April 30, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari; things to do

Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari  

At Cape May Inlet Marina, departure area varies, (609) 884-3100.  Daily at 10am, 1:30pm, & 6pm.  $28, under 12 $15.  Reservations suggested. 

egret spotted on Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari in Cape May, New Jersey
egret spotted on Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari in Cape May, New Jersey


Tour some wilderness back bays with Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari in the Cape May Wildlife Refuge on this low-key, two-hour guided excursion into the marshes via covered flat-bottom boat.  Binoculars are provided, and the bird watching is excellent.  At this major migration stopover, owner/guide Captain Ginny Powell says, “We never know who’s coming in and who’s coming out.”  Among the birds you might see are laughing gulls (the largest breeding colony in the world is here June through September). 

Forbes sea star on hand during Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari at Cape May, New Jersey
Forbes sea star on hand during Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari
at Cape May, New Jersey

 
Sea life is brought on board for inspection—perhaps you’ll see a Knob welk (the state shell) or a Forbes sea star or both!  Ginny’s husband is the other half of the team, and together they make a humorous and knowledgeable couple. 



More information about Cape May.


images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 28, 2014

Big Island, Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; things to do

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park  

On Hwy. 11, 30 mi. SW of Hilo, (808) 985-600. 

ceremonial offering to Pele at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island
ceremonial offering to Pele at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island


The Visitor Center schedules informative ranger-led nature walks that will teach you about the legend of Pele, the beautiful fire goddess whose anger is said to cause the island’s volcanoes to erupt (you’ll also learn how to avoid the bad luck believed to be attached to volcanic rocks).  The Junior Ranger program operates here for children ages 5 through 12. 

Don’t miss the 11.3-mile Loop Drive along Crater Rim Road around the huge, otherworldly Kilauea Caldera (descriptive maps are available at the Visitor Center).  Several stops along this road are particularly worthwhile and fun with kids--Kipuka Puaulu Bird Park has a pleasant 1-mile nature trail that leads past an extensive collection of labeled native plants, and Devastation Trail offers a half-mile boardwalk path through a skeleton forest created by a prior eruption.  The Thurston Lava Tube, a naturally formed tunnel, measures an extraordinary 450 feet long and is located in a lush tropical rain forest known as the Fern Jungle.  Also within this park, the 13,680-foot-high Mauna Loa volcano, measuring 75 miles by 64 miles, is the largest mountain on Earth. 



More things to do on the Big Island.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 25, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: Victorian Lace Inn; hotel review

Victorian Lace Inn  

901 Stockton Ave./Jefferson, (609) 884-1772.  Pets ok.  

exterior of Victorian Lace Inn in Cape May, New Jersey
exterior of Victorian Lace Inn in Cape May, New Jersey


This all-suite 1869 Colonial Revival mansion known as the Victorian Lace Inn drips with gingerbread trim and is well located to the beach, the beachfront promenade, and the gathering spot that is the popular Washington Street outdoor mall.  It’s a bit like grandma’s house remembered or imagined, with hand-crocheted bedspreads, natural wood floors, and plenty of that namesake lace covering its windows.  Louvered doors front solid doors allowing in a breeze, and on most days an expansive breakfast is served in sight of the ocean on an enormous wrap-around front porch. 



More information about Cape May.


image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 23, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: The Grand Hotel; hotel review

The Grand Hotel  

1045 Beach Ave., (800) 257-8550, (609) 884-5611.  Indoor & outdoor heated pool; indoor hot tub; outdoor heated kiddie pool; fitness center.  No pets. 

view from room 409 at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey
view from room 409 at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey


Though The Grand Hotel is situated just across the street from the ocean, it is a goodly distance from the downtown mall area.  It is grand in the sense that it is the largest hotel south of Atlantic City, but it has more of an air of a small and cozy lodging.  And because it is in the process of getting a needed refurbishment, room quality varies.  The consensus is that a remodeled guest room in the main building is most desirable, and oceanfront is best. 

