How fitting that I’m flying into New York’s Kennedy Airport today from my weeks of traveling in Europe.  There is something about flying over that city to come back to the United States that evokes a sense of pride and patriotism.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty has always served as a tangible reminder to me of what independence and liberty is truly about.
Enjoy your 4th of July!
Photo credit: laverrue @flickr

World in Focus – Travel photography contest open to professionals and amateurs.  Maybe you could win that grand prize – a 10 day safari in Tanzania.
AAA Travel Views – I found myself nodding in agreement as the author explained that he wasn’t a typical Branson visitor, but he made an exception for Paul Revere & the Raiders.  Since they were a band from my teen years, I can relate.
Intelligent Travel – It’s winter down under, and Vivid Sydney is a cultural extravaganza designed to turn the city into a canvas of light and sound.
The Amsterdam Guide – When’s the …read more

Well, think again!  And with that slogan, the TriBeCa Film Festival gets ready for its annual run, April 22nd through May 3rd.
Founded in 2001 by Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal, the festival was an attempt to revitalize a neighborhood that was laid low as a result of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.  The first festival was held in 2002, and even with only four months of planning, it was a critical, financial, and public success.  Since then it has grown in what it offers, attendance, and a variety of partnerships, and today it is one of the premiere …read more

Forbes Magazine recently announced its list of America’s Top Ten Most Popular Tourist Attractions.
I know that the phrase “tourist attraction” can be a turn off to many people, but don’t let that label get in the way.  These are some sights worth seeing.
Here’s the list:

Times Square – New York City
Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas, Nevada
National Mall & Memorial Parks – Washington DC
Faneuil Hall – Boston, Massachusetts
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom – Buena Vista, Florida
Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area – San Francisco, California
Niagara Falls – New York
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
Navy …read more

Nobody throws a party like New York City, so if you are anywhere in the area you’ll want to catch the 35th annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.
The Parade emphasizes diversity and family as it brings together the myriad economic, ethnic, social, sexual, and racial components of New York City.  Even the NYC Police Department has recognized the Parade for its contribution in making Halloween a safe event, bringing together the community in a creative and playful way.
The parade queues up at 6th Avenue, south of Spring and North of Canal, between 6:30-8 pm. The parade begins 7 pm and …read more

  Although you’ll find C.O. Bigelow products sold in other stores, there’s nothing like visiting the original store in Greenwich Village.
Founded in 1838, C.O.Bigelow’s is the oldest continually operating apothecary-pharmacy in the country.  That’s 170 years!
C.O. Bigelow’s is located at 414 Avenue of the Americas (between 8th & 9th Street) in Greenwich Village.  It’s is accessible by subway (West 4th or Christopher stop) and the PATH (9th Street).
The store still fills prescriptions at the back of the store, but as you work you way back there you’ll pass through goodies galore.  There’s a focus on homeopathic products and remedies, …read more

This matchbook is one that I found in the back of a drawer, but still one that brought back some fond memories.  It’s from a restaurant that no longer exists, Citarella, the Restaurant, although it’s parent company still remains in business as a terrific venue for gourmet shopping and food, including take out.
The restaurant was located at 1240 Sixth Avenue (corner of 49th) near Rockefeller Center in New York City.
My experience there occurred on a layover one Christmas Eve.  Working, and being away from home, on a holiday is never a fun event, but you make the most of …read more

The Manhattan skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world.  Whether view from an airplane as you are flying in, from Central Park, the top of the Empire State Building, or from a downtown ferry, the New York architecture is some of the most photographed around.
This photo was taken while on a ferry ride out to see the Statue of Liberty.
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
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