I wrote about Syracuse, NY as a rebounding city in my first post... and just to prove my point, the media's been picking up the story, and featuring a few of my friends. Enjoy!
"Syracuse named top city for new grads"
http://news10now.com/?ArID=475369
Monday, June 22, 2009
All grown up
I spent most of my childhood living in a sweetly preserved grape farming village along the shores of Lake Erie in Western New York. Fredonia is known mostly to the rest of the world for the SUNY College there, and to me as my childhood. My grandparents are still there and I visit 5-6 weekends a year. This past weekend I was there for Father's Day to honor my grandfather with gifts and a family barbeque.
Grandpa, my parents, brother and cousin
We gave Grandpa a framed photo of his whole family. Here he points out who's who.
The boys: Grandpa, my dad, and my brother.
When you drive through Fredonia, especially in the early fall when
the aroma is full, you'll see the concord grape vines everywhere. The soil is fertile, moist and perfect for these tough vines. Welches, and Cliffstar (who bottles juice for grocery chains like Wegman's) have long been major purchasers, and more recently trendy wineries have popped up in the area. If you happen to be going through Fredonia, take a walk through the College, and the village green, visit the historic opera house, and taste the delectable cinnamon rolls at the UpperCrust Bakery. Mmmm.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Favorite Places
I have a lot of favorite places in this world and chances are if you ever travel with me you'll here me say (a lot) "I love this place." But I really do have some favorites and though I love many places, my heart really belongs to a few.
A list of a few favorites (my recommendations to you):
1)Baltimore, Maryland- amazing city. Has bounced back (and continues to do so) from destitution into a thriving tourist city centered around it's inner harbor. There's so much to see and do within the downtown area and hidden spots to check out all around the bay. Tour the baseball stadium, taste the crab at Obrycki's, gourge on great italian in Little Italy, drink orange crushes in Canton Square, shop in Federal Hill, go out in Fells Point, and experience culture on Mount Vernon. The people are friendly, young and down-to-earth, and the city's welcoming, affordable and accessible. Here are a few photos from a trip Memorial Day weekend.
The inner harbor from Federal Hill
The old power plant (view from the paddle boats)...
Memorial Day brunch with friends...
And if you're going to be in Baltimore, don't forget to check out Annapolis. The State Capital and one of the most quaint major cities I've ever seen. It's right on the coast, entirely walkable, and absolutely lovable. We also went in May...
2) The OuterBanks of North Carolina - My family had made this trek for 'Spring Break' every year for 10 years in a row. The groups grew and shrunk but probably averaged 15 people in a big beach house every year for a week. Life is simple on the islands. Pleasures come from time with family, lighthouses, sand crabs, wild horses, national parks, the Wright Brother's memorial and great southern bbq. I cherish more than a few great memories from my times on the shores there, and will return for many years to come.
3) Madrid, Spain- Don't even get me started here. I know I've referenced that I lived here for a few months before, and if you haven't checked out some of my thoughts from when I was there yet, you should. But I would argue, the pride, culture, food, people, beauty, history, and ammenities of this city, make it one of the best destinations you'll ever find. But be warned, you'll leave a little piece of your heart there if you go.
I'll continue my list of favorites again sometime soon, but those are definitely my top 3.
Enjoy your travels,
Julie
A list of a few favorites (my recommendations to you):
1)Baltimore, Maryland- amazing city. Has bounced back (and continues to do so) from destitution into a thriving tourist city centered around it's inner harbor. There's so much to see and do within the downtown area and hidden spots to check out all around the bay. Tour the baseball stadium, taste the crab at Obrycki's, gourge on great italian in Little Italy, drink orange crushes in Canton Square, shop in Federal Hill, go out in Fells Point, and experience culture on Mount Vernon. The people are friendly, young and down-to-earth, and the city's welcoming, affordable and accessible. Here are a few photos from a trip Memorial Day weekend.
The inner harbor from Federal Hill The old power plant (view from the paddle boats)...Memorial Day brunch with friends...And if you're going to be in Baltimore, don't forget to check out Annapolis. The State Capital and one of the most quaint major cities I've ever seen. It's right on the coast, entirely walkable, and absolutely lovable. We also went in May...
