by Sonja Stark on May 22, 2012
This week PilotGirl has an influx of towns to discovery while on assignment.
On Monday, I start the journey in Bellport, NY, a charming hamlet equal distance between NYC and Montauk on southern side of Long Island. I poked around their version of Main Street finding it unusually quiet but sure of its’ appeal come summer.
I pass by nautical-theme gift shops, watercolor art galleries and a relic barber pole spinning in the rain outside of a local watering hole called Porters on the Lane. Patrons at Porters belly up to the bar or gulp a L.I. Bluepoint Springfling Ale on the front of porch of the rambling Victorian home.
Several Federal-style buildings built using wooden pegs and square nails line Bellport Lane including the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society. Inside the Barn Museum is a Sperry gyroscope exhibit, photo archives of master ship-builders and an antique tool collection.
At the end of the street is the Bellport Bay Yacht Club. The choppy surf and drizzling rain isn’t what I would consider the best weather for sailing. A lone seagull has a hard time finding scraps of bait.
Tuesday’s overnight – the town of Mahopac in Westchester County.
by Sonja Stark on May 20, 2012
On Saturday, I dragged Dad kicking and screaming up Overlook Mountain in the Catskills. The day before it was Monument Mountain in the Berkshires. Today, it would have been an Adirondack High Peak if he didn’t duck out so quickly.
Hey, if Pop wants to “pop in” unannounced he’s got to survive the consequences.. like exploring the remains of the Catskill Mountain House, soaring views from a ’60 fire tower and teetering on a ledge behind a cascading waterfall. Oh, and an unparalleled sense of accomplishment over a frosty, malty glass of local goodness.
by Sonja Stark on May 19, 2012
Lambertville: home of shad chowder, Wild Bill’s Olde Fashion Soda and the Delaware/Raritan Canal.
While working in Princeton this week I got talking to a gal who can’t wait to get married. Not because of the man she intends to marry or the dress she intends to wear or the honeymoon that follows. It’s because of the historical Inn at Lambertville Station.
Located in beautiful Bucks County PA, 20 minutes from Princeton, it’s the ultimate destination for wedding planning.
With a sparkle in her eye, she described the ballroom, Delaware riverside view, story vaulted ceiling with glittering chandeliers and antique paintings.
It was obvious she had been planning her wedding since birth.
I did not get the chance to stay at the Inn but I did bunk in Lambertville with a friend. Unfortunately there was no time to sight-see. I had only enough time to snap this one photo of a historic general store covered with growing ivy.
Make sure your next NJ adventure includes pastoral Lambertville – a charming oasis resplendent with Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, antique shops and a restored canal path. The area is a mecca for railroad connoisseurs, Revolutionary War buffs and those who love the restoration of old barns and carriage houses.
by Sonja Stark on May 17, 2012
The Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Alchemist and Barrister, Triumph Brewing Company, Winberies followed by a slice at Conte’s Pizza and Bar; few things are as enjoyable as a night out in Princeton, NJ.
A working assignment has me enjoying Ivy League privileges for a couple days this week. My clients are from Toronto and have never been here. It would be a sin to return home without seeing the campus so I gave them a twilight tour.
They marveled at Blair, Witherspoon and Little Hall (see above). Three of my favorites are Chancellor Green, the University Chapel and Firestone Library.
Inside the Prospect House dozens of tech execs in the transportation industry talked about flying cars and automated deliveries. Beer and brilliant minds – Got to love Princeton.
A big white tent is set up for next week’s graduation on the lawn at Cannon Green.
by Sonja Stark on May 13, 2012
Yurts at October Mountain
Yurts are lightweight, portable and ideal for family camping. These have triple the headroom of a pup tent, sleep up to six people and even carry electricity.
It’s no wonder the yurts at October Mountain Campground in Lee, Massachusetts rent out so quickly. These are also wheelchair accessible but, sorry, no dogs allowed.
Due to construction, nearby Bear Mountain State Park in Great Barrington is closed for camping this season so all 47 sites at October Mountain State Park are sure to be busy.
After exploring another 10 miles of this beautiful State Park, I was tempted to crawl into one of the three yurts for a much needed snooze. At $30/night the price is extremely reasonable.
by Sonja Stark on May 12, 2012
Water cannon salute for Airberlin
I flew airberlin from JFK to Germany last September and what a treat it was. Award-winning service, superior cuisine, slimmer back rests for maximum leg room and dozens of on-board entertainment options. And I sat in Economy class.
Yesterday was a big day for the second largest German airline. It launched it’s first transatlantic flight from Berlin to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A water cannon salute greeted the Airbus A330-200 on its arrival.
Symbolically, this is especially exciting because the City of L.A. and Berlin are sister-cities and celebrating their 45th anniversary partnership this year. As a board member myself for Albany’s sister-city organization with Tula, Russia; Albany-Tula Alliance, I can’t help but think how wonderful it would be if we had our own non-stop flight route.