E.M. Hemingway's Prime Steaks & Seafood Restaurant 

serves tasty meals on the ground floor and features a busy bar.  Weekend breakfast and lunch, and daily dinner is served here.




More information about Cape May.

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 21, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: Inn at the Park; hotel review

1002 Washington St., (609) 884-8406.  6 rooms.  Some fireplaces.  Breakfast; afternoon wine & appetizers. 

exterior of Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey
exterior of Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey


This small Victorian B&B abuts Madison Avenue Park (with a pond, barbecue facilities, and 14 tennis courts), is just a few doors down from the Emlen Physick Estate, and is a pleasant 4-block walk from the downtown mall.  The Inn at the Park is a homey kind of place, where you can sit on the front porch with a cup of coffee and chat with other guests.  Claims to fame include owner Jay’s breakfast estrata and the fact that author Azar Nafisi finished writing Reading Lolita in Tehran on the front porch.  It can get warm here, so the choice of using either AC or a ceiling fan is nice, and when the weather cools some rooms have fireplaces.  A sit-down breakfast takes place in the formal dining room, where guests mingle and indulge in owner-chef Jay’s delicious offerings.

breakfast china at Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey
breakfast china at Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey


Co-owner Mary Ann takes pride in displaying her grandmother’s wedding picture over the fireplace and in using her antique English china for the breakfast settings.



More information about Cape May.


images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 18, 2014

Photo Gallery--UNESCO sites, historic monuments, and architectural wonders

Travel bloggers share their favorite UNESCO, historical, and architectural sites


You might want to add some of these to your own bucket list.  My contribution is Israel’s ancient port city of Akko, which was once the capital of St. Jean d’Acre, an ancient Crusader kingdom.  Though Napoleon tried, he was unable to conquer it in 1799.  Today, the old walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

waterfront at Akko in Israel
waterfront at Akko in Israel

This is my blog post about Akko.


More photo galleries.

More UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Things to do in Jerusalem.

More ideas for exploring the Middle East.


image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 16, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Temple Bar District; things to do

The Temple Bar District is party central, 

with hip boutiques, galleries, and clubs.  Many of the medieval cobbled streets are car-free. 

Comet Records in Dublin, Ireland
Comet Records in Dublin, Ireland

The Temple Bar Pub

47/48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, +353 1 672 5286/7. 


A local told me, “I love heading here on a Saturday afternoon to meet loads of travelers, have a beer, and listen to some lively traditional Irish music.”  Food service includes fresh oysters and sandwiches.  This pub has Ireland’s largest whiskey collection, and Irish Coffee is a specialty, plus you can get some fresh air in the back beer garden.

The Temple Bar Pub in Dublin, Ireland
The Temple Bar Pub in Dublin, Ireland



Webcams focused on this and another pub in Dublin.

More things to do in Dublin.

More information about Ireland.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 14, 2014

Roam with the buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Roam with the buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming


I was visiting Yellowstone a while back, enjoying snowmobiling through the
snowy expanses when I found myself lagging behind. I decided to just stop and enjoy the scenery and silence while the gang speed off. I found myself hanging with some buffalo and noticed that some of the babies were nursing. They ignored me and went about their business and I was itching to get some photographs, but I was reluctant to rock the boat with the activity and noise that would involve. So I didn’t get any pictures, but I do have images in my brain that I treasure. This is a photo I took on old-fashioned film when the buffalo started moving.

buffalo in snow at Yellowstone National Park
buffalo in snow at Yellowstone National Park



More things to do in Wyoming.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image c2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

April 11, 2014

Solvang, California: Chomp Burgers, Fries, and Shakes; restaurant review

Chomp Burgers, Fries, and Shakes  

1693 Mission Dr., (805) 688-7733.  No reservations. 

root beer float at Chomp Burgers, Fries, and Shakes in Solvang, CA
root beer float at Chomp Burgers, Fries, and Shakes in Solvang, CA


