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A Dinner and Romance, Key West Style

April 23, 2012

You’ve booked your flight and rooms and are on your way to Key West with your sweetheart. Now for those little details, like choosing just the right restaurant for romance-filled evenings. With dining options galore in the Conch Republic, confusion may ensue. Relax. Let Margarita Moments narrow the choices for you.

Michaels – Known for its steak and seafood, this restaurant is a sure bet when it comes to quality cuisine and impeccable service. You may want to dine outdoors in their garden oasis. Michaels’ drink selection is impressive, including a variety of wines and martinis. I suggest the White Chocolate Martini made with Stoli Vanil Vodka & White Creme de Cacao, served in a Belgian chocolate rimmed glass. If you’re interested in one of their delicious fondue appetizers, be sure to order your selection immediately, as it takes 20-25 minutes to prepare. Entree servings are a healthy size, but leave room for dessert. I’d recommend sharing a warm chocolate volcano. Mmm.
The Flaming Buoy – A twilight dinner for two on this up-and-coming restaurant’s cozy side porch may set the mood for romance. The waitstaff is friendly yet unobtrusive. You won’t feel rushed as you may at some eateries, and the food is all about taste and comfort. I highly recommend the lobster mac and cheese. Click on the restaurant name above for my unabridged review.
Latitudes – This restaurant isn’t in Old Town like the others listed here, but is easily accessible via a complimentary ten-minute ferry ride to Sunset Key. I haven’t eaten here yet. There are so many wonderful choices in Key West, and this Westin Resort restaurant is a bit on the pricey side. Many reviewers say eating alfresco on Latitude’s quiet beach at sunset is worth every penny, though, and I imagine it is.
Hot Tin Roof – This restaurant is part of the sophisticated Ocean Key Resort overlooking Key West Harbor, the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. You may select small plates or opt for a heartier entree. Click here to see the menu. We’ve never been disappointed with its service or ambiance.
nine one five – Located at, you guessed it, 915 Duval Street, this is a tapis restaurant. Request a table for two on the building’s front porch, and you’ll be able to people watch while whispering sweet nothings to your love between servings. If you like chocolate, you may wish to make Life by Chocolate your meal’s final act.
Cafe Sole – Boasting French cuisine and intimate indoor or alfresco seating, this award-winning establishment is recommended by Key West aficionados and foodies across the internet. I haven’t eaten here before, but now it’s on my list!
Cafe Marquesa – This historied restaurant is affiliated with Marquesa Hotel, lodging designed for the discerning traveler. We’ve biked and strolled past it many times, and look forward to one day sitting inside as patrons. We hear the food is as incredible as the hotel’s reputation.
Charter boat — For the ultimate in intimate, rent a private yacht for a dinner sunset sail around Key West harbor. What a beautiful ending to a romantic getaway!

Wherever you decide to dine, may you eat and drink in good health and happiness. Bon appetit!

What’s the most romantic restaurant you’ve enjoyed or wish to experience?

Waxing Poetic

April 17, 2012

April is one of my favorite months. Spring is in full bloom, Long Island days seem slightly sunnier…and it’s poetry month. To put you in the poem frame of mind, here’s a haiku I wrote, just for you.

Poetry

Sensory snapshot in words

Lines, rhymes, alliteration, stanzas

Rhythm rolling off my tongue

When I’m in the mood for a little poetry pick-me-up but don’t have the energy left to write my own, I surf on poetry websites. The next poem is courtesy of www.OnlyPoems.com.:

Tropical Island

Palm trees sway

To the beat of the drums

As my plane lands

My Caribbean escape awaits

I dip my feet

Into the refreshing warm water

The ocean sweeps me away

To my personal paradise

Flashes of color

Shimmering scales

Crystal blue water

A blissful sight

The burning red sun

Battles the soft ocean breeze

My toes dig deeper into the sand

I don’t want to leave

The reef is a playground

To all curious creatures

And the seaweed rocks back and forth

To the rhythm of the water

But sunset comes

In shades of orange, yellow, and pink

As it settles to rest

Sinking beneath the ocean waves

by Peyton Alexis

Do you like poetry? Why or why not? If you like poetry, do you have any favorite poets or related websites you’d recommend?

