The wishes at the end of my last blog came true, and our weekend of winter activities was a success!
We safely spent Valentine’s Day weekend in upstate New York with our godson and his parents. Although very cold, the roads were well-maintained, so whatever snow the area got prior to Friday morning didn’t affect our travels.
We left around 6 a.m. on Friday morning and were home by 6 p.m. Sunday — such a short but sweet getaway. As we usually do, we stayed at their house and made the most of it. I introduced one of my favorite childhood games to play with anyone, Guess Who, to my godson; we had so much fun with it, and it was also an opportunity to start having educational conversations about race and appropriate versus derogatory remarks and descriptions with an 8-year-old, Puerto Rican and Dominican, white-passing boy.
We also did some sensory activities to get the creative juices flowing with canvas painting, Lego building and making our meals together. We tried to find a good sledding hill at Seneca Lake State Park but didn’t have much luck. Instead, we made some snow angels and were captivated by the beauty of the winter pampas grass.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we made early reservations at Greystone Tubing and spent a super-active, fun morning racing, running and playing in the snow. It felt like we escaped to a little winter village for a second; the music selection was inclusive of all age groups and kept people singing and dancing even when there was a line — I mean, at least I was, ha! The staff was friendly and on top of things; masks were required at all times, so they made sure everyone complied. The ropes to go up the hill respected social-distancing guidelines, and the bathrooms were monitored to avoid crowding.
Sadly, the pub was closed, but we had the best brunch at a local family diner called Log Cabin. Our food didn’t make a picture as we were pretty hungry and in a bit of a rush; but if by any chance you find yourself on a road trip in the area and decide to stop, get the chicken and waffles. The place was super cozy and felt like a big, warm hug.
On the way up, we stopped at Taughannock Falls State Park and admired the beauty of the frozen waterfall until the cold became unbearable (someone forgot gloves). We were constantly taken aback by how breathtakingly beautiful and therapeutic a long drive in the winter is. I am happy and grateful we were able to celebrate love this way this year.
This short trip definitely awakened my travel bug again; I’m anticipating a trip to Costa Rica in May and honestly can’t wait!
— Yasser Ogando, production & advertising coordinator
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis