When I arrived at Black Creek Estate in Highland, New York, I immediately loved looking out at the 37-acre, luscious lake.
Image courtesy of the Norton Museum of Art
What comes to mind when you think of Palm Beach County – Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Delray Beach? Sunbathing and dining out? Yes, please enjoy that, but don’t miss the happening art scene in The Palm Beaches, as it’s also called!
The holidays are upon us! Check out our curated gift collection for everyone on your list.
Why search for paradise when you can escape to the Finger Lakes? This upstate New York region boasts 11 stunning lakes; 9000 square miles; terrific trails; rolling hills; peace and quiet; farm-to-table food; craft beers; and raw, unprocessed honey — who needs more?
ONONDAGA COUNTY: SYRACUSE & MORE
After flying into the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, I checked into the lovely Craftsman Inn & Suites in nearby Fayetteville. My group left right away for a guided tour of the Beaver Lake Nature Center, part of Onondaga County Parks, in Baldwinsville. The indoor Observation Bee Hive was the coolest thing ever — the first time I looked at bees that were behind glass and couldn’t sting me!
Observation Bee Hive: Image Courtesy of Beaver Lake Nature Center
We toured downtown Syracuse and saw people playing in a pretty fountain in Clinton Square where the Erie Canal used to run through. In the winter, people ice skate there.
Clinton Square: Image Courtesy of Visit Syracuse
Whimsical names of nearby restaurants included “Pastabilities” and “Oh My Darling.” Already familiar with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Manhattan, I was excited to see its original location next to our dinner spot, Apizza Regionale!
Our group loved “The Calabrian.” This wood-fired pizza consists of fermented, organic, stone-ground wheat; tomato sauce; soppressata; homemade mozzarella; caciocavallo; fresh oregano; and Calabrian-chili infused honey. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-free options are available upon request.
The next day we had breakfast in Liverpool at the amazing Hope Cafe, where choices abound! Their famous “Breakfast Sangwich” consists of ciabatta; and American breakfast fillings — including fried egg, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms — all with tasty Peruvian sauces. The profits go to The People Project, formerly known as Shekinah Gloria Ministries, which created a free school in an impoverished area of northern Peru. Now the charity’s work spans 13 countries, across the globe.
Then it was off to Onondaga Lake Park, also in Liverpool, an eight-plus mile, linear greenway with four, wonderful trails. The group bicycle was a hit with my colleagues!
Group Bicycle at Onondaga Lake Park: Image by Laurie Heifetz
SENECA COUNTY: ROMULUS & INTERLAKEN
Then we went on a fascinating, bus tour of Deer Haven Park in Romulus, part of Seneca County. It’s on a property formally occupied by the Seneca Army Depot, a US Military munitions storage and demolition facility. We got to explore some of the structures. Deer Haven Park is home to the Seneca White Deer, and we spotted a few. Our tour guide, Dee Calvasina, is the author of Beyond the Fence: The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park. She told us how beavers are the most industrious animals after humans, and we got to see a beaver dam.
Inside a Munitions Structure at Deer Haven Park:Image by Laurie Heifetz
Lunch at the Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm in Interlaken was followed by a tour of the 69-acre, organic farm. My colleagues loved dunking their grilled cheese sandwiches in the delicious, homemade tomato soup and tasting the flight of hard ciders: 2021 Funkhouse, 2022 Pioneer Pippin, 2022 Honeyoye, and Rose.
Honey Bee Mural at Good Life Farm: Image by Laurie Heifetz
We checked out the handsome D&K Ranch in Interlaken, where people stay in cabins, go horseback riding, have wine tastings, and just relax. In addition, abused horses are tamed here. The co-owner, Kelly, is a former social worker.
TOMPKINS COUNTY: ITHACA & MORE
Ithaca, the county seat of Tompkins County, was up next! We checked into Cornell University‘s elegant Statler Hotel and experienced the ultimate in service. Many of the workers were interns at the Ivy League’s school world-renowned, Nolan School of Hotel Administration hospitality program, and they — including two football players at the bell station — sure showed it!
I slept like a baby on the Stearns & Foster Estate Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress and the New Generation King-Size Pillow by Borden, with polyester fibers and 100% cotton outer covering. I’m told neither is available for residential purchase, but I certainly want to check out what is!
Statler Hotel at Cornell University: Image Courtesy of the Statler Hotel
Ithaca Beer Co. was our dinner spot. The Tap Room Burger was quite tasty. Beer was made on the premises. The Lava Lamp Mocktail made with Ithaca Ginger Beer, lime juice, and raspberry puree was a big hit.
