California

Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, San Diego

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Summer and Fall 

Gallery

I'm a New Yorker from the suburbs.  So Los Angeles is kind of really, really, really unimpressive in every way possible.  It's hard to understand all the hype.  Aesthetically, it's kind of ugly and dry.  You're not gonna find beautiful parks or gardens here.  It's not as green as New York.  The beaches are cleaner but they are also massive.  Like, be prepared to walk a quarter mile from the parking lot to the shore.  Perhaps for living, it gets the job done.  The climate is mild to warm all year round and there's less stress.  The houses are nice.  But so are the houses in the outer boroughs and suburbs of New York.  Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd are surprisingly ugly.  It's like any commercial Blvd in the country except lined with palm trees.  Everything is far from each other.  There's no hotel on the actual beach (which is plentiful in Miami).  I mean, the only reason anyone should go here is to say that they have been to Los Angeles.  Perhaps it is better without children so at least you can experience high end restaurants and good meals?  

If you are going on vacation with children though, you should only consider staying in Santa Monica which has a lot of hotels in close proximity to the beach, a great vibe, good restaurants, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Tongva Park and the charming pedestrian Third Street Promenade with its cute shops.  I find this the prettiest part of Los Angeles.  After searching on www.tripadvisor.com, I was able to narrow my search and find a great deal at Courtyard by Marriott.  Within a 10 minute walk to the Pier and Third Street Promenade and well decorated rooms, this hotel was probably the best part of our stay in LA.   Remember, prices in Santa Monica are high so if you get a rate in the low $300s, you have found yourself a deal!  And no need to pay for the steep $40ish parking at the hotels.  There are lots all around you.  And a metro station right across the street if you ever want to head to the Staples Center or go to downtown LA.  

From Santa Monica, it's easy to walk to the boardwalk for at most an hour and get to Venice Beach.  Think Williamsburg on the waterfront with lots of legal marijuana.  Rent a bike or scooter if you must and enjoy!  Also, walk a couple blocks inland to Abbott Kinney Blvd (hipster shopping).  But again, I'm more impressed by the boardwalks in Long Beach and Far Rockaway New York.  

For high end shopping, visit Rodeo Drive.  But again, I wasn't all that impressed.  I've seen much nicer high end malls and streets in both New York and Miami.  I didn't get the chance to visit The Grove which is an outdoor mall that is really pretty at night with its lighting.  But I was told this is just a 15 minute visit.  The Walk of Fame is ugly.  It's shocking that the city hasn't done much to beautify Hollywood Blvd which is its big tourist attraction.  You can totally skip this.  We didn't even get out of the car, I was just so repulsed by how unkept and grimy the whole stretch was.  And I decided to go to Griffith Park just to see the Hollywood Sign.  Don't do this.  It is like a 45 minute drive from Santa Monica in traffic and it looks better in pictures. 

Pico Blvd is lined with kosher restaurants for those who strictly observe.  You don't even need to plan in advance.  Just drive down the street and you'll find plenty of great places to dine!  And if you are solely Kosher, it may be a good idea to stay in Beverly Hills over Santa Monica as Pico Blvd is very close.  My favorite part of LA, as an Iranian of course, was it's Persian ice cream.  If you are going to the Walk of Fame...you may as well stop by Mashti Malone's for some authentic pistachio ice cream in a wafer sandwich!  Heaven on earth!  LA is also capital to Iranians of all religious observances.  You will find both kosher and non kosher amazing Iranian restaurants and kabab all around.  Just do a google review or ask friends about their experiences.  

I only explored the east side of Malibu from the Pacific Coast Highway, which again, is really nothing interesting or scenic.  There is a dry mountain on one side with a beach on the other.  I mean, you won't really get that on the east coast of the country...but you'll see plenty of that in the Caribbean and Europe and lots of other places in the world.  I guess it's unique in the US.  And if you are kosher, there is a pretty small little shack of a restaurant called Fishgrill with very good food for both adults and kids and outdoor seating.  It is across the street from the beach but is not really scenic. And pretty buggy at night in the summer.  Check hours before you go.  If you aren't with young children, just go to Nobu and you may spot a few celebrities.  

The houses from the outside aren't pretty in Malibu.  And there are plenty of neighborhood all over Long Island that have houses on a sand beach.  Think the Hamptons and all the neighborhoods on the south shore.  And even some scattered along the north shore!  For those that live in the midwest, I can see why this is an appealing vacation spot.  But the time zone difference and the flight length really aren't worth it if you are only visiting Los Angeles! 

The big draw here are the parks (which are far better in Orlando so if you reside on the east coast, again, no need to go cross country!).  Legoland, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Knott's Berry Farm are all in or surrounding LA.  I went to none though as I wanted to save the money for the parks in San Diego, which are like nothing in the states!  

My biggest regret over my three day stay in LA was not taking a  day trip to Santa Barbara which is known as the "American Riviera."  I couldn't really convince my husband that a four hour round trip drive to see a town just for about three hours was all that worth it.  But there are allegedly beautiful homes here, horse back riding on beaches, great shops on State Street, and some great wineries and vineyards.  Just google it and go if you're spending more than three days in Los Angeles.  You'll have enough time to kill.  You can even squeeze it in if you're only here for three days!  Also on the way to Santa Barbara I was told to stop by El Matador State Beach (big rock formations), but again, I didn't get around to it.  

The real fun started on our drive down (by the way, you must rent a car when you come to LA...and you must also go to San Diego as it's only two hours away) the Pacific Coast Highway.  We stopped by Laguna Beach, which is probably one of the most beautiful and scenic places in all of America.  We first stopped by Heisler Park, which is a gorgeous garden that sits atop a cliff overlooking the beach.  We then decided to go to Crescent Bay Beach which is like a mile north of the Main Beach area, but far more private and scenic.  Just park on any residential street and walk down the hill by the houses until you get all the way down.  There are bathrooms and places to rinse off.  We spent about two hours here before we began driving down the coast again towards San Diego.  Also, further south is Laguna Niguel which is a bit more affluent.  People stay at the Ritz here but honestly, a day trip is more than enough!

We arrived in San Diego on Day 4 and spent 4 days altogether which was the perfect amount.  San Diego is a beautiful and clean city.  It has a skyline, a beach, a seaport, great dining options and hotels.  However, hate to make the comparison again, it is basically the boring version of Miami.  And there are no hotels along the beach here.  These are the must sees in San Diego:

1)  La Jolla Cove:  Sea lions in their natural habitat in crystal blue water you can swim in.  You'll never experience anything like this.  It's just about half an hour outside of downtown San Diego.  You'll just need good luck with parking.  If you can't find, double park and take turns going down the stairs to the beach.  And make sure to go in the caves which I was told to do afterwards and deeply regret.  

2)  San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park:  Worth every penny and includes free parking.  But you don't really need a car in San Diego as everything is in close proximity.  Uber will do.  And anyone who tells you "this is just a zoo" is mistaken.  The landscaping itself is out of this world! And the animal exhibits are far more impressive than anything we have at the Bronx Zoo.  Six hours here is more than enough.  

3) Seaworld:  Don't watch the documentary "Blackfish" before you go. Be prepared to pay a lot more than you would at the zoo but again, you will get your money's worth.  The shows are amazing and scattered throughout the day.  This is the main draw.  The signage around the park is pretty awful and you'll find yourself going in circles.  You'll get the hang of it by the very end.  Go on the weekend when you can catch the Sesame Street Parade (new as of 2017).  If you go the week of 4th of July, there are fireworks several nights of the week starting at 10pm...if you have survived the day, stick around for these although we didn't.  You can do the whole park in like 10 hours.  Food here is crappy but you can't bring food in so you don't have much choice.  And you must pay for parking.  

4)  Gaslamp District:  Spend an evening here.  Not really the best with kids but we dragged them anyway.  Lots of amazing places to dine and an amazing vibe.  Lots of outdoor seating, bars, and gorgeous restaurants.  The pedicabs here are adorable!  You can bargain with any of the bicyclists and get them down but we decided to just walk around and not pay the $40 fair for half an hour.

5)  Little Italy:  Dine here one evening.  We didn't get around to it but we had our uber driver pass through and stop by a pizza place (best pizza I've ever had in my life).  The area was super cute and I wish we were able to explore more here!  Much better dining options for children than Gaslamp.

6)  Old San Diego:  Probably best to go here a couple of hours during the day.  We didn't get around to it but this is Old San Diego in all it's glory with Spanish style architecture all around.

7)  Coronado Island:  We had a few hours left with our rent a car so we decided to drive 10 minutes from our hotel and drive through this small Island across the bay.  This was a glorious place in the 1960s for celebrities.  But honestly, nothing about it fascinated me.  There is a sand beach here but too massive for my taste.  And the Coronado Hotel is historic and worth driving by.  But you can skip this altogether.  There is ferry service offered at Seaport Village but then you'd have to take an uber once you get to the island to get to the beach anyway.

8)  Balboa Park:  This is a huge park.  San Diego Zoo is within this park and is huge in an of itself.  That should give you a good idea how big it is.  There are museums and gardens all around here but we just didn't have enough energy or time to stay after our day at the Zoo.  Another big regret!

9)  Stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and no where else.  This was a phenomenal hotel with a fantastic pool deck and great amenities for the kids.  Fantastic food.  Fantastic views.  Close proximity to everything.  And best views of the 4th of July fireworks (although we didn't realize at the time that we should have stayed on the pool deck and brought sweaters to watch).  We ended up watching from our room but the closest and most impressive views were at the pool deck!

10)  Seaport Village: Just a super charming area on the San Diego Bay with restaurants and beautiful landscaping and architecture.  Unfortunately, I was told that in a few years, developers will buy it from the local government and build hotels on the strip.  This is the most tragic thing I heard when i was there.  Definitely visit San Diego before this historic part is gone!

Click here for a list of reviews of other vacations and road trips.

Don't forget to check the gallery above (best viewed on desktop for captions), videos below, and add your feedback in the comments section! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

Tongva Park - Santa Monica

Tongva Park - Santa Monica

Tongva Park - Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade - Santa Monica

Courtyard by Marriott - Santa Monica

Courtyard by Marriott - Santa Monica

Courtyard by Marriott - Santa Monica

Courtyard By Marriott - Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

Ocean Avenue - Santa Monica Beach

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Heisler Park - Laguna Beach

Heisler Park - Laguna Beach

Heisler Park - Laguna Beach

Crescent Bay Beach - Laguna Beach

La Jolla Cove - San Diego

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

Seaport Village - San Diego

Seaworld San Diego

Seaworld San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter - San Diego

When You've Met One Person with Autism, You've Met One Person with Autism

Nothing is truer than this popular saying.  No two children on the spectrum behave the same.  They all come with their own personal strengths and weaknesses, like all humans.  Throughout the course of history, there have always been quirky people.  In third world countries, these people most likely never received an official label.  But in America, the land of opportunity, you must receive a diagnosis of some sort to receive the best help you can get...whether it's provided by the government or through health insurance.  So you must take advantage and chase a diagnosis.  This free help is provided to increase opportunity for our children's futures.  

Do I believe it is fair to have one word to define 1 in 68 children who range so much in ability?  Absolutely not.  Till this day, I think there should be more than one word.  For one, more severe children need more services.  And it's not fair for those who are on the border of the spectrum to receive the same amount of therapy.  And two, no parent should ever have to suffer thinking their capable-enough child is unusual in any way.  There used to be different words to express the severity of autism.  Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Asbergers are both high functioning Autism (think every other man in the world and every other unique person you meet) but are no longer diagnosed as such today.  As of 2015, all severities are being lumped under the same umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

When I first learned of my son's diagnosis, professionals were quick to tell me "Einstein and Steve Jobs are on the spectrum"...and I kept thinking "and this is a bad place to be?"  These two men arguably achieved more success than any human in history.  The therapists used these examples to de-stigmatize ASD, yet I honestly believe that people who will go on and live independent and successful lives shouldn't receive this diagnosis.  Not to say ASD shouldn't be de-stigmatized, but it shouldn't be overly diagnosed!  There is a fine line between ASD and neuro-typical, and a parent should always trust their instinct, not their fear, on whether they believe their child needs a label.  And remember, no one but you and your spouse needs to know this about your child if he/she is indeed on the spectrum.  It is a personal choice and there is nothing cowardly about keeping it private.  Letting people know too soon may cast a shadow on your child's life forever, as unfortunately, the word is still a stigma (see To Tell or Not To Tell).  And you may see as your child grows older that they will shed their old and strange habits.  I respect both those parents who keep the secret and those who share.  But no parent should ever be ashamed of their child!

The Fear is Worse than the Diagnosis

Nothing in this world is worse than fear.  It can conquer your life and cripple your judgement.  The year leading up to the diagnosis was one of the worst of my life.  Instead of celebrating and enjoying my beautiful toddler, I became obsessed with this label that is essentially a social construct created by human beings.  I had lost over 10 pounds in as little as two months without trying.  I couldn't breathe for one minute without thinking "does he or does he not have autism."  Even my four year old son began to ask why I was so sad.  I thought of the word as a life sentence of things my child would never be able to do:  go to camp with neuro-typical children; drive a car; tell me he's not feeling well; dress himself; go to the bathroom independently; shower independently; go to school with neur-typical children; swim; talk; get married; have friends; get a job and so on.  Till today, I am still uncertain about the future.  But i do know all that he has accomplished that I never thought he would.  And he is only five years old.  And I credit both G-d, therapy, and time for all these improvements. 

On the flip side, every fear that I had in the beginning that has come true has shown me that the fear was greater than the reality...and that human's have a strong capacity to adapt to life's circmstances.  We are all more resilient than we think.  I can't believe I even uttered the words "I don't want this challenge."  I can't remember what that moment felt like now that I am so far removed from that initial fear.  

I was scared of the diagnosis up until the day I received it.  It was within 10 minutes of assessing my son that the child psychologist nodded his head and confirmed my suspicion.  I teared for a couple of minutes.  He assured me that my son had social intent and that these children were usually the ones who grew up to have what we humans measure as success in life.  I wiped my tears, accepted the diagnosis, talked to my husband in depth that night about all my fears, and then just got to work on finding him all the help in the world I could get. 

The diagnosis set me in motion.  It made me the mother I never thought I could be.  And I slowly learned that no label can actually change my son.  He is the same child I always loved and always will love.  His strengths and weaknesses were the same before and after the diagnosis.  Any challenge a human faces is just a matter of getting used to.  I would be lying to everyone if I said that those worries I used to have still plague me today.  Yes, they run in the back of my head occasionally.  But it's no different than the worries I have for my neuro-typical son's future.  We don't know anything about the trajectory of any person's life. 

I started subconsciously turning negatives into positives.  Instead of being sad to not carpool to an after school event, I felt relieved and free of this parental duty.  Other parents' struggles and workload are not really less than mine.  They are just less challenging.  And it's ok, because life is full of challenges for everyone in some way or another.  And this is my family's challenge.  No one really prays to have a special needs child when they find out they're pregnant.  But once G-d blesses you with one, you pray that all of humanity have souls as pure as those of special needs children.  And to all you parents and all you therapists who help hours on end, G-d bless you!  Take a minute and pat yourselves on the back.  We are all heroes!  

The Red Flags

When people ask me "What was the first thing you noticed?"...I often find myself realizing there was no ONE thing I noticed.  Autism Spectrum Disorder presents with a constellation of symptoms in early childhood.  The big ones to look for are:  little to no eye contact, little to no response to their name, and no pointing or following a point.  But then again, your child may exhibit all of these symptoms and not be on the spectrum.  Usually, a psychologist (who diagnosed my son at 30 months), neurologist or developmental pediatrician looks for a range of symptoms.  They will evaluate your child and also heavily rely on the parents' observations.  Some parents bluff and make their child look worse on purpose to get a diagnosis (which results in up to 20 hours of free therapy per week, depending on what state you live in).  Some parents (such as myself), through a lack of knowledge, fear the diagnosis and may swipe symptoms under the rug. 

My advice to all parents is to get a diagnose as early as possible as the first five years are the most formidable years of brain development.  It is either an accurate diagnosis or not.  Autism is no indication of who your child is, how much you love your child or what the trajectory of your child's life will be.  It is just a word to get free help.  The sooner you lose your fear of this word, the more appropriate help you will receive and the easier you make your life for your child and yourself.  So trust your instinct, stop dodging or denying your fears, and don't listen to anyone (not your parents, not your in laws...only you, the parent who is with the child the most, will know when something doesn't seem right). 

Remember, all professionals may not agree on a diagnosis.  But it is to your advantage to go with the one who provides you with a label.  Because that label can always be removed when they "outgrow" the symptoms or when the therapy is effective enough to get your child off the spectrum.  And even if the label never gets removed, you as a parent know you are doing the ultimate best you can for your dear child.  And always remember, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism today.  The numbers keep climbing.  And I don't see 1 in 68 children in this world who are completely disabled.  These are mostly high functioning kids who used to be called "quirky" or "nerdy."  The label sounds worse than autism actually is in some cases.  Of course there is a range in severity, and there is no indication from childhood about where your child will fall on this range as an adult.  I am hopeful that within twenty years, Autism Spectrum Disorder will be the new ADHD.  It will be a passing line people use to describe themselves (just think when your average inattentive teenager says "I have ADHD") without any negative connotation.   

So here are all those first "weird things" I recall seeing in my son during his toddler years...most of which were extremely subtle in nature:

1)  Honestly, there wasn't much I noticed that first year.  Eye contact was there.  Joint attention was there.  Responding to his name was there.  Dancing when he heard music was there.  Playing peekaboo was there.  Babbling was there.  Below is a video of the first year of his life...where development was completely within range of "neurotypical."  The only thing that struck me as both charming and unique was that he would line up toy cars at around nine months.  When I was showing off this trait of his at dinner one night, my friend, who is a speech therapist, told me "um, Talia...that's a red flag."  I replied "A red flag for what?"  "For autism." She told me not to worry because a lot of children who aren't on the spectrum may do this as well.  But the seed was planted with those words.  From then on, I started scrutinizing my seemingly perfectly developing baby.

