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Photography Show: A Photoblog Diary Continues Through December 7 in Bucks County

| Getaways | October 16, 2005


“Gestalt” Copyright 2005 Kathleen Connally

A Photoblog Diary continues on exhibit in Bucks County through December 7 of this year. The show: “Kathleen Connally: A Walk Through Durham Township”, is on exhibit at The Indian Rock Inn in Upper Bucks County in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. The show can be seen during normal business hours at the Inn Wednesday through Sunday.


“Mud Puddle” Copyright 2005 Kathleen Connally

The photo above shows a photo from the exhibition that features the artist’s son that captures a universal sentiment of joy and innocence without becoming sentimental. *Note* You must see the larger version of this photo posted on the photographer’s website to truly appreciate it’s beauty. Click on the photo to see for yourself.


“Binney & Smith Factory V” copyright Kathleen Connally

This photo on exhibit in the bar at the inn features the incredibly brightly painted and broken windows of the old factory building. It is a masterpiece of color and texture.


“Bethlehem Steel I” copyright Kathleen Connally

This photo from the show features a scene familiar to almost everyone that lives or has driven through Bethlehem Pennsylvania, the old Bethlehem Steel Factory at sunset. The old rusted and abandoned factory is shown in all of it’s sad glory. This photo won the photographer the 2005 Photobloggies Award for “Best Landscape Photography in a Photoblog” and “2005 Photo of the Year”

To see more of Kathleen Connally’s work online visit:

A Walk Through Durham Township

Important Information about the Show:

Location:
The Indian Rock Inn
2206 River Road, Pennsylvania Route 32
Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18972
Phone: (610) 982-9600 ~ Toll Free: 877-888-7555

Dates:
October 7 through December 7, 2005
Wednesday through Sunday during normal business hours
Wednesday – Friday: 4 – 11 pm
Saturday – 12 noon – 11 pm
Sunday – 12 noon – 7 pm

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Bucks County Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Gourds

| Getaways | October 15, 2005

A Farming Tradition Continues #2
Bucks County, A Farming Tradition Continues: Click on photo to see more pumpkins and Kintnersville PA farm photos

On Thursday, October 6th, a friend and I stopped by Trauger’s Farm Market in Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. What confronted us was a sea of orange pumpkins and hubbard squash, and other assorted strange fall plant creatures.

Fall Colors
Fall Colors of Bucks County Pennsylvania: Click on photo to see more fall photos from Kintnersville PA

Gourds at a Bucks County Pennsylvania Farm
One Great Assortment, Gourds at a Bucks County Pennsylvania Farm: Click on photo to see more fall photos

I Huge Happy Pumpkin Face
Happy Pumpkin For Halloween, Click on photo to see more fall Bucks County photos

Funky Pumpkins, Or Are Those Gourds?
Funky Pumpkins, Or Are Those Gourds? Bucks County Farm Market, Click on Photo to go to our Fall Flickr Collection

Trauger’s Farm Market is located near the Delaware River in the charming little community of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania which is 15 minutes north of Frenchtown NJ, and about 30 minutes from Lambertville, New Hope and Doylestown. They do not have a website, but you can contact them with the following information:

Trauger’s Farm Market
Route 611
Kintnersville, PA 18930
Contact Person: Laura Kressman
Phone: (610) 847-5702
Email: lkressman@hotmail.com

Trauger's Farm Market in Upper Bucks County Pennsylvania #2
Trauger’s Farm Market in Upper Bucks County Pennsylvania: Click on Photo to see more photos from this collection

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Delaware River Flood Stage and NJ Flood Information

| Getaways | October 12, 2005


Flood Photo from the 2004 Hurricane Ivan Flood in Frenchtown New Jersey

This post is purely to pass on the incredible governmental information that is available online that I have found since our community and our region has had to deal with repeated flooding over the past 13 months.

For those of us living along the Lower Delaware River near Frenchtown, the most useful site by far is this USGS page:

Delaware River Flood Gauge at Riegelsville NJ

For those looking for the broader local perspective concerning the wider Delaware and Lehigh River Basin, the most useful site by far is this USGS page:

Delaware and Lehigh River Current River Stages in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (PA, NJ)

For those looking for the broader regional perspective about flood stage, river and stream and creek flood conditions in the entire Mid Atlantic or Middle Atlantic Region including New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia, this NWS page is incredible:

National Weather Service Mid-Atlantic River Forecast Center

Other useful pages:

New Jersey NJ Passaic River Basin Flood Stage Info

New Jersey NJ Raritan River Basin Flood Stage Info

New Jersey NJ, Pennsylvania PA, and New York NY, Upper Delaware River Basin Flood Stage Info

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National Weather Service Delaware River Flood Warning: October 8, 2005

| Getaways | October 8, 2005

The National Weather Service is again calling for flooding along the Delaware River. Our communities are growing very weary of this to say the least. This will be our third flood in just over a year. This one is predicted to be minor at this point, but the rain is still coming down steady and hard throughout the region.

For the Delaware River at Riegelsville NJ, this forecast compares with our history of recent and historic floods:

In August, 1955 the river reached 38.85 feet.
In September, 2004 the river reached 30.95 feet.
In April, 2005 the river reached 32.75 feet.
On October, 9, 2005 the river is forecast to reach 24.45 feet.

Update, the Delaware River crested at 17.26 feet at 4:00 on October 9th, 2005, some 7 feet below the predicted crest.

The latest press release is available online here:

NOAA IWIN Site

The pertinent information for us along the river is posted below:

WGUS41 KPHI 082053 CCA
FLWPHI
NJC019-021-037-041-PAC017-089-095-090148-
BULLETIN
FLOOD WARNING…CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MT HOLLY NJ
451 PM EDT SAT OCT 08 2005

…THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A FLOOD WARNING FOR…THE
DELAWARE RIVER AT BELVIDERE…EASTON PHILLIPSBURG BRIDGE…
RIEGELSVILLE…FRENCHTOWN…NEW HOPE BRIDGE…WASHINGTON CROSSING…
TRENTON.

…MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST FOR THE PORTIONS OF THE DELAWARE RIVER…

* BELVIDERE ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT BELVIDERE THE LATEST STAGE WAS 6.1 FEET
AND RISING AT 02 PM SATURDAY. IT IS FORECAST TO REMAIN BELOW FLOOD
STAGE.

* EASTON PHILLIPSBURG BRIDGE ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT EASTON PHILLIPSBURG BRIDGE THE LATEST
STAGE WAS 11.2 FEET AND RISING AT 03 PM SATURDAY. THE DELAWARE RIVER
AT EASTON PHILLIPSBURG BRIDGE IS FORECAST TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE
BY SUNDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO NEAR 23.6 FEET BY SUNDAY
AFTERNOON. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS FLOOD CREST OF 23.6
FEET ON OCT 17 1955.

* RIEGELSVILLE ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT RIEGELSVILLE THE LATEST STAGE WAS 8.0 FEET
AND RISING AT 01 PM SATURDAY. THE DELAWARE RIVER AT RIEGELSVILLE IS
FORECAST TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY SUNDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE TO
RISE TO NEAR 24.4 FEET BY EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. FALLING BELOW
FLOOD STAGE BY SUNDAY EVENING.
THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS FLOOD CREST OF 24.5 FEET ON MAY 30
1984.

* FRENCHTOWN ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT FRENCHTOWN THE LATEST STAGE WAS
UNAVAILABLE. THE DELAWARE RIVER AT FRENCHTOWN IS FORECAST TO RISE
ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY SUNDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO NEAR
16.5 FEET BY EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. FALLING BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
SUNDAY EVENING.
AT 17.0 FEET, TREASURE ISLAND SCOUT CAMP FLOODS AND RIVER ROAD IN
ERWINNA PENNSYLVANIA FLOODS. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS FLOOD
CREST OF 15.8 FEET ON JUN 30 1973.

* NEW HOPE BRIDGE ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT NEW HOPE BRIDGE THE LATEST STAGE WAS 2.3
FEET AND RISING AT 3 PM SATURDAY. THE DELAWARE RIVER AT NEW HOPE
WILL APPROACH FLOOD STAGE OF 13 FEET SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

* WASHINGTON CROSSING ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT WASHINGTON CROSSING THE LATEST STAGE WAS
-2.1 FEET AND STEADY AT 08 AM SATURDAY. THE DELAWARE RIVER AT
WASHINGTONS CROSSING WILL REMAIN BELOW FLOOD STAGE.

