Hey all! I’m back from my trip visiting my parents and I have some fab pictures to share! I haven’t done a post on travel before, so I hope this is something you all enjoy. Thoughts on this?
I have to say it’s pretty awesome to have parents that live in the tri-state area. For those of you that don’t speak New York, the tri-state area are the commuter states of the NYC media market: New Jersey, Connecticut and New York. Hopefully next trip I’ll take the train out to the other states, but this trip I stayed pretty local in Connecticut with some small trips over the border to Massachusetts, which the locals call “Mass.”
Here were my favorite must-see spots this trip:
1. Elizabeth Park, Hartford, CT
Sadly the roses weren’t in bloom quite yet since they are pretty much all summer blooming flowers, but I still thought it was stunning! They have a beautiful herb garden area, greenhouses, archways, etc. It’s the first public rose garden in the United States and they have over 100 different roses to check out. If you are in Hartford, Connecticut during the summer this is a must see!
2. Mystic, CT
You remember that movie with Julia Roberts called Mystic Pizza? There really is a Mystic Pizza. Not only can you go eat this delicious pizza, but the town is super quaint and cute. Great little harbor town! Sorry I don’t have the pics for this one…I actually did this last time I went out there and I didn’t have a camera.
3. Crepes Tea House, West Springfield, CT
If you’ve never been to a Russian Tea House, I highly recommend checking this out for your first one. They have over 100 teas to choose from (which you can buy if you fall in love with one), an authentic Russian menu and the most to-die-for farmer’s cheese I’ve ever had! I ordered a farmer’s cheese crepe with oranges and ate the whole thing by myself it was so good. It tasted a bit like a Ricotta if it was pureed. So good! I know, not vegan, but when in Rome, right!? My mom had the farmer’s cheese pancakes, or Russian Sirniki. They kinda reminded me of potato pancakes in size and texture, but had the light and fluffy taste of a sweetened crepe. Mmmm. Take me back there please!
4. Tangiers Market, Hartford, CT
A playground for any Vegan’s tastebuds. This was hands-down the best Falafel and Tahini dressing I have ever had in my entire life. In fact, I learned that the reason I never really enjoyed Tahini before, was probably because Tahini goes rancid pretty quickly and that’s what creates the bitter taste. This Tahini was slightly sweet compared to what I’ve had before but did not taste in the least bit sweetened by anything other than sesame. The Falafel and stuffed grape leaves were very moist and not greasy at all. I felt full after I had these dishes, but not so full that I didn’t want to have some amazing baklava afterwards!
5. Ibiza Tapas and Wine Bar, Northhampton, MA
You know how octopus and squid are generally on the chewy side? Not this octopus! We ordered Grilled Octopus on Potato Foam and I have to say it was exquisite. This octopus melted in your mouth like velvet, and the potato foam was like a savory whipped cream. Although I did not have a single bad dish, my other favorite “modern” tapas dish was the Nevat Cheese with Figs and Walnuts. It was the perfect sweet and savory combo with Black Truffle Oil giving the dish perfection. Order this as your last tapas for a sweet finish or order the Chocolate Croquettes on spoons to complete your orgasmic meal. Lastly, make sure you stop to talk with the owner before you leave! He is a true Spaniard from Northern Spain but his dishes are from all of Spain. After talking with him, you may forget you’re still in the States!
My parents just got this adorable cat named Challah. She’s a rescue cat who has a great home now!
This was a pretty unique trip for me because my parents are renovating an old historic house. Quite the project! I have to say it’s coming along nicely but slowly since they are doing the renovations themselves. But wow does it look beautiful! They are right on the Connecticut River. Gotta love a balcony view of the water in the morning with a really adorable cat to enjoy it with.
Talk to you guys next week!
I’m pretty sure your eye and your amazing sense of what is special, probably made your hosts feel you really appreciated their special places. And, still there are others, locals usually, who probably don’t even know what they have available to do, see and enjoy. Hopefully they will see this post and patronize these places. It is so hard for businesses to offer so much and still struggle with economic pressures. Your blog is a bonus for them.
Marjorie Stradinger recently posted…LG
I LOOOOVEEEE Mystic! If you ever go back, go to S&P Oyster Co. – they have THE best seafood and it’s right on the river by the drawbridge. It’s my favorite restaurant EVER.
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog recently posted…Andes Mint Chip Ice Cream
Yum! I will have to check it out!! Thanks for the tips, Sharon.
Foodscape recently posted…Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding