Arts and Entertainment

I am not a quilter but one does not have to make a quilt to appreciate all the work that goes into making one. I have visited several quilt museums along with Gentle Arts which only deepened my appreciation for the art.

Alex Haley’s book “Roots” had a profound impact on Americans when it was published in 1976. It caused many of us to research our “roots.” Haley was born in Ithaca and for a short time was a “writer in residence” at Hamilton College.

Every place has a regional specialty. When John and I travel we love trying the regional food. In Louisiana we snacked on cracklin’ and never forgot how wonderful they tasted.
In Oneida County the culinary specialty is called “Riggies.”

I read where “Forbes Traveler” named Long Beach one of “America’s Favorite Beach Towns” and even though it wasn’t beach weather we decided to make it a side trip from Portland, Oregon. It turns out swimming is not recommended along the 30-mile long beach because of the dangerous currents and cold waters.

Portland has been dubbed the “Rose City.” There are several theories as to how it got its nickname but roses thrive in Portland so well that it is home to the International Rose Test Garden, which is free to visitors. It is where, as the name implies, they experiment and grow a variety of roses.

I love gift certificates especially ones that turn out to be such a wonderful surprise. Imagine sushi preparing class in Central New York. John and I were impressed with many facets of Mohegan Manor. I loved the fact that Mohegan Manor was created from two historic buildings.

John and I have been to Honduras’ Roatan Island many times in the last 20 years.
It has long been a favorite destination of divers. Now it has been discovered by the cruise crowd who have fallen in love with the unspoiled greenery and are returning for a vacation.