For a quick break from everything Danish, head to this all-American burger spot situated behind the Little Mermaid fountain.  (This is a half-size model of the Copenhagen Little Mermaid and was made by the same foundry.  The grandfather of Chomp owner Aaron Peterson shipped it here long ago and placed it here in 1975.)  Featuring a diner vibe with metallic tabletops, comfy booths, and a counter with swivel chairs, this spacious cheery spot serves up juicy burgers on exceptional buns plus crispy fries and onion rings.  The hula burger and tri-tip sandwich are popular, and shakes and floats and tiny little donuts are also available. 




image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 9, 2014

Solvang, California: Special Shops; things to do

Special Shops in Solvang, California

Edelweiss  

1692 Copenhagen Dr., (805) 686-4671.  Though the brick exterior is charming, it does not prepare you for the amazing and exciting collections displayed throughout inside—elaborate hats perfect for a wedding, collectible dolls and children’s tea sets, adult tea pots and fine-china cups, silver charms, tiaras, and much, much more.

cuckoo clocks at Hanson's Clock Shop in Solvang, CA
cuckoo clocks at Hanson's Clock Shop in Solvang, CA


Hanson’s Clock Shop  

467 Alisal Rd., (800) 939-5426.  Cuckoos go cuckoo here on the hour.  The collection is vast and includes rhythm clocks and cat clocks, not to mention elaborate beer steins.  

Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society thrift shop in Solvang, CA
Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society thrift shop in Solvang, CA


Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society  

393 Alisal Road, (805) 686-9521.  W-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-3, M 10-2, closed Tu.  Purchases from this small shop help the area’s needy animals. 

House of Treasures Thrift Shop  

393 Alisal Rd., (805) 686-9521.  Also benefiting the humane society, this larger shop is just across the street.  I purchased a darling painted tin giraffe Christmas ornament marked down from $1 to 50 cents!



image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 7, 2014

Solvang, California: Old Mission Santa Ines; things to do

Santa Ines

(#19)  1760 Mission Dr., in Solvang. 

bell tower at mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA
bell tower at mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA


Founded in 1804 and located in a rustic setting about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara, mission Santa Ines is referred to as the "hidden gem."  Fully restored, it has hand-painted murals and lovely gardens where you can rest for a while and enjoy the sounds of chirping birds.  It has a bell tower and a museum with a notable collection of vestments, church records, and missals.  You can activate a recording that explains the artifacts you are viewing in each exhibit room.  My favorite room is the Madonna Chapel, where depictions of the Black Madonna and the Virgin of Guadalupe are among the artworks.  The mission has always been an active Catholic Church and holds public Mass in the tiny church.




image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 4, 2014

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Irish Pub; restaurant review

St. James Place/Boardwalk, (609) 344-9063. 

With low, ornate tin ceilings and a warm, cozy atmosphere, this Irish-style pub is open around the clock (police and fireman customers keep it safe).  You can get plenty of munchies—buffalo chicken wings, steak fries, onion rings—to go with your Guinness or black-and-tan, as well as more substantial Jersey crab cakes, fish & chips, and burgers.  The Irish Pub has rooms  available upstairs, where you’ll find a long balcony featuring a line of rocking chairs . . . and where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe are said to have lodged long ago.


image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

April 2, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: O’Neill’s Bar & Restaurant; restaurant review

O’Neill’s Bar & Restaurant  

2 Suffolk St., Dublin 2, (01) 679-3656.  Food daily from 8am-10:30pm. 

Located down a side street off Grafton Street and just around the corner from Trinity College, the O’Neill’s Bar & Restaurant pub has been here for more than 300 years!  It must be Dublin central, because I was always going by it.  It looks and feels like a pub should, with plenty of cozy alcoves and snugs to tuck away in, and there is no fee for the traditional Irish music scheduled here nightly.  A carvery dishes up sandwiches and dinner, and a proper Guinness comes in a choice of the old or new glass style.  Try the popular fresh oysters, corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew, Guinness beef stew, fish & chips, and baked potatoes with a choice of fillings.  A Baileys Irish coffee or a hot whiskey makes the perfect ending.  All this and a heated roof-top beer garden, several smoking areas, and the largest selection of Irish craft beers in Dublin, too!  A full Irish breakfast is served each morning.












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