During the summer months, we are always extremely busy with work! Being a business owner in a cruise ship town means that we work non-stop from May to October. This summer we only ended up having five days off for the entire season. While we really wanted to just stay in bed all day…I rallied for us to take a few trips to the Yukon!
Read MoreIf you have never visited the The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, you must add it to your list…but do it before September 12th! After that date, the State of Florida is turning the concession over to a different business. (AND I am not happy about it!)
Read MoreEvery visit to Ireland should include a trip to Waterford, so you can pay a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal.
We love factory tours, so this was right up our alley. Due to Covid restrictions, the tours were "self-guided". However, there was a person at each place along the tour that was there to explain the process...and it was a fascinating experience.
So many times, we have had Waterford Crystal in our possession, and I never really even paid much attention to it. After seeing the process of making it, I can assure you that I will never look at it the same way ever again!
These craftsman are highly skilled in each of their areas, with their apprenticeships lasting 5-8 years. Glass blowers use wooden and hand tools to shape the crystal. Each piece is inspected several times. If it is not perfect, it is scrapped and sent to be remelted and used again.
Once the Crystal passes inspection, it is sent to the cutters. These artists use removable marker to make the geometric patterns onto the Crystal. The cutters have to learn a series of 600 cuts before they can complete their apprenticeship. It was astonishing to watch them create these cuts!
There are also sculptors that sculpt pieces from a solid block of crystal and engravers who spend hours and days engraving the crystal.
The amazing part of the tour is that you get to see these craftsman performing this work up close and personal. The cost of the tour is only 15 Euro per person.
After the tour, you can shop in their retail store...and visit the Crystal Cafe.
We made this visit in a day trip while heading to our next destination. Don't miss your chance to witness this 238 year legacy in action. You won't regret it!
Check out this video from behind the scenes!
While you are here, check out the town. This seaport has a rich history dating back to when the Vikings found the area in 914 A.D. There is plenty to see and explore while you are here!
And make sure to check out this adorable shop with great items Made in Ireland - Bebhinn!
For more information about the town, click here: Waterford
Off Your Beaten Path
PO Box 1066 Skagway, AK 99840
offyourbeatenpath@gmail.com
321-439-3585
Designed by Northwind Social Media
