June 8, 2020
Have you ever gone on a literary pilgrimage? If so, where and why?
Once upon a time, on a back highway in Florida, I saw a sign marking the road to Zora Neale Hurston’s home. I would have liked to take the road less traveled, but I had places to be and people to talk to. And although I took that road once or twice more, I never to make it to the house. In fact, I don’t which of the various houses she lived in the road led to.
Although I didn’t think of it as a pilgrimage at the time, I got to see the Mark Twain house in Hartford. Connecticut. I was visiting family who lives nearby, (Hi, Mary!) and we took a trip there for something to do. Back then, the home was still under restoration and a tenant lived on part of the third floor.
But the house was gorgeous. Beautiful dark woods throughout the interior. Marvelous staircases. Intricate ceilings.Wonderful details throughout the house. Truthfully, I don’t remember much about the exterior because I was so in awe of the inside.
If I was going to go on a literary pilgrimage, where would I go? I’m thinking Ireland. I’ve always figured that my Irish heritage is where I got my creative side. I’d love to wander the moors and hills of the countryside, explore castle and church ruins, and maybe talk to a fairy or an elf. See what came of it as far as inspiration for my stories.
If you were going on a literary pilgrimage, where would you go? You can share your stories in the comments. In the meantime, I’m going to check out where the others on this list have gone. Maybe I’ll get some ideas.
June 8, 2020
Have you ever gone on a literary pilgrimage? If so, where and why?
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Great post! That is gorgeous!
The woodwork is amazing
Wow, Mark Twain’s house is beautiful, P.J! I’ve been to Ireland, but only to Belfast and Dublin and didn’t get a chance to walk over the moors.
I’d love to go back since it’s been a “few” years and they’ve continued to restore it
How lovely to explore your roots and visit Ireland on a literary pilgrimage for writing inspiration. I think you would be well and truly inspired.
I can dream, Sue.
Ireland is an amazing place, good choice.
Been to Twain’s boyhood home in Hnnibal. Stand on the banks of the Mississippi and there they are. Huck, tom, Becky, Jim, Huck’s Pa…It’s rare when you see a place and can feel it. That was one. Graceland? I drove by quite a few times. Made we want a peanut butter and bacon sandwich and a vintage cadillac.
That would be Hannibal…
The time I drove by Graceland, it looked old and worn down like the neighborhood surrounding it. Or maybe that reflected the mood I was in.
There must be quite a few interesting author related places and homes in the US, Patricia. I honestly don’t know if we’ll ever get to visit the US now with all this economic devastation wrought by coronavirus. I have been to a lot of famous author’s homes and related venues in the UK.
I’d hold off on any plans to come to the US for a few months. The country isn’t in a good place right now.