P.S. – If you’re not into poetry, no worries. Next week’s post will be written in prose. 🙂

Exploring the Eastern Caribbean

March 12, 2012

Explore eks-plore v. 1. to investigate, study, or analyze: look into 2. to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery.

The Explorer Cruise Ship Docked in St. Thomas — RCL Explorer docked at St. Thomas

As much as my husband and I enjoy Key West, we have a soft spot in our hearts for the Eastern Caribbean islands, each of them gems in their own right. In 2003, We were fortunate enough to explore Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas on a seven-day cruise…

Our first stop is San Juan. We opt to kayak the San Spiritu River, a calm river northeast of Puerto Rico’s capital city. Chattering monkeys and squawking parrots greet our small tour group as we paddle along, surrounded by the greenery of El Yunque Rainforest. I spy two manatee in the water and an iguana in the trees. What a wonderful start to our Eastern Caribbean experience!

Whimsical water feature outside one shop — Whimsical water feature outside a shop

St. Maarten/St. Martin is our next destination. It’s a unique island, ruled on one side by the Dutch and the other by the French.

We shop on the Dutch side, grabbing incredible bargains on cameras, linens, and rainbow topaz jewelry. The Belgian chocolate is delicious. Don’t plan to bring any home with you, though. It’s not a good traveler.

On the French side, there are beautiful beaches (including a nude beach if you’re so inclined). We visit a butterfly farm, where I get my first glimpse at the elusive blue morpho butterfly.

My lamb isn't too baa-d, is it? — My lamb isn’t too baa-d, is it?

Days at sea gives us an opportunity to explore the ship. We play mini golf, learn how to make towel animals, make friends with our dinner mates, and take in the nightly shows. There’s so much to do, but we spend part of each day simply sipping a cool drink and taking in the stunning Caribbean views from our comfy spot in the Solarium hot tub or pool.

St. Thomas is another port. We venture out on our own today, the taxi ride through the hills to Magen’s Bay Beach a bit like a roller coaster ride without the safety of the rails! We arrive early, so the beach isn’t crowded. I soak in the crystal blue water. It’s heavenly.

Magen's Bay Beach, St. Thomas — Magen’s Bay Beach, St. Thomas

We leave the beach before I turn too pink, travel down the windy road into town, and then take a tram up to Paradise Point, St. Thomas’ lookout point. The blues of the Caribbean mix with the vibrant tropical flowers and trees. Everything is lush and beautiful.

Sad to leave St. Thomas — Leaving St. Thomas

For our last day of sun, sand, and water, we join a friendly group on a booze cruise to Pearl Island away from the busy commercialism of Nassau. We enjoy a spicy lunch and rum drinks as we wade in the warm waters. Later, we explore the island’s tiny lighthouse and look at the seashells. The boat trip back to the ship includes music and dancing, and puts us in the mood for a fun last night at sea before returning to reality.

I enjoy our getaways to Key West, never tiring of its natural beauty and its people, but cruising is a wonderful way to learn which destinations may hold promise of an extended holiday to suit your needs. I’d definitely like to visit St. Thomas again, perhaps while vacationing in nearby St. John–secluded and romantic.

Oops, gotta go! I hear the blender whirring and steel drums playing in the kitchen. Time for a margarita moment or two. Until next time…

Can You Go Home Again?

February 20, 2012

Expressways and bridges lead to the Northway, followed by narrow winding roads. A lone blinking street light in the country hamlet just south of our destination signals memories of my grandparents, town Fourth of July celebrations, and trick-or-treating.

DSCN1423 — Fields Leading to Lake Champlain

Every mile between town and my home is as comfortable as a favorite pair of slippers–having walked and biked that path countless times. I take in the Lake Champlain waters, stone walls lining open fields, and my family’s church.

Home again.

I step into the house where my parents raised five children, where they lived, loved, and laughed together until she was taken from us far too soon. Although it’s been over a decade since she’s graced this house in human form, it’s filled with her spirit. Every room in the house reminds me of her, and I’m enveloped in warmth. I miss her so much, but when I’m in this house, it’s almost as if she never left.

