A change of scenery is a welcome change. Nothing beats just a couple of days away from the usual to rejuvenate our mental health.
Staying at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor was that type of change. Just 2 nights is all we needed. The hotel is on the water. Located at 500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830
Covid 19 tests negative we had just in case anyone asked. No valet parking at the moment because of the virus but the property has parking so that was not a big deal.
Easy check in. Guests were asked not to congregate in the lobby.
In the mornings, fruit, yogurt, juices were placed on that table. Towards the back on the left there was a very nice coffee bar.
The property is located on the water. I can imagine sitting outdoors during warmer months.
The room was very comfortable. A great bed, by the way. The balcony, again would have been perfect appreciating the waterfront.
Delamar has a restaurant called L’Escale. The menu looked great but we only had drinks.
To me the hotel was Art Deco. That design period is captivating and nostalgic. The restaurant was founded in 2003.
Definitely, will stay there again. Everyone was very cordial and the restaurant is so close to Greenwich Ave. where fabulous stores, spas, and restaurants are found.
The Delamar has a spa but because of Covid the spaces were limited and being that it was a holiday weekend they suggested Posh Spa located at 195 Greenwich Ave., next to Saks Fifth Ave…how convenient. It was great and after a 1 1/2 massage we felt like new people. And, ready to experience a few of the restaurants that the area offered.
Even though traveling through a pandemic has been challenging, there is still ways to enjoy a couple of days away from the norm. The trip from Rehoboth Beach to Greenwich took 4 hours and that included stopping a few times. Very doable.
Next post? Restaurant #1
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If you had told me at the beginning of the summer that I would be going to Iceland on Labor Day, I would have thought you were crazy. It really was not on my bucket list, even though for many it is. Going to Iceland has gotten more popular than ever. It is a destination, whether you are just staying there to enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer or if you decide that on your way to Europe you might want to make a stop-over.
Trying to fly the most direct route was easy. From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, our choices for airports are BWI or Philadelphia. I decided to go on WOW from BWI, a direct flight of about 6 hours, to Keflavik which is the main airport in Iceland. From there I booked my transfer to the hotel through the Gray Line, http://www.grayline.is, to the capital city of Reykjavik.
I had no idea what WOW Air was. This is an Icelandic low-cost airline that flies to Iceland from a number of European cities and started to fly from the U.S. this year. They fly from Baltimore, BWI, and from Boston. They told me that they are adding more cities. It has become very popular because of the low fares. You can buy extra room so you are more comfortable. The airplanes are new, the staff is beautifully attired and very friendly. You can either bring food onboard or you may also buy prepared sandwiches and other treats. Everything you have to buy, including a bottle of water. They have iPads for rent, as well.
This particular plane was the one I was about to board. Its name was Freiya…Nordic Godess of Love. A good start, I think.
We were suddenly awaken so that we could see the Northern Lights from the plane. Sorry, not able to get photos.
I arrived at 5:30 a.m. their time. To exchange US dollars to the Icelandic Krona you can do so by using the ATM, when you arrive, while waiting for the luggage. Also, there are more ATM machines right before you exit the building. There is a bank with no commission taken which might be easier if you do not want to use the ATM.
Rainy, cloudy, windy…..that was the weather the whole week there. But we managed to do the most important things. Iceland is one of those places that you need to do all the outdoor activities. You will also have plenty of time for shopping, dining, and dancing.
Alda Hotel has a large lobby, it is very colorful and modern. A retro look. It is located in Downtown Reykjavik.
Alda Hotel is located at Laugavegur 66-68 in Reykjavik. It is only one year old. Owned by a local tax lawyer who also has other businesses in town. Alda Hotel is vey modern. It only has 4 floors and 65 rooms. Website? http://www.aldahotel.is.
There is the Barber Bar. And the Chocolate Bar.
