The Summer House :  Nantucket Island English Invades Summer House In Siasconset

The Summer House Inn

Todd English is a busy man. Being a celebrity chef, restauranteur, author, entrepreneur, and television personality isn’t as easy as you’d think. How does a guy like Todd ever find time to smell the roses? At The Summer House of course.The picture perfect rose covered cottages and casual elegance of The Summer House is the place to take a deep breath, relax and unwind on Nantucket.

English has been a regular here since becoming best friends with proprietor Danielle de Benedictis when he opened his first restaurant in Charlestown, MA. These two have chemistry. Their amazing energy is the catalyst of an exciting renaissance movement taking place at The Summer House.

So are you ready to break some bread with Todd English? Can you take a little time to smell the roses with us?  Let’s settle into Francesca cottage for an unforgettable stay at The Summer House. Come on. You’re invited too!

Read the full story.

Related blog post: Reliant Air's Nantucket Shuttle Service From Danbury Airport To ACK In 35 Minutes

Are you on your way to Nantucket from Westchester or Fairfield  County? Would you like to avoid the drudgery of fighting your way to John F. Kennedy Airport, parking your car and clearing security?

The best alternative to this scenario is Reliant Air's Nantucket Shuttle departing from either White Plans (HPN) or Danbury (DXR). The service is provided on a King Air turbo prop at a small premium to JetBlue's offering without all the hassles.  Cost is $500 each way per person from Danbury, (DXR) and $575 from White Plans, (HPN).

Today Famtripper.com left early from Danbury (DXR) at 5:00 a.m. to pick up returning passengers heading to White Plans (HPN) on a 6:30 a.m. flight.

I'm happy in the air, especially aboard a King Air. Sitting up next to the pilot in the cockpit with the sun raising over the horizon was a great way to start the new day. There is so much to see on this short 35-minute flight.  

We jetted passed Montauk, Block Island, Cuttyhunk, Martha's Vineyard and Tuckernuck Islands before turning right to base and flaring for a picture perfect landing on Nantucket. I turned to Josh the pilot and said, "The flight was way to short. Nice landing."  I was happy to be home again on my favorite island. Nantucket.

Reliant Air
1 Wibling Road
Danbury, CT 06810

Telephone: 203-743-5300
www.reliantair.com/Pages/NantucketShuttle.php

Relaint Air
Nantucket Shuttle
Flight Schedule

It wasn't a bottle of white wine, although in hindsight it's obvious that cold vino would have been the way to go.

Anyone who has read The Sun Also Rises will understand what I mean when I say I "went Hemingway" on the creek, wedging my water bottle between two rocks, allowing the cold water to do its thing. It was early afternoon and quite hot in the sun - approaching 90 degrees - and as the adrenaline from the morning climb wore off I began to feel my tired muscles. Having learned my lesson hiking to 14,000 feet earlier in the week, I passed on an afternoon cocktail for a healthy serving of hydration.

Looking back that decision seems foolish now, given the calming scenery and how good the sips of wine would have tasted in the heat of the day. As if sitting on the side of the creek and hearing the water flow wasn't enough, the canyon walls, pine trees, blue sky, and cascading waterfall wrapped everyone up in an afternoon comfort. People gathered at the base of the falls, sitting and walking with their ankles in the water, the dogs jumping into the deeper pools. Some had brought picnics, others hammocks and chairs.

That morning I had climbed about 1000 ft to the top of the first flatiron, and needless to say my toes were a bit rough from the journey, from being stuffed into the purposely cozy climbing shoes (reason being a big shoe wouldn't fit in a small hole in the rockface). When I held my feet in the running water and spread my toes, the force of the current performing a makeshift massage, I felt like rehabilitation - both in mind and body - had begun. One man took it a step further, as you'll see from the photos below.

Boulder Falls is located about 12 miles from the cabins of Chautauqua Park (trail open May 1 - October 31), a beautiful drive along the winding road into the Rockies. It's less than a five-minute walk from the road, making it the perfect outdoor sanctuary for people who want to feel good about doing absolutely nothing. My advice would be to bring some friends, and wash down the afternoon with a cold drink.

