Posts Tagged ‘new york’

California is a big state and when I visited in the past I spent most of my time in LA or South or the San Francisco area. A couple weeks ago though I traveled with some friends from Santa Monica to the Central Coast, specifically Avila Beach (closest big city would be San Luis Obispo which isn’t really BIG compared to California standards). This was my first time to the Central Coast and I had no idea what to expect–except for it being somewhat coastal.

About 3 hours North of LA on “the 5 (I-5 for us non-Californians)” and about 4 hrs South of San Fran on the 5, the Central Coast is a mixture of famous sights, small beach towns and wineries that rival the more known Napa Valley. I only had 3 days in this area and I wanted to make the most of it—and of course, I needed more time.

Hearst Castle

Maybe the most famous of the sights on the Central Coast and all of California is the Hearst Castle named for the newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst who died in 1951. Now a state park the Castle is steeped in history. In its heyday it was supposed to be a “bungalow” for Hearst, but soon got a bit bigger and was visited by the most famous of the time (Lindbergh, Cary Grant, various Presidents). The main house is over 60,000 sqft and has 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms. Full of antiques and rare books purchased personally by Hearst, this spot has a constant stream of tourists throughout the year.

If you are like me, famous landmarks are worth a visit, but when the beach is calling—I make it a short visit because, well, the beach is calling.

If you’ve heard of Monterey or Big Sur you have heard of the Central Coast, but if you have heard of Avila Beach then you have heard of the REAL Central Coast. A sleepy beach town popular with fisherman put Avila on the map, but the subsequent building boom and desire to live semi-affordably (to California standards anyway) is what made Avila what it is today: a coffee drinking, dog walking, beach strolling, bike riding, fishing town. To say this town is yuppie would be an understatement–but it is Cali and in comparison to some California towns, Avila is a watered down yuppie and a town I could totally see myself living in. With a main street of tee-shirt and flip flop shops, a general market, Mr. Rick’s Sports bar, the very crowded Joe Mamma Coffee (try the hemp milk creamer) and even a couple small wineries, it takes 6 minutes to walk the “strip” before you are hugging the coastline on your run, walk or bike ride on the way to the famous fishing pier to watch your dinner get caught, buy that fresh caught dinner and walk right up to (if you dare) napping Sea Lions on the dock.

Avila Beach

Avila at sunset

up-close and personal with a hungry pelican on the fishing pier

Tide Pools
About a 30 minute drive from Avila are the Montana de Oro State Park and Tide Pools. Here the coastline is comprised of slippery rock (yeah, I fell on my a*s), snails, crabs, sea anemones, shells and steep sand dunes that can be slid down via sled, cardboard box or the seat of your pants (I saw all three). Like the rest of California (even in the summer), the water is powerful and very cold so if the tide is not out it could be a dangerous, cold meander through these tide pools. I went when the tide was nearly out and bonded quite nicely with a turquoise sea anemone. Did you know if you gently touch one it wraps around your finger and tries to suction you to death? It is a cool feeling. Yeah, and messing with that anemone is probably why I fell.

Trail down to the tide pools

me at the tide pools

overlooking the coastline tide pools and sand dunes

Dive Bars–for Wine
As mentioned, wine from the Central Coast rivals Napa Valley and Sonoma and wineries and vineyards are dotted along the coast at every exit. Many have gorgeous views and picturesque grounds like at this place:

But sadly, sometimes the wine suffers and the view turns out to be the best thing about the winery. If you are a true wine-person, this can be frustrating (if you are like me and can barely tell a Pinot from a Merlot it is not as upsetting) especially when you are in the Central Coast and have gorgeous views anyway. Recently an industrial area of blue and government gray buildings in the town of Lompoc (pronounced “Lom-Poke”) behind the Home Depot has become a popular destination for wine tastings and because the area is, ahem, not so picturesque (and it probably doesn’t help that the Home Depot lumber department is in ear shot) the area was affectionately coined as the “Wine Ghetto.”

Most likely overlooked, unless you knew better, this parking lot of single-story metal buildings has become the place to go if you want good wine. Unlike most wineries where you have your tasting, roam the grounds and then responsibly drive to the next vineyard–the Ghetto is a one-stop wine tasting shop with the wineries situated like stores in a cheap strip mall– but, the wine is NOT cheap tasting! Park once–taste all day– but get a car service, please.

One of my favorite “Ghetto” wineries was the Flying Goat. The husband and wife owners were passionate about their wine, had soil samples that the grapes grew from and a very nice 13 year old chocolate lab. Plus– the lady knew all about Jersey. Represent East Coast!

(picture courtesy of centralcoastuncorked.blogspot.com)

I know the title of this post doesn’t reflect the correct lyrics to the popular Christmas tune, but this year, unlike my normal Christmas’ where I walk in a sunny wonderland (Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii) or a magical winter wonderland at home in NYC, these substitute lyrics are appropriate as I am venturing to a place known for rain and gloom–but also the place I grew up and where my family and friends still live– Seattle.

If you are a follower of this site, you already know that I am from Seattle and have absolutely zero desire to go back there ever again (permanently), but short visits are something I can do and this will be the first Christmas that the husband and I will open gifts in the Pacific NW since we moved to the East Coast over 4 years ago.