First Year of Development

Second Year Development

2)  He started walking when he was 10 months old.  Which was fantastic because my other son didn't achieve this milestone until he was 16 months.  So I thought, "Yes!  I'm in the clear of a physical delay...it's just a matter of time before he talks."  But as soon as the walking started...he started running.  And yes, children run.  But something in my gut told me that he was just running too much.  And without spacial understand or understanding when he was in harm's way.  He would often run into kids on swings (a mother will understand if this is just typical toddler behavior or not).    Something in my gut told me this wasn't normal.  But I figured "He must have ADHD and not to worry, he is just a wild little boy as most boys are!"

3) Words started coming in around the year mark.  But as soon as they came, they went.  And inconsistently at that.  And he wasn't using words to communicate.  Nor was he labelling on demand.  He would just sometimes sing the alphabet, or look at books and label what he saw.  And the phrases would just come and go for a about a year.  So to say that he had words and then regressed is not entirely true.  He just never had full command of the vocabulary that was stored in his brain.  So it became difficult when it was time to show my family a new skill (parents of typical children take this for granted) and I would ask him to say what I knew he had said the day before only to get no response.  This really got me to start worrying....as it is one of the hallmarks of ASD.  I also knew that my older son also had a speech delay, but his never made me think something was wrong.

4)  He ate baby food just fine.  Much better than my first born ever did.  He would even mimic my words and say "delicious."  But once the solids were introduced, he was no longer interested in ingesting food.  From the period of 12 to 24 months, my boy only ate crushed tea biscuits on the floor, dirt he would find on the ground (a disorder called pica that is found in developmentally delayed children), nutri grain bars, and whole milk in a bottle.  And a date loaf (yes, a date loaf) from Walbaums.   He was an unusually picky eater, not like your average picky toddler (a mom will know the difference).  This made him chronically constipated...another kind of red flag for me that something was off.  Refer to The Services for more information.

5)  He would eat pizza backwards.  Like from the crust.  Which yes, many children might do.  But this was quirky.  Eating is social.  He had no awareness of how others were eating.  He was self-directed (another big hallmark of autism) and would eat how he wanted to.  He would also not hug me appropriately.  He would just turn around and back up into me and have me hug him whenever I would pick him up from preschool.  Now these aren't real red flags, but they were signs of quirkiness.  He also had a phase where he would just turn back and look at a person in a funny way, kind of like the "what you talkin bout Willis?" face.  Of course, we were utterly charmed by all these quirks.  But they were quirks nonetheless. 

6)  He would laugh out of no where.  And my older sister who was very attuned and informed about autism would always indirectly hint to me to change his diet and he might be having a reaction to food (which I always knew parents of children on the spectrum often change their diet to see if they find improvements in their behavior).  And I would then google "laughing out of no where" and would be terrified by the stuff I read.  This was another big one for me.  

7)  When he started preschool, I knew he wasn't ready.  But there was no choice.  He had no diagnosis.  He just had a speech delay and autism was ruled out at the 18 months because he was social and would respond to his name and play peekaboo with his brother in front of the evaluator.  All he had was speech/feeding therapy twice a week for one month before entering school.  And I knew it would be an uphill battle.  Once he started school....everything became infinitely obvious.  He just was no where close to the other children developmentally.  He was receptively and expressively delayed.  He wouldn't follow directions.  He wouldn't sit down to eat food.  (Thank G-d though after two months here he started finally eating meals...one problem solved).  It took him four months to detach from me.  The transition from preferred to non preferred activities were horrendous.  And I was told by the principal that he was "in his own world."  Google that.  And I remember having heard that about him often from my parents and in laws but never knowing that in today's world, that meant "autism".  

8)  He would look up at fans on ceilings.  Like obsessively.  

9)  Humming to himself repetitively.  Which in retrospect I learned is a "stim", a self stimulatory behavior present in many autistic children.  

10)  Inconsistent everything.  Responding to his name.  Eye contact.  Following points.  Pointing.  Playing peekaboo.  Being present.  

11)  Covering and tapping his ears whenever he was sensitive to a particular noise.  This was a two week phase in the beginning and continues to come and go into the present day.  

12)  Stimming:  you normally think of hand flapping when you think of autism. But stimming comes in various forms.  And in my son's case, it started full force after the diagnosis.  Whether it's vocal stimming, jumping up and down, staring at their hands, climbing up and down couches...these are all behaviors that interfere with learning and communication.  And they occur when the children are over stimulated, in a new environment, excited, or simply just want to avoid the task at hand.  And it often takes over their lives.  Probably the biggest battle to date has been against his stim because it competes with learning and focus.  

Special Needs Children and Travel

For those who do not know, my second son is on the autism spectrum.  That's right! A boy who is sensitive to certain sounds, a boy who is overly stimulated in crowded places, a boy who can't talk and may scream in public to get his way (not a toddler....a six year old!). This is the cute little boy featured in all my galleries and videos who, like all people, can enjoy life and express joy!  It hasn't been easy, but my husband and I have stuck to the plan.  Wherever we go as a family, he must come!  And most of the times, when we experience a new activity, we have to find ways to get him through it with minimal difficulty.  But we've learned that the more we take him to certain places, the easier it is for him to adjust and transition to the adventures on my bucket list.  

Most of the articles below have absolutely nothing to do with travel.  Actually, just one of them mentions some techniques we've learned through the years as a family to make travel easier.  But this is MY BLOG.  So I get to do as I please.  And this is a big part of my life I'd like to share with you all!  My goal is to inspire some, help those who feel hopeless, and get some of these thoughts out of my head.  The one very big thing I've learned over these years is that the single most important thing to give to your special needs child is love.  The Beatles nailed it a half century ago!  All You Need Is Love!  It goes a long way!  When all else fails, just stick to this and you'll be able to get through your long day!

Sunset Beach, Shelter Island

Shelter Island, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

Gallery

It is a crime to be a resident of New York City and never have visited Shelter Island in your life.  I was inspired by a NY Times Article a friend linked me that gave an itinerary for the day.  Here is everything you need to know:

1)  Even though the ferry price is listed as $11 per vehicle one way from both the Greenport (North Fork) and Sag Harbor (South Fork) ferry services, it actually costs $13 per vehicle from Sag Harbor.  So if $2 makes a difference to you, do your round trip through Greenport.  Also, they charge per car per person.  So $11 per car plus $2 per person.  

2)  The North Fork of Long Island is picturesque and full of vineyards and farms.  Something to see in your life at least once.  But the South Fork is where all the action is.  The Hamptons are here!  There is a large and wealthy population!  Not only are there beautiful shops and towns and homes, but there are scenic vineyards and farms that rival those of the North Fork.  We took the Greenport Ferry to Shelter Island and the Sag Harbor Ferry back so we can dine at Il Capuccino (Amazing Italian food!!!  The big draw here is the complementary garlic knots they bring to the table.  And I also enjoyed my ravioli with pistachio sauce!) I was not satisfied with the Italian options on Shelter Island itself.  And there is no real charming Main Street on the Island (at least not that I found).

3)  As soon as we got off the Greenport Ferry in the morning, we drove up the hill to Marie Eiffel Market (which has an outdoor deck facing the harbor) We had our chocolate croissants and iced coffee facing the harbor and yachts.  I highly suggest getting your first bite here before you start your day on the island!  The cafe is one block down the hill from the newly renovated and quaint Chequit Inn.  This hotel is no place to go with young children as it is not stroller accessible.  And if you go here, go when it is a bit more affordable on a weekday.  If you want to make a road trip out of Shelter Island, I would totally stay here.  And the beautifully landscaped outdoor restaurant faces the harbor.

4)  After we ate at Marie Eiffel, we went to Picozzi's Bike Shop right around the corner, parked our car in the driveway, and rented a bike for one hour for $15.  Each bike comes with a helmet and a basket, but be careful to store your mobile phones in a bag as they can slip out.  We biked around Dering Harbor and Shelter Island Heights.  Look at a map and stay by the shoreline to see all the exquisite homes.  And remember, if you are not fit like me, be prepared for lots of hills and a spare oxygen tank in your car upon return.  I almost died.

5)  Have your bathing suit on and towels in a backpack that you place in the basket during the bike ride.  You can stop by Hay's Beach (free and much more private than the main draw: Sunset Beach).  There is no night life or restaurant here.  Just you and the sand and the water.  We didn't have towels so we couldn't relax here after a strenuous bike ride.  And if you don't want to rent a bike, you can still access Hay's Beach by car.  There are a few spots to park and it doesn't get crowded.  Spend a couple hours here before heading to Sunset Beach.

