March 2, 2016

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS: 2 DAYS

W2GW: So many fun events!

Welcome to Travelin' Cousins and Happy Hump Day to you!!

If you've been following us and our shenanigans for a while now (and we hope you have), then you know that most days here are themed! 

And Wednesdays are no different - todays theme is W2GW (Where to Go Wednesday), this feature is always a fun one because we search out current festivals, events, and general fun stuff to do and then hand pick our favorites to share with you.

Generally what happens is we are finding stuff that is brand new to even us! And most likely you'll find me at at least one of these upcoming event locations.   *see more below

Before I get into all of the cool events that I've gathered, I thought that I would tell you a bit about my day (yesterday), ya know - The SCOOP!
​
My day was pretty full of lots of running around (via car that is), I had to fill the fridge and the cabinets at home, as well as shop for our upcoming trip to Park City - noted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the BEST SMALL CITIES IN THE US -
Cosette also had a horseback riding lesson, and had requested that we stop by the tack store to pick up some birthday treats for Dream (tomorrow is her birthday!) 
I'm finding that more and more people across the country are buying and owning chickens - so much better than supporting the evil and cruel egg industry! Anyhow there were 4 tubs of these sweet young chickens for sale - so I just had to take a few pictures... 

After more shopping, I had a short stop at home to unload and then off to the mall I went.

In and out of stores in search of our families Easter wear, and I was having NO LUCK.

The Easter Bunny's House

The Easter Bunny's garden

I mean we actually did find something lovely for both Dave B. and for Dominic, but I was so disappointed to not find anything for myself or any of the females in the family. I was even keeping my eyes peeled for a birthday outfit for myself - March 19th and yes I am accepting gifts ;)

But I pretty much found a big fat NOTHING!

However it was already after 9pm when we had walked out of Banana Republic with our purchases for the boys and as we headed in the direction of the exit, we had walked past the Bebe window display and saw this fun and sassy jumper -
​I have got to have it!

Must go back when they are open... 

And that my friends was my exciting day!
Yup lots of running around, but actually rather relaxing if you ask me.

So now here's this weeks edition of W2GW:

DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES

Mark your calendar for two weekends of fun and festivities – March 5 & 6 and 12 & 13 in beautiful Dana Point Harbor as they celebrate the 45th Dana Point Festival of Whales!

The Dana Point Festival of Whales celebrates the return of the once-endangered California Gray Whale. In addition to whale watching at the height of whale watching season, festival includes a kick-off parade, Sand Sculpting, Ocean Awareness Day, musical entertainment, on-the-water Concert, Whale of a Block Party, Art Shows, Pancake Breakfast, BBQs, Kids Interpretive Crafts, Classic Car Exhibits, Lectures/Seminars at multiple venues including the Ocean Institute, Historic Walking Tours, Paddling Events, Sailing/Rowing/Kayak/SUP Demos, plus much more!
​For more info CLICK HERE

LOS ANGELES LANTERN FESTIVAL

Join Angelenos beneath Chinese lanterns in the vibrance of Downtown L.A. for the 15th Annual Los Angeles Lantern Festival. The free signature event culminates the Lunar New Year festivities with engaging community booths, museum tours, live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, and food trucks.
A hugely popular Chinese festival around the world, Lantern Festival occurs annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month to mark the closing of Chinese New Year festivities. CAM’s annual Los Angeles Lantern Festival represents a departure from most other commercially-based street event celebrations, with its primary focus on community building and education. The Los Angeles Lantern Festival embraces the mission of the Chinese American Museum to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse heritage by sharing the history, cultural legacy and continuing contributions of Chinese Americans by providing a free festival that encourages the public to celebrate Chinese America.
For more info CLICK HERE
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Celebrate spring and the blooming of our Cherry Trees with cultural performances, Japanese street food, unique local vendors, children’s corner and hang out in the beer and tea gardens! Guests may partake in Hanami, the traditional custom of picnicking under the cherry trees.  We look forward to once again sharing this community tradition with San Diego!
For more info CLICK HERE
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And finally, if you are in or around Chicago -
​DON'T MISS THIS ONE:
VAN GOGH'S BEDROOMS

Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom in Arles is arguably the most famous chambre in the history of art.

For the first time in North America, an exhibit in Chicago will be housing three versions of a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting together!

“Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” opened Feb. 14 and will "Gogh" until May 10, 2016 at the Chicago Art Institute. It is dedicated to Van Gogh’s painting of his bedroom in Arles in the south of France. More than 30 works by the artist will be displayed, in addition to the bedroom paintings.

The show includes a digitally enhanced reconstruction of the artist’s bedroom. Exhibit curators say that will allow visitors to experience the space that inspired the paintings.
For more info CLICK HERE

​Lastly we have a special travel feature published by our very talented guest writer Amy Goldsmith:
DISCOVER MOZAMBIQUE - The Road Less Travelled

And that's about all for today folks. I hope that you've had a lovely week so far, and that we've perhaps helped with your weekend plans!

I'll be back tomorrow for some TBT fun.
See ya then!
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 18 DAYS

W2GW: Wine Lovers Events

Hello!  Mid-week already.

It's strange because although you can feel Spring in the air, here on Long Island, the weather report is predicting some snow for tomorrow.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just flurries.

​Today, I have so many errands to do before the kiddies get out of school and we start the hours of homework.

I am in amazement just how much homework a 4th grader gets these days.  Ugh!!

Since today is W2GW here on Travelin' Cousins, let's take a look at some Wine Events around the New York City and Long Island area...

Wine Riot New York
March 4th-5th
69th Regiment Armory - 7pm $65
68 Lexington Ave
(Between 25th & 26th Streets)
New York 
Enjoy this event that features 350 wine varieties culled from every corner of the globe.

It includes 20-minute crash courses on topics like venting and pairing and tastings.  There will also be lots of fun activities such as Instagram photo booths, wash-off tattoos and a live DJ.  

NY Drinks NY Grand Tasting
March 8th 
Altman Building - 6pm $45
135 W 18th St 
New York
More than 200 wines, from pinots to gewürztraminers, sourced exclusively from New York's acclaimed wine-producing regions, during this fifth annual walk-around tasting.

The New York Wine and Culinary Center provides pair-ready cheese, charcuterie and hors d'oeuvres.

Martha Clara Vineyards Sound on Sound Concerts -
"Billboard Live (Rock Hits of the 1970s)"
March 12, 2016 (Sat) 7pm-10pm $23.50-$27.50
Martha Clara Vineyards  
6025 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY

Live Music at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
March 5th & 6th 12th  & 13 2016 (Sat) from 12:00 PM - 7:00PM - No admission fee
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
2114 Sound Avenue
Baiting Hollow, NY 
Wine, food and beer available for purchase

Cupcake Decorating & Wine Pairing
March 13, 2016 (Sun) 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $55
The Vine Wine Bar
2259 Merrick Road
Merrick, NY 
The evening includes cupcakes, a professional instructor and all supplies. Wine Tasting is included in this event. This 2 hour event will end with cupcakes to take home!

Live Music at Lieb Cellars
March 5th 12, 2016 (Sat) from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Lieb Cellars
13050 Oregon Road
Cutchogue, NY
Free admission, does not include wine purchases

Lots of fun stuff happening during the next few weeks if you're a wine lover!

Remember, Spring is just around the corner!!

-E
xoxo