Discover Beauty and Peace at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
On a clear Tuesday morning not too long ago, I was let in on a secret.
Under the shade of Eastern Parkway I pushed Ohm. He sang Row Row Row Your Boat on loop as we set out for a day of adventure in Prospect Park. The wheels of his massive red stroller handled the uneven gaps in the sidewalk with ease. Past the Brooklyn Library we rambled, approaching Prospect Park when something caught my attention.
Out of the corner of my left eye, I noticed a string of diaper bag laden nanny's pushing strollers through the open gates of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
What's this? I thought to myself as I followed, creeping curiously towards the gate. Then I saw the sign Free admission on Tuesdays until noon! Our plans were suddenly and serendipitously changed as we too entered the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
It turns out that trees aren't the only things that grow in Brooklyn. The botanic garden is home to several thousand species of plants, flowers, herbs, trees, shrub and wildlife.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located off of Grand Army Plaza, between Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Library. If you're planning a trip to Brooklyn, you can tackle all three of these wonderful landmarks.
The Garden has three entrances:
150 Eastern Parkway 455 Flatbush Avenue 990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225
Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays
The Brooklyn Waterfront: A Photo Essay
For a quick escape from the daily hustle and grind of the city, a retreat to the Brooklyn waterfront may be in order.
What are you waiting for? The next time you're in New York, stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the waterfront!
Harlem, New York- A Photo Essay
Before I settled in Brooklyn, I was a Harlem girl.
Harlem, is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in Manhattan. Despite all of the changes and growth, it's still a "neighborhood." Harlem is a place where people will still take the time to acknowledge you with a greeting, a rare Manhattan place where neighbors know each other by name, for the most part that is.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Harlem while attending the Blogging While Brown conference hosted at the Schomburg Center. Many things have changed since I lived here- for instance, Harlem is about to get a Whole Foods grocery store! Many things have also stayed the same- the relaxed pace of life (in comparison to the rest of Manhattan), the easy smiles.
Have you been to Harlem? What were your impressions?
New York Watering Holes You Don't Want to Miss!
There is a loud pop. The band stops playing and a collective gasp is heard. At the staircase a crowd is gathering. By the bar, a man lays motionless; a circle of blood pools beneath his head. A petite woman collapses in a plume of red feathers, sobbing, howling as she pounds her fists on the body.
"Santori," She screams, black mascara tracks line her face.
"My cousin just killed my husband!"
An angry buzz fills the air. Actors scurry to the bar as patrons relax into their seats. The second scene is off to a dramatic start. Sipping my jalapeno infused vodka and bitters drink from a white porcelain teacup, I allow myself to enter the world of the play. The band plays the old New Orleans standard St. James Infirmary as the body is marched through the bar.
Not your typical bar experience? In New York, there is no such thing.
In a city that goes above and beyond, bars are no exception. In New York, you can expect to be taken on a journey, whether that journey is back in time to the roaring twenties, to the garden for a farm to drink herbal infused cocktail or on a sensual trip to Italy via her finest wines.
Here's where to go for a memorable New York bar experience:
9 Doyers St
New York, NY 10038
In a dark alley in Chinatown, through a small unmarked door, you'll find Apotheke. Enter to be transported to "Old New York." Behind the bar, along the exposed brick wall highlighted by candlelight, you'll find apothecary jars, herbs, bitters and a variety of liquors. Bartenders dressed in suspenders, vests or lab coats, mix, measure, whip and blend their creations. You've heard of farm to table, but have you embraced the concept of farm to bar? Here, organic herbs are infused into drinks with formulaic and medicinal precision. Broken down into categories such as stimulants, aphrodisiacs, stress relievers, pain killers, and euphoric enhancers, the menu is reminiscent of an old apothecary.
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10026
Earl Grey infused gin? Whisky with herbal essences? Inspired by Almack’s Dance Hall, one of the first black owned bars in Harlem, 67 Orange Street is a hip central Harlem staple. 67 evokes the feel of the Harlem Renaissance. It is a small intimate speakeasy, the perfect bar for a quiet night out with your artsy friends. Be daring and ask the mixologist what drink they're working on and give the off-menu options a try. We sipped a dark chocolate margarita inspired cocktail infused with jalapeno peppers. So good.
98 Rivington Street at Ludlow
New York, NY 10002
Rustic and cozy, Inoteca is a classic wine bar (and restaurant) on the LES. The wine list carries over 500 varieties, you can't go wrong here. Inoteca is where I first discovered Lambrusco during a slow post-brunch wine break. With a ceiling to floor window wall facing Ludlow, this is the perfect spot for people watching, or if you're in the mood for privacy, head downstairs to the wine cellar, where you can relax around aromatic wooden tables with family, friends and a bottle or glass of your favorite vino.
The Back Room
102 Norfolk (near Delancey St) New York, NY 10002
Walk down a flight of stairs, crouch through a small wooden door that leads into an alleyway, walk up the fire escape and in through the small door and you've arrived at The Back Room. Come prepared to play. There's dinner theatre and there's the speakeasy bar theatre experience at the Back Room. Conjure up your finest Gatsby era attire and rub shoulders with ghosts of New York's prohibition past. Sip drinks out of teacups as you do the Charleston to a live brass band, take in a burlesque show or two on the second floor and get ready for the theatrical action as actors simulate a bar fight, a murder, a police raid and countless other scenarios.
127 Macdougal Street
New York, NY 10012
Easily one of the most romantic spots in New York, Wine Spot, is a cozy, exposed brick room, in the heart of the West Village. I'm reminded of that iconic scene from Lady and the Tramp whenever I stop by. Between the french inspired cafe tables, the soft candles and delicate flower arrangements, it is hard not to fall in love. If you time it right, you can snag the chaise lounge in front of the working fireplace. This is an ideal place for a date night, but the best time to go is during the week before seven pm, as it crowds quickly.
