Category: TRAVEL

Coffee Shops… as American as apple pie!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

Logo for FUEL AMERICA

Places to stop in for a cup of coffee, a snack, some company… to visit or to sit quietly and read a book. I cherish places like this… and I’d like to hear about your favorites… here are a few of mine sprinkled in a few different states…

FUEL AMERICA – Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA.

Fuel America has left no stone unturned… This cleverly designed coffee house in Brighton, MASS is just what America needs… It is the perfect combination of great coffee, delicious food and healthy options?  Their marketing plan…brilliant!

From the tags on the merchandise to the menu board, everything has that retro hard working American feel to it… The classy chairs with chrome, the bookcase that soon will be full of books, the wood on the walls and most importantly… Good coffee AND good food together in one place, now THAT my friends is a rare combination. Combine that with the fact that they have healthier options and you have the PERFECT place!

One of the owners, Jeff Bonasia, a very talented artist and marketing professional took a year off from painting and along with his partners has opened FUEL AMERICA.

This place is tops on my list to visit one day. We met Jeff Bonasia, the managing partner years ago while vacationing in Maine. Jeff was part of a group of very cool artists renting a cottage down the street from ours. It was quite a treat to see their paintings! Hard workers every single one of them.

How lucky the people of Brighton, Mass are! Check out their website (link above) or their Facebook Page!

THE GROVE – Filmore Street, San Francisco, CA

The Grove on Fillmore Street in San Francisco… oooh, haven’t been there in years, but it is firmly etched in my mind. Fabulous homemade granola/bananas/yogurt, soups and salads, a roll-your-eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head macaroni and cheese, a beautiful (yes! beautiful!) chicken pot pie, delicious coffee and TO DIE FOR fruit pies… They don’t have a website that I can find, but I did see a menu on MenuPages.com. We didn’t stay anywhere near this place, yet we made the trek day after day, because the food just couldn’t be beat! The place has atmosphere, and a ton of it! Transit: Filmore St & Pine St

ROCK CITY COFFEE – Rockland, ME
This was a cool coffee shop in Rockland, Maine. What I loved about it was the fact that it was a coffee shop and a second hand book store all in one, so you could read and buy books while drinking your coffee. I will have to check it out this year when we visit… they’ve moved next door and a former employee bought the book portion of the business. It will be a bit different… I will report back! I’m sure it will be good, it was sooo good before!
ZOOT COFFEE – Camden, ME
This is a very neat coffee shop located in Camden, Maine. I remember sitting on a bench outside drinking a fabulous latte! It’s nice they use organic fruit, etc… check them out! Zoot really makes an effort to be part of the neighborhood, not just a bystander in the community.
Catch you back here tomorrow… In the meantime REFUEL… Hee…

Day trip… ROCKVILLE, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVEL4 Comments

I mentioned a while back that my husband took some time off work and we had a staycation…we had a GREAT time. Took in the local sights, restaurants while still taking the dog (and ourselves) for a walk each day. It was so nice! One day we ventured to Rockville, SC.  A beautiful little town. A wonderful place to take photographs. It’s a little tricky to find a place to park. I was very careful to be respectful of peoples privacy. There are so many absolutely GORGEOUS homes you just want to take photos until you can’t take them any more. It’s a short trip from Charleston, SC. It’s not a place to go shopping, or out to eat. Just to take a little drive through and enjoy the beauty.

It was a cloudy day but still the photos are magnificent because ROCKVILLE is magnificent! It really is like stepping back in time. The big old oak trees, the charming homes, the views of the water… lovely!

One downside… MOSQUITOES… holy cow, I’ve never seen so many in my life. I was a walking Mosquito Magnet! Actually I was just about running, stopping only long enough to snap a photo… must have been a sight, ha ha… that’s probably why I didn’t see a single person!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Red’s Eats, Wiscasset, Maine… a great “lobstah” roll!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, TRAVEL2 Comments

There is always a line at Red’s Eats. Voted one of the “10 great places to eat regionally, eat well” by USA Today, people are WILD about Red’s lobster rolls… Have you tried a lobster roll before? If so, where is YOUR favorite place to stop? The location of Red’s doesn’t hurt… nestled nicely in Wiscasset, Maine (known as the Prettiest Little Village in Maine). Wiscasset is a wonderful city filled with great art galleries, restaurants, wine and cheese shop (with desserts, sandwiches and soups as well), and antiques! If you find yourself anywhere near Wiscasset, take a ride through, see the wonderful shops, and perhaps stop for a lobster roll!

Click HERE to see how to make the perfect lobster roll… just like Red’s Eats!

Here’s an interesting tidbit about Wiscasset, Maine from the Budget Travel website:

“Prettiest Little Village in Maine”

Wiscasset is a quaint Historic Village on Route One with several Historic homes and buildings from the early 1800’s.  Beautiful waterfront dock on the deepest river in Maine, The Sheepscot River.  It used to be the largest shipping port North of Boston.  Thousands of tourists visit each year to drive up the coast on Route One and walk to the several fabulous Antique Shops and Art Galleries in Wiscasset and neighboring towns. The famous “Reds Eats” voted top 10 places to eat in USA Today,  is on the corner of Water St. and Rt. 1 known for their lobster rolls. People line the streets all summer long to experience this lobster shack.  Boothbay Harbor  and Damariscotta are also wonderful popular spots North of town and not too far off of Route One.  If you continue North on Route 1 to Rockland, ME, home of the popular Atlantic Blues Festival and Lobster Fest each summer.  Plenty to do in this lovely area of Maine not to mention the perfect summer weather from June to September and fabulous leaf peeping in October. 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Port Clyde, Maine – truly the way life should be!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Oh, what a wonderful place Port Clyde, Maine is! It’s one of my most favorite places in the world. The people are so genuine. When I’m there I just don’t want to leave! Gorgeous sunrises, sunsets… Fabulous places to eat, drink and be merry. A great ice cream shop, kayak place, cool home and clothing store and one of our favorites the Port Clyde General Store… Here’s a blip about Port Clyde from the Monhegan Boat Line website – if you haven’t been to Monhegan Island it’s a definite treat, Monhegan Boat Line is the way we always go. Here’s their information on Port Clyde:

Home port for the Elizabeth Ann and Laura B is the picturesque fishing village of Port Clyde, at the tip of the St. George Peninsula. To get to here you’ll take Route 131 from Route 1 in Thomaston. Click here for full directions. The road curves with the meandering St. George River, passing saltwater meadows, clapboard farmhouses, a few small art galleries, and the cluster of weathered buildings that is Tenants Harbor. When you arrive in Port Clyde, you will see signs directing you to the Monhegan Boat Line dock.

We hope you’ll plan to spend a little time ashore here before or after your trip. As you stroll around, it’s not hard to imagine how things might have looked back in the early 1800s, when the village was young and most Port Clyde families were involved in shipbuilding. Later, the most important source of income was catching and canning seafood, and you can still buy tinned sardines bearing the Port Clyde label. While the local canning industry is gone, Port Clyde remains primarily a working harbor, filled with the rugged boats of local lobstermen and fishermen.

You might see some of these hardy mariners loading traps or bait onto their boats at the docks behind the Port Clyde General Store. Be sure to stop into this wonderful old purveyor of staples, sundries, and homemade treats. Please also visit the gift shop on our dock, where you’ll find mementos of the coast and Monhegan Island. A number of noted artists — including Greg Mort, Gary Akers, and Barbara Ernst Prey — also live and/or work in the area. Their work captures the essence of Maine, so be sure to ask if studio showings are being offered while you’re here.

If you’re hungry for pizza, crab rolls, or steamed lobster, you can eat your fill at a local restaurant. Ready for a little hike? It’s a nice round-trip walk of about two miles from our dock to the Marshall Point Light, which has stood watch since 1833 on the eastern side of the harbor entrance. You can also drive out to the point. The view of Mosquito Island and smaller nearby isles is beautiful, and the keeper’s house is now a small museum. On the way to the lighthouse you’ll also find Herring Gut Learning Center, a marine science education center which includes oyster and finfish hatcheries, an aquaponic greenhouse, marine touch tanks, and a reference library.

