WEST HARTFORD, CT

One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to visit new places and explore.  West Hartford, CT is a charming New England village just outside the state capital.  

It is filled with historic sites and is home to The Noah Webster House.  Named for the famous Blue Back Speller, Blue Back Square is home to national restaurant chains such as Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks as well as a movie theater. And of course, there is a Whole Foods.

The real charm is West Hartford Center.  It is the perfect destination for a stroll with its tree-lined, brick sidewalks and variety of shops and restaurants.  On my first visit, I had a delicious falafel from Sam's Gyro.  With a full belly, I wandered the streets popping in and out great shops such as BK & Co, LUX Boutique and amazing consignment at 2nd Time Around.

With a Bella Bridesmaids right on Farmington Avenue, this would be such a great destination for a bridal party excursion with all the great restaurants to choose from for lunch and the option of spending the day at Elizabeth Grady or FaceRx for a little pampering.  

The restaurants options are fantastic.  You will be drawn into Arugula from the street as their food smells so amazing, you will hardly notice their inviting atmosphere.  For a bird's eye view of all the action, head on over to The Elbow Room and ask to be seated on their rooftop.  For something casual, there is McLadden's and it's a good thing they have such an extensive list of craft beers as you may need a few minutes to peruse their menu.  It's definitely not your typical Irish pub.  Outdoor dining at Grant's and Treva are the perfect way to spend an evening people watching and enjoying the charm. 

WILLIAMSBURG BROOKLYN

There are certainly better guides to this neighborhood, however this is my brief summary.  Follow the links and I am sure you will be able to discover even more great stuff.

This is a part of Brooklyn which was populated by artists, then by hipsters and now is home to all who can afford the real estate.  The industrial waterfront area was re-zoned by the city to allow for residential development during the Bloomberg era.  The resulting changes brought an influx of affluent new residents who were drawn to the area for its arts, music and food scene.

The arts scene is still active, but the days of artists squatting in abandoned buildings is over.  I happen to love all the great street art you encounter as you walk the streets.  There is an installation by Mr. Brainwash which was done recently, but features a lot of the historic icons.

Probably the most iconic historic landmark is The Williamsburg Bridge with its own list of fun facts.  The Domino Sugar Factory is no longer in use and thanks in large part to the Municipal Art Society it will not be demolished in favor of a shiny new tower.  Before the groundbreaking on the new construction, it did house a provocative art installation. 

At one point, The McCarren Park Pool was home to a great music scene.  After the pool was renovated, the concerts moved to the waterfront.  I am pretty sure The Northside Festival is now an annual event.  A few of the classic venues have closed, but you can still get live music at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, St. Mazie and the Brooklyn outpost of The Knitting Factory. For guitarists, check out Southside Guitars.  All musicians should enjoy browsing at Main Drag.  And if you love vinyl, head on over to Earwax Records. 

We have now come to my favorite topics - food and dive bars.  

Let's start with food and my favorite go-to spots right off the Bedford Ave stop on the L Train.  Only have $5 in your pocket? You're all good for falafel at Oasis.  It is Brooklyn so you know there will be good pizza.  And with the influence of the hipsters, you can find locally-sourced Mexican. There used to be a great Vietnamese sandwich shop, but I am afraid it closed.  My love of great food and back-garden-dining is definitely satisfied at Acqua Santa.

Ah, dive bars.  Maybe all these are not technically dives, but they are not swanky. Get your drink on! My friends live very close to this place and it always proves to be just as expected.  Apparently, this is where the Pickleback was invented. And there is always The Turkey's Nest offering as much class as its name implies. 

Back to food.  Williamsburg has a rich heritage of Italian and Polish immigrants.  If you are craving old school Italian, Bamonte's should be on your list.  And if you just want a good slice, Best Pizza can hook you up.  All the Italian heritage comes together annually at The Giglio Fest. If you have had your fill of pasta, you should try Kasia's or  for Polish fare. 

And no trip to Williamsburg would be complete without a stop at Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn Brewery or Brooklyn Winery.  

CONEY ISLAND

While it is not actually an island, Coney Island is a great ocean front city.  It's a bit like a gigantic fun house.  If you are in the mood for ridiculousness, this is the pace to visit!

Summer kicks off with The Mermaid Parade.  Bring your camera and enjoy the costumes from both participants and parade watchers, alike!  Be warned, partial nudity is allowed.  It is the event of the year for the arts community, but if you miss the parade there are other chances to enjoy the fun and frivolity.  

Each year on the Fourth of July, Nathan's hosts its annual hot dog eating contest.  I must admit, I was there the year the Joey Chestnut took the title from Kobayashi.  It's so popular that there is a whole organization dedicated to competitive eating.  

What goes better with hot dogs than baseball?  Catch a game at the home of The Brooklyn Cyclones.  The minor league team is affiliated with The NY Mets.  And the ticket prices won't break the budget!

The baseball team took its name from the famous roller coaster.  And since no beach is complete without an amusement park, they have that covered with Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel. Yes, there are two.

The boardwalk is booming!  You must stop into Tom's for an egg cream and some classic diner eats.  If a hot day in the sun has you longing for a beer, pop into Ruby's for a cold one.  

And don't let me forget to mention the beach.  It's part of the NYC Parks System so there are no fees.  And there is a long stretch of beach to enjoy!

FINANCIAL DISTRICT NYC

When friends come to the city to visit, I am often asked for recommendations on things to do or places to visit.  Here are a few suggestions and tips for The Financial District.  

The Alliance for Downtown NY is probably the best resource for all things FiDi.  Their website lists everything from museums to restaurants.  

Battery Park is filled with waterfront activities and the park itself has had recent renovations and restoration of pier areas.  For some history, visit Castle Clinton, catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or wander through the Irish Hunger Memorial.  Take in the views over dinner at Gigino's at Wagner Park, check out the scene at Danny Meyer's North End Grill, get your seafood fix at Harborhouse at Pier A or head to the rooftop at The Conrad to try their popsicle cocktails.

If you are looking for a steakhouse, there are many options to choose from.  There is the historic, Delmonico's.  Or, you can dine in a bank vault at Bobby Van's.  And we cannot leave out Harry's at Hanover Square for its culinary and literary fame.

There are also a great number of museums to visit.  Fraunces Tavern, Anne Frank Center, Museum of American Finance, The Skyscraper Museum and The South Street Seaport Museum. When visiting The National September 11th Memorial and Museum, you may also want to be sure to visit the observatory at One World Trade Center.  

For a more casual scene, head on over to Stone Street for a great variety of restaurants with the street closed to the public and plenty of seasonal outdoor seating.  A great spot for breakfast, a light lunch or pastries is The Financier.  Beckett's and The Stone Street Tavern are classic pub fare.  And the calories are definite worth it at Adrienne's Pizza Bar. 

The South Street Seaport is also loaded with things to do.  There are shops and restaurants along the cobblestone streets.  You can also depart for a boat tour of the harbor. The waterfront park stretching along the pier has had recent renovations and additions.  One of my favorite places is Cowgirl Seahorse for a good margarita and some Mexican food.