Laugavegur street is a main street in Reykjavik. Shops, restaurants and bars are located on this street. Alda Hotel is located in the quietest part of the street. Very convenient because all you have to do is walk out of the hotel and you are just ready to explore Reykjavik which by the way, it is very walkable. You will not get lost.
Alda Hotel has a Barber. It is unisex and very busy.
I was totally surprised when after checking in they gave me a Smart Phone for my personal use while in town.
My room was on the 4th floor. The rooms on this floor have balconies with a panoramic view. Between clouds and rain, here is one photo of the view from my balcony.
Here are some of the photos of my room. Very comfortable with a large modern bath.
Alda Hotel offers breakfast. I like to get out and about and try all the local restaurants but on my last day I did try it….the music was playing from the old fashioned record player.
The dining room was comfortable with plenty of light and breakfast for everyone.
Weather in Iceland is unpredictable. Make sure you take a raincoat because it does rain a lot. Some of the locals mentioned that at times you can get different weather events in one single day. While visiting during the first week in September it rained almost every day. I suggest you book your tours as soon as you can. I used the Gray Line above mentioned and they were great.
More posts from Iceland coming up….Have a good one…start planning your trip. Iceland is the hottest place to visit now. The staff at Alda Hotel was very helpful and friendly.
The Northern Lights are back at this time of the year. The Reykjavik International Film Festival is at the end of September through the beginning of October.
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Everyone loves to come to the Beach. The Delaware Beaches have become a destination for fundraising events. Who doesn’t want to get out of town for a few days? Spring is in the air and so are the events that help others in need.
Once a month a fundraising event takes place at Lupo di Mare located at 247 C Rehoboth Ave., in the Hotel Rehoboth, Downtown Rehoboth Beach. It is called Women & Wine. The March dinner will be raising funds for the Delaware Chapter of PKD Foundation. $5.00 from every guest in attendance will go to DE Chapter of PKD!!
Polycystic Kidney disease, as it is known, is an inherited disease in which fluid-filled cysts develop and enlarge in both kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. At present, there is no treatment or cure. Dialysis or a kidney transplant is the only lifesaving option. Approximately 1 in 500 or 1,900 Delawareans may be affected. Funds raised through charitable events go to research to find a cure. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic disorders.
Even though it says that is Women & Wine….guys, you are invited too. The dinner will take place on Thursday, March 19th from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Cost? $39 plus gratuity.
I got the menu!!
FIRST COURSE: Roasted Beet Caprese paired with Ruffino Prosecco
SECOND COURSE: Seared Day Boat Scallop, prosciutto, poached pear and white grape, paired with Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
THIRD COURSE: Filthy Risotto, sunny egg, paired with Saved Red Blend
DESSERT: Blood Orange Flan, paired with Jackson-Triggs Vidal Ice Pearl
For reservations, please contact Alexis Schreiber at 302-226-2240 or email alexis@sodelconcepts.com
Hotel Rehoboth, where Lupo di Mare is located, has reserved a block of rooms for persons attending this fundraiser event at a 15% discount off the regular room rate for double occupancy. There’s an additional fee for each extra person-max 4 people. The 15% discount will be extended beyond the March 19th date for those wishing an extended stay…..it’s beautiful in Rehoboth Beach at this time of the year. NOTE: To receive the discount reservations must be made directly with the hotel by calling 302-227-4300. Reservations booked on the hotel website are not eligible for the 15% discount. Rates include on-site, off-street parking for one vehicle per room, full breakfast, a complimentary wine & cheese reception from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and nightly turn down service.
Thursday, March 19th will be an evening filled with fun and laughter…bring your friends or meet new ones. Raffle tickets for great prizes will be available. These items have been donated by local business and friends.
Some of those items are:
Themed baskets: Coffee by Java Divas in MD with Bleo Coyle’s Once Upon a Grind, gourmet, wine, pet care, beach
Framed poster of People & Places in DE featured in DE Today Dec ’14 competition
My stay in Historic Charleston, South Carolina, took even longer when my flight was cancelled on Sunday, 3/1. Too bad, to be “stuck” in this historic city for a couple more days. My accommodations for those 2 nights were at the Meeting Street Inn. It is located at 173 Meeting St. Tels. 843-723-1882 and 800-842-8022 Website? http://www.MeetingStreetInn.com
Meeting Street Inn was built in the style of the Charleston single house around 1873. The “Charleston Single” was built from 1740s to the late 1800s. The lots are narrow and the porches were called piazzas by the English. The porches also served as hallways for air circulation.
My cousin and I had eyed this inn during our stay. We even stopped by to check the rooms. I thought that on another trip this would be a nice place to stay. It is within walking distance to everything you want to do in Historic Charleston. They do have a small shuttle that could take you around anywhere you would like to go in town if you don’t feel like walking.
So as I sat at the Charleston Airport wondering what to do…..a call, a reservation, and I was good to go.
Checking into the Meeting Street Inn was easy. The staff was so nice and ready to help in any way. The bed was most comfortable.
Sunday was not a nice day but Monday turned out to be the best day of the week. The Meeting Street Inn has a small pool and also outdoor seating for R & R.
Great to enjoy the outdoors early in the a.m. with coffee and breakfast which by the way is included or wine and appetizers in the evening, also included.
The breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. Hot and cold breakfast service…fruits cereals, buns, etc. etc.
In the evenings wine, cheese and refreshments for the guests from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Appetizers including the ever present Charleston Cheese Spread which is pimento cheese spread.
I really enjoyed it and until next time….thanks to the Meeting Street Inn staff.
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I cannot believe that we were getting away from the Delaware Beaches and Maryland Beaches. When you think about it, visitors consider these beaches sleepy towns too.
My post for a couple of days have been from the get away trip to Cape Charles, Virginia. You know what was really good? That none of us had been there, so we went with no preconceived ideas. Perfect!!
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is full of small quaint towns. Some are more popular than others. And, believe me, people moving to this coastal area want it this way. The simplicity of these towns is the main attraction, along with beautiful scenery.
Cape Charles and surrounding towns have plenty of inns, and bed and breakfasts, but we decided to stay in Downtown Cape Charles at a boutique hotel called Hotel Cape Charles.
Hotel Cape Charles has 22 rooms. They even have a few dog friendly rooms. So make sure you ask if you travel with your pet. The hotel is over 100 years old. It has been completely renovated….contemporary.
Our room was comfortable with a view of Mason Avenue, which is Main Street. A friend that saw this photo commented that the beds looked lumpy….no way. That’s just the way the down comforter looked. Some rooms are set up with cooking availability…we were going out to dinner. No cooking for us on this trip.
The Second Season in Cape Charles started immediately after Labor Day. We were there from 9/2 until 9/3. Already the town was quiet. Its serenity was palpable. Since we were staying right in Downtown Cape Charles all we needed to do was walk out from the hotel to stroll and unwind.
The streets in Cape Charles are wide. The beach just a couple of blocks away. Remember we are on the bay.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia was one of the earliest colonized areas in North America. The town of Cape Charles consisted of farmlands and wetlands. It became a railroad town when what is now the Bay Coast Railroad was constructed. Rails from the original tracks laid on the riprap jetty in 1884 by the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad to spend the night and dine overlooking the Chesapeake Bay still exist.
The homes are beautiful and many of them along the beach were homes belonging to shipcaptains.
Others reminded me of Historic Lewes, Delaware.
The park is spacious and with a bandstand.
The Art Deco Palace Theatre brings local, regional, and national talent to the area.
During the week only a few stores are open, and believe me, we visited them. More posts coming your way. During the week-end everything is open for now until the season really gets quiet in November. They told me that only about 200 permanent residents are in the area. I remember back in the 70’s when I came to Bethany Beach, Delaware, when there were only 500.
Events: October 10th through October 12th is The 22nd Annual Eastern Shore Birding & Wildlife Festival. For more info., please visit www.esbirdingfestival.com.