* TRENTON ON THE DELAWARE RIVER…

FOR THE DELAWARE RIVER AT TRENTON THE LATEST STAGE WAS 8.7 FEET AND
RISING AT 03 PM SATURDAY. THE DELAWARE RIVER AT TRENTON IS FORECAST
TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE TO RISE
TO NEAR 20.7 FEET BY SUNDAY EVENING, THEN FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY
MONDAY MORNING.
AT 22.0 FEET, WATER BEGINS ENTERING PARKING GARAGE AT STATE CAPITOL
BUILDING. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS FLOOD CREST OF 21.0 FEET
ON MAY 30 1984.

DO NOT DRIVE CARS AROUND BARRICADES OR THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. TURN
AROUND DON’T DROWN.

THE NEXT ISSUANCE OF THIS PRODUCT WILL BE IN APPROXIMATELY 8 HOURS OR
SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.

$$

&&
FLD OBSERVED FORECAST
LOCATION STG STG DAY TIME CREST

DELAWARE RIVER
BELVIDERE 22.0 6.06 SAT 2 PM 15.6 SUN 8 PM
EASTON PHILLIPS 22.0 11.18 SAT 3 PM 23.6 SUN 2 PM
RIEGELSVILLE 22.0 8.01 SAT 2 PM 24.4 SUN 2 PM
FRENCHTOWN 16.0 16.5 SUN 2 PM
NEW HOPE BRIDGE 13.0 2.33 SAT 3 PM 12.4 SUN 2 PM
WASHINGTON CROS 20.0 -2.11 SAT 8 AM 15.7 SUN 8 PM
TRENTON 20.0 8.70 SAT 3 PM 20.7 SUN 8 PM

CORRECTED TO CLEAN UP THE WORDING.

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Bucks County Wine & Art Dinner at the Indian Rock Inn, October 7

| Getaways | September 10, 2005

Kick off Wine & Arts Weekend in Frenchtown with a 3 Course Wine and Art Dinner celebrating the opening of the art exhibition, “Kathleen Connally: A Walk Through Durham Township”

Wine & Arts Dinner at the Indian Rock Inn

First Course:
Provencal Vegetable Tart
with a Cielo Vineyards Pinot Grigio from Italy

Savory brulee tart surrounded by a colony of vegetables including asparagus spears, plum tomatoes, mushrooms, fava beans and celery with shaved parmesan and goat cheese

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Second Course:
Duck & Andouille Etouffee with Persian Rice
with a La Mongie Vineyards Bordeaux from France

This Classic French Cajun Dish features Maple Leaf Farms Duck with andouille sausage, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, herbs, and onions served on a bed of long grain saffron Persian Rice

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Third Course:
Sicilian Cassata
with a Musconetong Valley Raspberry Wine and Champagne Royale

This classic Sicilian Cake pairs Ricotta cheese with dark chocolate, coffee and rum flecked with candied fruits. Complimented with an Indian Rock Concoction made with a Musconetong Valley Raspberry Wine from Alba Vineyards and Champagne

Wine & Arts Dinner Details:

SOLD OUT: JOIN US ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, FOR A FREE ARTIST RECEPTION FROM 1-4

$31.80 per person (plus gratuity)
Friday October 7, 7pm
Reservations Required
Limited Availability
Call: The Indian Rock at 610-982-9600
or Toll Free: 877-888-7555 for reservations

Location:

The Indian Rock Inn
2206 River Road, Pennsylvania Route 32
Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18972
Phone: (610) 982-9600 ~ Toll Free: 877-888-7555

For more information on the show and on Kathleen Connally’s work, go here to the Frenchtown NJ Blog.

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“Kathleen Connally: A Walk Through Durham Township” Photo Show Through December 7, 2005

| Getaways | August 25, 2005

Kathleen Connally Photo Exhibition Ad
copyright Kathleen Connally

UPDATE, Sunday October 9, 2005:

Join us Wednesday – Sunday, from 4 – 11 PM at The Indian Rock Inn in Upper Black Eddy, PA to see this incredibly successful exhibition.

PRESS RELEASE:

Wine and Arts Dinner “Kathleen Connally: A Walk Through Durham Township” Kicks off Wine & Arts Weekend on Friday, October 7th 7 – 11 pm

Exhibition: October 7 – December 7, 2005
Wine & Arts Dinner Reception October 7, 7:00 pm
Meet the Artist Reception on Sunday October 9 from 1-4 pm
Indian Rock Inn
2206 River Road, Pennsylvania Route 32
Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania 18972

Kick off Frenchtown Wine and Arts Weekend on Friday night, October 7th with a Wine and Arts Dinner at the Indian Rock Inn in Upper Black Eddy Pennsylvania, 10 minutes north of Frenchtown, New Jersey.

The dinner is the opening of the show “Kathleen Connally: A Walk Through Durham Township” presented by The Indian Rock Inn and Frenchtowner.com. The Wine & Art Dinner celebrates fine wine, great food and incredible art, which is the focus of this unique Delaware Valley arts festival and wine tasting that runs October 8th and 9th.

The exhibition that runs through December 7 features the photographic work of Kathleen Connally, a resident of Bucks County. Ms. Connally has been taking photographs for 30 years. Her current work is a photoblog entitled A Walk Through Durham Township that can be seen at: http://www.durhamtownship.com. A photo-documentary started in January 2003, Ms. Connally’s blog features the wondrous beauty of upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania and west Hunterdon County, New Jersey near the Delaware River. Most of the photos feature rural landscapes and portraits taken within ten miles of the artist’s 230 year old farmhouse in Durham Township.

Ms. Connally’s internet diary began with a desire to share the beauty that surrounded her with her friends and family. From this simple, honest and modest beginning the photoblog has become an incredible success. The site now attracts tens of thousands of regular worldwide visitors and fans on a weekly basis. Ms. Connally’s work is now beginning to collect awards and recognition also. This year she received the 2005 Photobloggies Award for “Best Landscape Photography in a Photoblog” and “2005 Photo of the Year” for an image of the old Bethlehem Steel plant at sunset.

Tickets to the October 7th wine dinner are $30.00 each and are available by calling the Indian Rock Inn at 610-982-9600. Reservations are required and a limited number of tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Indian Rock Inn is located in upper Bucks County in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania on River Road, Route 32.

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception followed by a three-course Mediterranean dinner prepared by Executive Chef, Val Roy Gerischer.

On Sunday afternoon October 9 the artist will be at the Indian Rock to talk about her work and meet the public from 1 till 4 pm.

The exhibition runs through December 7, 2005.

For more information about the exhibition contact John Stringfellow of Frenchtowner.com at 908-996-4500, or go to Frenchtowner.com: The Definitive Guide to NJ and PA getaways along the Delaware River

Important Exhibition Dates:

Friday, October 7 – Wednesday, December 7, 2005: Duration of Show
October 7, 7:00 pm: Wine & Arts Dinner Celebration
Sunday, October 9 from 1-4 pm: Meet the Artist Reception

Wine & Arts Dinner:

$30.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
Friday October 7, 7pm
Reservations Required
Limited Availability
Call: The Indian Rock at 610-982-9600
or Toll Free: 877-888-7555 for reservations

Location:

The Indian Rock Inn
2206 River Road, Pennsylvania Route 32
Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18972
Phone: (610) 982-9600 ~ Toll Free: 877-888-7555

For reservations for the opening Wine and Art Dinner call 610-982-9600 or toll free: 877-888-7555.

You may also purchase tickets online at:


LocalWineEvents.com
* Small Service Charge Applies

This event is generously sponsored by the Indian Rock Inn and Frenchtowner.com.

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Kathleen Connally Biography

Beginnings
I became immediately hooked on photography at age seven when I got a Polaroid Land camera for Christmas. Shortly thereafter, I was borrowing my father’s AGFA for slides and his Super 8 film camera to make movies of my friends and family. I received a 35 millimeter camera as a birthday gift a few years later and became further engrossed, documenting friends and family at length (much to their chagrin, at times). I got my first digital camera three years ago, and I’m now shooting with both a digital SLR camera and a traditional 35mm film camera.
I’ve been photo-documenting the life around me for over thirty years. There are tens of thousands of photos and slides in my archives, and digital files are running a close second now.

