Winter Walking Wonders
| Walking doesn't have to wait till Spring, and there are wonderful walks you can enjoy during your stay at Romancing the Past! One of my favorites is the "William Woods Walk." (Note: You'll need to ask your hosts for some snacks--but don't eat them--they're not for you!) And, depending on the weather, you'll want to bundle up! From the front door head out to the sidewalk and turn right. Walk all the way to the end of Court Street--you'll be facing a large white house across 10th Street. Turn left and proceed to the next stop sign. This is Nichols Street. Cross to the sidewalk and turn right on Nichols. Follow the sidewalk all the way to the bridge with the wooden walk. You won't see any trains when you cross, but you might see some playful squirrels or a lovely red cardinal. Continue over the bridge to the first crosswalk, at the entrance to William Woods University. Cross the walk to the right, and follow the sidewalk onto the campus. You'll see some wonderful old buildings around you, and depending on the time of day, you may get to hear the chimes from the chapel. Follow the sidewalk to the crosswalk which leads across the bridge over the pond on the left. Take this walk. Midway across this bridge you'll want to stop and pull out some of your snacks--either the crackers or bread crusts. You'll find some eager ducks, geese, and if you're VERY lucky, a lovely white swan, waiting for their treats! Spend as long as you like enjoying the view and the wildlife. When you're ready, cross the bridge and follow the walkway up the hill, but veer to the right at the top. You're going to take this path around the large red building in front of you, past the Kemper Center for the Arts, and all the way to the street, where a sign reads "Whoa." After you cross the street, you'll see why. Now comes the best part of this walk, and you'll want to have the rest of the snacks available. You're reached the riding stables, where several horses probably already have their heads out and are wondering if you have anything for them. Put the apple or carrot in the palm of your hand and let the horse take it. Don't get right under their neck, because some of them like to shake their heads up and down, and they might accidentally hit you. They're friendly, but some get a bit over zealous when it comes to eating treats!!! Please don't give them anything except the snacks--they have special diets and we don't want to make them sick! Enjoy the horses for as long as you like. When you're ready, you can either follow the road back--you'll recognize the turns--you haven't come that far! Or, you can go back by the pond and enjoy the ducks again. If you'd like you can also check out some photos of this walk. If you ask us, we'll have desserts and coffee or hot chocolate ready on your return! (Note: This is not an exercise walk! Smile!) While you're enjoying YOUR treats, you may want to check out your host's book, Walking Wonders, in our gift cabinet! |
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