Many of our family members live in Cumberland County Pennsylvania and we were looking for a fun family outdoor activity on “Black Friday” to avoid the stores. We chose the Army Heritage Trail since it is a flat, one mile trail that everyone in the family could easily tackle.
The Army Heritage Trail is located at the Carlisle Barracks, the second oldest active military base in the country. The trail consists of a one mile loop through 14 exhibits and artifacts highlighting every era of Army History. Many exhibits are interactive and allow you to step back in time as you walk through underground bunkers. mess halls, and watch towers. Larger artifacts like tanks and helicopters are also on display in this outdoor museum, providing an up close and personal view of the life of an Army soldier.
In addition to the outdoor Revolutionary War fort and the Civil War Cabins, there is also an indoor museum and education center which features exhibits through the eyes of service men and women, oral history recordings, a movie theater, and the opportunity to write a letter to a currently serving soldier. During the warmer months, outdoor reenactments are scheduled representing various eras of war. We had a great time strolling through history with the family, and learned a few things along the way too!
Helpful Information: The Army Heritage Trail is open from dawn until dusk. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash and picked up after. Walkers, Runners, and cyclists are all welcome.
Running, walking, biking, relaxing- Palisades Interstate Park provides a picture perfect backdrop for all activities. During the summer you will find boaters boarding their vessels at the marina, family picnics at the BBQ grills on the park grounds, or hikers enjoying the 30 miles of trails. The view from across the Hudson can be enjoyed from high up on the cliff or on the waterside paths. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the 2500 acres of park land! Trails are shaded in the summertime and from time to time you can catch some wildlife wandering about. Waterfalls will surprise you around various corners but the view of the George Washington Bridge is among the most beautiful scenes. My favorite time to visit is in the fall- the park is fairly quiet and the foliage is breathtaking. Get out in nature and clear your mind at Palisades Interstate Park!
Helpful Tips: This park is just on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge, making it an easy trip from NYC. Parking is free from Labor Day to Memorial Day. There is a pavilion at Ross Dock with bathrooms and vending machines.
Fun Facts: Palisades Interstate Park is a National Historic Landmark and the Palisades Cliffs are a National Natural Landmark. Illustrated talks can be given if arranged in advance to provide information about the park, the history and the wild life.
For more information, trail maps, parking information, park events and more, visit www.njpalisades.org.
George Washington Bridge from Palisades Interstate ParkRoss Dock Entrance of Palisades Interstate ParkFall Foliage Palisades Interstate Park
Having a gluten allergy, I am always looking for allergy friendly restaurants. This gem on the back streets of Hoboken was a great find. Located between Newark and 1st on Grand, you can stop by for a coffee to go or sit at one of the tables to enjoy a full breakfast or lunch (outdoor seating also available). There are many gluten free options available on the menu, including a variety of gluten free pancakes, gluten free crepes, and gluten free arepa sandwiches. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing. Make this your next stop for breakfast or lunch!
My Gluten Free Menu pick:
Italian Arepa: Gluten Free cornbread Arepa with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Greens, Prosciutto, and Pesto.
There is plenty to see and do in this Pacific Northwest city. We didn’t see it all but here are some of the highlights.
The Space Needle
It’s the most iconic structure in the Seattle skyline, so it only makes sense to start with The Space Needle. Built in city center in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle towers above the streets below. A ticket to the Space Needle offers an elevator climb that lands you 520 feet in the air with sweeping 360 degree views of the Emerald City and Mount Rainier. The top of the Space Needle is also home to SkyCity, the world’s oldest revolving restaurant, complete with a glass floor. We did not have the opportunity to dine here, but if you find a few free moments, I recommend at least stopping by for a drink!
Helpful Information: Upon turning in our CityPass ticket, we still had to schedule a time to visit the Space Needle (scheduling times helps control crowds). We scheduled our time and then went to Chihuly Garden and Glass right next door. By the time we were finished at Chihuly, it was time for the our Space Needle tour. I hope this helps to maximize your time!