Photos:

One of my friends told me that she usually starts to "feel it" around 13,000 feet.

We were about a mile into the three to four mile ascent, and we had just come across a pack of mountain goats on the snow-covered rocks. The dog chased them as far as he could over the ridge, stopping when the pitch became too intimidating, looking down at the goats that now stood comfortably on the side of the mountain.

I inhaled deeply. We were around 10,000 feet and I knew the air was thin, but I felt like a million bucks - the blue sky, fluffy clouds, wildlife, and distant peaks distracting me from the stress on my body. In a few minutes this would all change - this was no ordinary hill.

Classified as a fourteener, a mountain over 14,000 ft, Quandary Peak is located just outside of Breckenridge (80 miles from Denver). There are approximately 70 fourteeners in the lower 48 states, and 53 of them are in Colorado (numbers may vary depending upon source as each uses slightly different qualification criteria). It's a thing around here, for sure. People keep track of how many they've hiked, and when you tell someone you've hiked your first they are genuinely congratulatory.

I wrote in a recent feature that Denver's urban/outdoor combination attracts an active and athletic population, and now I'm starting to wonder if that might have been an understatement. Those used to living at sea level who consider themselves to be in good shape are in for a surprise - the altitude has a way of humbling visitors. Myself included.

I'll give credit to the Coloradans: Despite being incredibly fit and physically capable, they carry a tremendous amount of respect for the elements and how dangerous these beautiful environments can be. Staying on the trail is an extremely good idea, and hiking without ample food and water is downright foolish. It's a good thing I was going with locals, because I was prepared to set off with nothing more than the water in my Camelback.

Let's put this all in perspective: When I went skydiving over Santa Barbara last year, I jumped out of a plane that was cruising at 13,000 ft. That's stunning to me, and probably explains why I had to stop every five to ten minutes to catch my breath once we hit 12,000 ft. Even though it's only a class 1, the hike to Quandary Peak is all uphill, from the first step to the last. As you ascend the terrain changes from covered paths to exposed rock fields, and you go from simply walking up hill to now stepping up and climbing loose rocks. Stair-stepping, if you will.

Spouts of dizziness and a thumping heart forced me to stop and regroup frequently once we hit the final mile - something I simply had to get used to and accept. While initially frustrated, I did begin to appreciate the way taking a seat brought the surroundings to my complete attention. I can't imagine it's an unlikely scenario for one to put their head down and charge up the mountain and allow the workout to drown out the scenery.

Arriving at the top of Quandary Peak was by no means anti-climatic - just take a look at the photos. The sight lines exploded and people were drinking beer, hanging out (my sorry ass stuck with coconut water). It was really the nonchalance that impressed me, that made me shake my head and laugh. You know, climb 14,000 ft, have a beer, climb down. Whatever.

Check out Colorado Fourteeners for more information on Quandary Peak (and others). Here are the photos of our journey to 14,265 feet:

My favorite days are the ones when I partake in something I never anticipated.

That's the great thing about life and travel - the ability to be surprised by yourself. Things have happened to me on the road that I never would have predicted, the most recent being the experience of drinking hot sake from a plastic cup at an amusement park.

Beauty and the Beast were over by the railing signing autographs for a line of kids, and meanwhile my friends and I were trying to decide betweenKronenbourg and a Grey Goose/Grand Marnier daiquiri in France, one of 11 countries represented at Epcot's World Showcase. I often wondered why a family destination like Disney would sell beer at a frozen lemonade stand, but it doesn't seem to bother a soul.

The average family saves for three to five years to take a trip to Disney (three to five years!), and I suppose that would drive me to drink, no judgement (admission tickets are approaching $80 these days). I'd be making the very best of every minute, for sure. I'm pretty sure Disney is the only place you can get away with having a beer occupy the cup holder of a stroller.

Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt apparently had a vision for a self-sustaining city, however it did not turn out exactly as he envisioned: In EPCOT, Walt set out to create a new kind of city, an ideal community where residents would apply the best thinking and technology to the challenges of transportation, communication, and sanitation. Unfortunately, Walt simply did not live long enough to see this particular dream to reality.

Instead, we have groups of friends attempting to have at least one drink at every country.

Funny how things work out (sorry Walt), but we did have a good time that day walking through the park, sampling the food and drink options in all the countries. I didn't go too crazy: I had a pineapple margarita in Mexico, hot sake in Japan, Kronenbourg in France, andBoddingtons in the United Kingdom. Aren't you proud?

People I've told have taken their jabs - they think I should have gone 11 for 11 - yet I think that's a little aggressive for a number of reasons (cost, longevity, practicality, children).

And no offense America, but I wasn't exactly itching for a six-dollar Bud Light.

Attractions:

Mission Space: Two people have died riding this space shuttle launch simulator(apparently from pre-existing conditions), and they have since taken the intensity down a notch. I could feel it in my chest and senses - the g-forces are strong with this one.

Spaceship Earth: Inside the icon of Epcot, riders witness the development and advancement of communication from the caveman to present day - as well as an interactive look at the future (see photos below).

IllumiNations Reflections: I was worn out by the time this show rolled around at night, but I was happy to have stayed once the fireworks started exploding in the sky. Check out some photos and video of the display.

Soarin': This ride simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the state of California. From the Golden Gate Bridge to San Diego, you'll swoop down from the mountains over the ocean and amongst the redwoods.

Fast passes are free at Disney (it comes as part of your ticket), which means you can reserve a time to come back and "skip the line." It significantly reduces wait time and is easy to use - check out all the details here.

Photos:

The Tampa Port Authority welcomed the announcement by Royal Caribbean International of its plans to replace its current cruise ship serving Tampa, Jewel of the Seas, with Brilliance of the Seas beginning with the 2013-2014 season. Both belong to the Radiance Class of ships, with 2,112 passenger capacity.

In May 2013, before Brilliance of the Seas is deployed to Tampa, she will enter dry dock to undergo a major revitalization as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage program, and re-emerge almost as if she were a new ship. This will involve introducing the highest guest-rated features from its award-winning Oasis Class of ships, to include a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, revitalized staterooms, and many other amenities including pervasive Wi-Fi, digital way-finding systems and an outdoor LED video wall. Vacationers can choose four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Brilliance of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Tampa and calling at Cozumel, Mexico on the four-night, and George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the five-night cruises. Aboard select five-night sailings, guests call at Key West, Fla., instead of George Town. Vacationers also can select a 13-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing on Oct. 27 from Boston, Mass. to Tampa. These sailing will open for sale on Thursday, May 17.

We look forward to welcoming Brilliance of the Seas to Tampa and believe the ship’s exciting new features will create a fresh buzz in Tampa’s robust cruise market and with the travel agent community,” Richard Wainio, port director and chief executive, said.

As I was boarding the flight in New Orleans that would eventually take me back to Philadelphia, I kept my head on a swivel, scoping out the faces of those around me. I found my seat and focused on the doorway as the people entered, hypothesizing the scenarios of their visits based on expressions and appearances.

There are places around the world where people have a tendency to depart worn out as opposed to rested, and the United States certainly has its share: Any plane out of Las Vegas, for sure, but also Sunday afternoon flights from fiesta-oriented towns such as New Orleans and Miami. Most likely, a handful of passengers on the plane have had a wild weekend, which is good for both people-watching as well as in-flight conversation.

I would have been happy with eavesdropping across the aisle, yet as luck would have it the man who sat down next to me had been in town for a bachelor party. Lucky me, although he also may of felt fortunate - I hadn't been getting much sleep, either.

Bourbon Street:

The man next to me on the plane said it better than I ever could: Bourbon Street does an incredible job of quarantining all the assholes.

I laughed when he said it. Neither of us were trying to be a prick - we admittedly had both spent some time exploring the scene (and I certainly didn't complain about the strong drinks), but let's be honest: It's no place any local hangs out. It's the same bar over and over, each block relatively the same, and the crowd is a bunch of drunk out-of-towners who are feeling good about themselves and looking to let loose.

No judgement, I played along: I drank a few Jesters and walked the street, saw some women lift up their shirts and danced to a live band. But it wasn't somewhere I wanted to spend all night - I knew there was a time limit to my tolerance.

The good thing is that although it gets the most attention, Bourbon Street is merely the gateway to nightlife in the New Orleans.

Magazine Street:

Magazine Street eventually dead ends into Canal Street as you drive east on it, running parallel to the Mississippi River and cutting right through the heart of the Garden District (Uptown). Bye-bye Bourbon - this is much more the scene for meeting locals.

Restaurants, bars, and shops line the neighborhood street, and there are significantly less bells and whistles (no party push, no loud clubs that I saw). The majority are locally owned and run with outside seating under the live oak trees, great for walking and menu/window shopping.

With the help of a friend I found a great beer bar called The Bulldog (located between Toledano and Pleasant). If you're ever in town on a Wednesday, they run an interesting special that allows you to keep the pint glass of every beer you drink (you can cash in ten of them for a free T-shirt, but I'd keep the glasses). Happy hour at the Bulldog is legit: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and they have 50 beers on tap and 100 more in bottles.

Frenchmen Street and Marigny:

On the eastern end of the French Quarter is the appropriately named Frenchmen Street, known for its live music scene and lack of neon lights (aka its local feel). This is a great spot to wander after you've had your fill of Bourbon Street.

We walked further east into the neighborhood of Marigny (see map below) and ended the night at Mimi's in the Marigny, recommended to my group by a local and recognized as Best Neighborhood Bar by Where Y'at and Best Bar in New Orleans by readers of The Gambit.

Mimi's serves Spanish tapas until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and has music and dancing on the second floor (either a band or DJ). Expect a younger crowd and a hipster vibe.

My advice: Window shop when you're in New Orleans. Most places do not charge a cover, so be sure to take advantage and pop in to preview the band/atmosphere of a few different spots. Don't decide on specific bars, decide on the neighborhood and let the night take you where it will. With so many bands playing at so many different venues almost every night, visitors could drive themselves crazy trying to pinpoint the perfect place.

Here's a map to help you get your bearings (click to enlarge):

From west to east: Magazine Street (The Bulldog), Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, Marigny (Mimi's)

 

After a few days navigating Beirut’s crazed traffic, the idea of a yacht and open coastline is incredibly alluring. Fortunately my hotel, Mövenpick , has both the yacht and the coastline.

Beirut’s coastline looms long and large from the 40-foot Italian Cranchi yacht. Maybe it’s the champagne, but the city seems to stretch forever as we speed past the lighthouse to the furthest reaches. Rising from the coastline is the Four Seasons newest skyscraper.

I spot the infamous Holiday Inn, yet standing beside that grand old lady, the Phoenicia, built in 1961 and now restored far beyond its original glory. The buildings were at the center of the Battle of the Hotels  when factions used the properties as hide-outs, launching artillery fire during the civil war in the mid 1970s.

“Are they ever going to tear that thing down?” asks a companion about the Holiday Inn which was heavily damaged. Actually, I hope they don’t. The hulking tower, torn with gaping holes, seems to stand as the common man’s war memorial now. It was blasted by mortar shells within four days after its opening.

The five star Mövenpick  has fared much better. Spread with 90,000 square meters of landscaping, the resort harbors three outdoor pools, a private beach and marina, along with tennis and squash courts. The property has 292 newly renovated guestrooms and suites, including two dedicated club floors.

The hotel pairs nicely with the Beirut that’s largely been reborn - driven by the Solidere development company, founded by former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. In short, Beirut is downright beautiful.

The yacht takes us in and around Pigeons’ Rock, found on Beirut’s western-most tip. The two rock formations tower above us like looming, striated sentinels. The eye level view is fantastic.  Far above us on the corniche (Beirut’s popular seaside promenade) locals snap our photo. We wave like movie stars.

After the cruise, Mövenpick ’s Square Lounge on the hotel’s rooftop is an optimal pre-evening starter.  Fresh from the cruise and plied with a drink, I’m ready to hit the Hamra again.

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut:  www.moevenpick-beirut.com

I mentioned that I really enjoyed the change of pace the Zeigler House B&B in Savannah offered - the ability to have breakfast in bed instead of going down to the dining room - but I want to make sure you understand that the comment wasn't a knock on the traditional style of a hot house breakfast - not in the least.

The idea of having an in-room breakfast is great for romantic getaways, as you can have your cake and eat it too: The character of a B&B without the pressure to be present for breakfast. Most innkeepers who offer a house meal are understanding, however I hate to even give the impression that I'm being rude, considering they've most likely been prepping in the kitchen since the early morning. You might want to stay in bed with your significant other all morning, yet etiquette would suggest getting your tail downstairs on time.

It's a concept that really hit home for me on this trip, definitely something to think about when planning your stay. I was excited about this new discovery after leaving the Zeigler House, thinking I had stumbled upon some sort of secret. The second stop on my swing was the more traditional Azalea Inn and Gardens, and it, of course, quickly revealed the other side of the coin, one of the other huge draws of small inns: Personality.

While you typically meet the innkeeper upon check in, breakfast is where the personal touch and connections go down. Breakfast in bed has its perks, but they don't have anything to do with anyone else (which some may prefer). To really get a feel for the vibe of an inn, you have to mingle with both the host and the other guests. Think of it as a crossroads, groups of travelers gathering around a single table to share their adventures.

Azalea Innkeeper Teresa Jacobson is a firecracker - very open and honest and down to earth in her personality. It's one of the things B&Bs boast that most larger hotels have to sacrifice - that one-on-one non-corporate interaction. It's nice to have that give and take with someone who is not only your host, but a real live local (as compared to only a smile from a shirt and tie behind a counter who may or may not give a hoot about their job).

It's not just me pumping up Teresa and her inn - many others have taken notice as well. The announcement was made today that Azalea was voted the #3 bed and breakfast in Savannah, according to the Readers' Choice Awards (there are 38 inns total in Savannah). A few months ago, Azalea was recognized as a "distinguished inn" and accepted into Select Registry - a collection of nearly 400 of the "finest country inns, B&Bs, and unique small hotels."

Teresa and I talked about the perception that young people (the millennials) have of bed and breakfasts, specifically that they might view them as accommodations for retirees. I get it, and I've experienced it: I'm always the youngest guest.

But we can change it - I don't see any reason why young professionals shouldn't be enticed by the idea of a unique room in an environment that's always changing. No two rooms are identical, and the vibe depends largely on your fellow house guests.

Look at hostels - young people like hostels - but is it only about price? Don't we love that social interaction? Feel free to write me or leave comments with your thoughts.

Since Teresa and I settled on the fact that price probably plays a large part, we have teamed up to offer a few gift certificates for the Azalea Inn and Gardens - a little motivation to get down to Savannah this spring.

I'll be serving them up via Facebook through a variety of contests over the next few weeks -be sure to like us and follow along.

Photos of the Azalea Inn and Gardens:

The Captain came over the PA and said, “Where going to my favorite place on the planet. “San Francisco.” With a grin and a little déjà-vu my spirit lightened. The city by the bay shines, even on the foggiest of days.  Get ready to be luxuriously spoiled.

Let’s hitch a ride on a cable car at the bottom of California Street. We’ll ascend to the hallmark of the San Francisco luxury at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. Read the full story.

I'll be honest: The Forbidden Journey ride at the Harry Potter exhibit inside Universal's Islands of Adventure had me swallowing spit afterward.

Turns out, riding a broomstick isn't as much fun as I thought.

