The Jesuits claimed for themselves the land on which the synagogue was built; however, the Jews were able to refute the charge, and the synagogue remained standing until the Holocaust. Galicia became part of the Hapsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire in , when Lvov again changed names, this time to Lemberg. Most Jews earned a living as shopkeepers or craftsmen. At the end of the 18th century, Lvov became a center of the Hasidic movement and, in , a Reform temple opened. By , the Jewish population was 57, Pogroms broke out in , leaving 70 Jews dead.
Lvov eventually returned to Polish control between world wars. During this time, there were Jewish schools, newspapers and about 50 functioning synagogues. The Germans captured the city in June and more than 6, Jews were killed almost immediately in pogroms carried out by the local population, fueled by rumors that Jews had participated in the execution of Ukrainian political prisoners. In November , the Germans set up a Jewish ghetto, which eventually had more than , occupants.
Soon after, the Germans began transporting Jews from the ghetto to the Belzec death camp, 60 miles to the north in Poland. Thousands were also sent to the Janowska labor camp in the northern outskirts of Lvov where most were shot by firing squads. The Germans completely liquidated the ghetto in June By the time the Soviets recaptured Lvov in July , only a few hundred Jews remained. After the war, Jews slowly returned to Lvov from other parts of the Soviet Union, but religious expression was not allowed under Communism and anti-Semitism persisted.
The postwar Jewish population reached a high of 30, in , but has since dwindled due to emigration, primarily to Israel, Germany and America. Community About 5, Jews now live in Lvov, many elderly and impoverished. The Jewish community center, operated by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, tries to assist with a variety of social services and educational programs.
The center is housed in the four-story Hesed Arieh Lvov Jewish House; 30 Kotlarevski Street; ; which opened in Also on the premises is a one-room museum with photographs and Judaica, including a midth-century Torah scroll. His wife, Sara, helped establish the Acheinu Lauder school, which now has an enrollment of about 60 children.
The synagogue offers restaurant services by order for groups, families or individuals. It also organizes bus or car transportation, translators, guides, archive investigations and kosher food. Community activist Meylakh Sheykhet, who heads the local bureau of the Union of Councils for Jewsof the Former Soviet Union, leads an Orthodox prayer group that meets in a building adjacent to the ruins of the Golden Rose Synagogue 54 Starojevrejskaja Street. There is also a small kosher canteen in the building.
In addition to feeding the poor, the kitchen can provide kosher meals to visitors. Meylakh Sheykhet at the ruins of Golden Rose Synagogue. While Jewish leaders say that relations with most of the community at large are positive, there remains an undercurrent of anti-Semitism in Lvov.
Jewish monuments and buildings are regularly vandalized and anti-Semitic slogans appear on fences and walls throughout the city. Architect Aba Kornbluth designed it in the tradition of Renaissance synagogues of the 17th century. The Nazis used the building as a stable and the Communists later converted it into a warehouse. It was returned to the Jewish community in Inside the synagogue, there are a number of hand-painted frescoes depicting animals, birds, a Torah and other Jewish symbols.
The frescoes suffered significant damage due to many years of neglect during Soviet times but were recently brought back to splendor as part of a major interior restoration project under the supervision of architect Aron Ostreicher, who is known for reconstructing synagogues around the world. Funding was provided by American George Rohr and other philanthropists. The Golden Rose Synagogue, which for centuries was the center of Jewish culture in Lvov, was burned down by the Nazis in Sheykhet is raising money to clean up debris at the site and conduct an archaeological excavation in hopes of recovering Jewish artifacts dating back more than years.
Little remains of the old Jewish quarter of Lvov. A pink building at 3 Ugolna Street is the site of a midth-century synagogue, yeshiva and mikve. Two other prominent synagogues that did not survive the Holocaust are recalled today with markers. In the Old Market Square, near where the city was founded in the 13th century, a plaque marks the location of what was the largest Reform synagogue in Galicia. A few blocks away, near an outdoor market at the corner of Sanska and Vesela Streets, is the site of the former Hasidic Grand Synagogue, originally built in the 17th century.
Both structures were destroyed in One of the more exotic looking buildings in the city, the former Jewish Hospital 8 Rappaport Street , was built in It features a Moorish-style multicolored dome decorated with Stars of David. The building still functions as a gynecological hospital. A memorial to the victims of the Lvov ghetto stands at Chornovola Street, near the railroad bridge. Built in with government funding, at one end of the monument there is a large statue of a Jew staring up at the heavens with one hand open in hope, the other clenched in protest.
The Museum of the History of Religions 1 Muzeina Street displays about 50 items of Judaica, including an earlyth-century matza-making device. Thousands of other artifacts confiscated from the Jewish community during the Communist era, many never seen by the public, remain stored in Lvov museums. Jewish leaders are petitioning the government for their return. About 15 minutes by car from Old Town is the site of the Janowska labor camp.
Other Sights For a stunning view of Old Town and the green-domed churches below, climb the wooden staircase in the clock tower in the 19th-century Town Hall, in Rynok Square. There are several performances a week. Jews settled there at the end of the 16th century and, in , built the Grand Synagogue, one of the largest in Galicia. Its interior was mostly destroyed in the Holocaust, but its pink Renaissance-style exterior and some inner frescoes of Torah passages as well as the Ark have survived. The building was partially restored after the war and converted into a furniture store.
It now sits empty. Drive 85 miles south of Lvov to reach Ivano-Frankivsk, a metropolis of about , residents named after the famous Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko. The town is the major gateway into the Carpathian Mountains, where hiking and skiing are popular activities. The mountain area also offers the opportunity to see rural Ukrainian villages that time seems to have forgotten. Personalities Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem, whose short stories were the basis for Fiddler on the Roof , lived in Lvov for several months in and was involved with the Yiddish theater there.
The site of his residence, an apartment building at 1 Kotljarska Street, bears a large plaque honoring its former tenant. Plaque at the former home of Sholem Aleichem. Martin Buber, the Jewish philosopher and social activist, was born in Vienna in but spent much of his childhood in Lvov with his grandfather Solomon Buber, a renowned scholar in his own right. Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal was living in Lvov when the Nazis invaded in He and his wife were imprisoned in Janowska , from which Wiesenthal escaped in He fought with the partisans before being recaptured in Two years after being liberated from the Mauthausen concentration camp, he helped establish the Jewish Documentation Center in Austria.