It will be our pleasure to welcome you to Port Clyde as well as to our boats. You’ll discover a little bit of unspoiled Maine here, and take home old-fashioned memories with you.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: Ahhh, the way life should be! Relax and enjoy!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

Now don’t you think this is the way life should be? Like a nice summer vacation. Where there is time for sitting and reading, or sitting by the river and watching all there is to see (it can be more entertaining than television, that’s for sure!). My parents live on the St. Clair River in Algonac, MI… the views are amazing… the sunsets are out of this world! My dad made these adirondack chairs, they have nice fluffy cushions, and it makes a great place to sit.

Wouldn’t you like to be sitting in that chair right now? Me too! These chairs remind me of the Island Inn on Monhegan (Maine). Nothing like sitting and reading or watching the water!

Monhegan Island, Maine – Island Inn Adirondack chairs… Fred reading while he waits for me… 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Maine Photo: Home away from home… a cottage in Port Clyde, Maine!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL1 Comment

We have stayed at this cottage in Port Clyde, Maine a few times. Each time has been a delight. There is nothing like it! The great windows with a view to die for, the ocean literally a stones throw away. Chilly nights, no heat, big fireplace, ahhh heaven! We’ve had some great times here! I went to the Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum and found a photo of it from long ago (the lighthouse is just down the street). How interesting! If I had unlimited funds I would build this exact house (if I couldn’t buy it first)…

Is there a special place you visit? Tell me about it! Where is it? Why do you like it so much?! What do you do while you’re there? Enjoy your summer!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What to do if you get a blowout AND Cellphone Highway Emergency Assistance Phone Numbers!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Image: Ou.edu

This information may come just in time for a road trip you may be taking… good to have this info handy! The other night Fred, Charlie and I were taking our after dinner walk around the neighborhood… we stopped and spoke to a couple who had just pulled in from a trip they had made. Their car had a blow out. They were on the Interstate. Thankfully he handled things well and they were OK, but the tire was blown out. Boo… interstate and a bad tire is a horrible combination, especially with the text-instead-of-look-where-you’re-going-era we’re in… As luck would have it the Highway Patrol pulled up right behind them, they had the tire changed and the couple was on their way within 15 minutes! The Highway Patrol told them any time you break down (or see someone who has) to call them *HP (*47) for South Carolina. Every state is different, so here is a handy dandy chart that I got from the University of Oklahoma Police Department website (click the link to read, they also have an expanded chart state by state for all details). Here’s a blip from their site:

Talking on your cellphone while you drive can certainly lead to distraction and accidents — but having a cellphone in your car can be very useful in an emergency situation. 

In almost any state, you may dial 911 for emergencies, but due to the high volume of calls that 911 operators receive, in some cases it might be better to use the phone numbers listed below, particularly to report highway-safety related “non-emergencies.” If you have difficulty reaching these numbers, you can always dial “0” to request help.

Some states have special cellphone-only numbers such as *SP (star 77)for State Police or *HP (star 47) for Highway Patrol, to report highway/vehicle related problems. You should use the numbers, below, only to report vehicle breakdowns/problems, accidents, hazardous material spills, or other highway hazards/problems, as well as impaired or aggressive/reckless drivers and other criminal behavior.

Use cellphones safely — be aware of laws which prohibit using cellphones while driving.

While we work to keep this list current, at any point in time, some of the listings (below) may be out of date. Before you travel, as part of your travel/itinerary planning, we’d urge you to check with the state public safety departments (or their websites) on your planned route for updated/current cellphone contact listings.

If you’re wondering to yourself “what do I do if I get a blowout”?? I found  HOW TO HANDLE A TIRE BLOWOUT from Howcast. Click the link to see the video… I hope you never need this, but if a blowout is ever in your future, at least you’ll know how to react… Here’s the information from their link (above):

  1. Stay cool

    Ignore your natural instinct to hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel when you have a blowout.

  2. Step 2

    Accelerate slightly

    Accelerate slightly to maintain control of the vehicle. Keep going straight.

  3. Tip

    Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands at 10 o’clock and two o’clock on the wheel to avoid losing control.

  4. Step 3

    Decelerate

    Ease off the accelerator slowly.

  5. Step 4

    Coast

    Maintain your course while the vehicle slows.

  6. Step 5

    Apply brakes

    Apply the brakes gently when your car slows to 30 miles per hour.

  7. Step 6

    Turn on right turn signal

    Turn on your right turn signal.

  8. Tip

    Never stop on the left side of the road, if possible. This is the most dangerous place to be.

Drive safely… pay attention… be prepared for the unimaginable, stay calm and call the cell highway emergency number if you or someone you see needs assistance! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie’s BFF! A sweet lady with Southern hospitality!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

Charlie had such an adventure on second Sunday last week (Second Sunday is an event downtown where they close off part of King Street to car traffic on the second Sunday of each month. You see people walking in the streets, vendors are set up, some of the stores expand a little outdoors, some of the restaurants offer outdoor dining, it’s a great time to be downtown Charleston, SC) , I just had to share! Here he is on his way… he’s having the time of his life, make no mistake! There is nothing this dog loves more than riding in the car! And there’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair fur, right Charlie?

I happen to get this shot on a quieter part of the street. Even though it had rained briefly and the humidity rose to approximately 999% we headed out on an adventure with Charlie… headed downtown window shopping! We had the best time, went in Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Ω (I think was the name of it, a cool new yoga clothing store), and a few others… then we entered… heaven in his eyes… Charleston Place Hotel. For those of you who haven’t stayed it’s a treat. They treat you like royalty. The food… DIVINE. The people that work there… AWESOME! Even if you live here, it’s a nice place for a special occasion… it’s more than a hotel, there are lots of shops as well, Gucci, etc. etc. well we walked Charlie through it without going in any stores, then grabbed a bench where he was beyond delighted to see other people as well as a few dogs! Then to his surprise he met his new BFF (Best Friend Forever)… she offered him water. She put down a white napkin and set out a cup of water. This dog was so thirsty, bless her for that. It was very warm and humid outside and we were attempting to recover. Charlie is shy around people. He’ll usually run behind me and hide until he gets to know you OR unless you have a piece or two of bacon… I’m telling you it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! Bonita is her name, and she is the nicest person. We truly enjoyed talking with her! We’ll go back to the Palmetto Cafe one day for breakfast, just so we can thank her and tell her hello! A bright light in a day that truly felt like one of the warmest saunas ever!

It wasn’t easy to snap a shot, this dog was EXCITED! He’s never had bacon before… and let me tell you HE LOVED IT! Now if you say the word “bacon” or “Bonita” he goes crazy! I’m quite sure he will remember her all the days of his life!

That’s the cool thing about Charleston, SC. The hospitality. Where else in the world could you go and have a stranger offer you water for your dog as well as a treat? Just the nicest kindest woman ever. Truly a person that likes people and it shows. I wonder if Charleston Place/Palmetto Grill knows what an asset they’ve got in an employee like that?! Someone who can make a difference in someones life with a simple gesture. Bless you Bonita, you’re too cool!

Hey, go make a difference in someone’s life and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Hot restaurant tip…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, TRAVEL2 Comments

We’re back after a week in Michigan. It was so nice. Most days were coolish, a welcomed relief! It seems like we were always on the go, which means we ate out several times, and if whitefish was on the menu, I ordered it. It’s such a clean fresh tasting fish (well, most of the time). The above photo was my dinner from the Marine City Fish Company. GREAT food, wonderful atmosphere, if you haven’t been and you’re in the area I highly recommend it. This was the CEDAR PLANKED WHITEFISH – Fresh fillet of Lake Superior whitefish baked and served on a seasoned cedar plank. And it was… to die for good! You got your choice of potato, but the house made chips have this out of this world crunch, so since the fish was baked I indulged… also had a nice fresh salad and some wonderful veggies. Tasty! I love the tartar sauce here, it’s thinner, not so thick, so you get all of the flavor without using much of it at all! They have a great WEBSITE, the menu is on there as well, check it out!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: Owls Head Lighthouse… Maine!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments

Several years ago we went to the Owls Head Lighthouse, what a neat place. That dead tree to the right of the stairs added such character to the place. And… have you ever seen a bluer sky?

