For the Love of Tacos

No place does tacos better than Austin, TX. At least, in my opinion. I pretty much each tacos every day while I am in town. There is so much variety, you really can eat tacos for at least one meal a day and not get bored.

I first discovered the pure joy that comes from a breakfast taco at Houndstooth Coffee when I popped in for a cold brew. The tasty concoction of black beans, avocado and cheese came neatly wrapped in foil with an orange sticker. I snapped a pic as I needed to know where that taco came from as I was certain I would need to investigate further. A breakfast taco without any eggs is perfection to me. I truly believe everyone should make it a point to stop into Taco Deli within the first few hours of landing at Austin-Bergstrom in order to ensure the right tone is set for the rest of your stay.

That unexpected breakfast led me to Taco Deli. Breakfast has never been a fun meal for me as I don’t like eggs, bacon and sausage aren’t appealing to vegetarians, I rarely get a craving for pancakes and prefer waffles to topped with ice cream. Breakfast tacos with beans, cheese and avocado led me to discover all sorts of delicious creations and you can even make your own. All the breakfast and lunch tacos are made especially tasty when a bit of their Dona sauce is added. Another thing I love about this place is that the ingredients are fresh, everything is sourced locally and the food is inspired both by life in Mexico City and Austin.

When I told my friends of my excitement over the discovery of Austin-style tacos, they promptly joined in the fun and helped me to explore the options. Our first stop was Taco Flats. We went to the location on Burnet which is within walking distance to their house. It was here that the tacos met the cocktail. I highly recommend the Moscow Macho - Tito’s, ginger beer, lime and habanero shrub. Taco Flats is great for a group of people as they have a Pick 3 option for appetizers so it is just made for sharing. Their queso is on point so it should be your plus one to the Pick 3. Appies are great, but you do need to leave room for the tacos. The grilled Panela is my fave of their taco offerings.

Next up on the guided tour was Torchy’s. My assessment on this place was meh. They blow it out of the water when compared to say Taco Bell or DelTaco. Perhaps my expectations were high after two strong introductions or it could be that there were fewer vegetarian options. They are worthy of mention and I believe their strength is in their guacamole and queso dips over their tacos, but I wouldn’t make them a must stop on a yummy taco tour.

I flew solo on my visit to the Peached Tortilla at the suggestion of my foodie friend who was hosting me. She knows me so well. Order the cauliflower taco. You will thank me. She was spot on and I am so grateful. If ever there could be a life-changing taco, this is the place to find it. Cauliflower, arugula, peanuts, toasted coconut, kewpie with watermelon relish. Their queso is great, but the best part lies in the seasoned tortilla crisps served with for dipping. Washing it down with the Margarita del Peached is highly recommended. In addition to the tacos, there are several other delicious Asian-inspired menu items.

Essex County Parks

When I moved back to New Jersey, there were two triple plus marks in the area. The first being proximity to NYC and the second being the beautiful parks in Essex County.

The South Mountain Recreation Complex brings nature and organized activities together. It has the Turtle Back Zoo, the reservoir loop, mini golf, an indoor ice skating rink and a tree top adventure course. There is also a restaurant beside the reservoir with large windows for winter weather and outdoor seating to allow for year round views.

South Mountain and Eagle Rock reservations offer beautiful trails for hiking. Most trails are at an easy to moderate hike allowing for great options should you be a beginner or planning a group outing with multiple generations. The most popular at South Mountain are the Fairy Trail and Hemlock Falls. Eagle Rock is home to the Essex County September 11th Memorial. On a beautiful, clear evening heading to Eagle Rock to view the New York City skyline from the overlook followed by a cocktail at Highlawn Pavilion is always a good call.

Branch Brook Park is home to more than 2,700 Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees and the annual blooms are celebrating with a festival that includes a 10k run, bicycle race, live music and more. The facilities at the park include a senior citizen center, roller rink and numerous athletic courts. There are often free concerts in the park during warmer seasons. And the Cathedral Basilica is located just on the outskirts of the park.

Verona Park is another stunning place. Its lake is the centerpiece offering fishing, boating, a scenic bridge and of course a boathouse restaurant. The park receives additional funding and support through the Verona Park Conservancy.

Brookdale Park is as close to Central Park as you are going to find in this area. There are wide, open areas with meadows as well as playing fields, dogs parks, picnic areas and a roadway running through it. There are no skyscrapers hovering above the tree line, but it does make a nice connector between Bloomfield and Montclair.

Watsessing Park is a sprawling green space offering three sections through Bloomfield and East Orange. It is a summertime favorite with small children as one feature is a beautifully designed water splash park. My personal favorite area is the butterfly garden. The fields are used for everything from Cricket to Rugby by area sports leagues and the outdoor track is a fantastic place to train for a 5k or a marathon. A relatively new addition to the park is the accessible playground specially designed to allow for children of all needs to enjoy the recreational space. Friends of Watsessing Park is a non-profit associated with the park to provide additional funding and support.

There are many pocket parks and smaller nature preserves and trails throughout Essex County. The park system is a fantastic amenity for a densely populated area in which many residents live in multi-family houses with little or no outdoor space.

All the pretty flowers...

As a child, my grandfather used to take me on walks through his garden and instruct me to see the pretty flowers. It definitely left an imprint as my first sentence parroted his words and forty some years later, I still stop to take in the scent and beauty of flowers whenever possible.

It is also fun to do some research into the traditions associated with flowers. For Catholics, the rosary is a series of prayers recited while passing over beads. However, the original rosary was a crown of roses. We all know red roses are a symbol of love, but a variety of emotions has been assigned to each color.

