who says shoes don't grow on trees?

sneaker trees of lyndonville, new york

Have you ever seen a shoe tree? 

I hadn't until my husband took me to see one a few miles from our home. What a sight, dozens and dozens of shoes just dangling like fruits on a vine from not just one tree, but FOUR trees....

antique archaeology store in Nashville

Are you a fan of history channel's American Pickers show?  We are!

So when Bob and I traveled through Nashville a few months ago we just had to swing by and make a visit to their new store 'Antique Archaeology' in the old marathon building. Of course there was no sign of Frank or Mike or Danielle there, or that big famous cowboy boot, but one always hopes.

See some cool pics....

some history about the Roycroft campus

Around Roycroft Campus we found several plaques and monuments.  The sign below describes Elbert Hubbard as a writer, lecturer, philosopher, advertising innovator and author of the famous short story "A Message to Garcia".

sculpture of the roycroft renaissance mark.

peek inside the Roycroft art gallery

Framed arts & crafts prints and tiles galore can be found at the Roycroft
Campus...sure they are budget breaking but simply gorgeous!

so many to choose from....

treasures at the Roycroft campus

Strolling around the Roycroft campus I snapped a few pics of some of the beautiful artifacts and historical memorabilia. Here is a sampling of the amazing things we found....

A stunning arts & crafts lamp on a writing desk
with photos of Elbert Hubbard

master Roycroft artisan

we came across master roycroft artisan tom bojanowski working in the basement woodshop of the bindery building.  watching him work at his craft was awe-inspiring.  he gave us an informative little tour around the shop and showed us many of his current projects...such incredible work!
 

tom bojanowki at his work bench chiseling out an oak frame.

strolling around the roycroft campus

the furniture and book bindery shop built in 1904

After lunch at the Roycroft Inn, we then strolled around the beautiful campus grounds to see some of the many original stone buildings built by Elbert Hubbard's artisans & craftsman that he called the "roycrofters".  A few that we visited are the chapel, print shop, blacksmith and copper shop, furniture and book bindery shop. Take a look the quaint style of architecture...

our special lunch at the roycroft inn

Steeped in the arts & crafts tradition lies the Roycroft Campus, tucked away in the small quaint and pretty town of East Aurora, New York.   Bob and I spent a lovely afternoon there yesterday celebrating our wedding anniversary. While there, we had a lovely lunch in the Larkin Room inside the beautiful Roycroft Inn.  It was amazing to dine being surrounded by so much history and such beautiful turn of the century craftsman style decor.
See some pics....

a welcoming entrance with surrounding terrace and gardens