2) The OuterBanks of North Carolina - My family had made this trek for 'Spring Break' every year for 10 years in a row. The groups grew and shrunk but probably averaged 15 people in a big beach house every year for a week. Life is simple on the islands. Pleasures come from time with family, lighthouses, sand crabs, wild horses, national parks, the Wright Brother's memorial and great southern bbq. I cherish more than a few great memories from my times on the shores there, and will return for many years to come.
3) Madrid, Spain- Don't even get me started here. I know I've referenced that I lived here for a few months before, and if you haven't checked out some of my thoughts from when I was there yet, you should. But I would argue, the pride, culture, food, people, beauty, history, and ammenities of this city, make it one of the best destinations you'll ever find. But be warned, you'll leave a little piece of your heart there if you go.
I'll continue my list of favorites again sometime soon, but those are definitely my top 3.
Enjoy your travels,
Julie
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thriller
I love rollercoasters. The adventure, rush and thrill of them all... and while Darien Lake doesn't boast the most thrilling coasters in the world, it's become a summer tradition, a day at the park. (not to mention, tickets are fairly inexpensive at Wegman's).
So when my friend Jonathan (an Assistant Director- and huge SU enthusiast- in the Office of Admissions at Syracuse University) suggested Darien Lake on our day off .. i jumped at the chance. We packed the car Monday morning with tons of food, drink and people. Darien Lake is just on the east side of Buffalo, NY and has a long history of consistantly new ownership, and a few really good rides. Though the landscape never changes, and the rides become more worn every year, it's a Western New York staple and reminds me of my childhood. We rode every roller coaster in the park that day, except for the "Ride of Steel"--- which is by far the best one there, built when the park was owned by 6 flags...but it was closed for repair on Monday, so we were probably better off spending our day on the other coasters.
Our group was by far the oldest in the park that day, as the whole place was crawling with high school groups. Though because it's still considered "pre-season" the lines were short and we were able to conquer all of the rides in a few short hours.
Delighted with our accomplishments, we hopped back into the car and headed further west down the NY thruway to meet my Aunt downtown at her museum. She and her husband own the "Buffalo Transportation Museum" and some of the coolest cars and "stuff" you'll ever see. She also has this deep knowledge of the culture and history of Buffalo that she's great about sharing. It's always fun to see her and bring new people to the museum. (If you're in Buffalo and you get a chance, you should definitely go. They're also expanding and ever changing, so if you've been, you should go back). She gave us a tour and museum update for an hour or so and a history of Buffalo guided tour on our way to dinner.
We met more friends for dinner at Pano's on Elmwood (really amazing food and very modern restaurant newly renovated downtown... I highly recommend it) and then called it a night realizing we had a long drive ahead of us back to Syracuse for work on Tuesday.
So when my friend Jonathan (an Assistant Director- and huge SU enthusiast- in the Office of Admissions at Syracuse University) suggested Darien Lake on our day off .. i jumped at the chance. We packed the car Monday morning with tons of food, drink and people. Darien Lake is just on the east side of Buffalo, NY and has a long history of consistantly new ownership, and a few really good rides. Though the landscape never changes, and the rides become more worn every year, it's a Western New York staple and reminds me of my childhood. We rode every roller coaster in the park that day, except for the "Ride of Steel"--- which is by far the best one there, built when the park was owned by 6 flags...but it was closed for repair on Monday, so we were probably better off spending our day on the other coasters.
Our group was by far the oldest in the park that day, as the whole place was crawling with high school groups. Though because it's still considered "pre-season" the lines were short and we were able to conquer all of the rides in a few short hours.
Delighted with our accomplishments, we hopped back into the car and headed further west down the NY thruway to meet my Aunt downtown at her museum. She and her husband own the "Buffalo Transportation Museum" and some of the coolest cars and "stuff" you'll ever see. She also has this deep knowledge of the culture and history of Buffalo that she's great about sharing. It's always fun to see her and bring new people to the museum. (If you're in Buffalo and you get a chance, you should definitely go. They're also expanding and ever changing, so if you've been, you should go back). She gave us a tour and museum update for an hour or so and a history of Buffalo guided tour on our way to dinner.
We met more friends for dinner at Pano's on Elmwood (really amazing food and very modern restaurant newly renovated downtown... I highly recommend it) and then called it a night realizing we had a long drive ahead of us back to Syracuse for work on Tuesday.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Whirlwind
I experienced two very different New York's this week, in two very abreviated glimpses.
On Wednesday- I made a quick and jam-packed trip to the city. I was there less than 24 hours and felt this trip we accomplished a lot. It was totally worked based- and work was all consuming. We jumped from dinner meetings, to alumni events, to social afterparties, to meetings with school principals to learn about new NYC Public School initiatives all in very condensed mode. I really love NYC- as a place to visit, experience, enjoy. Living in Syracuse, it's an easy commute for these purposes. It's also a city I never grow tired of- the last few years I've visited for various reasons about 10 times a year. Each time is different, new fresh, exhilerating and exhausting. I always leave grateful for two things: the unique experience, and that it's time to leave.
On Wednesday- I made a quick and jam-packed trip to the city. I was there less than 24 hours and felt this trip we accomplished a lot. It was totally worked based- and work was all consuming. We jumped from dinner meetings, to alumni events, to social afterparties, to meetings with school principals to learn about new NYC Public School initiatives all in very condensed mode. I really love NYC- as a place to visit, experience, enjoy. Living in Syracuse, it's an easy commute for these purposes. It's also a city I never grow tired of- the last few years I've visited for various reasons about 10 times a year. Each time is different, new fresh, exhilerating and exhausting. I always leave grateful for two things: the unique experience, and that it's time to leave.
Photos from the iBand Event:
I came back from NY on Thursday night... returned the rental car at the airport and pulled in my driveway at about 9pm. At 9am I was back in action on my "vacation day"- roadtripping with my friend Nicole to Lake George at the far southeast side of the Adirondack park. I'd describe Lake George as having the exact opposite feel of NYC- eerily they're only 3 hours away in the same state.
It was Americade Weekend in Lake George (we didn't really grasp the full concept of this on our way in) and spent most of our time trying to avoid the loud rumblings of over-revved motorcycle engines. 
We hiked Prospect Mountain (which sounds much easier than it was), 
ate out for a nice dinner, wandered the shores of the lake, and went to bed early. We woke up Saturday morning to the continuing roars of the motorcycles and decided it was time to head out- driving north to Bolton Landing to explore the Sagamore, and to picnic-breakfast at a State Park on the water. We took the long way home, through Saratoga - allowing us to really see the beauty and uniqueness of this region. Three very different towns- one very loud (at least this weekend) and seemigly overly touristy, one very quaint and well preserved, and one "booming" with the racing industry and upscale boutiques. It was a relaxing and enjoyable break from busy-ness and overall created a much needed repreive. 
All of the photos from the weekend are available here.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Purpose
I'm a big believer that everything in life has purpose and reason. Some you can control, and some things you're just destined for.
So I've been thinking about the purpose of this blog. I'm hoping it helps me to chronicle growth in my life, keep in touch with my family and friends, and inspire others to try new things and to go new places.
As I said, I'm have the travel bug. I love picking up and going somewhere, exploring new places, getting a feel and understanding for different environments. At 24, I'm wide-eyed and open-minded. I am in no way an expert on culture, but I am hoping to be insightful, interesting, and fun.
I hope you'll join me on my journies. Please feel free to post your own insights on places I visit, travel suggestions, and questions.
Thanks for reading.
So I've been thinking about the purpose of this blog. I'm hoping it helps me to chronicle growth in my life, keep in touch with my family and friends, and inspire others to try new things and to go new places.
As I said, I'm have the travel bug. I love picking up and going somewhere, exploring new places, getting a feel and understanding for different environments. At 24, I'm wide-eyed and open-minded. I am in no way an expert on culture, but I am hoping to be insightful, interesting, and fun.
I hope you'll join me on my journies. Please feel free to post your own insights on places I visit, travel suggestions, and questions.
Thanks for reading.
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