Of course, my childhood home holds a myriad of other memories. My little brother and I used to play inside the living room closet and Mom would warn us about pinched fingers. We’d peek around the stairway corner to spy on adults on Christmas Eve. And how I loved to sit on those stairs, my skinny legs over the edge as I read book after book.

I’m glad we traveled north this weekend. Sometimes I need to go back in order to move forward again. I love my Long Island home, with its ocean waters, vineyards, and NYC all within a short distance, but I will forever have a soft spot for the Adirondack Mountains, with its evergreens, birch trees, and rugged hillsides. Like my wise brother-in-law has been known to say, “You can take the girl out of the country, but not the country out of the girl.”

Key West Historic Seaport

January 9, 2012

Lands End Street in Historic Seaport, KW — Lands End Street at KW Historic Seaport

During daylight hours, Key West is all about sun and sea. You can soak in some rays at one its beaches, and rent a kayak or jet ski if you have the energy. For a bit more monetary and vacation hour investment, you can hire a charter boat to go backcountry or offshore fishing. If you want an even closer look at the vast array of ocean life, this tropical island offers snorkling and scuba diving opportunities–from novice outings steps away from the beach to challenging shipwreck dives. When you’ve done all that, but still want the ambiance of marina life, my suggestion would be to walk or bike ride to Key West’s Historic Seaport.

To reach this renovated section of Old Town, trek to Lower Duval, turn right on Front Street and travel east until you hit Margaret Street. Here’s a little history, according to Florida State Tourism Board, if you’re interested:

Formerly known as Key West Bight, this once seedy piece of prime waterfront real estate was where shrimpers, spongers, and turtle traders came to unload their daily catch, tell tall tales of the sea, quaff a few brews, and just generally hang out. With the relocation of the shrimp boats to Stock Island and the demise of sponging and turtle hunting, this area has undergone a complete metamorphosis. In January 1999 it was officially opened as the Key West Historic Seaport and HarborWalk. Tall ships still tie up here, but so do million-dollar yachts.

In addition to being home of the city marina, with charter boats, ferries, and other assorted watercraft, Historic Seaport has hundreds of shops and a number of Old Town’s famous restaurants. If you bike here, be sure to lock up your Conch Cruiser at one of the Lands End racks before taking a stroll. The half-mile Harbor Walk that stretches between Grinnell and Greene is for pedestrians only. That’s fine though, because you’ll enjoy stopping often to see the sights–including hungry fish who will readily eat your restaurant leftovers.

Speaking of restaurants, you may want to eat at the famous A&B Lobster House, the Half Shell Clam Bar, Bo’s Fish Wagon or Turtle Kraals while you’re in the vicinity. My husband and I took our fresh catch to Turtle Kraals and were thrilled with the results. We returned later that week for happy hour and took advantage of their Tower Bar, where we were served appetizers and cocktails while enjoying the magnificent view. We watched tourists returning with their catch, locals cleaning their boats, and glassbottom boats unloading their passengers. One of our favorite activities that evening was participating in the turtle races.

Turtle Kraals Racetime — Getting Ready for the Race

If you arrive at Turtle Kraals on a turtle race evening, ask for a slip from one of the servers. On the slip will be a number 1-4. At 6 PM, take your drink outside and root on your turtle. Hopefully you’ll be one of the people with the slip number matching the winning turtle. (If not, it’s still a lot of fun to watch.) Winners select a key with a number. The jackpot was up to $400 the night we were there, but it may be lower or higher depending on how long it’s been since someone has won the night you participate. Each person then has the option to try opening the treasure chest with the key. Sometimes the emcee also gives another option, such as trading the key for a mystery gift or a known prize. The night we were there, the prizes included restaurant gift certificates and merchandise from its store.

To work off your meal, you may want to browse through a few of the many boutiques and street vendors located in Historic Seaport. My sweet husband once bought me the beautiful silver bracelet below. (Click on the photo for more information, if you’re interested.) This past getaway, we bought a dolphin bracelet to thank our 20-year-old for helping out with her little brother back at home. I’d highly recommend this store for its quality and unique offerings.