768 5th Ave
New York, NY 10019
For a dose of sophistication, the Champagne Bar at the Plaza Hotel is an afternoon or evening well spent. Get dressed up and relax in the luxurious lounge. The Champagne list is extensive and features some of the finest champagnes the world has to offer. With crystal chandeliers overhead, plush velvet seats and a great view of Central Park, it's easy to spend more than a few hours and dollars here. Drinks are pricy, but at least the buttery popcorn is free.
549 Classon Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Alice's Arbor is a hipster hang-out with an emphasis on farm to table fare. Part bar, part restaurant, the drink menu is as quirky and layered as the country cottage/mod decor. Alice's Arbor has a hearty wine and whisky list. When it comes to creative cocktails, it's all about the details and my favorite is the spicy jalapeno infused margarita.
Natural Oasis Vegan Ethiopian Buffet
The aroma of Berbere is heavy in the air. It is a modest space, tables, chairs, a buffet table.
On the wall, Ethipian prints have been hung and framed. Couples, friends, sit quietly as they enjoy the delicious food.
This is my first Ethiopian Buffet. The food, is vegan, satvic, delicious. The food is local and organic. Hot injera is folded in a basket beneath a cloth napkin. It is a simple spread. Rice that looks to be seasoned with saffron, collard greens, lentils, cabbage and beets.
Despite the simplicity, the buffet is aromatic, complex.
I pull apart the spongy injera bread and scoop up a pinch of Gomen (collard greens). I scoop and scoop, each bite is refreshingly mild, balanced and mysteriously savory. Delicious.
Sated, I lean back watching Ohm tinker away at the piano lining the far wall. Natural Oasis is a welcoming tot friendly establishment. One of the bonuses when it comes to vegetarian Ethiopian food, is that it is baby friendly. The food at Natural Oasis it is not spicy, making the perfect meal for beginning and emerging eaters.
Natural Oasis is so much more than a restaurant, it’s a community wellness center. Just through the front doors, you’ll find a herb shop, where you can pick up Ayurvedic products, tinctures, teas, and other wellness products.
Upstairs, you can receive Ayurvedic treatments, take a Kundalini Yoga class, get a massage, and be treated with herbal medicine.
Rochester, New York is a suburban city, with its fair share of chain restaurants and food options, but if you know where to look, you’ll find a vast and diverse selection of local restaurants and alternative offerings. If you’ve never had Ethiopian food before and you’re curious, go to Natural Oasis. If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan in search of a new place to eat, go to Natural Oasis. If you love Ethiopian food, but always order the same items on the menu (guilty as charged), try the buffet at Natural Oasis and feel free to explore. If you live in or are passing through the Rochester area and are in search of a healthy plate of food from a locally owned establishment, go, go, go, to Natural Oasis.
Natural Oasis’ Vegan Ethiopian Buffet is open Monday through Saturday from 1pm-4pm and 5pm-8pm.
Are there hidden health food or Ethnic restaurants in your neighborhood that you’d like to shout out? Let us know about them in the comments section!
Natural Oasis Vegetarian and Ethiopian Cuisine
288 Monroe Ave (near Alexander Street)
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 325-1831
A Riotous Good Time at the National Museum of Play
The moment, we stepped through the glass doors, he was off.
Flip-clop flip-clop, sticky fingers and a nose pressed against a 1,700 gallon aquarium.
Flip-clop, flip-clop, climbing, problem solving, exploring, a toddler sized puzzle.
“Wow!”
Eyes wide, finger pointing, at a wide mouthed, wild eyed, golden pony aboard a Victorian carousel.
Ohm moved non-stop for over three hours. He explored through his nap, and played through lunch.
The National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York is an extreme kiddie wonderland.
On a recent visit home, after dragging my poor 20 month old all over the Rochester/Buffalo region to visit relatives, old friends from high school and my best college buddies, I made sure to plan a special trip for Ohm. I guess I shouldn’t say plan. I didn’t actually have to do anything except show up, pay the admission fee and ta-da! The perfect afternoon found us.
I’d heard people sing the praises of the National Museum of Play, I’d listened to the proclamations of greatness, but I honestly wasn’t expecting much more than a few brightly colored rooms of engaging fun to fill the space before nap-time.
I stand corrected.
Rochester’s National Museum of Play is a world class museum, with more nooks and crannies and educational programs to experience than one has time to explore during one visit.
Priding itself as being the only collections-based museum in the world dedicated entirely to play. The National Museum of Play is massive. After three hours and consequently missing nap-time, we only saw about a quarter of the offerings.
Full of stimulating hands-on exhibits, Ohm was off and engaged from the onset. Wiggling out of my hand, he ran ahead of me, capitalizing on every opportunity to twist, turn, press buttons, and climb anything and everything.
We ducked into toddler playrooms, where he socialized with the other kiddies and played dress-up.
Attracted like a moth to the shiny golden ponies, we took a turn on the beautiful working carousel from 1918.
It was all-aboard, as we chugged along the track through a simulated village on the kiddie passenger train.
There were science displays, collections of old fashioned teddy bears and dolls. There were tea-party sets and pianos to play.
The National Museum of Play is truly an experience. Home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of dolls, toys and games, one can enjoy a life-sized doll house then walk down memory lane at a 1980’s style arcade full of vintage video games.
This is a place to build memories.
We didn’t make it to the indoor butterfly garden, or to the life sized Bernstein Bears exhibit, or to the American Comic Book Heroes display. There just wasn’t enough time.
We did make it to the life sized Sesame Street exhibit, featuring the characters, scenes and experiences from the show.
Ohm got to meet his best friend Elmo, drove Cookie Monster around in a taxi and screamed in mortal fear at a ten foot tall big bird (those eyes were creepy).
We played supermarket in the life-sized simulated Wegmans Supermarket, where kids push mini carts down tiny isles, where they can grab their favorite food. The piece de resistance, is when they get to send their purchases down a conveyer belt where they can scan and bag their items. Ohm was focused. When he realized it was time to leave, he almost had a meltdown. I had to distract and trick him to get him to leave mini-supermarket land.
