House Museum Kevin Durst House Museum Kevin Durst

Dark Island Castle - Thousand Islands

Frederick Gilbert Bourne was a self-made millionaire who resided at the Dakota Apartments in Manhattan and had a 1,000-acre estate in Oakdale, Long Island, called Indian Hall. Bourne became the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, which is where the current name “Singer Castle” comes from. While the Bourne’s summered here, they called the castle, “The Towers” and the island, “Dark Island”.

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City Walks Kevin Durst City Walks Kevin Durst

The City of Canals - Venice, Italy

When I took the ferry from the airport via the Grand Canal, which runs through the heart of the city, I started to fall in love with the enchanting city, and knew this bucket list destination was not going to disappoint. Venice is incredibly unique with 117 islands, 150 canals, over 400 bridges and no cars. Venice, Italy is mostly known for its canals, but I will tell you it is an architectural photo walk. The city’s architecture reflects so many influences including Byzantine, Islamic, and Gothic.

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Seaside Towns Kevin Durst Seaside Towns Kevin Durst

“The Garden By The Sea” - Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Thomas Rogers first settled the area in 1657 and dubbed it “The Garden by the Sea”. The town takes its name from Rogers’ family abandoned apple orchards. Old Orchard Beach first was promoted as a tourist designation in 1631. A steady flow of tourists started coming to Old Orchard Beach when railroad service from Portland and Boston was established in 1842.

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