The following morning we had breakfast at Cafe Dewitt in Ithaca’s Dewitt Mall. Nothing like looking out at an amazing aquarium while dining on granola with house-made fruit compote, yogurt, and local honey! The farm-to-table peaches (which weren’t on the breakfast menu) were among the best I’ve ever had! I asked about the Braille writing underneath the aquarium and the owner revealed that it’s excerpts from William S. Burroughs, intercut with Baudelaire‘s poems:
“don’t touch
the whole thing
is no longer there
swallow up the
dead languages
of fish and all mute
things
drink up the
alertness in eyes
glinting with slow
fish lust
communicate in the
silent medium of
twisting fish spasms
dream ecstasy blind
words falling in
fish colored
flashes”
Aquarium at Cafe Dewitt, Ithaca: Image by Laurie Heifetz
It was such a privilege to tour the beautiful Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, the first fully electric conference center in the United States. Not only is sustainability and accessibility front and center, but the eight floors above are for residential housing, the only place in the U.S. with that feature.
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center: Image Courtesy of the Conference Center
Don’t miss Ithaca Murals in the car-free, downtown Ithaca Commons! Be sure to check out “No Justice, No Peas,” the striking, electric-box mural by Brooklyn-based, multi-media artist, Samarra Khaja.
Mural by Samarra Khaja: Image by Laurie Heifetz
Afterward, we explored the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Cascadilla Gorge is one of “more than 150 waterfalls — carved out by glaciers that formed gorges” — in Ithaca and the surrounding area. No wonder why the slogan “Ithaca is Gorges!” is so popular!
Cascadilla Gorge Trail: Image by Chelsea Fausel
We ate lunch at none other than the famed Moosewood Restaurant, home of the eponymous cookbook. The Mushroom Lentil Pate, with caramelized mushrooms, brown lentils, vegetable crudité, and baguette toasts was a big hit at our table. All food is either vegetarian or vegan. Don’t miss the gift shop, which includes a great selection of food and books.
We had a great time kayaking with Paddle-n-More on the Blueway Trail in Cayuga Lake. After changing in our hotel, we hiked to the breathtaking Ithaca Falls. It has a drop of 150 feet and a width of 175 feet!
I was thrilled to see Pan-Seared Salmon on the dinner menu at North Star Public House, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had! Callaloo, which I last ate in Jamaica, was on the menu that night, too. Head chef Nathan Miller prides himself on serving non-allergenic, as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and also on keeping track of the customers’ choices. The restaurant proudly touts itself as being one of Ithaca’s black-owned businesses.
In the morning it was off to Ithaca Bakery, where we intended to grab and go, but stayed instead. There’s a huge selection including turkey and smoked turkey sandwiches; green and grain bowls; and vegetarian and vegan choices. Breakfast sandwiches are served all day. I just opted for eggs and cheese, no bagel.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Sapsucker Woods with 230 bird species seen or heard is not to be missed. Catch the grand reopening of the Visitor Center on September 14, which has a great, gift shop!
We didn’t get to visit Bright Raven Farm & Apiary in Jacksonville, but we got to taste their delicious, Aster Goldenrod raw, unprocessed honey!
CORTLAND COUNTY: CORTLAND & HOMER
Outdoor Adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland was not to be missed. I bravely went on the gravity-fed Mountain Coaster, and I’m glad I did! The rider controls the brakes. I’m also happy that I skipped the zipline, which is not for the fearful! One can go skiing at the resort in the winter.
Lunch at Rex’s Pasta in Cortland West was a real, Italian experience. In addition to the many choices of pasta and fresh vegetables, delicious grilled chicken was on the menu.
Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland was our next spot. Executive director Ilya Shmulenson gave us a tour. The center is a leader in accessibility with its Action Trackchair, “the ultimate all-terrain wheelchair” that is a “game changer.” The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation gave Lime Hollow a grant to purchase it. People with mobility issues don’t need a standard wheelchair that has to be pushed — they can use the Action Trackchair by themselves.
The Action Trackchair: Image Courtesy of Lime Hollow Nature Center
The Art Meadow at Lime Hollow Nature Center is awesome. “Moon” by artist Tony Ferro of Frog Pond Farm Art Gallery is out of this world!
"Moon" by Tony Ferro of Frog Pond Farm Art Gallery: Image Courtesy of Lime Hollow Nature Center
We checked in at Hope Lake Lodge, part of the Greek Peak Mountain Resort. It was rustic, and my room had a terrace. We didn’t have time to experience the Indoor Water Park, which looked like a lot of fun. We ran off to Dasher’s Corner Pub in Homer, New York, also part of Cortland County. The cocktails and the steak were big hits.
