Holiday House Tours of Olana

Check out the Persian-style home of Artist Fredrick Church, even in the dead of winter. Olana gives holiday tours right up until Christmas. Admission is $9/adult; $8/students and seniors and children 12 and under are free.

The visit includes a look at how the family spent the holiday at home. Hear oldest son Frederic Joseph's letter to Santa Claus to find out just what gifts the children wished for and hear what other family and visitors wrote about the experience.

A setting sun in late November casts an intense orange glow on the castle making it more magical than usual. I walked the grounds until nightfall and then drove to the town of Hudson for a stop at my favorite fine chocolate store. A blog entry on Vasilow's Confectionery shop soon.