Tomorrow I'll leave Philadelphia in the morning and arrive in New York City sometime around the lunch hour.

There's not a firm agenda yet, however I will be staying at and reviewing the Affinia Manhattan, which just underwent a $25 million renovation and is located across the street from Madison Square Garden. 

Affinia Manhattan hotel recently unveiled a $25 million renovation in the fall of 2011 designed by the internationally acclaimed Rockwell Group. The design reflects the hotel’s playground, New York City, and the casual, comfortable lifestyle of Affinia Manhattan’s guests.  

Full report to come! 

When I woke up and saw the dusting of snow on the ground (Philly area), I brewed a hot cup of coffee and began looking over my plans for the next two months - specifically my two-week trip to St. Maarten/St. Martin in the middle of February.

I might have mentioned that I just relocated back east from California, and all my friends think it's funny to send me the weather report from Santa Barbara: 70s and sunny today. 

That's all right - no seasonal depression here, however I do require a touch of warmth in my life - and I'll have details of my island plans for you in the beginning of February.

Before that (end of January) I get another shot of the cold when I visit the Finger Lakes to check out Wine on Ice and take a scenic flight over the area.  I was there recently to check out the fall colors, and now I'll see what the winter is like in Upstate New York. The Rosewood Inn (bed and breakfast) will be my home for the weekend. 

It's a long way off, but I confirmed the other day that I will be headed south in April to check out the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons. More info to come on that - I believe I will wrap it in a trip to check out Savannah as well. 

Stay warm, kids.