Live music by “Band by the River” was happening at Homer Hops Brewing in Cortland! Owner Jason Kristof gave us a tour of the brewery and the hops yard, followed by a tasting. The flight consisted of (from left to right): the peach-pureed Peach Kolsch; the sour, fruited Pleasure Craft; the blueberry, raspberry, and marshmallow Real Freaky Naughty and the non-nitro stout with raspberry puree, Sweet Surrendering.
Flight at Homer Hops Brewing: Image by Laurie Heifetz
The Exchange Restaurant in Homer was our charming breakfast place for the last day. I was happy to see the fresh fruit bowl (with berries!) on the menu which was “drizzled with local honey and cinnamon!” One person enjoyed the Route 11 Skillet with corned beef hash, smoked pork chop, three eggs, home fries, and toast. Shakshouka was another skillet choice.
Then it was off to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. I was excited to spot the Syracuse Regional Aviation Museum, which focused on sustainable design and construction.
Got back to NYC safe and sound. Can’t wait for my next adventure in the Finger Lakes!
Now that Spring has sprung, our thoughts turn to warmer weather, a new wardrobe, and wonderful gifts for our favorite people! Check out our curated collection below.
Have you left your gift shopping to the last minute? No worries! Check out the Web sites of this curated collection for additional savings.
REVISIT THE 60’S!
Love the Twiggy GOGO Boot from Accessories Council member, Luna Selene! These stunning, creme-colored boots are designed in Pittsburgh and handcrafted in Italy from ethically-sourced leather.
$400 (limited batch)
WHAT’S YOUR HAIRITAGE?
Super YouTuber Mindy McKnight’s Hairitage Bath & Body Collection is off the charts! The essential-oil infused Now & Lather Body Wash is available in Mint & Yuzu; Cedarwood; and Neroli. It’s enriched with oat kernel and gotu kola extract.
$8.94 each
https://hairitagebymindy.com/
Available exclusively at Walmart & Walmart.com
CHANGE YOUR PACKING GAME!
The Fold-N-Pack® Smart Hanger allows you to pack perfectly-folded clothes into luggage, then unfold and use the same hanger after unpacking! It’s a great way to reduce wrinkles. Available in Jet Black, Metal Gray and Rose Gold.
$19.99 each or in packs of 4, 8, 12 & 16
DON’T TOY WITH ME!
Make your young one happy! The goal of the Dinobytes Battle Arena by IMC Toys (introduced at the Toy Insider’s Sweet Suite), is to knock off your rival’s helmet. It’s for boys and girls ages 3, and is hot, hot, hot!
$24.99
Buy on Amazon or Buy at Walmart
CATCH CHAGALL!
Give the gift of the immersive Chagall, Paris experience in NYC, on through early 2024. There’s nothing like art which surrounds, as well as the light-and-sound show! Perfect for families, too.
Adult ticket prices start at $30. Youth ages 5-17 are $18. Children under the age of 5 are free. Tickets for seniors and military are discounted.
The gift shop has many one-of-a kind items!
In 2024, “Destination Cosmos: The Immersive Space Experience,” will return to Hall des Lumieres in Tribeca.
BLUE JEAN BABY!
The vintage-looking Goldie Blues™ jean collection from Maurices, features flattering, nipped-in waists and back pockets. Wear tights underneath the ripped denim for winter warmth! The jeans are available in stores or online.
$49.90, discounted now at $34.93 on the Web site
GET PIERCED!
Give the gift of piercing from nationwide experts, Banter® by Piercing Pagoda! Ear piercing is free with the purchase of piercing earrings, starting at just $20. The stylish earrings, rings and body jewelry are available for purchase in person or online. NYC stores are located in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Check the Web site for items that can arrive before December 24!
SAFE IN YOUR OWN SKIN!
Do you have a family member who gets motion or sea sickness from boating, cruising or water sports? Or a friend who gets nauseous from morning sickness or migraines? The Reliefband® Sport is the perfect solution for these conditions! This FDA-cleared, waterproof wearable can also be used with the company’s smartwatch-compatible band. There’s even a 14-day money-back guarantee! Read about the fascinating clinical history of Reliefband® on the Web site. Spotted at the Pepcom tech media preview.
$199.99 on Amazon
Who Knew?
Be My Valentine! Check out William Greenberg Desserts delicious Valentine’s Day specials! They even have pink & white cookies, a riff on their famous black & white cookies, which were plentiful at the Columbus Avenue BID’s Taste of the Upper West Side.
Image of Ben Jeffries (left) & Sam Kimmel by Laurie Heifetz.