Each of the states in the US has selected their representative flower, and in some cases there are multiple. Knowing the state flower and its history are often fun for eye-spy moments on road trips. The blue bonnets in Texas were planted along the state highways and offer a lovely pop of color while driving. One of my mother’s favorite flowers is the lilac, which conveniently blooms around mother’s day in New Jersey. It is also the state flower of New Hampshire where she travels a couple of times a year to visit friends. While the film Steel Magnolias with its beloved cast is set in Louisiana, magnolias are also the state flower of Mississippi.

And what better way to combine two of my passions than to point out which flowers are edible. I get a huge smile during that time of the year when the zucchini blossoms are in season. What could be more beautiful than a cheese plate garnished with pansies? And as I am writing this, I am thinking a hibiscus infused cocktail would be delicious.

An Extra 24 Hours in Chicago

Traveling for conferences often doesn’t allow for much exploration as the schedule is optimized for learning sessions and networking opportunities within the hotel so I tacked on an extra day to enjoy the city. I had worked for an ad agency years ago in Manhattan as a media director and when they launched a Chicago office, I handled the media there as well for a bit of time. I did many lunches and dinners at the famed steakhouses within the city, mostly because I was too young to speak up for myself and mention the fact that I was a vegetarian. I will say the chefs at most steakhouses would whip me up something special and my meals would often be intriguing to my media sales representatives. Gibson’s was my favorite, although I can’t speak for the quality of their steak.

Venturing on my own, I decided to check out the hotel I had been in for the conference for a change of scenery. I checked into the Hotel Chicago, part of the Autograph Collection from Marriott. The location is perfect for walking around downtown and it’s a nice, clean hotel with basic amenities and a friendly staff.

The weather was unseasonably warm so I really lucked out and was able to do quite a bit of exploring. I am not much for guided tours, however the architectural boat tour from Wendella is something I would highly recommend. The tour guides are knowledgeable and entertaining. While it wasn’t warm enough for actual beach time, I did start my day with a trip to Dark Matter for some coffee and then a walk over to the lake.

The food scene in Chicago never disappoints. If you have a chance to visit for Taste of Chicago, jump! I met up with a friend who lives in the city the day I checked out of the JW Marriott. We started off with some creative cocktails and great views at the rooftop bar at Apogee. Gilt Bar has a speakeasy style downstairs with clever cocktails as well as a great vegetarian menu and sidewalk seating in nice weather. I missed out on pizza this particular visit, however I am a fan of Bebu in Lincoln Park.

I am always a fan of a good dive bar and I was told I needed to check out Rossi’s. They open at 7AM so I made it a point to grab a breakfast pint before departing for the airport.

Engage for Good

A while back, marketing took a shift toward product placement.  The idea was to place a product contextually within a movie or television show as an alternate to a traditional advertisement.  This shift was highly successful for brands.

I work with a group called The Taproot Foundation, which provides pro-bono marketing services for non-profits.  I foster dogs.  I carry extra protein bars on the subway to hand out rather than money when asked on the subway.  I give a gift bag with peanut butter, crackers and a sweet snack to the homeless man who lives out of his car.  I try to be kind to everyone I know and meet.

A friend introduced me to a professional organization called, Engage for Good.  I was unfamiliar with cause marketing, yet an immediate fan. Cause marketing takes product placement to a new level.  Brands engage with non-profit groups as partners not only to reach consumers, but to allow their marketing dollars to have a positive impact.

As an independent contractor, I did not have the means to attend the conference.  Fortunately, the organizer encouraged volunteers rather than hiring staff through an event planner.  The result was a much more dedicated and engaged staff.

I buy my eyeglasses from Warby Parker.  Not only are the eyeglasses fashionable, they also are sociably responsible.  Tom's Shoes may have been the first brand to capture the social conscious buyer, however there are major brands taking initiatives to tie their marketing dollars to causes aligned with their brand audience,

Disney is highly criticized for the Princess persona.  Did you know that they have made efforts to empower young girls?

This is just one example of how commercial brands are realizing that partnerships with non-profits benefit their brands.  Engage for Good created a list of award-wining brands.  I have short list below.  Buy smart.  Buy good.  Engage with brands associated with your cause.

Forbes Magazine recognized caused marketing a while back.  Engage for Good created Halo Awards for brands.

MM'M Good.  Campbell's Soup is a classic example of an all-American brand.  They shifted their focus from writing checks to participating in causes. 

Team Rubicon reminds us that giving and cause-focus are not exclusively democratic.  This amazing organization taps into the skills of our retired military and assists in rebuilding communities after natural disasters, providing assistance for communities as well as jobs for our retired military.  My father is retired Navy, while you can always count on him for taking the nationalistic view, you can also also catch him dressed as Santa for children in a hospital or at a home for adults with special needs. 

We all have a friend who is selling Rodan & Fields. I had a new found trust in this brand after learning of their foundation, and their campaign to Go Naked.

This is the best direction for marketing.  Consumers feel better about their purchases.  Marketers feel better about their message.  In the end, there is a better relationship between goods and purpose,

CRISPO Restaurant NYC

Crispo is one of my favorite places to take friends when visiting NYC.  The food is amazing.  On a recent visit, Zucchini flowers were in season.  Lightly battered, stuffed with ricotta, and accompanied by a tomato based dipping sauce, this appetizer was a sure crowd pleaser.  I have been here a number of times and the food is always a crowd pleaser.  

It is definitely perfect for all seasons.  Its location on 14th Street is in the heart of Chelsea.  They offer sidewalk seating, which is great for people watching.  Additionally, there is a back garden.  My favorite feature in NYC restaurants.  This back garden has a retractable roof so the space is available all seasons.  And, there is a fireplace indoors for winter weather.