Wiesenthal, author of The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness Schocken , later moved to the United States and dedicated his life to bringing Nazi war criminals to justice. Jews of Lvov in the War Years, Gefen. After escaping the Lvov ghetto to the nearby forests, Yones joined the partisans in fighting the Germans. His book details the role of the Judenrat Jewish council , which provided work for as many as 5, people in the ghetto at one time. The Jews of Poland—Five Cities: Bialystok, Lvov, Krakow, Vilna and Warsaw Ergo is a documentary account of the vibrancy of Jewish life in the region before the Holocaust.
It was filmed in and is available in both Yiddish and English. He can also help with genealogy research at the local branch of the Ukrainian Central Historical Archive 3 Soborna Street , the largest repository of genealogical information about Jews in Galicia. There are no kosher restaurants in Lvov, although Seven Piglets 9 Bandera Street; is a good choice for authentic Ukrainian cuisine and offers several vegetarian options.
The Opera Hotel 45 Prospect Svobody; , located across the street from the Ivan Franko theater, is a newer establishment with clean and comfortable rooms and within walking distance of most Jewish attractions. There are no direct flights from the United States to Lvov, but there are connections from Vienna, Frankfurt and Warsaw. However one arrives, it is worth spending several days in Lvov. Visiting Lvov also presents an opportunity to see a Jewish community that, despite serious challenges, courageously continues to observe centuries-old traditions.
But my students at Moldova State University helped get me into the spirit of the coming season. As I entered the classroom, they lined up to pin special Martisor ornaments onto my sweater. These beautiful pins, made of red and white thread and shaped into flowers, are a Moldovan symbol of friendship and respect.
That night, I went to a performance commemorating the beginning of Martisor at the National Palace Theater. Along with Vladimir Voronin, the president of the country, and hundreds of other Moldovans, I witnessed a wonderful display of singing. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of living abroad is getting the chance to become engrossed in another culture and thoroughly learn about a part of the world so different from Arizona in so many ways. Moldova is a poor country, yet Moldovans are some of the most generous and welcoming people I have encountered.
Each day when I arrive at the university, I am met at the school of journalism office with a warm greeting of buna ziua good day and a cup of hot tea. Despite being warned that the students would sit in class stone-faced and silent — a common stereotype of Eastern Europeans — I am finding them to be energetic, responsive and participative.
Class discussions are as lively as back home. My courses are conducted in English, which is a bit of a struggle for some of the students, but everyone is able to speak the language well enough to get by. Many of them are working as journalists at major media outlets in the country. Moldova, which has been an independent country for 15 years, is still building a free press and there are opportunities for young people to enter the field and get meaningful on-the-job experience while still completing their studies.
Only one of my students has been to the United States and most of them have had very little direct contact with Americans. I think I am learning as much from them as they are from me. They are a special memento of my students and spring in Moldova. My tour is scheduled to begin in just a few minutes, so I claim a prime seat in the open-air section in the upper deck.
We need at least six people. You are the only one. It would be more than enough to please most tourists, yet Riga is hardly a European vacation hotspot. In the meantime, visitors will find lots of empty seats on tour buses, inexpensive hotel rooms and restaurants, and plenty of elbowroom to enjoy all that Riga has to offer. Latvia is located in northeastern Europe, across the Baltic Sea from Scandinavia. After 50 years of Soviet occupation, it gained its independence in , along with the other Baltic Republics, Estonia and Lithuania.
Most people speak at least a little English, especially those who work in shops and restaurants frequented by tourists. During its 11 years of independence, Latvia has embraced democracy and a free-market economy. The city is still dusting off some of the cobwebs from its years under Soviet rule, but underwent major renovations last summer in honor of its year anniversary.
The heart of the city and logical starting point for visitors is known as Vecriga, or Old Town,a maze of narrow, crooked streets flanked by historic buildings, towering church steeples, cafes and art galleries. Some streets look just as they did in the Middle Ages. Strolling through Old Town, most of which is closed to cars, is delightful.
Street musicians perform Latvian folksongs, a nice backdrop for the interesting mixture of Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Constructivism and Art Nouveau architecture. You can easily spot an Art Nouveau building, as some sort of ornate carving in the structure — often times a grotesque monster — is peering right back at you.
This distinctive German architectural style, which dates back about years, has survived better in Riga than in many German cities and now comprises about 40 percent of the buildings in the central part of the city. While Old Town makes up only a small portion of Riga, it can easily take the better part of a day to explore all of its treasures. You also need to look down at your feet, as the cobblestone streets can be treacherous in places. For a magnificent view from above, visit the 13th century St.
Wars and lightning strikes have destroyed the tower several times. It was most recently rebuilt in Another impressive church in Old Town is the redbrick Dome Cathedral, the largest place of worship in the Baltics. It also dates back to the 13th century and now houses a 6,pipe organ, the fourth-largest organ in the world. Both churches are Lutheran, the leading faith among Latvians. Like most countries in this part of the world, Latvia has had a troubled history of war and occupation.
Exhibits include a replica of a barracks in a Soviet prison camp in Siberia, where thousands of Latvians were deported. Latvians regularly lay flowers at the base of the monument to honor the victims of totalitarianism. Just a block away is the lovely National Opera House, which hosts world-class opera and ballet performances. In fact, famed ballet dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov and Aleksander Godunov made their names here.
It is housed in and around five huge buildings that were used as Zeppelin hangers during World War I. There are more than 1, vendors here, selling everything from fresh meat and produce to bootleg CDs and fake Rolex watches. Unlike similar markets found in many other countries, haggling over prices is not customary in Latvia. Amber jewelry is the most pervasive item sold in souvenir shops. It is found on beaches and is brought up in fishing nets in the Baltic Sea.
