Past Travels: Long Beach Island Snapshots

As a Jersey girl, I'm obligated to show my pride for the Jersey Shore - the real Jersey Shore. Not the kind you see on television, but the one that represents so many fond memories to everyone who has spent time there. 

My family doesn't often take vacations, but many years ago we spent two weeks at Long Beach Island. These are a collection of snapshots taken by my Uncle. Because they were digital and never developed/shared, I only saw these photos for the first time a few months ago. 

(For context: This was back in the day when I could barely multiply and divide, The Da Vinci Code was the hottest summer read, and digital cameras were somewhat new.)

If you've never stayed at the Jersey Shore, I hope these photos will give you a glimpse of how beautiful it can be.

 And if you are a shore-goer, I hope these feel like coming home.

As mentioned previously, all photo credit goes to my Uncle. I have not edited any of these images.

I Went Here: 10 Tips For Finger Lakes Wine Tasting!

1. Don't tell them you're planning to buy any bottles or cases, i.e. lots of their expensive commodity.
Let them believe this is simply a casual afternoon outing as a family, that's all. No pressure.

2. After tasting a sip, you can spit the liquid out. They have little bowls specifically for this purpose.
Not only will it keep you from getting unintentionally inebriated, but you look like a total pro.

3. Always take the free cheese and crackers. Always.

4. If you're not an expert don't worry - somewhere in the middle of the trip you'll start to feel like one! 

"Ah yes,  I detect a hint of yeast in the aftertaste of this Cab Sauv... but it's not quite as austere as the perfumed merlot we tasted earlier. Subtle, yet dry."

5. But by the end they'll all start to taste the same again. 

"This one is good."

6. Find a designated driver: day drinking isn't for the weak of heart (or liver)!

7. TAKE NOTES FOR LATER. 

8. Just because a place looks nice on the outside doesn't mean it has the best wine.
This gorgeous winery had our least favorite tastings.

9. Yes, every winery will have that scenic vineyard view to take photos in front of.
Don't let the repetition discourage you from admiring - and taking photos of - every single one.

10.The Finger Lakes region is one of a kind.

Take in the view as it passes by your window.

Bonus tip: If you're under-21 and the offer you complimentary grape juice, JUST TAKE IT. 
This isn't Welsh's 100% juice for 100% kids nonsense. It's the real deal.

I Went Here: Return to Taproot Farm

Around the same season I visited Taproot in 2012, I returned again this year. As usual, the farm provided a weekend full of beautiful sunrises, wholesome foods, pleasant time with family, and a myriad of photo-taking opportunities!

Dream-Cation: Opa Döner Poodles BREAD

Dream-cation (n.) A vacation that, for the moment, only exists in my dreams.

Berlin, Germany

1. Opa Döner Poodles Bread

2. The Flag

3. German American Festival of the People

4.Gorgeous Castle Charlottenburg

5. Actors Zachary Quinto & Alice Eve on a bike tour

6. & 7. Berlin Poster Art

8. Street Art Utopia

9. 20 Great Things to do in Berlin

Past Travels: Taproot Farm

Almost heaven, West Virginia 

Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River 

Life is old there, older than the trees 

Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze 

Taproot Farm, located in West Virginia, belongs to family of mine and is the most beautiful place I have ever been. I spent a weekend here in May of 2012, after a long, draining semester. The time I spent here calmed my nerves, soothed my body, and brought a fresh outlook to life.

Expect to see another post about this farm in the following month ;)

*Song lyrics from the one and only John Denver.