Don't tell anyone, I believe this restaurant is on a list of best kept secrets in the city.... 

Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

At the end of the volunteer trip with Kids Play International, there is an option to do a trek into the mountains to see the silver back gorillas.  I must tell you, I was not enthused.  Tracy asked if my concern was the trekking or the gorillas.  I quickly answered with "The Gorillas!!!" I love a good hike, but I grew up in Northern New Jersey and I likened the gorillas to bears.  I am glad I decided to take her advice because this was an incredible experience.

The Silver Back Gorillas live in the mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo Republic.   Gorilla treks are popular for travelers in the region.  The work of Dian Fossey and the documentary film, Gorilla's in the Mist brought these amazing creatures into the forefront.

We stayed at a resort called Virunga Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. The backdrop was nothing less than breathtaking.  The lodge consists of cottages set into the landscape with fireplaces and warm water bottles left in your bed to keep you warm through the night. The grounds, the food and the service at this resort are exquisite. 

There are a number of families of Gorillas in the reserve.  You can select which family to visit based on the difficulty on the trek to their habitat.  We took a medium level hike into the forest.  The hike itself was an experience as you pass through farms built into the mountainous region.  As I passed the farms with their stone walls, it was reminiscent of Ireland and Scotland.  Again, not the Africa I expected.

As for the experience with the Gorillas, it was worth the trek and overcoming my fears.

Each group is accompanied by a guide and there is an option to hire porters to assist. At first we laughed off the idea of hiring help, however a companion on our trip reminded us that these men were likely day laborers who relied on us for income. This perspective caused us all to engage assistance. They carried our bags, held our hands through the treacherous parts and made us feel comfortable and safe throughout the trek.  

Our guide led us to the family of Gorillas.  First, we encountered a female.  Then, a young male.  Eventually, we came to meet the Silver Back.  I was astonished at how close we came.  The guide taught us a few tricks, hummed in Gorilla speak and we were able to come within a few feet.  These beautiful creatures are very docile, somewhat accustomed to human visitors and are vegetarians like me.

Our amazing experience was part of an effort to focus on eco-tourism, Rwanda has made efforts to use the attraction of the Gorillas to support the local economy.

Land of a Thousand Hills

I visited Rwanda as part of a volunteer group with Kids Play International.  I posted about the volunteer experience, however we also spent some time in Kigali and Tracy made sure we also were exposed to the culture of the country outside her efforts.

In 1994, Rwanda suffered from a horrific genocide.  One of our first stops was to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. A somber mood was held by all through the tour, no one could hold back the tears as we passed through a room dedicated to the children massacred and we all were in awe of the strength it took our tour guide to share his personal account.  It is well known that the United Nations and the rest of the word failed Rwanda during this atrocity, however the strength of the Rwandan people is nothing less than inspiring. Before exiting, we were taken to a classroom environment and quickly learned how healing has come through the Rwandan people.  We participated in learning sessions and were asked to identify with all those associated with the tragedy.  A level of anger certainly remained, but a level of understanding and responsibility was also achieved.  In order to heal, a person must understand, accept and change.  I left with an understanding, which provided a level of empathy I could not have imagined.  The genocide that occurred is unnerving.  The approach taken by the people of Rwanda have taken to heal is inspiring.

Kigali is the capital city and many know it from the film, Hotel Rwanda.  It is a remarkably clean and growing city, the streets are not littered and development is abundant.  It is clearly a country looking to the future.

When you travel to Rwanda, you are told that plastic bags are not permitted. This little item is a preview to understanding the direction of the country.  The people of Rwanda are committed to making their country better, more responsible and unified.  Umuganda is a day of service throughout the country.  Everyone is required to participate and everyone benefits.  Tracy arranged for the Kids Play International volunteer team to help build a home out of mud brick for a woman in Gatagara.  The expression, "It Takes A Village" came to life.  Men, women and children of the village came together to pack mud into bricks and build a home for a woman in their community.

Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.  Its landscape is breathtaking.  As you travel from the capital city, you pass through the rural parts of the country and lush farmlands.  The rolling hills and vegetation are beautiful. It is especially remarkable as there are no commercial farming methods used.  It is certainly not the Africa in the mind of an American who grew up viewing images of starving children in Ethiopia.

As a vegetarian, I often struggle with food options while traveling.  I did not have an issue in Rwanda.  The typical meal consists of chicken, green beans, french fried potatoes and red beans with rice. It is an agrarian country therefore vegetables are often at the forefront of every meal.  We also visited a few of the more popular restaurants in Kigali. Burrito fever has spread throughout the world and Meze Fresh is Kigali's version of Chipotle.  Everywhere I have traveled, there has always been a #1 Chinese Restaurant.  No exception on this trip.  Delicious food and outdoor dining. The best food experience was at a cafe with the most amazing avocado dish.

The women of Rwanda have re-built their nation.  This is quite a feat considering the nation is one of a patriarchal society. We visited the Ubushobozi workshop where women create hand-crafted items such as handbags, baskets and placemats.  Hand crafted baskets from Rwanda are known throughout the world, however meeting some of these women was an eye-opening experience.  Holding their children in your arms and hands and singing with them made me feel more feminine and maternal than I could ever have imagined.

My friend and I spent an extra day in Kigali. We walked around the city, shopped a bit and even took a ride on a motorbike taxi.  My greatest take-way from the experience is that Rwanda is a beautiful country filled with kind people. It may be known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, but it is also the Land of a Thousand Hearts.

Travel with a Purpose

I traveled to Rwanda in the summer of 2017 with an organization called, Kids Play International.  I was fortunate enough to travel with the group and participate with the cross-cultural exchange program for Olympic Day.  It was an incredible experience to see the work done by Kids Play International first hand.  I had been introduced to Tracy Evans Land a few years earlier by a mutual friend.  I instantly became a supporter of her program using sport to promote gender equity.  The trip to Rwanda provided an opportunity to have a true understanding of the program and the effect on the local community in Gatagara.

Tracy is amazing as she is a 3X Olympian, small business owner and founder of Kids Play International.  She may be petite, but she is a powerhouse of a woman.  It is no surprise that she chose to use sport to promote gender equity given her background.  Olympians subscribe to a set of values which are an integral part of the curriculum for Let's Play Fair program.

It is difficult to properly describe the program, however I will attempt to do my best.  Tracy worked with Lou Bergolz to develop a curriculum to achieve her vision.  There are many activities specifically designed to illustrate the value of gender equality, teamwork and honesty.  A soccer game is played with augmented rules.  Players are designated as male or female, regardless of gender.  Male players can run the field within the typical rules.  Female players are restricted, they must stay in one place and can only kick the ball when it comes to their feet.  Roles are reversed so everyone can experience the free play as well as restricted.  Finally, a game is played with all players being equal.  It is clear that the game is played most successfully when all players are equal. The value of treating women as equals is illustrated concisely in a manner appropriate for the children.  

Both girls and boys participate in the program, which may seem off as this is meant to empower girls and promote gender equity.  This where the teamwork aspect comes into the mix.  Empowering women can only be successful with the male counterparts having a clear understanding of the challenges and benefits.  We were able to meet with some of the parents whose children participated in the program.  One mother shared the story of the change in her son after participating.  She has a sone and three daughters.  Two of her daughters participated in the program and she recognized their increased confidence.  However, what was most notable was the change in her son's behavior.  He began to participate in chores traditionally designated for the women in his family.  He told his mother that the chores needed to be done and if they did they together, they would be completed faster.  As a team, the household functions better.

Part of the program requires that the participants remain in school and maintain good grades.  We visited the partner schools, had an opportunity to participate with the children in their classrooms and speak with the teachers.  Moral Courage is one of the items taught by Kids Play International.  This is especially hard for anyone, let alone children living in great poverty.  The teachers appreciate the program as the Kids Play participants are looked onto as leaders by the other children.  Instead of displaying bully-like behavior, these children pass on lessons learned in honesty.  The children share rather than steal and celebrate the difficult challenges in behaving honorably by calling out their moral courage.  Having students from the Kids Play program in their classes benefits the community as the children share their experience and pass along values learned through the program to other students.

While Kids Play International is focused on children, the program extends into the community.  Tracy has found instances where a family could use a little extra help whether it is assistance in finding housing or healthcare.  Our group participated in building a home for a local widow as part of Umuganda, a local day of community service.

I likely would not have traveled to Rwanda if not for Kids Play International.  It is a beautiful country and one of the most interesting places I have visited.  Traveling for a purpose is a highly rewarding experience.  I would strongly encourage anyone to look at this as an option for the typical vacation.  

60 Days in The Gables

A dear friend of mine owns a small business in Coral Gables.  I had the privilege of spending two months working with her while her business partner was out on maternity leave.  She and I met close to twenty years ago when we both worked for the same ad agency.  She was the media director for the Miami office and I was the media director for the NY office.  I won't bore you with all the stories of media planning and buying, however I thought it would make sense to let you know how I came to spend two months in South Florida.

Coral Gables is just outside of Miami and is well known for The Miracle Mile and The Biltmore Hotel.  While it is its own city, it is considered by some to be part of Miami.  It offers a good amount of restaurants, shopping and entertaining for weeknight adventures.  Wolfe's Wine Shop is amazing.  The owner is helpful, friendly and offers great suggestions.  Oh, and you take your wine home in an adorable red mesh bag.  Le Tartine de Teresa is a tiny spot, which you may easily walk past without noticing.  Do not.  Go inside.  I promise you won't regret it.  Another stand out is Graziano's. The name may fool you into thinking it is Italian, but is in fact Argentinian.  You can dine in, take out or shop in their gourmet market.   

I tried to make the most of my weekends by exploring the surrounding beaches.  In previous visits, I had spent time in Key Biscayne.  First stop is The Golden Hog, a fantastic little gourmet market in a rather odd little strip mall beside a gas station.  It's a great spot to pick up lunch and snacks for the day.   Crandon Park offers beautiful beaches, kayak rentals and nature trails.  I find it to the perfect place to relax, read a book and wander into the shallow water of the bay.

It had been quite some time since I was last in Boca, however my friend's daughter attends Lynn University so it was the perfect excuse.  The area certainly has changed, especially in and around Via Mizner.  There is new Mandarin Hotel along with luxury residences and rentals under construction.  Red Reef Park is absolutely gorgeous with a beautiful beach and lush foliage.  We drove down the A1A to Deerfield Beach for lunch at JB's on the Beach.  

My friend I was working for joined me on an excursion to Matheson Hammock Park.  Its a very unique beach as the natural landscape creates an Atoll Pool.  We also enjoyed a very lovely lunch at Red Fish Grill within the park.

Lauderdale By the Sea proved to be a fantastic destination for a solo venture while in a friendly mood.  The beach itself is quite lovely and unlike the majority of my ventures, it is an ocean beach.  As is the case in South Florida, it sometimes rains for an hour or so out of nowhere.  I popped into Mulligan's and soon was part of the crowd of locals and tourists.  The food isn't anything special, but the friendly atmosphere and drink specials made it a great choice to take cover while the rain passed.  

