Ep 5. An Eye for Beauty

Weekends with Yankee is a travel and lifestyle show that follows co-hosts Richard Wiese and Amy Traverso as they explore the diverse and beautiful aspects of New England. In season 5, episode 5 entitled "An Eye for Beauty," the hosts embark on a journey to discover the art and beauty of the region through various forms of artistic expression.

The episode starts with Richard and Amy venturing out to Essex, Massachusetts, to visit the workshop of a master furniture maker, David Lamb. They marvel at David's intricate designs and impeccable attention to detail, as well as his use of salvaged wood to create unique and sustainable pieces. David shares his passion for the craft and his love of working with wood, teaching the hosts about the importance of patience and precision in creating beautiful and functional pieces.

Next, Richard and Amy travel to Easthampton, Massachusetts, to explore the vibrant and colorful world of glassblowing with Josh Simpson, a world-renowned glass artist whose works have been featured in museums around the world. They witness Josh's amazing talent as he creates his signature "Megaplanet" series, which features intricate and mesmerizing patterns inside tiny blown glass orbs.

The hosts then venture out to Rockport, Maine, to discover the beauty of the natural world through photography. They visit the studio of renowned nature photographer, Peter Ralston, who has made a career capturing stunning images of landscapes, wildlife, and seascapes. Peter shares his techniques and insights on capturing the perfect shot, as well as his love for exploring and preserving the natural beauty of Maine.

Finally, Richard and Amy head to the bustling city of Boston to get a taste of the world-renowned culinary scene featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They visit the iconic restaurant, Oleana, to meet Chef Ana Sortun, a James Beard Award-winning chef who has been instrumental in bringing Mediterranean cuisine to the American palate. Ana shares her philosophy on creating delicious and healthy dishes, as well as her passion for using fresh herbs and spices to create complex flavors in her dishes.

Throughout the episode, Richard and Amy express their awe and appreciation for the diversity of artistic expression that can be found across New England, from the stunning beauty of fine craftsmanship to the breathtaking artistry of glassblowing and landscape photography. They also showcase the region's vibrant and evolving culinary scene, which features an exciting mix of traditional and modern flavors. As always, the hosts offer a warm and welcoming perspective, encouraging viewers to explore and discover the beauty and diverse cultural expressions that can be found all around New England.