Virginia

September 13, 2011 In Funny signs, Honda, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos, Virginia

day 11: around virginia

Announcements all around! Guess where I am headed?!

Surprise! I know that the winner by a landslide on the Honda Facebook poll page is the Statue of Liberty (so I will round out the trip and go there on my last day- next Monday) but I also thought; How fun would it be to go to all three voted on spots?! This is how I roll on my road trips. Why not?

So I made my way through Virginia today, snapping photos of random stuff, and mostly on back country roads:

I love how there are always chairs outside convenient stores in the country so regulars can sit and shoot the sh*t. Nightcrawlers for sale inside too. Score!

I found the Center of the Universe; Ashland, VA:

…and was reminded that Virginia is for Lovers:

I have love, Virginia has love, I love Honda, I’m loving life- it was a love-fest around the state today. Tomorrow it’s off to hit the beach. Coastal Carolina here I come!

***Total miles driven today, day 11: 142

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,745

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 20

September 13, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos, Virginia

day 10: chantilly, va to reston, va

To the Great Grapes, Wine, Art, and Food Festival I went today. Always interested in how people make a living and how new products are born, this giant sandwich busÂ The Yellow Submarine Sandwich Corp.Â caught my eye:

…so of course I asked Owner Clay if I could video tape him and ask a few questions:

I love his hat. What a total character Admiral Clay was. So genuine, that in itself made me want to buy sandwiches from him. (Which we did and they were fresh and delicious!) My favorite thing Clay said after the camera stopped rolling was that when people asked him why in the world he wanted to do what he does, he answers: “Where else can you look out and see five or six thousand smiling face?”

Amen to that and thanks Clay! It was nice to meet you and I will indeed look your daughter up in Chicago.

How fun would it be to have an old school bus as a food “truck”?

Meet Michael (left) and Max (right), the sandwich makers:

…of course fully Beatles branded to complete the Yellow Submarine package:

I continued to wander with the festival crowd:

…had a sip of apple dessert wine:

…and some rose’:

Erik (above left) was wandering and offered me a glass so I accepted. This was after I was already talking to Ken (left) about his fancy shirt he had on. (Robert Graham I learned.) Why not bring two strangers together with me to take a picture?Â (They happened to know common people by the way because turns out they were both Army guys) Good times with random strangers once again.

I met these friendly sisters of Ms. Lillian’s Original Sauce too:

Debbie, Mary and Pat have been in business about a year, making the secret recipe bbq sauce their Mom (Ms. Lillian of course) used to make:

These sisters were sweet and I could tell love working together. It made me miss my sister!

Who else was at this festival? The Whoopsies ladies! Meet Partners Berkeley and Marcia:

These two are the definition of sassy and fun, and oh what delicious whoopie pies. (The three of us might have an exciting announcement soon- so stay tuned for the love of chocolate!)

I enjoyed my time at the festival, but also had other things on my mind all day being it was September 11, so I wanted to wrap the day with an important message here:

Here’s to living the life you want to live and never being afraid to say I love you because you just never know…

***Total miles driven today, day 10: 41

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,603

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 16

September 9, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, Maine, Million Mile Joe, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Virginia

day 7: cape elizabeth, me to freeport, me to portland, me

I started my day in Cape Elizabeth:

…and then was off to Freeport for a dessert breakfast. (Hey, custard has milk in it, right? I think that’s a completely acceptable way to start the day!)

Off to Mainely Custard I went to take a peek behind the scenes of what keeps Owner Deb and her staff busy, and what keeps customers coming back for more. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store! I was one happy camper getting schooled:

I had a run at making a waffle cone and found out very quickly that I shouldn’t quit my day job. I am SO much better at eating the cones, rather than making them:

…so that’s just what I did, after I had it filled with chocolate malt custard and topped with my favorite of all time krunch kote:

(That’s Marcia Wiggins and I. She’s my new friend and whoopie pie extraordinaire. Talk about crack each other up! We have had way too much fun together these past two days. I think we may have been separated at birth.)

