June 15, 2018 - Visits to Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Islands on the Horizon

Elisa's Daily Scoop
Covering Long Island & NYC Boroughs
NEXT EVENT IN: 12 DAYS: MEAN GIRLS ON BROADWAY

Local Visits to Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens

Hello, hello!!

Wow - I signed on to blog and to my surprise, my dear cuz had already written her Scoop!  I guess she has a very busy day today!

Usually, being on the east coast, I'm up and about much earlier than Tanya, but evidently, not today lol.

Most importably, I'm LOVING Tanya's detailed summary of the islands she will be visiting in the near future, namely, her visit to Aruba, Curaçao and Turks & Caicos.  DO read her column today!

As for me, I have to say, I'm in pretty good shape for the big graduation day celebration tomorrow for Gianna!

There has been a little something each day this week and the weekend is no different.

We start our day tomorrow early with a breakfast and awards ceremony for the graduating class.  This is very exciting and will be held at one of the nearby country clubs.

Then, we head over to the church, where the graduation mass and celebration will take place, which I'm sure is going to be a tear jerker.  I am a person who cried extensively at my kids' kindergarden graduations, so you get the picture on how emotional I will be tomorrow when I see my daughter in her cap and gown saying goodbye to her school for the past 9 years.

Gianna's 8th Grade graduation portrait (c)travelincousins.com

Following the ceremony, our little gang, including Grandma and Grandpa and Gianna's fave Spanish teacher, will head over to one of our most loved restaurants in Garden City, La Nonna Bella, for an intimate graduation lunch.

Of course, the festivities do not end there - we were invited to a graduation party for one of Gianna's friends later in the afternoon.  

So, you can see, it's going to be a very busy day.

Today, I'll be getting a mani-pedi and getting a few last minute goodies for the graduation girl!

In Travel News...

As you know, I have some international travel on the horizon, but for today, I wanted to tell you about some local New York City visits that I am in the process of getting on my calendar. 

I'll be visiting these places either with the kids, my Aunt Ro or by myself (which I hate to say, but I find myself great company!!)

Here are some, in no particular order, however, as soon as I work out my schedule, which will probably be on Sunday, after some of the excitement from graduation has calmed down, I will post the dates for you!!

Domino Park
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

(credit: Max Touhey)

The Domino Sugar Refinery, a neighborhood landmark since the 19th century, and the surrounding area have been into an 11-acre park and waterfront site. 

Domino Park, a six-acre green space, debuted to the public on June 10th - last weekend!  You can imagine how I am dying to visit - especially considering the gorgeous views and new additions to the area! 

An all-new playground, designed by Mark Reigelman, is actually a miniature sugar refinery in miniature is a featured element of the new park, as is  a waterfront esplanade, a dog run, and a taco shack run by Danny Meyer.

​And of course, no trip to Williamsburg would be complete without a stop at Dun Well Doughnuts!!

​
Rocking the Boat: Community Sailing
Hunts Point Riverside Park, Lafayette Ave & Edgewater Road in The Bronx

(credit: bronxriver.org)

This is an exploration of the beautiful Bronx River and an opportunity to learn to sail with community rowing experts, Rocking the Boat! The cool part is that it is aboard student-built wooden row boats, and it is free!

Accompanied by Rocking the Boat staff and participants, its an opportunity to learn about the local waterways. The free program takes place every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

I think the next date that I can make is July 14th.

​
Queens Botanical Gardens
Main Street, Flushing

(credit:https://queensbotanical.org)

​Queens Botanical Garden evolved from the 5-acre “Gardens on Parade” exhibit showcased at the 1939–1940 World’s Fair.

​Officially opening as “The Queens Botanical Garden Society” in 1946 after local residents saved and expanded the original exhibit, the Garden remained at the original World’s Fair site until 1961, when it was moved to its current location on Main Street in Flushing.

Having grown up in Queens my whole life, I cannot believe I have never been here!  

Of course, we will make food an important part of the day!!!

So, those are a few of the local places I will be visiting.  

Running out to get a mani-pedi for our exciting day tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop​​
Covering the West Coast & the World
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 27 DAYS:
​WASHINGTON DC / VIRGINIA

Islands on the Horizon

The weekend is HERE! 

Whoa did this week go by super FAST!!!!!

I've got a rather early morning and a rather busy day so I figured that since yesterday was so chock full of productivity but no actual bookings or the like that instead of just chatting about yesterday that I would focus on sharing something fun...

We are gonna talk about islands and more specifically about the islands on the horizon that I'll be heading to within the next 8 months,

As you should know, I have 56 days before I leave for Aruba, Curaçao, and Turks & Caicos.

​Aruba, is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, with it's white blond beaches that I look forward to sinking my toes in, gentle surf, cool breezes and an average temperature of 82F it's no wonder why this is such a popular getaway! 

Photo credit: beachesofaruba.com

Curaçao, another Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its beaches tucked into coves and its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life.
But I am most excited about the adorable capital, Willemstad which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has picture perfect pastel-colored colonial architecture.

Photo credit: worldatlas.com

Turks and Caicos, are a British Overseas Territory consisting of the larger Caicos Islands and smaller Turks Islands. ​The two island groups are in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas and at the third largest coral system in the world! Too bad I'm not into scuba diving!
But I will be enjoying the beautiful turquoise water with soft white sands.

Photo credit: visittci.com

After that we will be heading to Hawaii in September.

Oahu, home to the state capital, Honolulu, beautiful Waikiki, the famed North shore, Pearl Harbor - which I plan to finally go to successfully and Diamond Head - which we will be hiking to the top of.

Waikiki (c)travelincousins.com

Maui - known also as “The Valley Isle,” it is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and I think it's my favorite!
Beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, and the amazing sunrise and sunset view from Haleakala National Park.

Maui (c)travelincousins.com

Canary Islands - a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, are rugged volcanic isles known for their black and white-sand beaches. Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide, which has its own astronomical observatory. - Credit: Wiki

Photo Credit: Pinterest

And this one I might be looking the most forward to: Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal located off the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. 

Photo credit: madeira-live.com

Well I hope you are looking forward to all that is to come - you can only guess how excited I am!!

I must be running now. Lots going on this weekend, so stay tuned!

Ciao 4 now,
-Travelin' Tanya