Exploring Connecticut: Kent Falls

I recently went to Kent Falls located in Kent, Connecticut with my friend, and I visit here about 2 times a year in the warmer months. However, with all the nice weather recently I decided to be daring and visit during February. Looking back at it, that might have been a bit of a mistake. First of all, there was ice all around where the falls was so you couldn’t walk directly to the bottom of the falls unless you want to look like a penguin sliding on your stomach all the way to the falls. Even some of the stone steps were covered in ice, but it made it a little easier with a hand rail there to hold on to. And lastly, I almost got lost in the woods because of all the rain recently there was mud everywhere on the other side of the trail so it made it difficult to spot the trail or to even cross it. However, this seems like something that would only happen during the winter months, and I encourage everyone to visit during the summer because it’s absolutely beautiful and you can actually swim in the falls too, and I think it might just be the largest water fall in Connecticut. After exploring the falls, I went back into town that has some great shopping, cute boutiques, and a great chocolate and ice cream store (I ended up getting a mint chocolate chip ice-cream)! The whole town is very artsy meets hipster meets preppy. Almost everyone walks their dog around here and most dining places along the main street allow you to eat with your dog outside. If anyone has ever seen the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, they filmed one of the scenes here in Kent at one of the outdoor dining areas, and it was the scene with Carmen and the two friends she was working with in the play in Vermont. And I actually ate at the same table at the same restaurant, but the store changed owners I think since it is now a cheese shop/restaurant called 109 Cheese and Wine. I ordered a grilled cheese, that’s on sourdough bread, and has Vermont sharp cheddar, gruyere, and Toma Pt. Reyes, and Vermont butter. And I also got a pecan sandie bar, and a tomato and cheddar soup to dunk my grilled cheese in which was delicious My favorite store in Kent has to be Kent Coffee and Chocolate Company, and it is as good as it sounds. My favorite items to get there is a peanut butter cookie with dark chocolate drizzle (it tastes like a peanut butter cup but 100x better), pecan caramel chocolate turtles, chocolate covered pretzel rods, and chocolate covered graham cracker s’mores. And on the way back home, I was able to see the river alongside the road, and because of the weather, all the ice broke up and it is something I have never seen before in real life, it looked similar to how all the ice broke up near the end of the movie Frozen. That’s all for now, enjoy the photos!

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This is the moment I realized I was lost, but found my way back to another trail after 20 minutes

 

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109 Cheese and Wine

 

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Kent Coffee and Chocolate Company
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Huge chunks of ice along the river

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears” – Cesare Pavese

Travel Bucket List: Victoria Falls, Namibia

Travel Bucket List #2

Next on my travel bucket list is Victoria Falls in Namibia, Africa. What makes this place extra special besides being massive, at 5,604 feet wide, and 354 feet tall, is that there a spot in the falls called Devil’s Pool, where you can actually swim up to the edge looking over the falls. September- December is the best time to go, when the river flow and current are at a low level, and the rock barrier forms an eddy to help keep you from falling off the cliff. It is recommended though that you have someone hold you by the legs when you are taking a picture of your body somewhat over the cliff, as there have been some accidents where people have slipped off the rocks and fell off the cliff, but if you do your research and follow safety. I think this is one of those experiences where you are truly going to regret it if you don’t do it at least once in your life!

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do” – Mark Twain

Guide To NYC: Midtown West

Midtown West

Midtown West, also known as Hell’s Kitchen, is a home to many aspiring actors. It has close proximity to many plays, and shows, as well as some great dining options. Some highlights of Midtown West are the Gershwin Theatre, home of Wicked the musical, and the Museum of Modern Art. Some current celebrities that live here are Katherine McPhee, Lady Gaga, Goldie Hawn, P. Diddy, and Carrol Burnett.

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What To See

  • Daytime

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Museum of Modern Art
  • MoMA
    • Works from van Gogh to Warhol and others, including a sculpture garden, 2 cafes and a restaurant
    • 11 West 53rd Street
    • Saturday-Thursday 10:30am-5:30pm
    • Friday 10:30am-8p
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Intrepid Museum
  • Intrepid Museum
    • Flight museum on an aircraft carrier with exhibits including a Concorde, submarine, and a space shuttle
    • Pier 86, West 46th Street 12th Avenue
    • Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm
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New York Public Library
  • New York Public Library
    • Open to the public
    • 5th Avenue 42nd Street
    • Monday & Thursday-Saturday 10am-6pm
    • Tuesday-Wednesday 10am-8pm
    • Sunday 1-5pm
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Bryant Park
  • Bryant Park
    • Open 4 acre green space behind NY Public Library, including a café and other food kiosks
    • West 42nd street, Avenue of the Americas
    • Saturday-Sunday 7am-11pm
    • Monday-Friday 7am-12am
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Gershwin Theatre
  • Gershwin Theatre
    • Plays, concerts, and ballets are staged in this 1,900 seat venue. Currently playing is Wicked (alt. version of the Wizard of Oz), which is a top Broadway hit!
    • 222 West 51st Street
    • Show times are listed online
  • Shopping

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Lord and Taylor
  • Lord and Taylor
    • 424 5th Avenue
    • Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
    • Sunday 11am-7pm
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Bergdorf Goodman
  • Bergdorf Goodman
    • 764 5th Avenue
    • Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
    • Sunday 11am-7pm
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Henri Bendel
  • Henri Bendel
    • 712 5th Avenue
    • Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
    • Sunday 12pm-7pm
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Magnolia Bakery
  • Magnolia Bakery
    • Known for their famous and delicious cupcakes
    • 1240 Avenue of the Americas
    • Monday-Thursday 7am-10pm
    • Friday 7am-12am
    • Saturday 8am-12am
    • Sunday 8am-10pm
  • Nightlife

    • Upscale

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21 Club
  •  21 Club (American)
    • Upscale former speakeasy serving classic American food
    • Monday-Friday 12pm-2:30pm
    • Saturday 5pm-11pm
    • Closed Sunday
    • 21 West 52nd Street
    • 4.1 Stars
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The Roof
  • The Roof (Lounge)
    • The lounge and terrace on top of the Viceroy hotel serves food from Kingside and high-end cocktails
    • Monday-Sunday 4pm-4am
    • 124 West 57th Street
    • 4.0 Stars
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Ardesia
  • Ardesia Wine Bar
    • Over 30 wines by the glass are available along with homemade NY pretzels and hand-crafted cheeses
    • Monday-Wednesday 4pm-12am
    • Thursday-Saturday 4pm-2am
    • Sunday 2pm-11pm
    • 510 West 52nd Street
    • 4.2 Stars
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Beautique
  •  Beautique (American)
    • Refined American food is served in a posh setting influenced by Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment
    • Monday-Friday 5:30pm-11pm
    • Saturday 6pm-11:30pm
    • Closed Sunday
    • 8 West 58th Street
    • 4.4 Stars
  • Budget Friendly

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The Carnegie Club
  •  The Carnegie Club (Bar)
    • Patrons puff on cigars and sip single malts at this bar which is a clubby, elegant smoking lounge with a fireplace
    • Monday-Thursday 2pm-2am
    • Saturday 4pm-2am
    • Sunday 4pm-1am
    • 156 West 56th Street
    • 4.3 Stars
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Swing 46
  •  Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club
    • This jazz and supper club offers live music, swing dancing and free dance lessons
    • Thursday-Friday 5pm-3am
    • Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am
    • 349 West 46th Street
    • 4.4 Stars
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Tonic
  •  Tonic Times Square (Sports Bar)
    • Sports bar with big TVs, wood furnishings, padded-leather sofas and booths and a rooftop patio
    • Monday-Sunday 10:30am-4am
    • 727 7th Avenue
    • 4.0 Stars
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Barcelona Bar – Harry Potter Shots
  • Barcelona Bar (American)
    • Bar with sultry décor offering over 100 shots with names such as the Monica Lewinsky and Harry Potter
    • Monday-Sunday 4pm-4am
    • 923 8th Avenue
    • 4.3 Stars

