You really can just relax...

Have you ever relaxed? Not just an hour or two when you feel like you've escaped from the stresses of the moment, but several hours-maybe even days- when you just put it all in prospective and  you don't even spend a moment thinking about seemingly insurmountable tasks. I think this is how I felt on Hilton Head Island.  The Island is divided into neighborhoods that are called "plantations." Initially this was confusing as I was prepared to visit all the different plantation homes that I believed existed. After reviewing the map, and taking a ride through one, it became apparent that I was a bit confused. I think each of these plantations offers a different beautiful view. Almost every plantation has a dramatic entrance surrounded by greenery.  Oak trees dripping in spanish moss (very reminiscent of New Orleans)  led us into Port Royal Plantation where we stayed in a more than spacious 3 bedroom condo. Largely a family oriented vacation destination  offering beaches, boutique shopping and bike trails that span the length of the Island. There's a friendly approachable feel but at the same time it's not too intrusive. 

Despite the fact that we had a fully stocked kitchen we went out for many meals to 

take advantage of the seafood that surrounded us!  I shared with my sister a nice appetizer of crab claws- and they cracked off the shells for us- that always just makes things so much easier! It's not very uncharacteristic of me but I can't seem to remember the name of the restaurant where we enjoyed this meal, but it was in Harbor Town across from the well-known lighthouse. Before the trip was over, I was discussing with my sister about booking the condo again for next year.

Berries By The Bucket, And Glass

It's hard to believe I've only been to Long Island a handful of times in the five plus years I've been in New York. I always wanted to see the "Napa Valley" of New York, but for one reason or another I never quiet made it to the wineries on Long Island. One very long day in the office we were all day dreaming of a fun getaway for the summer. After a few different ideas, we finally picked a day and planned the escape! With no real plan and a map of the North Fork of Long Island, we began the ride. It was about a two hour journey. We made about three vineyard stops and tested a few different wines- including trying some ice wine which was really sweet and a new discovery for me. As lunch time approached, we asked for a few recommendations and all directed us to Love Lane Kitchen. A very cute local place featuring all kinds of delicious specials every week. The day we were there they were offering a lobster roll, chicken and mango salad and a Chicago style hot dog. A very filling, delicious meal made us a little unsure about our ability to continue on our post-lunch wanderings, but we did not fail!  We began a new type of adventure. There were roadside stands to see and fruit to be picked. Blueberries and raspberries have never been so well sought after. (The birds really seem to take a liking to blueberries in particular.) I  even snuck a taste of the blackberries.. which were not quite at the peak of their season. All around it was a great day full of simple pleasures from a not-so-far away place.