Black Balsam is made with herbs, flowers, juices and medicinal roots. It tastes a bit like cough syrup gone bad, but Latvians swear by its healing powers. You may not want to drink the stuff, but the attractive brown ceramic bottle makes a nice conversation piece. But it is a great place for hikers to explore, with sandstone caves, lakes, and a picturesque wooded valley dissected by the Gauja River. Sigulda also boasts several medieval castles, all within walking distance of each other.
The best known is the Turaida Castle,which dates back to Jurmala, a beach resort area on the Gulf of Riga about 15 miles west of Riga, is another popular daytrip. Jurmala used to be a popular hangout for rich Soviet retirees and military officers. Today, Rigans enjoy its sandy beaches, health spas and seafood restaurants. After a half century of Soviet occupation that dulled its luster and broke its spirit, Riga is on the mend.
The city has undergone a stirring revitalization since Latvia regained its independence a dozen years ago. Now, with large, flower-filled parks, an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture and a medieval Old Town that is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestoned streets, Riga is once again becoming worthy of its pre-World War II sobriquet—Paris of the Baltics. The city also features several sites that chronicle the tumultuous and tragic history of its Jews.
The city underwent major renovations in to celebrate its year anniversary and is one of the cleanest, safest and most inexpensive destinations in Europe. Since breaking free in , Latvia has embraced democracy and a free-market economy. But westernization has not brought the crowds that flock to other East European cities like Prague and Budapest.
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Visitors will find plenty of elbowroom to enjoy all that Riga has to offer. Street musicians perform Latvian folksongs, a nice backdrop for the interesting mishmash of Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Art Nouveau architecture. Indeed, Riga boasts one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. This distinctive German architectural style, also called Jugendstil, dates back about years and features ornately crafted sculptures of flowers, animals, angels, monsters and other odd creatures.
Art Nouveau architecture comprises about 40 percent of the buildings in central Riga. History Jews came relatively late to what is now Latvia; in the early fourteenth century they had been banned from settling in the region by an official decree of the ruling Master of the German Order. Some began to settle in the eastern part of the country in when that area fell under Polish rule, but in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries only the most successful were given permission to reside in Riga.
Even so, they were forced to live in special inns called Judenherberge and were not allowed to be buried in the city. Consequently, Jews had to shuttle their dead to graveyards in Poland until , when they were finally given permission to build a cemetery. Still, by the mideighteenth century, Riga had just a few hundred Jewish residents. In contrast, neighboring Lithuania was much more hospitable at the time and its largest city, Vilnius, became one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in all of Europe. Despite a number of restrictions on buying land, choice of profession and education, by the eighteenth century Jews began to have an economic and cultural impact.
They became expert craftsmen and prominent in such fields as timber, finance and medicine. In the nineteenth century, restrictions on Jews were eased and many began to move out of Maskavas into other parts of the city. Jews played a prominent role in the formation of an independent Latvian state between the two world wars. During this period, Jewish schools, theaters and newspapers thrived. At one time, there were as many as 14 synagogues. Schneersohn, who had been exiled from the Soviet Union.
From Latvia, the rebbe went to Poland before emigrating to the United States. In , the Red Army entered Riga and leading Jewish political and religious leaders were arrested. About 5, Jews were among the thousands of Latvians deported to Siberia. One of the most horrific crimes during the Nazi occupation of Latvia took place just three days later. On July 4, , more than Jews—many of whom were refugees from Lithuania—were herded into the basement of the Big Choral Synagogue.
German soldiers threw grenades into the windows and the building was burned down. There were no survivors. Some 77, Jews from Latvia, and 30, to 40, more who were transported from other countries in Nazi-occupied Europe, were killed on Latvian soil. Many were marched from the Riga ghetto in the winter of to the Rumbula and Bikernieku forests, a few miles from the city center. There they were shot at a rate of up to 1, per hour, falling on top of those who had died before. Many of the killers were members of the local Latvian police force.
Jews also perished at the Kaiserwald prison camp in the suburb of Mezaparks and at the Salaspils concentration camp 12 miles southeast of Riga. Some were saved by local residents; others managed to survive until the Red Army recaptured the city in the summer of The end of the war brought the return of thousands of Latvian Jews who had fled to the Soviet Union to escape the Nazis. Other Jews from throughout the Soviet Union also settled in Riga. Such laws have been eased in the past few years, although applicants for citizenship still must pass a Latvian language test.
There are a number of Jewish schools in Riga that educate several hundred students at all age levels, a Jewish hospital and numerous organizations representing Jewish interests. Under the guidance of Rabbi Mordechai Glazman, Chabad has had an active presence in Riga for more than 10 years. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Headed by Professor Ruvin Ferber, the center offers courses in Jewish history, tradition and philosophy. Relations between the Latvian government and the Jewish community have been on solid footing in recent years. Sadly, though, the government has not successfully prosecuted any Latvian war criminals, and until recently failed to acknowledge the atrocities committed by Latvian collaborators during the Holocaust.
It is believed that the Nazis would have burned it down as they did the other synagogues, but its proximity to neighboring buildings made them afraid to set it afire. Instead, they converted it into a warehouse and horse stall. It is not uncommon to see flowers and candles at the base of the memorial. The Jewish Community Center, known locally as Aleph, is located in the central part of the city at Skolas 6 The building dates back to before World War I and once housed a Jewish theater.
It assumed its current function in with financial support from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Exhibits show the many contributions of Jews in Latvian society, as well as the suffering experienced at the hands of the Nazis and Soviets. At the entrance to the museum, visitors can purchase maps that identify the locations of former Jewish sites in Riga, including the Old Jewish Cemetery on Liksnas Street, which was destroyed by the Nazis and later converted by the Soviets into the Park of the Communist Brigades.
Jewish memorial in Bikernieku Forest outside of Riga. Two memorials, recently erected in forests just outside Riga, have brought renewed attention to the Holocaust in Latvia. In , one was dedicated in the Bikernieku forest, where about 30, Jews perished in Funded in part by a German charitable fund, the memorial consists of a white altar surrounded by jagged rocks. Each section of rocks represents a liquidated Jewish community from where the victims originated.