Where To Eat

  • Upscale

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  • Nobu Fifty Seven (Japanese)
    • Sleek Japanese-Peruvian spot from Nobu Matsuhisa frequented by business types and celebrities
    • Monday-Saturday 11:45am-11pm
    • Sunday 5:45pm-10pm
    • West 10019, 40 West 57th Street
    • 4.4 Stars
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Estiatorio Milos
  • Estiatorio Milos (Mediterranean)
    • Stylish Greek restaurant serving fresh seafood in a Mediterranean-style whitewashed setting
    • Monday-Sunday 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-11:30pm
    • 125 W 55th Street
    • 4.4 Stars
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Azalea
  • Azalea (Italian)
    • Meaty fare from Brescia shares menu space with seafood from Amalfi Coast in an airy, high-ceiling room
    • Sunday-Monday 11:30am-11pm
    • Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-11:30pm
    • Friday-Saturday 11:30am-12:30am
    • 224 West 51st Street
    • 4.0 Stars
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Taboon
  • Taboon (Lebanese)
    • Lively spot for modern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food plus fresh bread from the namesake domed oven
    • Monday-Friday 5pm-11pm
    • Saturday 5pm-11:30pm
    • Sunday 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm
    • 773 10th Avenue
    • 4.6 Stars
  • Budget Friendly

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Trattoria Tricolori
  • Trattoria Trecolori (Italian)
    • Bustling Italian restaurant serving classic red-sauce dishes in a warm space with exposed brick
    • Sunday-Thursday 12pm-10:30pm
    • Friday-Saturday 12pm-11:15pm
    • 254 West 47th Street
    • 4.4 Stars
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Topaz Thai
  • Topaz Thai
    • Small, no thrills Thai joint, located close to Carnegie Hall and City Center
    • Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm
    • Friday 11am-11pm
    • Saturday-Sunday 12pm-11pm
    • 127 West 56th Street
    • 4.0 Stars
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La Pulperia
  • La Pulperia (Seafood)
    • Latin American food in a rustic-chic restaurant with Mexican tiles, repurposed Brazilian wood and a marble bar
    • Monday-Friday 4pm-11pm
    • Saturday 12pm-12am
    • Sunday 12pm-10pm
    • 371 West 46th Street
    • 4.6 Stars
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Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
  • Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (American/British)
    • Restaurant and bar with a menu of classic American and British dishes in a Victorian setting
    • Monday-Sunday 11am-4am
    • 249 West 49th Street
    • 4.1 Stars

Where To Sleep

  • Upscale (prices for off-season/shoulder season)

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Courtyard New York Times Square West
  • Courtyard New York Times Square West
    • Straightforward hotel with contemporary rooms and a restaurant, plus a 24/7 exercise room and free WiFi
    • 307 West 37th Street
    • 4.3 Stars
    • $319/night
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Homewood Suites
  • Homewood Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Times Square Hotel
    • Chic extended-stay hotel with full kitchens, free WiFi, and breakfast, plus a 24/7 fitness center
    • 4.4 Stars
    • $299/night
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Pearl Hotel
  • Pearl Hotel
    • Modern boutique hotel with contemporary rooms, plus free breakfast, WiFi, and happy hour
    • 233 West 49th Street
    • 4.6 Stars
    • $440/night
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Michelangelo
  • Michelangelo
    • Luxury hotel with marble bathrooms, an Italian wine bar and free car service to Wall Street
    • 152 West 51st Street
    • 4.5 Stars
    • $270/night
  • Budget Friendly (prices for off season/shoulder season)

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Fairfield Inn and Suites Midtown/Penn Station
  • Fairfield Inn and Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
    • Modern hotel offering free hot breakfast and WiFi, plus a fitness center and a rooftop bar
    • 325 West 33rd Street
    • 4.4 Stars
    • $119/night
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Belvedere Hotel
  • Belvedere Hotel
    • 1920’s-era hotel offering elegant rooms, plus a 24-hour gym and a Brazilian eatery
    • 319 West 48th Street
    • 4.2 Stars
    • $186/night
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The French Quarters Guest Apartments
  • The French Quarters Guest Apartments
    • Cozy Big Easy-inspired hotel featuring upscale rooms and suites, free breakfast and an airy eatery
    • 346 West 46th Street
    • 4.7 Stars
    • $187/night
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Hotel Metro New York
  • Hotel Metro New York
    • Stylish hotel with an art deco lobby and a rooftop deck, plus free WiFi and breakfast
    • 45 West 35th Street
    • 4.2 Stars
    • $175/night

“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine” – Caskie Stinnett

 

Travel Bucket List: Mont Saint Michel

Travel Bucket List #1

When I first heard about Mont Saint Michel, I knew that I would have to add this to my travel bucket list. Mont Saint Michel is located in Normandy, France and it is an island connected to the mainland by means of a long bridge. This island is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town and village on the island was built between the 11th and 16th centuries. It also looks very similar to another island, Corona from the movie Tangled starring Rapunzel. This place seems like it’s from a fairytale, rather than real life. I mean, who doesn’t want to go see a replica of a castle from a Disney movie?

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Mont Saint Michel
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“Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote, and I know that I will be happily infected until the end of my life” – Michael Palin

Exploring Connecticut: Ridgefield

Today I went to Ridgefield for some lunch at an Asian restaurant called Wild Ginger and I got some delicious General Tso Chicken with white rice and broccoli (my favorite!) Afterwards I went to a local organic grocery store called Ridgefield Organics and Specialty Market, and picked up some Himalayan Pink Salt to try out, which has tasted pretty great so far! The grocery store also had a great selection of other fruits and vegetables that I have never seen or heard of, such as kumquats, ghost peppers (supposedly the hottest of the hot peppers) and mandarins. I also found out that in Ridgefield, they have a place called Saltana Cave, which is a small cave that is filled with Himalayan Pink salt, and supposedly it has numerous health benefits, since salt therapy is naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal. So sometime this month I might go and try it out see what they hype is all about! And when I returned home, it was still snowing, and we got an additional 4 inches of snow with and additional 3 inches expected at night! Although I bet it’s nothing compared to how much snow people out west and up near Canada got 🙂

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Saltana Cave, Ridgefield CT

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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

Gombey Dancers Tearing Up the Dance Floor

Today I woke up and went down to the breakfast bar again and grabbed a yogurt with granola and ate outside under the pergola with great views of the ocean. And today I decided to go back to St. George’s to go jet skiing for the first time!

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On the way to St. George’s on the local bus we pass by some more colorful homes, and the Atlantic Explorer, which is a twin screw general purpose oceanographic vessel, with the main capabilities of deploying and recovering deep ocean instrumentation and moorings, conducting CTD casts, chemical sampling, and gear tests.

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Atlantic Explorer

We finally arrive in St. George’s and the first thing I do is stop at The Bermuda Perfumery (also known as Lili Bermuda which was established in 1928 and it has a great old school French charm to it. And they even have their own perfumery lessons so you can make your own perfume! The classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5pm, with no more than 5 people per class (book early!) and it costs $275. You get to experiment with 5 trial versions before making your own 50ml finished fragrance. I ended up going on a Wednesday so I missed out on this event. I did end up purchasing Fresh Water which is a great citrus scent and my mom purchased oleander which is a powdery, warm, floral scent.

