Sitting at my computer during this quarantine , I am struck by a high level of appreciation and nostalgia for some recent fun experiences. These are all worth experiencing again. When are we going to be able to travel again? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I do know some great places to go.

I’m not a musician, but I have my “greatest hits” too. Here they are—the greatest hits travel experiences.

THE BEST HAMBURGER

Mirbeau in Skaneateles 

Enjoy the best hamburger on the face of this earth. It can only be found on the lunch menu at Mirbeau in Skaneateles. It’s called the Mirbeau Burger, and it’s costly, 18 dollars for a burger but it is 8 ounces of prime beef. The burger comes with blue oyster mushrooms, caramelized onion, mixed greens, gruyere cheese on a baked roll and an individual bottle of Heinz ketchup. Did I mention the truffle fries?  The spectacular views of the Monet Pond and Gardens will transform you to the French Countryside. 

 

 

 

 

THE BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

GreenBrier Resort in Sulfur Springs, West Virginia

There is nothing like the extraordinary interior design patterns inside the Greenbrier Resort. Thank Dorothy Draper for bringing colors and patterns that are beyond our wildest dreams. Visitors can enjoy daily afternoon tea from 4:15 to 5:00 with piano music and sweet treats. There is nothing quite like this grand historic American hotel. The Greenbrier is owned by the Governor of West Virginia  Jim Justice who as a young boy from a coal miner family called the resort “The Emerald City”. Of course there is a bunker tour, golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, casino and so much more but it’s the decorating that will knock your socks off. 

 

 

 

 

BEST SWIMMING POOL

Geneva On The Lake

Do you like to swim? Do you like to just lounge around the pool immersed in a good book?  The most beautiful pool I have ever swam in is at Geneva On The Lake Resort in the Finger Lakes. It has the most beautiful location situated right on Seneca Lake. The grounds are impeccable and there is so much to do, eat outside on the balcony, play croquet, take walks, enjoy wine… it’s hard to leave the grounds.  Frankly, why would one want to leave? It’s very private with absolutely incredible architecture. Discover this spectacular place, swim in the glorious pool and you will feel that you are in the Great Gatsby movie.  A tranquil spot to unwind. Is this Italy? No, it’s Geneva, NY. 

 

 

BEST TRAIN RIDE

Lake Winnipesaukee Scenic RailRoad, Meredith New Hampshire

Taking the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad in Meredith, New Hampshire in the Fall months with a beautiful fall foliage is lovely but it’s the complete hand carved turkey dinner from Hart’s Turkey Farm that makes this the best train ride. You’ll have some great views but the most beautiful view for me was the turkey being carved! This train is available only in the Fall and it’s rather pricey at $45.00 a person but so worth it for the experience and the meal!

 

BEST CUPCAKE

Silo Bakery in Waco, Texas 

Trust me, I’ve had my share of great cupcakes, but nothing compares to this. It’s at the Silo Baking Company and it’s  a destination in itself. It’s completely worth the wait— this is the most scrumptious cupcake ever made. The line is long so everyone is handed a mini pencil and a card with the flavors listed to check off your order. The bakery is very well organized and the line moves very quickly. No matter how many dozens you buy, you will wish you bought more. Flavors include Shiplap (vanilla), lemon lavender, and nuts and bolts (pecans and walnuts). The cupcakes, at $3.50 each, are worth it, and you will wish you had more  to take home.

 

 

 

BEST BLUE HYDRANGEAS

Cape Cod

Attention blue hydrangea lovers, there is nothing like Cape Cod in the summer to take in the gorgeous hydrangeas that thrive there.  The flowers grow well here from June till Fall because the area has well-drained soil and more temperate winters than other places. There is even a hydrangea festival that is held here in early July in Cape Cod.  For some reason the Cape Cod distinct clapboard or shingle exteriors which, when weathered over time, turned that quintessential light gray color look especially complimentary with the hydrangea blue. Fall in love with the hydrangea, it’s easy to do and you’ll return from Cape Cod and be inspired to plant a hydrangea plant in your own yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags : Cape Cod, Finger Lakes, Geneva, Hamburger, hydrangeas, Interior decorating, Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Silo Cupcakes, Waco