New York: Chinatown, New York City

It's the Year of the Dragon.  Look out for a baby boom from those who celebrate the Lunar New Year.  On Sunday afternoon, NYC's Chinatown was host to a glorious display of cultural pageantry to celebrate the big holiday. 

While you can usually count on colorful processions of dancing dragons and confetti canons, most people don't looks to the streets as a runway for great hairpieces and hats.  Some spectators wore  classic embellished chopsticks.  While riders on the floats donned millinery made from flowers, pearls, fur and jewels. The accessories here were worn in tribute to the tribes and performing arts of China.  

Chinese New Year may have started over a week ago, but subsequent days hold celebrations of different themes.  Every restaurant within in a 5 mile radius was packed with lines down the street.  Noodles for longevity, fish for fortune, and my favorite sesame balls filled with sweet lotus paste or custard tarts!

The Hamptons: Last Beach Day of Summer 2010

Every trip Hubby and I took to the East End was pretty chilly in 2010.  At last, this weekend smiled upon us and gave us sun.  We enjoyed a bottle of wine with bread and cheese from Breadzilla in Wainscott, NY.

The beach was mostly empty .  After waiting for the sun to go down, we drove over to Citta Nuova in East Hampton for a late night nibble.  We couldn't let the weekend pass without a rich, sinful cookie from Levain Bakery too.

Hubby and I found ourselves enjoying a fundraising Kiteboarding event earlier in the day with some kick-ass female surfers.  

Cold Spring Village: Americana on the River

Hubby and I decided that we had neglected the motorcycle far too long.  This lazy Saturday afternoon, we rode north along the Hudson River and landed at the village of Cold Spring NY.  It's a pretty town across the water from West Point military academy.  

We stopped for lunch at the Cold Spring Depot (where it listed "Washington Drank Here" instead of the usual  "Washington Slept Here" popular with many Bed & Breakfasts.  They had a delicious "Plymouth" turkey burger mashed with cornbread and a cranberry aioli.  

The park leading up to the river was lovely.  Due to the town location, one saw many a patriotic tribute. The cat above slept in peace knowing it was protected by the brightest soldiers to be across the river.  

The main street was lined with cute cafes and antique shops.  My favorite was Country Clocks.  The owner, Howard would answer any question with enthusiasm.  He clearly had a love of his product, painstakingly restored unique timepieces from around the world. 

Montauk: Kite Boarding, Beach, Lobster Rolls

Montauk used to be the anti-Hamptons.  In the past two years, it has evolved into an extension.  Cynthia Rowley holds regular events at her Montauk boutique.  The Montauk Yacht Club and the Surf Lodge are now trendy destinations for mobile Manhattanites...sigh.

What happened to the days of rundown old condos?  They're still there, but no under the age of 40 are staying there.  Oh well, my favorite spots are holding their ground.  

If you're not following the Hamptons old-guard to Della Famina and Citarella, chow down at my favorites:  They happen to all be in Wainscott, NY on the way out to the End...Lobster rolls at the Seafood Shop, giant cookies at Levain Bakery and heart-stopping ribs at Townline BBQ.

The beaches are all but deserted (yes!).  Kite-boarders rule the waves in the ocean.  Hubby took a few lessons (at a much quieter inlet).  He'll join the big boys soon...

MAP

Pawling: Rainbow's End Butterfly Farm

When you drive away from Manhattan, you are trying to experience the country correct? If you’re a city gal like me, you appreciate nature, but probably still like it controlled… I also like things pretty, not messy. The Rainbow’s End Butterfly Farm is the perfect agricultural experience for urbanites and families. The educational complex is set up with a tented sanctuary for butterflies. Lots and lots of butterflies. The staff on hand loves their work and is happy to answer any questions. You learn about their favorite plants, food and how they “get it on”. If you’re bringing the kids, they have activities for them to explore and learn about these mystical winged creatures. Fly on little friends, fly on.