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Next we ate lunch at a cute deli/bakery around the corner from the perfumery and I had a New England Clam Chowder which was delicious and very similar to the ones I eat at home (I live in New England). Then as we were strolling back to the King’s Square, we noticed that there was some sort of parade going on. It turns out it was a children’s parade, that had groups of little girls and boys dancing, with the girls dancing to more modern songs, and the boys doing a traditional Gombey dance. Gombey is a native folklore dance reflecting the blend of African, indigenous people, Caribbean and British cultures, incorporating colorful costumes, dance and drumming. The long feathered headdress they are wearing is representative of past Gombey dancers, and how they actually used to dance using stilts, and the colorful costumes are all hand made.

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What a typical Gombey dance looks like

If you would like to see a short youtube video of them dancing click here, and also if you want a more detailed version that explains the drums and the costumes click here. And I also found 2 other great videos explaining the footwork (and a chance to hear a Bermudian accent) and a great lively performance (if you can’t watch it for some reason in your country you can possibly look up videos about Gombey dancers-it’s a must see!) After the great performance I finally get in the shuttle that takes about 5 minutes to the dock for the jet-skiing. I got debriefed about the different buttons to press on the jet-ski and how to increase and decrease my speed, and to stop. I didn’t bring my camera with me, but the tour lasted about 90 minutes, and I was able to see parts of the island I haven’t seen before, and I even went by Fort St. Catherine and the sea glass beach, and other stopped at several coves and beaches. Since it was a bit windy that day, there were some great small waves to go over, and I was able to reach a speed of 49mph and when I went over a wave it felt like I was flying! It was the coolest feeling ever!

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Once we arrive back at the hotel we spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach and ate dinner at the hotel again. Unfortunately I don’t have any more photos from today but tomorrow will be another great day exploring caves and a mission to to find the Bermuda Parrotfish!

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“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living” – Mary Ritter Beard

 

 

 

Exploring Caves Under the Hotel!

Today, I decided to relax at the hotel and beach the entire day. After spending 3 days exploring the island I think a relaxing day was much needed. So in the morning I grabbed a croissant and an orange juice from the breakfast bar and ate outside on the bench overlooking the water. I managed to see a plane taking off from the airport which is nearby, but you can barely hear any noise as it took off which was great. I went back to my room and got dressed and went near the pool to the entrance to the underground caves located at our hotel.

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There are about 3 cute cats that roam around the hotel grounds

 

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I then approached the cave, with steps leading down toward a bright light at the end of the tunnel. As I walked closer to the light, I then saw the opening to the cave, with a large portion of it filled with water. There are steps leading down into the water, and so I took off my sandals and put my feet in the water, which felt about 15 degrees cooler than the water at the beach.

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I then climbed up some more natural stone stairs which led me to a 5 foot entrance to a smaller cave which you can explore more, but you would need a flashlight as there were no more lanterns going deeper in the cave. I went to walk on the small wooden plank that was laid on top of a small stream, and being 5’4″ and clumsy as usual, I managed to hit my head on part of the rock above my head.

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After the run-in with the rock I decided what would a relaxing day be without a massage at the spa? And I am so glad I did it because the spa is located in an adjacent, larger cave, and the massage tables are practically floating on the water!

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After the massage I explored more outside of the caves and I managed to find a little, colorful friend! I also swam in the pool and sat at the swim-up bar and ordered a strawberry daiquiri (my favorite!) for about an hour and just enjoyed the breeze and listened to the calm, relaxing sounds of the water lapping up against the sand at the beach across from the pool.

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A blue sea-glass countertop…can I get one for my future kitchen?

After the pool I joined up with my parents and we hung out by the beach for a couple of hours, and I even got to go kayaking with my dad. Kayaking is our favorite thing to do together, we even have our own kayaks at home that we like to break out every summer.

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And just like that it was lunch time! I went with my parents to a restaurant called The Swizzle Inn, which is about a 1 minute walk from our hotel, and it even had a live steel drum player, which really made it a great Caribbean vibe. I ended up getting Chicken Tenders with Cajun Spiced Fries, my mom got a Chicken Caesar Salad and my dad got a Sheppard’s Pie with a salad.

