Southern Sonoma Country Life

Travel Pick — Visiting London? Take a Spy & Espionage or Wartime London Tour

London is known for its war time history and is rich with political heritage of World War II. If you're a history buff and/or a fan of spy/espionage stories (true or fictional, although it's hard to tell the difference, these days) and you're planning a trip to London, check out Evans Evans' collection of new, small group half day tours in which you have the chance to travel back in time to London's wartime era and learn about a side of the city that you never knew before. I quite fancy taking one of these tours & if I do, I'll be sure to share my experience.

Imagine yourself a spy as you learn about London's Cold War espionage or discover the devastating effects of the Second World War as an expert tour guide brings London's wartime story to life.

London's longest-established and largest sightseeing company invites you to explore London's intriguing, hidden gems from the past. With a group of no more than 16 guests, you'll experience a side of London that few know about, such as the dark, secret world of international espionage or the ruins, battlefields and monuments where iconic leaders and soldiers once stood during WWII. Small group sizes make for a more intimate and authentic way to connect with expert tour guides who will give you the inside scoop on historical monuments, landmarks and important wartime 

Spy & Espionage Tour of London: On this behind-the-scenes tour, explore the shadowy world of London with tales of treachery, tragedy and subterfuge. Learn about Britain's top intelligence agencies and the different roles they play in protecting the country. See the home of MI6 that was famously featured in several James Bond movies, the headquarters of MI5 and visit the public sites where spies exchanged top-secret information to the Soviet Union. Visit locations used by Intelligence Services to recruit their agents and be shaken and stirred by the stories of some of Britain's most infamous traitors and double agents. Your tour will finish in style at the St Ermin's Hotel where you see the former headquarter of MI6, and an original coded message written on silk hangers in the lobby. Afterwards, enjoy a vodka martini in the hotel's Caxton Bar where, in the 1950's, Guy Burgess handed over top-secret papers to his Russian handler.(3 hours, from April 1 – Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 – March 31) $95

Wartime London: History enthusiasts will never forget this iconic tour as they discover the devastating effect the Second World War had on the city of London. Expert tour guides bring the story of this devastating chapter in British history to life over 75 years later. Explore the ruins of a church destroyed during the bombing and the bomb damage from the First World War. You'll also see where Sir Winston Churchill delivered his VE Day speech to a jubilant British Crowd, important wartime headquarters such as Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms and Dwight D. Eisenhower's Supreme headquarters and Downing Street, where Neville Chamberlain famously broadcast the British declaration of war on Germany.Pass through Parliament Square en-route to Whitehall, where along the way you'll see the statues dedicated to notable Allied figures including Churchill, Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris, as well as several monuments dedicated the Battle of Britain, Women of WWII and the Cenotaph- the site of Britain's national war memorial. (3 hours, from April 1 – Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 – March 31) $102.25

For more information and reservations, please visit www.evanevanstours.com or call Evan Evans at (866) 382-6868.

Top Pick — An Exciting Night of Shakespeare Shorts at The Phoenix Theater, Petaluma, Saturday April 6th, 2918

The Petaluma Shakespeare Company and Shakesprints are hosting a community event to bring Shakespeare to the people and his universal themes to our youth through a fun scene competition- A Night of Shakespeare Shorts- Scene Competition at the Phoenix Theater on Saturday, April 6th 2019 at 8pm. Join me there! 

In a nutshell jr. high, high school, college students and young adults from all over the Bay Area are set to compete to win $500 for Best Scene of the Evening, $100 for Best Comedic Scene and $100 for Best Dramatic Scene by performing a short scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays.  

They will be adjudicated by a panel of Shakespeare savvy judges from the Bay Area including Sheri Lee Miller from Spreckles, and Beth Kellerman Fouts from Marin Shakespeare.  

MC-ing the evening fresh from England, John Langdon, Petaluma’s Shakespeare expert will enlighten the audience through the Bard’s works with music by local musician Chris Newton and special guest performance by the talented film/stage actor Jeffrey Weissman.

