Journeys Near and Far

10 Things to Love about the New York Renaissance Faire

The New York Renaissance Faire opened it's gates last weekend to another season of medieval revelry.  This is one of my favorite Renaissance Festivals.  The following are ten reasons why.

 

1.  The Color

Vibrant color leaps out at you as you frolic through this Faire, whether it's the bright silk of a medieval merchant woman's gown, the sparkling pink wings of a fairy, or multihued banners flapping softly in the breeze.  Bring your camera, you'll find plenty of photographic inspiration.

Maypole dance   Image:  Mirna L Falkner

Scenic Sunday: A Fairytale Christmas at Lyndhurst

 
A table set for Beauty and the Beast at Lyndhurst, Hudson River Valley, New York

The country villa Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival mansion in New York's Hudson River Valley, is set amid 67 acres overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York.  Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, the beautiful park-like estate is especially enchanting to visit during the holidays when a thick blanket of snow covers the grounds.

Each year the mansion is lavishly decorated in a Fairytale theme, with live music and hot mulled cider for visitors to enjoy.  The room pictured above is the Beauty and the Beast Dining room; you'll also find a Drawing Room transformed into Cinderella's tale and a library decorated in the Alice in Wonderland theme, and many more.

You can still see Lyndhurst decked out this year from 3 pm to 6 pm today, and on December 26th from 4 pm to 7 pm and on the 27th from 3 pm to 6 pm.

 

If you liked this article you might also like:

• A Lyndhurst Fairytale Christmas
• Holidays in the Hudson Valley
• Philipsburg Manor

The author visited Lyndhurst while on a press tour of the Hudson River Valley.

 

New Moon sends Twilight fans on the trail of vampires

Vampire Visitors flock to Forks

With the release of New Moon, the second film in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga, tourism to Forks, Washington has escalated as legions of fans have become "vampire visitors." 

Although  New Moon was filmed in Vancouver and Italy, fans continue to flock to film locations in Washington and Oregon where the saga's first movie,  Twilight, was filmed and where events in the book take place.

Meyer chose Forks, an old logging town located in Washington's Olympic Peninsula as the setting for her books when she discovered it's the rainiest place in the continental US.  Forks averages 10 to 12 feet of rain per year -- the perfect place for vampires who shun the sun to live and and attend school in the daytime.

Since Twilight was released in November, 2008, Forks has been transformed by the thousands of vampire fans who have descended upon the town. 

As Diane Bair and Pamela Wright say in their Miami Herald article You're entering Forks, an area we call... the 'Twilight' zone,

"'Twi-hard' fans have embraced Forks in a big way, and they're happy to fork over their tourist dollars to capture some of the magic."

If you'd like to join the 67,000 people who have already visited Forks this year, or if you'd like to see the New Moon filming locations in Vancouver, here are a few suggestions:

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey offers Fall-themed treatments

Ease into the cooler weather with the delightful fragrances and festive ingredients of Fall

When I think of the Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania, what comes to mind is chocolate. 

But now through November 30th, the Spa has added two special Fall-themed treatments to their array of chocolate (and many other) decadent services.

Spa-goers can experience the lush colors and delectable scents of Fall with the Spa's new Pumpkin Spice Scrub, which smoothes away dullness while polishing the skin, leaving a healthy glow (30 minutes, $65).

Pumpkin is known for it's detoxifying, energizing and anti-aging qualities, making it a powerful nutritional source of nourishment for the skin. 

After a Pumpkin Spice Scrub appetizer, why not splurge on a Spice Soufflé Wrap?  This body treatment will soften and revitalize your skin with a heady combination of spices followed by a body massage application of spice soufflé butter (50 minutes, $125). 

If you combine the two treatments for an 80-minute scrub and wrap, there's a 10% discount.  These specials are available on Monday through Thursday only.  There is a 20% service charge added to the bill.

By the way:  If, like me, after reading this, you still have chocolate on your mind, the Spa at Hotel Hershey is also offering a Chocolate Immersion Special through November 30th. 

It includes their Chocolate Bean Polish (a gentle exfoliation with cocoa bean husks and walnut shells with a soothing cocoa body moisturizer) and their Chocolate Fondue Wrap (warmed moor mud combined with the essence of cocoa to revitalize and nourish the skin). 

Where do you travel to for spa treatments?  Which treatments are your favorites?  Feel free to share below by leaving a comment!

 

For more information about Hershey contact the Hershey Harrisburg  Regional Visitors Center.

Photos - (Top) Tree in bloom:  Hershey Gardens and (bottom) The Spa at Hotel Hershey/Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

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.

Chocolate Show New York City: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

A Weekend of Decadence Savoring Chocolate of Every Kind

I've just learned that the 12th Annual Chocolate show will be returning to New York City from October 30th to November 1st.  What's happens at a chocolate show?  I wasn't sure, so I contacted the folks who are running it to see what it's all about.

If you're one of the many folks who can't get enough of this decadent treat, read on...

Gourmet Chocolate

This event will showcase more than 65 exhibitors including chocolatiers and pastry chefs.  Every 45 minutes a new chef will cook up one of their master chocolate culinary creations in one of the two Viking Culinary Theaters.  You'll learn new cooking techniques from the likes of Matt Gennuso of Chez Pascal, Johnny Iuzzini of Jean Georges, and Maricel Presilla of Gran Cacao. 

