Though the vast majority of visitors flock to Spring Lake in the summer, many people find the other three seasons to be quite atmospheric, especially without the crowds. This is winter in Spring Lake.
One of the 19th century wooden footbridges shining in the rays of the rising sun in winter. During the holidays, each of the pair of footbridges is strung with lights, making for an even more atmospheric experience if you walk across either of them at night.
Every season is delightful in Spring Lake, though I’m especially fond of the off season. This is one of two footbridges that date to the late 1800s.
Divine Park, the home of Spring Lake, is wonderfully forested with white oaks, sugar maples and many other trees that take on a dramatic hue come fall.
Despite traveling all over the world to the most wonderful places, I always return to Spring Lake, New Jersey that’s a bastion of serenity and bucolic scenery.
Sunrise is a special time in Spring Lake.
While I was in Reno, Nevada attending the awesome Cordillera International Film Festival with my feature-length comedy script, I had the opportunity to explore the fab public art that peppers the nicely landscaped plazas at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada. (Many of the festival’s features and shorts played at the Galaxy Theaters Legends.)
One more example of the creative public art that dots the plazas at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada. This botanical sculpture is part of a small water feature.
Spring Lake, New Jersey is a mere two hours by train from New York City. Yet, no matter how many times I visit in the off-season and no matter the weather, I always notice something new in the nature-scape that calms the soul.
The Chateau Inn and Suites in Spring Lake, New Jersey is perfectly located across the street from the lake where you can jog the loop around the periphery.
During my visit, I was struck by the delightful array of lights radiating from around the facade during the holidays.
The tangle of trees surrounding Spring Lake is part of what makes jogging around the periphery so magical.
For me, Spring Lake is dreamy any time of the year, but especially in winter.
Spring Lake, New Jersey couldn’t be more beguiling year-round, but especially during the holidays. Spanning the namesake lake, a duo of historic wooden footbridges — that date from the late 1800s — are decked in lights.
The almost two-mile-long boardwalk beckons walkers and joggers year-round who delight in the scenic views of sea, sky and sand.
I love finding a cozy, atmospheric, informal wine bar with a variety of selections by the glass. That’s what I found at Kurant, a Midtown east wine bar in NYC that also has some wonderful food options, including the cheese platter, the guacamole with chips, and the sweet potato fries that are accompanied by a delightfully smoky (and spicy) huancaina sauce. And now they’re all decked out for the holidays.
The art hanging on the exposed brick walls depicting old world New York City contributes to the cozy vibe at Kurant that’s noted for its warm and welcoming vibe.
As a photographer, I’m all about presenting even tried-and-true destinations from a completely different perspective. I’m captivated by color and form. But, I don’t need to travel to locales that are far-afield. I find treasures right in my backyard — sometimes literally — as these images reveal. Of course, all my photos are available for purchase, whether as any occasion note cards or photo prints.
There are abundant botanicals to be found on New York City’s Roosevelt Island that’s a short tram ride from Midtown east.
These were the dramatically-hued leaves on my neighbor’s tree.
After 15 mph winds, blowing most of those leaves off my neighbor’s tree, this is the picturesque scene nature left for me on my lawn.
I found this scene when I set foot on a wooden deck in the backyard of a tiny coffee shop in New York City.
Over the past several months, I’ve been exploring walkable downtowns in New Jersey. I discovered the Bourbon Street Beignet in Westwood. This is an atmospheric coffee shop with a New Orleans vibe and plenty of scrumptious baked goods.
As I walked through downtown Maplewood, a glass of Tempranillo called out to me one sunny afternoon.
In downtown South Orange, I found some captivating street art.
This Millennium Monument — a sundial of sorts — designed to celebrate the new millennium in the U.S. is sited on Point Udall, the easternmost part of St. Croix, my favorite part of this island, and it’s also the easternmost part of the U.S. territories. With waves crashing below, coral reefs visible, and a nearby hiking trail down to a peaceful cove, it’s worth driving out here and staying a while, especially if you have the place all to yourself.
It’s easy to spend hours soaking up the bucolic vibe at the St. George Village Botanical Garden in St. Croix. I didn’t run into a soul as I explored the myriad specimens, including the Egyptian lotus floating in this lovely pond.
On St. Croix, I found the vibrant street art, whether murals or sculptures, captivating. These pepper building facades, sea walls and even garbage receptacles, especially in Frederiksted and also Christensted.
Strolling through 18th century Fort Frederik (including the art gallery) first thing in the morning is an atmospheric experience when you have the place all to yourself. This fort is located on the waterfront of Frederiksted in St. Croix.
The Fort Frederik Museum is hosting an art exhibition until mid September. “The Revolution Is Not A One Time Act” honors Emancipation Day on St. Croix.
On St. Croix, USVI, by far, my favorite place to hang out in Frederiksted was Polly’s At The Pier. I could linger for hours at their atmospheric courtyard in the rear with a slice of lemon cake and an iced latte.
With twinkling lights strung about, tiki torches flickering, and carved walls dripping with foliage and inset with lighted niches, the outdoor courtyard at Savant, a St. Croix restaurant that has a romantic vibe.
With its Giverny-inspired landscaping, this fine-dining restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is also perfect for sipping a chilled Pinot Grigio or an iced coffee on the shaded terrace.
As I walked through a particular grassy expanse at this sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey, I was captivated by this giant that appears buried in the lawn. (I took a separate photo of his foot.) This striking sculpture by Seward Johnson was cast in aluminum.
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Grounds for Sculpture, an expansive and ultra creative sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey. After all, there are surprises aplenty in niches, alcoves, beside bodies of water or snuggled in the woodlands. This is “Birth of the Messenger” that was carved from granite by the American sculptor, Viktor who was born in Odessa.
Surprises galore await as you roam the trails networking this 40-some-acre property. This bronze set in a mist-laden venue is “Redon’s Fantasy of Venus” by Seward Johnson.
It’s easy to practice mindful walking at the tranquil Untermyer Gardens Conservatory, especially in the off season and when visiting mid-week.
Though there’s so much to love, by far, I most enjoyed exploring the Walled Garden with its crenellated walls.
Stepping into the Walled Garden is a magical experience.
The Victorian-era architecture in Cape May’s historic district couldn’t be more enchanting.
There are plenty of surprising architectural and design details at the Lokal Hotel Cape May.
Traveling to Cape May, New Jersey off season has many advantages, from stellar bird watching to empty, windswept beaches.
Without a car, you can still access Cape May by New Jersey Transit Buses — you have to connect through Atlantic City from New York City. The five-hour trip, is worth it for the sense of solitude, whether you roam through the historic district, West Cape May that’s dotted with cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as numerous green spaces.
Buy the Travel Authority Book