It was standing room only at the “Why Marketers are Winning Big on TikTok” talk at Advertising Week New York last month. The annual event was held at the sparkling, new Lower East Side venue, The Market Line. Ben Jeffries, the CEO of Influencer.com, and Sam Kimmel, of Strategic Global Creator Partnerships at TikTok, participated in the “fireside chat.”
Remember the “As Seen on TV” product tag? Ben mentioned that “As Seen on TikTok” is very prevalent now. Sam said that 83% of the TikTok audience misses shopping in person. She described going to the mall with your mom, sister and best friend — “the community aspect of shopping — that went away during Covid.”
“TikTok became somewhat of a digital mall. You had the ability to discover random products. It almost felt like window shopping in the mall,'” she observed. She also said that the community aspect included commenting and sending videos to friends and family. “The joy and engagement around shopping were recreated,” she stated.
Ben said that e-commerce was happening, but live shopping was the most prevalent. Sam offered that creators have been such a critical piece in driving shopping behavior on TikTok. One of three users have bought something because a creator recommended it, she told the audience. “A lot of that comes back to core principles of TikTok, that authenticity, because we’re not that filtered, polished aspirational content. People trust creators and don’t feel they’re being hard-sold to.”
“Creators, or influencers, were often thought of as a media tactic, and it was the last step of your campaign,” she continued. “Now the brands develop products with the creators.” A striking example is Addison Rae, who went on to have her own top-selling line at Sephora.
And what does the future hold? Sam stated, “Research shows that the creator economy is going to be valued at over $100 billion next year.”
Advertising Week Iconic Brand Mascot:
Image by Laurie Heifetz
Advertising Week Logo: Image by Laurie Heifetz
Are celebs just like you and me when it comes to pandemic travel? We caught up with a few you may know — and others you may not have heard of — to hear their travel tales.
Jacques Torres, celebrity pastry chef
I went to Bandon, a city between Toulon and Marseilles in Provence for five weeks in 2021. I grew up there. It’s famous for wine. I went to the beach. I enjoy the south of France for wineries and tastings. I felt safe traveling because this is a house I own.
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Ben Johns, pro-pickleball player
No international travel. We go all around the US for tournaments. We don’t vacation. We just play pickleball. Even in 2021, there were full crowds. In July of last year, I played pickleball in Hawaii. October 2021, Las Vegas. I did go to Ecuador, but not too recently. I own a pickleball vacation company called Pickleball Getaways.
NOTE: Johns and his business partner, pro-pickleball player, Dekel Bar, have led trips to destinations including Riviera Maya, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Richmond, British Columbia.
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Collin Johns, pro-pickleball player
A lot of times the pickleball tournaments are in locations where there are vacations. The PPA Masters November 2021 in La Quinta, California was like a hotel. It’s a nice area — essentially like a vacation. I go on all of the same tours as Ben. In the height of Covid-19, they were shut down for a couple of months, and there were travel restrictions.
Photo by Laurie Heifetz
Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, artist
I did a trip from Barcelona to New York. We were in lockdown in Barcelona in the middle of the pandemic when no one was flying — May of 2020. I did an homage piece next to the Queens Museum to a Latino doctor who passed away. That flight was bizarre. It was a huge plane with two passengers. There was no food in the airport. The reason why the plane was larger was that it was used for cargo. It was filled with cars on the bottom floor!
Photo by Laurie Heifetz
Jet Tila, celebrity chef (“Food Network”)
I took my family to Hawaii in the height of Omicron, November/December of 2021. We were on the island of Oahu, which I love. We based ourselves at the Disney Resort, but we’d take day excursions. One callout excursion families need to know is Kamoauli, a 100-year old wooden canoe from Tonga staffed with teachers and native experts who tell the history. Basically, you’re whale watching, while they’re preparing native foods and teaching native history. It’s like a luau in a boat!
Photo by Laurie Heifetz
Photo by Pat Lambert
Deana Martin, singer-actor
My trip to Toronto last year was fantastic! I had light drinks — “sippy-poos,” as my dad would say — on the plane because you didn’t have to have your mask on. I did a debut of the documentary, “Dean Martin, King of Cool,” and won the IItalian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) Excellence Award. It was one of those experiences where you go to this party and this press conference. We had excellent meals in Toronto.
Interviewed in NYC at: “Taste of the Upper West Side”; “Live with Kelly & Ryan”; “The Hug” statue unveiling for me2music.org’s “Monumental Moments” at Lincoln Center; CAMP’s flagship store Visit California media event; and Frank Sinatra’s birthday party at Patsy’s Italian Restaurant.
The interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.
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