A friend from childhood lived in Fort Lauderdale at the time.  I hadn't seen him in over ten years yet he was happy to meet up and join in my adventures.  We met up in South Beach.  He had tickets to a pool party at the Surfcomber.  We had a good time catching up and taking in the scene.  Thank Goodness as I now had a buddy for my explorations.  He invited me to come to his place for a weekend to meet his husband, dogs and explore the area.  We had a lovely dinner at Casablanca Cafe.   We did a little bar hopping after dinner, although I am not quite positive of all the stops.

And while I am by no means a sports fanatic, I was excited to go to both a Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat game while I was visiting.  One of the perks of media planning and buying is free tickets to sporting events, often with VIP access from vendors so it was first class all the way at American Airlines arena.  My childhood friend is a season ticket holder, however a work colleague of his hooked us up with an upgrade to a luxury box.   Watching football in South Florida is much different than the NorthEast.  No jeans, turtleneck, sweatshirt, parka, etc.  Nope.  I was at a football game in a sundress and sandals.  Although as I write this, I now have that Dolphins song in my head.  I better go grab my Wayne Chrebet jersey to make sure it doesn't stick.

It was a great experience.  You rarely get to explore when traveling for work.  It was nice to try out the South Florida lifestyle for a bit, however I was happy to be headed back when I boarded the plane at Miami-Dade.  To quote a very wise friend of mine, "Florida is like ice cream.  You love ice cream.  You can't wait for ice cream.  Until someone tells you it's ok to have ice cream every day.  And then, just like that, ice cream is ruined.  That is why you should only visit Florida." 

Bottomless Brunch at Maya

There are a number of great options for bottomless cocktails at brunch in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but Maya is the only one I know of that offers never ending tapas as part of the mix.

If you aren't accustomed to dining out in NYC, $49 may seem a little high for brunch.  Trust me, it is not and you certainly get your money's worth at this upscale Mexican restaurant.  There is a good selection on the cocktail menu with the Agua Fresca being my favorite.  The margarita comes in at a close second as it is made with fresh ingredients rather than a syrupy mix.  And the tapas selection offers a good selection, especially if you have a few vegetarians in the crowd.  You should definitely indulge in the Pan Dulce.

Its location is at the start of the Upper East Side near the Queensboro Bridge is nice as you can easily walk over to the East River Greenway, take the tram to Roosevelt Island or walk West to Central Park to sleep off your buzzed food coma in Strawberry Fields.    

Apples, Pumpkins & Wine

The moment the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change color, I am all about a trip to the country for some apple picking.  I especially love to bring along friends who aren't familiar with the parts of New Jersey still befitting the Garden State nickname.

The Northwest portion of NJ is known as The Skylands Region.  It is pretty funny that there are regions within such a small state, however it makes sense to those of us who live here.  

My personal favorite option for apple picking is a placed called Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ.  It's a beautiful farm with a large variety of apples including the type that grow on the Angry Orchard looking trees.  They also offer a pick your own pumpkin patch.  Once you are done picking the apples, there is a restaurant called Redwoods Grill just down the road with a great menu and friendly service.  Main Street in Chester is the perfect option for walking off your post-picking meal with some local shopping at the antique shops, art galleries and local artisan stalls.  This is a perfect single stop excursion.

If you are taking young ones on an apple or pumpkin picking excursion, there are a few farms that I would recommend as they offer hay rides, pony rides and corn mazes.   An easy adjustment to the plan listed above would be to opt for a stop at Alstede Farms instead.  Ort Farm is located just a bit further West in Long Valley, NJ. and is well known for its Fall Festival season.  And even further West in Hackettstown, NJ is Donaldson Farms.  All three of these farms are open year round and offer CSA programs as well as markets with local, fresh produce as well as homemade baked goods, jellies, jams and spreads.    

If you have no little ones or opt to leave them with a sitter, the hay rides can easily be swapped for some wine tastings.  Get a group together, designate a driver or rent a party van.  My recommendation would be to start the adventure at Mackey's Orchards in Belvedere.  Best to start with the apple or pumpkin picking before the wine starts to flow so as not to return home with bushels of goods with fuzzy intentions of making homemade pies, applesauce or pumpkin butter.  From there, head over to Four Sisters Winery where you will enjoy the tasting on the large deck overlooking the fields.  They have a limited menu, but the cheese plate is a nice complement to the wine tasting.  It's about a fifteen minute drive to Brook Hollow Winery.  This is a gorgeous sprawling farm with a tasting room offering outdoor seating.  Pack a picnic basket, enjoy the view and if you are lucky there will be live music during your visit.  They make a cranberry wine that I mix with a little bourbon and serve over ice with a cinnamon stick and orange slice as a signature cocktail for holiday parties.  

Bermuda

This is one of my favorite destinations.  When I was very young, we lived in St. George's.  My father was stationed at the US Naval base and my mother taught at Mt. St. Agnes. 

Bermuda is actually a string of islands, but the major islands are connected through bridges making it east to travel from one to the next by car.  

As an adult, I have traveled to Bermuda several times.  It's a short flight from NYC airports making it a great destination for a long weekend.  I usually stay in St. George's.  There are many options on AirBNB and VRBO to rent cottages, which I find to be a nicer option than a traditional hotel. 

My first stop after settling in usually Wahoo's for a dark and stormy.   Geza and Alfred will not only keep the cocktails flowing, but also satisfy you with their culinary delights.  Another of my favorite destinations is the White Horse Pub where you must order the avocado eggrolls and it seems I am not the only one with this opinion.  There is a cute little downtown area with shops and ferry access, but the true beauty lies in the beautiful pink sand beaches.  Tobacco Bay is the most well known beach and there is a great little beach bar there as well.  If you travel around the bend a bit toward Fort Saint Catherine, you will discover some beautiful coves and hidden beaches.  What I love most about Bermuda is the scent.  It is a blend of fragrant flowers, ocean air and rosemary bushes.  No trip is complete without a stop at the perfumery to bring home a scent or two to hold me over until my next visit.

