Journeys Near and Far

In London? Stroll through Harrods' Food Halls

Colorful and elegant, foodies will have fun here

I'll admit it -- Harrods isn't the kind of store where I usually shop.  Especially after paying for a New York to London plane ticket, a week's hotel and other travel expenses.  The items in the store are beautiful, but they just aren't within my budget. 

Each time I'm in Knightsbridge, however, I enjoy taking a stroll through Harrods' Food Halls.  Luscious produce, gourmet chocolates, exotic teas.  Decorative candy, freshly-baked breads, fish from far-flung locales -- these are just a few of the delicacies that await here.   

Sure, there are so many other things to do on a visit to London.  But if you happen to be in the neighborhood, I'd say Harrods' Food Halls are a shouldn't-miss experience.

Here are some photos from my stroll through Harrods' Food Halls last weekend:

  Mouthwatering produce fills the Hall

 Salad anyone?

Exploring Historic Occoquan

The tiny Virginia hamlet "at the end of the water"

This year I spent Halloween in historic Occoquan, Virginia.  It was perfect timing -- not only did I get to see the town decked out in all of it's Fall finery, but I was there for the Harvest Festival, in which children (and dogs!) paraded down the street in a variety of adorable costumes.

An Exciting Past

This little town has quite a history.  Founded in 1734, it was originally a trading post and named after the Dogue Indian word meaning "at the end of the water."

The picturesque town does indeed hug the peaceful Occoquan River, and despite the cliché, if ever a town could be called 'quaint', this is it.

Occoquan is known for the mail stage route that ran through the town as early as 1805, the Occoquan Post Office being the main delivery point for letters and packages between the North and South.

A fire in 1916 destroyed much of the town, and it was hit again in 1972 by Hurricane Agnes.  The residents and merchants restored the historic buildings, however, many of which are believed to have ghosts!  

Ghostly Inhabitants

You can learn all about these feisty spirits by taking a Historic Occoquan Ghost Tour, or do it yourself by reading about the building history and hauntings, and then exploring the town on your own.  The tour lasts about an hour and is a lot of fun.   Call 703-494-6983 to double check dates and times (they may be closed for the winter).

Atlantic City's Salt Water Taffy

Historians Finally Agree on the Origin of Atlantic City's Sticky Treat

During a recent stroll along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, I wondered about the origin of Atlantic City's famed Salt Water Taffy, and decided to learn more about it.

Salt Water Taffy, like the world-famous Boardwalk, is synonymous with Atlantic City.  Many people don't know why they picture these colorfully-wrapped confections when Atlantic City is mentioned, but the beach resort has much in common with these chewy treats.

While stories abound about Salt Water Taffy's origin, it seems that historians have finally come to agree that a man named  David Bradley was the candy's creator.

The year was 1880, and Bradley, a young candy merchant, arrived at work one morning to find that this his candy stand, located just a few steps from the ocean, had been swamped by a storm.  Later that day, when a child came to ask for some taffy, Bradley replied sarcastically, "You mean Salt Water Taffy, don't you?"

The child's mother, who had overheard, thought this would be a great new name for his candy.  When Bradley asked her who would want to buy taffy soaked with ocean water, she suggested he use fresh water and just add salt.

The new name for this sticky treat stuck and the rest was history.

Throughout the years, this famous confection has been pulled, perfected and modified in a variety of ways.  Now, visitors to the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk can find taffy in wild, outrageous flavors, such as root beer, buttered popcorn, chocolate chip cookie and caramel corn, to name a few.

One of the most famous shops selling Salt Water Taffy is the family-owned James' Original Salt Water Taffy, which has been manufacturing the candy in Atlantic City since the 1920s.  Another Atlantic City icon, the Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe, sells seashore-themed items such as a miniature lifeguard boat filled with a variety of sweets.

One of my favorite places to shop for taffy is at the 6,000 foot It's Sugar located on the Pier at Caesars.  The store is a destination unto itself, offering taffy in dozens of flavors, racks upon racks of sugary delights, and a counter where kids of all ages can make their own candy bars.

No one knows what Bradley would think about this taffy phenomenon if he were here today.  But he certainly would have a lot to chew on.

For more info:

Visit the Atlantic Convention & Visitors Bureau website, and the New Jersey Tourism website, or check out my Atlantic City guides.  You might also enjoy the articles I write as the Atlantic City Travel Examiner.

Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tempe, Arizona: Wildflower Bread Company

Ahh... the scent of freshly baked bread...

My sister lives in Phoenix, and when we spoke yesterday she happily reminded me that our mom is visiting her soon. 

Of course, my first reaction, aside from being happy for my mom was, "I wish I were going, too!"  After all, my sister and I are close, my brother-in-law is funny, and I rarely get to spend time with my niece and nephew.

But wishing I could be with them goes deeper than that.  It's the fun of participating in their daily lives and sharing the experiences that they enjoy.

One of those experiences is eating at the Wildflower Bread Company.   Along with visiting the Changing Hands Bookstore next door, the Wildflower Bread Company is a favorite.  Why?  Their breads are handcrafted, and they never use additives or preservatives.  And they're baked fresh in each of their stores every day.

It's not just the bread, though.  They have a large and varied menu.  The kids love the Silver Dollar Pancakes; my sister and I love the salads and fresh pasta.  And then there's the breakfast (Feta & Roasted Vegetable Frittata anyone?  Or how about Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Nut French Toast?)

We like to sit outside (when it's not sweltering hot).  They have a kind of  unique serving style:  You place an order, grab a drink and take your sign to a table.  They'll bring you your food, silverware and napkins.  It's easy.

Thinking about it as I write this not only makes me hungry, but leaves me with one question:   Hey, Wildflower Bread Company -- when are you going to open a store in New Jersey?

Note: For additional suggestions on where to eat in Phoenix check out Kaie Wellman's EatShop Guides.

Top photo courtesy of the Wildflower Bread Company.