Part II: Off to Cape May

After an absolutely beautiful trip through rural upstate New York, we eventually made our way to Cape May, New Jersey, but not before taking a photo op at the tip of Lake Cazenovia.

Lake Cazenovia

Despite having sunny skies for the entire 5-6 hour drive, our destination had thick fog upon our arrival.  While we were bummed at first (couldn't even see the ocean), the fog kind of grew on us because it gave the town a cool and moody appearance.

Foggy View From Our Patio

There's The Ocean! (Next Day)

We decided to take a walk around and grab some dinner.  Here's a couple foggy shots:

 The next day had some decent weather, so we started off early and saw all the major Cape May stops, but not before we had some delicious bagels (mine was chocolate chip with strawberry cream cheese....mmmm) here:

Our Breakfast Stop

Afterwards, we meandered through the ultra-quaint streets lined with Victorian houses painted in bright pastels:

Cape May Lighthouse in the Back

Cape May Lighthouse

After checking out the lighthouse, we stopped by a family-run winery called Hawk Haven and did some extensive tastings (to include some gourmet cheeses).  Our favorite ended up being the 2010 Barrel Chardonnay which had hints of kiwi, mango, lemon creme brulee.  They also had an amazing mixed red, called the 2009 Talon which had "aromas of blackberry, jammy flavor or rich, wild strawberry." Definitely a must visit if you're in Cape May.
http://www.hawkhavenvineyard.com/

While doing our tastings we overheard a few people talk about having just come from a brewery tasting.  There wasn't any brewery listed on the main tourist map, so we asked the winery for directions, which they happily provided.  Cape May Brewing Company was just a short drive away and apparently just opened in July 2011 (which may explain why it wasn't on any map).  Their "tasting room," was really just a hole-in-the-wall within a commercial strip.  It was non-descript and we certainly would not have found it without specific directions.  The sampling area was more akin to an auto shop with a large garage door open in the back where people were gathered for some freshly smoked pulled pork and chicken.  They had four beers to sample, including a honey porter (made with local Cape May honey) and a really nice IPA.  I love the growth of micro-brews in the U.S.  This brewery started off with two college friends who got together and did something they loved.  They use many local ingredients, including some hops grown on a nearby farm (for which they give their spent grain as chicken feed).
http://www.capemaybrewery.com/

The Pre-Trip Trip

After undergoing the hectic moving experience whilst getting our house ready for two friends who will be leasing while we're away, we decided to take one last U.S. trip before Germany.  After various Google searches and asking friends and colleagues, we settled on Mirbeau Inn and Spa at Skaneateles, New York followed by a trip to Cape May, New Jersey.  This place was quaint, relaxing, picturesque and everything we were looking for.  The 5 and a half hour drive from Baltimore was pretty scenic (despite the weather) and thus went fairly quickly.  

Our Trip Route

Part I:  Mirbeau and Skaneateles


Mirbeau is situated on the North tip of Skaneateles Lake (one of the famed "Finger Lakes"), which is apparently so clean that the nearby city of Syracuse uses the water unfiltered.  It's certainly the clearest lake we've ever seen...  It also has an unusual blue color to it.  

 

Here are some photos of what we have seen.  Be sure to check out the Photo Album tab for all our trip photos.

The shared, Monet-inspired pond and bridge

A lake shore park in the village of Skanealetes

 

The German Endeavor Begins

Lori and I have put together this blog in order to share our experiences with family and friends as we embark on our three year journey to Stuttgart, Germany.  We are living in a small village just south of the city.  While we will obviously explore as much of Germany as possible we also have a goal of visiting every European Union country (there are 27), plus Switzerland, Norway, Croatia, Vatican City, and the Ukraine.  We would also like to do at least five "bonus countries."  These may include, Russia, Tunisia, Israel, Cyprus, Morocco, etc.  It may be an ambitious goal, but we think it's definitely achievable!

Countries we have visited so far:


create your personalized map of europe or check out our Barcelona travel guide

Our trip actually begins with a "pre-trip" to Mirbeau Inn and Spa at Skaneateles, New York. However, before we were able to relax at this mini-paradise, we had to undergo the hectic moving experience whilst getting our house ready for two friends who will be leasing while we're away. We did more house and yard work in three days than we did in three years.  Things largely went off without a hitch and we only have a few more things left to do.

Now that we're at Mirbeau, we can finally relax and take in this amazingly French-inspired cottage inn as well as the nearby village of Skaneateles (See the "Trips" tab for details).

Tomorrow, we head off to Cape May, New Jersey to take in the Atlantic views and quaint town.