Archive for March, 2009»
Imagine a sunny Sunday morning in St. Augustine, Florida. It’s early enough to enjoy the cooling sensation salty ocean breezes that offer respite during a leisurely stroll through town, and never too late to plan a wonderful day of sightseeing. Perhaps you visited the Cathedral Basilica for worship services, or walked the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos as children flew kites or chased a Frisbee around in the grass. It’s a fine time to be on vacation, and the perfect time to explore a delicious brunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
If you have an appetite for delicious Florida seafood and fruits, and other culinary delights, St. Augustine restaurants provide wonderful brunch menus prepared to satisfy. Whether you want to sample the best of the buffet or sit down to a unique plate as you watch the tide gently lap the distant shores, there is a table reserved for you here.
Of the buffet-style Sunday brunch options, The Reef (4100 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine) prepares a sumptuous selection of breakfast favorites – omelets, waffles, and fruit – along with a carving station, crab legs and shrimp, an array of cheeses, and homemade dessert. Live jazz and classical guitar complement the late morning view of the ocean as you dine. Brunch is served from 11AM – 2PM on Sundays, call 904-824-8008 to reserve for holidays.
Another popular buffet in town belongs to 95 Cordova Restaurant, located – of course – at 95 Cordova Street in the Casa Monica Hotel. This upscale Sunday fare includes succulent carving and omelet stations and fresh seafood. If you happen to around during the right season, you may find stone crab claws among your choices. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, for the Cordova presents a selection almost as large as brunch itself.
Local favorite Gypsy Cab Company (828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine) offers an eclectic menu of egg dishes on weekends until 3PM. Choose from traditional omelets – savory Greek with feta cheese, or the filling bacon, cheddar and tomato – Eggs Benedict and Florentine, and more unusual offerings like Eggs Copenhagen (a Benedict with salmon instead of ham). A stop at the Gypsy Cab is great if you have a full schedule and need a quick bite at a great price.
For more Mediterranean fare, try La Pentola (58 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine) in the historic downtown district. Enjoy a steaming espresso with a serving of baked brie and fresh fruit, or try the chef’s special quiche of the day or one of many delicious pasta dishes, tossed in creamy Alfredo or spicy marinara. La Pentola provides an intimate atmosphere and a welcome respite from the busy tourist areas.
Whether searching for a quick bite before a day at the beach, or a leisurely midday meal with friends and family, Sunday brings the best of brunch to St. Augustine. Bring an appetite for a delicious taste of Old City.
Visitors know St. Augustine is a town rich in historical interest and European and native cultures, but another great reason to visit is the variety of food products made locally. When you think of Florida, most likely oranges and key lime pie come to mind when searching for treats indigenous to the area. A trip to St. Augustine, however, will have you craving other sweet and spicy things.
If you like to imbibe in the occasional glass of wine, the San Sebastian Winery on King Street should definitely be on your itinerary. Take the free tour and discover how their tasty red, white, and port wines are made on-site. Muscadine grapes native to the area, along with hyrbid varietals like Stover and Blanc Du Bois, give these Florida vintages a unique flavor and body that have won San Sebastian numerous competition medals. Of course, you’ll get to taste for yourself after the tour, and don’t forget to pick up a few bottles to take home.
Ask anyone about the spicy side of St. Augustine, and more than likely you’ll be directed to the Old City and the Dat’l Do-It shop. This brand of tangy sauces, relishes, and other condiments are made with local datil peppers. Grown in St. Augustine for over two centuries, datils are waxy yellow in color and sweet in flavor, but they pack a punch, and the Dat’l Do-It people ship thousands of bottles all over the country each year to tempt taste buds in need of a kick.
After all that hot stuff, there’s no better way to cool the palate than with something sweet. Two of Northern Florida’s best chocolatiers, Whetstone Chocolates of St. George Street and Claude’s Chocolates on Hypolita St., are on hand to serve up succulent truffles and fine artisan bons-bons, bars of milk, white and dark varieties, and sugar-free candies. Be sure to grab a bag or two as sweet gifts for friends and family.
From wine to chocolate, spicy relish and savory spreads, St. Augustine offers a delicious selection of tastes to enjoy on vacation and long afterward. Bring your appetite when you come visit and take home a taste of Northern Florida.
