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.

California Coastal Road Trip 2024

 The very best-laid plans for a two week trip up through Colorado, Utah, into 

Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park ~ Usurped by Weather!

We found out just two weeks before leaving for this road trip that the roads into Yellowstone would not be open due to higher snow levels. And that was the entire point of the trip! So....

California Coastal Road Trip to the Rescue.

Now, we absolutely love driving up the California coast and visiting some of our favorite spots, so this road trip was truly no hardship for us. We were also reminded that some of the very best vacations are planned on the spur of the moment. 

First stop from Phoenix is quite often Fullerton, California so we can visit our favorite breweries - 
"The Bruery" and "Bottle Logic". Both of these locations serve some of the most delicious beers that I have ever tasted. If you're lucky there'll be a good food truck at either (or both) location. We especially love the "Guac & Roll" food truck which stops into both breweries on different days of the month. 

We love sharing a flight! Check their websites for more information. 

The Bruery @ www.thebruery.com

And

Bottle Logic Brewing @ www.bottlelogic.com

We routinely stay at the Residence Inn in Placentia. It is conveniently located to everything we need, is dog-friendly, has plenty of manicured grounds surrounding the property for pups, it's clean and it's also recently renovated. It suits us perfectly! FYI - there's all kinds of fast-food nearby if you need it. 

Residence Inn Placentia @ www.marriott.com

Continuing on, we visited the Solvang area, which is the cutest little Danish town around. Shops & Eateries, quaint lodging, and great weather along with friendly locals. We stayed in an AirBnB this time, in the outskirts of the Solvang area in Ballard Canyon. This place was adorable with plenty of space for us and we were surrounded by ranch property and local wildlife. We'd stay here again, it was so comfy and cozy. Desi was frightened by all the gophers though, so beware! 

Check out www.airbnb.com to find one for your travels! 

We loved walking through Hans Christian Andersen Park, and through the little Solvang Cemetery too. 

Hans Christian Andersen Park 

The Solvang Cemetery

The Solvang Shoe with Desi and me. Tradition!! 

Firestone Vineyards & Winery - a favorite for us since our first visit in 1983! Check out their website at www.firestonewine.com

We always love stopping into Firestone-Walker Brewery just outside Buellton - great food and beer too!

The Los Olivos area is adorable with little shops, and wine hops; but we especially loved Lefty's Coffee Company! This welcoming little place is cozy and delivers delicious pastries, yummy little breakfast bites, and excellent coffee/cocoa beverages. You won't be disappointed. 

Lefty's Coffee Company @ www.leftyscoffeeco.com

I just want to know who brings their donkey to the cemetery. Los Olivos - you're hysterical. 

Onward up the coast with pitstops in Cambria and Paso Robles - just to wander about. Both of these cities have shops to find cute chotchkes, snacks, beer, chocolate, and ice cream. We have stayed in both places before, but not this time. We were on our way to Carmel - our favorite city in California. 

I cannot believe I don't have any pictures of the hotel we stayed at in Carmel. It was absolutely heavenly. The entire ambience is all tropical with beautiful landscaping, comfortable rooms, a delicious continental breakfast, and a perfect location for walking in town. I felt like I was in Hawaii without the airfare! The room waterfall was one of my favorite things. And, like most everywhere in the city of Carmel, it is dog-friendly!! This hotel is appropriately named ...

The Tradewinds! 

Find them @ www.larkhotels.com/hotels/tradewinds

This was the only picture I could find from our hotel visit to The Tradewinds! 

We love the ocean walk here, the weather is always glorious, the shops are fun to stroll through, and the city is so welcoming, and dog-friendly too. Walking along the waterfront beach area (which is also dog-friendly) is just the perfect way to start the day. 

We found our favorite meals at: 

Toro Sushi (www.torosushicarmel.com) 

Alvarado Street Brewery (www.asb.beer/pages/carmelbistro)

And I cannot forget to mention The Carmel Bakery (www.chefpepe.com/carmel-bakery)

And we loved our stop in Monterey for a stroll along Cannery Row and some Ghirardelli!! 

Desi loves it here too!

After a few days in Carmel we headed south towards Long Beach for a few days to visit family. We stayed in the newer Residence Inn out by The Queen Mary. It isn't really in close proximity to anything but The Queen Mary and the embarkation point for Carnival Cruises. The hotel is perfect if you're in need of those two spaces. There is a park nearby, and a nice walking path near the water too. 

Find this location at www.marriott.com 

We did find a very cool park nearby - Bixby Park in the City of Long Beach on Cherry Ave. There is a nice children's playground, and loads of grassy spots for picnics and the like. We were there on a Saturday and they had a wonderful Farmer's Market with music throughout the day. 

Long Beach - We love their container venues for eats and beer. 

Check out the two Steel Craft locations at www.steelcraftlb.com. 

You'll find all sorts of food options and great beer too. 

We also loved walking near our old home in Lakewood and at Heartwell Park on Carson Street. 

Keeping ourselves headed southbound, we stopped at our favorite California donut place...

JD Flannel Donuts in San Juan Capistrano. You can find out more about them on their website (www.jdflannel.com) and then check out their reviews and their position on Yelp.com where they are situated as the #1 Donut Shop in all of California. They aren't kidding here - the donuts are amazing!. 

Three of the four we enjoyed ... we love them all, and literally have no specific favorite! 

Our next stop was Oceanside.  We have driven through Oceanside previously, but never stayed here. This was a real treat - loved the vibe of the pier area and our AirBnB was perfect. 

I mean... it's Southern California at its finest as far as weather is concerned. 

Loads of spaces to walk around and grab a bite or a beer. There's shopping if you feel like it, and most every patio is dog-friendly. There's a really wonderful "surfer-style" place called The Buccaneer Cafe. It's located right across the street from the breaking waves - delicious acai bowls and breakfast burritos. 

Check them out for sure if you're in the area - www.buccaneer-cafe.com 

Oceanside Pier

Parlor Donuts - a special croissant type of donut - Very Yummy!

Chuao Chocolatier - another kind of yum, especially their hot cocoa!! 

Find their deliciousness at www.chuaochocolatier.com

They are actually located in Vista - but worth the drive. 

AleSmith Brewing Company - wonderful beer @ www.alesmith.com

Beer does make a vacation even better!!

Our favorite place was Green Cheek Beer Company (www.greencheekbeer.com) 

Their patio spaces were spacious and there were all kinds of small seating areas, and large seating areas, spaces in the shade, and spaces in the sun. And hey - the food and the service was delicious!! 

I can't wait to go back! 

Jeff found this gorgeous space - Alta Vista Botanical Garden. It's super-affordable ($5/pp) and it is just lovely, and dog-friendly!! We wandered around and truly enjoyed our visit with all the flowers blooming, the turtles sunning themselves, and the blue skies overhead. 

Another trip beckons after these two fun weeks on the road. 

Until next time! 

:) Deb