6)  We got to Sunset Beach by 1:30 and stayed four hours.  The sun would have set by 8:30 and my husband and I wanted to get back home for the kids. Otherwise, I'd have stayed here all day to catch the sunset and the alleged bumpin' night scene.  This beach is right across the Sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant.  Onlynly permitted cars are allowed to park on weekdays (after 5pm, all cars can park).  Only permitted cars can park on weekends. However, if you drive down about 1/5th a mile, you will find free parking for all (to save some energy, make sure to drop off your beach chairs in the front and have your spouse park the car).  

So what can I say about Sunset Beach?  You feel like you are in the south of France when you are really just sandwiched between the North and South Fork.  I have seen charming beaches along the North Shore of Long Island. But nothing matches the crowd and vibe here.  You will feel like the Princess of Monaco.  Also, you can come here with your children (but my guess is those who did with young children either reside on the Island or were staying at a hotel).  There were paddle board rentals for $35 per person per hour and $60 per hour for two people.  If my husband and I weren't beat from the bike riding, we may have done this!  Also, we went on a 78 degree and sunny day.  The water was totally swimmable and clean and was the perfect temperature.  We forgot our beach umbrella so the cabana boy gave us one that belonged to the hotel and we tipped him a couple of bucks.  Also, I ran into a group of women who had ditched their husbands and children to enjoy a day here.  This doesn't have to be just a family oriented or romantic trip.  You can do a girls or guys day too!!!

7)  My husband and I were not entirely impressed with the menus at Sunset Beach Hotel Restaurant and the Pridwin Hotel restaurant (right down the block and also across the beach.  Even though they are both trendy...we did not want to eat fish after a long, arduous day.  But if you are good with being hungry your whole life, I highly suggest going to Shelter Island on a Wednesday in the summer to experience the all you can eat dining experience at the Pridwin Hotel (pictures included in the gallery).  The all you can eat is $42 per person and starts at 6:30pm.  It includes drinks and draft beer.  But no alcohol (keep dreaming!).  I checked out the buffet and it was mostly seafood which we don't eat.  So I skipped out on this otherwise amazing opportunity.

8)  As mentioned above, we left Sunset Beach early to dine at Sag Harbor, which is an adorable and historic town on the north part of the South Fork. The main street here reminded me of that of Greenwich, Port Washington, and Northport all fused into one.  I prefer the Main Street in Westhampton Beach, to tell you the truth, but this one is on the harbor and totally adorable in a different way.  You must see it if you do a day trip or road trip to Shelter Island.  Also, we dined at Il Capucino because we were in the mood for Italian food.  But there were far trendier restaurants along the Main Street.  Research before you go.  Every place looked super cute!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Don't forget to check the gallery above (best viewed on desktop for captions), videos below, and add your feedback in the comments section! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

Deal and Asbury Park

Deal and Asbury Park, NJ

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  All Year Round

Ocean Place Resort

The Asbury Hotel

Gallery

Where do I start? This was truly one of my favorite road trips of all time. Here's a list of reasons why:

1)  The Asbury Hotel was just magnificent in every way.  1)  It has outdoor movies offered every night on the 5th floor rooftop.  I was told by a friend that they also have yoga every morning (ask the front desk).  The pool had the same vibe as a Miami boutique hotel.  The hotel itself was like a posh Brooklyn hotel with a great rooftop!  The Asbury is only one block away from the Asbury Park boardwalk and beach.  The hotel has valet parking which costs $20 per day.  I found a deal on tripadvisor.com for midweek and it was too amazing to pass on.  The neighboring and better priced Berkeley Hotel, which while renovated, is no where close to as charming as The Asbury.  The Berkeley is a half block closer to the beach, must cheaper, and is great bang for your buck.  If you don't find a good deal for The Asbury, just book the Berkeley instead.  

2)  Unfortunately, you have to pay to go to the beach before 4pm every day. The hotel doesn't offer free passes.  The front desk allege that it costs about $7 per person but I didn't inquire further when I got on the boardwalk.  The weather was too chilly to go swimming anyway.  We were able to enjoy the beach after 4pm though.  Tip:  bring sweaters!  This is a coastal town.  Figure it is ten degrees colder here than the forecast in your own inland town, and at night it gets pretty chilly (unless there is a heat wave that day).

3) The Asbury Park Boardwalk is absolutely adorable!!!!  You must try the fried oreos and the cannoli at the Ice Cream and Waffle Place located at the southern tip of the Asbury Park portion of the boardwalk.  From my hotel to that point was about a twenty minute walk with great restaurants at every corner.  And there are Fourth of July fireworks to boot!

4)  If you are bringing children, there are sprinklers and mini golf along the Asbury Park portion of the boardwalk. No need to just go to the beach. There is also a playground on the beach towards the southern end of the boardwalk! There are also murals all along the boardwalk, kind of like Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. Very cute for photo ops with or without the kids!

5)  You must experience the boardwalk at night!  And for an added bonus, dine at a restaurant here during sunset!  Have ipads for your children!  

6)  Walk through the Asbury Park Convention Hall on the boardwalk.  I don't know what this really is but it's frieken adorable.  Wikipedia "Asbury Park" for more details.  There's a lot of history here!

7)  Keep walking south on the Asbury Park boardwalk until you reach the Ocean Grove boardwalk (which according to wikipedia, parts were demolished during Hurricane Sandy).  This is just the most delicious beach town.  The homes are all Victorian.  Ten times more charming than any of the Hamptons, if you ask me!  Drive through this area and try to go through as many streets as you can.  It is just a 5 minute drive south of the Asbury Hotel. But you should walk the Boardwalk too.  There is also a great indoor restaurant on the northern most portion of the Ocean Grove boardwalk.  I believe it's called Dunes Cafe and it has panoramic views of the ocean (on the east side of the boardwalk and very close to the water.  Check the video below for an idea).  They serve ice cream, pizza, smoothies and much more. Google it for more info.  We ended up not dining here.  We were full on fried oreos.

8)  Drive through every street of Deal and Allenhurst, NJ.  Asbury Park is sandwiched between Deal and Allenhurst to the north and Ocean Grove to the south.  As I mentioned above, Ocean Grove is a Victorian and adorable town.  Deal is more affluent and the homes are on huge lots.  Kind of like the Hamptons meet Savannah, GA.  Nothing quite like the homes here. Allenhurst homes are similar but are on smaller plots of land.  It's actually more practical to go walking in this town so you see more homes.  The Deal homes are sometimes hidden behind long driveways.  Both are worth driving or taking a morning stroll through!  Allenhurst is sandwiched between Deal and Asbury Park.  This whole area is a grid along the beach.  There is no way to get lost. Ocean Avenue runs North and South and is a great street to drive on to get a good feel!

9)  Some Glatt kosher restaurants in the area:  Crispy Grill, Dougies, A Chinese/Japanese place (not so great) right next to Crispy Grill, Butcher's Cut, and Slices. There is also a Bravo pizza which is fantastic.

10)  Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch is just north of Deal. It is a fantastic hotel on the actual boardwalk with both an indoor and outdoor pool. It is a great option for road trips in colder months as it is significantly cheaper! Also, this is preferred to The Asbury hotel because it is both on the beach and access to the beach is free and lounge chairs are included. Also, the neighboring Pier Village and its shops and arcade are wonderful. There is a carousel on this boardwalk and the newly constructed boutique Wave Hotel which has an outdoor pool and is definitely worth booking if it’s comparable in price to Ocean Place Resort.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the video below of Dunes Cafe in Ocean Grove, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Wave Hotel

Wave Hotel

Ocean Place Outdoor Pool

 

Italy

Milan, Como, Cernobbio, Bellagio, Venice, Florence

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Spring and Fall (way too hot and humid in the summer)

Gallery

No country in this world compares to Italy.  The beauty, the food, the gorgeous men, the history, the shopping, the nature, the art, and so on.  Of course, I am saying this having only been to a handful of countries in my life.  But I don't care.  I'm pretty certain nothing comes close!  If you have the patience to forgive their transit system and their inefficiency as a people compared to Americans (you will acquire the patience if you don't have it intrinsically), this is the best place on earth and every human alive has to save their money and take a trip here at least once.  

So basically, I went here for a destination wedding in Lake Como.  I was based in Milan for the week (you will find the cheapest round trip flights to Milan...Venice and Florence are generally more expensive).  You can see any northern Italian city via mass transit within a 3 hour drive or ride from Milan.  So it's a great starting point.  And contrary to popular and ignorant belief, Milan is truly a beautiful city.....

Milan

You must stay in a hotel in Milan's center.  My husband and I stayed at the much recommended and affordable Starhotels E.c.ho. right across Milan's Centrale Station (if you have Starwood points, book through them). This made travel to other cities super easy and efficient.  If we weren't within close proximity to the main station, we would have to take a taxi or subway to the main station and then ride several hours to another city.  This would have been very exhausting.  Plus, you would have to pay for the cab ride which is expensive in Milan (make sure you download the Mytaxi app which I should have done).  By staying in Milan's center, you should easily be within an hour walking distance from all the must see attractions: 

1)  the iconic Duomo:  hit the roof to get impressive views of Milan

2)  Navigli:  take a stroll along the canal where you'll find plenty of cute shops

3)  Galleria Vittoria Emanuele: across the Duomo and a beautiful landmark with high end shops

4)  The Last Supper: Da Vinci's famous mural

5)  La Scala:  A beautiful opera house.  Take a tour of the theater if you are able. 