There will be a free slice of birthday cake for everyone who attends in light of Shakespeare’s birthday month and a People’s Choice Award given for Best scene chosen by the audience.  Tickets are $10 Adults/$5 Students and can be purchased at the door and online at www.thephoenixtheater.com or www.brownpapertickets.com 

 

 

Celebrating the Bard's Birthday in Sonoma County with A Night of Shakespeare Shorts, April 6th, 2019

 

“A Night of Shakespeare Shorts” is a celebration of short scenes from the plays of William Shakespeare in the spirit of a competition at the iconic Phoenix Theater, 201 E. Washington Street,  Petaluma, CA where Harry Houdini, Enrico Caruso, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Huey Lewis and Santana have performed.

A variety of short scenes from Shakespeare’s plays interspersed with music by local musicians will be performed by a variety of participants.  Scenes will be adjudicated by a panel of Shakespeare savvy judges and participants have the chance to win $500 for Best Scene of the evening, Best Dramatic Scene $100 and Best Comedic Scene $100. 

Shakespeare Shorts is hosted by The Petaluma Shakespeare Company, Shakesprints and The Phoenix Theater on Saturday April 6, 2019.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Performance at 8:00 pm. Tickets $15 under 18 and $20 adults. All tickets include a slice of birthday cake.  It’s early but we have to celebrate William’s birthday when we can!

http://shakespeareshorts.brownpapertickets.com

What inspired A Night of Shakespeare Shorts?

"We were having a cup of coffee with Crispin of Shakesprints, thinking of what to do to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday in April and how we could bring Shakespeare's work back to the people he intended it to be for, which is everyone," says Petaluma Shakespeare Company.  "There are not a lot of opportunities for young performers to perform so we decided to create one for them."

A Night of Shakespeare Shorts (April 6th, 2019) will be a celebration of Shakespeare's plays, giving young performers from all over Northern California a chance to perform, be seen by Bay Area Shakespeare savvy judges from Marin Shakespeare, ACT, SF Shakespeare, and others, a chance to win money and pursue their love of theater.

The Phoenix Theater has a long history of promoting youth in Petaluma and the once upon opera, now skate club and music venue offers the contemporary vibe which is perfect for Shakespeare in the 21st century.  The Phoenix has a music program for youth so Petaluma Shakespeare Company decided to collaborate together by interspersing the scenes with music by local musicians, giving everyone an opportunity to perform. Of course there will be birthday cake too!  I mean it is William's birthday after all. 

There are two ways to support this wonderful new program. Purchase tickets on the brown paper ticket link above and attend and/or secondly, be a star and pledge to the Night of Shakespeare Shorts Kickstarter fundraiser, to boost the coffers to raise $1,000 for production costs and cash awards to the top players. Pledge as little as $10 or $50 to $100 for VIP seating, beverages and being a part of something special in our community. 

CLICK HERE FOR A NIGHT OF SHAKESPEARE SHORTS KICKSTARTER FUNDRAISER

Located in Petaluma, California, Petaluma Shakespeare Company is a non profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to put Shakespeare's timeless works into the hands of 21st century performers. It us the only free Shakespeare theater group in Sonoma County and is supported by an annual fundraiser and through donations. Past seasons of Free Shakespeare By The River under the stars at The Foundry Wharf, has enable the group to provide the community with theater culture, strengthen community bonds through shared theatrical experiences and create more compassionate global citizens.  2019 will be its 5th season and the group is excited to bring forth Macbeth.  Past productions ofTaming of the Shrew,  As You Like It, Henry IV part I, and All's Well That Ends Well  have brought collaborators from all of the Bay Area to bring Free Shakespeare By The River to thousands of audience members of all ages. 

Top Pick for Bay Area Holiday Events The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party — Opening November 17th, 2018 — Six Weekends & The Day After Thanksgiving

Festive diversion is just the ticket about now, don't you think?  This holiday season, the historic San Francisco Cow Palace once again transforms into Dickens’ London for The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party,  Now in its 36th season, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair runs Saturdays and Sundays (as well as the Friday after Thanksgiving) from November 17 through December 23, 2018, offering visitors an unrivaled, fully immersive holiday experience.

Travel back in time with this annual tradition for Bay Area natives and visitors alike. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a journey into the streets of Victorian London circa Christmas 1860. Visitorsexplore twilight-lit streets with shops, pubs, stages and dance halls filled with more than 800 Victorian characters and the aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty fare.

