What's New in Our Travels??

Where-OH-Where have we been lately? 

I'll tell you ... 

In January, my sister and I visited Alabama for a wedding - the daughter of our sweet cousin got married to the love of her life. It was beautiful and magical, as all weddings should be. 

We stayed in this gorgeous Marriott property on a golf course (if you're a golfer, go here!)

Marriott Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge 

It's like a Scottish Castle right in the heart of the city. They've got a Scottish bagpiper playing each evening around the grounds. They've got a great bar that stays open late (I mean really late as we can attest at 2am), a delightful coffee bar, and a couple of restaurant/eateries that cater to your every whim. We loved our stay here. We even took a nice 3 mile out and back walk to the actual Ross Bridge. 

Leaving my cousin's house one afternoon, it started snowing (yes, snowing in Alabama!) and we were sent on a merry drive through this adorable covered bridge. I loved it! 

It is the historic Mountain Oaks Covered Bridge. Who knew there were so many in Alabama? I just checked the website and there are about two dozen throughout the state. Get driving people!

Hubby and I spent a lovely rainy week in Oceanside, CA in February. 

We stayed at Marriott's SpringHill Suites in Oceanside, a very close walk to the ocean front. There are loads of places to grab a snack, a beer, a cocktail, watch the surfers, and see a sunset. 

The Oceanside Pier is a lovely setting. If you do visit Oceanside, and if you do stay at the SpringHill Suites, ask for a room on the opposite side of the train tracks. They are pretty loud and quite frequent. Our favorite visit was actually the Green Cheek Brewery. This is a dog-friendly spot with friendly welcoming people and loads of seating indoors and out. The beer is good, and the food is yummy.  

I cannot remember where this pic was taken, but we had a fun time visiting all the various breweries in the Oceanside area. Check out that Padres Jersey! 

My sweet daughter and I visited Atlanta for her spring break this year. This city is filled with good food, lovely green spaces, and loads of history. We stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown, and I highly recommend this location. The service was top-notch from check-in to check-out. The valet service was very much appreciated because parking in Atlanta is a quest of its own. Be prepared to pay for parking everywhere you go. And be grateful when you find a spot! 

We visited Zoo Atlanta, and though the big black & white pandas are gone, this super cute red panda was having a great day. The animals were in their springtime fervor! 

I cannot skip the giraffes, no matter what! 

The Atlanta History Museum was filled with artifacts and information that just slayed me. This is a portion of the giant AIDS quilt that graced our nation's capitol years ago. 

The Martin Luther King, Jr complex was incredibly moving. It's located in the heart of the city near the home where MLK, Jr grew up and near the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he and his father preached. He and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are entombed nearby. 

But, this is where I absolutely lost it. All of the civil rights protests - sad and oftentimes violent photos, compelling videos, and literature that broke my heart. 

How can people be so evil? 

But, this was my favorite sculpture from around Atlanta, It's just outside the Krog Street Market. I love street art and Atlanta has a bunch of cool pieces around town. This one just made my heart sing. 

There are several really terrific Food Halls around Atlanta, and you should stop into ALL of them! 

We had great visits at Sweetwater Brewing, New Realm Brewing, the Krog Street Market, the Ponce City Market, and a wonderful dinner at Two Urban Licks (YUM!) 

Big surprise when we arrived at the Swan Coach House - they were serving Afternoon Tea! I love a beautiful relaxing afternoon tea, and this one did not disappoint. Delightful sandwiches, the creamiest scones ever, and little pastries to tempt and enjoy. So happy my girl agreed! 

You cannot visit a city like Atlanta and not visit their historic cemeteries. These photos are from Oakland Historic Cemetery. The grounds are subdivided into areas that house Union Soldiers, Confederate Soldiers, a large Jewish parcel, spaces for the wealthy, and spaces for the poorest of folks. This cemetery is probably one of the most interesting of all that I have ever visited. We loved it. 

Never have I ever seen a tree felled in a cemetery. That was a first. 

We decided to visit the Georgia Aquarium on a very rainy day. What a great idea! 

This aquarium is truly as interesting as the aquariums in Boston, MA or Monterey, CA. 

All are lovely, but this one has beluga whales. I mean, come on! 

This was probably the biggest shark tank I have ever seen. 

And Jellies galore! 

Last stop was the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where almost everything was in bloom for the start of spring. There were tulips and iris and cherry blossoms too. 

This gorgeous piece is a Welcome Center beauty by none other than Dale Chihuly. It matches the vibe and beauty of the garden perfectly. 

Their annual Orchid show was on full display and wow... they could not have been more unique or any prettier. What a sweet treat to view them all. 

Can you stand a picture of one of our yummy breakfasts?

