Picked Lily of the Vallies yesterday, to honor Duchess Deedles
It has definitely been more quiet around here than usual since the pandemic started. This time of year, till November, is when New Hope and the fair hamlets do most of their business. But most of the shops, antiques and vintage shops and such have been shuttered. Antiquing is a huge draw to this area also, and they too have taken a hit. Even the playhouse has cancelled their season till fall. But with phase one started, the shops are now open, but only very limited hours. During the first week, this week, many were closed or had partial hours still. We locals have been able to see through the wonderful eateries for take out. I try to pick a place weekly. This weekends will the problem, as tourist and outside folks mob the town. I heard last weekend was a complete and utter disaster. So we locals are glad to have the town back during the week. But that has never changed. When friends come, I urge them to come then, to experience it's true feeling, without the crowds and tourist, and enjoy the local experience. Yesterday when I visited my friend, I took a walk about and it was eerie quiet, I had the whole town to what seemed myself. Ghost town. I encountered three passerby. Sadly some business are closed permanently. I counted 8 empty store fronts.
In my 19 years of living here, I have never seen this town empty with exception to Hurricane Sandy hitting.
I couldn't help wonder if Ms Edith saw this pandemic coming?
I can't lie though, it was very peaceful.
He and his shadow!!!!
Even the little market was quiet, but I did get some great produce on the way home.
Off to the ASPCA now for more walking and dogs. There is also some new kitties coming in today.
Have a good one lambchops
Did I miss something about Deedles?????
ReplyDeleteShe has been under the weather lately and having a time of it, then had a slight accident in the house. she is on the mend and rest assure, she didn't have any methane explosions.
DeleteSend her my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
DeleteI just sent her an e-mail and an e-card.
DeleteI love lily of the valley -- it's so fragrant!
ReplyDeleteMe too Debs! One of my favorites. I have OODLES of it out front.
DeleteI love the pictures; such a quaint town.
ReplyDeleteOur little town is struggling, too. We have an annual steeplechase event in March which was canceled because of the virus.That even alone brought over 100,000 people to tour town of 8,000 every year and businesses boomed.
It was a hard hit. But many businesses are slowly coming back, and people are slowly coming out, and I will say that after going to the market this morning I noticed more people wearing masks than ever before.
Fingers are crossed.
I remember your post on that event in the past. Yes, I do see mask wearing here, so were pretty good with that. It's the people coming from other areas that aren't, which they neighbor us, so I can't figure it out.
DeleteOh! Those lilies of the valley are so beautiful. *sighs happily*
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of beautiful, I love the photos of your town. It's sad when businesses shut down. Maybe if our political situation changes some of them can reopen (even with new owners) and the town can regain some of it's lost luster. I hope so. xx
New Hope is a hardy little town, I'm sure we will persevere. I just hope your anniversary night was a good one for you both?
DeleteOur town reminds me of a mystery show called Midsomer Murders. Very pretty and picturesque. I see Buster...his shadow made me laugh. Loved these pictures. Having been to Philly, I think your area is my first favorite outside the city.
ReplyDeleteI've love show, and it does remind me of that, your right.
DeleteI LOVE that show too. I watch it every Friday night late.
DeleteVery inviting and sweet.
ReplyDeleteBestest to Buster from Abby.
take care, xoxo :-)
Pretty little town. Pic #2 and the one of the Carriage House could almost (bar for a few tiny details such as the blue postbox/bin(?)) have been taken in a village in Essex or Surrey... Jx
ReplyDeleteThat would make sense. When this area was settled...it was all brits.
DeleteSend my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Duchess Deedles. I have actually wondered about her absence.
ReplyDeleteI love Lily of the valley. I used to have hundreds growing under a hedge in the garden until I got 4 chickens and they ate them all. Roots and everything. The last chicken died earlier this year. I should get some more lily of the valley.
Your town looks so sorry and sad. Hopefully it will pick up in time.
Buster looks well. Xx
I swear, I think they triple from year to year too. I love there smell. Yes tis rather sad to see, but I think we'll perservere.
DeleteDoes look odd to not see people there, but it's still so charming and beautiful. I just adore New Hope. I hope they can find that good balance or opening and not being overtaken by dumb people. the town needs to come back, with out harm, Had no idea the playhouse cancelled their whole season.
ReplyDeleteThe produce!🤩😍🤩
Sounds like the weekends are the complete opposite! These places have to reopen slowly...otherwise we will be back to square one again. That Victorian Mansion is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBuster enjoying his walk!!!!
It's a bar and a bed and breakfast.
Deleteso many stupid people! I have never seen new hope that deserted. reminds me of the pix pearly gates sent you last time from p-town. empty streets are not pretty.
ReplyDeleteQuiet is good sometimes, but not all the time, otherwise it's almost like being in the Twilight Zone. And why is it tourists always seem to flock?
ReplyDeleteYou are such a kind soul. Enjoy the quiet while you can. Stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteThat Italiante Victorian took my breath away, so very Addams Family-esque! *Swooning* Such a quaint Hamlet, it reminds me of England actually. The eerie silence is rather unsettling even tho' it's Peaceful, it's like the Calm before a bad Storm hits. The shuttered Shops that shall never reopen makes me very Sad, so much will be Forever Lost.
ReplyDeleteFunny you mention the mansion. Out Halloween WigOut party was there three years ago. It was a blast.
DeleteI have only been to New Hope once...and your area does remind me of England. Seems very weird to see it so empty...buy I've seen that all over. Regardless, pretty pictures.
ReplyDeleteDifficult times indeed and who knows when and how it will end.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place you live in, That must be a comfort
and your Lily of the Valley would cheer any ones heart.
In time there will be a new flush of small shops and businesses. Looks wonderful, we need to go there, when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteIt’s awful the impact the pandemic has had p. The small businesses. And for those that were just starting it’s doubly tough. The SBA loan program needs an overhaul.
ReplyDeleteI am loving these post. Makes me remember my visit when i came there.
ReplyDelete