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." ~ Charles Dickens

My friends, The Patterson Family and their tireless and talented production crew have produced a new and quite wonderful short film on the behind the scenes building of The Dickens Fair. It never ceases to amaze me to stroll into this wonderland of Christmas past each holiday season — a feat of imagination,  temporary construction and design of a sprawling and meandering, Victorian Brigadoon.

Click here to view.  

Six Weekends — Opens Saturday, November 17
and runs Saturdays & Sundays through December 23, 2018,
including the Friday after Thanksgiving

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Online Select-Day Ticket Pricing:

• Adult and Senior General Admission (13+ yrs.): $30.00
• Children (5-12 yrs.): $14.00
• Children under 5 years are always free
• Pickwick Club 2018 Season Passes are also available online, through December 9, at $120.00 (a $390.00 value!).

 Admission Prices at the Gate

• Adult and Senior General Admission (13+): $30.00
• Children (5-12 yrs): $14.00
• Children under 5 are always free
• Pickwick Club 2018 Season Pass: $120.00 (a $390.00 value!) - available through December 9
• Adult Twilight Tickets, available after 3:00 PM: $18.00 (available only at the box office)
• Child Twilight Tickets, available after 3:00 PM: $10.00 (available only at the box office)

For information on "The Scrooge Special" and other discounts, please see Special Discounts page.

Choose from seven stages offering entertainment for all ages and tastes. Family-friendly entertainment abounds, from dancing at Fezziwig’s, to dashing sword-fighting in “All’s Well That Ends Badly” and the holiday pantomime “The Surprising Tale of Baron Munchausen and Mopsa the Fairy.” Head down to the other side of the tracks by the dockside and join the Cancan dancers and sailors at the bawdy Mad Sal’s Music Hall.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair overflows with holiday magic for the youngest guests, offering hands-on craft activities, old-world games of skill and chance, and lively interactive shows in the Tinsley Green Children’s Area. Young audience members cheer the hero and jeer the villain at the children’s melodrama,  join Alice at the Mad Hatters’ Tea Party, or learn the tricks of the chimney-sweep trade from the Miracle Sweeps of London School.

Youngsters delight in meeting Old Father Christmas each day at one o’clock on the Father Christmas Stage, ride on a hand-powered Adventure Carousel, cheer the Toy Parade and laugh at the antics of an authentic British Punch & Judy puppet show.

Guests welcome the return of the Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera “Trial By Jury” in the Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall – one of the most successful one-act operettas of all time telling the story of ludicrous circumstances played out by characters who behave as if the events are perfectly normal. Be astounded by the world premiere of “Dr. Xander T. Culpepper’s Miracle Elixir Show Of Miracles,” but don’t expect to walk away with any of his miracle magical tonic; demand is simply too high! Also on the Pennygaff Stage, fresh from a year studying at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Dickens Fair welcomes back the buffoonery of London’s most hilariously silly chimney sweep, Jim Chiminey!

Experience Mr. Dickens’ classic stories portrayed by hundreds of Living History characters throughout the streets. Encounter Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist, Nancy and many more of Mr. Dickens’ characters. You might even see Queen Victoria herself as she and her court progress through London. Then join Mr Samuel Pickwick himself and his fellow "Pickwickians" as they tour London, spreading hilarity and mirth. Stop by the illustrious Adventurers’ Club, Dickens Family Parlour, Great Exhibition Stage, genius inventor Professor Flockmocker’s Workshop and the internationally themed Silk Road Stage for exotic dance and special musical guest appearances.

Catch a song or two at the Paddy West School of Seamanship, then stroll down to Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House where Mad Sal herself will be hosting bold new talents as well as bawdy favorites like the high-kicking dancers of the Le Cancan Bijou in the Mad Sal’s Dockside Music Hall. 

The gentlemen of Brass Farthing lift a frothy good ale with their rollicking songs and the ladies of The Gin Alley Sallys musically include you in their ‘Society for the Appreciation of Libation and Spirits.’  Later in the day, the extremely popular and outrageous “Saucy French Postcards Tableaux Revue” returns to delight adults over 18 with “Gods & Heroes,” a new episode in the private lives of Horatio and Letitia Everard.

“…Merry voices and light-hearted laughter range through the room…” ~ Charles Dickens

Eight Extravagant New Vacation Rentals on my UK and France WOW List — From the Cornish Coast to the French Wine Country with The Wow House Company

Big birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, family reunions . . . whatever it is you have coming up on your calendar in the next year or two, I can't think of many more gatherings more luxurious than celebrating in a dream house in the English or French countryside. 

