Classics for Beginners discussion

This afternoon I went on a tour of the Mark Twain house in Hartford, CT. The house was pretty amazing (although very dark) I was interested to learn that Sam's wife Olivia edited his works, and is credited (according to our tour guide) with making his works more appealing to women readers.

I thought it might be interesting to have a place to talk about "classic" tourist sites. If anyone has been to 221B Baker St, London; Anne Frank House in Amsterdam; Walden Pond, Concord, MA; Longfellow House, Portland, Maine; Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove, MN...

Anything really worthwhile? Anything not worth the hype? I am curious to hear about different places, hidden gems... homes of classic authors or places immortalized in their works...

I've been to Hannibal, MO 4 or 5 times. One summer I went 3 times. LOL Once with my sister-in-law to visit the antique stores, once with my son & his girlfriend (developmentally disabled adults), and once with the children from my work. I've toured the cave where Twain played with his friends that was featured in his books & visited his childhood home as well as other sites in town. It's a fun trip. I live about 2 hours away.

This is a great thread Chris. I've been to Haworth (England) a few times, which is where the Bronte sisters are from though I haven't been to the museum. The village is really lovely and scenic. Great shops too.

I once visited Shakespeare's house in Stratford Upon Avon. Although it felt somewhat strange to really believe that "all the furnitures and belongings" in the house would all be his (even a comb?) it was very interesting and the house was so small with a very low ceiling.

221b Baker Street. It's a bit of a disappointment, to be honest.

I'd love to visit the Anne Frank house, that would be intense.

Karen wrote: "@Chris - I live in CT and have not been to see the Mark Twain House! Most people, I hear, combine in with seeing Harriet Beecher Stowe's home as well. I need to correct this oversight!"

I am embarrassed to say that when the cashier mentioned the "Stowe House" I didn't make the connection... next time I would definitely visit that one two, it was right next door!

I've been to The House of Seven Gables and where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. Interesting house, with a sense of history and place, but you can tell that Hawthorne fictionalised much of his story about it...

Tony wrote: "221b Baker Street. It's a bit of a disappointment, to be honest."

I am sorry to hear that, it was on my list to visit if I get over to London again. I only just finished reading the Holmes collection and was looking forward to that one day!

Chris wrote: "This afternoon I went on a tour of the Mark Twain house in Hartford, CT. The house was pretty amazing (although very dark) I was interested to learn that Sam's wife Olivia edited his works, and is..."

That's interesting. I don't think I've been to any author's house like that. Would be fun.

i've heard that hemingway's house in the florida keys is popular but have never been. the place attracts alot of stray cats for some reason.

Karen wrote: "In July I made my annual trip to Edith Wharton's home "The Mount" in Lenox MA. The kitchen area has now been refurbished and this year they initiated a new hour-long program "The Backstairs Tour". ..."

Karen, You gave me some great ideas for trips. I live in Vermont, so I am not far from some of your suggested destinations. I have always wanted to go to Edith Wharton's home in Lenox, MA. She is one of my favorite authors.

Have you been to Walden Pond in Concord, MA? There is a path around the pond, it is an easy hike and worth the trip if you are a fan of Henry David Thoreau.

Roger wrote: "i've heard that hemingway's house in the florida keys is popular but have never been. the place attracts alot of stray cats for some reason."

Key West and Hemingway's home are definitely on my "to do" list. Key West has always fascinated me (I have never been there). Also on my "to do" list are pilgrimages to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth, England and Bath to visit any Jane Austen haunts.

Sunnyside is a cool place to visit!