wine

Wichita, Kansas: Experience the City Like a Local

July 12, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Visit Wichita sponsored this post, however all opinions and photographs are my own.

What better way to celebrate Wichita’s 150th birthday than by experiencing it like a local? Whether you visit a museum, winery, or take a historic downtown walk, each destination will provide you an authentic experience of Wichita, Kansas.

I’ve included a number of places that I think you’ll love! For bonus ideas, head over to Visit Wichita’s page for 150 ways to celebrate the city I call home.

FOOD AND DRINK

JENNY DAWN CELLARS

When in Wichita, make your way to the city’s first and only urban winery, Jenny Dawn Cellars located in historic Union Station (703 E. Douglas, Suite 180) for a glass of wine, or better yet, a wine flight! Owned by Kansas State University grad, a certified sommelier and winemaker, Jenny McDonald launched the winery in 2016 after years of honing her craft. Visitors to the tasting room can expect a lesson in wineucation as they sip on award-winning wine—a win-win.

Thanks to her extensive research in Napa Valley, and her partnership with grape growers in California and Kansas, McDonald brings the best in handcrafted wines to Wichita. Jenny Dawn Cellars began from McDonald’s unrelenting passion to make and serve first-class wines that easily competes with any nationally recognized brand in concept and quality.

During our visit, we enjoyed two separate wine flights ($15) to enjoy as many selections as possible. Jenny Dawn Cellars serves 2oz pours of each wine along with a slate board of four artisanal cheeses ranging from cheddar to goat cheese imported from Denmark. I highly recommend the Traditional Flight, which appealed to my love of dry wines and included four options from white to red. We also appreciated the Rosé and Trains Flight, a journey of semi-sweet wines.

Wine drinkers from the area love Union Station, a 2019 Chardonnay from Kansas, that is light bodied with a smooth finish. Show your Wichita pride by sipping on sweet wines, Wichita Passion or Wichita Moment.

A bottle of wine sells for $19.99-$49.99 depending on the selection and they can be purchased by the case. If you’re someone who prefers something other than vino during your visit, the winery also serves beer ($5-6). Ask about the charcuterie and dessert plate options to complement your wine of choice.

If you’re unable to make the trip to the winery, you can purchase Jenny Dawn Cellars wines at liquor stores across Wichita, the Kansas City market, as well as several in Kansas towns. Visit the Jenny Dawn Cellars online store to have bottles shipped to your door (she ships to 37 states!).

The tasting room is closed Mondays and Tuesday, so plan your visit by viewing the operating hours here.

THE POURHOUSE

Within walking distance of Jenny Dawn Cellars sits The PourHouse (711 E Douglas Ave) restaurant and tap house. They serve exclusively Walnut River Brewing Company’s craft beers. The PourHouse is the brainchild of WRB’s owners who wanted to make their beer more accessible to the Wichita community since they’re home base is located 30 minutes away in El Dorado, Kansas. An amazing thing happens when hobby home brewers relentlessly work on recipes until they’re perfected. You’ll love sipping on suds at The PourHouse!

Visitors to The PourHouse will discover at least 12 beers on tap, and the restaurant serves quality food, or what I refer to as gastropub dining. I can recommend many items from the menu from appetizers like the Charcuterie Board ($16) and Fried Cheese Curds ($11) to the Cobb Salad ($13), a hearty portion ideal for lunch. Diners like myself will appreciate that all of their salad dressings and most condiments are made from scratch. We devoured the charcuterie board, which could have easily served 3-4 people. All of it was delightful, but I’m still dreaming about the bacon jam.

Some of my favorite beers on tap include the Falconer’s Wheat and Teter Rock Kölsch, although another one of their flagship beers is quite popular, Warbeard Irish Red. I recommend asking about their specialty beer, Carmine, an American Wheat Ale aged in red wine barrels now available in limited quantities. Brewing beer is an art form, and Walnut River Brewing Company is definitely skilled at their craft. They make beer you want to drink.

The PourHouse is closed Mondays. Check their hours via their Facebook page here. (Love to visit breweries? Check out my post about WRB in El Dorado here.)