Luckily there are plenty of distractions.
Story Time is announced over an intercom and occurs several times a day.
A 1950’s style dinner near the lobby serves up tasty soda shop style snacks and meals.
Ohm and I had a ridiculously good time at the National Museum of Play. If you live near the Rochester, New York area or are traveling through with a child, this is a stop you MUST make.
One Manhattan Square
Rochester, NY 14607
585-263-2700
Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Age 2 and older: $13
Under age 2: FREE
Have you visited the National Museum of Play? What did you think?
Best Holistic Bookstores and Shops NYC
Last week, a Reiki client of mine who recently moved to New York from the Bay Area voiced frustration over trying to locate a good holistic store in her neighborhood.
"All I want are some essential oils, crystals and books."
I could empathize with her frustrations. It took me several years in New York to form relationships with my favorite holistic and spiritual shops. It was also much easier in 2001, a time when there seemed to me a lot more independent spiritual shops in the city and surrounding areas. From 2001 to 2013, four of my favorites closed down.
So where is one to go?
While I agree, that New York is not as abundant as it could be with holistic and spiritual shops, bookstores and herb shops, there is definitely a spiritual and holistic sub-culture and a few great stores that cater to it.
While working with my clients, I am regularly asked about places to buy books, mala beads, sage, meditation cd's, etc. This post is my answer to these questions.
Here are my favorites:
394 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 422-7981
You'll find row upon row of medicinal herbs, tea infusions and spices at Brooklyn's charming little gem, the Herb Shoppe. I love this place! They have a great selection of tinctures, salves and essential oils as well and bonus points, there is a naturopathic doctor on hand to answer questions.
2 W 14th St New York, NY 10011
| (212) 645-0141 |
One could get lost in Namaste for a very long time, a very, very long time indeed. It is hard to have a single focus when you enter Namaste because there is just so much to experience. Namaste has an extensive book collection, one of the best in the city as far as holistic and spiritual books are concerned. Also extensive, is their crystal collection, jewelry selection, and menagerie of altar worthy statues and carvings.
The New York Open Center Bookstore
22 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016
212-219-2527 ext. 100.
The New York Open Center, in and of itself is a magnificent resource. Its bookstore is a wonderful resource as well. The New York Open Center Bookstore has a great selection of books. You'll also find a variety of goodies here from fragrance oils, reiki candles, incense, sage and mala beads.
240 E 53rd St New York, NY 10022
| (212) 758-5521 |
Quest hosts an extensive collection of books. I love the quaint feel. This is another store where you could easily spend hours and not realize how much time has elapsed. In addition to a large variety of books, Quest sells candles, essential oils, crystals and incense.
*Also, Botanicas, depending on your neighborhood, can prove to be phenomenal holistic resources.
Madiba Restaurant in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn brings the tastes and sounds of South Africa to New York!
Peri-peri prawns, roti, and shima.
Whenever I miss the flavors and sounds from the “good ole’ days” in Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland, I take myself to Ft. Greene, Brooklyn’s Madiba Restaurant.
Named after Nelson Mandela, Madiba is a portal from Brooklyn to South Africa. Specializing in South African cuisine with all of its unique influences from traditional Zulu dishes like Uputhu/Pap (boiled ground cornmeal with tomato-onion gravy) to Voortrekker inspired dishes like Boerwors Roll (herbed beef sausage with gravy on a hot dog bun) and Indian inspired dishes featuring an assorted variety of succulent curries and chutney, Madiba takes me on a journey of the senses each time I step inside. Some of the dishes draw inspiration from the tastes of Mozambique (South Africa’s next door neighbor). I can honestly say that I have never had a bad meal here. Never!
The food is always fresh, all-natural and served up gourmet style. Vegetarians and vegans rejoice, there are plenty of options for you. If you come for brunch, the coffee is excellent- nice and rich. If you come for dinner, Madiba boasts an extensive South African wine list, and they even import my favorite liquor- Amarula!
I love the attentive yet slow service. You are not rushed in Madiba, one can enjoy a slow brunch or a slow dinner. You’re encouraged to taste your food, draw energy from the atmosphere and enjoy the people in your company.
At Madiba there is an immaculate attention to detail. The décor is distinctly reminiscent of South Africa, much of the music played is African.
One can even purchase South African goodies from the shop at the front of the store. The selection of quirky imports brings me back to my days in Mozambique (much of the food in Mozambique was imported from South Africa) from the Jungle Oats Oatmeal, that I ate for breakfast to the Ramany Cream biscuits I splurged on every pay-day, to the Ceres boxed juice that kept me going beneath the hot sun; Madiba brings the tastes, sounds and charms of Southern Africa to Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. 
For a refreshing spin on breakfast, try Madiba’s Sunday Brunch, which starts at ten am.
Okay Sojourner, so what are you getting out of this promotion? Nothing! Just the satisfaction of sharing one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants with you, my readers.
I hope you get to experience Madiba. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do.
195 Dekalb Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Do you have a favorite restaurant that reminds you of a place you've traveled?
Exploring the Herbal Side of New York City's Botanicas
The air is musty, almost minty and decidedly green. A row of silver machetes hang above a circular wicker basket containing Nag Champa soap. Along the far wall are endless shelves of colorful candles adorned with images of patron saints and the deities of the Orishas. Herbal bath packets and glass tincture bottles fill tubs on the floor alongside statues of Ganesh, Buddha, the Virgin Mary, Yemaya and Jesus. At the checkout counter are endless herbal sachets promising wealth, health, beauty, and various other wishes. African masks with cowrie shells for eyes and ox fur for hair, some with mouth's sewn shut, others with, wait, are those human teeth?!?, leer at you from the wall behind the register.
