Finally getting a chance to witness that part of our country where it took root.  Moved to New Hampshire recently to attend grad school and was pleasantly amazed by the overwhelming scenery everywhere.  They get their share of rain, and the snow season is approaching.  Right now we're going through the fall change of colors.  I've included a few pics as examples.  I'm getting a lot of inspiration for the next Villagescapes I do, especially the Harvest version.

Sunapee Village, New Hampshire

Inspiration for Villagescapes by Village Fantasies

The inspiration for our Villagescapes that this kind of scenery provides is spectacular. Our snowed in street in Arrowbear Lake

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Heartland Valley Water Mill is Back

Villagescape showing Heartland Valley Village Water Mill

It's back. We're so happy to see that Ace Hardware has contracted once again to carry the Heartland Valley Village Water Mill during the holiday season.  This was hard to find anywhere previously.  We have since painted the wheel of our only working model in a dark brown for a more realistic appearance.

You'd be hard-pressed to find another miniature mill anywhere that has a working wheel that uses real water.

Apple Season in Historic Oak Glen

The fall season hasn't officially arrived here in Southern California, nor the cooler temperatures that typically accompany it, but that's no reason for the arrival of the apple season to be held up in historic Oak Glen, nearby in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.  Things are in full swing with all of the local orchards and vendors offering a multitude of local apple varieties for sale, in addition to entertainment, great food, and fun away from the hectic pace of city life below.  If you haven't checked out what Oak Glen has to offer, it is well worth the trip.  

A Bit of History on Villages

Thought this was a pretty good article for those who just want a brief capsule of information on the history of villageing.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_village

A Tribute to Papa Ted and Famous Putz Collection

This is a great article that recently came out about Ted Althoff, otherwise known as Papa Ted in the world of villaging and collectible village pieces.  He has collected a very extensive ensemble of village houses known as Putz, and is a wonderful resource and knowledgeable authority on these older type of village houses. 

Check out his site for a nostalgic trip back in time to some of the early days of villaging.  http://www.papatedsplace.com/ 

Another 5 Great Traditions for Your Family During Christmas

We've added a new excerpt to our library of Christmas stories and articles at Villagescapes by Village Fantasies. Check out our stories page at http://villagefantasies.blogspot.com/p/article-library-by-village-fantasies.html 

Wonderland of Noble Firs on Display and Sale at Riley's Farm

A trip back in time to colonial America, a stimulating and invigorating experience that brings smiles and appreciation of a simpler time in our country's history.  At Riley's Farm in the historical Southern California apple town of Oak Glen, you can not only enjoy reenactments and hands on activities that hark back to our country's roots, but you can also buy #1 grade Noble Firs like these cheap, enjoy live music, fresh ground wheat bread, a tavern fireplace, and Adventures in the Old World? Make plans!

Linda and I at Riley's Farm-circa 2009(love that word 'circa', sounds so historical)

Thanksgiving Music Anyone??

We were just wondering if anyone had any favorite background music that they liked to listen to during the Thanskgiving holiday.  We yearly hear the Christmas tunes playing over the airwaves, but why aren't there any recognizable Thanksgiving tunes?

Apple Pie in Time for the Traditional Harvest Feast of Thanksgiving

It's time to get that apple pie ordered from Oak Glen in time for our Thanksgiving feast. But whose is the best? That is the question.  Nonetheless, need to get one ordered.

An Amazing Day in a Glorious Hillside Village

Linda and I spent a spectacular outing in one of our favorite locations today, the foothill apple village of Oak Glen here in Southern California at the base of the San Bernardino mountains.  I have been visiting Oak Glen with family since a young boy, and love it more with every adventure.  A great deal of my inspiration for our Villagescapes comes from visiting scenic locations like this.

Today, among our several stops of the day, was one to a new Bed and Breakfast that opened earlier this year, and the very first in Oak Glen, Serendipity Ranch Bed and Breakfast.   There we met the owners Bill and Nina, and were quick to tell them how happy we were to see their type of accomodations now being offered in Oak Glen.  The village atmosphere is perfect for their warm homestyle accomodations.  Surrounded by nature and wildlife in all its glory, we know we'll be back, and will pass the word on to family and friends.

I hope you check out their website, and pay them a visit for your own tour: Serendipity Ranch Bed and Breakfast

Great resource for Facts on Putz Christmas Villages

In case anyone is curious, you may want to check out this site for info on the traditional Putz villages that were originated by the Moravian culture that immigrated to the Pennsylvania area long ago.

http://www.victoriana.com/christmas/putz.htm

New Harvest Villagescape and Christmas Villagescape Photos to come

Stay tuned for some new photos and hopefully a video of our new Harvest Villagescape to welcome in the Harvest Thanksgiving season. Soon after we'll be unveiling some changes to our ever popular Christmas Village display, or I should say our Christmas Villagescape.

Thomas Kinkade Hawthorne Village collection

Anyone else incorporate the discontinued Thomas Kinkade Hawthorne Village pieces in their displays? Those are the Seaside Village and/or Lamplight Village pieces that are based on Mr. Kinkade's artwork of the same name. Wonderfully detailed and realistic collectibles that are actually my preference over Department 56, Lemax, and other collections. The detail is incredible, and even though made of resin(I believe), they are a denser product which prevents unwanted light from shining through the walls of the piece. It only comes through where you want it, the windows.

Thomas Kinkade's Windermere Church

Classic World War II era putz style village houses

Anyone have any of these World War II era vintage homes. Classics, and how must of us villagers got our start. I grew up every Christmas looking forward setting up our small display with several of these. Still have some, but unfortunately they're not in the same prime condition of old. 

Grand New England Bay in Store for Villagescape

We've gotten really great responses to our bay front for the early 19th Century New England villagescape, so we've decided some nice updates are in order. Stay tuned for great highlights.