THIRD PLACE BREWERY

Continue the craft beer tour by heading over to another independently owned and operated business, Third Place Brewing (630 E Douglas Ave #150). A cozy space to gather with friends or make new ones, we appreciate that locals and tourists alike love the laid back atmosphere. Although we’ve always enjoyed drinking a pint indoors, they also have an outdoor seating area east of the building where you can often find local bands playing.

Red Headed Stranger is a popular beer selection amongst locals, but I’d encourage you to try one or more of their rotating taps. I appreciated drinking Danke Schön (Berliner Weisse) as well. Note: If you visit before July 21 and mention #CelebrateWichita150, you’ll get $2 off your second pint (per person).

A trip to the taproom is always an experience! We met a nice couple who was visiting from Kansas City just to try our city’s breweries. Excitedly, I welcomed the chance to tell them about our city and thank them for supporting our local economy. We swapped brewery tour stories and shared our favorite bands with one another as the conversation turned to topics of missed summer concerts and nostalgic vacations.

Third Place Brewery is located directly across Douglas Avenue from the new Naftzger Park, an outdoor entertainment venue, park, and commercial retail space.

PEACE LOVE & PIE

No adventure downtown is complete without a stop at Peace Love & Pie (645 E. Douglass, Suite 104) adjacent to Naftzger Park. More than a pie shop, the eatery is the dose of nostalgic comfort that we all crave. What I love about Peace Love & Pie is that they consider eating pie to be an experience that conjures up feel-good vibes or as they say, “Pie happens. Enjoy the journey.”

The shop offers mouthwatering pie by the slice ($5), and if you want to order a whole pie, you can reserve one in advance for pickup. During my visit, I had the hard decision of deciding on which one of six seasonal summer pies that I wanted to try. They all looked so delectable!

I devoured a warm slice of Triple Berry made with blackberries, blueberries and raspberries topped with dried lavender bud streusel crumb. Upon first bite, the lavender’s floral flavor came right through, a welcomed delight. One might think that coffee (they serve a local favorite, Reverie Roasters) or milk would be the perfect complement to a slice, but I opted for a glass of wine with mine. They match each available pie with a wine, making the tasting experience a true journey of flavors.

The entire menu is authentic. They make every recipe from scratch. Other menu options include Pie Shakes ($6), Pie-Faits, Franken Pie (a pie designed with seven of your favorite slice selections, $30), Pie à la Mode (+$2), Pie-Fries (think fries but made with baked pie crust), and specialty coffees and teas.

Whether you’re enjoying a day at Naftzger Park or looking for a place to enjoy a locally made dessert, Peace Love & Pie is a must-stop! Don’t miss their HapPie Hour Sunday and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm when slices are $4, Franken Pies are only $20.

Shop Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am – 6pm. You can also find Clementine, their pie van, serving slices to happy diners at Bradley Fair. Find the pie van by visiting this link.

AUGUSTINO BREWING COMPANY

But wait! The brewery tour doesn’t end yet! Hop in the car and head west from the downtown district to Augustino Brewing Company, 756 N. Tyler Rd. There, you find locally produced beers and a tasty, bbq restaurant The Angry Elephant.

During our visit, Augustino had four of their flagship beers on tap including a Blonde Ale, Wheat Ale, IPA, Nut Brown Ale, and Coffee Porter. You can expect to find several more speciality beers on the menu. Of course, I sampled a few before ordering a signature series selection, Chad’s Hibiscus Saison ($6.25), a summery-sweet craft beer that I enjoyed enough to order twice.

Depending on the night, you might catch a live band playing in the tap room. Check the event listings via their Facebook page here.

The Angry Elephant was voted #5 Best BBQ in Kansas by USA Today in 2019. The servings are large and the flavor is big or what I call a “flavor bomb.” Owner Sanitago Munoz’s menu is loaded with delicious smoke bbq sandwiches and the heaping appetizers, like the loaded nachos below, are more of a meal than a starter. Have a sweet tooth? You will want to save room for towering desserts. Dining with the family? Stop in for dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and order an adult entree and kids eat free.