I usually make a day trip to Hamilton to explore the shops along front street, check out the fancy hotels and snap pictures of the moon gates. I enjoy browsing through the Irish Linen Shop as there are often interesting finds for unique housewarming or shower gifts.  The other must browse for me is A.S. Cooper, the Bermudian department store.  And once I have worked up an appetite, it time for a stop at The Pickled Onion for a cocktail and nosh.  It is good to note that this restaurant is located on the second floor so be sure to remember the steep staircase before opting for "just one more" and be sure to sit outside on the porch to enjoy the view.  

Bermuda is a popular destination for cruise ships and the Royal Naval Dockyard is a fun stop as well.  There are local artisans crafting wood carvings, blowing glass and other touristy attractions.  It is not a must-stop for me, however I do enjoy the rum swizzles at The Frog & Onion.

The two cocktails of Bermuda are the Dark & Stormy and The Swizzle.  I am a fan of the former and was excited to learn that they now sell Dark & Stormies in a can, which make for easy consumption while relaxing at the beach.  The Crown & Anchor in the Hamilton Princess makes a fancier version with house made ginger beer that is definitely worth a try.  And for the rum lovers, there is the infamous Swizzle Inn.  There are two locations.  The original is a bit of a party scene and off the beaten path unless you are headed to the Crystal Caves or stop on the route from St. George's to Hamilton.  

No post would be complete without mention of the amazing sailing options.  Events include the Bermuda Gold Cup, The Fitted Dinghy Race and the 35th America's Cup was held in Bermuda in 2017.  Although I have never been fortunate enough to have made the journey personally, Bermuda is a popular sailing destination from points along the coast from Rhode Island down to the Carolinas.  I have been fortunate enough to have sailed around the waters of Bermuda.  There are several options to join a group tour and if you are traveling with a large group or off-season, it can be somewhat affordable to schedule a private charter.  

There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Bermuda. This is not an inexpensive destination.  Be prepared to pay what you would in NYC for cocktails and meals.  They do accept US Dollars.  It is also quite conservative, bars and restaurants close early and proper attire is required.  

Pet Rescue and Fostering

I have always loved animals, especially dogs.  My first dog was Spud.  He wasn't technically my dog.  My Uncle Joe found him as a stray and carried him home as he had a broken leg.  Of course, he told my grandmother that the dog followed him.  She reluctantly agreed to let him stay on the porch for the evening and that they would get things sorted in the morning.  He snuck out onto the porch to sleep with the dog after bedtime and it was sorted.  Spud was their family dog.  He was a senior by the time I came around, but he was my protector and friend.  

Growing up, we had a Lab mix we rescued from the pound.  My sister had a cat named Tigger who was pregnant when she adopted her so we soon had a cat and a litter of kittens.  My sister was definitely the cat person and I favored dogs.

As an adult, I have had a few dogs by proxy.  Mostly because of the guy I was dating at the time.  Living in the city, having a dog was really not an option as the majority of rentals don't allow pets.  I did pet-sit for friends from time to time to get my fix.

Several of my close friends are very active in pet rescue.  One suggested I try fostering after I bought my own place and didn't have a landlord making the rules.  I thought it was a good idea, but didn't pull the trigger right away.

I was working on an assignment in South Florida when I was walking back to the hotel from the office and found this little kitten curled up under a construction sign.  She looked scared and sweet.  Now, there are many feral cats in the Miami area so I was cautious as I approached her.  She came to me right away and was all snuggles.  I took her to the PetSmart nearby to check to see if she had a chip.  There was no chip so I picked up some food and a litter box and took her back to the hotel with me.  Thankfully, it was a pet-friendly location.

I was working on an assignment with Blue Daisy Media and one of those friends I mentioned is the one who hired me.  She was an amazing resource.  She took me to the South Miami Animal Clinic where I met the amazing Dr. O.   It turns out that we took her there just in time as she was not a kitten, just a small cat and she was about to go into her first heat.  We got her spayed and up to date on all her vaccinations.  I just needed to find her a home.  

I posted info on Helen the Cat as I was calling her on Facebook, Craigslist and sent e-mails to friends and family.  I made the number mistake in pet rescue and offered her as free-to-a-good-home. Fortunately, I received a response from a lovely woman from the Craiglist post. She was looking to adopt the cat for her 8 year old daughter as a reward for earning straight A's.  She provided references, including one from a vet and I was confident that she was going to a good home.  She also offered to pay me as I paid the cost for the spay and vaccinations.  We agreed to a donation to the local pet rescue.

When I got home from trip, I registered with Eleventh Hour Rescue to be a foster.  Another friend fosters for that group and referred me.  It took a few months, but I was approved and officially a foster mom.  My first foster was a dog named Lacey.  I couldn't have asked for a better first experience.  She was a sweet and playful dog who was housebroken, great on a leash and nearly a foster fail for me.  She was adopted by a lovely family with a nice backyard and two tween girls to play with.  She was only with me for a week.

About a month later, I received a text from my contact at Eleventh Hour Rescue.  She had a bonded pair of Chihuahua mixes who were in need of a foster who could provide them with a lot of exercise.   Two dogs seemed a lot, but I assumed they were pretty small if they were Chihuahuas.  Turns out, the mix was Australian Kelpie and they were not at all the size I expected.  I took them home on borrowed leashes as the ones I brought with me were meant for small dogs.