Thanks to “Super Scoopers” Katie and Hope, and Owner Deb for schooling me and being part of the Blue Lollipop Road Adventure!

The day turned sunny and gorgeous, a perfect backdrop for a trip back to the lighthouse I went for a run by this morning. Portland Head Light:

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? I know right- is that fake? Unbelievably gorgeous! That blue sky, the water crashing and the sound of the fog horn- I had to make a video:

(That’s F-R-E-E. I really can spell:)

I cannot say enough that if you have never been to New England in the summer or fall it is a must do for a road trip. Hop in the car and go live in that that brochure life for a week or two. (Yes, it really is all that charming and quaint.) Stop at the roadside farm stands. (Sweet corn, apples and honor boxes!) Talk to the local sitting next to you on that stool in the diner. (He’s lived at least 88 years and has some hilarious and intriguing stories!) Wander into that Mom-and Pop shop. (Handmade/homemade/fresh-made gifts rock!) Go for a bike ride down a country dirt road. (Relax without your crackberry for a few hours!) Take a hike in the woods.(Maybe even lay in a field for a few minutes!) Sound good? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Tomorrow is another day wandering about The Vacationland. Million Mile Joe and I will be hanging in a little over 24 hours. I’ve taken it easy on my fabulous loaned Civic thus far in the miles department (at only near 800 after 7 days, that is very low for me) so after I meet Joe, I might have to let you in on a little secret about how I am going to rack up some serious mileage before the end of this current journey. (Now is the time right? I have an uber economical hybrid!)

Hint: Stripes.

***Total miles driven today, day 7: 68

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 793

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 12

September 7, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, Maine, New Hampshire, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Virginia

day 5: portsmouth, nh to york, me to epsom, nh

Today was a bit of a catch up day. I went for a long run along the beach and around Portsmouth and did some trip planning for a surprise announcement I have coming. I hung out Â at a local coffee shop that was packed with regulars. (My favorite kind of people watching besides airports.) The weather was that fall coastal drizzly kind with a chill, so my original plan to sit outside on the patio got axed, and so did my hopes of having some beach time in York. Fortunately, it made a good excuse for me to drive around the coast. I crossed the bridge into Maine, and of course geeked out about crossing a state line:

I headed to Stonewall Kitchen:

…as you hear on my video I was thinking from all I read and heard, Stonewall Kitchen was going to be a paradise for someone like me to watch cooking demos, try some yummy foods, shop for a few specialty items, etc. The property was impeccably maintained, the company store and cafe’ were attractive, and certainly held that New England kitchen feel- but I am bummed to report that 1.) It turned out to pretty much be a touristy stop. 2.) They scolded me when I tried to take any photos. Otherwise I had a relaxing hour in the cafe’ on my laptop nibbling on my cinnamon sugar doughnut snack:

I had to try something while I was there! (They did have this dark chocolate sea salt carmel spread that I tried too. That was delicious!) The cinnamon doughnut was one of the specialty boxed mixes they sell for at-home baking. The doughnut was good enough to eat- but wasn’t near as tasty as the Blue Benn Diner or Apple Barn homemade cinnamon sugar ones I love. (Who am I, some kind of cinnamon doughnut connoisseur now?)

