Gamed

Who knew that Bridgewater, NJ had such a nice field? After paying $12 to sit 3 rows away from the field, not having commercial breaks every 5 seconds, and watching the fireworks in 3D after the show, I officially like minor league games more than major league games.

weekEND

What a week!

I've stopped counting how many times I've eaten mexican food this month, and consider it preparation for what lies ahead in California (1, 2). Last Sunday, we drove upstate New York to visit my brother at New York Military Academy, and boy is he in the middle of nowhere (3). During the week, Peter and I checked out all that Chester, NJ has to offer. From antique shops (4), to art shops specializing in brightly colored flowers made of corn husks (5), to extremely unique and eclectic shops (6), to fruit and vegetable picking at Alstede Farm (7-10), I can honestly say Chester is a very quaint town. Yesterday I spent the entire day visiting my grandparents. It was so much fun showing my grandmother how to use Facebook, checking out old photos and piles of tapes/records, and making eggplant parmesan in a kitchen straight out of the 50's (recipe and photos to come) (11, 12). After spending 2 hours stuck in NYC traffic on the way home (13-15), I look forward to catching up with blogs and going for a run before the rain starts.

Happy weekend.

DC

Birch and Barley (2), Teaism (5), Ping Pong Dim Sum (11)

Tons of sun and an overdose of monuments. Nice first impression, DC. I especially loved: the White House, Birch & Barley's tasting menu (555 artisanal beer choices), the Lincoln Memorial (despite current construction), Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum, the Botanic Garden (especially the orchid room), and shopping in Georgetown (see newly purchased yellow jeans from Tommy Hilfiger). I can only imagine how packed it's going to be next weekend when 4th of July rolls around. What a perfect four day getaway. 

two if by sea

Cliff Walk

What started off as one of many recommendations from a friend, the Cliff Walk soon became one of my favorite parts of this mini-vacation. The 3.5 mile cliff-side stretch, behind the Bellevue mansions and 70 feet above crashing waves, was beautiful.

Mansion-ites

The Breakers Mansion 

lobster club lunch at Christie's

Newport, RI

Boat Shoe Heaven, Day 1. Despite the overcast weather, Newport is adorable. I am looking forward to boat apparel, homemade ice cream, and relaxing.

Ps. Who would have guessed that underneath an old, quaint facade is actually a very modern town? The drink menu at The Mooring was on an ipad. I was blown away. New York needs to step it up.