Postcard from New York City: Summertime Indulgence

 It recently dawned on me in a more obvious way that Summer usually finds me in New York City.  Although I didn't purposefully intend it this way,  it's become a staple in my Summer travels--and there's no denying that I relish every minute of it.  In fact, beyond a brisk Fall dalliance, I've never come close to encountering those notorious winter chills that NYC is known for.  I'm not opposed to braving it though--for the gorgeously adorned holiday windows, a twirl around Rockefeller Center's ice rink (maybe, maybe not), and the chance to bundle up to a degree I've rarely had to do living in the South.  Still, I'll resign that Summer in the city agrees with me.

It's no secret to most that I adore the place and never get enough of the essence that is New York City.   Pulse. Energy. Action. People. And more People. Food. Fashion. Art. Music. Culture. Diversity. And one day, I'm counting on a pied-a-terre of my very own. 

A mixture of discovering new things and places that drew me in and revisiting certain favorites during my latest jaunt made for another collection of memories that I'll cherish.  Travel remains one of the purest joys of my existence, and I can't imagine not having a big, beautiful (yet gritty), imperfectly perfect 'cocoon' of sorts that suits all my fancies to escape to and relish.  Summer in NYC is a love affair I never want to end.  Below are a few highlights from my getaway.

An Afternoon In Bryant Park

Just Hanging Around -- My Digs at the Royalton Hotel

A Bit of Glitz and Glam at Baccarat Hotel

A Taste of Italy via New York Restaurant Week

Baking Birthday Cake at Milk Bar!

Good Eats from Bryant Park to Grand Central Station and Beyond

Taking It All In ~  Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral, The High Line, Jazz in Harlem, Art, Garden Concerts, and More, with Really Special People Intermixed

 Until Next Time...

Happy Travels!

Atlanta Summer Festivals, Food and Fun

Summers in the 'ATL' can represent many things to many people.  Despite the characteristic heat and humidity that blankets the city this time of the year, life doesn't slow down in hopes of cooler weather, but thrives as actively as ever in spite of it.

I relish taking in as much of the food scene as possible during the season, and in case you're looking to do the same, here's a starter list to get you out, about, exploring and enjoying what this fabulous city has to offer.

Downtown Restaurant Week ~ 
Going on now through Sunday, July 26, 2015, Downtown Restaurant Week features several of Atlanta's premier restaurants located in and near the heart of downtown.  With prix fixe menus ranging from $15 for lunch to $25-$35 for dinner, it's a great way to enjoy premium dining for a literal fraction of the cost. 

Ice Cream Festival ~
With July being National Ice Cream Month, there's no better way to close it out than with an Ice Cream Festival! The fun happens on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at beautiful Piedmont Park and will feature ice cream for sale, vendors, entertainment and fitness events.  Entry is free.

Garden Chef Demos ~
Enjoy lively chef demos showcasing the season's bounty every weekend, now through September, amidst the gorgeous Atlanta Botanical Garden in the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen.  Free with Garden admission. 

Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival ~
Music, competitions, and scrumptious food and drink, mark the scene at the Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival at Atlantic Station.  Mark your calendars for August 14th and 15th and get ready to indulge!

Beyond this list of favorites, there's so much more to explore as Summer continues to unfold.  Eventbrite, a global marketplace for events, is one of my go-to sources for featuring--and discovering--all that's happening in my area around my interests. Be sure to check out it out for more foodie happenings, or to plan your own special soiree with their event management software, and make the remaining days of Summer the most deliciously fun yet!

Happy Eating!

Photo Credit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
 

Seriously Seeking Good Eats: NYC Edition

Fresh off the heels of my latest Summer getaway to my favorite, favorite New York City, I am refreshed, recharged and grateful for all the experiences and memories that I continue to gain during my time spent in this city.  As a food, culture, fashion and art mecca, my visits are typically mapped out to experience a bit of it all--everything that makes NYC one of the most exciting and indulgent cities that I've had the pleasure to come across.

And my recent jaunt was no different, as I set out with a clear mission to discover and partake in some of the best eats NYC has to offer.  (And in case you're wondering, it was a mission accomplished!)  I share the delicious details in my newest post on Travelista TV, so enjoy and tell me what some of your favorite food and travel destinations are.

Happy Eating!