6)  Bosco Verticale:  one of the most famous residential buildings in the world

7)  Brera Design District:  get lost in this neighborhood full of cafes and awesome shops

8)  Parco Sempionecastello Sforzesco:  walk around the castle grounds and then the park

9)  La Rinascente:  luxury department store near the Duomo.  You can have lunch on the roof here which has views of Milan.

10)  via Monte Napoleone:  high end shopping at its finest

11)   10 Corso Como:  high end concept store.  

As far as dining is concerned.....you cannot fail anywhere in Italy.  I will not bother providing a list of restaurants.  You should just walk, find a nice restaurant, look at what people are eating, and make a decision as you go.  There's no point to map out places to dine and be overwhelmed with more on your itinerary, unless you are planning to stay in Milan for a week and have ample time to hit up some iconic restaurants.   Otherwise, everything in this country is delicious and easy on the stomach!  The cafes are to die for!  My only one recommendation is to not leave Milan without having a panzerotto from Luini's bakery (near Duomo).  

 

Florence

Aesthetically, Florence isn't all that.  It is a dark and gloomy city.  Very old.  Not a lot of color.  But for those who love art and history, this city is a must see.  It is home of the Renaissance.  And just an hour and a half away from Milan by train.  It is worth the day trip if you have enough time in Italy (but it really ranks all the way at the bottom of beautiful Italian cities for me, so if you have to skip a city, this is the one to skip!) 

Remember that trains operate like airplanes in Italy.  There are delays.  There are cancellations.  They get booked.  Prices fluctuate depending on when you purchase the ticket and what train-line you book with.  Best to book in advance so you get a better deal and know for certain you will get a spot on a train. 

From Stazione S. M. Novelle (the main train station), you can start walking towards Santa Maria Novella, then Piazza San Lorenzo, and then Piazza del Duomo where you will find the famous cathedral and Giotto bell tower.  After navigating the narrow and dark streets of Florence, you will be in complete awe as soon as you arrive at this spacious piazza with this exquisite and massive Church made of marble.  If you ask me, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.  

Just south of Duomo is Piazza della Repubblica and  Piazza del Signoria which has a copy of Michaelangelo's "David" (the original was moved into a museum).  You will also find Palazzo Vecchio and Galleria degli Uffizi, one of the oldest, largest and best known art museums in the world.  I didn't have enough time to enter any of these iconic and historic buildings, but they are as beautiful, if not more, from the inside.  

Then head to Ponte Vecchio (the only remaining bridge after the bombings of World War II) which you will need to cross to get to the other side of the Arno River.  You have most likely seen friends' photos on this very famous bridge which overlooks the green and polluted river and a row of colorful buildings.  With its cute shops, Ponte Vecchio is unlike any bridge in the city.  

Now if you are only planning a day trip, you MUST cross Ponte Vecchio and go to Boboli Gardens in Palazzo Piti.  There are lots of sculptures in this park which used to be part of the Medici estate (a prominent and wealthy Italian family centuries ago).  Go to the very top where you should find Forte Belvardere (which I didn't) and experience magnificent views of all of Florence.  There is also an exquisite Italian rose garden at the very top!  

Head back to the train station and cross Ponte Santa Trinita.  Once off the bridge you will arrive onto via dei Tornabuoni, the Fifth Avenue of Florence.  But beware, store are only open between 10-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm.  Plan  your high end shopping wisely.  

Deepest Regrets in Florence:

I didn't have time to visit the Great Synagogue of Florence, go to the top of Piazzale Michelangela to get a view of all the city (which is breathtaking at night), or go inside any museum.  Also, I would have liked to stay into the evening but we had to return to Milan for other wedding related events. I basically was able to do all I did within 7 hours and on foot (no need to take a taxi anywhere here).  From the main station to Boboli Gardens (southern most point) is at most a 40 minute walk.  Just make sure to walk by every piazza and building I mentioned and use your navigation.  The city is so small you are bound to walk past them unknowingly anyway!!!

Cernobbio/Como

A little geography lesson here before I proceed.  Como is the main town on the southern most tip of Lake Como (which from top to bottom is a two hour drive).  If you arrive by train, you will have to go through the town of Como to get to any other town you are lodging in.  The town of Como itself has enough to see and make a day trip out of.  However, I highly recommend not doing a day trip and actually staying for two nights here (this town is the most convenient base to stay so you can explore the other towns on the lake by ferry or hydrofoil).  Como isn't the only charming town on the lake.  There are numerous others that are as beautiful, and with ample time, you can hit at least three of the small towns in one day via ferry service (takes two hours to get from Como to Bellagio with stops along the way).  

Beware that the transit system is delayed here.  And you won't really understand the ferry schedules unless you read Italian.  So be careful to plan your day accordingly because if you miss the ferry you would have to wait at least an hour for the next one.  And if you miss the hydrofoil (which is only 45 minutes to Bellagio from Como), you will have to wait several more hours to catch the next once.  Tips:  if you are pressed for time, pay a little more and take the hydrofoil.  But supposedly, the hydrofoil goes so fast that it creates mist and you are unable to appreciate the views around you.  Ferry is cheaper and super relaxing.  There are cafes on the ferry so you can grab a latte, sit down and enjoy.   You can find a schedule at any ferry stop (ask the front desk of your hotel or the locals where the closest stop is).  I also highly suggest taking a boat one way and a bus on the way back.  The bus is basically only 3 euros per person and it is an experience in and of itself to drive through the windy streets by the lake and see all the homes along the way.  Ask your hotel for the bus schedule at each town.  

The wedding I attended was located in the town of Cernobbio, just a ten minute yet $20 dollar taxi ride away from the train station in the town of Como.  Cernobbio is a super charming town and has two of the most popular villas on Lake Como:  Villa Erba and Villa d' Este (I took many videos but they all got erased from my phone....the pictures are in the gallery though).  If you have tons of money to blow, you should stay at Villa d' Este.  If you don't, dining here is enough and will get the job done.  You get to see the entire grounds of this exquisite estate for a fraction of the price.  And the restaurant on the lake is absolutely fantastic!  They may be getting stricter allowing people on the property who aren't staying there...so you may be disappointed once you arrive at the front gate and find that you cannot access the grounds.  Don't say I didn't tell you so.  Thank G-d we were fortunate enough to have lunch here and experience one of the greatest days of my life.  

We stayed at the super clean and modern Sheraton Lake Como (again, a Starwood hotel so book through them if you have points.  If not, get a deal through tripadvisor.com).  I highly recommend the breakfast here.  The showers are fantastic.  The rooms are wonderful.  The pool is great.  The location is perfect.  And the price is affordable. Although it's not as quaint and charming as the other hotels around Lake Como, you will leave feeling completely satisfied.  It was just a 20 minute walk to Villa d' Este from here and a 5 minute bus drive from the main train station in the town of Como (and a 5 minute walk from the bus stop).  And a 7 minute walk to the Cernobbio ferry dock.

Bellagio

Claimed to be one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, you would be a fool to stay at Como and not visit this enchanting cobble-stoned village with lake views .  It is small enough to walk the whole town in less than two to four hours (depending on how much you want to shop and whether you plan on dining).  Honestly, that is all I had time to do as we arrived here the very second it started pouring rain and the temperature dropped 10 degrees.  But here is a list of things you must do in Bellagio if you aren't pressed for time...and remember, if you've come all this way by ferry, you should definitely hop back on and go to the neighboring town of Varenna (it will be much longer to do this with a car or bus, so you should definitely inquire about a round trip to Varenna via boat) on the other side of the lake.  And don't worry, the town in the pouring rain is  still as charming as can be.  Zero regrets after my 4 hour round trip commute to get here.  Tip:  Travel here in May or June.  I here July and August are unbearable humid and muggy.   Also, you must visit Villa Serbelloni Park which I did not have the time to do nor did the weather permit.  

Venice

Aright.  I'm not gonna say much here.  Except that Venice is single handedly the most beautiful city in the world.  Finished.  No argument.  And to all the buffoons who ever suggested otherwise, I feel very sorry for your souls.  You must take a day trip here from Milan.  (If you are torn between Florence and Venice...you must do Venice.  If you are torn between Cinque Terre and Venice, you must do Venice.  If you are torn between Lake Como and Venice, you must do Venice.  If you have enough time to do all, make sure you do Venice first in case G-d intends for you to get a stomach virus later in the week).  It will be two hours and fifteen minutes by local train.  I couldn't find an express but they definitely do exist.  Also, make sure you book a round trip train ticket to Venezia Santa Lucia station (there are two Venice train stations and I booked one way to one and one way back from another....you can imagine the irreparable damage this did to my marriage).  

