This would be our first full day, and we we were in no hurry to get on the roads in New York City. So after a nice breakfast in the hotel (I know lame, but it was FREE). We like to take advantage of as many of Guy's travel perks as we can. Lets just say, travel loyalty programs are essential to our adventures. Our goal today was to get to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Historic Home. We made it! Along the way, we were able to drive through Harlem and the Bronx, the kids thought it was pretty cool. We didn't stop, as we had a long drive ahead of us, but none the less, they were able to see a lot during the daylight.
Once we arrived at the presidential library, we began to understand why FDR liked the area so much. It was beautiful, tranquil, however, it had plenty of activity around it. Oh, and a lot of trees! Did you know he listed his occupation as a "tree farmer?" Some fun facts--how many terms was he elected to? 4! Did you know that this was the very FIRST presidential library? We can thank FDR for the idea that subsequent presidents have followed. I will post a number of pictures once I get the opportunity. We gave this stop two thumbs up! Everyone enjoyed it.
After our visit we were famished, so we headed over to the Hyde Park Brewery. Nothing special, but they had good burgers and beer. Who could turn that down, after a long day. Once our bellies were full we headed out to our final stop for the night. Springfield, Mass. This would be a long drive, but knowing we wanted to get to Maine the following day, we had some long drives at the beginning.
Springfield, Mass, the only good thing about this town that we found was The Basketball Hall of Fame. Our hotel was totally a "socks on" establishment, however it was FREE. I am not sharing the name, but it starts with an M and ends...with a T. The highlight of this visit, was that the REAL Dr. J-Julius Irving was present for a Q & A at the Hall of Fame. The irony of this, is that Dr. J is Guy's childhood basketball hero and all time favorite basketball player. We all had the opportunity to meet him and got his autograph. After being outraged by the cost of getting into the museum, we felt like we hit the jackpot once we saw Dr. J.
After our visit we headed out to Maine. Again, it would be a long driving day, but the roads were really nice and the scenery was beautiful. We were able to see some very unique campaign signs as well. To those of you that didn't realize that we will be electing a new President this year.
Our culinary highlights for the day, was a stop at Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine. We had our first official Lobster Roll in Maine. It was FANTASTIC! Then finally, we were able to grab dessert as the sun set in Wells, Maine at Big Daddy's Ice Cream. Lets just say--Wow! Four thumbs up!
We finally rolled into a lovely and brand new Residence Inn in Bath, Maine. tuckered out!
Monday, August 8, 2016
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Northeastern Exploration Day 1: Friday, August 5th, 2016 (Brooklyn, New York)
Since we do a lot of driving on this trip, we made every effort to streamline our packing...well, lets just say, 6 bags was the best we could do. However, we did bring along an Aero Bed, snacks, travel books and 12 personal electronic devices and all of the relevant charging tools. Cierzan's do NOT travel light.
The first leg of this adventure included a flight from Minneapolis to New York. It was a rather uneventful flight. While Guy, Leah and I snuggled in Coach and enjoyed our airline snack, Noah enjoyed a little more room, breakfast and a feature film in first class. (Special thanks to Dad for sharing his upgrades, one of the few perks of a lot of travel).
Once we landed in New York, Guy decided we should experience the nice airline lounge for American Express customers, while it was nice (with some delicious amenities, we quickly discovered Guy had some last minute business to attend too). Once we had lunch and countless chocolate brownies and a cocktail or two, we headed out to find the car for our adventure. First, we learned that the East coast personalities are nothing like the "Minnesota Nice" personalities that the kids have become accustomed to. However, Guy gave them a run for their money. Those that know Guy, can only imagine some of the sarcastic exchanges that we witnessed.
We finally secured our auto for the next leg of our vacation, however, driving in New York City is quite the adventure. We were headed for Brooklyn, which was our first stop and wow was that ride. Unfortunately, I didn't have any dramamine so it felt like we were on a roller coaster ride into the city. We finally landed at our hotel, Marriott Brooklyn Bridge. We gave the hotel a thumbs up!
After a little rest, we ventured out for dinner, Hill Country BBQ-right near our hotel. We were NOT taking the car out. The kids gave it three stars, the brisket was delicious, but the sausage was spicy. We ventured out for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge following dinner, as it was right near our hotel. Wow! Something everyone should do at least once.
The first leg of this adventure included a flight from Minneapolis to New York. It was a rather uneventful flight. While Guy, Leah and I snuggled in Coach and enjoyed our airline snack, Noah enjoyed a little more room, breakfast and a feature film in first class. (Special thanks to Dad for sharing his upgrades, one of the few perks of a lot of travel).