Renowned for its collection of sumptuous holiday houses, all offering something a little extra, The Wow House Company has launched a brand new website perfect for those looking for a spectacular European vacation with friends and family in tow. 

With improved galleries and availability calendars, the new website makes booking a five-star house in the UK (or France) easier than ever before. To mark the website’s launch, The Wow House Company is offering eight new properties, six in the UK and two in France, each perfect for a luxury break, whether guests want to relax in style just a stone’s throw from the Cornish coast, or enjoy a boutique break for two in rural France.

 NEW WOW HOUSES in the UK 

All photos courtesy of the Wow House Company 

 Polpier (sleeps 16) – Facility-filled Cornish house with outdoor pool and clay tennis court

Dating back to the 19^th-century, Mevagissy’s Polpier has been luxuriously restored and offers guests somewhere extraordinary to enjoy a special celebration or holiday in the southwest.

The impressive building sits overlooking the harbour which is only a short walk and has eight en suite bedrooms and myriad reception rooms, including a large kitchen/breakfast room with sun terrace, which takes advantage of the stunning views.

Polpier also boasts a separate honeymoon suite, overlooking the apple orchard, complete with a super king en suite and wood-burning stove. The house’s gardens include a heated swimming pool, croquet lawn and clay tennis court. Price: from  around $8,300 for a week’s self-catering rental or short breaks from $4,850.

Penpol (sleeps 10) – Coastal chic and harbour views

Penpol is an elegant, spacious property with picturesque views of Mevagissey harbour, the wonderful landscaped gardens and the surrounding countryside. The coastal property is arranged over several levels, and there’s an additional Garden House with two en suite rooms and a kitchenette for guests who seek extra privacy. Airily decorated throughout in light, pastel tones, Penpol has a large country style kitchen with Aga, living room with French doors out on to the terrace and three en suite double rooms. Price: from around $2,500 for a week’s self-catering rental, or short breaks from around $1,800.

Belvedere House (sleeps 20) – Country Retreat for music-lovers in Norfolk

Located in the village of Snettisham, and within easy access of the north Norfolk coast, Belvedere House is a country house with a spectacularly luxurious and decadent interior, and one with a touch of the rock ‘n’ roll. Not only does the property boast nine individually-styled bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining rooms, a cinema room, but also a fully sound-proofed studio with chill out room, DJ decks and karaoke machine. Outside are a beautiful secret garden and an 8-seat hot tub with colour changers. Price: from around $7,200 for a week’s self-catering rental, or short breaks from around $4,900.

 

Baronial House (sleeps 26) - Tartan with a twist

Forget tired tartans and fusty old-fashioned interiors, Baronial House is a Scottish stately home with a difference. The interiors are bright, colourful and modern with pop art touches throughout, be that sumptuous colourful sofas in the large library or the chairs in the dining room upholstered with art works from McAlpine Miller’s residency at The Savoy Hotel in London. The house is surrounded by twelve acres of private grounds, just outside Callander, including woodlands and the river where guests can fish for salmon or trout. Clay pigeon shooting can be arranged on request. Price: from around $13,000 for a week’s self-catering rental.

The Barns (sleeps 18) - Private party pad in Norfolk

Designed around the stunning Spanish Garden, The Barns is a superlative holiday home that is truly at one with nature. Located just a short drive from the Norfolk village of Narborough, The Barns is an eight-bedroom, single story building decorated in a natural rustic way. Expect four-poster beds made from birch branches, high, beamed ceilings and with every room opening onto the enclosed courtyard garden, with covered hot tub. Price: from around $6,800 for a week’s self-catering rental or short breaks from $4,500.

 

River Severn House (sleeps up to 30) – Room for all in Gloucestershire

The perfect pad for an extended family party, River Severn House has a fun party vibe. One bedroom sleeps up to nine, perfect for children’s midnight parties, while the adults can pick from the other eight bedrooms. For those who tear themselves away from view of the River, the house benefits from an indoor swimming pool with French doors opening to the garden, a cinema room, a Bluetooth sound system and a games room. Just five miles from Gloucester and its excellent transport links, River Severn House is ideal for the overdue reunion. Price: from around $13,300 for a week’s rental, or short breaks from around $5,200.

