New Jersey has long been mocked for its unfortunately close proximity to the great New York City. Although I can not argue with New York's desirable nightlife, if it is a relaxing vacation you seek, Lavalette is as good as anywhere, without the masses of tourists. Lavalette is an old beach town with many of its original buildings still in tact along the boardwalk. Developers have recently been trying to renovate some of the old spaces in the town; however, the beautiful new additions to little to take from the beach-town charm.
Local's Food
Crab's Claw - The Crab's Claw is located in the lobby of an old hotel. The dazzling atmosphere compliments the delicious seafood. Try their fantastic apple crisp for desert!
Donatello's Pizzeria - Donatello's is sure to draw you with it's delicious smells and home-y feel. The pizza is New York style thin crust... but that doesn't mean anything to me. All you need to know is that Donatello's pizza is REALLY GOOD.
Local Attractions
Beautiful Beaches - Lavalette is known for it's gorgeous private beaches. With silky soft sand it will be hard to drag yourself into the water, but once you do, you won't be able to leave.
Lavalette Lagoons - New Jersey is famous for their lovely lagoons. Fishing and boating are popular water sports, although I wouldn't suggest swimming.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
24 Hours In New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the oldest and brightest towns America can offer the weary tourist. The town is full of life and music that echos over the classic cobblestone streets. While New Orleans was recently covering the news for rather negative news, the town will forever be known for its vivacious culture and wild parades.
Local's Food
Lee's Hamburgers - Lee's is a family owned and operated burger joint in one of the sweetest neighborhoods in New Orleans, Metarie. The atmosphere is almost as nice as the service and the burgers come hot and juicy with lots of flavor!
Cafe Du Mond - Located in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans, Cafe Du Mond is know for their traditional New Orleans Beignets. Make sure you sit and stay and soak in the jazz music floating in from the street.
Local Attractions
Crabbing - New Orleans is known for their beautiful bodies of water. Lake Ponchetrain is especially famous for their aquatic sports and fantastic crabbing. Crabbing is both a tradition and a fun taste of the New Orleans culture.
Local's Food
Lee's Hamburgers - Lee's is a family owned and operated burger joint in one of the sweetest neighborhoods in New Orleans, Metarie. The atmosphere is almost as nice as the service and the burgers come hot and juicy with lots of flavor!
Cafe Du Mond - Located in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans, Cafe Du Mond is know for their traditional New Orleans Beignets. Make sure you sit and stay and soak in the jazz music floating in from the street.
Local Attractions
Crabbing - New Orleans is known for their beautiful bodies of water. Lake Ponchetrain is especially famous for their aquatic sports and fantastic crabbing. Crabbing is both a tradition and a fun taste of the New Orleans culture.
24 Hours In Im Klosterli, Switzerland
Im Klosterli is a small province of Zürich's, Switzerland. It truly has a homey feel with children playing hockey in the street. Although the tourists tend to gravitate to the heart of Zürich, Im Klosterli really shows the true local side of Switzerland. If you want to see how the Swiss live, while still being in close proximity to many large tourist destinations, try Im Klosterli.
Local's Food
Migros - Migros is the Co-op grocery store and deli. Owned by the united co-op of Switzerland, they specialize in their pastries and personality. Some would say their Eccl air's are "god sent", personally I prefer the plain old Swiss chocolate. Nothing can compare.
Voselr - Volselr is the best bakery in town. The bread is crisp and somehow, always warm. If you have the chance, take a walk down by Voselr as early as possible. The charming scent wafts down to the end of the block.
Local Attractions
Im Klosterli Zoo - Being a native San Diegan, I have been spoiled by our World Famous Zoo. This is a close second, if not a hearty tie. One thing to see while you are there is the spectacular eel tank. There is a volt meter above the tank that measures the charge of the volts emitted by the eels behind the glass.
Local's Food
Migros - Migros is the Co-op grocery store and deli. Owned by the united co-op of Switzerland, they specialize in their pastries and personality. Some would say their Eccl air's are "god sent", personally I prefer the plain old Swiss chocolate. Nothing can compare.
Voselr - Volselr is the best bakery in town. The bread is crisp and somehow, always warm. If you have the chance, take a walk down by Voselr as early as possible. The charming scent wafts down to the end of the block.
Local Attractions
Im Klosterli Zoo - Being a native San Diegan, I have been spoiled by our World Famous Zoo. This is a close second, if not a hearty tie. One thing to see while you are there is the spectacular eel tank. There is a volt meter above the tank that measures the charge of the volts emitted by the eels behind the glass.
24 Hours In Catalina
Catalina is one of California's best kept secrets. The island has long been a destinations for Californians looking for a break. Now it's secrets are open to you! Just remember that there are no cars on the island. This creates both a slight hassle and a truly peaceful ambiance.
Local's Food
Avalon's Cafe - Avalon's is famous on the island for their spectacular soups. Its a quaint local's joint full of true Catalin-ians. The best part is that the cafe is only a block from the beach with a beautiful view of the water.
Isthmus Snack Bar - Located on the beach, it is easy to grab a great burger in between your walks on the beach or long summer days. Just watch out for the sand!
Local Attractions
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Catalina is known for its brightly colored fish and clear blue waters. Allow yourself to be immersed in another world and experience a beauty unseen by land-locked eyes.
http://www.catalinadiverssupply.com/ - Catalina Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Company
Relax - Catalina is above all a vacation spot. Use your time there to relax on the beach or in the waves.
Local's Food
Avalon's Cafe - Avalon's is famous on the island for their spectacular soups. Its a quaint local's joint full of true Catalin-ians. The best part is that the cafe is only a block from the beach with a beautiful view of the water.
Isthmus Snack Bar - Located on the beach, it is easy to grab a great burger in between your walks on the beach or long summer days. Just watch out for the sand!
Local Attractions
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Catalina is known for its brightly colored fish and clear blue waters. Allow yourself to be immersed in another world and experience a beauty unseen by land-locked eyes.
http://www.catalinadiverssupply.com/ - Catalina Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Company
Relax - Catalina is above all a vacation spot. Use your time there to relax on the beach or in the waves.
24 Hours In Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece is perhaps the most coveted tourist destination in our world. Whether you are attracted by the history, the culture, or the food, there is no doubt that you are at least a little interested in visiting Athens. There are zillions of tour books available, all promising you the best possible trip to Athens. I will do my best to provide you with a few more "must sees" for your list.
Local's Food
Gyro - I don't have a name for this place, but I do have the memory. Your tour bus will definitely take you to the Placa (See Attractions) and they will drop you off across the street from a large open area. As soon as they do, and you start your walk down the bustling street, look immediately to your right. Tucked into the wall is a brightly colored gyro stand. Best gyro of my life.
Local Attractions
The Acropolis - The Acropolis is famous for its history and beautiful expression of the Grecian culture. If you can, try to visit the Acropolis at night. It is only at night when you can see the lights that accompany the monument in the most lovely fashion.
The Placa - The Placa is the largest shopping district in Athens. The main drag is littered with expensive boutiques and classy department stores. If you travel a little further, however, you will find yourself in the heart of a maze of stands and huts. This is where you will find the treasures.
Local's Food
Gyro - I don't have a name for this place, but I do have the memory. Your tour bus will definitely take you to the Placa (See Attractions) and they will drop you off across the street from a large open area. As soon as they do, and you start your walk down the bustling street, look immediately to your right. Tucked into the wall is a brightly colored gyro stand. Best gyro of my life.
Local Attractions
The Acropolis - The Acropolis is famous for its history and beautiful expression of the Grecian culture. If you can, try to visit the Acropolis at night. It is only at night when you can see the lights that accompany the monument in the most lovely fashion.
The Placa - The Placa is the largest shopping district in Athens. The main drag is littered with expensive boutiques and classy department stores. If you travel a little further, however, you will find yourself in the heart of a maze of stands and huts. This is where you will find the treasures.
24 Hours In San Diego
Ahhh sunny San Diego! My home town! Although I would obviously not consider San Diego a vacation site, the millions of tourists that pour into the city constantly would probably say otherwise. Regardless of my jaded point of view, San Diego has a lot of spectacular things to offer, above and beyond our various themed parks.
Local's Food
Saffron- Saffron provides its guests with a multitude of delicious Thai choices including a rocks-your-socks peanut sauce and a spicy cucumber salad that is to-die-for.
http://www.saffronsandiego.com/location.html - Official Saffron Website
Bronx Pizza - Bronx Pizza is the one and only place in San Diego where you get flat crust pizza straight from the Bronx. The pizza is fast and delicious and a definite destination point.http://www.bronxpizza.com/ - Official Bronx Website
Local Attractions
Belmont Park - This park is home to one of the oldest roller coasters in the country. Though rickety and peeling, the thrill is just as true as it was when the coaster opened its cars in the early 1930s.
Del Mar Fair Grounds - There is never a weekend when the fair grounds are empty. Whether it's the annual scrapbooking fair, or the legendary Del Mar Fair, there is always fun to be found where the surf meet the turf.
Local's Food
Saffron- Saffron provides its guests with a multitude of delicious Thai choices including a rocks-your-socks peanut sauce and a spicy cucumber salad that is to-die-for.
http://www.saffronsandiego.com/location.html - Official Saffron Website
Bronx Pizza - Bronx Pizza is the one and only place in San Diego where you get flat crust pizza straight from the Bronx. The pizza is fast and delicious and a definite destination point.http://www.bronxpizza.com/ - Official Bronx Website
Local Attractions
Belmont Park - This park is home to one of the oldest roller coasters in the country. Though rickety and peeling, the thrill is just as true as it was when the coaster opened its cars in the early 1930s.
Del Mar Fair Grounds - There is never a weekend when the fair grounds are empty. Whether it's the annual scrapbooking fair, or the legendary Del Mar Fair, there is always fun to be found where the surf meet the turf.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
24 Hours In Assisi, Italy
Few think of Assisi when they think of Italy. In fact, few even knows that Assisi exists. Well allow me to enlighten you! Assisi is a small hillside village located in the Perugia province of Western Italy. Although the town is quaint, it is stuffed full of international and local religious culture that line the cobblestone roads. I recommend that tourists make sure their visit leaves time for the sunset, as the one that can be seen over the valley is one the most beautiful sites in our little world.
Local's Food
Hot Chocolate- The most magical memory I have of Assisi is sitting in a cramped cafe late at night with a slightly spicy hot chocolate and a few good friends.
Beware! Because Assisi is such a small tourist town, all of the tourist-traps are located on the main road in a very condensed fashion. Allow yourself to journey beyond the main drag and into the more residential parts of the village, here is where the best food is!
Local Attractions
Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi - This extremely famous basilica is both magnificently beautiful and surprisingly tourist friendly. With the exception of the swarming summer tourist seasons, this tourist destination is pleasently welcoming.
Rocca Maggiore - The town of Assisi is actually surrounded by three mideveal castles with adjoining walls that surround the village. Rocca Maggiore is the largest of the three and can be reached by an easy 20 minute walk up the side of the mountain. Although the walk may seem daunting, the view is worth it ten times again
Local's Food
Hot Chocolate- The most magical memory I have of Assisi is sitting in a cramped cafe late at night with a slightly spicy hot chocolate and a few good friends.
Beware! Because Assisi is such a small tourist town, all of the tourist-traps are located on the main road in a very condensed fashion. Allow yourself to journey beyond the main drag and into the more residential parts of the village, here is where the best food is!
Local Attractions
Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi - This extremely famous basilica is both magnificently beautiful and surprisingly tourist friendly. With the exception of the swarming summer tourist seasons, this tourist destination is pleasently welcoming.
Rocca Maggiore - The town of Assisi is actually surrounded by three mideveal castles with adjoining walls that surround the village. Rocca Maggiore is the largest of the three and can be reached by an easy 20 minute walk up the side of the mountain. Although the walk may seem daunting, the view is worth it ten times again
Thursday, January 22, 2009
24 Hours In New York City
The City That Never Sleeps, Gotham City, The Big Apple! Whatever it is, there is no doubt that New York City has made a name for itself around the world. While the hustle and bustle of big city life may not float everyone's boat, New York City has remained one of the most sought out tourist destinations in the continental U.S.. New York City spans over nearly 8,000 square miles, a fact many tourists would certainly find daunting. For any prospective travelers heading to Manhattan there are a few things that you must see and do before boarding your flight home.
Local's Food:
Grey's Papaya - You're in, and you're out. Just make sure you leave with hot dog in hand.
New York Magazine Restaurant Guide- http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/grays-papaya01/
Max Brenner - Chocolate. With three locations in Manhattan and hundreds worldwide they boast everything from classic chocolate fondue to chocolate pizza and a full chocolate menu.
Official Company Website- http://www.maxbrenner.com/
Local Attractions:
Ice Skating In Central Park (winter) - The magnificent lights of the upper east side are hardly as gorgeous as the park at night.
Official Rink Site- http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/main_wollman.htm
Coney Island Mermaid Parade (summer) - There is truly nothing more New York than this parade of mermaid-clad New Yorkers. With loads of county-fair style food and an array of carnival rides and games, the parade isn't the only attraction of the day.
Official Parade Site- http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml
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