On the way home, we stopped at PetCo to pick up some supplies.  It was there that I learned they were horrible on a leash and aggressive towards other dogs.  Once home, I took them for a nice long walk so they could do their business and get acclimated with the new smells.  Maysie & Molly were super sweet.  Maysie made herself at home right away and jumped up on the couch and guest room bed.  Molly was more reluctant and would only come up when invited.  All seemed well with the exception of the leash pulling.  That is, until we returned from our late evening walk and they did their business on my carpet.  Accidents happen.  I took a deep breath, cleaned up the mess and made a point that they needed longer or more frequent walks.  Again, immediately after a walk on my carpet.  I tried wee pads.  No luck. After three days of this, I was ready to throw in the towel and take them back to the kennel.  They were so sweet and I just couldn't bring myself to do it.    

I turned to my friends more experienced in pet rescue and got some great advice.  We switched to Martingale collars to assist with the leash behavior.  The folks at EHR connected me with their trainer who had great advice for housetraining.  After several weeks of gating and other techniques, I did some tests to be sure they understood and we were accident free.  The leash pulling continued, but improved.

The girls were 47 and 49 lbs when they came to me.  They should weigh about 30lbs each, give or take.  My suspicion is that they were fed people food given their reluctance to eat kibble and the fact that they circled like sharks when I was eating.  Molly would eat the kibble if I sat on the floor and fed it to her from my hand.  Maysie would go on hunger strikes until I mixed it in the blender with water.  Eventually, we worked on it until they both understood that they ate kibble and I was not sharing my food.  I also tricked them into eating carrots and celery as treats as part of the weight loss program.  They both loved the carrots, but Molly was a bigger fan of the celery.  

Considering the fact that they were so overweight and such fans of lounging on the couch, I guessed the exercise may be an issue.  I was mistaken.  We started off slow, but by the end the girls were getting between 3 and 5 miles in a day.  They were also surprisingly fast.  They loved going on hikes and easily ambled the terrain.  I used the Dog Walk feature from MapMyRun to keep track of the distance and time.  Given stops for business and water breaks, they probably averaged close to a 13-minute mile.

After six months, Maysie & Molly were much more adoptable.  Better on the leash, house trained, food issues and they had each lost about 10lbs.  I was ready to give up on these girls after only three days.  I am glad I stuck it out as they really are sweet dogs and just needed some work.  They were definitely too much dog for me and I was anxious as there had not been an application for them yet.  They had close to 300 likes on the Facebook Page I created for them and my Insta feed was filled with #AdoptMaysieAndMolly.  

Finally, I received an email with an approved application.  I spoke with the potential forever mom and instantly knew they were exactly the family to provide the right home for the girls.  They were adopted and I get updates every now and then from their forever mom.  Fostering dogs can be bittersweet.  It is hard not to fall in love and it is sad to leave them, but it is also wonderful when you know that they are in a home where they can share their love and be loved.

Orange to Apple in 30 Minutes

Orange, NJ.  Not East Orange.  Not South Orange.  Not West Orange.  Just plain Orange.  I give this explanation often.  It's because I live here.  I was working on a project and decided to move here.  I met a really talented young woman who lived in the Valley Arts District. She became a part of the arts community with her writing talent and created a local blog.  She stole my heart as she spent the day with me giving me a tour, treating me as a long lost friend rather than a stranger, and providing me with insights.

Several articles have been written touting neighborhoods in Essex County, NJ as the new home for Brooklyn residents.  They mostly focus on Maplewood, Montclair and South Orange. 

Just plain Orange has a lot to offer.  It's only a 30 Minute Commute to NYC along NJ Transit.  15 Minutes and you're at Newark Airport.  Quite frankly, you can be almost anywhere in 15 minutes.  In less than an hour, you can be down the shore.  Or enjoying one of the NJ Lakes.  Or skiing.

If you want to stay in Orange, there are some cool places to visit.  Outside of Brooklyn, there are few places to get pizza on par with Star Tavern.  If you want a serious old school Italian fix, head over to John's Market for a parm sandwich.  It's an experience you won't forget.  How often do get to eat off a paper plate at a folding chair and table with a roll of paper towels? And if your belly isn't too full, hit up Just Like Nonna's for a little dessert.  Wanna sit down for your Italian?  Get your fancy on at Bella Italia or Libretti's. 

Hat City is all the buzz, good reason as there is lots of live music and a great menu.  If you want to watch the latest game and enjoy the best wings in town, you need to head to Reddz.

There is also a great selection of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines in the area.  El Salvador is known for its pupusas as well as whole fish and other traditional dishes.  Delicious Honduran food in a small, bright and cheery family-owned environment can be found at Sabor. There is a great little take-away spot called SunSplash with Jamaican food and a few vegetarian options.  There are also a few good small, grocery stores if you prefer to cook Caribbean delights at home.  One is called Joe's Market and it is right on Main Street.

A couple other cool things about Orange, the public library was designed by McKim, Mead & White. Oh, and the city council is largely led by strong women. 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

I have been known to do some crazy and impulsive things.  A blind date in the Dominican Republic falls into that category.  It wasn't entirely blind as we were introduced through a close friend.  I wasn't sure we would hit off, but I was pretty sure it wouldn't turn into one of those nightmare dating stories.  

It was one of those NYC winters that seemed to be an endless dump of snow and chilly temperatures so when the option was thrown out there to join him on a tropical island, I took the option for an escape.  Plus, I knew it would be a good story if nothing else. 