After Stonewall Kitchen I was off to York Beach to drive in the drizzle. Barely over the state line, and lobster-fest was on. Every mile there were oodles of restaurants, retail shops, and roadside shacks that had all things lobster related. I thought this one was funny:

I hit the first spot on my ocean stops for the day, York Harbor:

…then Lobster Cove:

The beach screamed of It’s the day after Labor Day Weekend. Closed shops, barely anyone on the beach or street, and that one lone paddle boarder.Â Beyond Lobster Cove was Cape Neddick/The “Nubble” Lighthouse:

(Hmmm…I think there might be a lighthouse theme brewing to this trip. I’ll keep you thinking…)

It was time for dinner and visit with a good friend from high school, who I mentioned before was an original member of the blue lollipop soccer crew from back in the Â day, so back over the border of NH I came. Tonight has been a special treat to see this friend again, meet her now husband (who I met as a boyfriend years ago) and her little boy. I have no idea how 13 years have passed with us not keeping in touch or seeing each other, but we agreed to never let that happen again. We have a natural hometown bond, but amplified from going through a time of great loss together that will never go away, so I was reminded of how much I have missed staying in touch. She had a great idea for an event blue lollipop inspired for next summer, that will bring together the rest of the old crew. (I guess you’ll have to keep following to see what it is!) It’s been a perfect night. There’s not much better than sitting on a couch with someone you’ve known for 25 years dishing on people you both know, filling each other in on life and what’s happened over the past 13 years, and going to bed too late.

I’d give up all chocolate, doughnuts, and any treat in the world to get time like tonight with special people. These times are the best treat to me. Thank you Kate Emma, Mike, Rowan and soon-to-be baby!

Tomorrow I am off to MAKE WHOOPIE! To Portland, Maine I go. This is guaranteed to be a wildly entertaining stop, and I can’t wait!

***Total miles driven today, day 5: 68

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 645

***TotalÂ blue lollipopsÂ gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 8

August 30, 2011 In Honda, Photos, Virginia

colorful preparations

There’s more to do besides work on my laptop for 10 hours a day in my lake side office to prep for this trip. Like making sure my toes are Blue Lollipop Road blue of course:

Last summer before driving to Alaska I painted my fingernails “Ogre The Top Blue” a Shrek inspired color:

(Thumbs up for that!) Maybe next year I’ll paint my face?

For this trip I chose “Sexy In The City” blue for my toes. (Who comes up with these names anyway?) Can I just say how fun it is to have an accidental flip-flop tan from walking around Chicago so much? Who knew living in a city would give me my first ever flip-flop tan.

On other trip prep news:

The suggestions have poured in and I have places from New York City, to Portland, South Carolina to New Hampshire. Baltimore to Philly, and Boston love has just come in too. Yeah! I’ve been advised on more noshing suggestions than sights or events so far. (Clearly road food is everyone’s favorite, and I don’t blame them.) Keep sending thoughts, opinions and ideas! I have quite a running tally. If only I could split myself in two…

There will be real-time voting happening throughout the trip along with some possible tag-along adventures and more surprises. If you are in the Northeast and think a house guest would be fun or would like to be a local tour guide- drop me a line. (Post a comment here, or shoot me an email; diane (@) bluelollipoproad.com) Everything is possible and there is oh so much fun to be had!

July 29, 2011 In De-lish, Food, People, Photos, Virginia

annual cheese and friend weekend? i like it

This weekend last year I was hanging out in Madison, Wisconsin with old friends who are my besties who never fail to crack me up:

We did things like wandered the biggest farmers market in the country:

…to participate in a classic Wisconsin cheese-fest fun, like trying fresh cheese curds:

(The squeaking totally freaked me out!)

…and fresh-baked spicy cheese bread:

Mmm…

We were essentially on repeat that whole weekend cracking up and eating a ton of cheese. Delish.Â Lucky me, I get to head to madison next weekend and do it all over again. Yeah! Who knew this girl would love the Midwest so much.

Ian’s Pizza~

Yes, I think I should see you annually too! You had me at Mac n’ cheese pizza…

May 8, 2011 In Argentina, India, Maine, North Carolina, People, Photos, Vermont, Virginia

thanks mom

Dear Mom,

Thank you for raising me in a beautiful, safe place where I could run and play:

Thank you for encouraging me to travel and explore:

Thank you for giving me 3 of the best siblings, who have turned into my best friends:

…so one of those siblings could give me a great nephew:

Thank you for telling me to go for it, and always follow my dreams:

Thank you for sharing doughnuts with me on our special breakfast dates:

Thank you for being my friend, and the one person who I know will love me with all of her heart forever:

You are the definition of what a mother should be. You are the reason I will always believe anything is possible. I am so, so, very lucky to be your daughter. I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.

