Home Place: NY Day Trip

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Day Trip to Port Jefferson from Connecticut on the Bridgeport Ferry

Recently, on what was likely the hottest day of the summer, my friends and I decided to take our annual summer day trip. We like to call ourselves Thelma, Louise, & Louise...but don't worry. No lives were lost - we're a little more low key.

This year, we decided to to take the Bridgeport Ferry to Port Jefferson, New York.

Day trip to Port Jefferson New York on the Bridgeport Ferry

We compromised on our departure time, we originally thought if we left super-early, we'd arrive in the cool morning hours...but after some thought, we realized we'd arrive there, only to find that nothing was open!

We decided on the 8:30 ferry, departing from Bridgeport, CT. Ferry service runs hourly, on the half-hour. The 2013 prices for a round-trip ticket for a "foot" passenger (no car) is $27.00 ($19.00 for a senior citizen round trip). You can also bring a car over, reservations required, for $54.00 each way (includes driver). There are also week-day specials of $74.00 with car (reservations required) and passengers. Costs may differ according to the size of your vehicle. Check their website for rates HERE.

There is free parking a few blocks from the ferry itself. Note there are two lots, a smaller one, closer to the ferry entrance, and a larger one a few blocks away. We first parked at the large one, and were concerned that there were no other cars there, drove a little closer, and discovered the other lot. The large lot is more of an "overflow" after the smaller one fills early in the morning. There is shuttle service that will drop you directly at the ferry from both parking areas.

clockwise from left, parking information, shuttle van, Bridgeport Ferry Center

And off we went!
Tickets are purchased on board - and when traveling with your car, even if you've already paid online, you still need to check in at the ticket office when you board. When you disembark, your tickets are collected.

Bridgeport Ferry to Port Jefferson

The ferry ride over is just over an hour and it was a beautiful morning. The sun was shimmering and reflecting off the water, and outside on the upper deck the ship's breeze was refreshing.

Bridgeport Ferry Ride to Port Jefferson - Morning Sun

As soon as we arrived, we got our bearings and walked around admiring the beautiful architecture, gardens, flowers, and scenery.

We stopped for a hazelnut iced latte and a mid-morning hydration (it was soooo hot out) at the Messina Market. It was just the pick me up I needed to start looking through some of the quaint little New England shoppes!

Messina Market - Hazelnut Iced Coffee / Latte

We found some cute little stores, but were surprised that many weren't open. It was a Friday in July...so we weren't sure why. But for the stores that were open, there are some great finds to be found...

Don't you just love all the nautical themed merchandise, the jewelry, the driftwood items, and white washed furniture? I just love the beach cottage look! Someday it will all go in my little dream cottage on the beach. Biggest shopping regret of the day? Not buying those starfish earrings and necklace pictured above from the Kismet Boutique!

Sightseeing in Port Jefferson NY

Then we headed over to the Gourmet Burger Bistro to have some lunch. I know, I know, you're wondering why we're in a seaport and having burgers! Well my pal Thelma doesn't care much for seafood, so were were looking for a restaurant that had a good burger menu, and this looked like the place.

Gourmet Burger Bistro "GBB" - Port Jefferson NY

SCORE! I have to honestly say that we had the best burgers ever, and I've already promised the cowboy a return trip with me, just so he can see for himself! I ordered the GBB Mini's pictured above, and it was all I could do to finish them! So good and I can't wait to return with the cowboy so we can do a food review! YUM!!! Here's a link to the GBB Menu: http://www.gourmetburgerbistro.net/files/55837847.pdf

All in all we had a wonderful day! - BUT....

The skies opened up, and I do mean opened up, just as we were heading to the 3:00pm ferry returning to Bridgeport.

Raining in Port Jefferson NY

We got drenched! The good thing? By the time the ship set out to return to Bridgeport, the sun was out again and the warm sea breeze dried us off!

If you have the chance - take the Bridgeport ferry trip to Port Jefferson!

It's a fun and relaxing day!

Enjoy!

Have you been to Port Jefferson?

Did you have a shopping regret?

(Gosh - I just realized I didn't buy ANYTHING)

Where did you stop for lunch?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Big thanks to my traveling buddies for letting me use their photos! My laptop that holds my photos is not feeling well. Please hope it's not anything serious. But I'll post a link to all my pictures when I can! Thanks for patience.

UPDATE: Link to the Port Jeff pictures on Home Place HERE

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Saratoga Race Course - with America's Best Racing

This month we were invited by the folks at America's Best Racing to visit the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. This was such a wonderful event, not just because of the horse races, but also because the historic Saratoga Race Course is celebrating 150 years of horse racing.

And, of course, I'm a girl who loves tradition, and what could be better than 150 years of horse racing tradition! (#Saratoga150).

Traveling from Connecticut, we took CT's I-91 to the Massachusetts Pike to the New York Thruway, right through the beautiful, scenic Berkshire Mountains. It took a little over 3 hours, with a few short stops to stretch our legs. Not a bad drive at all. We left home about 8am and arrived at the course about 11:45.

The New York Thruway through the Berkshires

There's plenty of parking in the area, with private lots that charge $5.00 to $10.00. And there's even a lot that provides free general parking, however, we chose a lot that cost $5.00 because it was directly across from our entrance. The $10.00 lot is trackside, adjacent to the course. Of course, price is dependent on proximity.

Admission is so affordable! It's only $3.00 for general grandstand admission and $5.00 for the clubhouse admission.

The brand ambassadors from America's Best Racing couldn't have been nicer! I was lucky enough to team up with them for this great afternoon of lunch and cocktails in the clubhouse, and a behind the scenes tour of the Saratoga Race Track. A great big thank you to Chip McGaughey who invited me, as well as the great hospitality from John Cox, Jose Contreros and everyone else at America's Best Racing who were such wonderful and gracious hosts.

America's Best Racing

Because it was my first time there, these patient gentlemen and their female counterparts took me under their wing, and made sure we were situated with all the information we needed to enjoy a fun day at the track!

We started with the buffet lunch ($35.00) in the clubhouse, which consisted of a variety of choices from a well-stocked salad bar, and pasta, fish, chicken, and beef stations. We kept it healthy, with portioned protein and lots of salad and fruit!

Buffet at the Clubhouse Saratoga Race Course

Buffet Stations at the Club House at the Saratoga Race Course

And while everyone was looking over the racing form...I decided to concentrate on a nice glass of Riesling from the Carousel Bar.

The Carousel Bar at Saratoga Race Course

Then the fun began - we placed our wagers on each race...sometimes winning! Sometimes losing! My best race was winning with the #7 horse, "In Trouble", in the 6th Race. But all in all it was fun. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, my mom always said!

Wagers - you win some - you lose some!

We also had passes to visit the paddock and the jockey room! What a wonderful opportunity to see the horses, up close. They are truly absolutely magnificent!

The Paddock at Saratoga Race Course

Here's what you should know when visiting the race track. Dress is casual but there are plenty who dress to the nines. Women are typically in dresses, and some in hats, and men are in collared shirts and trousers. While shorts and denim are worn by some, they aren't allowed in some of the more exclusive areas. There are some areas that require a jacket be worn by gentlemen. Check the Saratoga Race Course information area for details here: http://www.nyra.com/saratoga/information/

There are grounds inside the track where you are allowed to bring in lawn chairs and coolers, etc. Please note ==> NO GLASS items are allowed. So, if you're looking to save some dollars to put towards your wagering, pack a picnic lunch, some chairs, and a couple of cans of beer or soda, and have a picnic outside!
Here's some candids from around the course.

The Saratoga Race Course Candids

There is a true sense of festivity in the air at Saratoga Race Course. Vendors, crafts, music, and loads of entertainment for every age. Truly something for everyone!