun!



Then, after a beer and pizza at the Stone Cellar, a browse through Round Top's art galleries, and a quick visit to the world famous Royer's Café, it was time for a nap!

All too soon, it was wine o'clock. Ah, this is the life!