Botanicas have become staples in New York's Afro-Latino Caribbean communities. Sanctuaries of healing, Botanicas are a place to find medicines, novelties and comforts from the old country. Every Botanica is slightly different depending on the origin of the owner and community, but for the most part, Botanicas are small unassuming stores that stock alternative products such as herbal oils, ceremonial candles, herbs, amulets, ritual baths and plants often associated with Santeria and its many rituals.
A direct product of the African diaspora, Santeria is a fascinating belief system that combines the Yoruba religion of West Africa, Roman Catholicism and Native American healing traditions.
The herbal practices specific to Santeria have evolved from the indigenous healing practices of West Africa and from the Native Americans. In Santeria, the two traditions are merged to create a powerful system of alternative medicine. At a Botanica you can find salves and teas, tinctures, oils and healing baths. There is a tremendous wealth of herbal knowledge in these unobtrusive storefronts.
The Afro-Latino communities in New York, mostly hailing from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Columbia and Venezuela have been relying on Botanicas for generations to assist with matters such as the common cold, arthritis, high blood pressure, hair loss, fertility issues, and issues related to love, finances, death and divorce. Botanicas are centers of hope and healing in these communities and provide a way for people to maintain a connection to the natural healing traditions from their homelands.
In a world where people are quick to pop a pill for every minor ailment, it's refreshing to see a return to tradition a return to the basics.
“You have any sugar?”
“No, no baby, I don’t got any sugar, but you can check next door. I got a good relationship with them.”
“How about honey?”
“Yeah, I got it. Just a second.”
“I’m in no hurry, take your time.”
The woman holding the white paper cup of tea, leans against some boxes beneath a row of alligator claws. Steam rises slowly and swirls before her face causing her black framed glasses to fog. She makes no attempt to wipe the lens.
“Can I help you?” The man in the white t-shirt says, eying me over quickly.
Beads of sweat have formed on the top of his bald head.
“I’m just looking.” I glance around hesitantly.
“Take your time.” He says before disappearing behind a dull red patterned curtain leading to a back room.
I walk by shelves stacked with china bowls and boxes of feathers. Drums and dried herbs hang above my head.
Having made my way to the back of the store, I try to take everything in, the amulets, talismans and masks.
The woman, whose long black hair is tied into a tight ponytail, breaks a leaf off of a nearby aloe plant allowing the clear slimy liquid inside to slowly drip into her cup.
Within seconds the man emerges with a plastic bottle of honey.
“A little more.” She directs as he squeezes the honey into her cup.
“That’s good.” She takes a small sip. “Thank you.”
The man disappears once more behind the curtain.
“I need some of that stuff for a sore throat. That powdered stuff you got. I think I’m coming down with something.” She calls towards the curtain.
The man returns with an amber jar and scoops a heaping tablespoon of what looks like ash into the woman’s tea.
“Thanks.” She smiles, swirling the wooden stir stick.
“Any questions?” The man looks at me.
“Yes,” I feel emboldened. “What remedies do you have for stress?”
Of course, there is a controversial side to Santeria, a world of ritual and conjuring, but as I have not been exposed to it, it is not my place to judge. I am however in absolute admiration of the herbal traditions of the faith and will make it my business to explore and support the Botanicas in my community regularly.
Below is a list of the Botanicas I visited for this post.
Botanica Universal
376 5th Ave, Brooklyn NY 11215 (718) 832-3606
C&G Botanical Inc.
1467 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn NY 11226 (718) 282-9022
Botanica San Lazaro
3834 Broadway, NYC 10032 (212) 781-7131
Justo Botanica
1702 Lexington Ave, NYC 10029 (212) 534-9140
Winter Nuptials Beneath the Stars in the Catskills
There is a place in the mountains where the air is refreshingly crisp. Yesterday's snow lingers forming crunchy banks that glisten in the sun. It is a quiet place, a creative space, where one can withdraw from the outside world and engage their senses. It's a place of brooks and streams and nature trails; where the stars weave an elaborate story as they beam down from the velvety midnight sky. They call this place the Full Moon Resort.
I doubt I would have found my way here, high up in the Catskill mountains, miles past Woodstock on my own. While open to individuals in search of a relaxing weekend or week, the Full Moon Resort is best known as a place for retreats, workshops, music festivals, and weddings. I made my way up the side of the snowy mountain as a guest at a fabulous winter wedding.
My good friend and fellow blogger Tracy (of the IICD and Mozambican posts) chose the Full Moon Resort as the setting for one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever had the pleasure of attending. It was a full weekend affair, that began on a Friday with a bonfire and barbecue, continued on Saturday with the lovely nuptials in a beautiful converted barn, and culminated on Sunday with an afternoon brunch.
The intimate weekend was a special way to celebrate Tracy and her new hubby Mike.
Cell phones do not work at the Full Moon, there are no televisions in the country bed and breakfast style rooms. Guests were out and about, feet crunching through the snow, communing in nature, and catching quiet writing, reading and photography breaks. It was a weekend of love, friendship, and abundant creative inspiration.
With the snow-covered mountains in the close distance, the sound of babbling brooks, and the beautiful wintry scenery, the Full Moon Resort forms an ideal backdrop for winter nuptials beneath the stars.
The Full Moon Resort: 2 Valley View Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410. (845) 254-5117.
The Historic Sites and Landmarks in Brandywine, Maryland
Driving down the dusty dirt roads of Brandywine, Maryland, one gets the impression that not much happens here.
Established in 1873 as a railroad town, not much has changed since. It's a slow place, decidedly rural, sandwiched between two suburbs, one affluent, the other declining.
The Village of Brandywine, once defined by the railroad and a vast expanse of tobacco plantations, is undergoing a transformation. Once barren plantations are being developed into gated housing communities. Grandiose mansions adorn sprawling land that once housed modest farmhouses, barns, and shacks.
Brandywine is well on its way to becoming a mega-suburb. However beneath all of the new development and suburban shine, there lies a deeper story. Brandywine is home to historic sites and landmarks that bear testament to its founding and early vision.
