no travel required
Super interesting infographic for our fellow travel bloggers: The State of Travel Blogging
We may be biased, but we think Central Park is the most beautiful of all the parks! New York’s Beautiful Central Park
Rent a local friend, hmm? We may have to try this on our upcoming Eurotrip. 6 Websites That Help You Meet Locals While Traveling
Not exactly travel related, but we do love a good social media scandal. HMV Staff take to official Twitter Account to Live-Tweet Their Own ‘Mass Execution’
A snapshot from the romantic’s least favorite part of town.
For more ABSOLUTELY STUNNING Lazy Traveler photography, check us out on the Instgram: @_theromantic & @_thewino
xo!
the romantic & the wino
cozy up, new york
If you know us well, (or have read any posts from the winter ever), when the temperatures drop, the wino and I have a serious problem with the whole “leaving-our-apartments” charade that other people call “living.” Apparently it’s ok if bears bury themselves underground for months, but less endearing when humans do it? Also, here is where I note: neither of us actually know what hibernation is or where the bears go, exactly.
Anyway, as we already addressed, this year we are trying to change things.
I’ve found that the best way to get me out of my pajamas and into the real world is with food. And, when it’s cold, it’s even more effective if it’s with something hearty and warm and delicious. Luckily, New York in the off-season–meaning January through March–is perfect for travelers and locals alike. The crowds are much, much smaller, meaning restaurants are much, much more likely to have a reservation for you. Win/win, no?
Because I like you (and because I’m currently ravenous), I’ve been pouring over the menus of some of my favorite wintertime escapes in NYC. You ready?
I went here with friends a little over a year ago and since then, have been telling the hubs every day that we need to go back. I’m not sure why we haven’t, but you should. And when you do, ask about the appetizer that consists of little tiny breadballs filled with scallion happiness because they’re not on the menu for some reason? But I know they exist and I want to live inside of one.
Though the menu is to die for, the ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for sweater weather, too. Think big wooden tables, exposed brick, twinkling lights, and a soundtrack that involves a lot of Mumford & Sons. Coincidentally, the hubs has pointed out Mumford as the perfect background soundtrack. It’s literally impossible to sing along to because you can never tell wtf they’re saying!
I digress.
2. Shake Shack
One could argue that Shake Shack is more traditional summer fare–what with the burgers and shakes and their most famous location being entirely outdoors–and one would be correct. But, but, but… hear me out. There is a Shake Shack directly between our apartment and the subway, and something about the smell of French Fries and beef fat is so comforting and just makes me want to come home, get into serious comfy clothes, and stuff my face with burgers.
In other news, doesn’t the hubs just sound like the luckiest guy in all the land?
3. Perla
Yeah, I promise my main criteria isn’t just a cute menu typeface and dim lights, despite what my Instagram feed will tell you. This place is a blend of Italian mixed with a dash of crazy and I liked it. If there’s one link you click on in this whole post, click the one to Perla and tell me that homepage doesn’t just scream wintertime joy. You can’t.
I would be remiss not to highlight an ideal wintertime daydrinking spot, and Radegast is at the top of my list. We met friends here back in October, and 80% of the group showed up in flannels and puffer vests… it’s just that kind of place, I can’t explain it. (Though part of the reason is definitely because it’s in Brooklyn and you have to wear flannel in Brooklyn so that you don’t anger the hipsters). Other highlights include their ginormous soft pretzels… and you know we’re suckers for soft pretzels.
Manhattan alternatives include the Eataly Birreria–the roof closes and the heaters come out and it’s cozy and cute and you’re on a roof!–and, from what we hear, Houston Hall. We’ll be testing that second one out in a few weeks and will dutifully report back.
5. Pipa
Tapas and red wine and crystal chandeliers for purchase? Sold. Except, you know, not really sold on the crystal chandeliers because they’re from the neighboring ABC Carpet & Home and cost approximately one bajillion dollars per bulb, but they’re pretty to look at and add a certain je ne sais quoi, non? Perfect for groups and perfect when it’s dark and snowy.
Next on my winter list of foodie goodness to try? The Meatball Shop. Don’t disappoint me!
xo,
the romantic
new york times travel show: tips for first-timers
This weekend, we had the pleasure of welcoming our fellow travel lovers to our beloved city for the 10th Annual New York Times Travel Show.
As first-timers, we were nervous. We carry a general fear of large crowds and salespeople, and we had no idea what to expect from the three-day show. Luckily for you, just like the romantic’s adventure in TBEX-land, we’re here to share our newfound wisdom for anyone thinking of taking the leap and signing up for next year’s show.
Hello, Javits Center. You are practically in New Jersey.
The Do’s
DO purchase your ticket in advance. Though you can get them at the door, purchasing your ticket in advance will save you a few dollars (for drinks at one of the many happy hours afterwards, le duh). More importantly, there were separate VIP lines for those who purchased their tickets beforehand. This is good because: a) WE HATE LINES and it helped us avoid those crowds we mentioned, and b) we love VIP status no matter the situation.
DO invest in the full 3-day ticket. Friday is geared specifically toward travel professionals. For many vendors, this meant travel agents, but even as media, you get more attention on the first day than when they open it up to (gasp) the general public. Just kidding, the plebes were all lovely, but 3 x’s the bodies makes it 100 x’s more difficult to have meaningful conversations on the conference floor. It’s math.
DO attend with a buddy. The wino couldn’t join on Friday (work schmork), so the romantic convinced the hubs to take a half day and join her for the seminars in the morning. This meant he could bounce around to the other rooms, listen in on more seminars, and dutifully report back while she sat in the back of the Social Media sessions and giggled with Erin of The World Wanderer. Kidding. Not really.
Bonus points if your buddy is Lucky the Sloth, brought by Busch Gardens.
THANK YOU, BUSCH GARDENS!!!!!!! (…yes, this is the romantic typing. How did you know?)
DO go back a second day. Even if it is a little more overwhelming, making the rounds again was worth it. We spent Saturday re-introducing ourselves to some of our favorite destinations from the first day, and re-igniting conversations that the romantic had started on Friday.
DO bring your business cards. Business rule #1, right?
The Don’ts
DON’T be tardy for the party. We’d like to take a moment and brag. We woke up early on a Saturday, got in our exercise by walking 50+ blocks from the UES to the Javits Center, and arrived bright-eyed and bushy tailed by 10 AM. And you know what? The lines were already hella long and hectic. Rude. We made haste for the main floor and beat a lot of people to the tables, but after our two hour loop, almost every table had a wait to speak to the vendors and we were losing steam.
DON’T wear heels. No, like seriously. Just don’t. It’s not necessary and the wino’s feet learned the hard way.
DON’T be shy. We know–walking up to strangers and introducing yourself (or your site/business) can be daunting, but you only get what you give. Don’t let the whole day be a waste because you’re a scaredy cat! << This is the same speech we give ourselves in the bathroom mirror every morning, you are welcome to borrow it.
When it’s all over: reward yourself. We were thrilled to cap off our weekend with dinner with some of our favorite bloggers (see: this photo), and using the weekend as an excuse to catch up with new friends made everything worth it.
xo!
the romantic & the wino
no travel required
Ah yes, back to our regularly scheduled posts of daily travel reading. Did you miss us?!
I mean, maybe from now on, we exclusively travel during ski season? A Step Closer to Heaven… in Val d’Isere France
Spoiler alert: the answer is basically no. But we appreciate the sentiment. Is Time Travel Real?
Thoughts? Feelings? Agree? Disagree? An Open Letter to Aspiring Travel Bloggers
The more we read, the more we’re positive we’d love Eastern Europe. Krakow, the fairytale city
In the event you’re on Swiss overload, here’s a pic from the romantic’s weekend walk past Bethesda Fountain in Central Park.
You can see more of our Instagram photos here & here (and if you wanted to follow us, we would allow it).
xo!
the romantic & the wino
a thanksgiving ode to bucks county
Ahhh, hello again, travelers! The annual turkey binge has come and gone once more, and we’re already back in Manhattan… feeling about 30 lbs. heavier, naturally.
Alas, our brains are working about as well as our metabolism, so we bring you:
Thanksgiving in Bucks County: A Photo Essay
As all good weekend roadtrips do, ours kicked off with a ton of traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel…
But all was right once we were home, where there was snuggling on the couch pretty much every time we weren’t eating.
There were sunsets that only Bucks County can offer up.
There were pre-Thanksgiving reunions at Revivals (where THIS happened… yeah, you’re gonna wanna click that) and post-Thanksgiving dinner outings at the Freight House in Doylestown.
And, at the end of it all, there was the official transition into Christmas, complete with the Christmas lights on display in Peddler’s Village.
And now? We count down the days to our first trip abroad together as the lazy travelers!
10 DAYS!
xo!
the romantic & the wino
P.S. All photos are courtesy of our Instagram feeds, which you can check out (and follow!) here and here.
no travel required
Sooooo… who wants to take a trip to the Canaries? 5 THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE
YES! Count us IN! Catch pumpkin fever in Bucks County
We want a HotTug! Please note that a “HotTug” is much, much different than what it sounds like. HotTug
Sigh. Maybe we can sail our HotTug around Portugal one day. HIDDEN PORTUGAL IN PHOTOS: POSTCARDS FROM THE ALENTEJO
I mean, we just can’t get enough. Hope Valley Fall colors in northern California: the changing of the leaves
Scenes from the romantic’s Saturday night,
aka her first time bowling in at least five years. A score of 18 is good, right?
xo!
the romantic & the wino
no travel required
A cheaper alternative? Liquor in a brown bag & a nighttime ride on the always free Staten Island Ferry. You laugh but this was, like, 80% of the romantic’s college experience. Redhead Reviews: New York Harbor Champagne Cruise Using Get Your Guide
This may not be 100% travel-related, but if you’re considering a career break to travel, this might be helpful in finalizing your decision. 20 Ways to Find Your Calling
Also not explicitly travel-related but but BUT: how awesome would this be on a flight? Little kid won’t stop kicking your seat? AIR NINJA. Someone hacking all over your airplane food? AIR NINJA. Actually…we want to BE air ninjas. Movie Theater Uses Ninjas To Deal With Rude People
Well, this is all kinds of helpful! Except the one about the handicapped room feels wrong. Isn’t that like parking in the handicapped space when you really don’t need to? Otherwise! Great tips: 13+ Hotel Secrets You Need to Know
It’s sunny in New York today, but last night’s rain wasn’t so bad (aka we were warm and cozy and inside):
xo!
the romantic & the wino
no travel required
OH HI! Perfecting timing for a much needed travel-focused break from reality for a bit, no?
Not going to lie, we do tend to call BS on the whole “turn off your Kindle” rule. The big turnoff
We would be happy to test out any and all of these, if you’d like. 101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World
“… big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago aren’t necessarily your best options–especially if you’re in search of a happy and lucrative career.” Oh good. The Happiest Cities For Job-Seeking College Grads
When I clicked through to this article from twitter, I thought it said Indiana. India makes much more sense. McDonald’s to Open First-Ever Vegetarian Outlets in India
A blast from the past to get you excited about the upcoming season:
Autumn at the Cloisters in Fort Tyron Park
xo!
the romantic & the wino
no travel required
This is amazing. How to Rebuild Haiti Using Trash
“I don’t want to go to Heaven. I just want to go to @acehotel.” Perhaps we should give it a try? Why the Ace Hotel Is Shape Shifting the Social Media Landscape in New York City
I don’t know, man. We can’t seem to get behind this segway business. Segway tour in Tarragona
We’d like to add an eleventh: It tastes like bad Christmas. 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Gin
From the title right down to the Harry Potter & Sound of Music references… we think Tawny may be our spirit animal. The Cascade mountains are stupid pretty.
In case you missed it, one of the romantic’s photos was featured in The Departure Board’s Picture the World Project!:
Picture The World Project, Costa Rica
xo!
the romantic & the wino
the great gramercy sunday funday bar crawl
Last weekend, I finally made my triumphant return to the city of all cities. My former stomping grounds, the home of the romantic & the hubs, the big old apple: New York City.
Unfortunately, my red-headed counterpart and her beau are zip-lining around Costa Rica and couldn’t be in attendance, but I made sure I paid proper homage to one of my favorite cities in a whirlwind 24 hours of drinking and eating. I have my gracious host to thank, the Scholar (remember her?), for showing me around her new neighborhood and taking me to a few of her favorite places.
Bar #1: Pete’s Tavern, 18th & Irving Pl
Pete’s is arguably the oldest bar in New York City and happens to be one of the Scholar’s favorite haunts. We sat outside, enjoyed bloody marys, french fries, and a few Sam Adams while taking in the scenery of one of Gramercy’s prettiest streets.
Pros: Old-school New York City experience, delicious drinks, and an authentic and regular crowd
Cons: $$$$$. I mean, just a little. But I’m poor.
Bar #2: Brother’s Jimmy’s, 16th between Park Ave and Irving
Bro Jim’s is a NYC chain, with locations all over the city. Think southern barbecue meets college frat party. We sat at the bar and salivated over the smells coming from the kitchen while enjoying a few tall-boys of cheap low-brow beer.
Pros: $4.50 cans of PBR and Natty Light all day every day. That’s a freaking steal in New York City.
Cons: Crowd full of sports-crazed and college-aged bros. But hey, maybe that’s your thing.
Bar #3: The Penny Farthing, 13th & 3rd
This is where things started to get rowdy, as the tall-boys of cheap beer started to creep up on us. There was a lot of laughter at this bar, especially after a few stouts.
Pros: Lots of outdoor seating, super nice staff, AND it’s really fun to say the name of the bar in a British accent. Sunday Funday trifecta.
Cons: Can’t really think of any. Maybe that my Guinness came in a Brooklyn Brewery pint glass? Does that count?
Bar #4: Back Forty, 12th & Avenue B
We thought it best for everyone that we got some food in our systems at this point, so we headed over to the East Village for dinner at Back Forty. We split a loaf of house-made bread, a beet and goat cheese salad, and super delicious burger.
Pros: Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, and there was a great selection of craft beer to wash everything down.
Cons: Definitely not hipster or cool enough to frequent Back Forty on a more regular basis. Let’s just say there was a little air of pretension amongst the East Village clientele.
After four bars and about seven hours of fun, we decided it was best to head back to the Scholar’s apartment, where we half-heartedly watched the Olympics and mostly snoozed on the couch. Unfortunately, the next morning, the Scholar was back at work and I was on my way back to DC, but not without my favorite Monday morning hangover cure:
New York, you were real good to me for 24 hours. Don’t think this means I forget about how smelly you get in the summer and how much rage your crowded streets give me. But hey, it was nice seeing you again.
xo!
the wino