Kathryn Lively
So you have a few days of vacation coming, and are looking to spend some time in sunny St. Augustine. If this is your first time in the Old City, you definitely want to make the most of it. St. Augustine, though not as sprawling as neighboring Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, offers so many options for recreation and relaxation. Between the beach, the historic sites, and other points of interests, you might wonder if you’ll get to do everything while you’re here!
For a well-rounded St. Augustine vacation, there are few stops you must make. After spending a day on our beautiful, pristine beaches, here are some of the top attractions in North Florida, perfect for families and couples to enjoy. Bring a camera to preserve memories of a wonderful trip.
Castillo de San Marcos – Perhaps the most iconic structure in the city, the “Castle of Saint Mark” is actually the country’s oldest masonry fort, built in the late 1600s by Spanish settlers to protect the city from British sieges. The stone turrets on each corner of the fort give the building a castle-like appearance, and an aerial view reveals the fort’s star shape. The Castillo is perhaps the first stop on most St. Augustine itineraries and is popular with school tours.
Mission of Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche – Just a short distance from the oldest fort is arguably the nation’s oldest Catholic shrine. The grounds of the mission of the “name of God” were consecrated in 1565. Here visitors can enjoy the lush scenery and visit the miniature shrines. A two-hundred-foot tall steel cross stands near where the original cross of the mission was planted.
The Old Jail Museum – A popular spot for school tours, the museum preserves the city’s original penitentiary and sheriff’s office. Reenactments of life in the old jail lend an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere to the experience.
Alligator Farm Zoological Park – It just wouldn’t be a St. Augustine vacation unless you spotted at least one alligator. Rather than risk searching for one in the wild, we suggest coming to the Alligator Farm, where you’ll find over twenty species of crocodilian, in addition to a variety of reptiles, birds, and exotic mammals. Be sure to say hello to Maximo, a fifteen-foot alligator weighing half a ton!
San Sebastian Winery – Florida makes wine? You bet! In fact, it is believed the first wine in America was made right here in northern Florida, and San Sebastian carries on the tradition of using regionally grown muscadine grapes to produce a variety of sweet wines. Enjoy the free tour, video, and tasting of available vintages and be sure to take a few bottles home to savor.
From history to mystery, alligators and wine, St. Augustine offers the chance to view many of the country’s “firsts”. Why not add these attractions to your vacation plans for an unforgettable trip.
As Spring arrives with warm weather and cloudless skies, thoughts may turn to planning a weekend getaway. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, the idea of riding down smooth coastal highway alongside a panoramic view of the ocean may appeal the most. For bikers in the Mid-Atlantic, the Outer Banks provides many options for an affordable biker-friendly vacation. With over a hundred miles of road through the barrier islands of the region, the northern North Carolina coast offer an unspoiled ride, and the many little towns connected are ready to assist with service if needed.
Plan your trip accordingly, and coincide your trip with the various biker-related events happening up and down the coast, including these popular fests:
Biker Events in the Outer Banks
Rain or shine, the Outer Banks hosts a number of events geared toward motorcycle enthusiasts. Because of their popularity, it’s strongly advised to book rooms well in advance. In the Currituck area especially, there are a number of inexpensive hotels ready to cater to bikers. If you wish to arrange an extended stay at the beach with a number of friends or relatives, there is the option of renting a beach home. Many of the larger houses on the shore can accommodate twelve or more people.
The Outer Banks Bike Show, held annually around Labor Day weekend in Grandy, NC, gives motorcycle lovers the chance to mingle, check out the latest trends and styles, and enjoy live music and great food. Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant is the main gathering place for the festivities, though bikers have the option of visiting other friendly spots along Currituck and Dare Counties.
The Outer Banks Bike Show is not to be confused with two other major events happening throughout the year. Outer Banks Bike Week – usually scheduled in late April connects the four major Harley-Davidson dealers in the area. Bikers may ride from place to place, browsing over a hundred vendors and sampling authentic Carolina barbecue from their annual cook-off.
A companion event, Outer Banks BikeFest is usually held over a weekend in October. Though put on for a shorter amount time, BikeFest is by no means lower key. Guests may enjoy guided bike tours of the area and indulge in the annual crab cake cook-off, all the while admiring a multitude of Harleys and other motorcycles revved up for the event.