The site of a bloody slave rebellion in 1739, home to Francis Scott Key and John Wilkes Booth, Brandywine, Maryland has played host to a slew of significant historic moments and individuals.
If you should find yourself in Brandywine, Maryland, off of US route 5 and 301, you may find these sites fascinating:
Woodville Colored School
21500 Aquasco Road, Brandywine, MD
Built on two acres of land purchased by James Gray, a former slave, this one story, three room school served as the first school open to blacks in the area. Built by the Freedmen's Bureau in 1868, the Woodville Colored School was in operation until 1955.
Hidden behind two country homes, the school and its surrounding land is eerily vacant. I was free to explore and poke around. I was disturbed that this historic landmark was left unkempt and unguarded. A piece of history like this should most definitely be preserved and perhaps turned into a museum.
St. Thomas Methodist Church
18810 Aquasco Road, Brandywine, MD
Built in 1868, the St. Thomas Methodist church is a single story rural meeting house style church. I really had to search to find this property. It was down a winding dirt road, behind a farmhouse. There was no marker on the main road. How this structure is still standing, I have no idea.
It is dilapidated but completely beautiful with it's still intact stained glass and immaculate detailing (particularly around the windows). Why this church isn't preserved and used as a museum or presently as a church I completely don't understand. Come on Brandywine, where is your historical preservation society?
To the left of the church is an old cemetery with tiny headstones dating back to the early 1800's. It was a sacred quiet place that seemed forgotten by time. Standing on the property, you can almost imagine how it must have looked in the late 1800's, with the rolling green hills in the back and the clear blue sky above.
Chapel of the Incarnation
14070 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD
Built in 1916 by architect William J. Palmer, the Chapel of the Incarnation functions today as a church. It is a stunning Spanish colonial structure, slightly out of place amongst the old Victorian farm homes that stand guard over much of Brandywine Road.
You really can find some beautiful gems in the most unexpected of places. Brandywine, Maryland is one such unsuspecting locale. This post is for Brandywine, a town in the midst of transition from rural to suburban, a town in need of historical preservation to ensure that her special places and quiet beauty are celebrated and appreciated.
Do you know of a small town with unsuspected history and charm?
Brunch and a Stroll in Old Town Alexandria
I am charmed by details. The subtle nuances that differentiate one place from another, one space, one moment from the next.
In many ways Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is a charming Southern colonial city, not unlike others. Upon closer inspection however, one notices the deep red brick of the row homes, the fading red brick of the road, the immaculate attention to detail- black iron sconces, olive-green window shutters, starched American flags billowing in the wind, and you realize you're in a very unique and special place; a tiny, sophisticated, literary, nautical, colonial city draped in red brick and set on the water.
About 30 minutes from my home in Maryland, Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite places to spend a weekend afternoon. Old Town Alexandria has all the sophisticated perks of a city, beautiful boutiques, shops, restaurants, yoga studios, art, and parks, without the hassle and clamor of urban living. Old Town Alexandria is small, neat, quiet, and mannerly. There is always parking. It's the kind of place that makes me smile.
The afternoon was brisk, naked trees swayed, the water at the pier was still, almost black. Vapor billowed from the mouths of obediently tied Labrador Retrievers as they kept guard of their humans from their lamp posts, as they waited for them to finish fetching their morning tea or croissant.
This Sunday, I was in Old Town to meet my friend Tamika (the same Tamika from the Mozambique posts) for brunch. Arriving early, Ohm and I took a stroll to explore. Ohm hobbled along obediently for two blocks before dancing on his toes, hands raised above his head, imploring to be lifted. He was not in the mood to walk. I wanted to take pictures and he wanted to be carried. He got his way.
Old Town Alexandria is full of families. Baby buggies and dogs ruled the cobblestone streets. Couples walked hand in hand with their little-ones strapped close in their baby bjorns and ergos.
We met Tamika by the dock on The Strand, one of Old Town's main drags. After eying our brunch options, we settled on the Union Street Public House, it was lovely. I loved the mahogany wood interior and the brunch bread basket (piping hot buttermilk biscuits, sweet cornbread, and muffins). Restaurants in Old Town are ready for their tiniest diners. Union Street Public House was no exception. They had a simple children's menu, crayons and coloring books. Ohm was a happy little guy, which means I was a happy mommy. We took our time eating brunch and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in Old Town Alexandria.
If you're planning a trip to D.C., Old Town Alexandria, Virginia (located right across the Potomac- approx. 10 minutes away) is worth a stop.
Rat Rides the Subway
It is early and you're disoriented. Your boots clack as you make your way towards the end of the cement subway platform. There is a windy chill sneaking underground from a grate above you. As you take your place, coffee in hand, something catches your eye. A potato chip bag, a red UTZ bag to be specific, is moving in curious circles. It is most definitely not being propelled by the wind. Cautiously you step closer and realize the bag has a tail. You promptly back away, but you don't back too far away, because you still need to be at the end of the platform, you still have to make it from Brooklyn to the Bronx to lead a workshop that starts promptly at 8am.
You can't take your eyes off the bag. You watch it wiggle and sway, until out pops the culprit, a brown mid-sized rat. Not too large you note as far as New York City subway rats come, but not a small fellow either. Luckily, you're not afraid of rats, you regard him as entertainment. You are drawn in by his shiny little eyes and swear you can almost make out a set of delicate eyelashes. He's rather cute you think to yourself as he grips a potato chip in his front claws or paws or whatever rat hands are called. You can't help but think that if you were the little fellows rat mother that you'd probably name him Thistle, or Sage, or Buckley, or, no-you decide, Thistle, definitely Thistle.