Living out East for the past four Christmas’ has been awesome! There is no other place in the country (or World??) that can match the holiday spirit that NYC generates! From the windows at Macy’s to the computerized yet realistic snowflakes at Saks to seeing the tree at Rockefeller and shopping the Christmas markets at Union Square and Central Park to ice skating at Bryant Park– and the list goes on.

Ice Rink in Central Park (photo credit: D Ellefson)

Regardless of how horribly depressing the gloomy gray skies of Seattle will be (dare I even wish for snow?), I will make this trip as CHRISTMASY as possible!!! First and foremost, I am excited to see my nephew and niece and wake up super early with them on Christmas morning to see them open THE BEST presents EVER (from Uncle and me of course, even though Uncle will likely sleep in a bit later than me). Also, my grandparents are making the trek over the mountains and through the woods JUST to see hubby and me (I mean, of course they’re coming for us–who cares about those cute great-grandkids…).

While in Seattle, the lack of snow or even sunny, crisp temps won’t bother me too much with family and friends close by AND these totally Christmasy things to do:

The famous Seattle Space Needle

1) The Christmas Carol Improv! I have been to this show in the ghost of Christmas past and it is awesome! Always different, (it is Improv) and based on the original Dickens story but sprinkled with audience suggestions on how the story should be acted out, this performance called “Seattle’s Funniest Christmas Show” is a Pacific NW tradition!

The show is regularly shown at their home smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market at the Market Theater, but since its currently being renovated, this year I will see it at the equally cool Intiman Theater at Seattle Center.

2) Christmas Lights Shining Bright!
When I was a kid, driving to and walking around neighborhoods decked out Clark W Griswold style was, and still IS, a highlight (and also free). One of the best stops (and longest running) in Seattle is Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna! The neighborhood has been doing this light show since 1941.
Address: Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA

Ravenna Neighborhood

3) Seeing the Lights & the Sights from the Water
Seattle locals may humbug the Argosy (“Its so touristy”) and even I used to poo-poo it until I went on an Argosy summer cruise a few years back and saw Bill Gates’ mansion. One word: GINORMOUS. Anyway, at Christmastime, all of the touristy labels go out the window because tourists and locals will love the lights seen from the water. In its 62nd year, this parade of Argosy Christmas Ships sails the Puget Sound waterfront communities and if you are lucky enough to get tickets on the lead ship, THE Christmas Ship, onboard choirs will sing carols throughout your journey. This runs through December 23rd. Did I mention the outer decks on the ships are heated. Oh yes! I’ll see you there! ($35 adults $31.50 seniors $19 kids ages 5-12 (4 and under no charge)

The Argosy Ship

4) Molbaks
Annual Festival of Poinsettias

Molbaks is a Christmas tradition for Seattleites and a must stop for anyone that lives in the general vicinity (Molbaks is in the suburb of Woodinville and well worth the short drive from Seattle). Aside from the numerous wonderful ornaments and decorations to shop (I love the Department 56 collections they have), fresh trees to meander through and hot chocolate to sip–they boast one of the most colorful sights in all of Washington State: the Annual Festival of Poinsettias.

With over 25 varieties (25, really? Wow!) and tons of family photo ops (even with Santa!!), this is a MUST STOP to get into or get more into the holiday spirit. They are open all the way through Christmas Eve at 4! I’ll see you there–after the Argosy ride of course, and lets hope for snow, or at least not rain.

‘Tis the Season, as it has been said, and as you know–there is no place like New York City during this season!

Need some ideas for a first date? How about giving a gift of events rather than a gift card?
Below are details on a very do-able day in NYC during this festive time and your date/husband/wife/friend/mother/ or whoever you are with, will no doubt count this gift as the most creative they’ve ever received!

Begin the day by giving your sweet tooth a workout at the annual Gingerbread House display at Le Parker Meridian (56th St between 6th and 7th). Every year this glamourous French styled hotel features an array of Gingerbread creations that amaze and cause cravings. This year’s theme is Movies Made in New York and by paying $1 to vote on your favorite–you are entered to win a stay at their Parker Palm Springs location in warm(er than NY) California. The houses are open for gawking from 7:00am to midnight between December 1st and January 9th.

NYC in Gingerbread

After taking measurements for the Gingerbread House you plan to make at home, grab some chestnuts roasting on an open fire from a many-a-corner street vendors and head over to the matinee showing of Elf on Broadway.

Based on the film from 2003 of the same name and starring Will Ferrel, this show has gotten great reviews and regardless of the age of the viewer–this show delivers on laughs and will infuse the biggest grinch with holiday spirit. Tickets can be found at the box office, ticketmaster.com and other discount ticket websites.

After the show and since you are now in full holiday spirit mode, make your way to one or more of the famous Holiday Markets all over the city. Bryant Park is just down a few blocks from the Elf theatre and Columbus Circle just a few blocks uptown. These shops have unique gift ideas and may just help you finish (or start) that holiday shopping. Check this link for ALL of the Holiday Market information you’ll need!