I walked through the recreation of Hogwarts, taking deep breaths through my nose and pushing my tongue into my bottom teeth, wondering when my glands would stop filling my mouth. We all know that feeling - whether it's one too many shots of tequila or a bout of carsickness - and I had to concentrate awfully hard to avoid disaster (you never want to have to stick your head into a trash can at an amusement park).

Long story short, I survived without incident, but I was definitely rattled a bit. Although I'm typically pretty good with motion, the combination of sudden side-to-side jerks, limited forward vision, and fast-paced animation seemed to be my kyrptonite that day.

No worries - we all have bad days - and fans of Harry Potter will enjoy the recreation of Hogwarts and pretending to participate in a game of Quidditch. Next time, I'll skip the ride and stick to butterbeer.

Earlier in the day we rode Hulk, Spiderman, and three different water rides: Jurassic Park, Ripsaw Falls, andthe white-water rapids (on which everyone got completely soaked, see photo to the left).

My friends (who are residents) taught me a helpful trick when it comes to reducing the time you spend standing around in line: Take advantage of the "solo rider" line.

You go to the park as a group, but similar to seeing a movie, the attraction itself is an individual experience. You chat it up and share your thoughts when it's done, but does it really matter who is sitting next to you as it's happening? I'm not talking about saving five minutes - going solo saved us twenty minutes on the Hulk and about thirty on Spiderman and Harry Potter. Just something to consider as that's significant time, and fast passes are not free at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure (but they are at Disney... info to come).

It began to rain as we made the walk over to Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure is separate), and unfortunately we were only able to spend an hour at the park. However, I have a few things to report:

The infamous Jaws attraction was closed in January, ending it's two-decade run. My guess is that most kids today have no idea about the classic thriller - and their parents aren't about to introduce them to the summertime anxiety we all went through.

Had I more time I would have definitely auditioned for the live Fear Factor show, a competition right there on site. You can audition seventy minutes prior for a chance to play with some creepy crawlers.

As Epcot does with the countries (story to come), Universal breaks down into different sections of the United States: Hollywood, San Francisco, and New York.

Pay attention as you walk through the park. Some of the people who approach you will offer a chance to sit in on a live taping (one such opportunity was even paid).

Who among us can say they've been paid to watch a television show?

Photos:

From the look of the photos, you would think we didn't catch a single shrimp that day on the Lady Jane off the coast of Georgia.

The crew pulled on the ropes, swinging the doors of the net together and hoisting it above the stern of the boat, allowing the water to drip before yanking on the line and releasing the catch onto the deck. I expected a light load of shrimp (the season ended in February but typically ends Dec. 31st), however I had no idea the other animals would end up being such a large part of the experience. I held a shark, puffer fish, stingray, horseshoe crab, flounder - the list goes on (see photos).

Last time I was in Georgia on Eagle Island,I learned how to kill and clean crabs for a seafood boil. This trip, as we sorted the catch and pushed the shrimp into the corner, the guide taught me how to dehead them with one hand. It's like handling a tube of near-empty toothpaste: You run your hand up from the bottom until you build up the proper pressure, and with a quick squeeze the head pops off.

If that's not appetizing, how about this: Georgia shrimp are significantly sweeter than any other I've tasted - it's truly noticeable. The crew boiled them right there on board, and after the first few I realized there was no need for the cocktail sauce (especially considering they were in the water ten minutes prior... it sort of redefined the idea of something being "fresh").

There was a part of me that felt sad about the entire process, for the small fish that would never recover from the fight against the net. The industry has made several strides over the years to reduce the collateral damage - they've redesigned the nets to allow small fish and sea turtles to escape. Still, you hate to see any sort of unnecessary life loss.

Although it may not be natural selection, I was happy that nothing went to waste. There were so many birds surrounding the nets and circling the boat, swooping down to feast on whatever was discarded overboard. There's a sadness in the beauty that's tough to stomach - the circle of life - but I think it's good to be reminded of such realities from time to time, to understand that our survival comes at another's cost.

