Heading into Medina's town dock, yes?
Ah yes, confirmation! This bend in the Erie Canal created a basin that served as a stopover point for those traveling after the canal opened in 1825. The town flourished after that point. Today, the town is struggling because of the economy but the town folks are determined to create the city as a destination place.
Back side of the city.
A mural depicting a river barge being towed by the mules on the towpath.
Closer view.
Another large mural - look west young man.
I hope the door in the center on the 3rd floor is bolted shut because the first step is a doozy.
Another mural incorporating the Erie Canal.
Street view of the buildings below.
1876 building waiting for someone to come and bring it back to life.
Medina is known for its "Medina sandstone" which is a brown stone used widely in buildings in the region during the 1800's. Above is Main Street the main strip in downtown. The buildings you are looking at are all built using the Medina sandstone. When you plan a trip to Medina we suggest you dine at Zambistro (to the right of the picture). Our meal was fabulous!
We stopped by to see Mark, the owner of the Candle Nook, and he gave us the low down on the town. Huge efforts are being made by the downtown business owners and the town to bring the area back to life. They have spruced up their downtown by placing hanging flower baskets, American flags and banners on the lampposts.
The business owners invested in piping music to the downtown area as well. Listen. It's more New York than New York!!
Another sandstone building.
City Hall
Another refurbished section on Main Street.
More of the downtown area.
Love, love, love this window dressing which is in the front of a hardware store. Very creative and makes you stop and think. Enlarge the picture and take a closer look. Clever.
This is Candle Nook owner, Mark's, favorite chocolate treat and it is good. Finger licking good because it was extremely hot and humid again that day.
They could use some more business establishments in the area. Tell them Bill and Kathy sent you!
Can't get enough of the main drag.
Eastern end of town.
Opera House below.
This is one of the oldest opera houses in the U.S. It was built in 1864 "during the height of the Civil War. The property was donated to the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. who wants to bring it back to its former glory years." I want to go back there to see this beauty when it is completely refurbished. It is going to be stunning.
The refurbished buildings look FANTASTIC. 1800 architecture has been retained. A local college needs to offer a class to study the historical architecture along the Erie Canal especially in Medina!
Any true town has to have an Irish pub. It's a must although it does sit next to the police station.
Did you know one of the largest ethnic groups to work on the Erie Canal were the Irish?
Guinness for him and a black and tan for me, please.
Just in case you can't read gaelic they've attached pictures on the bathroom doors - good idea!
First Baptist Church built with sandstone.
Close picture of the side entrance.
Front entrance
Love the ornate brackets on this Queen Anne home across from the church.
St. Mary's Church is another beaut built with the Medina sandstone.
One of the oldest Catholic churches we have run across on our adventure.
Built in the day where you needed a church of this size to hold all of the parishioners. Different story today.
They were suppose to have mass every day at 7:30 am. I ran over here at 7:15 and there were no signs of life. All of the doors were locked. Can't say I didn't try. Bill was happy because I got back to the boat earlier than anticipated. On the road again..................
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