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San Francisco, California
Charles and I just spent a few days in San Francisco at the end of January. It is my favorite U.S. city – always has, always will be (sorry, New York). Whenever I touch down at SFO, I always feel a sense of returning home, even though I have never lived there. Contrary to the headlines that portray San Francisco as a dangerous wasteland of homelessness, I experienced a city alive with culture, food, and natural beauty – reaffirming the…
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Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast, California
After our stay in Napa, Charles and I were supposed to spend a few days on Lake Tahoe, but the multiple wildfires in the area thwarted our plans. As a last-minute alternative, we headed west to the Sonoma Coast, well away from the threat of wildfire smoke wreaking havoc on our eyes and lungs. While only 40 miles from Napa proper, the distance between is filled with several of those notorious California microclimates, making for a truly stunning drive. I…
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Pinnacle Gulch, Sonoma Coast, California
At the end of August, Charles and I embarked on our first trip by plane since the start of COVID. We flew to San Francisco and spent a week in Napa and on the Sonoma Coast followed by a few days in the city. I love traveling to California for so many reasons: the food, the wine, the weather, the endless variety of landscapes, and my favorite – the easy access to nature. On my list of things to do…
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Part 2)
Continuation from Cape Cod (Part 1) Charles and I love seafood. If you recall, it’s one of the key reasons why we chose Cape Cod – for its wealth of acclaimed seafood dining establishments. Avocet’s Nest did have a very nice kitchen, but after cooking every single meal for six months straight, we were both eager to dine out as much as we could during those seven days. I did do some research beforehand and catalogued a list of restaurants…
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Part 1)
Earlier this year, Charles and I had a two-week getaway planned to Spain and Portugal in honor of our 10-year anniversary, but, like most travel plans the world over, ours were canceled due to COVID. When the end of summer rolled around and it was deemed safe for Americans to travel domestically to regions with low case and hospitalization rates, Cape Cod seemed like the perfect destination: not too far from where we’re currently based in the Catskills; easy access…
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Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon
On a recent trip to Oregon, I had planned for us to visit Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock. As one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, it gained its fame for my generation in the opening scene of The Goonies, when the Fratellis are fleeing from the police. But that’s not the reason why I wanted to see it. I had heard that in low tide, you can walk right up to the 235-foot monolith to view clusters of bright…
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Solbar, Calistoga, California
Just a few weeks ago I had a phenomenal meal at Solbar, the premier restaurant at Solage Calistoga in Napa. Charles and I were staying on the other side of the Mayacamas in the charming Sonoma town of Glen Ellen. A bit less manicured than its neighbor to the east, we loved the vibe of Sonoma, but each of our inner gastronomes was craving a more elevated dining experience. Solbar offered the best of both worlds—an inventive menu paired with…
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Olea Hotel, Glen Ellen, California
If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful California wine country experience, then Sonoma is the place for you. Charles and I recently stayed at Olea Hotel in the sleepy albeit charming community of Glen Ellen, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Tucked away on a hillside studded with moss-strewn valley oak and rustic olive trees, Olea exudes tranquility and serenity. The hotel’s 12 rooms are spread out among several buildings scattered on the property, all connected by flagstone…
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Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, New York
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns as part of a friend’s milestone birthday celebration – and literally had the meal of a lifetime. I’d never experienced dining like this before! Everything from the food to the setting to the service was immaculate, resulting in a culinary experience akin to paradise on earth. Driving up to Blue Hill was an experience unto itself. Set within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, it’s…