So, if you ever get a chance to travel to the southernmost point of the continental U.S., consider trekking off Duval Street for breathtaking views, great food, free fun, and maybe even a bauble or two. I hope you’ve enjoyed this Margarita Moment. May your week be full of warmth and sunshine–in your memories if not your locale.

Another view of KW Bight — Another view of Key West Marina

I’d love to hear from you:

What memories warm your heart on cold, winter days?

Duval Street, Key West

November 28, 2011

KW2011 201 — Pose with Jack Sparrow on Duval

You’ll see it all on Duval. If I were a slogan-writer, that’s how I’d refer to the main thoroughfare in Old Town, Key West, a road that stretches approximately two miles southeast to northwest on the western side of Bone Island.

Duval Street is where the cruise ship tourists stroll, the Fantasy Fest participants parade, the pubbers crawl, and the chickens roam. Some of the unusual sights I’ve seen are pirates, performing animals, transvestites, and body-painted tourists. Once, I even saw a man on a leash.

A constant hum of scooters, conch cruisers, pedi-cabs, pink taxis, motorcycles, and cars fills this street, joining the Conch Train and Ghost Train tours that chug through periodically, day and night.

Duval Street is split into Upper and Lower Duval. To keep it simple, remember that the lower the street number, the closer to Lower Duval you are. At the beginning of Lower Duval is Mallory Square, renowned site of beautiful sunsets and free nightly street performances on the Gulf of Mexico.

We especially like watching Dominic the Cat Man whenever we attend Sunset Celebration.

Like the island’s peoples, stores along Duval Street are eclectic. You’ll find mom-and-pop grocery stores and smoke shops sandwiched between big-name stores such as The Gap and Coach. There are endless t-shirt shops here as well, with storefront displays of tacky silkscreen art and the occasional marijuana paraphenalia.

Lower Duval is where the famous Sloppy Joe’s and numerous other bars are located. We enjoy Hogs Breath Saloon for its hogaritia, a potent version of a margarita, and its live music. Irish Kevin’s is the bar to visit for raunchy versions of your favorite songs. There are also piano bars, sports bars, clothing optional, and upscale martini bars. Key West’s Smallest Bar, with its two stools, is a proud resident of this famous street.

As you travel toward what I refer to as mid-Duval, a variety of aromas will whet your appetitie. We’ve enjoyed tapas at 915, Sunday brunch at Croissants de France, and American cuisine at Fogerty’s. If you crave ice cream, frozen yogurt, or smoothies, walk or bike a few blocks until you spy a snack shop that suits your desire. Jimmy Buffett fans attending the 35th Parrothead convention a few weeks ago had the surprise of a lifetime when he performed an impromptu concert for them outside the Key West Margaritaville at 500 Duval Street. Check out this concert video courtesy of YouTube:

I wouldn’t consider myself a Parrothead and I don’t generally like crowds, but I would’ve really liked to have been in Key West for that experience.

Upper Duval is at the southeast end of the street where you’ll find the Southernmost Hotel, including a tiki bar/restaurant and beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The Key West Butterfly Conservatory , one of Old Town’s must-see attractions, is on Upper Duval, too. This end has plentiful window shopping opportunities, with its beautiful art galleries, jewelry stores, and other specialty shops.

You never know what you’re going to see on Key West’s Duval Street, but I can almost guarantee you’ll come home with a story or two. Join me here every Monday for a Margarita Moment where I’ll be sure to share another of mine. Until then, enjoy each day doing what you love.

Do you have any Duval Street stories to share? Or questions for me? I’d be happy to answer questions, or research as necessary.

Counting Our Blessings

November 14, 2011

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — As birds leave the nest, so must our children.

Since our daughter left the nest to enter college two years ago, my little world turned upside-down. I mistakenly assumed since she was the older of my two children and I had always worked outside the home her absence wouldn’t affect me as much as it has. Only now do I realize the impact–good and bad.

RWA11 033 — I’ve met so many wonderful people through writing!

The good. I took stock of my life and began working toward my dream of being a successful, published writer. I’m unpublished as of yet, but I’ve completed the first manuscript and have begun the submission process. I’ve also begun my second novel, and have two more outlined. (If you’re interested in reading more about that first year, click here.) My husband and I have more time to devote to our younger child. Our son enjoys being the center of our universe, as his older sister did for the eight years before he arrived. It’s only fair, right?