You smile at Thistle as the train roars into the station. Thistle does not smile back, he looks terrified. The noisy clamor startles Thistle and as the doors open, he leaps into the train car ahead of you. As you make your way towards your seat you look for Thistle. Others are looking too. Most people attempt composure, pretend they are too cool to be ruffled by a rat, while others scream and jump on their seats in panic as young Thistle, at least you think he's young, scurries the length of the train car beneath the row of seats.
You smile. You root for your friend as a group of construction workers try to smash him.
Up and down the length of the car Thistle runs. Unaffected hipsters lift their boots to allow Thistle free rein. Men and women in suits hop from foot to leather clad foot as Thistle rushes past. A homeless man wrapped in a stained quilt tilts his furry head back and laughs a hearty toothless laugh.
"Yo, did you see that!" a group of teens bogged down by sagging backpacks runs to the opposite side of the car.
As the train screeches into Union Square, off Thistle bounds the moment the doors part, his wiry tail waving goodbye.
You grin as you sip your coffee and laugh with the strangers who share your morning commute. You could be anywhere this morning, but you're in New York, arguably the worlds most unpredictable city and you just rode the train with an unpredictable rat named Thistle.
*This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Brooklyn's MoCADA
In an unassuming brick building in downtown Brooklyn, you'll find a cultural gem- The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts or simply the MoCADA.
The MoCADA is a vibrant and intimate museum space featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture, music, performance pieces, and installations that relate to the experience of the African diaspora as experienced in a contemporary context.
It is an incredibly unique space with a community feel. The one-story museum is small and is comprised of three main rooms in which to experience the exhibits.
Through the entrance you'll find the gift shop which is an experience in and of itself. The gift shop features an inspiring collection of books, art, jewelry, toys, crafts, and various other trinkets from local artists and artisans. It is a great place to shop for unique gifts and you'll be supporting local talent.
Located at (80 Hanson Pl Brooklyn, NY), admission is by donation. The MoCADA observes the following hours:
Wednesday 12pm to 7pm Thursday 12pm to 8pm Friday 12pm to 7pm Saturday 12pm to 7pm Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Champagne With A View At the Plaza Hotel
"Cheers."
We clicked our delicate flute glasses together with a 'ting'.
Veuve Clicquot tickled my tongue before sliding smoothly down my throat.
Krista and I had found the perfect remedy to enliven a frigid, slate, windy, and otherwise inhospitable Manhattan afternoon
Outside, wispy snow flakes tumbled from the sky, framing the base of Central Park with a soft haze.
Krista's clutch, black velvet and petite, glistened on the arm of her chair.
Our waiters shoes, shined to perfection, slid gracefully over the carpeted floor.
In the distance music played softly.
In the window, I smiled at our reflection. It was the perfect day to dust off my pearls.
It was a lovely afternoon.
New York had been a bully lately. Within the span of a week, the temperature dropped 40 degrees. Chilly blue skies were replaced by gray clouds and biting cold. Howling winds, slippery streets and a massive flu outbreak have made hibernating in my apartment, having food and wine delivered, and streaming Netflix a very attractive option. After a week of being a relative hermit however, cabin fever set in. I was itching for something fun to do.
Not enough snow to play in, too cold and wet to enjoy the outdoors, things looked bleak.
My friend Krista shared my weary winter blues and it was decided that instead of spending Saturday at home in our sweatpants with Netflix, we would go all out, get dressed up and enjoy a lovely (albeit cold) afternoon sipping champagne at the Plaza. It was the adult equivalent of a little girls tea party.
The Champagne Bar at the Plaza Hotel is a wonderful place to retreat to for a quick escape. Through the lobby and to the left, the champagne bar in all of its splendor, awaits you.
The ambiance is everything you would expect from the Plaza hotel. Elaborate crystal chandeliers hang gracefully above the immaculate marble floor. We lounged the afternoon away in plush velvet chairs, clinking glasses as we enjoyed our unobstructed view of Central Park and the line of Clydesdale carriage horses ready to chauffeur tourists to and from.I was the perfect escape!
The next time you're in Manhattan and find yourself on fifth avenue, why not treat yourself to a well deserved mini break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
"Cheers!"
The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019)
(Yes. We pulled out a pair of pink feathered boas.)
Game Time at Brooklyn's Barclays Center- Go Net's Go!
I am many things, a sports enthusiast I am not.
A resident of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, I, like many of my neighbors watched with curiosity and some anxiety as our neighborhood underwent a massive change - the arrival of the Barclays Center Stadium. I watched the Barclays stadium grow, almost rod by rod. I watched my husband and his friends salivate and buzz with glee at the prospect of Brooklyn gaining its own NBA team. I watched, I waited, until one day in the early Fall it had transpired. Brooklyn was the home of a world-class, state of the art, arena.
Off we walked, one chilly evening, Mark, Ohm, and I (well, technically Ohm was carried), 15 minutes down Atlantic Avenue towards the Barclays Center to catch one of the first games of the season.
Whereas I wasn't particularly thrilled about the prospect of sitting through a basketball game, I was curious about the massive new stadium that had descended upon Brooklyn like a spaceship.
The stadium had garnered quite a buzz and not just from sports fans. There was a prominent roster of concerts that the venue was slated to host.
After making our way through the very long line that snaked around Flatbush, we were greeted by an ultra-modern, classy and clean event space that more closely resembled a fancy office building than a basketball arena. I was impressed.
As we made our way toward the concessions, I was astonished. Instead of the standard popcorn, hotdogs and soda, there were local gourmet food options including, sushi, Junior's famous deserts, Blue Marble Ice Cream, a fresh salad, a Habana Outpost stand and a host of other delectable local Brooklyn favorites. It was, minus the basketball part, my kind of stadium.
Our seats were comfortable as far as seats go. The game happened as far as games go. People cheered, players played and I read magazines and snapped pictures.
At 16 months, it was Ohm's first basketball game. He had a great time, as did the other children in the crowd. I was surprised to see so many little ones. As far as venues go, it was quite child-friendly (just be careful on the very steep stairs).