 

NEW WOW HOUSES France 

Bijoux (sleeps 2) – Secluded love nest for two

Bijoux is located in the quiet but well-served village of St. Marcel Sur Aude, just a few miles from Narbonne. The one bedroom apartment has recently been furnished to a very high standard. Guests have their own private outdoor swimming pool and pretty courtyard. The stone walled courtyard, partly under cover and with a BBQ area and outdoor seating for al fresco dining, looks out over olive groves and vineyards. When couples can bear to leave their love nest, they can take their pick from the dozens of chateaux and wineries offering tastings and tours on their doorstep. Drive south for 20 minutes to the endless fine-sand Narbonne plage, with several summer-time restaurants operating right on the beach offering fine food, sun beds and cocktails. Price: from around $1,300 for a week’s self-catering rental.

 Villa Puisseguin (sleeps 10) – Grand getaway in France’s wine country

Just 10 minutes from Saint-Emilion and its famous wineries, the beautiful Villa Puisseguin is the ideal base for an epicurean exploration of France’s southwest. The property drips with charm, with stone walls, exposed beams and beautiful grounds and terraces for an al fresco dinner. There are five large bedrooms, plus a fully equipped modern kitchen, living room and a snug library. A secluded salt water infinity pool gives guests relaxing views over the neighbouring vineyards. Price: from around $5,300 for a week’s self-catering rental.

 

For more information on The Wow House Company visit thewowhousecompany.co.uk,

or call +44 (0)1242 220006.

 

Extraordinary Eilean Shona – Exclusive Stays on The Private Scottish Island That Was An Inspiration for J. M. Barrie's Neverland

The island of Eilean Shona is described as Neverland Found, being much-loved by the author and playwright, J.M.Barrie. Seven recently refurbished holiday cottages and the former hunting lodge in which J.M. Barrie stayed in the 1920s have been made newly available to rent and I can't think of a more enchanting and intriguing, rustic-luxe locale.

All photos courtesy of Eilean Shona 

It was here that the author created the screenplay for Peter Pan. During Barrie’s visit, he wrote of Eilean Shona, "We have mountains and lochs and boats and tennis and billiards and most of the Western islands of Scotland lying at our feet."

Now co-owned by luxury hotelier and art collector Vanessa Branson and Robert Devereux, the island is a magical place for a family holiday or for those in search of peace and quiet. It comes with enchanted moss-covered woods, wild open hills, and a beautiful white sandy beach on the south western tip of the island. Visitors can walk for hours without seeing another person.

The island is a natural haven for wildlife, plants and many rare trees brought from distant shores over a hundred years ago. It abounds with wildlife: an array of seabirds, deer, nesting sea eagles, red squirrels and rare pine marten. Criss-crossing the island is a network of secluded paths that wind through acres of woodland and over the heather-covered hills. Along its shores are numerous tiny inlets, coves and at every point there are breath-taking views forever changing with the tides and the season. Seals, families of otters, dolphin, minke whales and basking sharks can all be seen in the waters around Shona.

Though only a short boat ride from the mainland, this haven of peace and tranquillity offers guests a completely different world, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There are no cars, no televisions and no flight path. - just a small shop open during select hours for basic provisions and home-cooked meals. The former village hall is available for all to use should visitors be feeling social. It has a table tennis table, a dart board, some books and games and free access to the internet. 

In Eilean Shona House, which sleeps up to 20, fires blaze in every (living) room. This is comfortable, relaxed living on a grand scale. There is a billiards room, a grand piano in the drawing room and board games galore. And, unlike many Scottish country houses, there’s lashings of hot water for five vast baths, thanks to an eco-boiler fed with naturally fallen trees.

Each of the seven rental cottages that are dotted around the island has something special about it – a couple of them are off-grid. The Old Schoolhouse, (around $1,700 per week, sleeping 4) launched two years ago, is a luxurious conversion of the long-gone island community’s school. Wonderfully isolated, this two bedroom idyll is situated over a mile along the North Channel coast path and a 45-minute walk from the jetty where guests disembark.