The bad. I have struggled to stay organized. I hadn’t realized how much I depended on our daughter to help with little chores around the house. She’s an expert dishwasher emptier, laundry helper, and pet caregiver. Without her around, those pesky jobs fell to me. I didn’t have time left over to do the extras. No more digital photo books for me. I also didn’t get around to making holiday cards or baking holiday cookies these past few years. Most importantly, though, I missed her. We’d text and Skype, but it wasn’t the same.

I’m happy to report I’m finally back on track and have adjusted to our new family life. In spite of some recent bad luck that waylaid me these past weeks, not only is the house sparkling clean, but our photo Christmas cards have arrived and are ready to address. To my son’s delight, we’ve begun to research holiday gifts and kinds of cookies to bake. I still miss my older child like crazy, but she is happy at college and I know she’ll be home again soon.

My family and I are very blessed in this regard. There are mothers and fathers who’ve lost their child to disease, war, or other tragedy. Their loved one remains with them in spirit, but won’t ever sit around the table again to share a meal. My heart breaks for them, as it breaks when I think of my relatives who have moved on. But I believe we are all still blessed. Let’s savor the little moments and wonderful memories.

I hope that, whatever your situation, you have a peaceful, contented holiday season. Take time to relax; savor family and friends. I promise to deliver a lighthearted post next week. Join me for a Margarita Moment, won’t you? We can all use a little escape now and again.

The Not-So-Old Woman and The Sea

October 31, 2011

Enest Hemingway, lovingly referred to as Papa by historians and Key West locals, was an iconic American writer of the twentieth century. He set up residence there from 1931-1940, and was said to enjoy being “the big fish” on the little island.

I read a few of Hemingway’s classics as well as some of his more obscure short stories back in college. I remember being fascinated by his terse, straightforward prose and being aware of the tragic way he died, but I knew little of his life before I became a fellow Conch Republic addict.

KW2011-A 119 — Hemingway Photo Turtle Kraals Restaurant

Writers are often advised to write what they know. Hemingway was an avid fisherman and hunter, as well as writer. It makes sense to me that he often wrote tales with man vs. nature themes. During his Key West years, Papa wrote many stories, including his novel, The Sun Also Rises. Yet, it’s his 1953 Pulitzer Prize winner, Old Man and the Sea, that comes to mind when I imagine him living and working there.

The more times we’ve visited the southernmost part of the United States, the more my husband and I desired to go fishing. Key West’s economy has always been driven, in part, by the fishing industry. I have no issue with legal hunting and fishing, as long as the animals caught are eaten and not used merely as trophies. The prospect of being one-on-one with nature was exciting AND overwhelming. I’ve seen tv shows with people on deep-sea fishing charters reeling in huge fish such as marlin and sailfish. To reel in fish like these, a person is sometimes strapped into a fighting chair so the fish doesn’t pull him overboard. Scary thought. We wanted a beginner’s excursion equivalent to the bunny slope when learning to snow ski. After some research, we chose backcountry or flats fishing.

KW2011-A 026 — Our early morning fishing spot

I’ll admit it. I’m squeamish about putting bait onto a hook or taking fish off a hook. I’m girly that way, I suppose. However, as soon as we left the dock, watching our captain collect live bait and select our fishing spot, I was eager to try my hand at casting and reeling. I’m an avid observer, but on this day I participated, too. I soaked up Captain Rob’s advice, his history, and as a word nerd, his dialect, too. I learned about the parts of a boat, fishing terms, and most of all, what it feels like to struggle with a fish to bring it in. Before that day, I could count on one hand how many times I’d caught fish, and that includes ice fishing as a youngster with my grandfather on Lake Champlain. (Ice fishing is a passive activity compared to tackle fishing.)

We traveled through water locals call “The Lakes.” The sea is shallow there, between 5-6 ft., an estuary that divides the Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico. We anchored at Destroyer Island about three miles offshore on the Atlantic side where the ocean is close to thirteen feet deep. We had left early in the morning for a greater chance of success and were rewarded with dozens of fish swimming around our boat.