View from The Space NeedleBeautiful morning view of the Puget Sound from the Space Needle
Underground Tour
Under the streets of Pioneer Square, there are passageways and basements that were once the ground level storefronts in mid 19th century Seattle. In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire destroyed 31 blocks of the city. Prior to the fire, Pioneer Square often flooded. To improve the city after the fire, they rebuilt 2 stories higher. Life had to go on for merchants during the months that it took to rebuild so businesses reopened in their original spaces, at the original street grade, and used ladders to climb onto to the new streets above to come and go. Glass inserts were built into the new sidewalks (and still exist today) to provide light below. By 1907, all merchants had moved their businesses to the “new ground level” and the underground was shut down. A small portion was restored by a local citizen by the name of Bill Speidel in 1965. Today the underground can be toured with “Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour”. Guides lead you through the underground passageways and provide you with history, witty banter, and humorous stories.
Helpful Information: The tour begins below Doc Maynard’s Pub. Food and drinks are available before and/or after your tour. There is a special package priced to include lunch and the tour if you choose. The walking tour lasts about 75 minutes. Reservations/ticket purchase is recommended ahead of time. Tours start on the hour. Hours vary by season.
Kerry Park is a small park on the South slope of Queen Anne Hill, located at the corner of Second Avenue and West Highland Drive. The reason to visit Kerry Park? THE VIEW! The 1.26 acre spot offers an all encompassing view of downtown Seattle, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier. The view at sunset is stunning and worth the trip.
Helpful Information: If you are driving, go early. There is only street parking and due to the popularity of this sunset view, parking becomes scarce quickly. The surrounding neighborhood is safe and filled with large gorgeous homes that have daily access to the one-of-a-kind Seattle view.
View from Kerry Park: Downtown Seattle and Mount RainierSunset view from Kerry Park
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
This one hour cruise on Elliot Bay is part of the “CityPass” and provides dazzling views of the Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. The boat crew offers history and fun facts about Seattle and if you are lucky they will help you spot seasonal wildlife. Orcas are known to be spotted in Elliot Bay.
The Harbor Cruise is not the only benefit to Pier 55. There are nearby shops, restaurants, pubs, and perhaps most notably Seattle’s Great Wheel, a large Ferris wheel with enclosed air conditioned capsules that offer a vantage point from high in the sky.
Helpful Information: If you are using CityPass for the harbor cruise, reservations must be made in person at the ticket booth on Pier 55. Non CityPass reservations can be made online or via phone. A full service cash bar is on board, offering beer, wine, and cocktails.
The Great Wheel is said to be a perfect place to watch the sunset, but be aware that many people have the same idea so it may get crowded.
Pier 55 is located at 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA. For more information on the Argosy Harbor Cruise, visit www.argosycruises.com. For more information on The Great Wheel, visit www.thegreatwheel.com
Argosy Harbor Cruise Seattle View from the Harbor CruiseThe Great Wheel on Pier 57
Ballard Locks
Ballard Locks is on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is a complex of locks at the west end of Salmon Bay in the Lake Washington Ship Canal. What are the Ballard Locks? The Ballard Locks help to move vessels from Lake Washington to the Puget Sound without allowing the freshwater to mix with the saltwater. After vessels enter the locks, fresh water drains from the lock via drainage valves that close once the water has emptied. Different drains open to allow saltwater from the Puget Sound into the lock until water pressure is equal on both sides of the gate. At this point, the lock opens and the vessels are free to cruise into the Sound. It is a process that is quite fascinating to witness.
The fish ladder is also located in the Ballard Locks complex. Salmon hatch in fresh water (Lake Washington) but mature in seawater (Puget Sound). After swimming in the saltwater for 2-6 years, they migrate back to freshwater to spawn. The fish ladder was created to help the salmon to safely pass around the locks during migration. If you visit Ballard Locks between June and September, you will have the pleasure of witnessing this!
Helpful Information: Free tours are given at the Locks daily, except in December, January, and February. The Visitor’s Center’s hours vary by season, so check the website before traveling. There is also 7 acres of Botanical Gardens in the complex. Picnic lunches are allowed but no food is sold onsite. Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a leash. The Locks themselves close for 2 weeks in March and November for maintenance.