Venice is made up of 6 quarters:  Santa Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio (home of the first Jewish Ghetto and the oldest synagogue in Europe), Dorsoduro and Castello.  You'll have enough time, if you are here the whole day, to walk through all and not tire yourself.  More than anything, you must walk the windy streets of Venice and just take in every inch of the city.  Also, there are vaparettos right outside the main train station ready to take you by boat to stops along the Grand Canal (the widest canal that divides Venice in half).  You will pay at most $15 per person round trip and each time you get on, you can use the ticket for up to 70 minutes after.  So if you saw everything you needed to within an hour, hop right back on and go on to the next quarter.  And if you are in a particularly unlawful and Italian mood (they don't seem to care much about rules and regulations here), two of you can swipe once and go through the turnstile together.  At least me and my husband got away with it!  And if you are feeling extra romantic, definitely pay a gondolier $100 cash for 25 minutes (will cost more after 7pm) and ride around the narrow canals of Venice.  And as far as dining is concerned, remember what I first said about Italy.  Just look at an outdoor cafe's menu, whether the food looks appetizing, whether the prices are within budget, and just sit down and enjoy your meal!!!

So here is a list of all the places to pin on your google maps and make sure you see while you are here:  

1)  Piazzo San Marco:  St Marks Basilica (oldest Church and byzantine),  Campanile (bell tower) and Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) are all located here, as well as very expensive cafes and high end shops.

2)  Riva degli Schiavoni is elegant street that runs south of Piazza San Marco along the Grand Canal.

3)  When leaving San Marco cross Accedemia bridge to see Santa Maria della Salute, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Gallerie dell'Accademia

4)  While you are on the vaporetto on the Grand Canal, keep your eyes wide open as not to miss Ca' d'Oro

5)  Definitely stop by the Jewish Ghetto, whether you are or not.  It is just beautiful to see.

For those who are staying for two or three days, you will have ample time to take a ferry and visit the charming islands of Murano and Burano off the main island.  

My deepest regret was not staying in Venice through the sunset and until nightfall.  But I was here on the most perfect and picturesque day in May and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end this most memorable trip of my life!!!

And if you have more time in Northern Italy:  People rave about Cinque Terre.  But I have also heard that it is not as vibrantly colored as it appears in pictures, that the commute is utter torture, and the hike isn't super easy.  The guide books don't tell you much about transportation to or within Cinque Terre (and it is three hours away from Milan including a train transfer).  I do not regret missing this city during this particular week, but if I don't go back to see it once in my life, I'll have died an unfulfilled person.  Also, Portafino and Stresa are said to be beautiful but neither should take more than 2 hours of your day.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) to view pictures and the videos below to get a better idea.  Don't forget to add your feedback by clicking on the comments section!  And follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures!  Share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

MILAN

 

BELLAGIO

 

COMO/CERNOBBIO

 

VENICE

 

 

FLORENCE

Yotel NYC - Theater District

Hells Kitchen/Theater District, NY

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Yotel on TripAdvisor.com

Gallery

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or you are looking for a budget-friendly place to stay with children (some rooms come with bunk beds!!!  Check the hotel's website linked above), Yotel is your best bet!!!  Every time I searched for hotels on TripAdvisor.com, Yotel was often listed as the most affordable as well as trendy.  And I always wanted to stay here to see why on earth it is priced so moderately.  So our ninth anniversary was the perfect opportunity to stay overnight.  Here are some things to know and to do in the area, besides enjoying the uniqueness and charm of the futuristic hotel itself.

1)  The hotel is located on 42nd and 10th Avenue, just two avenues away from Times Square and the Theater District.  For those who love Broadway, this is a nice way to catch a late show with the kids and stay overnight and not drain your pockets.

2)  Request for a north facing room on a high floor and preferably a corner.  And if you go in the summer months and have money to spare, definitely book a room with an outdoor hot tub (there are only a few and they look super sexy for an anniversary or date night!).  If you have kids and come across a great deal like I did ($110 per night), it may even be worth it to get two adjacent rooms and make sure one has a bunk bed because it is just that cool!  Beware the rooms are very small but are still worth the price!  And the showers are fantastic!  As is the lounge in the lobby!

3)  There are loads of dining options in the area.  But I couldn't find anything super trendy.  So we settled on a place called Sushi Seki Times Square which was ranked high on all the "best sushi in Manhattan" lists.  But neither my husband nor I were impressed.  Perhaps we didn't order the right thing.  But this wasn't worth our time.  

4)  My husband and I were torn between going to a show (way too expensive and neither of us are particularly into plays or musicals) and a spa.  After navigating Groupon for an hour, my husband just decided to google spas close to us.  We found the best option within one block of our hotel.  Located on 42nd right between 10th and 11th Avenues was a spa that met our needs.  Spa Envy had heated beds, offered tea and refreshments and snacks, and was able to give us a last minute appointment for two (in one room).  A lot of "spas" in Manhattan are holes in the wall so be careful before you book.  We had made that mistake in the past.  We preferred a nicer spa experience this time and we were more than pleased with our massages and the place.

5)  For some reason, February of 2018 was unusually warm.  We decided to walk down a couple of Avenues to Pier 81 in Hudson River Park right on the river.  This is right next to the Intrepid Museum (great for kids) and has spectacular sunsets.  And is super romantic.  Consider perhaps renting a bike in the warmer months and riding down the path.

6)  Just walk around all of midtown holding hands.  There are landmarks at every turn (Times Square, Central Park, 5th Avenue, Saks, Rockefeller Center, etc. etc)!  And of course stop by Bryant Park and have a hot chocolate and a warm waffle with a scoop of ice cream!  It''s just 4 avenues away!  

7)  We were so unsatisfied with dinner that we were adamant on having a fantastic breakfast.  And that is exactly what we found one block away located on 42nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenue.  Rustic Table is an Israeli owned bakery/breakfast restaurant that has a great menu and a great vibe.  We fell in love with the owner Edan who had a great spirit. Just literally order anything here and you'll be more than satisfied!  

Click on the gallery above and videos below and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section!  Follow me on intagram and facebook for live adventures!  And share with your friends if you appreciate.

 

Forest Park

Forest Hills, NY

No admissions fee, free parking lot (says permit only but we were able to park for two hours; the locals say you don't get towed...at your own risk)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

Unless you live close by and don't own a car, Forest Park is not something you really have to go out of your way to see.  There are far better hiking options in the upstate New York, the Bronx and on Long Island if you want to stay within a two hour radius.  I took a bunch of friends here the second week of November thinking it would be peak foliage but was disappointed as the forest was still pretty green.  The signage here is no good and the map I found misleading.  We didn't walk the entire park but the areas we did weren't anything too exciting.  Just trails.  No surprises such as creeks or beaches or mountain tops to be found at the end of a hike.  The only surprise here was a trail of horse footprints that had us anticipating a horse siting for two hours until we finally found a woman horse back riding passed us.  According to a local, there is an equestrian track nearby and you could rent a horse and ride through the park.  I know nothing more about this alleged claim.  But it's worth exploring for those who are interested.   

However, the park east of Metropolitan Avenue has a lovely playground and is quite serene and beautiful, with gorgeous homes surrounding the perimeter.  I grew up in this area and have amazing memories playing here as a child.  

Click on the gallery above and videos below and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section!  Follow me on intagram and facebook for live adventures!  And share with your friends if you appreciate.

 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Doubletree by Hilton Center City

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This was by far my favorite road trip of all time.  Who knew Philadelphia, a city just two hours away from NYC by car, had so much to offer?  We chose to visit Philly during New Year's weekend as it is full of holiday themed events.  It is also much cheaper than staying in NYC itself.  Here are some things to know before you go:

1)  First comes choosing a hotel.  Hotels on New Year's Eve are expensive in Philadelphia.  You are probably gonna spend double the night of January 31st at any hotel than you would otherwise.  The good thing is you don't have to stay the extra night.  The fireworks on the Delaware River start at 6pm for the kids (there is another show at midnight) leaving ample time to get home by bedtime.  Philly is at most a three hour drive away from NYC (if there is traffic).  We chose to stay just because there the Mummers Parade is on New Year's day.  

So as always for us, hotels need to have an indoor pool when we are traveling in the winter.  Our budget gave us a few options:   1)  Hilton Home2Suites (Cheapest.  Had a very small pool with no jacuzzi.  Nice decor.  Included breakfast in the price which is only offered till 9am.  Had the biggest rooms including kitchenette.  In a decent location); 2)  Hilton Garden Inn (Second cheapest.  Big indoor pool which included jacuzzi.  Very dated decor.  Had breakfast on the 17th floor in a nice room overlooking the city for an additional price.  Decent sized rooms.  In a good location); 3) Double Tree by Hilton (Second most expensive.  Had a nice and decent sized pool and a jacuzzi according to a third party website.  Turned out the pictures were from eight years ago and were falsely advertised by a form guest who uploaded them.  Did not include breakfast in the price but had on property for $17 per person and was not worth it.  If you have access to the club lounge, you're getting bagels, drinks, pastries and a dish-of-the-day all for free. Nice decor and lobby.  Some rooms include kitchenettes.  Decent size rooms.  In a fantastic location right in the heart of the city and on the street of the parade.  Views from parade available from street side rooms, club lounge and lobby.  And remember, all Doubletrees by Hilton offer complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies at the front desk!)  And 4)  Sheraton Society Hill (Most expensive by far.  Best indoor pool of them all.  Nice decor and lobby.  Breakfast not included in price.  Big rooms.  In a location that was decent but if you are familiar with NYC, not in Philly's "midtown" but rather its "Soho".  A few blocks away from the fireworks show.  If you have a Starwood Hotel membership, best to book Sheraton through www.spg.com.  Or a Hilton membership go through their site.  For all other booking, www.tripadvisor.com will give you the best rates.  And btw, we chose the Doubletree by Hilton on Broad Street.  

2)  Mummers Parade is like "Alaskan Mardi Gras" as put by my friend.  It goes on throughout the day on Broad Street but if you walk through the town, you'll see people handing out necklaces and sipping on disguised alcohol in soda cans.  I ran into two minions who were doing such.  This is definitely a fun experience for the children.  We happened to be there the coldest weekend in Philadelphia's recent history, but if you are bundled up enough, you can totally enjoy this parade outside.  And if it's too brutal for your taste, you have magnificent views from inside the hotel if you are staying at the Doubletree by Hilton.

3)  As mentioned above, there are fireworks on New Year's Eve both at 6pm and midnight.  The problem is the crowd can get very big.  You have a few options to beat this traffic.  1)  Book tickets to the Camden Adventure Aquarium right across the Delaware River with amazing views of the fireworks.  Could watch either inside or outside.  Magnificent either way.  And by far the best option with children 2)  Park in the Dave and Busters parking lot just a quarter of a mile North on the Delaware River.  You won't get the best views but you'll have space to watch.  And parking is only $7 per vehicle.  3)  You can purchase tickets in advance for ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink on the Waterfront as well as for parking on Market and Walnut Street http:www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1583205.  4)  Some rooms in high rise hotels have views of the fireworks.  But you'd be pressing your luck.  My room fortunately did but I had to twist every part of my body to get a good angle.

4)  Ice skating at the Rothman Institute Ice Rink (with a heated indoor cabin) at Dilworth Park was incredible during the holiday season.  1)  Adjacent and historic City Hall serves as a beautiful backdrop with Deck the Hall Light Show projected on the building every hour on the hour (or half hour on weekends) through January 1st.  2)  Price of skates and skating is very affordable.  Get a group of ten and you'll save $2 per person.  3)  Walk around the popup maze-meets-garden adorned with twinkling mini-lights at magical Dilworth Park!  4)  Check out the christmas tree on the north side of City Hall as well as the Masonic Temple.  5)  Stop by the Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building (Macy's) on the east side of City Hall for a magical Christmas Light Show.  Occurs every two hours.  We were lucky to walk in coincidentally as a show started.  

5)  Make sure to stop by (or at least drive by) Franklin Square Park for their Holiday Festival featuring Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show.  Two alternating shows take place every 30 minutes each night beginning at 4:30pm and continuing until 8pm on Sundays through Thursdays (this park is located right off the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.  On Fridays and Saturdays, shows goes until 9pm.  Each evening, one lucky participant from the crowd gets to ignite the festivities.   

6)  Visit the Camden Adventure Aquarium (not as good as the one I visited in Toronto a few years earlier, but still amazing!!)  Generous group rates are offered for a group of 20 or more people if purchased in advance.  I'm talking half the price.  This aquarium is on the Jersey side of the Delaware River and offers amazing views of the fireworks.  Best to go here on New Years Eve as they also offer a DJ dance party and extended hours through 6pm.  If you are going any other time of the year, it is still worth it!  You can kill two birds with one stone on a trip to nearby Sesame Place.  

7)  Visit the Museum of Art (if not to go inside, at least park outside the building and run to the top of the museum steps for a triumphant Rocky pose.)  This is iconic Philly.  Definitely drive by and then drive north on Kelly Drive by Boathouse Row.  Best to do this during dawn.  Also, Philadelphia is a city of many museums.  They are all worth seeing from the outside.  There are many of them located near the Museum of Art.  For pre-school aged children, there is also neighboring Please Touch Museum (People rave about.  If there is not enough time to hit this up on this trip, do it when you visit Sesame Place which is just a 20 minute drive from Philly).  If you have older children, Franklin Institute of Science is also nearby.  

8)  I didn't have enough time to see Philadelphia's Magic Gardens from the inside (there is an admission fee) but the drive by was good enough.  PMG is a nonprofit visionary art environment and community arts center located in Isaiah Zagar's largest public artwork.  Read more fascinating details on the side.  Also, South Street is very hip but is better to visit during the warmer seasons.  Too bad we didn't get to explore enough of this area.  

9)  There are plenty of vegan restaurants in Center City Philadelphia for those who observe a strict diet.  Kosher is also abundant in their suburbs (within 20 minute drive of Center City).  Just google to see where they are.  I hate to shit on any establishment, but it's probably best you never step food inside Esti's Besties Vegetarian unless you like rude and border-line senile waiters and tasteless pizza.  Try Shalom Pizza on the west side of the city because although I never tried it, anything is better than the service we received at this asshole-ridden-shithole.  My apologies in advance to anyone related to anyone who works here.  

10)  My biggest regrets were not stopping by (although we drove by) both the historic Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall (across the street from eachother) and Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the US.  This is the most important of all sites in Philadelphia and is a beautifully preserved colonial street featuring original Georgian brick architecture spanning centuries of history.  This is a pedestrian path only and probably the closest thing to Notting Hill west of the Prime Meridian.  Another regret was not stopping by the Italian Market (it was way too cold).  But this may be a fun place to visit during the warmer months.  And also Readers Terminal Market (we actually went but they were closed by 9pm.  Comparable to NYC's Chelsea Market.  

On the way home after your Christmas/New Years road trip and if you take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, it's best to dfive by Dyker Heights for the best of the best in residential christmas lights.  This is totally on your way home!  And worth the extra 15 minutes.  

Also, if you travel in the warmer months, you may have another itinerary altogether.  Definitely add Philadelphia Zoo to your list!  The oldest zoo in the country!  

Definitely view the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

Jersey City

Jersey City, NJ

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Westin Jersey City Newport

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Here are some highlights of my trip and general things to know about a road trip or vacation to Jersey City:

1)  Basically, the idea was to get as close to Manhattan as possible, with an indoor pool for the kids and a reasonably priced hotel (literally a fraction of the cost of what you'd find in the city).  Two hotels in Jersey City fit the bill:  Westin of Newport and Hyatt Regency.  Westin was the cheaper of the two.  And closer to the NJ Path station which gets you into downtown Manhattan in less than 15 minutes.  And the indoor pool looked bigger.  So this was a no brainer for us.  But if you ever find a cheaper deal for the Hyatt, it definitely looks sexier as it is literally on the Hudson River surrounding by water and has panoramic views of Manhattan's downtown skyline.

2)  To tell you the truth, I also picked Jersey City because one of me and my husband's favorite couple friends lives here and we rarely get to see them.  So I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone and visit them and get a good trip out of it because otherwise, who from Long Island would ever pay two tolls to cross both the East River and the Hudson???  They proved to be wonderful tour guides who showed us a good time and took us to Prato Bakery (pictured in the gallery) which was super adorable and delicious.  They also showed us Newark Avenue, a pedestrian walk way with lots of boutique stores and restaurants.  We felt the true Jersey City vibe once we went out with them.  It kind of felt like Miami meets Long Island City (not as congested) meets a nicer more charming version of Williamsburg.  

3)  For those who are Kosher, Jersey City is a plus at is about a 20 minute drive away from Teaneck, NJ and a few minutes away from Manhattan.  Remember to do thorough research if you want to order or go to a restaurant on a Saturday night.  Many Kosher restaurants do not open on Saturday nights, even though we went over thanksgiving weekend when sundown is much earlier than it is other seasons.  Best to call in advance and see which is open and which is ready to deliver (probably via Uber).  I learned this the hard way as I dragged nine families via NJ Path to the Oculus promising them that downtown Kosher Bravo Pizza (a few blocks south of Oculus on Trinity Street) was open (as they had actually told me), only to find that they were indeed FUCKIN CLOSED!  For those who aren't Kosher, Jersey City is literally packed with great restaurants as is downtown Manhattan.  So, no losing for you!

4)  Definitely walk the Newport Boardwalk during the day if the weather is warm enough.  Remember to bundle up as Jersey City is on the water and may be a bit colder than where you are from.   The boardwalk is just a block away from the hotel.

5)  There is a mall with Macy's, The Cheesecake Factory, Cosi, Kohls and more right next door to the hotel.  My husband went inside and said it was quite nice.  No high end shopping here but enough to kill a few hours with the kids.  There is also a Starbucks on the water one block away from the hotel.  

6)  You would be an idiot to come all this way and not visit Libery State Park (with the closest views of Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty).  They also have a playground for kids.  Make sure to bundle up here!!!

7)  You would be a bigger idiot to come all this way (sorry to all families I traveled with who didn't follow my suggestion) and not go to the Liberty Science Center, a world class children's museum.  Better than any I have experience on the Island or Manhattan.  Definitely something to see.  Admission is rather high, but who really cares?  You'll never make the voyage otherwise!  Videos below and pictures in the gallery will explain it all.

8)  I'm a big view person.  I throw vicious tantrums when the front desk doesn't hook me up with a good room.  Normal people are not like this.  But if you are anything like me, make sure to request a room on a high floor with a city view, and flirt a little bit with whoever is behind the front desk.  

9)  The NJ Path is literally a block away from the hotel.  You pay $2.50 each way per adult to get into downtown Manhattan that is three stops away (including one easy transfer).  The train will get you into the Oculus, which itself is a site to see.  Be sure to travel west of the Oculus to see the 9/11 memorial (really mesmerizing at night), the beautiful Freedom Tower, and Brookfield Place for high end shopping (even though Oculus itself is a great mall!)  Stores in Brookfield Place include Gucci, Bottega Vonneta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vitton and more.  Also, there is an ice skating rink outside that is a must with the children in the winter.  Beautiful views of the Hudson (try to get here during sundown) and Christmas decorations as well!  And pretty affordable for ice skating in the city.  My biggest regret was not skating when we came here. 

Definitely view the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

Clark Botanic Garden

Albertson, NY

Free admission and parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.clarkbotanic.org

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This is a small and quaint garden in Nassau County that is great for going on a date and sitting on a bench looking at the creek and pond.  There is nothing too over-the-top here to see (except the front entrance is misleadingly very exotic and beautiful).  The rest of the garden is just a peaceful place to relax with a loved one.  I went here mid September and there were still beautiful flowers in bloom.  Tip:  Go here during the Halloween Spooky Walk with your children.  It should be loads of fun!  Or during the annual Kidstock Festival in September.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit neighboring Old Westbury Gardens and then head over to Old Country Road for some shopping.  

For a list of other gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Alstede Farms

Chester, NJ

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.alstedefarms.com

908-528-8823

Price:  $7.99 per person plus tax includes admission to pick your own areas, hayrides, and live entertainment; $14.99 per person per tax for admission to corn maze and pick your own.  $19.99 per person plus tax for unlimited access to corn maze (child only), pony rides, moon bounce, wagon train rides, corn kingdom, also includes admission to pick your own areas, hayrides and live entertainment

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-5:00pm pick your own and corn maze; 10am - 5:00pm children's activities (all weekend/holiday admission prices)

Pick your own fruits and vegetables.  Check their website to see what is in season.  

They have handicapped accessible hayrides.  

They welcome pets if they are leashed and well behaved, they have been properly vaccinated, their owners clean up any mess made by the pet, they don't bother any of the livestock.  They are not allowed in any of the picking areas.  All pets must be kept on the farm lanes.  

They sell pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, hot and cold beverages, donuts and fresh bakes apple pie.  

You can find their apple ripening schedule on their website.  

Kill two birds with one stone:  Visit Woodbury Commons for some outlet shopping nearby.

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Lawrence Farms Orchards

Newburgh, NY (Upstate)

Optimum Seasons:  Summer, Fall

www.lawrencefarmsorchards.com

845-562-4268

Price:  $3 admission fee per person .  Free for children under 2.    

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-4pm  

Have pick your own apples, pumpkins, fruits and vegetables.  Check the website to see what's in season and when.   

Apple Cider Donuts, Pies, Cookies, Muffins, Hard Ice Cream, Kleins Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Chicken Tenders, Fries, Pizza (available on weekends), Nachos, Coffee, Apple Cider and Soft Drinks available at concession stand.

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Barton Orchards

Poughquag, NY (Upstate)

Optimum Seasons:  Summer, Fall

www.bartonorchards.com

845-471-2879

Price:  $5 admission fee per person for farm entry.  Includes tractor-pulled hay rides, live music, and entertainment, petting zoo, goat walk, wooden ship playground, and kiddie hay maze

Apple Bags are sold at the Apple Shack (by the big old Oak tree) during weekends and at the Farm Market weekdays. Two types of bags - Peck Bag (approximately 10lbs) or 1/2 Bushel (approximately 20lbs). Pprices subject to change with seasonal crop. Farm requires apple bag purchase to pick apples. Buy a bag and pack it full. Check out the PYO tab for varieties. Bags are non-refundable. All visitors must pay for all items picked.  (Their website is vague on the actual price of the bag.  Call and ask them because there might be a fee on top of the $5 per person general admission, which would make it a pretty expensive farm comparable to others I've listed).

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-5pm on weekdays; 9am-6pm on weekends

Festivals held every weekend from September 2nd to October 29th.  As well as Columbus Day Monday.  Festivals are from 9am to 6pm.  

Lines move faster if you have cash.   

Have pick your own apples, pumpkins, fruits and vegetables.  Check the website to see what's in season and when.   

No outside food on property. 

Fun Pass Wrist Band $15 per person and includes everything in farm admission plus 5 acre Corn Maze with games, "Who Done It Maze", peddle carts, Haunted House, Barton Express train ride, gigantic family bounce pad, huge tube slides, ball toss and so much more!  

They have various food vendors which are listed here.  

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Fort Salonga Farm

Northport, NY (Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.fortsalongafarm.com

631-269-9666

wacapple@optonline.net

Price:  $30/per bag (admits 5 into orchard).  

Hours of Operation:  10am-2pm  Opens Saturday

They have dwarfed apple trees with fruits 18'' from the ground, a perfect size for children.

There varieties of apples begin ripening the end of August continuing into early October.  All apples are pick your own.

They are a small orchard that closes frequently due to no ripe fruit to pick.

Not much to do here but pick. The perk is that it is probably the closest to the city of all pick-your-own farm on Long Island.

They have incredible honey extracted form their hives and made available at their farm stand.  

The website is pretty vague.  I have tried calling numerous times but have never gotten through.  Try your luck because for many, this may be the closest of all farms on the Island.  There is no hint as to pricing available on the site either.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit Main Street in Northport nearby (an adorable town) and Asharoken Beach and Sunken Meadow State Park (I haven't been yet but this is a local beach with a boardwalk and looks amazing on google images!  Will be sure to visit if I ever go to this farm.)

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Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard

Salem, NY (Upstate New York)

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com

914-485-1210

Price:  $30/per bag (admits 5 into orchard).  

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-4:30pm  Opens September 2nd

Festivals held every weekend from September 9th to October 29th.  As well as Columbus Day Monday.  Festivals are from 10am to 5pm.  

Hayrides (scenic route around the form), Bounce House, Apple Cannons, Games, Live Music, Farm Animals (no petting or feeding), Pony Rides, Face Painting, Food and Craft Vendors) only weekend.  Activities range between $5 and $10 in price per person per event.  Cash only.    

Have Apple Picking and a Pumpkin Patch not on the vine.  

No outside food on property. 

They have various food vendors which include BBQ, brick oven pizza, hamburgers, soups, hot dogs, fries and their famous turkey legs.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  If Bedford NY is within a 15 minute drive, this is always a town I wanted to see.  Like, why do Richard Gere, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Bruce Willis, Rooney Mara, and Ralph Lauren live here.  It's basically like the East Coast's Los Angeles.  A Listers all over the place.  Scope it out for me and comment below to let me know how it is!  

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Masker Orchards

Warwick, NY (Upstate New York)

Optimum Seasons:  Fall

www.maskers.com

845-986-1058

Price:  Admission is Free.  Parking is Free.  $28.95/per bag.  

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-5:00pm  Opens September 2nd

There is a family friendly haunted house, face painting, Apple Maze, music most weekends with free performances at 2PM and 4PM and a pumpkin patch starting September 13th thru Halloween.  

They sell pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, hot and cold beverages, donuts and fresh bakes apple pie.  

You can find their apple ripening schedule on their website.  

Kill two birds with one stone:  Visit Woodbury Commons for some outlet shopping nearby.

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Fishkill Farms

Hopewell, NY (Upstate)

Optimum Seasons:  Summer, Fall

www.fishkillfarms.com

845-897-4377

Price:  $5 admission fee for fruit and vegetable picking for adults and children under 12 are free. 

Hours of Operation:  9:00am-5pm 

Has a selection of strawberries, cherries, blueberries, rasberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples, pumpkins, summer squash, okra, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, kale/chard, herbs, and flowers.  Check the website to see what's in season.

They have a market that sells apple cider donuts and homemade pies.  Also carry gourmet cheeses from nearby dairies, local milk, and grass-fed beef.  On weekends and some holidays they serve hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and grilled farm vegetables.  Hudson Vally hand-made ice cream also available.  

Mid September through mid October, they have Harvest Festivals on Weekends.  They offer entertainment in the form of hayrides and live music on select days.  Check the website frequently.   Not an "agri-tainment" establishment though.  

I have been told this is one of the most scenic farms.  Better than anything you'll find on Long Island or New Jersey.

Have farm animals but not a petting zoo.  You are welcome to observe their rabbits and chickens, but they are not hand-tame.  

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