KW2011-A 028 — My first keeper, a rainbow snapper

Shortly after Captain Rob had shown us how to cast (or pitch, as he calls it), he surprised me by blowing up a balloon. I wondered if we were celebrating the day with a party, but then realized he was setting up a sportfishing line. He was as excited as we were about the kinds and sizes of fish, and about the chance of bringing in “a big one.” We spied a young tarpon and a small school of snook. Captain Rob explained that snook were out-of-season but would have put up a good fight. Oh well. We still had plenty of fun.

My husband caught two barracuda, and we suspect one cut my line. The first fish I caught big enough to keep was the one shown above. From the effort it took to reel it in, I was certain the fish on my line was the tarpon we had seen earlier, and wondered why we didn’t have a fighting chair to keep me from flying overboard. When it surfaced, wriggling at the end of my line, I was surprised. Maybe I should lift heavier weights when I exercise? We also reeled in gray snappers, a number of them keepers.

Two sunscreen applications later, the current changed and our captain moved to a new fishing spot. We anchored a bit further offshore where my husband and I were introduced to an interesting fish called a grunt. They have flourescent orange mouths with sharp teeth. I soon learned how they got their name. These fish sound so much like deer, my hunter husband was on the lookout for four-legged creatures.

In our last hour on the water, my husband caught the prize fish of the day. Hogfish are generally caught using a spearhook instead of light tackle, so Captain Rob was quite impressed. This fish is considered by many to be the best-tasting local fish, too. Of course, we enjoyed sampling every kind we kept–grilled or blackened.

Fishing may not seem a woman’s kind of escape, but you may surprise yourself, ladies. I did. We tell children, “Try it, you may like it,” when encouraging them to take a risk. That motto may work for us adults as well.

I caught more than fish that day; I caught the fishing bug. We plan to book another charter boat our next trip. Popular wisdom claims pursuing a common hobby is good for a couple’s relationship. We never have. Who knows? This may be the one.

Have you ever surprised yourself by enjoying an activity far more than anticipated?

The Big Apple From A Different View

October 3, 2011

I live about forty-five minutes outside of New York City. Since suburban life is a completely different experience than urban living, my family enjoys taking a bite out of the Big Apple as much as tourists from anywhere else. We just have the luxury of doing it more often.

Long Islanders travel into the city for a variety of reasons other than work or connecting with relatives. We like to catch shows on Broadway, go out to dinner and shopping, see baseball games, visit museums, attend concerts, and go out to the bars. For holidays, many will hop the LIRR (train) to see a parade, watch fireworks, or count down until the ball drops. The difference with us local visitors is that we generally skip tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and tours of any kind.

East River-Manhattan — East River View of Manhattan

Two years ago, my son’s fifth grade celebrated their “moving up” to the middle school with a very special event. They scheduled a private day cruise around Manhattan on the Skyline Princess , and we parents were invited along for the ride. This gave us an oppotunity to view the city from a different perspective–away from Times Square crowds and midtown noise.

At first, I was hesitant about whether our son would enjoy the daytrip. His autism and sensory issues can lead to him acting out during new experiences, and we didn’t want him to leave his classmates with that lasting impression before they parted ways for the summer. To get him excited about the outing, his grandmother told him he’d be going on a cruise just like she does with his grandfather. We also showed him online photos of the cruise boat and explained the schedule. That did the trick. He wanted to go. For good measure, I prayed for nice weather.

Skyline Princess Daytrip — The Pier, Across from CitiField

Cruise day arrives and it’s sunny! The boat’s pier happens to be across from CitiField–the Mets’ new stadium. We load onto the large, comfortable boat and the party begins. We watch planes take off from LaGuardia as we make our way onto the East River. We gaze in awe at the beauty of the skyscrapers lining the water’s edge, spying landmarks along the way.

The Empire State Building peeks above the other buildings as we travel beneath the 59th Street bridge. If you’re a movie buff, you may recognize Pier 17, featured in the romantic comedy, Fools Rush In, for the helicopter scene where the hero realizes he cannot live without his heroine. Don’t you just love happily-ever-afters?