After the Markets it will likely be dark and before you head to see the tree at Rockefeller Center eat some dinner at Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain on 52nd for as much or as little as you feel like eating–the menu here will accommodate any appetite (p.s.: ask for extra cornbread sticks).

interior of Bar Americain

After dinner, go on and see that famous tree just around the corner from Bar Americain and if your dinner feels digested enough, lace up some skates at the most famous rink in the country or walk a few blocks to Bryant Park for some free skating–either way, be prepared to wait in line.

The temperatures this time of year are of course cold and after skating you’ll be lucky to still have feeling in your hands, so to end this perfect holiDAY in the city, find some comfy seats at the Prohibition styled bar Back Room on the Lower East Side and order up a buttered rum while you thaw by the fireplace and rehash your day.

the Back Room

I love to read and I admit that I have a bit of an addiction to buying books. I have always been a book “junkie” and I look forward to my next “fix” even as I enjoy my current one–which believe me, is a curse as much as it is a passion.

Lately, my purchases consist mainly of the electronic kind (BIG shout out to the Kindle here) but I still can’t pass up regular, old fashioned books–especially at a used bookstore.
Visiting used bookstores for me is not just for book buying. My visits to these hopefully never dying institutions bring me pure happiness. From my first steps through the door onto the creaky wood floorboards (that I’ve started to think are a requirement of used bookstores since they all, well the good ones, seem to have them) to having my breath momentarily stifled by the strong scent of musty pages thick in the air, I have a smile on my face.

Shelves in one of the most famous used book stores in the World–the Strand Bookstore in NYC

Moving to the East Coast broadened my interest of this geographical area and especially of New York City–my new home. My visits to a few of the multiple used book stores within the city resulted in me purchasing nearly a dozen books focused on NYC. Three years later, the “to-read NYC” stack is still piled high, but I managed to get through a few and below are four that I highly recommend if you love New York City, live in New York City, want to live in New York City, or–have an urge to just escape to this great city for a while.

Notes From the Night: A Life After Dark
Taylor Plimpton

Aimed at the young, the once young party crowd or at least to the stereotype the young in Manhattan have, this short book may have you reading open mouth in amazement, nodding in understanding or–depending on your lifestyle, with occasional closed eyes. Various club scenes are the setting and the goal of Plimpton is to have and find fun.
This is not one of my favorite books on the city, but reading it I do have to appreciate Plimpton’s successful efforts to meet his goal–plus I do think it is an essential read to get the full grasp of what goes on in NYC between the hours of midnight to 5 am.

New York the Novel
Edward Rutherfurd

This is the one of the thickest books I’ve ever read. Don’t get me wrong-I’m not in fear of large books, in fact I look forward to them hoping that I will become so engrossed that I will that I will rejoice in its length and curse the author for not making it longer.
New York takes place over 350 years and touches on all the history making up this city from the 1600s to the present. Like Rutherfurd’s other novels, the characters, although fictional, will pull you into the story and assist you effortlessly in learning the history of this epic city.

Here is New York
E.B. White

This is more of an essay in length rather than a book in the traditional sense and was written by the king of grammar and style (and, yes, the same man that brought you Charlotte’s Web) about New York while he was visiting New York. One of my favorite quotes from the book (and there are many) is: “The city is like poetry: it compresses all life … into a small island and adds music and the accompaniment of internal engines.”
Although short in length, the New York Times chose Here Is New York as one of the ten best books ever written about the city.

Aside from being well written (of course) and although it was written decades ago in 1949, this book gives an insider view of NYC that makes you want to wander the same streets and consider never going home–wherever that is.

Let the Great World Spin
Colum McCann

Now counted among one of my favorite books of all time, this read planted me smack in the middle of New York City in the 70′s and 80′s and jolted me into the lives of the characters making me feel like an intruder secretly and silently witnessing their lives.

New York during those decades was a different place when compared to present time. Today, Times Square is no longer a haven just for pimps, hookers and drug dealers, Harlem and Queens are areas where people actually choose to live rather than just being stuck there and the Twin Towers no longer stand.

McCann–through multiple characters that intertwine and are in their own ways all connected to the main subject of the book, a tightrope walker that strung a line across the World Trade Center towers and walked across during morning rush hour (a true event) — does an incredible job of describing the city in its darker days through the lives of the characters. Instead of writing specifics about the city, McCann lets his characters bleed, shock and sweat their emotions, the temperatures, the conflicts, the small “non-events” and their vital roles in the foundation of New York City giving the reader an intimate feel for the city and the people.

Reading this book was a wonderful experience for me and as a New Yorker now myself, I feel it should be required reading for all New Yorkers to see how their city has progressed over the decades.

As a side note, McCann’s book Dancer also gives an insightful look into New York City (as well as Russia and France) in the 80′s through multiple characters as these places fits into their lives and THE life of Rudolph Nureyev — the famous ballet dancer originally from Russia. It is based on the life of “Rudi” as he is known, but much of the instances are imagined by McCann. Nevertheless, it was an excellent book and I never thought I would be interested in a book centered on a ballet dancer. McCann’s writing lured me in and kept me entertained the entire read.

Rudi Nureyev