The Barclays Center did not disappoint! I look forward to visiting again. Only next time, I hope my visit will be for the purpose of a concert or the circus as opposed to a basketball game...
The Barclays Center is located at:
620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Click here for a schedule of events.
Broadway Week/ Restaurant Week- It's Time to Visit New York!
The ornately ensconced lights were deliciously dim. Excited chatter filled the space around me as I sunk into the plush seat. With an air of quiet dignity, the curtains parted revealing a beautifully detailed, expertly lit set, a grand replica of the interior of a Victorian era brownstone.
The Heiress, a period drama set in 19th century New York City is the story of Catherine Sloper, a young woman of great affluence and fortune whom despite her training and exposure, has grown into a shy, reclusive, awkward creature.
Catherine’s disposition is distressing to her father, a prominent New York physician who wants nothing more than for his daughter to blossom into a witty, charming, fashionable beauty. Desperately seeking her father’s approval, her attempts to please him succeed only in driving him away.
Just when we think our protagonist is doomed to a loveless life of needlepoint and cats, the debonair Morris Townsend shakes up the foundation of young Catherine’s world.
The result is a sharply executed multi-layered story with universal appeal.
The Heiress stars Jessica Chastain (Academy Award® nominee for The Help), David Strathairn (Academy Award® nominee for Good Night, and Good Luck), Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley on Downton Abbey) and Judith Ivey (two-time Tony Award® winner).
The Heiress plays through February 10th 2013 at the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
This is one of the best times to take advantage of Broadway. Broadway Week is in full swing. During Broadway week, you can buy one ticket and get the second free. It’s a great way to grab a friend or a date and discover a new favorite show. It also turns out, that New York City is in the middle of Restaurant Week 2013 which is always a great excuse to dine and wine yourself into a food coma. During Restaurant Week, some the city’s best restaurants feature discounted Prix-Fixed menus. The fact that these two events overlap is very good news for you when it comes to planning and enjoying a great night out in Manhattan.
Here’s what you do to take advantage of Broadway Week tickets:
Broadway week runs January 22nd-February 7th.
The Heiress is my current top choice when it comes to plays but there are so many others.
Click here to see a list of participating shows and to purchase tickets.
Here’s what you do to take advantage of Restaurant Week:
Restaurant Week (which is more like Restaurant Month) runs from January 14th-February 8th
Click here to see a list of participating restaurants and to make reservations.
*I’d like to thank BlogHer, Have to Have, and Serino Coyne for sponsoring my fabulous Night on Broadway!
What's your favorite show of the moment?
What is Savannah, Georgia Like?
At first glance:
Pulling off the I-4 I had to do a double take. We were suddenly and inexplicably surrounded by darkness. I looked at the dashboard, it was 9:30 pm, I looked out the window again, the streets of Savannah, Georgia were deserted. I was unnerved. Then there was the sound, “scccccccccccccccrrrrrrrrrrrrttttttttttttttccccch,” as droopy mossy vines scratched against the top of our car. It was ghostly. The hair on the back of my neck was at full attention.
“I don’t know about this Savannah business.” I whispered to my husband Mark as we unloaded the car and made our way to the dimly lit hotel.
As far as cities go, upon first impression, after dark, on a Thursday, Savannah was full of shadows and low empty places.
Then:
By seven o’clock the next morning, the sun was out, the birds were singing, the breeze was slow and warm, and Savannah presented herself vibrant and welcoming.
People strolled the cobblestone streets with their morning coffees. Dogs were walked, baby strollers were pushed, there was life here.
Historic Savannah was alive and radiating splendor.
Savannah is a romantic portal into the past!
The city is compact and perfectly planned for pedestrians. Elaborate parks and green squares pop up every few blocks. Winding along wide cobblestone paths you’ll find historic plaques commemorating landmarks many with their original wood and brick details. Ornate statues decorate beautiful circular green spaces, dotted with sweeping willows and mossy pines. Savannah is artfully preserved and meticulously maintained.
*Note: Pushing a stroller over those cobblestone streets is a workout!!!!!
The streets of Savannah are wide and sprawling. Row houses, restaurants and boutique shops give the city a sophisticated and aged air.
The Savannah waterfront is simply stunning. There is something to be said about old cities set on the water, they rarely disappoint. There is an easily accessible walking path that will lead you past candy shops and taverns, galleries and restaurants. The aroma of sweet pralines fills the wafting air.
Every few blocks, Mark dashed out of a shop with a hot buttery sample of praline brittle. Savannah’s praline brittle, when done well, melts in your mouth- a sweet and salty buttered symphony unfolds. You can’t help but smile as you continue your walk, between the breeze and the water, the praline brittle and the beautiful shops, it’s almost enough to compel one to skip and hum.
Savannah, Georgia is easily one of the most beautiful colonial cities in America boasting the best of Southern hospitality and charm and gorgeous architecture. Savannah bears witness to centuries of history and is a hub of modern innovation. Long story short, I love Savannah!
Savannah, Georgia is:
Charming
Savannah was one of the most polite cities that I have ever visited. Everywhere doors were held and people nodded and drawled happy greetings. It was warm without being false, without condescension. Savannah is refreshing.
The Most Haunted City in America
If you think about it, it makes sense. Between the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Slavery, horrible malaria outbreaks, the phenomena of “strange fruit” hanging from trees, Savannah has seen its share of horror, anguish, and bloodshed. She is a pretty lady with a very dark side, thus earning herself the distinction as America’s most haunted city.
There is no shortage of ghost tours in the city. Some are by foot, others by carriage, one took tourists around in a Hearst (eek).
A Stunning Spectacle
A History Lover’s Treasure Chest
One of America’s first planned cities circa 1733; my history geeky tendencies were over-stimulated in Savannah.
Originally the home of the Yamacraw Indians, Savannah was transformed into a prized and productive British colony.
