Rhode Island. Check!

It's true, I've been to some pretty cool places around the world. Every year I swear, "I'm gonna explore my own country more this year." Well, check off Rhode Island from my list! That's right, I finally made it to The Ocean State.

My Rhode Island visit was an unplanned, direct response of the crappy rainy, cold weather in Boston.We packed up the Ford F-150 rental truck and drove two hours to Newport, RI, home of "The Gilded Age Mansions."

Before we embarked on our "mansion hopping" we stopped at the Red Parrot. Still in search of the perfect Bloody Mary, we did NOT find it there...

Located along the water's edge are 11 historic "summer cottages" previously owned by tycoons such as Berwind and Vanderbilt. These summer estates are mansions...and while they cost "only" $1 million in the late 1800's that equals about $22 million by today's standards. We opted to take two tours: The Breakers--which is a MUST and The Elms. The tours come with audio headsets so you can go your own pace through the properties and listen to as little or as much information as you like. (And even sneak off for some alone time, if you wish)

After two tours, we were "all mansioned out" and decided to take a quick stroll along the Cliff Walk before indulging in a few adult beverages. The Cliff Walk was beautiful, with stunning views. But living in Hermosa Beach for nearly 5 years now (has it been THAT long?!) the views reminded me of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and I was less than wowed.

We were both in the mood of a wine bar and tapas...reminiscent of Bin 26 in Beacon Hill. We found sort of what we were looking for at Fluke's Wine Bar & Kitchen. The fire roasted octopus was great, the bacon wrapped dates filled with almonds were amazing. The Spanish Mencia was quite nice. However, the "crispy squid" should have been described as "your typical plain, boring breaded, fried calamari."

And what better way to end the evening than with hookah! Genie's Hookah Lounge was the perfect venue to wind down and talk about our adventure. Double -apple tobacco, apple tea...it was a little bit of Turkey....in Rhode Island.

It's Sunny in Boston. Really!

It's a great time to be in Boston. It's early June, it's in the 90's, and the Bruins are in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1972!

In between a week of rainy, cold weather, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in Boston was *the perfect day*....really. After waking up in a gorgeous room at the European boutique property Beacon Hill Hotel, having a yummy breakfast in the Bistro, we headed to the Public Gardens. I was all ready for my swan boat ride in my new salmon colored sundress (yes Erik, it's not pink, it's salmon!) The Gardens were in full bloom with colors everywhere. Even the famous statue of George was adorned with a colorful Bruins jersey. Now that's a photo you likely won't see again!

After that, it was a stroll along Newbury Street--"the Rodeo Drive" of Boston. They may have cool, trendy shoppes but they certainly need some help in the Bloody Mary category. I'm not even gonna mention the place that we had the first one--it was.so.terrible.

I spoke with Chef Rich at Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro, and he suggested we try Gargoyles, Highland Kitchen, or East Coast Grill for Bloody Mary's. I mean, how hard can it be to make them? This is my newest project...making the perfect Bloody Mary. Stay tuned....