Chocolate Cookbooks and More

At the chocolate bookstore (by Barnes and Noble), you'll be able to pick up new chocolate cookbooks or books about the history of chocolate such as Max Brenner's Chocolate:  A Love Story and Francine Segan's Movie Menus.  At least nine authors will be signing throughout the weekend.

KidsZone

Got kids?  For a small donation to Share Our Strength, they can create Chocolate Witches Hats, listen to a reading of the Chocolate Queen and even watch a performance of Charlie and the Golden Ticket.  (Does all this remind anyone of Johnny Depp?)

Beauty Products

I've heard of chocolate massages (the spa at the Hotel Hershey comes to mind) but here, in the Chocolate Beauty Pavilion, trained Beauty Chocolatiers will show visitors an alternate use for this exquisite treat:  extensive lines of chocolate soaps, lotions, scrubs and lip glosses, and yes -- chocolate massages (for a small donation).

Chocolate Fashion

Another alternate use for chocolate -- and this one comes as a surprise to me -- is is to wear it.  Just in time for Halloween, see chocolate Halloween Costumes on display as you enter the show!

The only thing that bothers me about this chocolate show is that I can't be there!  So if you go, please leave a comment about it, I'd love to know what you thought of the experience.

The show will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, Friday, October 30th from noon to 8 pm, Saturday, October 31st  from 10 to 8 pm, and Sunday, November 1st from 10 to 5 pm.  Buy your tickets in advance to be sure you'll get in.

If you're not in New York City, take heart -- here is the international show schedule:

JAPAN: January- February, 2010
Shanghai, CHINA: January15-17, 2010
Madrid, SPAIN: April 9-11, 2010

Newcomers to New York City might be interested in taking a look at my First Timers’ New York City guide.  While you’re at it, check out my guides to nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey.

 Photos courtesy of the Chocolate Show.

Scenic Sunday: Washington Irving's Sunnyside

 Washington Irving's Sunnyside, Tarrytown, New York

I first read Washington Irving's stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle" in the eighth grade, and ever since have loved Irving's description of the "sequestered glen of Sleepy Hollow, whose dreamy influence seems to hang over the land."

Irving bought Tarrytown's Sunnyside in 1835, then enlarged and renovated this beautiful cottage that overlooks the Hudson River.  A prolific author of fiction, history and biography, Irving also held diplomatic posts in Great Britain and Spain.

Nicknamed "The Snuggery", Sunnyside felt warm and inviting.  I visited over Christmas; it's cheerful English-style holiday decorations consisted of decorative green garlands on the mantle but no Christmas tree --  sadly, Irving never got over the death of his sweetheart, Matilde, and mourned her until he died in 1859 at the age of 76.

Today Sunnyside remains much as it was when Irving last saw it:  rolling lawns (snow-covered at the time of my visit) that slope down to the Hudson River, which flows swiftly along to meet the sea at New York Harbor.

If you're interested in the Hudson Valley, you might also like these posts:

• Holidays in the Hudson Valley

• A Lyndhurst Fairytale Christmas

• Philipsburg Manor

Knights to Remember

Three Area Renaissance Faires to Catch before the Season Ends

Hear ye, hear ye -- if you love medieval times, jousting, bawdy stage shows and turkey drumsticks (and steak-on-a-stake, stuffed spuds, spinach pie, baked apple dumpling, "fryed" mushrooms, funnel cake and all sorts of other scrumptious faire-food) get thee to one of these three renaissance festivals as soon as ye can.

The New York Renaissance Faire

The final weekend of the New York Renaissance Faire is here.  This is one of my favorite Ren Faires -- the setting is just beautiful.  It's held in Sterling Forest in Tuxedo Park, New York, in the heart of the Hudson Valley -- think greenery, trees and slight rolling hills.

Just 40 minutes from Manhattan, the streets of this festival teem with brilliantly costumed performers.  There are swashbuckling pirates, haughty queens and kings, Robin Hood and his merry men and of course, knights in shining armor. 

I love the shops, the food, the stage shows -- and everywhere you go, something is going on.  In fact, so much goes on that it can be mind boggling trying to decide what to do when (and this applies to all three Ren Faires that I'm covering here.) 

The festival ends September 20th.  The fairgrounds are open from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM. 

Click on the map to see where Tuxedo is.

Experience the Magic of Middle Earth at Radio City Music Hall

A Treat for Tolkien Fans

"One ring to rule them all, one one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them..."

If you loved J.R.R. Tolkien's books, Peter Jackson's moving Lord of the Rings film trilogy and Howard Shore's hauntingly beautiful music score, you're in for a treat.

On October 9th and 10th, New York City's Radio City Music Hall is presenting a once in a lifetime concert experience:  The original Academy Award-winning score of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring performed live to the theatrical version of the motion picture.

I just found out about this concert yesterday, and while I normally tend to mull things over before I purchase tickets, I didn't hesitate on this one for a second. 

Performers will be the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra, the Collegiate Chorale, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and Kaitlyn Lusk, conducted by Maestro Ludwig Wicki. 

Also, actor Billy Boyd -- Pippin himself -- who will be touring the U.S. East Coast October 6th - 11th with his band Beecake, will make a special appearance.

Appearing as well will be composer Howard Shore, who worked with Peter Jackson on the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Doug Adams, author of The Music of the Lord of the Rings Films.

Hope to see you there?  I don't know how anyone who loves Lord of the Rings and is within traveling distance of New York City could miss this!

For tickets and information visit the concert website.

Newcomers to New York City might be interested in taking a look at my First Timers’ New York City guide.  While you’re at it, check out my guides to nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey.