Explore River Views And Historic Stone Castle

Creativity and perfomance built the fortune that resulted in this stone castle in Connecticut. Hours can be spent walking the quiet trails that lead to a former train tunnel, wooden bridges, and other details of the historic estate that is now a state park.

Custom interiors, quirky and beloved - the person who called this into being was Connecticut actor William Gillette, whose 30 years of performances indelibly fixed in the mind's eye his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. For a story about his career, see this link.

Gillette Castle State Park is free; a small fee is charged in season to tour the inside of the castle (well worth the price). The river views are stunning from the back porch overlook. Visit the state parks web site or call ahead to be sure the castle is open. The park is open all year unless snow makes road impassable.

Mark Twain, Life and Times Celebrated

Next year, 2010, marks the centennial of Mark Twain's death (Samuel Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri Nov. 30, 1835.) Around the country plans are starting for events and celebrations around the author.

Windham Fabrics, a family-run business in New Jersey, has based a collection of fabrics on Mark Twain's life and decorative arts contained in his home in Hartford.

Working with The Mark Twain House & Museum, the fabrics are inspired by artifacts and the museum collection, a hand written manuscript and illustrations from early editions of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

For more information visit www.baumtextile.com. A store locator listing is online.