Salmon Migrating through the Fish Ladder at Ballard Locks
Seattle Sports
Seattle has had some real powerhouses in sports in the last several years. Two of their biggest stadiums sit adjacent to one another, joined by a parking deck. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can catch the Mariners or the Seahawks in action. Go 12s!
CenturyLink Field: Home of the Seattle SeahawksSafeco Field: Home of the Seattle Mariners
Like amazing art, Seattle is filled with some pretty tasty food too. These establishments will get your mouth salivating and your tummy growling.
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Molly’s is a Seattle based homemade ice cream shop that partners with local farmers and producers for high quality local ingredients to craft the finest ice cream in Washington. The first time we walked in, they were still hand making the waffle cones. This means my decadent dairy treat was served in a waffle cone that was STILL WARM. O.M.G. I didn’t eat the rest of the day but it was worth it.
If their ice cream wasn’t enough to make you feel happy inside, you should know that Molly Moon’s gives 1% of all sales to local food banks and the Anna Banana Milk Fund. They also donate 3200 scoops of ice cream per year to local non-profits and school programs. On top of that, 100% of the products used in their shops are compostable. So there you have it…eating Molly Moon’s is good for the community AND the environment! There are 8 locations in and around Seattle so stop by and feed your sweet tooth!
For information on locations and hours visit their website at www.mollymoon.com
Biscuit Bitch
Biscuit Bitch is a must visit for breakfast in Seattle! You have to get there early because there will be a line but it moves fast and it’s worth it! The owner, Kimmie Spice, has cooked up unique and scrumptious biscuit creations including “The Canadian Bitch” with maple peanut butter and bacon, or “The Smokin’ Hot Bitch” with a biscuit and gravy smothered in cheese and topped with a grilled Louisiana Hot Link and jalapenos, bringing some southern style to the State of Washington. Don’t let this one slip off your list. Bring your appetite.
I’m sorry there are no food pictures, apparently it was so good the camera didn’t make it fast enough!
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is like a Food Mecca, a foodie’s paradise. All the gourmet eats one could ask for is gathered on one street through the heart of the Historic District. From Farmer’s Markets to Spices to the Fish Market and beyond, you can eat your way through Pike Place.
We may be jaded after seeing a Starbucks on every other corner in every major city, but the one located at Pike Place is special. It’s the first location that opened back in 1971, starting what has become a Seattle coffee craze.
Beecher’s Homemade Cheese
The glass kitchen walls in Beecher’s offer a clear view of the cheesemaking process. You can watch from the sidewalk or inside the store but be sure to drop in to try some of their signature cheeses. Beecher’s is located at Pike Place Market, next door to the original Starbucks. For more information, visit their website at www.beechershomemadecheese.com
Prior to our visit we were unaware of the art that the city of Seattle holds in her belly. From Olympic Sculpture Park to Chihuly Garden and Glass, here is a list of some of our favorite art in Seattle:
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a unique collection of blown glass sculptures by the artist Dale Chihuly. Extravagant glass flowers, chandeliers, and sea life are amongst some of his magnificent works displayed at this Seattle Museum. Inside the museum you can find some of his more delicate pieces, while outside you will find glass “plants” mixed in with live gardens. This is a must see in Seattle.
Tips: We attended first thing in the morning, before it became crowded and were able to get an up close view of the attention to detail that was put into these wonders.
This is part of the Seattle “City Pass”. It is next door to the Space Needle. I would recommend stopping by the Space Needle to schedule your time, and then head to Chihuly.
In 1990, the space now occupied by the Fremont Troll was quickly becoming a dumping ground and a dangerous drug hang out. The Fremont Art Council launched a competition to help rehabilitate this declining spot. Four local artists won and built the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge. They used recycled goods to help complete the statue, including a hubcap for his eye, and an old Volkswagen Beetle, which can be found in the clutches of the troll’s left hand. The Fremont Troll is now a popular tourist attraction and you can visit the statue for unique photo opportunities.