The brewery and restaurant is closed Mondays. View the hours here.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

WICHITA HISTORY WALK

Do you love learning about local history when you travel? Use the PocketSights app to listen to the story of downtown Wichita created by The Wichita Library! The free app connects to your location for a self-guided tour of the area’s buildings and parks allowing you to take a stroll while learning the significance of historic places. Each site on the app’s tour includes images and an audio narration.

You can also use the app in the East Douglas area, Delano District, or while on a walking tour of Old Cowtown Museum.

As a native Wichitan, I was amazed at how much I didn’t know about the buildings that I’ve passed hundreds of times. For example, I didn’t realize that the Delano District was originally known as a town called Elgin and was considered to be a rowdy wild west town and home to artists and innovators. When wild cowboys would get injured or shot, they were taken to a hospital at the intersection of Douglas and Seneca, now occupied by a QuikTrip gas station.

The app also gives you the option to take a photo in real time and upload it to the historic page you’re listening about in the app. Mind blown! You’ll love exploring Wichita’s neighborhoods while learning the city’s past. Download the PocketSites app here.

GREAT PLAINS TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

If you glance up while walking along the Downtown Historic Walk on Douglas Avenue near the Union Station, you’ll spot the Great Plains Transportation Museum with many trains on display.

Opened to the public in 1986, train enthusiasts come from all over to learn the history of trains and view them first-hand. A lover of trains since my grandpa worked for Frisco Railroad, I jumped at the chance to tour the train cars. Did you know that railroaders were the settlers of the west? Steam railway replaced travel by stagecoach in the mid-1800s, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Trains made travel readily available from Kansas City to Lawrence in 1864. Within 20 years there were 8,000 miles of track in Kansas. A branch of the Santa Fe Railroad expanded to Wichita and the town “busted wide open.”

Today, the museum displays steam locomotives, meticulously restored train cars, railroad equipment, and the indoor exhibits showcase prints and artifacts.

The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays during these hours. Stay tuned to their Facebook page about upcoming events they host including the Great Plains Trains and Toy Trains Celebration, Railfest, and Final Friday art crawl.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a road trip or flight into Wichita (we have a new and improved airport!) to experience a city that’s pride is on display for you to discover. I encourage you to talk to small business owners or strike up a conversation with a local. We’re inclined to brag about our city because we’re proud of its history and vitality.

To discover more ways to experience the city like a local for #CelebrateWichita150, check out Visit Wichita’s list of 150 things to do. Have a delightful visit!

Do you have questions about Wichita? I’d love to help you navigate your visit. Comment below or email me at info@onedelightfullife.com. For more highlights of Wichita, follow One Delightful Life on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Things to Do in Corning, New York

January 13, 2019 by Vanessa 15 Comments

Corning, New York’s downtown area reminds me of one of those quaint towns used as a backdrop to a Hallmark holiday movie. Known as the Gaffer District, the picturesque area is lined with small boutiques, unique restaurants and independently owned businesses along Market Street. I love the town for its charm but more importantly because it’s walkability – you can stroll up and down the streets and shop the historic district until your heart’s content. I would know – I visit Corning twice a year!

The Upstate New York town is built around a clock tower, an eye-catching stone pillar erected in 1883 by Erastus Corning. The town’s history can also be seen its turn of the century architecture and narrow alleyways. During the summer, the district is adorned by hanging flower baskets and visitors often find themselves sipping craft beer or coffee on outdoor patios. When winter arrives, Centerway Square attracts families who bring their children to visit Santa and enjoy the enormous holiday tree.

So, how could you spend your time in Corning? Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire weekend, there is so much to explore! (Scheduled Market Street entertainment depends on the season so be sure to check with the Corning’s Gaffer District page). I know that you’re going to love your visit to one of my all-time favorite towns and what HuffingtonPost.com called “11 of America’s Best Small Towns, Perfect for a Long Weekend Trip.”

SHOPPING

The Gaffer District has well over 50 places to shop ranging from gift shops that carry one-of-a-kind items to brand name clothing at discount stores such as Bass Factory Outlet or Van Heusen Factory Outlet. I love shopping in Corning because each store has something that appeals to me or would make the ideal gift for someone else. Whether you’re on the hunt for new clothes or colorful glass vase (Corning, New York is the home of the Corning Glass Museum), you will leave Market Street with a gem of a gift!

To view a complete list of stores, view here.

DINING

I don’t know about you, but when I go shopping I build up an appetite! Thankfully, the restaurants on Market Street are amazing! Some of my must-stop favorites include Aniello’s Pizzeria (order a New York style slice of pie or a bubbly hot sub sandwich) or Market Street Brewing for a cold craft beer and a Black and Bleu Burger. During our last trip, I went to Carey’s Brew House for a cold one and next door to Capn’ Morgan’s Sports Bar & Grill for the most delicious hot wings. When visiting Market Street, you have more options than you can imagine for dining from reservation only dinner restaurants to whimsical ice cream shops. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Dippity Do Dahs for ice cream or The Source at Factory No. 2 for locally-made, artisan chocolates and a coffee.

To view a complete list of restaurants, click here.

MUSEUMS

When in Corning, you have two options for visiting museums and I’ve experienced both so I can recommend each one: The Corning Glass Museum and The Rockwell Museum.

People travel from across the country to see live glass blowing demonstrations at The Corning Glass Museum and walk the gallery to see their exhibitions. Corning, aka “The Crystal City” is known as the premier city for glass production and glasscutting because of Steuben Glass, which became part of Corning Glass Works in 1919. Look at your glass measuring cups in your kitchen or dishware. They may be from Corning Glass Works!

The Rockwell Museum houses artwork featuring the great American West. In addition, the museum showcases a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures and landscape paintings. Traveling with your family? This is a great stop to enjoy kid-friendly spaces for learning.

AWARDS

Voted “America’s Best Small Towns for Christmas” by CountryLiving.com, Corning has also earned recognition from TripAdvisor.com for “2016 Certificate of Excellence” and “Top 100 Events in North America – GlassFest” by the American Bus Association.

After speaking to a Visitor’s Center employee, I learned that there are a multitude of events including wine festivals. Corning is part of the Finger Lakes region, which is home to over 100 wineries! Plan your visit. You shouldn’t leave the region without planning a wine tour.

There you have it! I hope that you found this post a helpful resource for planning your trip to Corning, New York! I continue to find new stores and restaurants to try when I return twice a year. Without a doubt, visiting this little historical town will surprise you with its shopping, dining and museum options. Don’t forget to tell me what you enjoy most about traveling to Upstate New York in the comments below!

4 Ways to Set the Mood for Fall

September 15, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

If there are sure-fire things that remind me of fall, I’d have to say they are: autumnal home decor, pumpkin anything, spiked apple-flavored cocktails, and yummy game day foods! How about you? What says “fall” to you?

Depending on where you live, the weather may not feel like fall even if it is mid-September. Sometimes it’s still hot (upper 90s here in Kansas) in September! After using my list of 4 Ways to Set The Mood for Fall, you’re sure to come around to my way of thinking.

It’s Fall Y’all: Decorate Your Home DIY Style

Look around your home. Pull out all of your gold, yellow, reds, and white dishes and decorative items. Then, combine them with a few purchased store-bought decorative items and let your creativity run wild! Don’t forget to check your pantry for dried beans, grains or whole fruits in the same color palette! Even a pile of oranges in a bowl or towers of yellow or brown dried pasta in clear jars can say “fall” to when added to your seasonal kitchen decor.

Want to see how I decorated using a items I already had plus purchased ones? Get inspired (and learn how to paint plastic pumpkins!) >> Click here.

See that cute white pumpkin? I bought super cheap at a craft store and simply painted it white!

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

Why not keep with the autumnal-theme party going by making my Crisp Fall Day Cocktail that is BIG on apple flavor?! Thanks to the cider and flavored liqueur – it’s applicioius! Partial to Louisburg Apple Cider since it’s located in my beautiful home state of Kansas, you can use any brand. This cocktail is super simple to make and doesn’t require fancy bartender tools either.

Tip: This cocktail can also be made into a large batch if you need to serve a crowd at Thanksgiving (just multiply its ingredients). Don’t forget to add a pretty straw to each glass before serving!

If serving cocktails at a fall party, remember to add decorative items to your drink station.

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers with Gorgonzola and Buffalo Sauce

If the weekend’s ball game is on, I’m eating tailgating (totally NOT heathy) appetizers like these spicy, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. We like to smoke our poppers on our Traeger using hickory or apple wood pellets, but you can easily grill these off until soft on a propane grill or even using a grill pan on the stove top. This recipe is over the top rich in flavor because of the cream cheese, bacon, and added buffalo sauce, so you’re going to want a ice cold beer or mocktail to wash it down.

If you want to really crisp up the bacon, smoke the poppers on the grill and finish them in the oven on broil for a couple of minutes.

Decadent Poached Pears Made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Some people may not be ready to let summer go just yet, so this recipe pleases everyone because it includes cold ice cream AND fall flavors like cinnamon, pear, and apple cider. Dinner guests are always impressed by this dessert since it looks like something you would find on a restaurant menu, and you’ll love it because it’s super simple. Preparing it is as easy as peeling the pears, simmering the liquid ingredients with the spices, and poaching the pears. Everyone loves this dessert!

When serving, pour a bit of the wine/apple cider reduction into a bowl, add a poached pear, two scoops of double vanilla ice cream, and a cinnamon stick to make it pretty.

Do I have you crushin’ on fall yet? :: wink :: I hope these posts help you to set the mood for fall in your home and give you fun recipe ideas to celebrate with friends whether you’re watching sports on TV or relaxing with a cocktail in front of the chiminea. I hope you have a fantastic fall! For a BONUS fall-themed post, check out my Salted Caramel Apple Martini recipe.

20 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself

January 8, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

So often I read articles about how to pay-it-forward and be kind to others, something you know I appreciate! However, we often neglect to be kind to ourselves. It’s like the airplane oxygen mask rule: put the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you can assist others. If we’re not healthy and not taking care of ourselves, then we can’t present the world the best version of ourself to aide others.

Why don’t we take time for ourselves?

It’s simple. We allow the world’s demands to distract us from turning the focus on ourselves. Of course, there are events in our lives that require us to act and live selflessly. That’s okay as long as we understand that life is a balance. At the end of the day, we are no good to anyone else if we have nothing left to give.

When I take time for myself to relax, to learn or to just be still — I’m a better person to those who I connect with in the world. So, when was the last time you took a hour to give back to yourself?

If you’re like me and often need a reminder to prioritize myself, here are 20 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself.

Take a long shower or enjoy a hot bath. Relax.
Prepare your favorite meal even if it’s not what others want to eat for dinner.
Use your vacation days from work. Americans don’t use provided vacation days, according to Forbes. Learn why.
Subscribe to a delivery service like Stitch Fix or order your household supplies from Amazon. Give yourself a break from shopping!
Go for the appetizer. You always turn down the restaurant server’s suggestion for a pre-meal bite. Stop denying yourself the queso!
Upgrade your shoe game or wardrobe.
Make an appointment for a massage or make-up application.
Read a self-help book or an inspirational story.
Meet a friend for lunch. Conversations with friends are a vital to understanding oneself.
Buy yourself flowers or a nice bottle of wine.
Meditate.
Go to bed an hour early every night for a week.
Eat a nourishing breakfast.
Yoga. Downward dog anyone?
Allow yourself free time for a hobby you’ve put on the back burner.
Try an at-home facial.
Gently rub your temples.
Eliminate the feeling of being rushed in the morning before work. Pack your lunch the night before.
Dedicate one evening every week to watching your favorite show or movie.
Get a babysitter and take yourself on a date.

How have you taken time for yourself recently? Tell me in the comments section below!

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

September 30, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

I didn’t want to make the typical fall dessert. You know the kind. Pumpkin Pie. Caramel Brownies. Nope! I wanted to make something fresh, comforting, and over the top delicious. My Decadent Poached Pears made with cabernet and apple cider is the quintessential fall dessert.

Made with 19 Crimes Cabernet and Louisburg Mill Apple Cider, this recipe for Decadent Poached Pears takes a new twist on the typical poached pear recipe. Instead of adding orange juice, I used my favorite autumnal beverage, apple cider, which gives the pear glaze its rich flavor.

First, clean two red pears. Using a paring knife, remove the skin of each pear. Do not remove the stem. Slice the bottom of each pear off so it sits flat on the cutting board.

Second, add the cabernet, apple, cider, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon stick to a small stovetop pot.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat. Stir frequently.

Third, add the prepped pears to the pot. The heat should be turned to low right now.

This is what the pears look like before you spoon the liquid over them.

Spoon the liquid over the pears several times. Allow to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, lay each pear on its side and spoon more liquid over it. Set a time for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, repeat the process turning the pears to their other side. Repeat this process for a total of 20 minutes are until the pears are tender.

Fourth, remove the steamed pears (they should be tender when pierced with a toothpick or spoon) and place them in a wide bowl.

Fifth, remove the cinnamon stick from the liquid. Increase the heat back to the high setting to bring the liquid to a boil stirring constantly for five minutes until it thickens to glaze. Remove from heat.

Lastly, spoon cabernet glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

One Delightful Life

2 pears

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Impress holiday guests with this seasonal dessert that promises to wow a crowd and is super easy to prepare.

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

45 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

2 peeled, whole red pears
1 c. cabernet
1/8 c. sugar
1/4 c. apple cider
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

Using a small paring knife to peel the pear but leave the stem.
Slide off the bottom of each pair so it sits evenly.
Over medium heat combine the cabernet, sugar, and apple cider and stir frequently.
Reduce to a simmer.
Place the apples into the pot sitting on their base.
Add the cinnamon stick to the pot.
Spoon the cabernet liquid over all sides of each pear. Set a timer for five minutes.
After the five minutes expire, put the apples on their sides and spoon more of the cabernet liquid over them. Set a time for five minutes.
Repeat these five minute intervals two to three more times always rotating the pears each time to guarantee that the color covers the pear evenly.
Check the pears for softness after about 20 minutes of rotation intervals.
Remove the pears and allow them to cool in a wide bowl.
Remove the cinnamon stick.
Bring the heat of the pot back up to medium high and stir the cabernet liquid continuously until the liquid thickens to a glaze (approximately 10-15 minutes).
Pour the finished glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can substitute orange juice for apple cider if you prefer a citrus flavor note.

https://onedelightfullife.com/decadent-poached-pears-made-cabernet-apple-cider/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

601 cal

Carbs

174 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Garden House Showcase: A Special Place for Mom

April 18, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

My mom is quite talented at a lot of things. When guests come over she rolls out the red carpet with the some of the most delicious meals. Even if you’ve dropped by the house mid-day, she’ll serve you a delicious cheese and fruit platter and pour you a glass of Chardonnay. Yea, she’s that kind of hostess.

But don’t be surprised if you knock on the door and she doesn’t answer. She’s most likely outside in her custom built garden house doing what she does best…gardening. Make no mistake. This is no She Shed. She refuses to let people label it as such. This is a real-deal garden house where she spends time cultivating her craft – making her gardens flourish. Whether she is sitting in the screened in porch chair reading about rose bushes or potting plants in the stainless steel sink, her green thumb is at work.

Located behind my parent’s home, mom’s garden house often entices strangers driving by to stop and ask to see it.

It seems only fair that my step-dad, who has his own woodworking shop, would build a garden house for her, right? The 8’x12′ house (not including the 5’x12′ screened in porch) includes the same amenities that any home would have including running water and electricity. During the winter it houses plants she wants to keep alive from the outdoor elements and during the summer the sun beams in on oversized house plants.

I recognize quite a bit of my mom’s style in her garden house’s design from the upcycled screen door to the ceiling light fixture that she held on to for years until this house was built.

Mom’s garden house is an extension of her own home. The interior’s neutral colors, off-set by the bright white counter tops and trimmed windows, includes various green hues from decorative additions and dark black metal pieces. Having collected many of the sitabouts over time, she decorates in a style more sophisticated than rustic farmhouse but less stuffy than classic traditional. She has an eclectic sense of design style that is uniquely her own.

Once inside the screened in porch, glass French doors remain welcome you into a spacious window lit space.

Muted green wicker chairs flank both sides of the screened in porch to the east and the west.

When not busy nurturing plants, she uses the garden house as a quiet refuge to read or just watch her many bird feeders in the yard over a glass of wine. When friends visit on occasion, like her Bunco gal pals, it serves as a getaway space to venture to between games for a quick tour. You can hear the women audibly dote over each detail of the garden house. They want one too. Who wouldn’t?

A serious gardner needs a space to pour over the details found in gardening books. Always the humble student, my mom enjoys learning why some plants and flowers flourish and how she can attract or eliminate insects.

Mom’s appreciation of nature goes back as far as I can remember.

“It (gardening) feeds my soul in a way nothing else does. I’m connected to plants in new says every year,” she said recently.

My childhood was spent watching her in the yard with her hands in the dirt on weekends. After coming home from school we would drag around the hose to water thick, layered flower beds of all colors and varieties. Sunflowers towered over our heads and wildflowers nestled at our feet. She would tell me about butterflies that she adored and the grasshoppers that broke her heart.

Today, she still sees beauty in the colors of delicate flowers and enjoys the harvest of a vegetable or herb garden. Her accepted challenge each year is to learn about the needs of plant placement in her landscape while always attempting to attract birds, bees, and insects.

Antique pottery and her favorite pieces adorn a shelf above the door inside the garden house.

The east side of the garden house exposes an area behind it where she also pots plants and flowers.

The wooden table on the right was her only potting station at our old house.

Gardening is not easy. She admits that the challenge is to find the balance between what she wants to plant and what nature will allow. Admittedly, she says there are more failures to learn every season and enough small successes to keep her happy.

I love spring and wish it lasted longer, she says.

It’s true. She smiles the most in the spring (with college basketball season in a close second place). When the weather begins to warm up and the days spring forward, she is more outdoors than she is indoors. I often call her to wish her a “Happy Spring” only for it to go to voicemail because she’s outside playing in the yard.

While I love the outdoors, I’m not a natural gardener. I struggle to keep plants alive. I either over or under water them. Completely forget about them. I never installed the proper drip system. Can a person’s “green thumb” be learned? Maybe I just wrote it off as “mom’s hobby.” I should have really paid more attention when helping her in the yard as a teen. Just last week I called her seeking advice about our sad rose bushes. Before I knew it, I was at her house on my hands and knees pruning her rose bushes while she used wood glue on the stem ends to prevent bores for invading them again. Glue? Who knew!

A rusty garden tool serves as a door knocker on the exterior of the garden house.

I’m “foodie” thanks to my mom’s love of cooking. In fact, many of her garden harvests end up in her recipes. Ripe tomatoes are the star ingredient in her homemade gazpacho, a cool treat during a blazing hot summer day. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme find their way into many of her savory recipes. This year she has decided to trade her tomato plants for perennials because it’s just less to have to worry about and each year perennials come back stronger when given the space to spread out.

I’ve have so much to learn from her wisdom about nature, about plants and birds. As I mentioned before, I’m at best a wannabe gardener. In fact, I’ve killed so many house plants over the years that if there is every going to be any hope for me, I’m going to have to spend more time with mom in the garden house. If you’re more like me, you’ll appreciate a post she helped me write last summer 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants You Can Leave While on Vacation.

But not every day can be spent gardening. Sometimes the body needs a day of rest between the hours spent digging in unforgiving soil and pulling weeds away from flowers. On these days, she takes time to let her body relax but we all know she is still thinking about her next outdoor project.

A water drip system was installed for her window boxes, which extends to the container pots near the garden house entrance.

What can we learn from mom’s garden house? Every woman, every person, needs a space to call their own. Where they can go to escape the chaos of the day and appreciate some quiet time or just enjoy their hobby.

What is it that brings you peace? What do you enjoy learning about most? Tell me in the comments section how you pursue your hobby or where you like to spend quiet time.