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The front entrance of our hotel – Grotto Bay Beach Resort

 

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The Swizzle Inn

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And of course you can never not eat some ice cream after lunch! So we crossed the street to Bailey’s Ice Cream Parlour and I got 2 scoops of Oreo Sweet Cream which is my go to ice cream flavor. Also 10 steps away from the ice cream parlour is the entrance to the Crystal Caves, which we did not go in since you had to pay admission, and we already have caves under our hotel that we explored. I highly recommend visiting the caves for everyone else, its definitely an experience you do not want to miss.

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Near the end of the day we went back to the hotel and enjoyed the view from our balcony, and had dinner at the hotel and watched the sunset on another amazing day in Bermuda.

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“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow” – Lin Yutang

Guide To NYC: Central Park

Central Park

Central Park is a 843 acre oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. It includes meadows, forests, lakes, monuments, and architecture. The park itself is so vast, it can be hard to see it all in a day. Even visiting Central Park numerous times, I found myself missing a lot of the different activities, because I was only able to hit 2 or 3 of the activities in a day. I will be highlighting the best things to see, and also places to eat in the park (or just pack some snacks on you because you will get hungry quickly!).

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What To See

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The Pond
  •  The Pond
    • This serene body of water is a great place to take a break from the bustling city. The hill above the pond is the Hallet Nature Sanctuary, which is occasionally open to visitors. The Gapstow Bridge, located at the pond’s northern point, has been in numerous photos and films, and also a great place to pop the question.
    • East Side at 62nd street
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Central Park Zoo
  • Central Park Zoo
    • Children and adults will love this zoo as it contains a variety of different animals, from 3 different global zones, such as tropical, temperate, and polar. Feeding times are at 11:30am, 2pm, and 4pm, make sure to get there at least 15 minutes before the show to get a good viewing spot!
    • East Side between 63rd and 66th streets, enter at 5th avenue at 64th street
    • Monday-Sunday 10am-5:30pm
    • $12 for general admission
    • $9 for seniors
    • $7 for children
    • $0 for children under 3
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The Mall
  • The Mall
    • This promenade is lined by towering elm trees, creating a canopy which looks gorgeous any time of the season. Along the walkway you will find statues of renowned authors, as well as benches to sit and take in the view. You will also find street performers, vendors, and roller skaters and skateboarders.
    • Midpark from 66th to 72nd street
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Sheep Meadow
  • Sheep Meadow
    • This field is a favorite of New Yorkers to go and play Frisbee, soak up the sun, or have a picnic. This is also a great place to people watch, and just relax, but if you want a shady spot, get there around 11am when the park opens as people come flocking in quickly.
    • West Side between 66th and 68th street, enter at Central Park West and 66th street
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Bethesda Terrace
  • Bethesda Terrace
    •  Check out the Bethesda Terrace with views of the grand Bethesda Fountain (aka “Angel of the Waters”) and the lake. Step inside the terrace to view the walls and pillars which are adorned with statues by Jacob Wrey Mould, and look up at the ceiling at the intricate Minton tiles while musicians play all around you.
    • Midpark from 71st to 79th street, enter at 5th avenue and 72nd street
    • This is one of my favorite places to go in Central Park…so I think it is only right to include a couple more pictures of the area 🙂

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Stunning, right?

