travel

Dining Outside the Home: Le Peep in Carmel, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: Le Peep in Carmel, Indiana! There’s a lot to be said for a string of restaurants that originated in a converted gas station in Colorado over 40 years ago. They must be doing something right. And becoming a Hoosier tradition, in my opinion, is one reason to experience unique breakfast creations in your own back yard. The menu alone extends the option to eat breakfast any time of day. Gooey Bun. Dutch Apple Oatmeal. Pampered Eggs. The Great Reef Benedict. And don’t get me started on the coffees. When you come in with a smile and leave with a smile, is it any wonder their slogan is “It’s always a great day when you dine at Le Peep!”.

Rocky Neck Art Colony is Gloucester’s Hidden Gem

Art lovers will appreciate the magnificent view nestled along the harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts. To stumble upon the existence of Rocky Neck Art Colony while exploring the peninsula is like discovering a treasure trove of history around every bend. While walking in the midst of the cultural community, a feeling of déjà vu is overwhelming. How can it be? To feel convinced of such an illusion that one has previously experienced such an encounter is mind-boggling. Perhaps it reminded me of the south of France, or the iris-laden paths of Monet’s Giverny. Quaint workshops, artist studios, galleries, and restaurants dot the inlet with American Impressionism en plein-air. To every art lover out there, make a note to add this unique art colony to your list of “must sees”.

Dining Outside the Home; 110 Grill in Nashua, New Hampshire 

Dining Outside the Home: 110 Grill in Nashua, New Hampshire! Turning the corner into Summer makes a restaurant with outdoor seating that much more desirable, especially on comfy cushions around a fire pit. As the sun cools down and the taste buds heat up, gathering with that special someone for a leisurely meal, trendy conversation, and innovative cocktails suddenly becomes high on the list. After all, you deserve it. Choose something interesting as a starter appetizer, fresh from the garden salads, or a main course favorite of the chef. Then be sure to leave room for dessert. To repeat myself…you deserve it!

Boston’s Public Garden Charms Everyone

Young and old alike may be drawn to Boston’s Public Garden for a treasured Swan Boat ride experience or to simply stroll along the breathtaking pathways to gaze at the ornamental landscape in awe. Bronze figures and animated statues add to its allure. Have you seen the infamous Duckling Sculpture of mama duck with eight baby ducklings trailing behind in military formation? Its story dates back to 1941. The evening we were drawn to the Public Garden, it became the perfect backdrop for high school prom attendees. The air was alive with lighthearted laughter, captivating dialogue, good-humored fun, and romantic love stories. We walked hand-in-hand crossing the beautiful arched bridge as the evening shadows cast a warm golden glow over the village green. Well done, Boston!

Dining Outside the Home: Passports in Gloucester, Massachusetts 

Dining Outside the Home: Passports Restaurant in Gloucester, Massachusetts! Everything about this quaint little bistro nestled in the heart of historic downtown screams culture. Unique local art is part of the decor. Instead of rolls, a server comes to the table with a basket of freshly baked popovers. Yes, popovers….with real butter. Yum. The sidewalk placard out front announces daily specials to show you the way. It did for me anyway. The Smoked Salmon Sandwich was layered with what seemed like a half pound of thick-cut, salty salmon. There must have been some lemon in the slather of creamed cheese topped with red onion slices. It was all good. If only there was more time to explore this rustic homespun town of Gloucester. It definitely deserves a double-take. 

Dining Outside the Home: Petey’s Summertime Seafood in Rye, New Hampshire 

Dining Outside the Home: Petey’s Summertime Seafood in Rye, New Hampshire. Sometimes you just need to go to the shack. The seafood shack, that is. Located right across the road from the beach, on the scenic route through New Hampshire, sits a casual restaurant that practically never closes. Petey’s is famous for the freshest seafood, generous portions, and the best clam strips my husband has ever eaten. If you don’t believe him, drive by sometime. The parking lot is always full. Always. I’m a lobster-lover, so I’ve tried everything from a cracked lobster dinner to lobster-on-a-stick, with drawn butter of course. The juicy, tender, bite-size chunks can almost make me swoon. They practically come from the ocean to the table. Sound like Paradise? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. 

Dining Outside the Home: Atlantic Grill in Rye, New Hampshire 

Dining Outside the Home: Atlantic Grill in Rye, New Hampshire! Patio dining is such a plus this time of year. The sun is warm, the coastal breeze is cool, the drinks are perfectly chilled, and the seafood is spot on. For starters, the buttermilk-fried calamari set the tone for generous portions. The rich cherry peppered marinara sauce was a condiment companion that released the flavor within. Chunky Seafood Chowder was next on deck. The first slurp from the bowl was enough to see why it was tagged “award-winning chowder”. It was thick and creamy with a blend of clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster, and haddock. Definitely five-star, in my opinion. The Sandwich Board proclaimed the Lobster Roll as Maine tail and claw lobster on a brioche bun. It was indeed. No fillers here, folks! The entire meal left us feeling overstuffed. Pamper yourself and enjoy the seafood. 

Dining Outside the Home: Florentine Café of Little Italy in Boston, Massachusetts 

Dining Outside the Home: Florentine Café of Little Italy in Boston, Massachusetts! At first glance, wide open windows catch the attention of passersby. Each one is bordered with overflowing flower boxes that cascade beyond wrought-iron grillwork. Echoes of laughter and the clink of glasses mingle from within. This touch of ambience sets the stage for Old World charm and succulent homemade pastas in Little Italy. Warm crusty bread suddenly appears at the table with herbed olive oil before the specialties of the day are shared. As you rake your eyes across the menu, that inner voice promises to start another diet…tomorrow.