A Tour of Garlandsburg - Part 2

Our tour continues . . .

    Oh, watch out for the puppy! I am so sorry, folks! Cinnamon! Don’t you know you’re not supposed to jump on tourists? They might not come back. Here, I’ll take her inside. Mr. Hansan probably doesn’t even know she’s out. Come on, Cinnamon, I think you’ve caused enough trouble. Does anyone else want to go into the cobbler shop? If you’re looking for special shoes, he can make them for you. Or sharpen your skates, or waterproof your boots. I don’t know what the village would do without Mr. Hansan.

   Move out of the way, please. These brothers are always taking care of their sister since she was injured. They’ll pull her everywhere. I’m guessing they are headed to the bookstore because Danielle loves to read.

    Is your mouth watering with that savory smell? Surely my stomach isn’t the only one that’s growling. Let’s stop in at the Grind Central Cafe and get a cup of their stew, a slice of hot bread, and something hot to drink. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of food for everyone. I’ve never known them to run out of anything before. Come inside. This is the coldest day so far! And that wind isn’t helping any. Oh, it feels so nice in here!

  

  That was so delicious! I’m ready to keep going now.

 This is Ron’s Music Shop. He specializes in all things music. You can see some of his special music boxes on display in the window. You want to buy one? Go right ahead. I don’t think Ron is there, but his wife can help you.

    Good afternoon, Holly, Nicholas. Fine day for a sleigh ride. Merry Christmas to you too! That was Reverend Goodman’s brother Nicholas, and Holly. She used to be a Stone, but they got married on Christmas evening right here at our lovely church last year. It was perfectly enchanting!

    There’s Ron and a few friends who have come out to play for the skaters. Just watch those skaters. Drew is really good. Yes, he’s the one closest to the fence with the striped shirt. He won first place in a skating race on a large pond last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he enters more skating races after December is over.

    Yes, this is the village park. It’s usually crowded with people. Sometimes tourists, or even the locals–especially the children–enjoy meeting friends here.

 Oh, dear. That clock is terribly wrong! I must step inside the Clockwork and let Mr. Getty know. He keeps out town clocks in order, and it looks like that one needs some help. He also mends all the watches, and yes, he does sell new ones. I put a watch on my Christmas list this year since mine was just some cheap thing and not working very well. I hope I can get a watch from here this year.

    Merry Christmas, Dr. Ketchum! Oh, wait, sir! Postman Owen is trying to get your attention. I think he might have something for you.

   Let’s keep moving now. Do watch out for the sledders. This is the favorite place to sled for most of the children. Sure, we have time for you all to take a spin down the hill if you want. I’m sure someone will lend us their sled. Thank you! There go Little Me and Sissy with their dog Ruff to pull them. It doesn’t look like Ruff is eager to pull them down the hill. I wonder if he would rather pull them up it.

    This house is the pride and joy of Garlandsburg! It is the home of Rufus and Betsy Garland. The entire Garland family lives in this fine mansion every December, including the mayor and his family.

    We must walk through the woods just a bit as the coast turns, but it’s not too far. It’ll give us a chance to work up an appetite again.

    Hello Mrs. Stone! It looks like you are returning to the Bakery with packages. Are you preparing for Christmas? Yes, we will most certainly come in! Our mouths are watering for a taste of those delicious cinnamon buns we have been smelling! I hope there are some still warm! Good evening, Peter! Merry Christmas to you too. Peter is Mr. and Mrs. Stone’s son. Let’s go inside now. Hello Mrs. Johnson. Out getting some delightful goodies for supper? Joel is growing up so quickly. Have a good evening!

   Didn’t I tell you those cinnamon buns were worth the few minutes wait to get them hot out of the oven? Yes, the Stone family does a thriving business here in Garlandsburg every year. Well, Merry Christmas, Reverend, Mrs. Goodman! Hello, Clara. You must have gotten a new shoe on Coffee. Yes, this will be my last tour for today. Are you taking gifts to the church for the Christmas Eve service? Oh, yes, I’ll be there! Merry Christmas!

   The snow isn’t as deep up here. I think the wind off the coast has blown it farther inland. 

Oh, look, someone is decorating a tree for Miss Ann at the Needlework and Quilts. Are any of you quilters or sewers? Perhaps you’d like to stop later and look around. There are some masterpieces in that little shop. She also makes rugs, as you can see on the porch railing. Those things last forever! I have one from when I first started giving tours here, and it still looks like it did when I got it.

    Careful on the hill. It’s a little steep in places and the curves are a might narrow. Here we are at the Lodge. Hello, Andrew. And yes, hello to you too, Sugar. Are you going to hitch Sugar up to your sled, Andrew? Oh, that does sound like fun. I wish we had time to join you, but we must keep going before it gets dark. We often take a stop at the lodge during tours, but since we just warmed up at the bakery, we need to keep going.

    We’ve now reached the Brixton Road, named after Hank Brixton. He was a good friend of Sam and Rufus, and, after Sam moved away, he has helped plan the new design for the village a few times. This road will also take you to the next town. It looks like it’s a well traveled road today.

    Darkness is settling around us, but we’ve made it to the other end of town, to the lighthouse. There’s Lucas and Grandpa Uriah Donavan with Torch. They are still watching for Adam’s ship to arrive. I hope it makes it in time for Christmas. Let’s go inside. The keeper is always willing to show visitors his light. He’ll even let you go out on top if you want. And don’t worry, the steps are inside on this lighthouse.

   And here we are, back outside. Darkness has settled around. Brrr, that wind is cold! Look! It’s started to snow! We can wait at the Lodge or the Bakery for the stage to come by and pick us up. Or for those who like walking in the dark through the falling snow, we can ask Mr. Stanhope to be your guide. He loves dressing like a man from Old England and would be more than happy to escort you back to the hotel.

    I hope we’ll see you at church for the Christmas Eve service! And enjoy the rest of your stay in our wonderful little village of Garlandsburg. Merry Christmas!

I hope you enjoyed your tour of Garlandsburg. Do you have a Christmas village that you set up? Would you like to visit a place like Garlandsburg?

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