I present to you ... The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown Atlanta.

Creamiest grits ever. Soft and savory biscuits with house-made cranberry-apple butter. 

This is what makes an out of town girl feel like she's truly in the South. 

Great vibe, don't miss out. 

We grew up in Southern California and never really traveled to any of the beach cities while we lived there. They were too close to be a vacation, but farther out and not truly a day trip. This year we decided to make a trip to Ventura, CA. We have never vacationed here!

We stayed at the Marriott Ventura Beach, and it was undergoing some construction/revamp, so it'll probably be even nicer when next we visit. Or when you visit :) 

The hotel is directly across from the San BuenaVentura State Park and close to the Ventura Pier, the downtown area of Ventura, and the Buenaventura Mission. There are loads of great little eating spots, and lovely spaces to walk near the ocean. 

This was the view from the Serra Cross, up above the botanical garden. 

This lush beauty was found at the Ventura Botanical Garden, and this place, is a HIKE! We love the idea of it's dog-friendly-ness but wow, it was steep with switchbacks aplenty. Just know in advance it's lovely and you'll have a good leg-day. 

This very shaggy guy was near one of the breweries we visited, Transmission Brewery. Loved it. We also loved Leashless Brewing, Seaward Brewing, and Topa Topa Brewing Co. 

We enjoyed walking in their charming downtown area, and I was absolutely gob-smacked by the size and quality of their little downtown FabricTown and the place right next door with 100,000 used books. You don't find these kinds of places just anywhere, so keep searching! 

This was one of three labyrinths that my husband found for me, just outside the hospital complex in downtown Ventura. 

Long days of walking, and our pup, Desi, just couldn't hang! 

On our day drive up to Santa Barbara, we spied this gorgeous sculpture in a hidden garden. 

I love when I find the 'chubbies' out in the wild.

Pit stop at one of our favorite breweries - The Bruery in Fullerton.

On our way home, we decided to add a day and visit the Anaheim area.

We stayed at the Residence Inn in Placentia, and it is a lovely spot. 

Quirky payment up front (maybe they have a lot of damage or people who skip out on their bill.) 

I don't know, but it does work for us - location, price, and walking distance to The Bruery. 

I lucked out when my husband said I should visit Disneyland with my friend and my sister. I got there early and snapped this outside pic. Then I bee-lined for the Jolly Holiday Bakery for this yummy treat. 

This raspberry macaroon is filled with raspberry mousse and fresh berries and is absolutely delicious! 

Super mom at Disneyland!

Me and my sister enjoying our day together. 

Lastly. We are on our way out of town and had heard that the Original Helm's Bakery had re-opened as a little bakery/sweet shop/coffee shop. 

We HAD to stop here! 

We enjoyed a few baked goods, took a walk around the place, remembered the sound of the 

Helm's Man beeping through the neighborhood in his little golden wagon, with dozens of delicious donuts and breads in the back. 

Nostalgia, complete. 

Until next time...

:) 

Springtime in New York City!

 

 I absolutely LOVE New York City.

And New York City in the Springtime is the Very Best Time to Visit. 

My daughter and I headed east in May for a lovely birthday celebration - mine!

We stayed at the Renaissance Times Square. It's one of my very favorite hotels in New York City with a great location near all the live theatres. It is super clean and the hotel staff are helpful and friendly. The rooms are spacious and the beds are very comfortable. Everything you need is within walking distance ~ all the subway stations, bus stops, coffee, snacks, and bagels! 

Stay there yourselves; all the info is at www.marriott.com.  

New York City is bold and bright, large and gritty, beautiful and inspirational. 

I love it. 

But first...

Levain Bakery - the BEST cookies in the entire world. 

I found them when I was last in New York City with my husband. And I felt like this giant secret had been withheld from me for some time ... until I found these impossibly delectable cookies.

Big, HUGE actually, all buttery and flavorful, studded with chocolate chips (or not). So So Good.

Check them out at www.levainbakery.com and order some direct to your home. 

Or visit one of their locations in person. You won't be disappointed. 

Unless you don't like cookies, but that'd be weird, right?

First night in town and we decide to go to this little Ramen spot around the corner from our hotel. We ordered at the counter and then were sent to our counter space. There are four (or so) rows of numbered spots with little rattan curtains hiding your meal and your server on the other side. We had never seen anything quite so interesting, but oh wow ... everything that was delivered from behind this hidden curtain was all absolutely wonderful. 

Every ramen I sip from now until forever will be compared to this place. 

Ichiran Ramen located at 152 W. 49th Street in NYC. No reservations my friends. Just yum. 

Straight away after dinner, we accidentally passed this terrific looking speakeasy, 

cocktail space, bar-like place. And it was packed!! We were lucky to share one seat at the bar.

It is called Lillian's Victorian Establishment. 

Another little slice of heaven that does not disappoint. 

We went here twice. It could have been three times, and it should have been.

My favorite meal of the trip ~ Delicious Bronzino in a light curry sauce with forbidden rice. 

Life just doesn't get better than this!

Lillian's is located at 249 W. 49th St and they do take reservations. I suggest you do that!

We love New York City for so many reasons, but the shows are our primary reason for visiting. 
If you love the magic of live theatre, treat yourself to a show in the Big Apple. Just once if you can. 

This time around we saw "&Juliet", "Hadestown", "The Outsiders", and "Merrily We Roll Along".

All Tony winners either previously or just after we saw them. It was a treat to view every single one, but I am super partial to "The Outsiders." I sure hope it and "Merrily We Roll Along" travel and I can see them both again back home. 

What else do we love about New York City? The food, of course.

Here we are in line at Russ & Daughters, famous for their wonderful deli delights. 

Lox, Smoked Fish, Bagels, Salads, and treats galore. 

Anthony Bourdain loved them too. 

Smoked Fish Bagel Sandwich from Russ & Daughters.

You can get just about anything here and it's all wonderful.

There are loads and loads of delis and bagel spots in New York, but this one is something special. 

Take a number and wait, then watch them create and serve you something that is just 

Out Of This World Delicious!

Russ & Daughters is located at 179 E. Houston St. 

Lest you think we didn't try bagels anywhere else,

I present this photo of a Rainbow Bagel from Liberty Bagels.

We stopped in specifically for this bagel because it just looked too interesting NOT to try!

Liberty Bagels @ www.libertybagels.com with several locations around NYC. 

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - it was right next to our hotel, and wasn't that a pity?! The line snaked around inside and outside and the wait at 20 minutes was not so bad for a damn decent scoop of ice cream (dairy-free options too) and ridiculously rich hot fudge. I think I've seen them in certain high-end grocery stores, so you may find it elsewhere too. See if you can locate some for yourself at www.vanleeuwenicecream.com 

I was really on a chocolate binge on this trip and sampled all kinds of delicious dark chocolate at 

Li-Lac Chocolates

Max Brenner Chocolate Shop

Laderach 

Maizel

Jacque Torres

Every single shop had something worth a try. 

But Laderach really stole my heart with their goodies. 

There are so many sights to see and places to wander in New York City.

Even after visiting several times, we still find new things to view.

This is the Museum at Eldridge Street, housed in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue.

It was originally built in 1887 on the Lower East Side during a time of massive immigration. 

The Jewish population in this neighborhood purposely built this impressive structure for their own needs. It was a spiritual home for all Eastern European Jews arriving in New York City. 

As time passed, and the population of the neighborhood changed, this gorgeous structure fell into disrepair. However, a small group of focused restoration specialists took charge in 1986, launching a complete rebuild beginning in 1997. 

This gorgeous space is almost completely refurbished to its original sheen and it is glorious.

The light coming through the beautiful stained glass windows was incredible. 

The architecture is grand in scale and it was truly a marvelous space to view.

I kept going on and on about the lighting, because it was so spiritually magnificent. 

Also... my first synagogue visit in New York City. 

Plan your visit by checking out their website at www.eldridgestreet.org

Other sites to see...

The African Burial Ground Cemetery 

This sacred space was the final resting ground for over 15,000 enslaved Africans from 1690 to 1790. 

The grounds were lost to urban renewal and development until 1991. At this time, developers unearthed African bones and artifacts. Recognizing the importance of this land, the Department of the Interior designated this space a National Historic Landmark in 1993. The grounds are small, but beautiful. 

It is quietly contemplative and I encourage anyone wandering the city to stop here for a 

reverential moment. 

It's located close to Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, and you can find information on the 

National Park Services Website. 

Do you recognize this space? We didn't know about this NY surprise??

The New York Fire Department Hook & Ladder Company #8

Ghostbusters!! 

This Fire Department is a working department for the TriBeca area, but

you can stop by for photos and merchandise too. 

I don't know if they have a website, and I couldn't even tell you where this place is again, but

we found it. And if we found it, you can too!! 

We also spent a good amount of time wandering through Central Park taking advantage of a rainy day, fewer people, and unobstructed views of the lovely sculptures. 

Women's Rights Pioneers

Hans Christian Andersen

The world's teeniest pinecone

Alice in Wonderland

And us... We had a Blast!! 

Until Next Time 

:) Deb

I almost forgot the beautiful flowers in Shakespeare's Garden, which I have NEVER walked through previously. My daughter found us some really wonderful new spaces this trip and I cannot wait to go back with her again sometime soon.