Wednesday we are renting a center console and taking the pups out to the back bay areas. 

we spent a few days at N Myrtle Beach last week. caught some sunrise action on the balcony with my morning coffee.

That’s beautiful! I think we are going to head back to the bird tower for sunrise this week. 

My wife and I rescheduled our trip for our 1 year anniversary to Cancun a few weeks ago to November 2-8.  I am so thankful we did.  We would have been evacuated because of the hurricane and probably gotten COVID from the over-crowded airport.  I literally called the resort the day before, rescheduled for 1 month later with no hassle and no extra charge, rescheduled our flights and we saved $400 because the flights were so much cheaper.  

https://atelierdehoteles.com/atelier-playa-mujeres

 

Good for you!  I've traveled 5 times since the beginning of summer, and have no gotten the coronavirus, and I have been seeing my parents regularly, who also have not gotten anything from anyone (meaning I didn't give them anything).  Two times I've flown.  I think as long as you wear a mask (required anyway), stay away from people, and sanitize your hands a lot, you'll be fine.

 

What airline are you flying?  Southwest Airlines has middle seats open (or the third seat open if a couple is flying) until the end of November.  The most-packed flight I have taken was almost two-thirds full, with one seat per section open, and a couple unsold seats.  I have been on flights that were less than 25% full.

5 hours ago, binkybink77 said:

Wednesday we are renting a center console and taking the pups out to the back bay areas. 

If you're into birding, have you ever been to Bombay Hook south of Dover?  I went there for the first time back in April, to cure some wanderlust, and it was pretty cool.

4 minutes ago, xzmattzx said:

Good for you!  I've traveled 5 times since the beginning of summer, and have no gotten the coronavirus, and I have been seeing my parents regularly, who also have not gotten anything from anyone (meaning I didn't give them anything).  Two times I've flown.  I think as long as you wear a mask (required anyway), stay away from people, and sanitize your hands a lot, you'll be fine.

 

What airline are you flying?  Southwest Airlines has middle seats open (or the third seat open if a couple is flying) until the end of November.  The most-packed flight I have taken was almost two-thirds full, with one seat per section open, and a couple unsold seats.  I have been on flights that were less than 25% full.

That's good to hear.  We are flying American Airlines, and I'm pretty sure the flight won't even be half full.  We both fly (at least we used to) for work so it makes sense for us to use some of our points.  Not sure where you live, but we are in NC.  Our gyms opened up about 6-7 weeks ago here, and that was weird at first.  But they do a great job with social distancing, wiping down machines, and forcing people to do the same.  Despite the few d-bags that don't wipe off their benches/weights and creep up beside me, I have not gotten the Corona.  

5 minutes ago, hputenis said:

That's good to hear.  We are flying American Airlines, and I'm pretty sure the flight won't even be half full.  We both fly (at least we used to) for work so it makes sense for us to use some of our points.  Not sure where you live, but we are in NC.  Our gyms opened up about 6-7 weeks ago here, and that was weird at first.  But they do a great job with social distancing, wiping down machines, and forcing people to do the same.  Despite the few d-bags that don't wipe off their benches/weights and creep up beside me, I have not gotten the Corona.  

I'm in Delaware, and gyms have been open since the beginning of June.  We have a Democrat governor, but our reopening has been sensible.  It hasn't been a free-for-all like in Florida or other places in the south, but it also hasn't been draconian like in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, or Michigan.

13 hours ago, Agent23 said:

Boston this Fri-Monday. Mostly wandering around on foot to see/explore/experience the city. Going with a lady friend who has not been before. Will visit Salem on Saturday or Sunday. Friday night hitting up this AYCE seafood place in Rhode Island where I may claim the lives of 5 or 6 lobsters as well as some crab legs. A lot of my Thai spots and other joints still look to have dine-in still shut down... so may have to wing it on some lunch and dinner options based on what is operating. 

Sounds like you've been there before, but I highly suggest the Freedom Tour that ends at Paul Revere's house (especially if you're going with a bro-ad).  You can pay 99 cents for the app to guide you through the whole thing or have some guide take you through it for probably a lot more.  The Union Oyster House had the best friggin clam chowder I've ever had in my life.  I still occasionally dream about it.  It's the oldest restaurant in Boston.  

10 minutes ago, xzmattzx said:

I'm in Delaware, and gyms have been open since the beginning of June.  We have a Democrat governor, but our reopening has been sensible.  It hasn't been a free-for-all like in Florida or other places in the south, but it also hasn't been draconian like in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, or Michigan.

All of the openings have been very odd.  My best friend lives in Chicago, and he's been going to the gym since July, and they don't have to wear masks.  But he has to leave the gym after 45 minutes.  In NC, I have to wear a mask (which I would anyway), but it is not easy to work out with that thing.  

Do you have any pics of your trip to New Mexico and Arizona?  I went to the Grand Canyon when I was 7, but as you can imagine, I didn't care.  Now I'd give anything to drive through that beautiful landscape.  