That all said, it was nice to see the joy on the faces of the crew during the whole process. The traditional shrimping industry is all but nonexistent these days due to the emergence of seafood farms, and I think it made them happy to see us enjoying the quickly diminishing pastime. The numbers are stunning: In the 1970s, there were approximately 400 registered shrimping boats in Georgia. Last year, there were 60.

I haven't been able to firmly confirm those exact figures, but you get the idea. One crew member I talked to, Cliff, told me he remembers shrimping with his father when he was little. Today, there are no footsteps to be followed - it's as if they have all been washed away by the Georgia surf. The harvesting and farming of shrimp has driven the market price way down, and local fishermen simply cannot compete.

Which is why the experience was so special for me. You have to figure it will only get worse - where will we be in another ten years? Standing on the deck that day, I felt like I was a part of a past generation, like I was enjoying an art that will be lost with the ones to come.

The Lady Jane shoves off out of Brunswick (on the mainland, 10/15 minutes from the King and Prince on St. Simons), and it's the only game in town (and on the east coast) as far as shrimping tours go. Make room for this excursion the next time you find yourself in the area, whether you're driving down the coast or staying on St. Simons.

Photos (courtesy of Tom Ski):

I mentioned in a previous post that I was significantly full – that writing about the food was something I wanted to wait on – yet now I’m realizing that moment may never come so long as I’m still on the island (St. Simons). There are so many incredible food choices here, from seafood boils to barbecue, and my mind and body are engaged in a constant war – the latter at times feeling unable to stomach the opportunity.

I had helped prepare the shrimp and grits welcome dinner and feasted on the other bounties of the sea the next day at lunch, and that night I was to eat at Southern Soul BBQ – nationally recognized and often featured in the media (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, for example).

I’ve always found that the solution to a food-related self-imposed guilt trip is exercise, and after we returned from golfing with gators we walked up the street from the King and Prince to Ocean Motion Surf Company to rent some bikes.

St. Simons has over twenty miles of biking trails and limited traffic on most streets, making it a great place to hop on a beach cruiser and explore. The best part for me was riding underneath the oak trees that often canopy the quiet streets, looking up and seeing the Spanish moss draped over the branches. I took it easy at times and picked up the pace at others. The goal was to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of St. Simons, however I also wanted to earn my dinner that night.

Mentally and physically recharged, we made the five-minute drive to Southern Soul from the King and Prince, and as we approached I could see the wood stacked next to the smoker out in front of the restaurant, the people sitting at picnic tables under the large overhang (the building was once an old gas station).

Southern Soul cooks over locally gathered seasoned (aged) oak, nothing else. I really like that sort of approach - it adds a truly unique aspect to the cooking process (not to mention the taste). I ordered the Southern Sampler: Ribs, pulled pork, stew, and collared greens ($15). I threw in a local brew, the Georgia SweetWater 420, and I grabbed a spot outside at one of the tables.  There's a bar and a few tables inside, but I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to post up outside where you can see and smell the smoke. It was turning to twilight and the stars were coming out, and it was a very warm evening with a nice breeze that fluttered the napkins.

When they brought the food out I immediately noticed that they don't drown you with sauce - they actually don't put on any at all (you add it yourself at the table). I think this is one of the signs of good barbecue, a focus on the flavors of the meat rather than a spotlight on the sauce.

An even better sign is when you taste it and it doesn't need any. I sampled some of both the sweet and the spicy, but I never felt like I needed to glob it on. As you have probably experienced, that is not always the case, and you have to appreciate it when you find yourself at a place legitimate enough to understand this concept.

Looking at the photo still makes my mouth water. I said this at the table and I have to add it here: That stew might have been the best I've ever had in my life. Light and tomato based with chunks of pork, it was a perfect complement to the stacks of meat (it is a must try when you visit).

Overall: An amazing backyard feel stationed on the side of the road on a kicked-back island. I'm really not sure how someone could drive by and not do a double-take, not pull an immediate U-turn given the character it displays.

I would highly recommend getting that exercise in beforehand. The portions are large, and you will definitely charge through all of it.

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I was in the cab on the way to the bus station and my driver told me that he used to live in Houston, but a friend set him up with the fare to go to Washington to find better work. On the way it stopped for a night in Santa Barbara, and after a walk on the beach and a look at the mountains, he decided he didn’t want to leave and never got back on the bus the next morning. That was 22 years ago. 

It's a prime example of the Santa Barbara experience – how the place can infect you very quickly. It happened to me in 2009: I went out for a visit, then promptly went home and collected my belongings. 

Here are a few photos from my most recent stay in town:

Leadbetter Beach

 

Leadbetter Beach

 

Harbor View

 

Leadbetter Walking Path

 

Cabrillio Blvd. Downtown SB

 

Mountain View

 

 

The Taiwan Lantern Festival travels from city to city each year and is an extravaganza. This year the event took place in Lugang over fourteen days. Getting there during the event takes some planning. Transportation If you're driving, park in a lot outside of town and take the shuttle bus. It's very efficient and you'll be able to leave after the event without being delayed. 

Before the big show starts in the main stadium, take the afternoon to admire the handcrafted lanterns of all shapes and sizes on display as you enter the festival. Navigate your way through the bustling streets; soak up the local culture and electric vibe. At each turn, aromas of traditional Taiwanese street food simmer through the air.  You'll be shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people celebrating the Chinese New Year. Just up ahead there's a parade coming your way. Duck down a side street and take in a live musical street performance or light some incense and kneel at the alter of a Buddhist Temple. This is an adventure!

The Lugang Lantern Festival main event takes place in the Lugang stadium. The show is broadcasted live on Taiwanese television and features dancers and performances from around the world. I especially liked the performance of the traditional Japanese song "Soran Bushi" set to the Bon Dance, which captures the spirit of fisherman working together to pull in the net filled with the catch. 

The festival crescendos with the lighting of the main lantern, which is designed to represent the animal of the Chinese Zodiac each year. This year it was a dragon. He stood 20 meters tall on his hind legs and looked like a stained glass "Tiffany" monster. Peter Greenberg said, "Let's light this dragon up." Smoke and fire streamed from his mouth and lasers beamed to and fro as the firework display was launched in to the air. 

Official Website: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/pda/m1.aspx?sNo=0002021

My Favorite Lantern 

 

Praying at the Temple in Lugang

 

 

Street Food Delights 

 

 

 

I will have a 15-minute segment tonight at 6:30 EST on Garden State Radio.

I will be discussing my stay at the Ice Hotel in Quebec City and my two-week stint on St. Maarten, as well as the story of how I became a travel writer.

You can listen live by clicking here or visiting MTR Radio. 

Thanks to all who follow along and hope you join us tonight! 

Famtripper.com sets off on a dream voyage to Antarctica onbaord the expedition ship Antarctic Dream with contributor Bruce Northam. He heads through the Drake Passage to Deception Island to marvel at icebergs and ogle at penguins. Read the story.

Even though a good portion of Orient Beach in St. Maarten is dedicated to those wishing to strip away all the barriers and let the sun shine where it normally wouldn't, the beach does offer plenty to people who want to keep their clothes on. 

The nude beach is definitely a sight to see (just don't be a creep), yet what surprised me was the ridiculous amount of activity going on, both on and off the water. Jet skis, small sailboats, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaks, floating docks, parasailing, boogie-boarding - the ocean was, for sure, in motion. 

Lining the beach are cafes and restaurants that offer specials, usually a beach chair, a drink, and bathroom access for $7-$10. Buckets of 6 beers are $10-$12, and the vibe is very social and happening - I'm not afraid to label it as the busiest beach on the island.

It's big enough where you can find solace if you wish, though - and the beauty of the bay is what stole the show for me. Even if you don't stay at one of the nearby hotels, it's a must-do day trip when you're on the island.  

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