One of the prettiest available is Tioram Cottage (pictured right, also from around $1,700 per week). Sleeping eight people, Tioram is set right on the shorefront of Loch Moidart and has recently been extensively modernised. Expect a flat screen TV, DVD player, white Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels, and large, sea facing windows with stunning views of the Loch and Tioram Castle. Tioram Cottage, a 5-minute walk away from the island pontoon, has its own private bay area, with a camp fire pit and picnic table.

 

PRICES

 

Main House: Six nights’ rental of Eilean Shona House with 11 bedrooms, based on 20 people sharing, £10,000  (around $13,000) regardless of season, including wi-fi and four return RIB transfers to the mainland. Prices are lower for reduced occupancy.  A three night short break for 8+ bedrooms in low season costs £4,500 (around $5,800) Chefs are available on request.

 

The Cottages: There are eight rental cottages on Eilean Shona, sleeping between 2 -8 people. Lead-in prices for one week’s rental of a cottage range from £680  (around $900) - £1,300 (around $1,700) including ferry crossings, as above, and use of the village hall with wi-fi.

The island is reached either by air or rail from Glasgow which is a three hour drive through the Highlands to Dorlin Pier where the island boat picks guests up for the five minute crossing. Alternatively take the Caledonian sleeper train from Euston to Fort William which is an hour's drive away, or make a dramatic entrance and arrive by helicopter.

For Eilean Shona bookings visit eileanshona.com, +44 (0)1967 431249.

 

 

 

Free Shakespeare By The River — Petaluma Shakespeare Company Presents All's Well That Ends Well Through September 1st, 2018

Thursday/Friday/Saturday  August 23 - September 1 @ 7pm (No show Aug 25)   All’s Well That Ends Well directed by Chloe Bronzan will take center stage at this year’s Free Shakespeare By The River, August 23rd- September 1st, 2018 at Foundry Wharf, 625 2nd Street in Petaluma. All’s Well That Ends Well will be performed Thursday-Saturday nights August 23rd- Sept 1st at 7:00 pm. Speechless Shakespeare will be performed pre-show vignettes. Audience members are encouraged to come early to enjoy the live music, juggling, and other pre-show fun!  Bring your family, friends, a picnic, blankets and low chairs to sit on the Foundry Wharf Green while enjoying Free Shakespeare by the River. There is a concession stand at all performances offering a variety of wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks.   Note: It can get chilly when the sun goes down! Bring layers and blankets, snuggle in and enjoy the show!

Are You Obsessed with "The Crown" on Netflix? Two New Evan Evans Tours Bring the Show to Life

Filming for the hotly-anticipated third season of the hit Netflix show “The Crown” has started in the UK! 

Fans who can't wait until the new episodes air in 2019 can fill the void by taking one (or both) of the two NEW private chauffeur tours from Evan Evans during their next visit to the UK. These tours bring together the show's spectacular filming locations in London, or across England. 

Evan Evans' two new "The Crown"-inspired itineraries offer the perfect day out for followers of the multi-award-winning series. These luxurious private tours allow guests to travel in style, accompanied by both a dedicated driver and a professional guide, who will create a sightseeing experience that is fit for a king or a queen. 

Evan Evans specializes in unforgettable, hand-crafted trips to Britain's most iconic locations, so is perfectly suited to bring the UK's royal history and heritage to life. 

"The Crown" Film Locations: London* is a half-day (five-hour) tour that whisks guests to the exciting London-based locations featured in the hit series. Visit Southwark Cathedral and The Old Royal Naval College, the backdrop to the scene where King George VI's funeral was held prior to Elizabeth II being crowned Queen, and the location for the courtyard at Buckingham Palace, respectively. Explore Lancaster House, which provided stood in for Buckingham Palace in many scenes, and see The Lyceum Theatre's dramatic façade, which was used for the gala scene where the Queen and Prince Phillip are adorned in tiara and tux. The tour is priced at $1,156 for 1-3 guests in a Mercedes E-Class, or $1,272 for 4-6 guests in a Mercedes V-Class. A professional driver, tour guide and central London pick-up and drop-off are included. 

"The Crown" Film Locations: England** is a full-day (nine-hour) tour that takes guests to visit the iconic locations outside of London where "The Crown" takes place. Explore the settings of many well-known scenes, including Cambridgeshire's Ely Cathedral, where the wedding of Elizabeth and Prince Phillip was recreated; and Hatfield House, which provided the bedroom of the dowager Queen Mary, the drawing room where Queen Mary met with her son the Duke of Windsor for the first time in nine years, the library at Windsor Castle, and the hall where Elizabeth announced that she would be taking the Windsor name. Prices start at $1,356 for a one-person private tour in a Mercedes E-Class. Entrances to and guided tours of Hatfield House, Knebworth House and Ely Cathedral are included, as well as a professional tour guide and central London pick-up and drop-off. 

For a totally unique experience, bespoke tours are also available via the dedicated Evan Evans concierge team, and a choice of motor vehicles, including the Jaguar XF and a vintage collection, are offered on request. 

Evan Evans operates a number of other royal-themed tours by motor coach, including 'Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle with Lunch,' which is the perfect tour for anyone inspired by the recent wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; 'Royal London Tour with Changing of the Guard'; the best-selling 'Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath'; 'London in One Day with Changing of the Guard & River Cruise'; and 'Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour with Lunch.'

For more information and reservations, visit www.evanevanstours.com or call Evan Evans at (866) 382-6868.

Home Thoughts, From California — An Ode to England

It seems that almost everyone is talking about England this week and not surprisingly, given that news coverage of Saturday's upcoming nuptials of American actor and women's right campaigner Meghan Markle to Britain's Prince Harry has ramped up to fever pitch. It all feels a little "Love Actually" and I hope the media cuts the lovely new incoming royal and her family some slack after the excitement of the wedding. In the spirit of love and spirit and soul and beauty, my ode to England today is to focus on and celebrate the island nation where I was born and raised.

However you feel about monarchy, celebrity, mass media hysteria, the royal family and its refreshing modernization is part and parcel of British heritage and the greatest PR any country could ask for at this time in global goings-on. 

 

And so, to England . . . 

 

“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, 
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, 
This other Eden, demi-paradise, 
This fortress built by Nature for herself 
Against infection and the hand of war, 
This happy breed of men, this little world, 
This precious stone set in the silver sea.” 

William Shakespeare 

 

“As we drew nearer I saw a cathedral like a crown on the head of a city. In its white walls every window glinted in the sun. Lincoln! Of such places is England made. -"No Moon Tonight” 

Don Charlwood

“Crossing the Fens by boat there comes the realization that water not earth or sky is the natural element in this landscape.” 

Stephanie Green, Wide Woman on a Narrow Boat

“This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.”

William Shakespeare

“England is never in a hurry because she is eternal.” 

Henryk Seinkiewicz

“He had spent much of his childhood perched on the coast, with the taste of salt in the air: this was a place of woodland and river, mysterious and secretive in a different way from St. Mawes, the little town with its long smuggling history, where colorful houses tumbled down to the beach.” 

Robert Galbraith

“A thin grey fog hung over the city, and the streets were very cold; for summer was in England.”

Rudyard Kipling

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” 

Alfred Wainwright, A Coast to Coast Walk 

“He stood staring into the wood for a minute, then said: "What is it about the English countryside — why is the beauty so much more than visual? Why does it touch one so?"

Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Ireland — Ready Yourself For St. Patrick's Day with Sonoma County's Keenan Irish Dance Show

St Patrick's Day approaches. Recent rains certainly have transformed the landscape in Sonoma County to a sea of  green reminiscent of the Emerald Isle. 

Join Sonoma County’s Keenan Irish Dancers for an evening of top entertainment at their 2016 St Patrick Day’s Show and immerse yourself more fully into the music, dance and culture of Ireland.

This lively and colorful show takes place on Sunday, March 6th, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the Luchessi Park Community Center, 320 North McDowell Blvd, Petaluma.

Purchase tickets at the door for $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 years old and under. In addition to the show, refreshments will be provided.

Keenan Irish dancers look forward to sharing their love of Irish dance. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in true Irish style.

The Keenan Irish Dance School is located in Sonoma County under the direction of Fidelma Keenan-Glaser, TCRG. Mrs. Keenan-Glaser became an accredited Irish dance teacher after having competed very successfully at the world championship level.

The school’s mission is to bring the joy and beauty of Irish dance to children of all ages and abilities, from beginners to championship dancers who compete worldwide. The Keenan Irish Dance School offers traditional Irish dance classes for K.I.D.S. ages 4 and up in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sonoma. Click here to learn more.