5 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

I'm in Delaware, and gyms have been open since the beginning of June.  We have a Democrat governor, but our reopening has been sensible.  It hasn't been a free-for-all like in Florida or other places in the south, but it also hasn't been draconian like in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, or Michigan.

I went to Vermont for the Fourth of July. Restaurants were open but masks were required to be seated. I have no idea about anything else because all I didn't was eat and drink. Good times. 

On 10/18/2020 at 10:09 PM, xzmattzx said:

From where to the Grand Canyon?

 

I've driven from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, and Albuquerque to the Grand Canyon.  Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village is the most desolate of those drives.  Phoenix to Grand Canyon Village is the shortest.  Albuquerque to Grand Canyon Village is probably the most interesting.

We were coming from southwest Colorado - stayed a night in Ouray, then hit Mesa Verde and the four corners monument on our way down.

23 hours ago, Agent23 said:

Boston this Fri-Monday. Mostly wandering around on foot to see/explore/experience the city. Going with a lady friend who has not been before. Will visit Salem on Saturday or Sunday. Friday night hitting up this AYCE seafood place in Rhode Island where I may claim the lives of 5 or 6 lobsters as well as some crab legs. A lot of my Thai spots and other joints still look to have dine-in still shut down... so may have to wing it on some lunch and dinner options based on what is operating. 

As mentioned before, do the Freedom Trail.  Stop at the Union Oyster House (also mentioned), which is the oldest restaurant in the US.  The Freedom Trail goes right past it.  Also go to Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern/pub in Boston, which was built in 1775 after the original building was burned by the British following the Battle of Bunker Hill.

9 hours ago, hputenis said:

All of the openings have been very odd.  My best friend lives in Chicago, and he's been going to the gym since July, and they don't have to wear masks.  But he has to leave the gym after 45 minutes.  In NC, I have to wear a mask (which I would anyway), but it is not easy to work out with that thing.  

Do you have any pics of your trip to New Mexico and Arizona?  I went to the Grand Canyon when I was 7, but as you can imagine, I didn't care.  Now I'd give anything to drive through that beautiful landscape.  

I do have pictures.  I'll post some later on.  The Grand Canyon was amazing.  I also stopped by Petrified Forest and Walnut Canyon.  Both are worth the stop, Petrified Forest especially.  I also liked the Old Towns of Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

yesterday, i "travelled" about an hour to watch a soccer game in the rain. 

at least it was in beautiful nepa. 

 

Heading to Bald Eagle SP next week for Anniversary trip.  Figure colors will be past prime.  Staying in B&B in Bellefonte.  Hiking and Antiquing.  Will head down to State College too.

Gifford Pinchot SP is 15min away.  Picture taken Saturday.

 

On 10/20/2020 at 1:31 AM, hputenis said:

Sounds like you've been there before, but I highly suggest the Freedom Tour that ends at Paul Revere's house (especially if you're going with a bro-ad).  You can pay 99 cents for the app to guide you through the whole thing or have some guide take you through it for probably a lot more.  The Union Oyster House had the best friggin clam chowder I've ever had in my life.  I still occasionally dream about it.  It's the oldest restaurant in Boston.  

wasn't aware of an app, but saw that the scheduled tours are all on hiatus for the moment. could be clutch backup plan!

21 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

As mentioned before, do the Freedom Trail.  Stop at the Union Oyster House (also mentioned), which is the oldest restaurant in the US.  The Freedom Trail goes right past it.  Also go to Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern/pub in Boston, which was built in 1775 after the original building was burned by the British following the Battle of Bunker Hill.

not familiar of this, but know I've been to Bell in Hand a bunch which I feel like tried to claim that title?

2 hours ago, Agent23 said:

not familiar of this, but know I've been to Bell in Hand a bunch which I feel like tried to claim that title?

I've been to the Bell In Hand.  For my money, their claim has no grounding.  It opened in 1795, which is 20 years after the Warren Tavern.  It also has moved locations, whereas the Warren Tavern has been in the same building since the British burned it down after the battle.  The building that the Bell In Hand is currently in was built in the mid- to late 1800s, but I don't remember the year or decade; the Warren Tavern's building is from 1775-1776, and again was the same building that it was in the entire time.  The name itself is old: the Bell In Hand was named after the first owner, James Wilson, who was the last town crier.  But otherwise, there were too many liberties taken for me to consider it the oldest anything, anywhere.

 

Literally across the street (more like a pathway) from the Bell In Hand is the Green Dragon Tavern, which is a new tavern that resurrected a colonial name.  They also don't have a leg to stand on, but if you understand that going in, it feels pretty colonial anyway and is worth a stop.

 

The Union Oyster House has more history than you would think.  In addition to the oldest restaurant in the US, the future French king Louis Phillippe lived on the second floor while in exile.  Also, go upstairs and see the Kennedy family booth.

 

The Bell In Hand, Green Dragon, and Union Oyster House are all in a little section of town that is the oldest intact neighborhood in Boston.  I can't remember the name of it at the moment (possibly Blackstone Block).  It's only a few blocks big, but the names of the streets, like Creek Square and Salt Lane, speak to when the neighborhood was developed in the 1600s and it was rural and untamed.  Make sure to walk around those tiny alleyways and explore in that area, to get a feel for an even-less-modernized version of Boston than what you'll see in the North End or Beacon Hill.  You can see it here.

 

By the way, New England may be approaching peak foliage.  You may want to look at going to Walden Pond, north of town, or finding some scenic drive or rural park to take that all in.

On 10/20/2020 at 11:22 AM, xzmattzx said:

As mentioned before, do the Freedom Trail.  Stop at the Union Oyster House (also mentioned), which is the oldest restaurant in the US.  The Freedom Trail goes right past it.  Also go to Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern/pub in Boston, which was built in 1775 after the original building was burned by the British following the Battle of Bunker Hill.

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/the-oldest-restaurants-in-the-usa/

this says a place in Rhode Island is the oldest restaurant in the US. White Horse Tavern. 

3 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

I've been to the Bell In Hand.  For my money, their claim has no grounding.  It opened in 1795, which is 20 years after the Warren Tavern.  It also has moved locations, whereas the Warren Tavern has been in the same building since the British burned it down after the battle.  The building that the Bell In Hand is currently in was built in the mid- to late 1800s, but I don't remember the year or decade; the Warren Tavern's building is from 1775-1776, and again was the same building that it was in the entire time.  The name itself is old: the Bell In Hand was named after the first owner, James Wilson, who was the last town crier.  But otherwise, there were too many liberties taken for me to consider it the oldest anything, anywhere.

 

Literally across the street (more like a pathway) from the Bell In Hand is the Green Dragon Tavern, which is a new tavern that resurrected a colonial name.  They also don't have a leg to stand on, but if you understand that going in, it feels pretty colonial anyway and is worth a stop.

 

The Union Oyster House has more history than you would think.  In addition to the oldest restaurant in the US, the future French king Louis Phillippe lived on the second floor while in exile.  Also, go upstairs and see the Kennedy family booth.

 

The Bell In Hand, Green Dragon, and Union Oyster House are all in a little section of town that is the oldest intact neighborhood in Boston.  I can't remember the name of it at the moment (possibly Blackstone Block).  It's only a few blocks big, but the names of the streets, like Creek Square and Salt Lane, speak to when the neighborhood was developed in the 1600s and it was rural and untamed.  Make sure to walk around those tiny alleyways and explore in that area, to get a feel for an even-less-modernized version of Boston than what you'll see in the North End or Beacon Hill.  You can see it here.

 

By the way, New England may be approaching peak foliage.  You may want to look at going to Walden Pond, north of town, or finding some scenic drive or rural park to take that all in.

Driving Syracuse to Boston, so should get a lot of scenic leaves on that 5ish hour hike. Never went to Salem during Halloween my 2 falls out there, so this could be interesting... though COVID has so many tours and other things either closed, or already well beyond sold-out due to smaller headcounts. 

The North End is my one area I never really got acclimated with. This place (Rino's I want to say?) was in East Boston, very close to my first apartment (which was technically in Revere, but mid-way between Suffolk and Beachmont T stations), and had bomb Italian food for very friendly prices, so I never went to the North End spots... that is the one thing I need to find a dinner restaurant for one of Sat or Sun night.

3 minutes ago, 20dawk4life said:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/the-oldest-restaurants-in-the-usa/

this says a place in Rhode Island is the oldest restaurant in the US. White Horse Tavern. 

I am going back to The Nordic which is in Rhode Island, quarantine/restricted states be damned!   https://thenordic.com/ 

6 hours ago, 20dawk4life said:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/the-oldest-restaurants-in-the-usa/

this says a place in Rhode Island is the oldest restaurant in the US. White Horse Tavern. 

The White Horse Tavern is the oldest tavern in the US.  Whether it's a restaurant is a debate.  The pizza place down the street may serve beer and have a bar, but it's a restaurant.  The sports bar may serve food, but it's a bar.  I don't know how you make a distinction between a bar/tavern and restaurant, but the Union Oyster House is supposed to be a distinct difference from taverns and inns from the previous 100-or-so years.

7 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

The White Horse Tavern is the oldest tavern in the US.  Whether it's a restaurant is a debate.  The pizza place down the street may serve beer and have a bar, but it's a restaurant.  The sports bar may serve food, but it's a bar.  I don't know how you make a distinction between a bar/tavern and restaurant, but the Union Oyster House is supposed to be a distinct difference from taverns and inns from the previous 100-or-so years.

Ahhh ok. I just googled oldest restaurants in the us and white horse came up. 

The Great Salt Lake.

Really crappy business trip for worst client, but the lake at sunset was pretty amazing. Two years ago.