Lifestyle

The Ridgelys' wealth afforded them the time and means to pursue a wide variety of leisure activities. They traveled domestically and abroad, from Captain Charles Ridgely who traveled for business, to subsequent generations who traveled extensively for pleasure. The Ridgelys traveled with style, from horse drawn carriages, emblazoned with the family crest, to the automobile in the early twentieth century. Thoroughbred horses, horse racing, as well as fox hunting and steeple chasing were a part of the Hampton estate since its founding. "

Music was an important part of daily life on the estate, with several accomplished musicians in the family. The Ridgely family children played with fine toys. Outdoor activities included baseball, tennis and croquet. Initially, the layout of the gardens and grounds were the purview of the estate's masters. However, the ladies of Hampton became principally responsible for plantings by the mid-nineteenth century. The estate included greenhouses, colorful plantings and falling gardens, and many magnificent trees.

Games, Music, and Sports Gardening Transportation Using Technology Travel