Holiday Mart 2022

Holiday Mart 2022 has come to a close (it ran September 29-October 2 this year) and I am so proud of our entire committee for all the work that went into planning the show this year! We welcomed 100 amazing retailers back to Bartle Hall and had several new events including opening with our Exclusive Preview Party (featuring entertainment from Stage Right Performing Arts). Over the weekend we held our Friday evening Happy Hour, and Saturday Miller Marley performed. Sunday closed with a visit from Santa’s reindeer.

I’m so grateful to my amazing co-chair, Heather, for her partnership, leadership and friendship. I couldn’t have made it through the year without her! Thank you to everyone who came and shopped this year, I can’t wait to cheer on our Holiday Mart 2023 Co-Chairs, Halie and Kristen, as they start planning next year’s Mart (and attend as a shopper!)

Photography by Andrea Nigh

Exploring The Cotswolds (Part Two)

Day six began with a drive to Burford. We walked up and down the entire main row of shops and found some really great antiques! Our very favorite was Antiques at The George where I found a Royal Crown Derby English Bone China cat (small enough to actually get home)! Our second stop of the day was Cirencester where we came across a huge hall filled with antiques vendors. There was also a cafe where we had a wonderful lunch (complete with Cream Tea). After exploring the town for a bit we then drove to Bibury to see Arlington Row. On our way back to the cottage we returned to Burton-on-the-Water for take away fish and chips before heading home to pack up!

Exploring The Cotswolds (Part One)

We woke up in our magical cottage the morning of day five and had delicious tomato and brie on bread for breakfast before heading out to explore! Our first stop was Bourton-on-the-Water where tons of people were picnicking by the water in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee. After enjoying the sights and shops we got back in the car and meandered over to Sudeley Castle!

There is a long history to this castle – Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII, is buried there and you can tour the stunning gardens and parts of the inside structure. I would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area! After several hours enjoying the grounds we drove to Stow-on-the-Wold to visit St. Edward’s church (which local lore says inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin). Our first full day in the Cotswolds was magical and we ended with another dinner at The Wild Rabbit before some relaxation time back at our Airbnb to rest up for another full day ahead of us!

Hampton Court Palace (Part Two)

After touring the inside of Hampton Court Palace (both the Tudor and Baroque parts) we headed to lunch. The food in the restaurant was great, I would definitely recommend taking a break to have lunch before exploring the stunning gardens. We walked all around the grounds, taking a ton of photos, and even hopped on a carriage ride when we were getting tired. I’m so grateful I was able to experience all the blooms with my sisters and mom!