December 12, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN: SANTA BARBARA

Last Getaway of 2015

Happy Saturday and
Greetings from Santa Barbara!

Today was one of those mornings that I took full advantage of technology and not being the driver and I typed up my Daily from the passenger seat while Dave was behind the wheel as we made our way up the coast on our little road trip.

The biggest surprise is that Dominic decided to stay home (a very rare occurrence ).
While it is disappointing to not have him with us.
I think he needed a little break from all the running around and getaways that I take them on...

Yesterday was chock full of chores and errands...
Which included myself and the gals also going over to the stables (again) and while there caring for Star and Dream, our sweet Chaplin fell in love with a cute little miniature horse! Claiming to have always wanted one!!

Once all the errands were completed (it sure felt GOOD), it was about time for dinner (I opted to take the night off) and we had all looked forward to going for some unlikely Friday night Dim Sum.
​Even Jet, Andrew, and Chaplin join us for the yummies!

And there was one little girl in particular who really LOVED the food!!

And so it happened after having another full day that Dominic decided that he should stay home and recharge his batteries - so to speak.
​He certainly won't be home alone (and he's got plenty of chores to keep him busy), he just won't be galavanting with us!!

Back to today...

​Our first stop this morning was for breakfast at Follow your Heart Cafe in Canoga Park, which was along our route.

Second stop being one that I had been looking quite forward to was in Ojai, Ca.

Ojai is a sleepy little town that is wedged inland between Ventura and Santa Barbara and notably appeared as the mythical Shangri-La in Frank Capra’s 1937 film “Lost Horizon”.

Definitely a magnet for anyone looking for a slice of yesteryear; Where all chain stores (other than a few gas stations) are even prohibited by Ojai city law to encourage local small business development and keep the town unique.
Quite a brilliant and such a wonderful thing!
Something that I feel more cities should incorporate!
BE SURE TO CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR THE PICS!!

It is Shopping Saturday after-all and I'm sure that by the end of the day we will have done our fair share of boosting the economy in Canoga Park, Ojai, and Santa Barbara!

Well, I'm gonna run now. I've got a Getaway to get on with!

See y'all back here with lots more pics tomorrow :)
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 6 DAYS

The Hamptons in the Off-Season

Welcome to the weekend!! Yes, it's Saturday!

Hey, first I want to give a big shout out to Tanya out in Santa Barbara!!!

Dontcha  just love technology and the fact that Tanya was able to do her Daily from the passenger seat while driving on her road trip!! Love it!

So, I am writing to you from Westhampton Beach!

My girlies have been riding and practicing for the Barn show tomorrow all morning.  And might I add, just how great they are doing.  They will be continuing well into the afternoon.

I was thinking as I was strolling around the town today, that most people think of the East end of Long Island - particularly the "Hamptons" as a Summer-only destination. 

But, nothing could be further from the truth.  In addition to the fact that this area is chock full of full-time residents, the towns that make up the Hamptons, have a great many reasons to visit in the off-season - September to May.

So, what towns comprise the Hamptons? 
They include Westhampton, Bridgehampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, East Hampton, Water Mill, and Montauk.

Here are five reasons to visit the Hamptons in the off-season:

1) WINE TASTING
While most of the Long Island Wineries are located on the North Folk, I want to point out that the South Fork is home to two illustrious vineyards, both of which are open year round. 

Family owned Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack features 55 acres of vines which produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Merlot. Possessing a lovely outdoor stone terrace to enjoy a lovely day or their tasting room on cold weather days, is a great way to spend the day.

In Bridgehampton, Channing Daughters Winery offers tastings for $10 seven days a week. With 25 acres of vines, they produce Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and much more. Both wineries host weekly special events. Check websites for more information.

2. EMPTY BEACHES
So unless you are part of the Polar Bear club, you probably won't be swimming in the winter, but, with the lack of crowds, the off-season beaches of the Hamptons are absolutely a pleasure to enjoy!

Perfect for jogging, picnicking and even gazing into the Atlantic, the empty beaches of the off-season are peaceful and beautiful. What's more, between September 15th and May 15th, parking permits are not required to park near the beaches 
 
3. MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL DESTINATIONS
The Hamptons are home to a great many art institutions, open year-round.  

The Parrish Art Museum - established in 1898,  exhibits its impressive collection in a striking, 34,000-square-foot Herzog & de Meuron-designed barn that opened its doors in November 2012.
Its collection features artists who lived and worked nearby, including Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, and Roy Lichtenstein.
(closed Tuesdays, free admission on Wednesdays)

The Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton is a renovated firehouse that holds a permanent installation of nine of the artist’s works in fluorescent light and a gallery space for temporary exhibitions.
(open Saturdays and Sunday only; free admission)

The LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton features landscaped gardens and works by Yoko Ono, Sol Lewitt, and de Kooning.
(closed mid-October through late April)

The Pollock-Krasner House in East Hampton gives you a bird's eye view into where the artist created some of his great works of art.
(open May–October)

Guild Hall in East Hampton features live theatre, film screenings and art exhibits. Every October, the venue hosts the Hamptons International Film Festival, which screens independent films. 

4. GREAT HOTEL DEALS
During peak season, the hotels of the Hamptons command a pretty penny.  But, it's not unusual to see these prices drop to nearly half in the off-season.

Without the crowds and the cooler weather, nothing can be more enjoyable than cozying up in one of the well-known bed and breakfasts on Eastern Long Island.  I speak from experience as this was one of my favorite off-season destinations.

Formerly The Maidstone Arms, c/o The Maidstone  delivers a heavy dose of European flair. The property features 19 uniquely designed rooms and cottages, each dedicated to and inspired by a Scandinavian celebrity. Prior to becoming a part-time resident of the Hamptons, this property was one of my favorites. The Maidstone is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring yours along.

The 1770 House, Topping Rose House, and The American Hotel all offer top service and accommodations in the area.

5. HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Did you know that the Hamptons has a history that goes back hundreds of years? Three places in particular worth visiting include:
The Southampton Historical Museum which consists of two historic homes, one from the 1840s and the other built in 1660. The interior contains period furniture.

The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum (open weekends only), which offers insight into the town's former industry.

​The East Hampton Historical Society maintains six historic and well-preseved buildings in the area which includes homes and schoolhouses.


So, when you think Hamptons, do not limit your visit to the peak season!!

Me and my Kelsey at the School Christmas Boutique yesterday

Yesterday, I met Kelsey at her school to "go shopping" at the Christmas Boutique.  She managed to get some gifts.  

She was so excited to have me meet her to help with her little shopping excursion!!

Well, folks, I'll be heading back to the barn now. 

Hope you are making progress with your holiday shopping!!

-E
xoxo