Hi everyone! I'm so happy to be back home after a couple of completely messed up and crazy days. By the way - I didn't stroll in until 6:30AM. I was up on a short road trip doing some work in Central California - Fresno and around Fairfield. Which by the way are full of FIRES!!! The air was completely full of smoke and it was all together just rather awful. I had heard that there were over 300 fires blazing in the state of California - but I had no idea how close I'd be coming to them. The after a long, hectic day with a very messed up schedule, I went to check into my hotel for the night. This is what I left on FaceBook that night: "What a freakin’ mess... I’ve had my share of travel MIS-Adventures. But I think tonight might’ve annoyed me the most. Hotel booked. Check. Hotel overbooked. Check. All hotels in the area are SOLD OUT because of fire evacuations. Check. Drive 35 minutes to the nearest hotel with availability - 1 handicapped room left. Check. No bathroom door instead there is a shower curtain. Check. Frustrated beyond belief. Check." Then there was yesterday... The messed up schedule from the day before had completely effected yesterday's schedule and I eventually rolled back up into my driveway at 6:30AM! Thank heavens that most of my road trips are not travel MIS-ADVENTURES. And those are the ones that we (Elisa and I) are super excited to share with you in our new weekly shared column feature - "LOCAL Mini Road Trips!" -Travelin' Tanya | Happy Friday!! And what a GORGEOUS day it is here on Long Island!! Sunny, dry and breezy! I have one heck of a busy day this lovely Friday — and by all accounts, so does Tanya as well! In fact, me and my bestie Cuz had a fabulous conference call this morning to catch up on all things travel and "Travelin' Cousins" and have some exciting news for you!!. We have decided to bring a whole new WEEKLY FEATURE every Friday to you in a "Joint Cousins Column." Please read all about it below!! But, don't worry, we will still be bringing you our own individual Scoop on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. - Travelin' Elisa |
in light of the current health crisis, we gals are launching a whole new article series, which will be featured each Friday as a "Joint Cousins column."
This brand new WEEKLY FEATURE will keep the focus on local travel in a whole new, innovative way!
There’s no question that Staycations and Daycations are all the latest rage these days as safety concerns and the mandated rules to self quarantine after out of state travel is required throughout many U.S. states.
We have come up with a wonderful alternative that combines the beloved ‘road trip’ with local travel!
This weekly feature will focus on a different road trip route in a particular "local area" each week, bringing together local attractions, historical sites, dining options and accommodations for some truly unique and captivating mini road trip. We are confident that you will be 'driven' (yes, pun intended) to load up the car and head out on the road...locally!
Your favorite Travelin’ Cousins are pretty sure you are gonna love this! Our initial focus will be on the NYC outer boroughs, Southern and Northern California and select states around the country.
It is our pleasure to launch this series today with our first LOCAL MINI ROAD featuring a trip route in the New York City-area!
We hope you enjoy this and share, share, share!!!
- Travelin' Elisa & Travelin' Tanya
xoxo
Mini Road Trip
What if I was to tell you that with an open mind and a fresh perspective you could enjoy mini road trips in and around the outer boroughs of New York City. Whether you live within NYC and surrounding boroughs or you’re a visitor from nearby states, consider packing up the car with some goodies and an overnight bag for a local “mini” road trip. For our launch this week, we are featuring a way to see some wonderful historic sites in The Bronx, feasting on some delectable food and kicking back with a relaxing overnight local stay!
This NYC outer borough road trip begins at the foot of the Throgs Neck Bridge in the lovely borough of The Bronx. Housed within the grounds of SUNY Maritime College located on the Throgs Neck peninsula where the EAst River meets Long Island sound is Fort Schuyler and The Maritime Industry Museum. The area is designated an Historic District, with The Fort having been a New York City Landmark since 1966. Take in the scenic views of the nearby imposing man-made steel structure of the bridge and the nearly 100-year old ominous stone structure that comprised the former military fort on the grounds. Stroll the grounds and head towards St. Mary's Pentagon where you will find The Maritime Industry Museum, which was established in 1986 and is filled with a plethora of unique artifacts ranging from the Clipper Ship era to the present. The exhibitions are well-designed with a historical layout chock full of details and facts about the maritime industry, displayed chronologically, filled with paintings, early sailing vessels, turn of the 19th and 20th Century vessels up to present day.
Next stop, you’ll head north to the Riverdale section of The Bronx to Wave Hill, one of the most awe-inspiring public gardens with flowers and plantings galore throughout its 28 acres. You will never know you are in the middle of New York City as you stroll around the grounds and take in some of the most dramatic views of the Hudson River from the narrow paths of the Wild Garden throughout the afternoon.
With more exploring to do the following day, it's time to check into your accommodations for the evening, the Hyatt Place New York Yonkers, centrally located within steps of the lovely open air Cross County Shopping Mall with a wide variety of dining options. However, if you are looking for something more elegant, Peter X Kelly’s, X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, sits on the water on the only turn of the century Victorian pier still in use on the Hudson River.
Just a few miles away on the grounds of Bronx Community College’s Landmarked University Heights Campus is The Hall of Fame for Great Americans. Designed by legendary architect Stanford White, is the original "Hall of Fame" in this country and a New York landmark institution founded in 1900. Take a walk around the 630-foot open-air Colonnade which was built to honor prominent Americans who have had a significant impact on America’s history.
Relax after a day of sightseeing by traversing back to Bronx Little Italy for a delicious meal. Try the homemade pasta at Enzos of Arthur Avenue or some authentic pizza at Mario’s Restaurant . During the summer months kick back at Piazza di Belmont when the streets are closed on weekend nights and outdoor dining feels like you are in Italy to bring your mini road trip to an end!!
- Happy Road Trippin'!
Travelin' Elisa and Travelin' Tanya