For an affordable vacation able to accommodate bikers, the Outer Banks provides many options for dining, lodging, and service. Take a look at what’s available for you and don’t forget to book early so you can enjoy your trip.
Kathryn Lively
Though the outlook for employment may seem grim with reports of companies executing mass layoffs, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are no jobs to be found. A simple search through Internet employment databases may reveal many vacancies, opportunities for you to stand out among others with your expertise. In order to get noticed and get the interview, however, it is important to have an updated, concise resume of your qualifications.
Take a look at your current resume. How long has it been since you last revised it? On average, a person may only update his vitae once a year, if at that. Often, a resume becomes an afterthought while one is employed, and unfortunately is hastily retooled when it is needed. So as not to be caught off-guard, it may be best to pull out your resume every three months or so to see what is relevant in your career path that needs to be recorded. Remember, a resume is not just a list of jobs you have held, but life experiences. A resume is a record of your continuing education through employment, community achievements, and your employable skills.
Have you learned any new skills in your present job that may benefit you during a new search? Work with new computer applications and others skills should be pointed out here. Larger companies emphasizing a sense of community among their employees may search for well-rounded candidates, so if you have done any recent volunteer work be sure to mention it. It is also a good idea to refresh your references, and list somebody who has worked with you in the last six months or so who can vouch for you during a job search.
For years the rule of thumb with resumes has been to keep everything to one page. If you have much information to share, it can be challenge to limit your experiences. Including a URL leading to a more detailed vitae may help an employer see a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to the company.
As you work, and as you search for work, remember to keep your resume current and relevant for the jobs you seek. This simple document is your first introduction to a potential employer, so have it ready to make a good impression.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on jobs in Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach website design.
Writers are creatures of habit. Unfortunately, many of these habits are not good ones. True, we would expect our friends and significant others to show some understanding when we don’t come to the dinner table on schedule because we’re right in the middle of an exciting dialogue exchange that has to be finished. If we don’t remove ourselves from our desks or laptop hidey-holes for the occasional bath or teeth-brushing, you know we’ll promise to make good once the first royalty checks arrive. For now, though, we’ll set these habits aside and focus on the few ticks that I, now wearing my editor’s hat, believe are more irritating than the itching, sweat-encrusted band of said hat…seeing as how I haven’t washed it in a while since I’ve been so busy working.
When you prepare a final draft of a manuscript for an editor or publisher, you want to be sure it is as free as possible of spelling and grammar errors. This does some require some diligence on the author’s part, seeing as how word processing spell-check programs cannot be wholly trusted. As an editor and publisher, I do understand the probability of human error. I can forgive the occasional “your” used for “you’re” if it doesn’t happen too frequently, and if you consider the list below you will find many of these are common mistakes. They are committed by seasoned writers and novices alike - I’ve been guilty of at least three offenses myself. These are not necessarily contract killers, and you might find an editor pointing these out to you if you are given a contract. Just take this list into consideration as you revise your final works, or prepare new ones.
1) Looking at “looking to” - Where action in dialogue is concerned I see “look to” used often, sometimes in places where “look at” is better used. I think the reason this type of mixup is most common is because it is rather difficult to explain why other words are better. Consider these two sentences.
Denise looked at Brian. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked.
Denise looked to Brian. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked.
Now, they both may look and sound correct, but if you really study these sentences, you will detect why “looked to” may be misused here. When a person looks “at” another person, he is conveying an action. He is putting focus on another and directing attention to that person. Here, Denise wants to know if Brian wants a drink. She looks “at” him and asks.
When a person looks “to” something, the meaning is slightly different. Looking “to” somebody implies a silent plea for support, respect, or something similar. When we “look up to” somebody, we hold that person in high esteem. Looking “to” somebody implies we wish to be reciprocated that respect. We may also “look to” or “look toward” a specific direction to confirm something. Make sense?
Let’s take a look at these sentences:
Denise looked at Brian. “Would you like a drink?” she asked.
I looked to see what was going on, and noticed Denise offering Brian a drink.
“I look to Brian for support. We are friends,” said Denise.
These, in my opinion, better convey the use of “look at” and “look to”.