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Conservatory Water Boat Race
  • Conservatory Water
    • This pond is a favorite spot for kids to operate miniature remote-controlled sailboats, and has been featured in many photos, films, and books. Nearby is the Hans Christian Anderson and Alice in Wonderland statues, which is another beloved spot by kids.
    • East 72nd street
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The Lake
  • The Lake
    • Take a romantic boat ride around the lake, or let someone else paddle for you on a Venetian Gondola ride. It is located by the Loeb Boathouse Restaurant (past Bethesda Terrace), and it also expands out to the Bow Bridge, before opening up to an expanse of water and skyline.
    • Boat Rides
      • $12/hour
      • $2.50 for each additional 15 minutes
      • $20 deposit
    • Gondola Rides
      • $30/half an hour
    • Midpark at 74th street, enter at Central Park West and 72nd street
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Strawberry Fields
  • Strawberry Fields
    • It is a peaceful retreat that was created in memory of John Lennon, who lived, and was murdered just across the street. The centerpiece is the Imagine mosaic, which is adorned with different arrays of flowers strewn across it.
    • West Side between 71st and 74th street, enter at Central Park West and 72nd street
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The Ramble
  • The Ramble
    • This hilly woodland is filled with winding paths, streams and ponds, rustic structures, and a dense forest canopy, which makes it feel like you’re escaping to the Adirondacks. It is also the city’s prime bird watching spot, with over 230 species of birds to view from.
    • Midpark from 73rd to 79th street, enter at Central Park West and 72nd street
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Belvedere Castle
  • Belvedere Castle
    • Take in the views of the great lawn, the Ramble, and Turtle Pond from Belvedere Castle, which is one of the highest points in the park. There is a visitor’s center, and you can receive a free discovery kit (2 forms of ID is required, one is kept as a deposit, and returned to you once you hand back the kit), and the kit includes binoculars, a map, and a guide for bird-watching in the Ramble’s woods. The Central Park Conservatory also offers a free mobile app that includes interactive maps, audio commentary, and up-to-date listings of events
    • Midpark at 79th Street, enter at 5th avenue and 72nd street
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Conservatory Garden
  • Conservatory Garden
    • Experience the charm of a European garden without having to buy a ticket to Europe. With 3 styles of gardens, it will appease to everyone. From the Italian garden, containing a great lawn, 12ft high jet fountain, and wisteria pergola, to the French style containing concentric ring flowerbeds, and the three-dancing-maidens water fountain, and finally to the English garden including a pool with a statue of two children inspired by The Secret Garden.
    • East Side from 104th to 106th, enter at 5th avenue and 105th street
    • Free tours: Meet at Vanderbilt Gate, east side at 105th street; Saturday 11am

Where To Eat

boozy brunch at the boathouse
The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
  • Restaurants

    • The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
      • Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
      • Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-4pm, 6pm-9:30pm
      • E 72nd Street
      • 4.1 Stars
      • American
        • American restaurant and bar notable for its prime lakeside setting in the middle of Central Park
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Tavern On the Green
  • Tavern On the Green
    • Wednesday-Friday 11am-10:45pm, 11pm-1am
    • Saturday 9am-10:45pm, 11pm-1am
    • Sunday 9am-10:45pm
    • Monday-Tuesday 11am-10:45pm
    • 67 Central Park West
    • 3.4 Stars
    • Grill
      • Restored Central Park icon for American fare in an elegant setting with courtyard and garden seating
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Café Sabarsky
  • Café Sabarsky
    • Thursday-Sunday 9am-9pm
    • Monday & Wednesday 9am-6pm
    • Closed Tuesday
    • 1048 5th Avenue
    • 4.1 Stars
    • Austrian
      • Sweet-toothed art lovers pause for Viennese pastries and savory dishes at the Neue Galerie’s café
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Le Pain Quotidien
  • Le Pain Quotidien
    • Monday-Thursday 7am-8pm
    • Saturday-Sunday 7am-9pm
    • 2 W 69th Street
    • 3.9 Stars
    • Organic
      • Classic light fare and organic breads fill out the menu at this rustic-chic bakery/café chain
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Ballfields Café
  • Ballfields Café
    • Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm
    • 65th Street Transverse
    • 4.2 Stars
    • Café
      • Self-serve snack shop with alfresco tables serving hot dogs and burgers with beer
  • Vendors
    • There are many different types of food vendors located around the park, so if you are looking for some great, inexpensive food, keep your eye out for them!

“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself” – Matthew Karsten