Author:

Ms (Leigh) Bella St John aka Luxurious Nomad ~ https://ElegantisVitae.com/

Appalachian Resort

The Appalachian Resort up in the mountains of New Jersey has been my ‘home sweet home’ for several months.

Only about two hour’s drive (actually, a little less) from New York City, about two and a half hours from Philadelphia, and with two hot tubs, a heated pool, gym, cafe, bar, games room, underground parking and more, this luxury four-season resort has been my piece of heaven!

Appalachian Resort Four-Season Luxury

During winter, the ski slopes are literally in your back yard…

Next door is Mountain Creek Resort’s Red Tail Lodge where you can find even more places to eat, drink, rent equipment and be merry!

Then, as the weather turns to spring, the area becomes known for hiking and biking – with the Appalachian Trail only a few miles up the road.

Come summer, and the whole area turns water park!

Fall is back to hiking and biking, and the cycle is complete.

Only 10 minutes away is the picture-postcard beauty of Warwick, just over the border into New York state.

I have loved my time here!

Creating Your Travel Bucket List

Do you have a travel bucket list?

Creating your travel bucket list should be fun. It is what should inspire you to lead a more exciting and fulfilling life. But, sometimes, it can be difficult and overwhelming creating one. You have so much to see and experience in the world and only just little time to do it that you might be wondering what places of interest you should incorporate into your travel bucket list.

So, how do you begin creating your travel list?

The first thing you need to do is to get some basic tools ready. Whether it’s on physical paper or online (my favourite tool for this is Evernote), you need a place not only to write down your ideas when you get them, but also to add web clippings and other information as you come across things. Also, as you accomplish each item on your list, you will cross it off.

Accomplishing each of them can be incredibly satisfying – at least it certainly has been for me! Here’s my bucket-list, complete with both items achieved and those still to achieve.

Now, grab your pen or open your program, and start brainstorming all the exciting and wonderful places you would like to visit in not too distant future.

Your bucket list should be very personal. You might include all the travel destinations you have always dreamed of. Think back to the periods you were younger and places you dreamed of visiting when you grew up. If you had wanted to travel to many parts of the world, why not list them down now?

As people age, they often tend to dismiss their childhood dreams as unattainable and unrealistic. However, these childhood dreams can be a great resource for your travel list ideas, and depending on your present lifestyle or taste, you can turn these dreams into achievable goals. You will discover that creating your list from your fantasies can be fun.

If you have heard about some fantastic cities like Paris, Sao Paulo, London, Dubai; and some countries such as Guatemala, Italy, South Africa and other beautiful travel destinations, you might include them on your list.

Also, think about your interests or hobbies. Which of those travel destinations can provide you with your hobbies or interest? Then, proceed to list them in your travel list.

When you look at my bucket list, you will also see activities such as swim with dolphins, go horse-riding in the snow, or be a volunteer at “il Club di Guilietta” (ref ‘Letters to Juliet’)…

As you progress through life, ensure that your travel bucket list notebook or app is always within your reach. As time goes on, your notebook/app will remind you of fantastic places you want to visit.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder of our dreams in order to take the first step toward them…

…and let me know what amazing items are on your list. You may inspire me to add to mine!

Step back in time… Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania USA

This photo thanks to Skytop Lodge

On the way to this lovely gem known as Skytop Lodge, one travels through a state park aptly named, “Promised Land”.

Part luxury lodge, part adventure playground and part pure heaven, Skytop’s history dates back to 1925 where John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne and Sam Packer envisioned a grand resort on the peak of a high plateau in the Poconos.

Built from stones and woods found on the property, the main building was completed in only three years.

In 1930 a dam was completed and the lake was enlarged to its present size.

Later, cottages were built and the 2,000-acre Goose Pond area was acquired to create a 5,500 Pocono Mountains playground with hiking, skiing, swimming, and new adventures, surrounded by places of quiet beauty and restful charm.

After driving through the grounds, I pulled up to the main entrance where a delightful valet, Mr Robert, greeted me.

As I stepped through the main door, it felt literally as though I was stepping through a time-portal doorway.

Before curling up with a glass of red wine (of course!), I meandered through the halls of this beautiful building…

A member of Historic Hotels of America, Skytop Lodge is a wonderful location to stay, play, relax and unwind – or do as I did and simply while away an afternoon over a glass or two of wine, soaking in the ambiance of the Tap Room… Bliss!

For more information, here is their website: http://www.skytop.com/ ~ and tell them I said, ‘hello!’

Have you stayed at Skytop Lodge? Let me know so we can share your experiences with the Tribe!

By Leigh St John, aka Luxurious Nomad

Ye Auld Shebeen Irish Pub

In Ireland, a ‘shebeen’ was a late-night speakeasy, often of ill-repute ~ however this glorious gem in Whippany, New Jersey is anything but!

When I’m in the area, this is one of my all-time favorite places to live the laptop-lifestyle ~ curl up, work, drink, chat… (apart from taking your life in your own hands as you navigate the nearby highway 10 to 287 intersection – eeeeeegads, that’s a nightmare!)

This Irish Pub is about as authentic as you can get on this side of the pond, with over 90% of the materials used to create the pub coming from old Irish salvage in Ireland and being shipped to New Jersey, USA.

First constructed in Belfast, Ireland, the Auld Shebeen was then dismantled, packed up, relocated to America and reconstructed where she now stands.

The wood paneling and fireplace in part of the dining room are made of solid oak from the library of an old mansion in central Belfast.

In the main bar area, you find an 18th century Póitin still, which was rescued from an old seminary college in Maynooth, County Kildare.

…and in case you’re wondering, “póitin” was the Irish term for moonshine, made from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet, molasses and potatoes.

Want another interesting fact?

The Irish word for a hangover is póit – I guess, too much póitin and you get a póit!

Makes sense.

…and no, the slightly blurry images were as a result of low-light, not too much póitin – at least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! 🙂

You can find the Auld Shebeen Irish Pub at 1401 Rt 10 E · Whippany, New Jersey 07981 USA

By Leigh St John, aka the Luxurious Nomad

…and remember to join us on Facebook!

[bctt tweet=”A glorious Irish Shebeen, right in our own backyard. Where, you may ask?”]

What is a Staycation?

Staycations – What are they and why are they sometimes better than a vacation?

A staycation is essentially a short period of time – even if it’s simply a weekend – where you either stay home, or you book into a hotel somewhere near where you live.

Many families prefer a staycation not only because it’s affordable, but it often promotes better rest and relaxation. A staycation, by the very nature of the fact that there is little or no travel involved, will give you more time to relax and restore energy.

While travelling to exotic locations can be amazing, it can also take a toll physically and financially. Enjoyment is not measured based on the money you spent, but the moments and experiences you gained.

If expensive weekend getaways have no room in your budget, instead try staycation. If you’re looking for more staycations ideas, check out the list below:

1. Laser Tag or Paint-balling: You can invite some of your friends or families to join and battle with you. There are numerous laser tags and paintball facilities everywhere, you can use Google to locate the nearest one.

2. Visit National Park: This is acknowledged as the country’s greatest treasure. If you have National park in the area, make sure to visit the ranger station first to pick-up a Junior Ranger Kit and complete required activities to get a badge. A National Parks Passports is also available in the park’s gift shops; you can assemble numerous passport stamps every time you visit.

3. Local Theater: Check the theater website or local newspaper to see the latest musicals, family friendly shows, concerts and plays. This is a wonderful way to spend your night with children, family, friends or special someone.

4. Amusement Park: If Disney World is quite far and expensive, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy in a nearby themed park. Local amusement parks offer unique features that can make you thrilled, fun and excited. Since this activity is often a lot cheaper than other vacation ideas, you can also treat your loved ones in a fancy dinner.

5. Local Museum for Children: If you have children at home it’s best to find staycation ideas that they can appreciate and enjoy. This type of staycation will definitely fit your budget. Many of them offer a variety of interactive and fun activities that can keep you busy the entire day.

6. Visit Aquarium or Zoo: Children are not the only ones who adore animals. Even adults can spend time seeing and enjoying animals, too. Before you go, make sure to check if they offer special programs – some offer opportunities to feed, or Junior Zookeeper programs. You may have to pack some lunch since zoo fare is often quite pricey.

7. Local Library: I love, love love libraries! The majority of libraries offer family friendly activities and events.

8. Minor or Major League Sport Event: Major leagues are really fun but these are quite pricey especially for a family of 4, 5 or more. Good thing, most cities have minor leagues that can provide you same experience but at an affordable price.

9. Spa-Cation: Another of my all-time favourites! Consider treating yourself to a day at the spa, then come home to blissful music, candles and your choice of beverage (mine is good red wine!)

Whatever form of staycation you choose, it’s always nice to know that not only are you saving money, and saving travel time, but you are also supporting your own local economy.

By Leigh St John, aka the Luxurious Nomad

…and remember to join us on Facebook!

[bctt tweet=”Staycations – what are they and how can you make yours magical?”]