Not Just Another Island

Last week we arrived home from our trip to New York. One of my favorite parts was the time we spent in Long Island - a day with my mom and sister

On the first free day we had to explore, we travelled from Westbury to Huntington on the Northern Parkway, passing thorough the town of Jericho. Other than my mom squealing every time a big truck blocked her vision of the road, it was an enjoyable ride.

Once we arrived, we visited the quaint, quirky downtown area on Cold Spring Harbor. From specialty dog treats to a dollhouse shop, they had a place for everyone. We had lunch at Isaiah Ketchum Park with a view of Long Island Sound.

The most important lesson we learned that day was that when you need tips on places to see, you always ask the locals. At the suggestion of a Long Island native, we took a drive along Shore Road - where the prime sights were the bay on one side and the sprawling, old estates fronted by mile-long driveways on the other. The road curved along the water to Snake Hill which connected to West Neck. The streets around here were a maze of roads that took you back in time with the dates on the houses, the ocean always in view.

After a short drive around, we happened to land near Caumsett State Park, home of expansive walled gardens and the Thomas Lloyd manor. We took a two-mile hike up to "the best view of the sound" - and it was. The ocean was far enough away that it was faded blue, but you could still feel the salt and the wind off the water.

That night, we had dinner at Finnegan's Irish restaurant in Huntington (and were quizzed by the waiter on five US states that start and end in vowels).

It was a perfect, spur-of-the-moment day on Long Island.

NYC, Here I Come!

Later this month, I'm heading to New York - for my sister's "X-Factor" audition, and for a vacation.

We're starting our trip in Long Island, where the auditions are held. And so far the topic of "places to see" there has revolved around the statue of Poseidon, which is something my little brother wants to see, after reading the Percy Jackson series.

After leaving Long Island, we're going into the city. The last time I went to New York City was in December of 2007 - where the highlight of the trip was visiting the American Girl Doll Store.

As fun as that was when I was 10, I'm looking forward to this trip even more because we're going to visit some great places in the city - like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the World Trade Center. 

By far, my favorite part of the last trip was the horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Maybe because it was the wintertime. It was beautiful with all the snow falling, and it felt like a fairytale. 

I'll post more about my New York trip when we get back. 

About Me.

My name is Olivia.  I'm 15 and a Libra. I've been homeschooled for five years and I live in Southeastern Massachusetts - conveniently accessible is the beach and the mountains, making it the best of both worlds.

I decided to start blogging when I was reflecting on all of the vacations I've been on with my family. "Vacation" being the operative word since our vacations tend to be anything but relaxing. My dad is the planner; the map-consulter, and my mom is the one with the brochures who wants to see and do everything possible. Me, I'm just along for the ride. And to take pictures - I love to take pictures. 

I've been incredibly lucky to go some of the places I have. Places like the Grand Canyon and California and Disney World, but then there are the not so common places, like sleeping in a canvas tent ten feet from the bear-proof locker in Yosemite Valley. (It's not as bad as it sounds, though.) 

So, what better way to remember travels than to share them? I hope you enjoy hearing about my experiences from my point of view, at least as much as I'll enjoy talking about them!