By Jennifer Ciotta

Today Beatrix Potter's precious Lake District encompasses the beauty and magic of her famous works.  It is easy to see where Potter developed her deep love for animals, since endangered red squirrels, Golden Eagles, red deer and owls roam the Lake District National Park.  The stunning vegetation includes juniper, lichen and lime-colored feather-moss, which gives the Park its glowing greenness.

One can also visit Potter's former residence, Hill Top (near Sawrey).  It was here that the author penned many of her children's stories.  The house also served as a model for Samuel Whiskers illustrations and various others as well.  When Potter died, she left the property to the National Trust upon one non-negotiatable condition: it had to be kept exactly as it was, therefore, today one can view original china and furniture.  Its timed entry system protects the fragile seventeenth-century structure by preventing overcrowding.  Tourists can view Potter's artifacts and purchase books and novelties at the gift shop.  Next door is the Tower Bank Arms, also National Trust-owned, where a hungry visitor can consume lunch and dinner, or even sip on a beer.  Tower Bank Arms is in Potter's story The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck.  Beware of the holiday and school groups thus limit a visit to off-season.

Meanwhile, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway chugs through Cumbria's mountainside, displaying a less commercialized version of the Lakeside District, including the remains of an ancient Roman Bath House near the train station.  Visitors can also catch views of grazing Herdwick sheep, which Potter herself raised, and perhaps a bunny or two.