In 1779, during the American Revolution, Savannah was the setting for the pivotal Siege of Savannah, where American and French troops fought in vain to reclaim the city in one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution.
After the revolution Savannah thrived. Thousands of slaves from West Africa landed on the port of Savannah, where they were forced into brutal labor. Savannah is the location of one of the largest slave auction sites in the U.S. Savannah slaves cleared land, tended cattle, engaged in farm labor and worked on the notoriously dangerous rice and cotton plantations. Benefiting from the institution of slavery, the city rose to great power and prestige, only to fall towards the end of the Civil War during Sherman’s March to the Sea, when the port of Savannah was overcome by Union forces crippling the city’s industry.
Savannah was at the center of the Civil Right’s movement. The city saw lynchings and a great deal of Ku Klux Klan activity. With a large and active black community, protests among black community leaders, demanding fair treatment during the Jim Crow years date back to WWII.
Integration was a struggle in Savannah, as was moving forward, but the city has grown into a small and relatively diverse (Savannah boasts a large South Asian population) and progressive city of the New South.
Today, perfectly restored, Savannah holds her own. She holds her past, but most importantly, she holds the promise of a bright future.
A weekend in Savannah may result in the need to buy new pants!
The people of Savannah, Georgia eat well. They eat very well indeed. When I hear the term “down home cooking,” Savannah is what comes happily to mind.
After all, Savannah is home to celebrity cook Paula Dean. She has a beautiful shop in the center of downtown, boasting sweet, succulent goodness.
Local eateries abound on every corner with down-home Southern touches that are soul stirring and rib sticking good.
You can’t visit Savannah, without sampling one of their famous praline’s (most commonly found in the form of a pie, or a brittle candy. You must also have some peach cobbler.
When it comes to establishments, my brunch recommendation is Goose Feather's Cafe. The line wraps around Barnard Street, but moves quickly and is well worth the wait. Everything at Goose Feathers is baked fresh on the premises. You’ll find classic sandwiches, French baked goods and Southern favorites. Goose Feather’s boasts itself to be the home of Savannah’s original Whoopie Pie. Mark and I ordered croissant sandwiches, Ohm had a quiche and we all shared a sticky sweet praline bun. It was all, really good. The expresso drinks were piping hot and strong. The ambiance was quirky and bright Goose Feather’s Cafe was a delicious win!
Long story short, Savannah, Georgia is a wonderful city to visit and explore y'all!
Have you been to Savannah?
What is Charleston, South Carolina Like?
Not too long ago, we took a road trip from Brooklyn, New York to Orlando, Florida. It was interesting, especially with a little-one in the back seat. Often entertaining, at times monotonous, we passed many towns and cities along the way as we scuttled down I-95 S. One city that thoroughly stood out as we made our way deeper south was Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston is beautiful!
Strolling through downtown Charleston, one truly gets a sense of the old south. Immaculately preserved historic architecture proudly bears witness of Charleston's vibrant (and at times dark) past.
On historic Rainbow Row, you'll glimpse 18th century Georgian townhouses.
On gorgeous Battery Row, you'll find towering waterfront mansions.
The city of Charleston has no shortage of public gardens and green spaces. I loved the seemingly tropical surprise of palm trees set against elegant colonial architecture.
Charleston is elegant!
Downtown Charleston is full of dainty and eclectic boutiques. A city on the water, gracious mansions with ornate lighting fixtures pose before the gentle lapping of the Charleston harbor.
Horse drawn carriages carry tourists around town and along rustic cobblestone streets. Charleston knows how to eat!
You will find no shortage of great food in Charleston. From savory barbecue to fine French dining, Charleston has a rich culinary tradition.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Rue De Jean per my friend Susan's recommendation. Rue De Jean was cozy and intimate. The service was wonderful and our dinner and dessert were spectacular. Despite being a relatively upscale eatery, they were ready for Ohm, presenting him with a high chair and crayons and a gourmet kids menu. They even warmed some milk up for us to go at no extra charge- mamma loves that!
Charleston is a modern city, with a deep and at times dark past.
Charleston is a surprisingly hip and modern city with an old and layered soul.
Modern art boutiques boasting everything from blown glass jewelry to oil paintings depicting the lives of the Gullah people and elaborate polo matches can be found throughout the city.
Locals, stroll the streets with yoga mats slung to their backs, lattes in hand, or on bike. Downtown Charleston is very walkable. As a walkable city, where people spend a lot of time outside, it is also fashionable. This wasn't a sweatpants and sneakers type of place. Charleston loves Vera Bradley. There was a lot of floral- a lot!
Charleston has always fancied itself a fashionable city. It was on the streets of Charleston two centuries ago, where Southern belles donned corsets and parasols and showed off their finest silks and satins. Charleston's past isn't all fashion, mirth and fluff though.
It was at the ports in Charleston, South Carolina where numerous slave ships docked, bringing human cargo from West Africa to the Southern states. Over 40% of slaves brought to the American colonies, passed through Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston's economic survival as a colony and later as a state was secured on the backs of these slaves, most of whom worked the dangerous rice plantations. The reminders are everywhere, from the sprawling plantations, the prominent Gullah culture, the civil war monuments to the Confederate soldiers who perished in "The War of Northern Aggression," and in the confederate flags that defiantly wave beneath the mild blue sky. Dixie devotion runs strong.
Charleston is an interesting city. Progressive and polite at first glimpse, it is an affluent and historic cookie cutter marvel, yet despite the surface polish, one can't help but notice the distinct difference between the haves and the have-nots. Where in many modern cities, you will find diverse groupings of people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, downtown Charleston was quite homogenous leaving one to wonder how far this city has truly evolved from its early days.
Overall, the city of Charleston has a lot of strengths. What is Charleston, South Carolina like? It's a living window into America's past.
Charleston is a great city to visit if you're a history buff, a shopper, a foodie or in search of a quick weekend getaway or place to pull off the road during your next road trip!
What are your impressions of Charleston?