Current Work

A Walk Through Durham Township is an internet photoblog, a daily journal filled with images instead of words. I started in January 2003 to show my friends and family the beauty of Durham Township and the surrounding countryside, as well as to practice my photography on a daily basis. (The photoblog format is a great framework to apply discipline to the craft of photography.) But my inspiration, at its core, was the simple loveliness of this area.
Landscapes dominate my archives because I’m surrounded by them, I am drawn to them and I want to document them before someone builds housing developments or strip malls on them. Perhaps when I feel that I’ve rightly acknowledged each landscape I encounter I’ll move away from photographing them.
But my blog is really a photographic documentary of where I live and what and who is around. That’s what I want to photograph. I doubt I will ever move into photojournalism or studio work, although I wouldn’t mind setting up an impromptu portrait area in my house using natural light. I’d like to do more informal portrait work of the residents of this area.
I think I’m good at photographing “ordinary” scenes or objects and bringing out the beauty or interest in them through the use of ambient light and a variety of post-processing techniques.
If you look at my photos, you’ll notice I don’t use any flash or studio lights of any sort. My focus is always on ambient light.
I rarely think in terms of an object or a place or person I’m photographing – I think of the light that is reflected from the object, place or person. I want to use the light that’s naturally available to portray ambience, atmosphere, and environment. When I take a photo, the light is always the subject.

Influences

I’m equally drawn to photography, cinematography and the works of painters such as Vermeer and Caravaggio, where light, color and atmosphere are everything.
I go through life with certain photographic images in the back of my mind — the drama and ambiance created by Dorothea Lange and Diane Arbus; the naturally-occurring atmosphere in the early pictorial photos of Alfred Stieglitz; the landscapes of Carleton Watkins; the remarkable captur
es of movement, life, environment and humor of 1920s Paris in the works of Jacque-Henri Lartigue and Robert Doisneau; the moody, contemplative portraits of Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and French photographer Nadar; and the humor of Lee Friedlander.
I am most deeply moved by the combined aesthetic and emotional effect of films, especially by director / cinematographer collaborators such as Woody Allen and Gordon Willis (Manhattan, Broadway Danny Rose, Zelig); Peter Weir and John Seale (Picnic at Hanging Rock, Witness); Tim Burton and Stefan Czapsky (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood), and in particular, director John Ford and cinematographer Arthur C. Miller in the 1941 film, How Green Was My Valley. Every single frame of that film is a photographic masterpiece of light, contrast, composition and atmosphere — I recommend studying it frame-by-frame!

Mission Statement

I want people to know, in this era of urban sprawl, disappearing farmland and vanishing wilderness, that there are still opportunities, many of them in our own backyards, to see creatures and plants in their native habitats, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, view magnificent landscapes, and imagine life as it used to be. Nature, simplicity and beauty are in every neighborhood, in some form, if you take the time to find them.
I hope to inspire people to support open space programs, wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, arboretums and parks, and invest in and vote for preservation and conservation. Also, I hope that people will think about buying their food from local farmers whenever possible. I believe it’s a matter of survival – physically, we need the food and clean water that comes from our farms and undisturbed watersheds, and spiritually, we need the beauty and variety, and the touch of poetry that exists in such places.

Awards

A Walk Through Durham Township received the 2005 Photobloggies Award for “Best Landscape Photography in a Photoblog” and “Photo of the Year” for an image of the old Bethlehem Steel plant at sunset.

About Me

I grew up in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, often referred to as “Wyeth country,” because it’s the home of the Wyeth family of painters, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth, among others. They’ve been a huge influence on my life and my work.

I’m a mom, a runner, and a pretty good cook.
I live in a 230-year-old house.
I attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania State University.
I worked in corporate America for 15 years in Philadelphia, London, New York and Seattle.
I’m a Penn State Master Gardener.
I’m a second year student studying horticulture and art at the Barnes Foundation in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania.
I’m a director on the board of the Durham Historical Society and a secretary for the Durham Township Environmental Advisory Council.
(I’m planning on being a deejay, too.)
When I leave my house, my camera goes with me, no exceptions — not even to run to the general store for a gallon of milk.

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Kathleen Connally Images from the show:

Kathleen Connally Photo Exhibition Ad
“Jump” copyright Kathleen Connally

Kathleen Connally Photo Exhibition Ad
“Binney & Smith Factory V” copyright Kathleen Connally

Kathleen Connally Photo Exhibition Ad
“Bethlehem Steel I” copyright Kathleen Connally

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Road Trip: Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

| frenchtown, Getaways, travel, vacation | August 14, 2005

 

Let’s see…where shall we go? Just for a night. Maybe two. Let’s just get in the car and go!

 

Delaware River Bridge

Delaware River Bridge in Milford NJ, Photo copyright by Linda Rae Castagna

Excerpt from the original article by Linda Pernice Kavanagh:

New York? Been there. Boston? Done that. How ’bout Nantucket? It’s too crowded during the summer and too quiet throughout the off months. We want great food and wine, lots of shopping and exploring, a relaxing place to stay, and, above all, something different. With a search engine at my fingertips, AAA maps, and some great word-of-mouth suggestions, my favorite travel companion (my sweetheart) and I were off on a New England road trip adventure.

But, how ’bout something closer to home, something quaint and off the beaten path? One of our favorite hobbies is wine collecting. We could have ventured up through the Finger Lakes region of New York, but that was a bit farther than we wanted to go. We decided on New Hope, Pennsylvania and Frenchtown, New Jersey, bordering Bucks County neighborhoods that house a few soon-to-be popular wineries, charming bread & breakfasts, lots of antiquing, and beautiful scenic drives along the Delaware River. 118 miles south on I-287 to Route 202 and then Route 32, my true map of the area was found on a great web site called frenchtowner.com, as well as newhopepa.com. Both lead us to a cozy nights stay, New England’s signature comfort foods, and a few vineyards that were at opposite ends of the grape vine.

Street Scene Frenchtown NJ

Street Scene Frenchtown NJ

Frenchtown, New Jersey is, as the web site says, a “funky little town” that is full of culture, art, warmth and hospitality. Unique shops, local cafes, and a diverse residential population of 1,500 or so, makes up this delightful artisan destination. After a day of sightseeing and shopping we headed back out onto Rt 32 to Indian Rock Inn and Restaurant for a hearty “New England meets the Mediterranean” style meal. This is definitely where the locals hang out – sing and socialize over a cocktail or two and unwind from the day…as we did – minus the singing.

Time to rest up after our drive and a chilly day of gallivanting around town. We landed at Chestnut Hill on the Delaware, a lovely bed and breakfast situated on the Delaware River in the tiny town of Milford NJ.

Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast

Chestnut Hill on the Delaware Bed and Breakfast - Photo by Paul Bartholomew

Owned and operated by Linda and Rob Castagna, it was obvious that this was no ordinary B&B. Plush accommodations included private baths (Jaccuzi bath, heated floors/towel racks, and nice amenities), flat screen TV, and a to-die-for four-poster bed (one of the best night’s sleep we’ve ever had) with cotton quilts and soft sheets. Each room was absolutely darling, as were our hosts. There is plenty of privacy and everything is made quite convenient for a comfortable stay. The next morning we awoke to a scrumptious breakfast of stuffed French toast and we were on our way to the vineyards!

Breakfast at Chestnut Hill
Breakfast at Chestnut Hill

63 Church Street, Milford, NJ, (888) 333-2242 Chestnuthillnj.com

So, over the bridge we went, into Bucks County, PA. Our first stop was to see Joseph Maxian at Sand Castle Winery. Joseph’s Czechoslovakian lineage in winemaking plays a major role in his knowledge and passion for the art of wine making. As a seasoned viticulturalist, Joseph recognized that the Pennsylvania land and climate was prime for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes on the same field.

Sand Castle Winery

Sand Castle Winery on the Delaware River in Bucks County Pennsylvania

Today, Sand Castle is one of the few wineries exclusively growing European vines on the East Coast. In 1988 this 72-acre estate released their first vintage to the public. We had a blast in the underbelly (30-feet down) of this operation where large stainless steel vats and oak barrels age the wines to perfection. The next phase for Joseph is the construction of his dream chateau, a mammoth undertaking that will house a tasting room, special events rooms, outdoor patio overlooking the river and vineyard, as well as touring facilities for Joseph’s exciting wine symposiums. Sand Castle Winery is a must see, and taste!

755 River Road, Rt 32, Erwinna, PA, (800) 722-9463 Sandcastlewinery.com

Next, working our way through the “hippy” village of New Hope, PA, we came upon Crossing Vineyards. The polar opposite of Sand Castle, Crossing Vineyards is brand-spankin’ new (established in 2000 – first vintage in 2002) and practices more modern, state-of-the-art wine making. Tom Carroll Jr, formerly an actor in California, convinced his parents, Tom Sr. and Christine, to join him in this venture, a dream he had to own and operate a vineyard in his hometown.

Crossing Vineyards Cellar

Crossing Vineyards Cellar in Bucks County Pennsylvania

Housed on 15 acres and in a 200-year-old estate, the Carrolls have created a contemporary winery and event venue that produces “true to the land” wines (on the light side) and educates people to the fabulous world of food and wine and how they should be enjoyed together.

1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA, (215) 493-6500 crossingvineyards.com

For more information on Pennsylvania wineries and special events, check out pennsylvaniawine.com

New Hope, PA (still on Route 32) is a colorful little community of streets lined with gingerbread style boutiques, galleries, antique stores, small eateries, and quaint inns. Yes, there is a Starbucks in town, but here it doesn’t seem to matter. A bit tired from exploring and driving (and sipping wine) we decided to settle in at The Mansion Inn, a 1865 Victorian manor home with creaky wooden floors, crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows with billowy drapes, and stunning archways. Our room had a simple grace about it, full of antique furnishings, lacey linens and a pristine bathroom. After our complimentary champagne cocktail, we enjoyed an elegant dinner of saucisson en croute, monkfish Osso Bucco, veal tenderloin with crab imperial, and a warm bread pudding with brandy cream sauce. Homemade cookies and a glass of sherry greeted us back in our room. A good night’s sleep was next on our list.

9 South Main Street, New Hope, PA, (215) 862-1231
themansioninn.com

No passports, planes, security check points, or tourist books needed. Fill the tank up with gas, grab your travel companion (and a map), and just GO! No need to forward your calls, check email, or find somebody to cover you at work – you won’t be gone long to fall behind, but you will feel like you’re on vacation!

Quick Tips For Quick Trips:

* Web sites rock! Contact visitor’s bureaus and chamber of commerce sites.Check out special event calendars especially.

* Off-season may shock you. Better prices, smaller crowds, and lots of surprises. There’s more going on than you think.

* Ask for recommendations while at your various destinations – local businesses support each other and take special care of word-of-mouth visitors/customers.

* Spur of the moment trips are a blast, but a little planning will go a long way. Have the basics planned out, such as a place to stay and the directions!

Some favorite and handy sites:

Escapemaker.com
Onlyinn.com

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About the author:

Linda Pernice Kavanagh, a true devotee of the food/restaurant industry, has been singing the praises of talented chefs and restaurateurs for years. Having worked her way through the whacky hospitality world, including stints as a waitress, bartender, chef, and caterer director, Linda plunged herself into creating her own public relations firm in 1997, MaxEx Public Relations, where she and her team of former restaurateurs dedicate themselves to tooting the horn of an industry they hold so dear. Based in Fairfield County Connecticut, Linda has been writing for various publications throughout CT for over 7 years and has been keeping FBI’s finger on the pulse of both New York and Boston’s thriving culinary scene.

Having garnered numerous awards including The North American Travel Journalists Association’s Award of Excellence for General Trade Story, 2 years in a row, Linda remains dedicated to an industry that is so glamorized on the outside, yet one of the most challenging on the inside.

To read more about the author go Here.

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New York City Travel Blog: Part 7, The Best NYC Dining – Gotham Bar and Grill

| Getaways | May 30, 2005

Gotham Bar and Grill, Greenwich Village, New York City #1
Review:
NYC’s Best Restaurant: Gotham Bar and Grill, Greenwich Village, New York City

Our whirlwind tour of New York City ends on a very high note. For that we have THE GOTHAM BAR AND GRILL to thank.

Our experience with Gotham goes back 20 years. For my partner and chef friend, Gotham was the creator of Nouvelle or New American Cuisine. It inspired his own sense of creativity and his own approach towards cooking.

When we met over 10 years ago, Gotham was one of the first places he wanted to take me. He wanted to share with me this incredible place, this incredible food. It was not a good dining night, and the food was uninspiring that night. It seemed that the chef had lost his cutting edge, and that somehow he was not growing and changing. It took us many years to get back there and give Gotham another chance.

We went back to Gotham because our friends coming to NYC was a once in a lifetime event. We knew that it would provide the best contrast to dining in the Deep South. We were right. Our night at Gotham was true experiential dining. That is not a phrase I use lightly either. It is rare when a restaurant meets this standard. Gotham performs. There were no uncomfortable awkward moments with our waiter, the menu, the support staff, the hostess or the environment. Everything was perfection.

Our recommendations for dinner are:

Seafood Salad $18.00 a beautiful stacked salad of scallops, squid, Japanese octopus, lobster and avocado.

Gotham Pasta — (“Composed and Priced Daily”) Ours was a delicious Lobster Pasta that we all shared as an appetizer.

Snake River Farms Pork $38.00 served with a soft polenta, fava beans, roasted plums and rhubarb. This was a wonderful cut of pork that was perfectly cooked to be succulent with a masterful array of accompanying tastes to compliment the experience. For this dish, Gotham gets out vote for the Best Pork Chop We Have Ever Had Anywhere.

Grilled New York Steak $38.00 I have never seen a “40 dollar steak before”, but the gastronomic delight of everyone that tasted it makes it another award winner. Gotham gets our vote for the Best Steak Ever.

Soft Shell Crab $??.?? This seasonal selection was presented (dished) as only Gotham can and was an all-around favorite at our table of four.

Gotham is back on the cutting edge, and we can’t wait to get back there!

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Notes

Gotham is not cheap. Be prepared to be delighted but don’t be timid, and don’t try to do it on the cheap, that’s not what Gotham is about. Save it for special occasions if your budget is tight.

Gotham is very successful and very crowded, but with an incredible energy to it, but please make your reservations early.

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New York City Travel Blog: Part 4, Central Park & More

| Getaways | May 28, 2005

Central Park Spring 2005
Central Park, New York City, May 2005

Having finished our walk up 5th Avenue we crossed over into Central Park and walked through this incredible 834 acre urban nirvana down to Columbus Circle.

Columbus Circle Spring 2005 #3
Columbus Circle Spring 2005 #3

New York City Cityscape 42nd and Lexington
New York City Cityscape 42nd and Lexington

The focus of this shot is not the screaming graphics and advertising. I was really after the deco architectural ornamentation on this building. It is across from the Chrysler Building at Forty-second Street, and so far I have not been able to identify it to give the artist/architect credit for this incredible pattern work. The photo below isolates this detail better. If anyone knows whose work this is, please make a comment below.

New York City - Architecture - Architectural Detail and Decoration
New York City – Architecture – Architectural Detail and Decoration

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NYC Travel Blog: Part 2, Tour of Rockefeller Center

| Getaways | May 21, 2005

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Rockefeller Center Photographers

Having finished lunch, we walked upstairs to take a whirlwind tour of Rockefeller Center. As we climbed the stairs we were met with a sea of photographers. No, it wasn’t us that’s famous, it’s the place.

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Wisdom Light and Sound, 30 Rockefeller Center New York City #1, Sepia

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Wisdom Light and Sound, 30 Rockefeller Center New York City #2, Color

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Wisdom Light and Sound, 30 Rockefeller Center New York City #3, Dream

At 30 Rockefeller Center is one of my favorite artworks in the city. It epitomizes everything that is Deco to me, with it’s use of repetitive curves and sharp angles. It is sculpted bas-relief sculpture of Lee Lawrie’s “Wisdom, Light and Sound”. The Giant hovers over you as you enter the building somehow protecting you.

Rockefeller Center Shadows, New York City
30 Rockefeller Center Shadows, New York City

Rockefeller Center, New York City, May 10, 2005
Rockefeller Center, New York City, May 10, 2005

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Rockefeller Center, New York City, May 10, 2005

Street Scenes in front of 30 Rockefeller Center.

Ism-Triptych Humanism - Catholicism - Capitalism
Ism-Triptych Humanism – Catholicism – Capitalism

Lee Lawrie’s Atlas stands on America’s most trendy and expensive commercial thoroughfare facing the Holy St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one block from Versace. Humanism faces off with Catholicism and Capitalism all within 1 block. That’s what makes a city a city.

PS, the Visual Merchandiser at Versace is working on a window that features Madonna in the background in their fabulous and famous current ad campaign.

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