Pacific Northwest Seafoodapalooza

Nothing draws us GypsyNesters to an event like sticking the word “Fest” on the end of it. Like moths to flame, kids to candy, cats to a catbox or flies to…. windshields (what did you think we were gonna say?) we’re there in a heartbeat.

We were downright giddy with excitement to hit Washington State just in time for Salmon Fest AND Crab Fest. As we ventured into the Pacific Northwest, the salmon were running upstream with their insane, unstoppable urge to spawn. The horniest teenager ever has nothing on these swimming sex fiends.

Many Cohos and Chinooks fight their way up… CONTINUE READING >>

Nothing draws us GypsyNesters to an event like sticking the word “Fest” on the end of it. Like moths to flame, kids to candy, cats to a catbox or flies to…. windshields (what did you think we were gonna say?) we’re there in a heartbeat.

We were downright giddy with excitement to hit Washington State just in time for Salmon Fest AND Crab Fest. As we ventured into the Pacific Northwest, the salmon were running upstream with their insane, unstoppable urge to spawn. The horniest teenager ever has nothing on these swimming sex fiends.

Many Cohos and Chinooks fight their way up… CONTINUE READING >>

Lamb on the Lam

“All aboard for Hayward, Hurley and Hell!” the train conductors would yell. Northern Wisconsin had become a playground for gangsters, politicians and the “beautiful people” of Chicago during Prohibition and the Great Depression.

Al Capone had a hideout on a private lake near Hayward where he had bootleg whiskey flown in from Canada on seaplanes. The town of Hurley boasted… CONTINUE READING >>

“All aboard for Hayward, Hurley and Hell!” the train conductors would yell. Northern Wisconsin had become a playground for gangsters, politicians and the “beautiful people” of Chicago during Prohibition and the Great Depression.

Al Capone had a hideout on a private lake near Hayward where he had bootleg whiskey flown in from Canada on seaplanes. The town of Hurley boasted… CONTINUE READING >>

25 in St. Martin

Jet wash on the beach in St. MartinSometimes a split personality isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the case of St. Martin, the schizophrenia can be crazy, but hey, crazy can be good. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world that is governed by dual sovereign states, divided nearly equally… CONTINUE READING >>

Jet wash on the beach in St. MartinSometimes a split personality isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the case of St. Martin, the schizophrenia can be crazy, but hey, crazy can be good. Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world that is governed by dual sovereign states, divided nearly equally… CONTINUE READING >>

Fredriksted at San Tropez

 The city of Fredriksted is an oft overlooked spot on St. Croix as it is the designated cruise ship stop on an island with a non existent cruise ship trade. Sadly, Fredriksted has suffered a terrific blow tourism-wise. This once quaint little tourist town has lovely beaches, shops, eateries and a really nice pier that is a blast to jump off of!

Restaurant Le St Tropez is a favorite is a favorite with the people that live on the island of St. Croix. Imagine a Caribbean style open air European bistro ala St. Maartin or St. Barts without the unattractive nude people frolicking about. This is the stuff… CONTINUE READING >>

 The city of Fredriksted is an oft overlooked spot on St. Croix as it is the designated cruise ship stop on an island with a non existent cruise ship trade. Sadly, Fredriksted has suffered a terrific blow tourism-wise. This once quaint little tourist town has lovely beaches, shops, eateries and a really nice pier that is a blast to jump off of!

Restaurant Le St Tropez is a favorite is a favorite with the people that live on the island of St. Croix. Imagine a Caribbean style open air European bistro ala St. Maartin or St. Barts without the unattractive nude people frolicking about. This is the stuff… CONTINUE READING >>

Traveling as a “Meat Avoider”

Like all the girls of my generation, I can recite the basic principals of virtually any eating lifestyle — from the Cabbage Soup Diet to Adkins and all the crazy messed-up fads in between. And, chances are, I’ve tried it (fifteen years ago I dropped three dress sizes eating cream cheese and lunchmeat stuffed celery rolled in crushed pork rinds). David, though generally supportive of my dieting adventures, rarely fails to find the humor in it. He’s one of those “high metabolism” people. Don’t get me started. No really, don’t.

In reference to my current dietary quest, my son has dubbed me a “Meat Avoider.” I suppose the title is apt. I would love to be a Vegetarian–or better yet… CONTINUE READING >>

Like all the girls of my generation, I can recite the basic principals of virtually any eating lifestyle — from the Cabbage Soup Diet to Adkins and all the crazy messed-up fads in between. And, chances are, I’ve tried it (fifteen years ago I dropped three dress sizes eating cream cheese and lunchmeat stuffed celery rolled in crushed pork rinds). David, though generally supportive of my dieting adventures, rarely fails to find the humor in it. He’s one of those “high metabolism” people. Don’t get me started. No really, don’t.

In reference to my current dietary quest, my son has dubbed me a “Meat Avoider.” I suppose the title is apt. I would love to be a Vegetarian–or better yet… CONTINUE READING >>

The Appy Crawl Philosophy

We take making meals out of appetizers very seriously. Having them at multiple restaurants is even better. For one thing, it forces us to walk off some of the food between stops, for another, we get to try several different places without destroying our credit rating. We’ve dubbed this bopping from eatery to eatery the “Appy Crawl.”

The most successful Appy Crawls involve three or more restaurants. The trick for the novice is to stay relaxed and not plan too much. It’s even better if there is something fun going on–a street fair, a music festival or just a hectic area of town with lots of goings on. Don’t worry about reservations–most busy restaurants will allow the ordering of appys in the cocktail area–a splendid place to be–the people watching abounds! Try to finish up with dessert and coffee–but not ever ever in the same place you had appetizers.

At every establishment…CONTINUE READING >>

We take making meals out of appetizers very seriously. Having them at multiple restaurants is even better. For one thing, it forces us to walk off some of the food between stops, for another, we get to try several different places without destroying our credit rating. We’ve dubbed this bopping from eatery to eatery the “Appy Crawl.”

The most successful Appy Crawls involve three or more restaurants. The trick for the novice is to stay relaxed and not plan too much. It’s even better if there is something fun going on–a street fair, a music festival or just a hectic area of town with lots of goings on. Don’t worry about reservations–most busy restaurants will allow the ordering of appys in the cocktail area–a splendid place to be–the people watching abounds! Try to finish up with dessert and coffee–but not ever ever in the same place you had appetizers.

At every establishment…CONTINUE READING >>