Every other weekend my boyfriend and I shut down our computers and hop in the vehicle to take a drive, this has become a tradition for us to unplug and simply enjoy each other’s company. You see, one day we both simply wanted a change in scenery and hopped in the car to take a drive; he loves to drive and I prefer to ride, the perfect match! This past weekend led us to some history though and for that? I am excited to share…
This past weekend he asks me, “what direction?” You see, I am usually indecisive with decisions but when he elaborated with a “north, east, south or west?” I chose south. Come to find out we had already traveled the direction of all but south in our kid-free weekend adventures so this was kind of exciting! Next thing I know, we are Googling Madame Sherri, because word has it that a stairway to her castle still stands in Chesterfield, NH. Screw it, why not head that way as it is south!
When our adventure landed us in the middle of a back road, woodsy place in the middle of nowhere land, we had no clue what to expect. About a mile up this dirt road was a parking place where lots of people were, “we must be here!” we exclaimed. We were there, in Chesterfield, NH ready to see Madame Sherrie’s castle in the woods. A place with much history that entices me to learn more, visit again and sit there in silence while I envision myself back in the day with Madame Sherri as she entertained her guests.
There is so much to be seen and enjoyed in this little area of Chesterfield, NH, not only is there great leftovers of a castle that once housed many guests for entertainment and party purposes, but there are trails to be walked so that you can get some exercise in. As we walked beyond the remains of Madame Sherrie’s castle, we viewed all of the stone walls and wondered what happened here. How much history does this one location hold?
I must admit, I am very curious about Madame Sherri and the days she spent inviting guests to her lavish castle before it was vandalized and burnt down to what remains today. I will go back again and view this majestic location, and invite you all to head out this way on Gulf Rd in Chesterfield, NH too, because it is a sight worth seeing.
How did I not know this was up there? I am thinking a little road trip is in order.
It is so awesome! I hope you go!
I’m totally going to have to check this out. We were in New Hampshire a few weekends ago for a weekend away and we’ll be back over Christmas (which may just be a little too cold). I’ll have to visit Chesterfield next summer when I come back up and it’s warm enough to enjoy! Do you think kids would enjoy it too?
I plan to take my kids there … with the trails, ponds and lakes as well as the castle? I do think kids would like this location! Mine love nature walks and being in the woods though, not sure if yours are into castles and woods? If so, yes, great place to take a little family trip!
Thanks! Will definitely take them there this summer!
I miss those weekend road trips, we used to do that and then the kids got busier and we haven’t been able to do it in a while. I love what you found… looks like a great place to explore and take photos.
That is just gorgeous. I’ve never had the chance to go to New Hampshire, but I think it’s about time I changed that.
Yes, totally time to change that and come visit me 🙂 Haha!
For the most complete telling of Madame Sherri’s story, see the book Madame Sherri – The Special Edition, co-authored by myself and Eric Stanway. (The Special Edition book is a more comprehensive than the short book Eric had published previously.) It was commonly known that Sherri was a costume designer, but she and her husband had also been dancers on the vaudeville circuit. See web page http://madamesherri.com
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Would you care to sometime do a guest post here about your findings to include something about your book? I’d love to have you as a guest blogger here at HappilyBlended.com!
Thanks. I can do an item for you.
My strength is Madame’s pre-New Hampshire career, which was more significant than what is given on the sign at the forest. Still, I think people that visit there would be interested to know, for example, that she was a tango dancer early on.
Were you ever able to see a rendering of what the castle looked like before it was burned? I love old foundations.
There is a bulletin type board up, covered in plexi/glass … where you can see what the place once looked like back in the day. It also has information/the history of Madame Sherri and that location! It really is a fantastic place to visit and it is free! 513 Acres or something like that, a woman named Ann Stokes purchased way back, then she donated it to so it is part of the National Forest something (forgive me I forget the full name of the forestry agency). Pretty cool find!
What an amazing find! I love the way you guys do trips, too. What fun.
I can’t wait to do fun trips like this with my hubby! That castle must have been something. I need someone to write a book about it and let their minds take it where it needs to go. lol
Wow that looks like a beautiful place. Gorgeous sights! I bet my whole family would love a trip there.
I would love to see the sites in Chesterfield, NH. Madame Sherri’s castle ruins are inviting, just like the scenery around them.
Oh wow, I didn’t know about this castle! It’s pretty cool that you were able to find out about it and make it there on the fly.
Oh my goodness! I wanted to go there too, I’m sure you had fun experienced.
Too bad the castle was burned down. It would have been neat to explore it.
This place is so neat! Love that i could just imagine what it looked like! So cool Awesome share!!
Ah, that’s all that’s left? I’d love to learn more! I love places with history like that, what a stunning backdrop for portraits 🙂
I’d never heard of her or her castle before. I like the idea of your every other week trips.
I love your idea of picking a direction and just going! What a fun way to unplug and spend some time together!
I have never visited New Hampshire. Looks like a good place to get away to one of these days
What a pretty place to explore! And such a fun tradition you have of doing trips like this on a regular basis!
What a great way to spend time together and explore. That castles remains is begging for a photo shoot with a little princess.
we just had a conversation about this today. It’s been years since we’ve been spontaneous and just got in the car to do something. Our schedules get in the way but we know we need to find a way to get out and enjoy something other than screen time
What a cool place to go exploring! I love to visit places like this.