And, on Saturday, October 10th is the Cape Charles Fall Festival….Downtown!! More info? Please check http://www.capecharlesbythebay.com.
You want quiet….you got it….you want friendly residents and shopwowners….You definitely Got It!!
And, don’t mind my friends….we were so happy that we had the town to ourselves in the evening.
I don’t get to stay at the hotels in Rehoboth Beach, or in any of the other hotels at the Delaware Beaches. Why should I? I live in Rehoboth Beach.
But, I was just thinking that there are more than a few events in Rehoboth Beach during the month of February. For example, this week-end is the Polar Bear Plunge. If you decide to become a brave soul then, maybe, you need to pamper yourself a bit and stay at The Bellmoor.
The Bellmoor is located at 6 Christian St. Tel. 302-227-5800. Website? www.thebellmoor.com. It is casual, yet elegant and sophisticated. It is within walking distance of everything Rehoboth Beach has to offer; the Boardwalk and beach, shops, restaurants, bake shops and coffee shops.
Don’t let the words luxurious and elegant intimidate you. It has a casual atmosphere, as well. The Bellmoor offers concierge services, pools, and gardens.
At this time of the year it is the perfect place to stay. Competitive prices and great special packages make staying at the Bellmoor very affordable. Please check the website.
The Day Spa is wonderful, small and intimate. And, if you are a Polar Bear this week-end then, you know who to call. You will need it after the plunge. Tina, can set the appointment with Erin. She is great.
That’s all I have to say; straight to the point.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
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They say you have to see the town that Hollywood fell in love with….Remember? Runaway Bride? Or, Tuck Everlasting? These movies were filmed in the town of Berlin. And, even though it has been years since the streets were turned into a movie set, I always refer to both of those movies to see if people have a recollection.
The funny part is that when you do visit Berlin, it does remind you of the perfect movie set. One thing, for sure, is the fact that this Historic Village is vibrant with an influx of shops, arts, entertainment and restaurants. The shopkeepers? Friendly!!
You cannot miss in the center of Berlin, the beautiful and historic Atlantic Hotel. It is located at 2 North Main Street. Tel. 410-641-3589. Website? www.atlantichotel.com.
The Atlantic Hotel was built in 1895 by Horace F. Harmonson and his wife, Virginia Lingo Harmonson. “Drummers” were traveling salesmen that crisscrossed the area during the turn of the century and they stayed at the hotel.
In those early times there was a livery stable in the back. Here the sales of mules and horses took place. Livestock would arrive in Berlin by rail, then it would be driven up through the town to the Atlantic Stable.
Mr. Harmonson had a horse-drawn bus. He met incoming trains. The bus would carry passengers directly to the Hotel. “Drummers” would check into the Hotel and order up a horse and buggy from the stable to make their rounds.
Other frequent guests at the Hotel were those on their way to the ocean, those interested in hunting and fishing; guides were readily available, and those who simply loved good food.
Move forward many years and in 1986 the Atlantic Hotel was purchased by 10 local businessmen who were interested in preserving this gem. The Hotel now looks like it should have looked in its early days.
The Drummer’s Cafe opens daily with delicious food. The staff is more than happy to take you through a tour of the hotel and even show you some of the rooms, as long as there are no guests.
During the filming of the Runaway Bride, The Atlantic Hotel was used for many of the scenes in the movie.
The Hotel stands by itsel, but on Jefferson St., next to the Hotel, there is a Gardener’s Cottage. This cottage is also part of the Hotel and available for rent. It is so cute.
The Historic Village of Downtown Berlin is perfect for strolling. Just park your car; no meters, by the way, and take off exploring. So many new things coming to this town; it is becoming a destination.
It is just 10 minutes West of Ocean City, Maryland, 7 minutes West of Assateague Island, 25 minutes East of Salisbury and 45 minutes South of Rehoboth Beach.
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from The Atlantic Hotel.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
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