Jet Blue flies direct from JFK to Punta Cana.  I booked my flight, boarded the plane and only really got a case of the nerves on the shuttle from the airport to the resort.  Fortunately, the man I was meeting had a great sense of humor as well as great taste in accommodations.  The staff created a very romantic welcome with rose petals, which served as the perfect icebreaker.

Playa Bavaro is beautiful and Iberostar has an amazing, all-inclusive resort.  If you visit the Dominican Republic, I highly recommend you opt for an all-inclusive.  It's not the sort of island for self-exploration.

Before I arrived, he opted for a Zipline tour of the rainforest area.  While I was there, we enjoyed the spa services at the resort.  We also went on an excursion with Marinarium on a party barge with a stop for snorkeling, a swim with nurse sharks and sting rays. 

All in, it was a great weekend.  While we didn't find true romance and happily ever after, we did have a wonderful time and I will always remember this as one of the best dates ever!

WEST HARTFORD, CT

One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to visit new places and explore.  West Hartford, CT is a charming New England village just outside the state capital.  

It is filled with historic sites and is home to The Noah Webster House.  Named for the famous Blue Back Speller, Blue Back Square is home to national restaurant chains such as Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks as well as a movie theater. And of course, there is a Whole Foods.

The real charm is West Hartford Center.  It is the perfect destination for a stroll with its tree-lined, brick sidewalks and variety of shops and restaurants.  On my first visit, I had a delicious falafel from Sam's Gyro.  With a full belly, I wandered the streets popping in and out great shops such as BK & Co, LUX Boutique and amazing consignment at 2nd Time Around.

With a Bella Bridesmaids right on Farmington Avenue, this would be such a great destination for a bridal party excursion with all the great restaurants to choose from for lunch and the option of spending the day at Elizabeth Grady or FaceRx for a little pampering.  

The restaurants options are fantastic.  You will be drawn into Arugula from the street as their food smells so amazing, you will hardly notice their inviting atmosphere.  For a bird's eye view of all the action, head on over to The Elbow Room and ask to be seated on their rooftop.  For something casual, there is McLadden's and it's a good thing they have such an extensive list of craft beers as you may need a few minutes to peruse their menu.  It's definitely not your typical Irish pub.  Outdoor dining at Grant's and Treva are the perfect way to spend an evening people watching and enjoying the charm. 

WILLIAMSBURG BROOKLYN

There are certainly better guides to this neighborhood, however this is my brief summary.  Follow the links and I am sure you will be able to discover even more great stuff.

This is a part of Brooklyn which was populated by artists, then by hipsters and now is home to all who can afford the real estate.  The industrial waterfront area was re-zoned by the city to allow for residential development during the Bloomberg era.  The resulting changes brought an influx of affluent new residents who were drawn to the area for its arts, music and food scene.

The arts scene is still active, but the days of artists squatting in abandoned buildings is over.  I happen to love all the great street art you encounter as you walk the streets.  There is an installation by Mr. Brainwash which was done recently, but features a lot of the historic icons.

Probably the most iconic historic landmark is The Williamsburg Bridge with its own list of fun facts.  The Domino Sugar Factory is no longer in use and thanks in large part to the Municipal Art Society it will not be demolished in favor of a shiny new tower.  Before the groundbreaking on the new construction, it did house a provocative art installation. 

At one point, The McCarren Park Pool was home to a great music scene.  After the pool was renovated, the concerts moved to the waterfront.  I am pretty sure The Northside Festival is now an annual event.  A few of the classic venues have closed, but you can still get live music at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, St. Mazie and the Brooklyn outpost of The Knitting Factory. For guitarists, check out Southside Guitars.  All musicians should enjoy browsing at Main Drag.  And if you love vinyl, head on over to Earwax Records. 

We have now come to my favorite topics - food and dive bars.  

Let's start with food and my favorite go-to spots right off the Bedford Ave stop on the L Train.  Only have $5 in your pocket? You're all good for falafel at Oasis.  It is Brooklyn so you know there will be good pizza.  And with the influence of the hipsters, you can find locally-sourced Mexican. There used to be a great Vietnamese sandwich shop, but I am afraid it closed.  My love of great food and back-garden-dining is definitely satisfied at Acqua Santa.

Ah, dive bars.  Maybe all these are not technically dives, but they are not swanky. Get your drink on! My friends live very close to this place and it always proves to be just as expected.  Apparently, this is where the Pickleback was invented. And there is always The Turkey's Nest offering as much class as its name implies. 

Back to food.  Williamsburg has a rich heritage of Italian and Polish immigrants.  If you are craving old school Italian, Bamonte's should be on your list.  And if you just want a good slice, Best Pizza can hook you up.  All the Italian heritage comes together annually at The Giglio Fest. If you have had your fill of pasta, you should try Kasia's or  for Polish fare. 

And no trip to Williamsburg would be complete without a stop at Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn Brewery or Brooklyn Winery.  

ilili Mediterranean Restaurant

Ilili is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  The ambiance is perfect and the food is absolutely authentic and delicious.  The chef is Lebanese and I have taken my friends from Beirut here and they agree!

They have a large bar and lounge area so it is perfect to meet for drinks.  They also have a great happy hour with specials on food and drinks.  While it is not on the happy hour menu, you must try the not-so-bloody Bloody Mary.  They strain the tomato juice so you get all the flavor without the thickness.  The bites on the menu are all delicious, however my favorites are the cheese rolls and mini falafel.

It's best to go with a large group and order Lebanese style.  Everything is so tasty, you will want to order multiple dishes and share.  And no matter what, you must order the brussels sprouts. Once you do, you will be addicted.

They opened Ilili Box just North of The Flatiron Building and you can get a select number of their menu items as take-out.  Thankfully, the brussels sprouts made the cut!