In November , another memorial was unveiled at the Rumbula forest, where about 25, Jews were murdered in Significantly, the Rumbula monument acknowledges the involvement of the local population in the massacre. Located near the Daugava River in Old Town in a building that looks like a big black box, the museum includes historical documents, artifacts, pictures and a replica of a barracks in a Siberian Soviet prison camp where thousands of Latvians were deported.
There is also a small section devoted to the Holocaust, including a display of Nazi anti-Semitic propaganda. Erected in and located at the intersection of Brivibas and Raina Streets just east of Old Town, the monument is topped by a bronze female statue affectionately called Milda by the locals and bears the Latvian inscription Tevzemei un Brivibai For Fatherland and Freedom. It is said that those who dared to do so during Soviet times ended up with an extended, all-expenses paid vacation to Siberia.
For a magnificent view of Old Town from above, visit the thirteenth-century St. Another impressive church in Old Town is the red-brick Dome Cathedral, the largest place of worship in the Baltics. It also dates back to the thirteenth century and now houses a 6,pipe organ, the fourth largest in the world. It is housed in and around five huge buildings that were used as zeppelin hangars during World War I.
Side Trips In the Salaspils concentration camp where tens of thousands of people were murdered, visitors aregreeted by a huge concrete wall bearing the words: A metronome inside a long block of polished stone ticks endlessly, a haunting echo of the hearts that once beat at the camp. Salaspils is a half-hour drive from Riga, or you can take a train to the Darzini station and then walk on a path through the woods for about 20 minutes to the memorial. With hills instead of mountains, Sigulda may not entirely deserve such a nickname.
But it is a great place for hikers to explore, with sandstone caves, lakes and a picturesque wooded valley dissected by the Gauja River. Sigulda also features the impressive red-brick Turaida Castle, which dates back to The Bradt Travel Guide is one of the few guidebooks devoted specifically to Latvia. Riga in Your Pocket, a small booklet sold in Riga hotels and souvenir shops it can also be viewed on the Internet: Owned and run by British Latvians, the hotel is just a block away from the Pietav Shul and offers clean and quiet rooms ; fax: The bar on the twenty-sixth floor offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city.
The food is simple and cheap. Shalom , a five-minute taxi ride away at A. Briana 10, offers nonkosher Jewish dishes. Look for blue neon Stars of David in the front window. There are no direct flights from the United States and its fairly remote location in northeastern Europe makes it a long bus or train ride from other major European cities. Standing in a parking lot, he could see buildings in the neighborhood actually swaying back and forth and the ground beneath him made him feel like he was on an airport people-mover.
Di Gesu had been living in Japan for two years and had felt tremors there several times before, but nothing close to the 9. Once it became clear that Tokyo had escaped relatively unscathed, Di Gesu decided to go forward with Shabbat services that evening, even though only four people turned up. I also asked him about the much-heralded Jewish response to what proved to be the most expensive natural disaster in human history. Centered off the northeastern coast of Japan near the city of Sendai, about miles north of Tokyo, the quake and tsunami led to a meltdown at the nuclear power plant in the region.
Nearly 20, people lost their lives and more than , Japanese were rendered homeless. As soon as Shabbat ended, Di Gesu was contacted by the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo about getting involved in relief efforts. Di Gesu sent out an email to his congregants appealing for help. One bought more than two tons of flour and had it delivered to the displaced. Nearly bicycles were sent to disaster victims in a destitute town. Other congregants organized food drives and took time off work to help with the cleanup.
We booked last minute, but everything was great. Phil was able to accommodate my last minute extended stay which added an additional day with ease. The hosts are very friendly and thoughtful so does Sophie the most friendly and passionate dog ever , we enjoyed our stay here. We'll recommend this place for sure. My 3 year old and I stayed with Phil and his 9 year old for 3 nights during a prolonged power outage in our home.
It was a stressful time for us, but Phil was great: He made a late night Walmart run for a bathtub drain plug so my son could bathe, which was beyond. He fed us, offered alcohol, and even kept an eye on my son so I could unload the car and shower - single parent bonus! The bed was comfy, but the best part about Phil's home is Phil himself. Phil has been a great host, very helpful and friendly. The room was clean and comfortable.
I pretty much enjoyed my stay. Phil and Erika are lovely hosts. Very responsive and warm. The room is cozy and has everything you need to be comfortable, even black-out curtains, which I really appreciate! It's close to Colby, the hospital and downtown. I'd stay there again. I just spent 4 great nights at Sheila and Kent's studio room with kitchenette. The accommodations were spotless and very thoughtfully appointed with all the touches that made an extended stay comfortable.
I also love that there were plenty of hooks for towels and clothes, several hangers, and tons of electrical outlets thanks to the two powerstrips in the unit. I was also really impressed with Sheila and Kent's responsiveness and kindness. Once during my stay I locked myself out of my room and had to disturb them early in the morning Sheila was more than gracious, never made me feel like a bother, and was wonderful to deal with at every turn. I would highly recommend this accommodation, especially for travelers who are staying for longer periods. Old school motel outside with contemporary updates inside.
Fenced in dog area is awesome. Only had one issue- housekeeper didn't come. The room has everything you could ask for. We enjoyed our night in Sheila and Kents Motel! One of the best airbnb places. The room was clean and fully equipped with whatever one might need for a long stay! The hosts are extremely sweet, and very accommodating.
This is definitely a catch for such a low price! The room was great, clean and spacious and had everything I needed. My host thoughtfully prepared maps for me for where I needed to go and left great suggestions for where to eat. Staying with Sheila and Kent was the perfect way to end a vacation. We were actually upgraded to a cozy little cabin on the lake. Sheila was a wonderful host- warm and welcoming. She was very gracious to the hyper puppy that was traveling with us. We all wished that we were staying longer instead of passing through.
They went way above and beyond the average hosts to ensure your needs were met. The included breakfast was outstanding. The Inn is just beautiful and our room was extremely cozy and clean. We really want to come back. This family is incredibly sweet and VERY hospitable. They know how to treat guests - they truly take care of you. We enjoyed chatting and breakfast was delicious! We highly recommend checking this awesome Inn out - we definitely will be back!