2) Begin to edit - While not grammatically incorrect, constant use of “begin to” in a work is a personal pet peeve. I cannot speak for other editors and publishers, but when I read a story for a possible contract one thing I look “at” is how the action progresses. I perceive the use of “begin to” or “began to” in a sentence as describing an action that hasn’t fully happened yet. It’s a matter of personal preference, but I believe characters should do what they must without being so hesitant all the time.
Example 1: Denise began to wonder if Brian was an alcoholic.
Denise wondered if Brian was an alcoholic.
Example 2: Denise turned on the faucet and began to wash the glasses.
Denise turned on the faucet and washed the dishes.
In example one, the second choice make a more direct impact on the action of the story. Since she is rationalizing internally the possibility of a friend’s alcoholism, it makes more sense for her to immediately think about it than to “begin to” think. In example two, however, the first sentence carries a better sense of realism. Denise has performed one action and prepares for a second action. Depending upon the pace of the story, though, either sentence would work. Sentence one works for a lingering scene at the sink, perhaps if Denise is carrying on a conversation with somebody in the kitchen. Sentence two may work if the pace is hurried up a bit to move onto more pressing issues.
Regardless of whether or not you include “begin to” or “began to” in your prose, I think it is wise to keep the usage to a minimum.
3) Companionable, Compatible Companions - This is a tricky one, so I’ll be brief here. Things may be “compatible” with each other, suggesting a type of harmony. A software program may be compatible with a PC or with a Macintosh. Compatible defines a perfect fit between two objects. Companionable, however, suggests a more human relationship, an harmonious companionship between two people.
I mention this due to a popular phrase I see in manuscripts: “compatible silence.” Denise and Brian ate dinner in compatible silence.
Or did they?
To read it with the proper definitions in mind, the phrase suggests two silences that go together. More than likely, the author is trying to convey a “companionable silence” between Denise and Brian, as they are companions and the silence emanating between them is neither awkward nor tense. They are merely two people who get along so well that there is no need to speak, and the silent harmony evokes a pleasant dinner atmosphere.
As fiction varies in style from author to author, one can argue for different rules pertaining to my above examples. When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus, or the proper style manual to make sure what you are trying to say is the correct way. The more you are able to polish your manuscript before submission, the less strenuous the editing process may be in the future.
Go green to save green…no doubt home owners have heard this phrase more than once. In this age of growing concern about the environment, we’re seeing more people take the time to make little adjustments to the way they live. Each step works toward preserving our natural resources and reducing our population’s collective carbon footprint.
If you are interested in applying “green” features to your home, know that the benefits extend beyond improving the health of the planet. Eco-friendly initiatives may also result in lower utility bills, and lessen the costs of daily living. What’s more, making the change is simple to do. Here are just a few ways you can gradually adjust to green living and make your home a cleaner and more environmentally sound place to live.
Cut down on dryer use: Whatever did we do without electric dryers? Ask your grandmother, and she’ll tell you her mother hung clothes out to dry. The next time you run a load of wash, set up a clothesline for your shirts, slacks, and dresses. The fresh air will dry clothes just as nicely without expending the energy a dryer does.
Unplug unused electronics when necessary: We are a gadget-driven community. The average person likely owns a laptop computer, base for recharging a cell phone, and other must-haves to get us through the day. When not used, some of these products can use up electricity while still plugged into the wall (check for tiny illuminated lights on your computer and other objects). Unplug them when not in use, and take several dollars a year off your bills.
Buy local: You might not realize it, but when you buy groceries you may contribute to the continued pollution of the planet. That’s because grocers have food shipped from all over the country, and that means gas, oil, and energy is expended to maximum levels. Next time you’re hungry, buy from local farmer’s markets instead. The more people shop where the food is actually grown, the greater the chance to reduce the travel.
Install renewable energy: Burning coal increases the volume of greenhouse gas emissions, whereas “cleaner” alternatives like wind and solar power harness natural energy and lower the impact of wasteful methods. If you are able to apply renewable energy to your home, consult with an expert to see what is involved.
Simple changes, when made to improve your home, can also help the environment. Try these tips today to make your home a greener, and less expensive, place to live.
