June 27, 2014

North Wildwood, New Jersey: Wildwood Boardwalk; things to do

Wildwood Boardwalk 

The long, long Wildwood Boardwalk stretches for two miles and hold three amusement parks and two water parks.  For an overview, take a ride on the “tram car" trackless train that runs along the boardwalk.

tram car ride at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey
tram car ride at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey


Restaurants, arcades, and other amusements will fill your day with fun, and at dusk the bright lights and neon signs come out.  It is a surprising fact that the Wildwood Amusement Piers have more rides than Disneyland.  Kiddie rides include airplanes, trucks, dune buggies, boats, and trains, plus carousels and bumper cars.

Wildwood Amusement Piers at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey
Wildwood Amusement Piers at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey

Thrill rides include an inverted looping roller coaster, The Beast of the East (the largest family raft ride on the East Coast), and a 140-foot-high Ferris wheel.  Perhaps its most famous attraction is the Great White--the East Coast's tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster.  The ride is built right over the beach, reaches a speed of more than 50 miles per hour, and begins with a 25-foot drop into a dark tunnel (it later adds a 105-foot drop).


June 25, 2014

North Wildwood, New Jersey: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse; things to do

111 Central Ave., (609) 522-4520.  Tour:  $5, under 12 $2; gardens free. 

This 1874 Victorian Carpenter Gothic Stick-style structure is still a working lighthouse.  The light was hand-cranked by a resident keeper until automation closed it down in 1964.  Guided tours are of the former living quarters, and you can stroll through the award-winning gardens on your own. 
Note that it is same style as the East Brother light in Richmond, California, which is now a B&B. 








June 23, 2014

North Wildwood, New Jersey: annual events--Roar to the Shore + Mummers Parade; things to do

Annual Events in North Wildwood, New Jersey

Roar to the Shore  

September.  This is the largest motorcycle meet-up on the East Coast.





Mummers Parade  

September.  It costs you zero to join the crowd lining the street here to view the famous Mummer string bands march and dance.  A string band is heavy on the banjos and has no guitars or amplification.  (Did you know that the banjo is the only instrument native to America?)  The bands are composed of mostly husky guys in glittering costumes.  One local described them thusly:  “They march into town looking like they could flatten a village.”  Enthusiastic viewers are invited to dance along with them down the street.  Note that the original Mummers Parade occurs on New Year’s Day in Philadelphia.

June 20, 2014

North Wildwood, New Jersey: Dolce Italia; restaurant review

Dolce Italia  

210 New Jersey Ave., (609) 522-6228.  L-D daily; $-$$.  The family-style Italian restaurant Dolce Italia serves pizza as well as some delicious old-fashioned pastas.  And you know it’s going to be good because the mayor eats here.  My fave is the full-flavored, very satisfying rigatoni with ricotta and meat sauce followed by a lip-smacking tasty lemoncello cheesecake.  Burgers, hoagies, and wraps are also on the extensive menu.

rigatoni at Dolce Italia in North Wildwood, New Jersey
rigatoni at Dolce Italia in North Wildwood, New Jersey



image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

June 18, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: Congress Hall Hotel + The Blue Pig Tavern; hotel review + restaurant review

Congress Hall Hotel

200 Congress Pl.  Pool; fitness room; full-service spa. 

exterior of Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey
exterior of Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey


America’s oldest seaside resort, the Tuscan-yellow luxe Congress Hall Hotel has been providing hospitality since 1816.  It features plenty of potted palms and white colonnades, and it isn’t a complete surprise to discover that it was once the Summer White House for President Benjamin Harrison and was also the venue for performances by John Philip Sousa.  In addition to exposing yourself to this bit of history, you’ll enjoy relaxing in glossy black wicker chairs and maybe even find time for the pool, spa, or, if you are a kid and it is summer, Camp Congress Hall. 


The Blue Pig Tavern  

(609) 884-8422. 

Located inside the hall, this casual restaurant offers an eclectic menu and a spare, colonial-style decor.  Drinks include Yuengling traditional lager from America’s oldest brewery, and a well-priced steamed lobster special is available some evenings. 



More information about Cape May.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

June 16, 2014

NYC--Queens--Jackson Heights: Jackson Diner; restaurant review

Jackson Diner  

37-47 74th St., Jackson Heights, (718) 672-1232. 

Jackson Diner exterior in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York
Jackson Diner exterior in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York


The Indian buffet lunch at Jackson Diner is refreshed regularly and is well-priced if you are hungry.  Additionally, the menu offers interesting vegetarian items--including kofta balls and vindaloo potatoes--and a variety of tandoori breads and barbecue.  The open dining room is spacious, attractive, and comfortable.

Jackson Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


More things to do in Jackson Heights, Queens.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyer

June 13, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: Leeson Bridge House B&B; hotel review

Leeson Bridge House B&B  

1 Upper Leeson St., in Fitzwilliam Quay, +353 1 668 2255, Dublin 4.  30 rooms.  E59+/2; booking.com E98.  Breakfast.  Free parking. 

Located on a street of Georgian Houses adjacent to Dublin’s Grand Canal, the Leeson Bridge guest house is itself within a Georgian House and the special architectural features have been preserved.

exterior of Leeson Bridge House B&B in Dublin, Ireland
exterior of Leeson Bridge House B&B in Dublin, Ireland


Room 117 has high ceilings and free WiFi that works.

room 117 at Leeson Bridge House B&B in Dublin, Ireland
room 117 at Leeson Bridge House B&B in Dublin, Ireland


However, it also has a very small “wet room” bathroom, in which the shower had no floor tray so the water went throughout the bathroom floor and down a center drain, but still required using all available towels to sop it up.  Actually, I got used to it, and for the price I was able to tolerate it.  As an aside, the first time I saw this type of bathroom was about 30 years ago in Switzerland and, indeed, it seems to be a Swiss innovation that was brought here by an advocate.  The idea is that the natural heat will dry out the space in a short time, but that turns out not to be the reality.

wet room bathroom in room 117 at Leeson Bridge House B&B in Dubllin, Ireland
wet room bathroom in room 117 at Leeson Bridge House B&B
in Dubllin, Ireland




June 11, 2014

Dublin, Ireland: National Gallery of Ireland; things to do

National Gallery of Ireland  

Clare St., Merrion Square West, Dublin 2; +353 1 661 5133.  M-Sat 9:30am-5:30 pm, Thur 9:30am-8:30pm, Sun noon-5:30pm.  Free.  

exterior of National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin
exterior of National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin


This collection of more than 15,000 Irish and European works from the 13th through mid-20th centuries includes paintings by Rembrandt, Goya, and Monet.  The exceptional Jack B. Yeats Collection features works and items related to the Irish painter, who was the brother of poet and playwright W. B. Yeats.  Adult drawing packs and children’s activity packs are available to borrow at no charge.  I bought the museum’s desk calendar as a souvenir and it is a great reminder of my visit to Ireland. 


A Convent Garden, Brittany, at National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin
My favorite painting here is "A Convent Garden, Brittany," c.1913-William John Leech, Irish, 1881-1968, depicted at left.





June 9, 2014

Travel Insurance Information

Golden Gate Bridge from an airplane

It's that time of year . . .

If you have questions about trip insurance, here are some good resources that I have personally collected.  If you read them, you’ll probably learn something.  I find the subject very confusing and so always have my eyes open for good reports on the topic.  Before a trip, remember to check with your . . . Read more.



More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.


image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

June 6, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: Trolley Tours; things to do

Washington Street Mall Information Booth, on Ocean St., (609) 884-5404. 

Inn of Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey
Inn of Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey


Even if you have a car with you, a ride on one of this town’s cheery red-and-green trolleys gives you a rest and a cooling breeze while a knowledgeable guide tells you about the town’s Victorian heritage and maritime history.  You’ll see many of the town’s best magnificent Victorians.  Several specialty tours are available, including one that includes a tour of the Emlen Physick Estate.



More information about Cape May.


images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

June 4, 2014

Cape May, New Jersey: several shops; things to do

Several shops in Cape May, New Jersey

Sunset Beach Gifts  

502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May Point, (609) 884-7079.  

The beach-front Sunset Beach Gifts shop has a vast selection of items--everything from a tiny 29-cent dried starfish to sparkling Cape May diamond earrings made from the frosted white-quartz pebbles found on the beach here.  The earrings start at $28, and I wear my dangle studs often.  This end-of-the-road concession conglomerate includes a restaurant and a miniature golf course. 

Cape May diamond earrings at Sunset Beach Gifts in New Jersey
Cape May diamond earrings at Sunset Beach Gifts in New Jersey

The sunken concrete ship “Atlantus” is just off shore here from lovely Sunset Beach.  On summer evenings, a flag ceremony occurs just before sunset.



antique cat pitcher at TreeHouse Antiques in Cape May, New Jersey
antique cat pitcher at TreeHouse Antiques in Cape May, New Jersey

TreeHouse Antiques Center  

742 Seashore Rd./Route 626, (609) 884-4600.  

Prices are good and the selection is varied in this multi-dealer shop spread throughout a repurposed house.  A small garden is filled with all things outdoors. 



More information about Cape May.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

June 2, 2014

All about visiting Machu Picchu, Peru

All about visiting MACHU PICCHU in Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru


There are times for roughing it and times for not.  Peru, with its Third World plumbing, is one of those places where a comfortable hotel room is greatly prized.  I’ve heard about freezing temperatures at some of the less expensive hotels in densely populated Cuzco and more primitive Aguas Calinentes.  Bear in mind that in Cuzo (at 11,000-foot altitude), Machu Picchu (at 8,000-foot altitude), and in Aguas Calientes (at 6,000-foot altitude), nights are usually cold and altitude sickness also enters the mix.  Read more . . .



image courtesy of venue

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