Pictures dont do justice, lovely scenic views, peaceful and quiet area. Great accommodations and perfect amenities for a getaway! I would recommend the cozy cottage. The size was perfect for the 4 of us and the location was perfect. I loved the cozy cottage. It is in a beautiful setting, lots of space inside, clean and lovely. It was close to everything I planned to see and do.
When I had a question, Joanna got right back to me. I was just there by myself, but it would also be great for a couple or family. Phenomenal location, great amenities, and excellent host. Area is quiet, spacious, lots of activities— all with ease of access to grocery stores, food joints, gas stations, etc. Kristen and her family are very welcoming. She offered tips for places to visit while I continued my drive down Maine's coatline and her recommendation to see the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was fantastic.
The space is clean and very comfortable. Would recommend to anyone! Kristen's place was nice and cozy, conveniently situated a few minutes from downtown Waterville. We didn't get to interact much with her as we arrived late but she was accommodating and responded quickly. She was very welcoming and it was a pleasure to meet her and her two boys.
Everything was awesome here. Super comfortable bed, awesome host who was really flexible, overall a great stay. Kristen and her family were super nice to me.
I want to thanks them for great hospitality. I felt myself like at home, the room was very clean and nice and i had so much privacy. Arrived after 10pm and she had given clear instructions for getting in. Very clean and easy. This was an amazing spot we really enjoyed the cabin and the outside barbecue and eating area.
All the amenities needed were available and even some extra special touches liike a snack basket. Randall was very helpful and accommodating. He gave us our privacy but was also available to answer questions. We will be back again sometime soon. Cottage is gorgeous we could have stayed for days. So many thoughtful touches make it a real home from home. Breathtaking views and Randell was the perfect host. A wonderful place to stay if you're looking to truly get away from it all. We wish we could have stayed longer! Does your vision of a cabin stay include roughing it, mismatched musty furniture, and being too hot or too cold?
I unexpectedly ended up here after a disreputable Airbnb host cancelled as I was on my way. Cabin 1 has an incredible view, was immaculately clean, has perfect climate control, a comfortable bed, and all the necessary items to make this a great stay. Randy is an excellent host with fast communication. He was available while respecting my desire for solitude.
I didn't expect all the kind touches he added, including new soap, shampoo, and conditioner, the basket of food for a late night snack and breakfast, and the bottle of spring water to make coffee. This is Airbnb at its best! The two cats, Lucky and Angel, were welcoming and visited me in the evening. There is access to a firepit, which I will use another time. A custom-built cabin with a killer view. Randy is a great, attentive host and our only regret is that we only stayed a night as we were passing through the area.
Very Peaceful, quiet and spectacular views. Cabin is cozy and clean. Bring your own entertainment if you don't want to just relax and enjoy tranquility. Overall, we enjoyed our stay Randell's place. It was clean, well-stocked with all of the basic amenities, and the view of the sunrise from the backdoor was stellar.
However, the drive leading up to the AirBnB is a bit rough. The road is not paved, so driving a compact car up to the property was difficult and tedious for our three-day stay. Besides that detail, Randell's place was one of the better AirBnB's we've stayed at. This place is beautiful! The hosts, Bill and Victoria, were so gracious to greet us with farm fresh eggs and a fridge stocked with breakfast essentials.
We are already planning another weekend to come back for the sole purpose of hanging out on the farm and unplugging! What a wonderful carriage house. Everything is set up great. The hosts are wonderful.
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The animals are a bonus. We hope too be able to stay again in the near future. We had a lovely time here! The farm is adorable, the loft space was very clean and cozy, Victoria was very welcoming and happy to chat about her animals. The little kitty was my favorite though the donkeys were a riot to wake up to! Also had a great meal at the Homestead I believe it was called down in the center of Farmington not far from the farm. We will be back for sure! I booked the Bray Barn for my most special wedding guests to stay in. My mother, mother-in-law, grooms cousin, and wedding photographer all loved their stay!
They mentioned enjoying the views of fall foliage, the sounds of the animals nearby in the yard, the beauty of the interior design and decorating, the fire place, and an outdoor shower. All of them would be delighted to stay here again. It was a very comfortable fit for 4 adults. On relatively short notice, my wife and I decided to get away from the city and spend our anniversary in the woods. While the accommodations show quite well in the pictures, the real thing is even better. A country carriage house theme, providing comfort, space, light and space to relax.
Surprises like fresh eggs from the chickens, jam from the orchard, fresh tomatoes from the garden and breakfast items truly let the two of us unwind and enjoy our stay. Bill and Victoria were as gracious as one could ask for, and after showing us in, simply minded their chores around the farm, giving us as much space as needed.
While my wife was especially enamored with the farm animals, we both agreed all aspects of the rental came together to create a wonderful harmony. If we could change anything, it would only be to stay longer. Thank you Bill and Victoria; you've done excellent work. I, along with my two sisters and parents stayed at Bill and Victoria's place and we can't describe in enough words how much we loved our stay.
Bill and Victoria warmly welcomed us and showed around the house, they answered immediately to all our requirements. They gave us fresh eggs and fruits from their barn, and they also kept bread and milk for us. Their house was absolutely wonderful, a great getaway vacation home. We loved roaming around their barn and surroundings of their house and we also clicked lot of pictures as their place was very beautiful.
We love our stay there and would absolutely love to go back again. Upon arrival they both came out to greet us and helped carry our bags upstairs. Once upstairs I was in absolute amazement. The pictures on this site do not do it justice. They really took time make sure that we would have every comfort, the details they put in every aspect of the place was incredible and totally made the place very homey.
They provided trial size products, milk and orange juice in the fridge, coffee, snacks and even fresh eggs from their chickens! After showing us around and making sure we were able to contact them if we needed anything, they left. When they say they are not "helicopter hosts," they truly aren't. They are able to be available without invading your privacy. The property they have just adds to the whole experience. Walking around the wooded property is very relaxing and if you're into photography, it's a beautiful place to take pictures. The morning we left, we left very, very early and Bill and Victoria made sure they were up to see us off.