Kathryn Lively freelances articles on Virginia Beach real estate, Norfolk condo rentals, and Virginia Beach web design.
Visitors to St. Augustine, Florida know that the oldest city in the country is definitely designed to accommodate foot traffic. Each year, thousands of visitors trek up and down historic St. George Street in the Old City to take in the Spanish architecture of civilizations past and to browse the many unique shops and points of interest. St. Augustine blends the noble culture of the past with a kitschy contemporary style that continues to attract people from all over the world. All that walking in the warm Florida sun, however, makes a person hungry!
With budgets tight these days, one must wonder if a Florida vacation is affordable. Indeed, St. Augustine offers many lodging options for travelers unable to shell out big bucks for a week at a tropical resort, and boasts a beautiful beach in addition to her historical attractions. Restaurants, too, are plentiful and provide a balanced taste of the city. What’s more, you can eat well here without emptying your wallet.
As locals might tell you, no trip to St. Augustine is complete without a stop for lunch at the Spanish Bakery in the Old City. For nearly three decades the Adelsperger family has baked up thousands of mouth-watering bread rolls and loaves, and ladled out an incredible picadillo style chili to anyone hungry for homemade Spanish cooking. Tucked behind the Whetstone candy shop, the Spanish Bakery is housed in a simple building near their active bakery, and are able to keep prices low so the whole family can enjoy lunch. Just get there early, the bakery only serves from 11 to 3.
In the mood for something spicy and unique? Just a short walk away from Whetstone’s is the Florida Cracker Café, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s not unusual to walk down St. George Street and see the outdoor patio bursting with people, enjoying a lunch of fried gator tail or a slice of tart key lime pie. The café also regularly schedules live music and offers coupons on their website so you save a bit of money on your trip.
If you’re jonesing for Florida seafood but aren’t able to spend too much, St. Augustine has an “oasis” for budget-restrained visitors: the Oasis Restaurant. Situated on A1A near the beaches and historical districts, the Oasis is famous for its fish sandwiches and delicious conch fritters. In season, the raw bar is open with fresh oysters and clams and shrimp, and as you enjoy lunch or dinner on the deck you’ll truly get a feel for the beach lifestyle.
For great meals at great prices, St. Augustine provides a number of flavorful dishes guaranteed to tempt the palate without teasing the bank account.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer specializing in articles on St. Augustine restaurants and the Outer Banks.
It’s no secret that Southern California is a festive place to visit, and thanks to a year-long calendar of warm weather it’s the perfect venue for hosting many annual outdoor festivals. Culinary events, family activities, and cultural exchanges enhance any trip to the SoCal region. The next time you plan to visit the greater Los Angeles or San Diego areas, keep an eye out for some of the fun family festivals taking place around the state. Here are just a few events you can look forward to.
Annual Festival of the Kite - Redondo Beach is probably the only place in America where you can tell somebody to “go fly a kite” and they won’t be insulted! For over three decades, kite enthusiasts have flocked to this southern California beach town to let the most colorful and beautiful kites float along the spring breeze. You can see the spectacle for yourself on the Redondo Beach pier every March and enter the many kite and yo-yo competitions on hand.
Cherry Blossom Festival - Once a popular festival in Pasadena, this celebration of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture now amazes enthusiasts in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. Sample authentic Oriental cuisine and take in the elegant and mysterious artwork of this ancient culture. Of course, the district is alive with beautiful, fragrant cherry blossoms that symbolize the grace and hope for understanding between our cultures.
Long Beach Crawfish Festival - Break out the big pots and get ready to chow down on the juiciest, most succulent crawfish on the west coast! This popular seafood festival adds a dash of Cajun flavor to Southern California. Enjoy live zydeco music, games, and of course a variety of great food. The annual crawfish festival is held in the late summer, usually around August.
Southern California Wine Festival - When you think of California wine, you may be inclined to crave a glass from the Napa Valley or regions north. Yet the lower half of the state yields quite a number of good vintages as well. Come down to Van Nuys in September and sample the fruits of SoCal’s harvest as well as wines from around the world.
From wine to seafood, kites in the fresh air to aromatic foliage, there is always something in Southern California to celebrate.
Kathryn Lively writes freelance travel articles for Southern California destinations and Virginia Beach web design companies.