Once we landed in New York, Guy decided we should experience the nice airline lounge for American Express customers, while it was nice (with some delicious amenities, we quickly discovered Guy had some last minute business to attend too). Once we had lunch and countless chocolate brownies and a cocktail or two, we headed out to find the car for our adventure. First, we learned that the East coast personalities are nothing like the "Minnesota Nice" personalities that the kids have become accustomed to. However, Guy gave them a run for their money. Those that know Guy, can only imagine some of the sarcastic exchanges that we witnessed.
We finally secured our auto for the next leg of our vacation, however, driving in New York City is quite the adventure. We were headed for Brooklyn, which was our first stop and wow was that ride. Unfortunately, I didn't have any dramamine so it felt like we were on a roller coaster ride into the city. We finally landed at our hotel, Marriott Brooklyn Bridge. We gave the hotel a thumbs up!
After a little rest, we ventured out for dinner, Hill Country BBQ-right near our hotel. We were NOT taking the car out. The kids gave it three stars, the brisket was delicious, but the sausage was spicy. We ventured out for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge following dinner, as it was right near our hotel. Wow! Something everyone should do at least once.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles VIII, August 5-15, 2016: Cierzan's Northeastern Exploration
We are headed off for our 8th trip across country to explore, experience and taste some of the northeastern highlights. Special Note: what we may find to be a highlight may not be a highlight for the ordinary person. We are always seeking that gem that no one has ever heard of or experienced.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Hawaiian Adventure Day #2: Saturday, March 19th, 2016 (Kauai)
It is a special day for us today--Dad's Birthday! Happy 8th Anniversary of your Birthday, Guy! Guy and Kid #2 are so lucky to have been fortunate enough to celebrate their birthdays in warm climates. We tried to make the day extra special for Guy. We hung out in the hotel pool, Guy and Noah played a little catch (Noah has High School Baseball Tryouts the day we return to Minnesota). So, they are trying to take advantage of the opportunity to throw when they can.
In the afternoon, we headed over to Puka Dog. This hotdog stand, may seem insignificant, but it is a real gem and a favorite for us. Mango Relish on a Polish Sausage, who could go wrong? The lemonade is pretty special too!
We ended the day with ride to the North Shore, our favorite! While there is only one two lane road that goes from one side of the island to the other, everyone is on hawaiian time, so it takes about 45 minutes. We had dinner reservations at Makana Terrace, overlooking Hanalei Bay. A special place, if you experience it, you will totally understand. The sunset is stunning, and the food is delicious.
Hawaiian Adventure Day #1: Friday, March 18th, 2016 (Arrive in Kauai)
It was a long day, but totally worth the wait! We left Minnesota and had a brief stop in LA before landing in Lihue, Kauai. We are staying on the south side of the island (despite the fact that our favorite is the North Side). We are staying on the island for 4 days and 3 nights, so we were able to grab a condo with a spectacular view of the ocean at Poipu Shores. (Specifically Unit 303A).
Since we were arriving late at night, we decided to stay at a hotel with Dad's points. We were able to grab a LOVELY room (despite the construction surrounding our room=no real view) at Koola Landing! It was very nice and spacious, but the ground had an amazing amount of construction. We are certain, this property will be lovely once the construction is complete.
However, we are seriously exhausted...so heading to bed. Long trip here...
Since we were arriving late at night, we decided to stay at a hotel with Dad's points. We were able to grab a LOVELY room (despite the construction surrounding our room=no real view) at Koola Landing! It was very nice and spacious, but the ground had an amazing amount of construction. We are certain, this property will be lovely once the construction is complete.
However, we are seriously exhausted...so heading to bed. Long trip here...
Cierzan's Hawaiian Adventure...Spring Break 2016!
We were lucky enough to experience two of the Hawaiian Islands, with Kid #1 and #2--Kauai and Maui! While their spring breaks do not sink up any more, we decided to defer to Kid #1's schedule. High School matters more now. Kauai is by far our favorite island, but Maui holds a special place in our hearts, Kid #1 didn't remember it and Kid #2 had never experienced it.
While we like to blog our experiences, so our family can revisit some of our favorite places over time. We hope that others may find our experiences helpful in creating their own own family adventures.
...from our Ohana to yours....
While we like to blog our experiences, so our family can revisit some of our favorite places over time. We hope that others may find our experiences helpful in creating their own own family adventures.
...from our Ohana to yours....
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