Even offered for us to call them if we got lost on our way home! This truly lovely couple was a joy to rent from and I will stay there again. I recommend this place to anyone that wants to have a relaxing, peaceful experience. This was by far THE best Air bnb we have ever experienced. The farm, the livestock, and the hosts all combined to make just the best weekend! Every detail of decor is so carefully and lovingly created. The photos don't really do it justice. Lovely ample space for two; four would fit just fine.
My husband and I had had a dreadful week of mis-happenstances upon arrival; but immediately upon arrival began our experience of delight and relaxation. Walk the Labyrinth, feed the donkeys, go to Clearwater Lake. When I booked I thought the cost a bit high for the area- but after arriving and seeing the space firsthand I thought it was a bargain!!
As Bill would say: What a great property, right on the lake, secluded from main roads and neighbors, it totally blew our expectations out of the water, as soon as we pulled up to the house we loved it. Only a ten minute drive into town Belgrade Lakes for stores restaurants and boat rentals. We will definitely be back again!!! The hosts were very helpful in providing as much information as possible before our stay. Thank you for having us!!! What a beautiful setting this was on Great Pond!!
Very nice home, plenty of space, with everything we needed for our stay. Highly recommend this place!! Incredibly lovely and unspoiled spot on Great Pond. Hosts were attentive but not intrusive. Kitchen was extremely well outfitted. A pleasure all around. Super location right on the lake. Susan is a great communicator. Rented for a long weekend as our daughter was graduating from Colby College.
Would definitely rent this house again. This home was beautiful and had great access to the lake. Great for water activities or just hanging out at the fire. I highly recommend this place. We enjoyed our time in Waterville. The room was quiet, cozy and comfortable. We slept well and enjoyed seeing the artwork in the home! I really enjoyed staying at Lucie and Bernie's beautiful home! Very private, peaceful, quiet - was even greeted by the welcoming committee- their sweet pups! The room and bathroom was clean and was the perfect space needed after traveling.
Would love to stay again! What a beautiful place. I am so glad to have chosen this place out of the rest. The couple have amazing hospitality. I felt so welcome and like family. My 9-year old was with me and she very much enjoed the house their dogs and the couple as well! Not only the room we stayed in but the rest of the house had a very nice scenic nature surrounding us.
Very clean room and bathroom. The bed was very comfortable too! No more than 5 minutes from the stores in Waterville. It was very quiet and relaxing Will stay again when I come back! Lucie and Bernie are so very kind. They have two lovely puppies. As newly married couple we felt so welcome. The room is clean, private and beautifully decorated with home made glass arts.
Bath room is luxury. Great location on the way to Acadia. Bernie actually showed me a few tips about the national park which are very helpful. My wife and I both enjoyed the stay there. We will definitely chose to come back if we go to Bar Harbor again. Bernie and Lucie were great, generous hosts, and they have two lovely little dogs.
The bedroom was very comfortable, and there were a lot of nice extra accommodations, like bottles of water and snacks. Bernie and Lucie are the kind of hosts you wish you could have more time to talk with and get to know more. Would definitely book with them again! Everything there is Perfect. The place is nearby I, so it is easy to find. The room and private bathroom are so clean. It was so nice to stay there. The host Lucie and Bernie were very gracious. I would encourage others to enjoy their hospitality. They are very open and made me feel at home.
This place was perfect! Quiet, so I got a great sleep. Owners are super friendly and interesting. Mark was an excellent host, welcoming atmosphere and accommodating. Clean with all the comforts of home. Great location for access to local schools and various activities in the area. Mark is an excellent host, very attentive and helpful.
He has a wonderful personality and wants to ensure you have an outstanding stay. My two sons and I felt welcome and comfortable. The listing description and pictures are exactly how it is! The neighborhood was friendly and welcoming. We had a great mini vacation. I will recommend this place to anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy peace and nature. Mark is by far the perfect host for anyone who comes there and he will make sure to make your stay as convenient and as delightful as possible.
This place is very atmospheric, just sitting by bonfire and watching shooting stars made my stay wonderful on its own. Perfect place to spend a weekend with your loved ones and family. Acadia National Park is only couple hours of driving and it's gorgeous. Definitely coming back soon: Mark was a fantastic host. He went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable even offering to make us a bar b que and offering us the full run of whatever he had in the refrigerator. He knows the area extremely well and also offered to take us around.
The room was spacious and with 3 comfortable beds. The location is spectacular, right at the lakefront, and very easy to get to. East Pond is pristine and In the morning, I took the kayak out onto the lake and enjoyed a peaceful paddle. At night, I heard loons. If you are looking for a rustic lake get away, this is the place. Every sunset was met by fireplace right on the lake. Mike is most gracious, kind and thoughtful host.
We always felt safe and well taken care off as he was right next door to us if we ever needed anything. We are certainly coming back next year! Mark was responsive and easy to communicate with. We were running a bit late, but he was flexible and relaxed. He offered us wine and charcoal to make a bonfire. It rained most of the weekend, so we weren't able to make the most of the lake and the boat. But it's a beautiful area, and we enjoyed having a run in the light rain. The location was perfect for visiting our son at a nearby camp.
The rooms are small, but clean and there is both netflix on tv and computer access. Mark's house was beautiful! It was right on the water, with a dock and several water sport amenities! Several bed spaces and perfect for a trip getaway. Mark made the experience much better with being a great host and providing extra touches the make the stay special! The land is at the base of a mountain and you can hike right up it! They are such nice and welcoming people if you want to interact and learn about the area, or if you want your privacy the cabin is hidden behind trees in the woods and you can have all the privacy you want.
Sarah and her husband were completely amazing! I got my truck stuck upon arrival and they stayed up and got my truck out for me. On top of that they allowed me to sleep inside to ensure I was warm at night. The cabin was very clean and neat. Has fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bed and couch. Great views of the pond from inside the cabin. Just few steps and you are on the water. Parking is right outside the door which is great. Host is great, thanks for making our first airbnb enjoyable. Stephens place was amazing. Although there was still a lot of snow on the ground, the pond view was beautiful and the view from the kitchen table was wonderful as well.
The place was clean and organized and there was a tv with your basic channels. We enjoyed having no wifi because we wanted to have a more quiet and social media free time. Would stay here again! Perfect place for a getaway! Quiet and right by a beautiful pond with a kayak and canoe you can use at your leisure. House is well equipped and cozy. This is a cozy and beautiful place to stay.
It is just 15 minutes from the very charming town of Hallowell, and sarounded by the Winthrop lakes region. We had a great time in this little cabin. You should note that if you happen to have a fragrance allergy this place may be challenging as there are a lot of air fresheners, sented oils, and candles. The host is very accommodating, however, and had no problem with us removing these for our stay.
He was also very quick to respond to messages. The place was beautiful! Augusta and Garinder were both cute and quick visits to check out. The view of the pond was pristine, and we watched bald eagles flying above the pond and around the surrounding trees! It was an amazing experience and we hope to come back again in the summer. Immaculately clean, personable touches throughout, fresh and delicious smells upon entering and lasting throughout plentiful candles for ambiance to choose from! It is an excellent location too: Very cool cottage with a loft.
The home is a few yards from the water-great views and very quiet area. The cottage itself was well-kept and clean. We didn't meet Stephen in person, but he was great at communicating and having the place ready. Find Places to Stay in Belgrade on Airbnb. Discover entire homes and private rooms perfect for any trip. Vacation Rentals in Belgrade. Places to stay in Belgrade. Very secluded cottage on "Golden Pond" with a large lawn perfect for croquet, badminton, or volleyball just a couple of miles from the Belgrade Lakes Golf Course and the village of Belgrade Lakes.
Enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Only 10 miles off from Route Our renters come back. This sits on 40 private acres of land consisting of fields, woods, and lakefront. We just received a list of birds spotted on the property. The last cottage on the cove, this is a very quiet amazing place. Tall pines surround the cottage. There are kayaks available also. Kayak down into the cove to discover streams with pond lilies and full of wildlife.
We see eagles, sandhill cranes, and osprey nearly every day. The cottage is surrounded by trees, but there are also fields on the way. Have a camp fire. Enjoy the sound of the loons. Great Pond is an amazing lake, over 10 miles long and 55 miles around. There are two restaurants right on the lake with dock parking. All of the shopping and dining options in Belgrade Lakes Village are also accessible by boat. One of our favorite things to do is to drive to the village by boat, and get coffee and their famous handmade donuts from Day's Store.
Looking forward to returning Karyn T We all had a great time, including our dog! Secluded Great Pond Retreat. Adorable one-bedroom home set among tall pine trees in a quiet setting located on a private dead-end dirt road. This little house offers all you need for a weekend retreat or an extended stay. Access local snowmobile trails and the ITS directly from the house. You will feel a part of nature even when in the house. The many windows offer great natural light. Watch chickadees, tufted titmouse and dark-eyed juncos fluttering about the rhododendrons in the yard, bald eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead, and listen to nighttime owl calls and the cry of the loon on Long Pond.
Deer are sometimes spotted in the yard, and on at least one occasion, a moose. The house makes a wonderful, peaceful retreat to enjoy nature or as a jumping off point to near-by attractions. Snowmobile, cross-country ski or ice skate on the lake! The house is located in a quiet neighborhood that includes a mix of seasonal and year-round residents. The neighborhood is quiet and safe and the neighbors are very friendly! Easy commuting distance to Farmington, Lewiston, Auburn, and Augusta. Abram Ski Area and the Bethel area. We had a blast. This gem of a rental sits high on a bluff overlooking Messalonskee Lake at its widest point, toward Sidney.
A real camp, off the electric grid, with rainwater supplied via rainbarrel, outside new clean portapotty, charcoal BBQ, lake access across railroad tracks. If looking for driving directions, they are located under the Location section under this listing under Directions. It is completely green, off the grid, remote, yet in the heart of the Belgrade Lakes.
Awesome affordable rustic romantic getaway! Moon Country - Rustic Camp Getaway. Anchor House welcomes you. Come enjoy a comfortable, completely private bedroom with queen bed, bath and living room. We are 3 miles from I 95 for easy access to Waterville. There is a sofa bed in the living room for extra guests. We offer Coffee, microwave, toaster and a refrigerator for your use. Wifi and flat screen TV. The space is ideal for couples, single person, a couple with young children.
The sofa bed is in the living room for extra guests, but we only offer one bedroom. The bedroom is spacious and the bathroom is part of your private area. Relax in the livingroom with the flat screen TV and we have TV tray tables so our guests can enjoy their meals or work on their laptops. Burleigh Street is a unique part of town in Waterville.
Large old houses on a quiet street along the Messalonskee stream. Many of the houses date back to the late s and early s. Burleigh built our house in He and his family lived downstairs and his favorite aunt lived upstairs. Originally a two family house. Great place to stay. Very spacious, comfortable and clean. Anchor House, Comfortable and Private. Light filled, beautifully updated studio apartment in small apartment building 5 minutes from downtown Augusta.
Luxury sheets and linens and closet to hang your things. All the essentials and more.
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I would stay again. Hallowell is also home to renowned bars, taverns and restaurants, with the downtown area having a high concentration of eating and drinking establishments. Enjoy a beer or live music at one of the taverns. The Hallowell Historic Rooming House is newly renovated house that was built in the s by a philanthropist and abolitionist. There is a granite tunnel that leads from the house to the river. The third floor was used as a dormitory possibly for freedom seekers.
It is a post and beam house where all of the beams have been exposed. The house is designed for long term accommodations. There is designated space in the pantry and under the counters for groceries. Each room has it's own refrigerator and there is designated space in the common refrigerator and deep freezer. Room D has a premium Leesa mattress.
There is a share bathroom on the same floor that is cleaned weekly. All rooms are cleaned and linens and towels changed weekly. The second bed is a very comfortable roll out LL Bean cot. There is a lot to do in Hallowell. We have a live theater, live music, many different restaurants and shops. Vaughn Woods is nearby with walking trails.
The Kennebec River is a great place to kayak and see bald eagles soaring and sturgeon jumping. We do not allow check-ins on the Sabbath. But if you wish to book through a Saturday message me and I will unblock it for you. Thank you for your understanding. We are located in the beautiful area of central Maine, with amazing views that bring peace to the heart and calmness to the mind.
We are proud to be a pet loving environment. We absolutely know and guarantee that you will have a memorable stay here at Haven Hill Cabins and we will help make your stay as comfortable as possible! The cabins are optimal for area families who need extra sleeping accommodations. Randell was a very welcoming host. June Liz T Wonderful views and peaceful experience Glenn T Haven Hill Cabin 2. This fully remodeled unit features full sized appliances, including a stove, refrigerator, and microwave and also is fully stocked with basic cooking equipment. The remodel creates a clean, yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for guests.
This space is furnished with a comfortable queen sized bed, dining table, and optional blackout shades. Only 5 minutes from the shopping center and highway. Conveniently Located Private Studio Apt. Take advantage of the low price as we launch our new listing and provide us with feedback. We want this to be the perfect place to stay when you are in the area. This apartment is beautiful with a deck overlooking a grassy back yard, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace perfect for cozy nights.
There is off street parking. Guests can walk to a variety of pubs and restaurants and access live music many evenings. No need to drive for meals. The State House is 1. Thank you from Alberta Canada Kerry T Wonderful space for one or family. High End Apartment in Downtown Hallowell. Beautiful guest suite with private entrance offers a bedroom, bathroom, gym, living room, and deck. Also a family room with pool table, and a bit further a semi-shared laundry. Microwave, coffee maker, small refrigerator, BBQ grill with side burner, and a toaster are provided as well as pots, pans, and dishes.
Walk down the cottage road and relax lakeside where there is another BBQ grill, screened gazebo, and a storage building. Borrow our kayaks and enjoy boating on Great Pond. The house sits on 40 acres of fields, woods with over private feet of waterfront on Great Pond.
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As secluded as it is, it's only a couple of miles to the village with shops, restaurant, and golf course. It's a great place to relax and see nature. Bigger towns of Waterville and Augusta are 15 - 20 minutes away. Just 10 miles from Route See list of birds spotted on the property below!
A great spot, with lots of privacy. Open mike night is Tuesdays and is a very nice event. Take a picnic and listen to some great music as the sun sets over Long Pond. Other restaurants in Belgrade Lakes are: Check out Hello Good Pie for amazing pies and baked goods. Great if you have friends staying to the waterside cottage as well. Hallowell is also home to renowned bars, taverns and restaurants with the downtown area having a high concentration of eating and drinking establishments. Enjoy a beer or live music at one of several taverns.
Room A is a sunny first floor handicap-accessible bedroom with a great view of the Old South Church. The room has a full size bed and there is a very comfortable roll out LL Bean cot available for a third guest. There is a new marble bathroom shared only with Room B. The room has all the amenities of a five star hotel: Bean furniture, fresh flowers, top of the line L. Bean bedding, plush L. Bean bathrobe, fully equipped gym with four workout stations and personal TVs, large screen TV in the room with local channels and amazon prime loaded, a welcome gift and extreme cleanliness.
The room includes a desk and executive chair, reading chair, dresser, refrigerator with freezer, and coffee maker with complimentary coffee. It is an historic house that was built in the s by an abolitionist and philanthropist for the Knights of Columbus who used it as charity housing for freedom seekers and others. The third floor used to be a dormitory lined with beds each with a set of built in drawers for each bed that are still present. There is a granite block tunnel that leads from the basement to the Kennebec River. The house was recently renovated with many of the original features preserved and the historic beams exposed.
Hallowell is two miles from the state capitol, three miles from I, three miles from the airport, seven miles from Concord bus station and six miles from Augusta Marketplace the mall , Civic Center and the University of Maine. Hallowell is a small coastal community on a tidal river and estuary.
The house is within two blocks of downtown in a quiet residential neighborhood. No steep hills to climb. Many walking and bicycle trails nearby. Vaughn Brook and trails is a short walk up Second Street. The carriage trails are known as "hobbitland," characterized by granite bridges and gurgling waterfalls.
There are also trails around Jamie Pond and the Hallowell Recreation Area where the town beach is located off the town farm road. A very nice and warm experience! This is an automated posting. But there is a separate area and fire pit near the house for you to use privately. The neighborhood is nice and quiet. During your stay you will see or meet home owners in the subdivision.
The will be in and around the water, the point, the docks and picnic tables. The are allowed to be doing so, so please don't question their rights! If you are nice to them, they will be nice to you. Great location and amenities. My place is on the lake, fishing, boating, kayaking, golf courses. My place is good for couples, families with kids , and furry friends pets.
Use of a canoe or kayak, take your boat to dinner! Lakefront Camp on Great Golden Pond. We have a beautiful, clean efficiency apartment on the Kennebec river. Ten minutes from Waterville, across the river from Fairfield. We are just walks away from the Kennebec Messalonskee trail, this is a groomed trail that goes alongside the Kennebec river. We have create a coastal Maine feel to our decor to help you experience an authentic Maine stay.
Please see the pictures to make sure this is the right fit for you. There is un-even pavers on walkway. You can walk alongside the grass to avoid Also, because of lower level suite the Claw foot tub had to be elevated to drain, if you have leg or feet issues this may not be a fit for you. Thank you The Dore family. This is a daylight basement suite. Does not have a full kitchen. This kitchenette has a single cook top with cookware, a toaster oven and microwave.
Your stay here is close to town but just out enough to enjoy a peaceful place to relax. We are on a side street in a rural part of town. Benton is a small community. We usually use the amenities of the town of Fairfield, just across the river. We have neighbors that are quiet and friendly.
We've lived here seventeen years. There's nothing else that compares. We love Maine's coastal area. We love Bar Harbor and we can make it a day trip if we want. Thanks Craig and Jen Mary T Perfect for a short trip! Kennebec River Retreat for a central Maine stay. Light filled, beautifully updated studio apartment building 5 minutes from Colby College and 13 minutes to downtown Waterville. Keurig brewer and hot water kettle with coffee and tea selection. Nestled in the heart of downtown Oakland this studio is only 3 miles from Colby College and 5 miles from downtown Waterville.
Lots of thought into this home away from home. New, clean and convenient. Spacious studio in downtown Oakland. The house is completely powered by the energy of the sun with a high tech solar panel installation.