The Fremont Troll, under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9 acre open waterfront park owned and maintained by the Seattle Art Museum. It is Seattle’s biggest green space and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. Both permanent and temporary installations call this park home throughout the year. It’s 2,200 foot zigzagging path allows visitors to walk, run, bike, skateboard, or rollerblade through as they spend as much or as little time with the art as they want. You can take a break on a small area of beach where you can dip your feet into Elliot Bay or reflect on the art you’ve seen.
Helpful Information: The park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. Admission is free. Pets are allowed on a 6 foot leash. Smoking is prohibited. For more information visit www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
The Gum Wall
I am not sure that this qualifies as art, but we will go with it. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a wall filled with chewing gum in an alleyway under Pike Place Market. The tradition started in 1990 when people were waiting in line for the theater in the alleyway; they would stick their gum and a penny to the wall. It became a regular act and today attracts thousands of tourists who leave their mark on the Market Theatre Gum Wall. Some people create a design with their gum, some spell out their names, or some just simply add to the collection. Either way, when you visit, look don’t touch!
Seattle Street Art
There is a lot of art floating around the city- on piers, on light posts, on buildings. There is always something pretty to see if you keep your eyes open. We will leave you with a small sample of Seattle city art! Enjoy the beauty of Seattle!
Southern Italians have been hand making fresh mozzarella since Roman times. This mild cheese was originally made from the rich milk of water buffalos in Naples. It was created when cheese curds accidentally fell into a bowl of hot water in a cheese factory, thus, Fresh mozzarella was born, or “mootz” as it is so lovingly called. Today, fresh mozzarella is found in most grocery stores or food outlets. However, like with all things, quality plays a role.
I have had my fair share of Fresh Mozzarella in my life, including in Italy itself, however few to none compare to Vinnie’s Mootz in Lyndhurst, NJ. Vinnie Morelli, the Fresh Mozzarella Chef at Vinnie’s Mootz, spent his summers in Italy as a child. This is where his mother and grandmother taught him how to make the perfect mozzarella that he sells today in his Lyndhurst store. Vinnie is a winner of Hoboken’s “Mutzfest” for homemade recipe. He combines high quality ingredients with the perfect amount of love and time, creating the yummiest, creamiest most delicious mozzarella this side of Italy.
Vinnie sells basic fresh mozzarella, as well as his specialties including burrata (to die for!!!), and his signature “Spicy Mootz” which is sundried tomatoes and sriracha sauce rolled into his fresh mozzarella, making a flavorful combination of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. For the fall season he has cooked up a special pumpkin burrata, with just a subtle hint of pumpkin creaminess. Other specialties include strawberry burrata, pepperoni mozzarella, and roasted peppers and prosciutto mozzarella. If you love mozzarella (and who doesn’t??), you need to make time in your day to drop by Vinnie’s Mootz. It’s the only place we purchase our Mozzarella and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Vinnie also holds mozzarella making classes on Monday nights (by appt). For more information, visit the website below. Happy cheese eating!
If you have ever been in or around NYC during the New York City Marathon, you know that this is a citywide party, a celebration, a recognition of what the human body, heart and mind is capable of. The New York City Marathon was started in 1970 by its founder, Fred Lebow. He guided 55 participants through Central Park, completing the 26.2 mile marathon distance. By 1976, he had racked up 2,090 participants and took the marathon to all 5 boroughs. Fred continued to grow the race each year. In 1992, just in remission from brain cancer, Fred ran the race again and finished in 5:32:34. Just before the event’s 25th anniversary, Fred succumbed to his brain cancer. Today, over 50,000 runners take to the streets of NYC the first Sunday of every November to honor Fred and those who have paved the way before them, and to test their will, their endurance, their guts.
The course begins in Staten Island at the mouth of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. You can’t help the excitement that wells up inside you as you turn the corner and see the bridge come into sight. The starting line is barricaded with NYPD, FDNY, and military members saluting you and sending you off on your 26.2 mile journey. After the Star Spangled Banner plays, cannons thunder to signal the start. Frank Sinatra is singing “New York, New York” in the loud speaker and NYPD helicopters are sounding their sirens on both sides of the bridge, their way of wishing you good luck. For a moment, it all seems surreal.
Adrenaline takes you quickly over the bridge for the first mile as you come into the streets of Brooklyn. If the weather on marathon day is nice, there are 2-3 million spectators cheering you on throughout the course. Brooklyn, in particular, feels like one big block party. There is a moment of calm and quiet when you cross over the Queensboro Bridge, but when you reach the end, there is a whole new crowd screaming your name or your bib number, reminding you of how capable you are to finish, and what an awesome experience you are having. None of this compares to the feeling you have when you are coming up the hill on 5th Avenue for the 23rd mile, feeling like it will never end, and you enter Central Park where the sidelines are flooded with people screaming to you that you are so close to the finish line you can taste it. After you make your way onto Central Park South for the final stretch of NYC street you will see of this race, you can see the entrance to the park, the final .2 miles until your destination, the finish line you have been waiting to see since January when you committed to the marathon. When the finish line comes within view, something deep inside you, something made of sheer will, propels you forward making your numb legs move faster than they have the whole race. There are no good words to describe the emotions you experience during this journey but the best I can say is that at this point, you become flooded with both relief and sadness that it’s almost over, pride in your accomplishment, faith in human nature, the excitement from the energy the city emits, the pain in your limbs, the hunger in your belly, and finally the tears of satisfaction as you take your final step onto the last tracking strip- THE FINISH LINE.
There are very few things in life that are as emotional or as exhilarating as finishing a marathon, and there is no marathon like the New York City Marathon. It is bigger than just running a race or checking off your bucket list. It is a demonstration of citizens from around the world – runners from 130 different countries- inspiring a city full of people to come together and cheer on 50,000 complete strangers, proving that the human spirit is very much alive and well.
For more information on the NYC Marathon, or for details on how to enter, visit www.tcsnycmarathon.org
Griffey’s Great Adventure is back for another #GGA5daygetaway. This month’s spotlight will be on Washington State, specifically Seattle and the surrounding suburbs.
It’s no wonder they call it “The Emerald City”. The drive into Seattle is surrounded by green and lush scenery. We were lucky enough to have beautiful sunny days and did not experience the “Seattle Mist”. The skyline is as beautiful as any with the iconic space needle at its center. From art to food to greenery, this piece of the Pacific Northwest quickly became one of our favorites.
Seattle skyline from Kerry Park
Since it was our first time in Seattle, we wanted to be sure to see as much as possible in the short time we were there so we purchased the Seattle “CITY PASS”, which grants you access to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, the Museum of Pop Culture OR Woodland Park Zoo, and Chihuly Garden and Glass OR Pacific Science Center. This can be purchased online or at the attractions themselves. We purchased ours in advance. Note that the CITY PASS is only good for 9 days once you use the first ticket. CITY PASS is worth it if you are planning to visit all the listed attractions. They are currently selling for $89.00 (USD) and you can get yours at www.citypass.com.
The River Palm Terrace in Edgewater has been THE top Bergen County, NJ steakhouse since 1983 and is visited by celebrities and locals alike on a nightly basis. With an old school, elegant vibe and white table cloths The River Palm is perfect for a romantic date with a shared Porterhouse for 2, dinner with the guys to share the Tomahawk Steak, or a girl’s night with sake and world class sushi (I’ve heard the chef’s special rolls are the best!).
If it isn’t the food that brings you back, the service will. The staff rolls out the red carpet to guarantee that you have an exceptional experience. The servers are well educated and able to provide in depth information from the wine list to the steak cuts to the cooking styles. Steaks are prime and dry aged in the restaurant.
The River Palm Terrace has won many awards over the years, including “Top 50 steakhouses in America”, “Best of Bergen County” (multiple years), and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” (multiple years), just to name a few. While the Edgewater location is the original, they have expanded their business to Mahwah and Fair Lawn as well. Reservations are recommended and Valet parking is complimentary. You can visit The River Palm Terrace of Edgewater at:
