Honeymoon Day 3 - Hiking Mount Takao

Took the subway an hour out from Shinjuku on the Keio line to see Mount Takao for a nice day trip! We saw temples, monkeys, and Mount Fuji!

Honeymoon Day 2+4 - Shinjuku, Harajuku + Shibuya Crossing

Unusual Breakfast at Comfort Suites (00:59), LOVED the Shinjuku National Gardens (02:22), Tokyo Metro Government Building view of the city (06:41), Harry Hedgehog Cafe (08:59), Meiji Temple (11:01), Harajuku (11:38), Shibuya Crossing (11:49) Golden Gai for ramen (12:12), we did Karaoke but there's no evidence, Robot Restaurant (13:35) for a memorable performance. Got these kimonos at APA Hotel; had to channel Bill Murray.

VLOG - Traveling to Japan (Honeymoon)

November 13th, Mark and I traveled to Narita Airport Japan to start our honeymoon! The most useful things we packed were a Brita water bottle, emergen-c packets, and snacks/ meals to eat on the go. These all came in super helpful, so I'm glad we thought about them beforehand.



Also, we each only packed a personal item (backpack for him, beachbag for me), and rolling carry-on, because we were about to take 8 flights and didnt want to deal with checking or losing our luggage on one and be screwed out of having clothes for part of our trip. It made things super simple to just have it all within eyesight on the plane and forced us to stay in the moment. Yes, we did laundry a few times. But it kept us feeling free and when we did pick up things we needed it was truly part of the experience and from where we were in the world at that time.



It was snowing in Baltimore and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in Japan. We had a layover in Chicago, and got to hang out in the United lounge with some snacks and drinks before boarding out flight. Our flight to Japan was around 13 hours, and included a cute honeymoon dish from the attendants, on the biggest plane we've ever been on.



Our first meal super late was at a Denny's, where Mark got some sizzling Chicken and I got Pasta with Meat Sauce. And the next day is the next video: https://youtu.be/HjyBzzuPqi8

On the Road (Summer Photo Album)

Took some beautiful sunset photos from the road recently. Felt really good to update the Shutterstock Portfolio. Please check them out and let me know what you think (click to enlarge).



www.shutterstock.com/sets/102450632-on-the-road.html?rid=186880126

4 Things to Do on the 4th of July in Annapolis, MD

Did you know Annapolis was the capital of the United States, before Washington D.C.?

So it seemed fitting for our Fourth of July to explore Maryland's Capital, and America's Sailing Capitol.







There is so much history here. Driving in is idyllic and calm, the Naval Academy dominates a lot of the landscape downtown, but there is also a lot to do near the harbor and Main street as far as sightseeing and dining.



1. The Naval Academy. This is first on everyone who comes here's list. Pedestrians are encouraged to come in through Gate 1, on Randall or Prince George Street, approximately a block away from the Annapolis City Dock. Guided tours are available for around $12, and there is a huge gift shop carrying all sorts of USNA, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps merchandise. You might not expect to go through the security gates, but it's still a military facility. However, it moves fast. Even if you choose not to take a guided tour, just strolling through the yard is beautiful.



2. The Harbor Queen. Our favorite part of the trip was being on the water and learning about the history of the town from this ship tour. It was a sunny day with lots of people in patriotic regalia. The narrated cruise is 40 minutes and you really do experience Historic Annapolis and the banks of the Naval Academy as well. The view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridges is also really beautiful. The tickets are available on site the day of your cruise, at a Red Umbrella stand on the City Dock.



3. Storm Bros. Cream Factory. There is nothing nicer than a root beer float on a hot, summers day. Just a short walk from the Dock is this hole-in-the-wall gem that made the best treat possible. It ain't Annapolis Ice Cream Factory, but its a lot closer to the two things above.



4. Main Street. However, if you feel like walking a little more, this is the place to do it. So many cute shops along here. I'd park nearby and then walk. Lots of people watching, and souvenirs abound.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida (DAY 4)

To check out the rest of our trip, click here,

Day 1 click here, and Day 2 pt 1 Myrtle Beach and Charleston,  Day 3 Savannah.



Going South from Georgia, we stopped in Jacksonville and discovered a place called Taco Libre that had the most incredible, huge $3 horchatas and tacos. This was the only restaurant that prompted us to take leftovers with us on the road. And let me tell you, eating pork tacos with your feet up at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere, is one of the greatest enjoyments one can have.



Panama City Beach seems to be known more for beach and hotel rentals than hip eats and exciting things to do. But we found it all!



In the New York Times article '36 Hours in Panama City Beach', it's written,

"In this self-styled “Spring Break Capital of the World” — a moniker validated by the hundreds of thousands of students who descend on the town every March and April — you’ll find a predictably high density of tattoo parlors and mini-golf courses. But hidden amid this lowbrow mix are welcome additions including a farmers’ market and the area’s first craft beer pub. And in 2010, the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened just north of the city, making the trip south even easier. So trade in expectations of starched tablecloths and fine-art museums, and embrace the carefree notions that swirl with silly pineapple daiquiris and every facet of the relaxing life aquatic here on Florida’s laid-back Emerald Coast."



We had dinner upon getting into town - at a place called Schooner's Last Local Beach Club. I called ahead and asked if it was busy, and the woman on the phone giggled. I soon discovered why, as we pulled up. This beach-side institution looks like the most popping place in town. People lined up 5 rows deep waiting for a table. We put our names down, and walked along the beach (watched the sun beginning to set) until I got the text that our table was ready.



They seated us right by the water, and the cannon- which they shoot off every night at sunset. Enjoyed a pina colada (in complimentary plastic tumblr- it's substantially large), grouper (me) and chicken (him) sandwich.







We walked back onto the beach at night and enjoyed feeling the soft sand under our feet.

The next morning, we were so excited to wake up.

We had an appointment for the Dolphin Encounter at Gulf Marine World Park!

This was such a bucket list item for me. It was just enough time to really interact and enjoy the moment. But there were a lot of other great things happening as well, and with the Dolphin Encounter ticket we also had the opportunity to see the rest of the park afterwards. Here is a video of some of the highlights.









We stopped by a Sea Lion Show:

Saw some sharks!

Touched a stingray or two:

And then we were off to New Orleans!

24 Hrs in Savannah (DAY 3)

We had so much fun the whole week before and after hitting this city.

To check out our preplanning, click here, Day 1 click here, and Day 2 pt 1 Myrtle Beach and Charleston, click the city names.

(Prints of the photo below, because I'm in love with it, are available here.)







Savannah was a great place to be immersed in Southern Gothic-ness and it's own definite culture. We've heard so many things from friends in the past, and were definitely looking forward to this leg of our East Coast Road Trip.







One of my old coworkers, Paige, had given some great tips. She went to Savannah College of Art and Design, and ended up having her wedding there during the time that we worked together. Everywhere we walked, we would see the SCAD logo and various parts of the campus.



For hotels in Savannah - cannot recommend Mansion on Forsyth Park more. We'd had a relatively smooth ride in from Charleston, but were more than ready to check in to this luxurious place. There was Versace furniture and flavored water and apples we snacked on, in the lobby. If you walk through the lobby out the back, there is this gorgeous pool you can take a dip in.







We got asked later that night (when spontaneously chatting with a couple near us, also watching the sun set) why we picked this hotel, rather than one of the many located at the River. If the above details aren't enough, here are some of the reasons we gave them. When Mark had been here in the past for rugby, he remembered Forsyth Park fondly. We also knew there would be a Farmers Market there in the morning (it's every Saturday rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), so we could just walk across the street and get breakfast there. And as it would turn out, we would also see the start of the Savannah Mile Run that morning. We still enjoy remembering a group of probably coworkers, all in yellow shirts, who started out walking, and later we saw ending the run walking, having a great time the whole way.



We also ended up finding out that the hotel has a complimentary shuttle to their sister property, The Bohemian located on the Riverfront at Bay Street. It runs every half an hour on a first come first serve basis. We ended up going there to see the sun set, with a great view from their rooftop bar. To be able to go back to a quiet room, away from the craziness of the Riverwalk after a night out, was great. And the most incredible soaking tub was in our room, waiting.











(P.S. Don't pay for valet, there is sufficient on-street parking available around the park and side streets and we ended up finding parking on the same block as the hotel, every time we needed it)



Our walking route was along Bull and Whitaker from the Park towards the River and back.



Made a stop at a friendly looking bookstore called E Shaver Booksellers, which had an attached oasis called the Tea Room. They had Outlander-themed tea! (for anyone who remembers that show and the Jamie character fondly) As their website says, first and foremost, they love tea. Mark had a bit of a cough, so they made a batch of 'Emperor's Bride' with a strong recommendation that it would help him feel better, and it did!



Dinner was at Olde Pink House & Planters Tavern at 23 Abercorn Street, which I'm told, is always busy. I had pulled up the restaurant on my phone as I'm apt to do sometimes when I want to go somewhere nice but hadn't thought to make a reservation yet. I'll literally do it in the parking lot right before going in, just to have that to say to the host. But this time, I couldn't do it. There were not open tables, or so we thought. It's a huge, historic place (16,000 square feet) that any host or hostess will give you a tour to show you all the wings and different facts that have occured there. Despite not having even a last minute reservation, we walked in and were treated really well. We were walked around and given descriptions of every room, and it turns out a table opened up as soon as we got back to the entrance.

We were seated in an old bank vault room. It was wonderful. I got the pork, he got the chicken, we both got collard greens and a delicious sweet potato with pecan brown sugar sauce on the side. In total it was around $50 with drinks.



We strolled to the Riverwalk and saw the boats and people milling around. Last time Mark was here, his rugby teammates had spent more of there time here near the water. He'd gone to Smiles Dueling Piano Bar so we stopped and listened for a minute. Got a signature pina colada frozen daquiri from Wet Willies and sat in the park, watching people with glow sticks running around.



The next morning, we walked outside to see this race setting off. So many participants going by the front of the hotel, right at that moment! We crossed that street and walked into the park, strolling through the stalls of the Farmer's Market. I HIGHLY recommend one vendor, Alake's GA Pecan's. His 'Sweet, Salty, Buttery' 2 oz bag of pecans is their best seller, and addictive.

We snacked and munched on our way past the park (the opposite way from our stroll last night to the river), towards Foxy Loxy Cafe. Artwork litters the walls. We got sausage breakfast kolaches from someone named Chloe, and sat in their main seating area along with a few student-looking patrons perched at their various laptops.

After all that walking, we were ready to relax in our room and start thinking about the next destination. And good thing, because it started to rain. Our next city was Panama City Beach, Florida (DAY 4), so it was about to be a long drive.



*A recommendation for the best road stop you could imagine- is on the way out of Savannah heading South- the Smallest Church in America in Darien, GA.

 

A Day in Charleston, South Carolina (DAY 2 pt2)

WE LOVE CHARLESTON.

Here is a video montage of our morning biking through this wonderful city. A lot of people visiting Charleston South Carolina, choose to rent bikes and go by the water, and I completely understand why, now. This is the third part of our earlier road trip posts along the East Coast (see also, Virginia Beach and Wilmington, and Myrtle Beach).

Stayed at the Spectator Hotel, easily one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in or will ever. There was a butler! His name was Chuck and he had the best stories about the city and his life. Even helped us figure out where to go to dinner. Note: there are so many free snacks (My favorite were the benne wafers by Charleston Specialty Foods), and free cocktails in the room (as well as water, coke, and local sweet tea) that you might not get that hungry.







But the weather was wonderful and we could hear a local troubadour singing from City Market nearby, so we wandered down a block or two and saw the night stalls that were open. Through there and another block or two, we made it to Anson Restaurant. Really nice ambience, and a perfect romantic dinner of chicken for him, and grouper for me, by candlelight. On the way back from the restaurant, back through City Market, the singer was now singing 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran, and I couldn't help but hum a little bit and stop with Mark against a wall to listen to him finish til the end.



Can we just talk about the view one wakes up to?







Brunch was at Butcher & Bee, a super hipster cafe where I got a Lamb Pita and Turmeric Tang juice, and Mark got the Roast Beef Sandwich. Took this photo outside:







'A good time occurs precisely when we lose track of what time it is' -Robert Farrar Capon



Drove to the nearby Shepherd Fairey mural that was still on the wall of their old location, then it was on to Savannah, Georgia.

Surprises at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (DAY 2 pt1)

DAY 2 of our East Coast Road Trip is split up because of just how much happened when we hit the Carolina's. (DAY 1 on Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and Wilmington here)



The rain was coming down really hard, the morning we set off for Myrtle Beach. This city is on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, and the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches. The plan had been to get toes wet at the water's edge, but the downpour and a slight burn from Virginia Beach the day before discouraged us. Went to Wal-Mart to get some sunscreen and snacks, and I researched from last minute indoor activities.







Black Biker Week was going on, as it happens, every year over Memorial Weekend at Myrtle Beach. It was the coolest thing to see all the bikers and their motorcycles. I remember seeing the event on an episode of Eastbound and Down, and it was something we also hadn't planned but were really happy to be unwitting spectators.

There was an area on Celebrity Circle that had a bunch of cute shops. The rain had stopped a bit we were able to feed fishes from a boardwalk. I'll never forget, relaxing in one of the deck chairs under a shop awning, watching the rain. Everything smells more clearly when it's wet, and the all the colors around you look richer, more saturated.

Wandered into a Laser Maze Challenge. This was probably more for children, but made us feel like Catherine Zeta Jones in Entrapment. And we beat the Expert Level- twice! There was also a connected Mirror Maze, that was really fun. They give you gloves when you go in, because you keep your arms out to check which pathways are real, and which are the mirrored halls.