A treasure that we found in Owls Head is the Owls Head General Store. If you’re in that area, check it out, GREAT food (haddock melts, hamburgers, and more!), and it’s like coming home to family. They’re the nicest group of people ever!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Island Inn, Monhegan Island, Maine OPENING May 25, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL4 Comments

Island Inn, Monhegan Island, Maine… opening May 25, 2012  – The quiet that the island has endured over the past winter is almost over… it’s time for the Island Inn to open up next week, and with the opening will come some lucky people! Some there for the first time, not knowing what to expect, others most likely that have been coming this same time each year. If you’re new to the island, click HERE for the Visitor’s Guide to Monhegan, ME. We have met some of the most fascinating people on this island, it’s why we keep going back. Revel in the fact that there is no TV, no alarm clocks and all the “stuff” that keeps you wired… enjoy it! The peaceful quiet very well may overwhelm your senses!

Treat the island well… leave no trace. Enjoy and embrace the peacefulness that this island offers. You will miss it once you leave!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Times Square Digital Gallery!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, TRAVEL2 Comments

Times Square always has the coolest things going on… like New Year’s Eve where you could write your wish for the new year on the confetti that fell from the sky. Awesome! You’ve got to read more on this, and if you’ll be in NYC click the link below to see the schedule of who’s playing! Click HERE for more info… check out their site, it’s amazing!

Here’s a blip from Times Square Official Website:

Times Square Moment: A Digital Gallery

This new program is presented by the  Times Square Advertising Coalition (TSAC), Times Square Arts, the public art program for theTimes Square Alliance.  The initiatve is a collaboration of the Coalition and the Alliance, with additional partners of participating signholders and artists.

Each month, the program will present  a new selection to be screened every day in a countdown to Midnight.  Creativity always has been at the forefront of the Times Square signs and their presence is now so integral to the identity of this iconic public space, that they are required within zoning regulations.  This level of signholder’s commitment to synchronize their daily programs to feature the artist work throughout the year is unparalled.  Every night in Times Square will feature a spectacular.

The preview during the month of April 2012 showcases Ori Gersht, a London based artist from Tel Aviv and an edited version of his 2006 filmBig Bang 01.

May 1, 2012 represents the official launch featuring the Robert WiIson Video Portraits. The series of work from this renowned American artist are HD video that blur time-based cinematography with the decisive moment of still photography.  For a few minutes, Times Square will feature a different potrait gallery of actors, artists, dancers, writers, athletes and animals.

Click Now Playing for the current program.

Click Proposals for the submission process.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: TimesSquareNYC.org

Fleet Landing photo and menu… (there’s nothing like a good menu)!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

I took this photo years ago when my husband and I went on a cruise with my parents. That was back when Norwegian Cruise Line departed out of Charleston. That was handy. We had a great time, caught the Little Black Taxi to the cruise terminal and were on our way for a week of rest and relaxation! When we were leaving Charleston I snapped this photo of Fleet Landing Restaurant. A great place if you’re visiting, it’s in the heart of the city, you can eat inside or out. On nice days there is nothing like eating on the water, even from inside a GREAT VIEW. Good view, friendly staff, not overly priced. Check out their menu!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: a balcony at the Island Inn, Monhegan Island, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments

Several years ago we stayed in a room at the Island Inn that had a balcony… it was a delight, sitting out there in your own chairs overlooking the most gorgeous view EVER! The room was nice, but much smaller (which is fine, we don’t spend much time in our room at all). We’ve tried all different rooms and all seem to be fabulous! This year we’ll be on the third floor, so that will be nice and quiet… and you get a bonus workout each time you walk the three flights to your room, ha ha… helps burn off all the tasty food… although it seems like all we do is hike, walk, well… and  e a t! This surprise shot showcases our little bag of treats on our porch… can’t remember what it was but i’m sure it was good!

Enjoy your Sunday… catch you back here tomorrow!