Empire State Building Peeks Above Other Skyscrapers — Empire State Building peeks above other skyscrapers

We take a break from our sightseeing and photography to indulge in a catered lunch. For guests who’ve had their fill of water with a backdrop of tall buildings, the DJ begins the afternoon of dancing and music.

The Skyline Princess honks joyfully to the Staten Island Ferry as we glide into open water. It’s a bittersweet moment as we pass the southern tip of Manhattan. We then turn our thoughts toward the beauty of the monument ahead.

I’ve been to Ellis Island, but this day cruise is a relaxing alternative. We are able to see the Statue of Liberty from all angles, and imagine how the immigrants felt at their first glimpse of her after a difficult journey across the Atlantic.

After a dozen or so photos of this beautiful gift from France, we head back toward Manhattan. The kids are excited to see all sorts of water craft on the return trip. I have to admit, I am, too.

It’s not often I get to see a tugboat pushing a barge, a fireboat spraying its water in all directions, or a beautiful sailboat with the New York skyline behind it. It’s been a wonderful day–relaxing, comfortable, pretty, and fun. In other words, a perfect escape.

Have you ever visited New York City? If so, what were your favorite activities or attractions? If not, what would be on your must-see list for the Big Apple?

Scenes Along The Strip

September 19, 2011

Back in 2005, Southwest airlines had some knockout deals from the northeastern U.S. to Las Vegas. Unwilling to pass up such a bargain, I convinced my husband to pay Sin City a visit. It helps that we have extended family who live there, an added incentive to make the long flight. We enjoyed that first getaway enough to traverse the country three more times for sightseeing, shows, shopping, eating, and gambling. Las Vegas offers so many quality choices in all these venues, we’ll always find a reason to return.

I have many stories to share with you about this neon city. For now, here are a few of the G-Rated highlights:

Vegas Mountains — View from the Stratosphere

On our first trip, we visited the Stratosphere on the north end of the Vegas Strip. This incredibly tall building allows visitors to view the entire city, surrounded by desert and mountains. The scene was absolutely breathtaking! I enjoy roller coasters and Hollywood Studio’s Tower of Terror, but I couldn’t fathom riding any of the attractions at the top of the Stratosphere. One of the rides shoots straight up and the other two dangle their occupants over the edge. (Are these people crazy?)

Since I chickened out at the Stratosphere, we rode New York-New York’s outdoor roller coaster on the lower-strip instead. I realize it’s tame by comparison, but we had fun without a chance of heart attack.

NY NY in Las Vegas — New York-New York Hotel

Exiting my home state’s namesake hotel, we glimpsed the M&M store. I had to check it out. I’ve never seen so many chocolate candies in one place. My chocolate loving friends would have thought they’d died and gone to heaven. I know I did. The only bad part, if you can call it that, was we had to eat our purchases shortly after leaving the store. I know what the ads claim, but these little goodies wouldn’t have survived the August desert sun on the trek back to our mid-strip hotel.

It may be hot outside, but inside the gambling was hot, too. We loved the slots. My husband’s favorite was The Wheel of Fortune, and mine was the Triple 7’s. Our aunt and uncle entertained us by sharing strategies for playing the penny slot machines at the Flamingo. It was lots of fun, and we were thrilled to come out ahead of the casino.

We enjoyed people-watching as we walked through the Venetian Hotel’s underground mall–complete with gondola ride. Apparently, this place is also home to a living statue. We walked past a man painted white and in white clothing. He stood very still, rarely blinking. But I felt his stare. My husband thought the guy was interesting. I thought he was creepy. Click on the photo if you’re curious and want to see the statue in action–or non-action, as the case may be.

One night, we took an elevator to the top of Vegas’ version of the Eiffel Tower, one-third the height of the original in France. It was plenty high enough for me, and we loved The Bellagio’s water show. I can’t think of a better way to end a post about the Vegas Strip than with this video. Enjoy!

Have you ever been to Las Vegas? If so, what are some of your G-Rated memories? If not, would you have ridden the Insanity Ride on the Stratosphere or the coaster at New York-New York? Would you have liked the Living Statue or the view from the Eiffel Tower?