April 15, 2011 In People, Photos, Virginia

barboursville wine, berkeley hotel, very happy guests

***(I am hoping Jason, Winemaker Luca from Barboursville, and all the wonderful staff at the Berkeley will forgive me for this severely delayed post.)

On March 24th during Virginia Wine Week, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Barboursville Vineyards Spring Wine Dinner in Downtown Richmond, VA at the Berkeley Hotel. The reception started at 6:30pm sharp and we were greeted by the friendly staff at The Berkeley, along with some delicious Barboursville 2010 Sauvignon Blanc:

To accompany this first wine, going with the local and Virginia theme were Rappahannok River Oysters on The Half Shell:

There were plenty of wine glasses lining the bar ready for a full evening of tasting:

…and Winemaker Luca Paschina cheerily greeted us and the rest of the guests. Meet Luca:

He could not have been more humble, warm, or genuine. It’s always refreshing when I meet someone so accomplished and talented who doesn’t have an ouce of ego.

After chatting with Luca and the Berkeley staff for a while as we sipped our Sauvignon Blanc, we were welcomed to the dinner table where we met the menu illustrating the 4 courses we were about to indulge in:

Can I just note here how much I love a long dinner, with a group of people who appreciate the art of food and drink? I am a true believer in feasting with good company, no one checking cell phones or watches, but simply engaging in interesting conversation and all laughing together fully appreciating the moment. No matter what state, country, time, place- this is my idea of a perfect night.

The first course; 2010 Barboursville Pinot Grigio with tuna tartare over arugula salad with toast points:

The fresh-made puff pastry and arugula with dressing on this course was absolutely to die for.

The second course of grilled mushroom stuffed with mushroom risotto and white truffle oil came beautifully decorated and included 2008 Barboursville Barbera:

They had me at white truffle oil!

Course three was braised beef cheeks over herb scented polenta served with Barboursville Ninth and Tenth Edition Octagon:

I may have actually licked the plate after this one. I think my “I am a vegetarian” thing might be getting old at this point. I’m fairly regularly consuming dishes like this- the one’s that are prepared to perfection and I’m simply not able to hold my veggie only willpower. (I think I’m Ok with that actually.)

Each wine was paired impeccably with the first three courses, but I have to say, my favorite was the last; Bubbly. Ahhh…

To finish up the evenings feast, we were served Babroursville Brut NV with two local Virginia cheeses, one California, One French and three local Virginia honeys:

Cheese, honey, bubbles and the privilege of sitting next to Winemaker Luca while I dined? I’m still smiling. Cheers to that!

After working in Napa last fall, it was a special treat to get an invite to this dinner and sit next to the chef of grapes, Luca, as I often miss that Napa lifestyle and conversation. I asked Luca loads of questions which he was happy to answer. All in all it was a fantastic night that could not have left us all more stuffed or satisfied.

If you live in, or visit Virginia, add Barboursville Vineyards and The Berkeley Hotel to your list of must experience places.

Many thanks to Jason and Luca from Barboursville and all The Berkeley Hotel staff for the invite an accommodation. I’ll be back for more!

March 27, 2011 In Honda, Photos, Virginia

yep, that’s snow on my car…

…this morning, in Virginia, and it’s almost April.

Blech!

Someone send me to the tropics!

March 24, 2011 In Photos, Virginia

dear secco~

You rocked my late-afternoon Monday lunch world:

Thanks!

Fried chickpeas? I don’t even like chickpeas and I could eat these things by the bucket full.

Good food is pretty much the best thing ever.