Grabbed lunch at a big restaurant by the water called the Sea Captain's House, mostly because it had a big parking lot across the street and you could walk from the dining area to the water. Pleasantly surprised to try she-crab soup for the first time there; it was really good.



Went back to another boardwalk and shops area but this time to see some tigers!

The best possible last minute thing ever - the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at Myrtle Beach Safari. The first time slots start at 5:00 pm, so we hit up a magic store across from the entrance (saw a 'Zoltar Speak's machine, just like they have at Coney Island and the Tom Hanks movie, Big). When the time finally came- we were so excited. The admission goes to funding preservation efforts- and the monkeys, wolf cub, and two-month-old tiger were so amazing to hold and touch. I still can't believe we had that once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was my favorite part of our time at Myrtle Beach.

And then it was off to Charleston for the evening.

Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and Wilmington (DAY 1)

DAY 1

Let me just preface by saying that we planned this entire road trip for a long time! (for example, this entry from February). Lots of hand-scrawled notes and maps and google spreadsheet formats. Right on the cusp of our thirties, we really wanted to make the most of this trip and hope you enjoy the tips we found useful.

Woke up bright and early Wednesday morning before Memorial Weekend to visit Colonial Williamsburg VA, Virginia Beach VA, and Wilmington NC. This was the first leg on a road trip that would span all the way down the East Coast of the USA from Baltimore, MD.

Out of the many options out there- we went with National Car Rental Service. Got lucky with a Hyundai Tucson that had only 9 miles on it! Though it was picked up at the BWI Airport, the expectation was that it would only be driven one-way and dropped off at the NOLA Airport eventually. Armed with Starbucks Almond Chai Latte (no foam, no water) and Herbal Tea, we started heading down 95.



If you drink water and tea at the start of the trip, you'll start wanting to take a rest stop around Colonial Williamsburg appearing on the route. Having never been there before (but I had heard stories about the reenactments and history), we stopped by the Visitor Center and wandered through the Great Hopes Plantation for a bit. The weather was really nice, and there a lot of old examples of housing structures and a windmill.







VIRGINIA BEACH



This is the largest city in Virginia, known for it's naval installations and shoreline beaches. It wasn't long after leaving Williamsburg that we got to Cape Henry Lighthouse. I had no idea it was part of a military establishment! Fort Story is a beautiful area right on the water. Though we weren't expecting for our vehicle to be investigated before admission, it made the destination feel more hidden and special. There's a Memorial and beach outlook point across the street from the Lighthouse, that's nice to stop at. *One thing we found out the hard way is enter through Gate 8*.







I highly recommend printing out the VA Beach Public Art Scavenger Hunt map. It made it much easier to identify the art installations scattered along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, and became a fun game. Our favorite were the Beach Balls and Birds in Flight.

We dipped our toes in the water, and ate froyo from Kohr's when it got hotter (Strawberry/Banana, and Chocolate/Peanut Butter).



We stopped at Commune for lunch, and were not disappointed. There was a healthy mix of families and young people. Everything was responsibly sourced and delicious. I had iced coffee (from local coffee company, PJ's) with burnt honey and a Ham & Jam Biscuit (both the Peach and Strawberry jams were great) for less than $10 total. The parking lot they share with Esoteric, a bar and restaurant is so beautiful, right?







This was our longest driving day, 550 miles, so to get something that would keep us alert and feeling our best went really, a long way.



WILMINGTON



Chris Dixon writes this in this New York Times article 'In Wilmington, N.C.', "a band of fortune seekers and opportunists braved the un-air-conditioned heat -- as well as the mosquitoes, alligators and bears along the banks of the Cape Fear River -- to create Wilmington, which in time became the northernmost hub of the Southern rice culture. Now it makes its living as a resort, a busy port and an aspiring movie capital. In 1983, Frank Capra Jr. found Wilmington a good place to shoot his film "Firestarter," and now his Wilmington studio, EUE/Screen Gems, says it is the largest film production facility east of California. Downtown this fall, you might find the cast of the WB network's "One Tree Hill" among the contented tourists in search of antiques, a night at the theater or a bowl of ground white hominy".



Dinner was at Front St. Brewery Taproom. I'd heard good things, and the person who checked us into our hotel also recommended this place. Best Pulled Chicken Burrito I've ever had, for around $10. The Mug of the Day beers are a great deal, where you can get their choice of beer that day for $1.99. (Normally it's $4.99 a beer.)



We wandered into KGB Lounge nearby for drinks, sipping a mule and dark & stormy. From there we kept walking down to the water a bit before getting some much needed rest.







In the morning- the heaviest rain we would get occurred.

Ate breakfast at Ezzell's Breakfast House, a local diner. The coffee was strong. Solid breakfast food. A little group of local older folks held court near the entrance.



Full and happy, we headed down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.