Bristol

Bristol is famous for the magnificent sailing vessels produced there over the centuries.  The latest contestant for the 2021 America's Cup challenge is being built there now.  It was a must-see destination for both of us and didn't disappoint.  It is the sort of place you could spend months if not a lifetime.  We participated in local events and met some wonderful people.  We tried out local foods and people delighted in teaching us how to correctly say names and words we had read but never heard.  Our accents gave us away immediately and we had fun telling about why and how we were there.  Overall, one of our top spots we've visited.

Most of Bristol's waterfront area was old, really old.  I thought this house had a great way to
get more ventilation through the house during summer with the protruding windows.

Boat building can be very lucrative.  There were many such mansions
around town.  Despite their age, they were well maintained.

Sunsets were magical in the snug harbor.

One of the parks had this monument to Christopher Columbus.
Most sailors can appreciate his navigational accomplishment.

This imposing edifice is an elementary school.  It was a gift from
a prominent businessman.  Can you imagine how intimidating walking
up these steps would be to a 5 year old!

The hurricane of 1938 left its mark all over town.  This was before
the NWS started naming the storms.  Gauges like this were on several
of the waterfront buildings.

Bristol bills itself as the "Most patriotic city in the USA"  The streets
designated as the most historic or important were on streets stripe with the
red, white and blue lines.  Made it easy for tourists.

One of the pretty streetscapes in town.

This was medium-old house.  There were several much older ones.

This is a very large mansion on a hill.  Successful businessmen lived well.

Growing up in Texas, you learn about the notorious or famous (depending
on your view point) Judge Roy Bean from West Texas.  Not sure what he
had to do with Bristol but David said they had good beer.

This is the outside of the Bristol Maritime Center.  It was an old
armory and housed the welcome center, ferry tickets kiosk, showers
and laundry.

This is the inside of the maritime center,  You can see how munitions
could be stacked high inside.

A nicely restored old warehouse on the waterfront.  Now condos and shops.

Bristol does take its patriotism seriously.

One of the things we participated in was the annual Bristol Blessing of the Fleet.
We carry flags on board so it was easy to dress up the boat and you can't have
too many blessings or prayers!

The Herreshoff company (more on it later) was in Bristol and
many of its boats are still sailing the local water.  These are all
wooden boats so it takes some dedication to sail a piece of history.

Another school with an imposing facade!

The original output of colonial Bristol were large sailing ships so
this wind vane was appropriate for the area.

We thought this stone house was a former church based on it's center
window, but found it has always been a house.

Swans are all over the area but this was the first one that allowed me
to get it's picture.

One of the commemorative stones on a pathway honoring firefighters.

The pathway and park honoring firefighters.

One of several war monuments around town honoring veterans.