For the last few weeks, I’ve been hearing a lot about Port City Brewing Company. They recently earned the national title of Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival in Denver. They beat out the other 517 breweries in the small brewery category. 
We were welcomed by a friendly, good looking bartender who explained how the flights worked: $12 for six tickets and an extensive taster menu:;
Tidings Ale ended up being my favorite one. It’s a Belgian Strong Blond and has honey, ginger, cardamom and coriander. I mostly tasted the ginger – mild and very refreshing. 
Every Friday night, the Borinquen Lunch Box food truck parks out front from 5:30 to 9 pm. DELICIOUS! I had the arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones (fried plantains) and a vegetarian empanada. John devoured his Cubano sandwich. If you’re looking for some authentic Puerto Rican food, I highly recommend stopping by for a bite (or take away). 
This was the first of many visits – I’ll definitely be checking out Trivia Night but will pass on science fiction night. I’ll wait for history trivia. There’s also Beer Yoga and Comedy Night.
Port City Brewing Company is located at 3950 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria. Give it a taste…
Posted in Travels, United States, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Alexandria, Beer, Borinquen, Brewery, Port City Brewing Co, Puerto Rican Food, Travel, Trivia Night, Virginia | 6 Comments »
The marker is located at SE corner of S 3rd Street & Chancellor Street (Thomas Paine Place)
During my recent visit to Philadelphia, I came across the area where, on this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published his 47-page pamphlet “Common Sense“. He sold 500,000 copies which influenced both the political leaders and average colonists in uniting toward a common goal of independence.
The building is no longer there but I was thrilled to see the site where one of the most important documents of the Revolution was produced. “Common Sense” was definitely a game-changer. He wrote:
Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. Hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.”
It’s fascinating to me how quickly Paine became a supporter of American Independence. While he was still living in England, he met Ben Franklin who happened to be at a debate in which Paine was impressing everyone in the audience. It was Franklin who encouraged him to immigrate to Philadelphia in 1774 and within two years he wrote “Common Sense”. After writing his pamphlet, he served in the US Army and with the Committee of Foreign Affairs. He returned to England in 1787, where he bravely continued to write in favor of Independence. He wrote “The Rights of Man” in which he supported the French Revolution. Because he was targeted as an anti-monarchist, he fled to France but was arrested in 1793 for not supporting the beheading of Louis XVI. Thomas Paine was scheduled to be executed himself, but thanks to the efforts of James Madison (who was serving as US minister to France), he was released in 1794. He remained in France until 1802. By invitation of Thomas Jefferson, he returned to the United States and died in 1809 in New York.
Although Thomas Paine was British, to me he was the epitome of an American. To be an American, I think less of where a person was born and more about their state of mind. He was courageous, opinionated, and envisioned what could be, not what was. He also had a positive long-term outlook which I admire. And what an exciting life he led.
Posted in Pennsylvania, Travels, United States, US, USA | Tagged American, Common Sense, history, Independence, Philadelphia, Revolution, Thomas Paine, United States | 8 Comments »
While the construction crew building the Hotel Indigo dug deep, the remains of an 18th century ship’s fifty-foot hull was unearthed at 220 South Union Street in Old Town, Alexandria.
It had been scuttled sometime in the late 1700s when the town used it as part of the landfill for the waterfront which was extended out to a deeper part the Potomac River. The new waterfront allowed Alexandria to become a thriving international port. 
In photo: Before the landfill (late 1700s), the waterline went to where the crane is located.
3-D laser scanning, photographs and measurements have been completed and now the ship is being dismantled so it can be moved to a wet environment for further study and hopefully conservation. 
For more information about this and other discoveries in Old Town, go to: Alexandria Archaeology Museum which is located in the Torpedo Factory on King Street.
When they announced the area would be open to the public for two hours, I was hoping to get onto the construction site for a closer look but it was not to be.
Posted in Travels, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Alexandria, Archaeology, history, Old Town, Ships, Virginia | 8 Comments »
…has been going on for fourteen years, ever since I first walked into the wonderfully aromatic Lush store in Ljubljana. Unable to read Slovenian, I had no idea what I was buying but they did have a few words in English such as “natural ingredients” and “handmade” so I took a chance. After one use, I became a big fan and there are usually 3-4 jars sitting on my bathroom counter at any given time. 
As I was going through photos (an ongoing project), I noticed Lush stores have been a big part of my travels. Anytime we traveled with friends or family we would drag them into a Lush store. Stores didn’t open in the US until the late 2000s so it was a novelty.
With sister-in-law and niece in Ljubljana (2004)
Lush in Ljubljana with a good friend (2005)
Lush in Quebec City (2009)
Lush in Amsterdam (2004)
Lush in Ottawa (2007)
Besides the fabulous products which makes my skin feel wonderful, the company is environmentally forward thinking, no animal testing and ethically source their ingredients. They are 100% vegetarian with most being vegan. All their packaging is recycled, recyclable and biodegradable. Lush products don’t contain microbeads which were recently banned in the US by President Obama’s executive order. 
Every container has an employee’s sticker with their likeness and name. Makes me think it must be a fun place to work.
At the spa – so lovely.
Recently my daughter requested a Lush spa treatment as a reward for a stellar report card. There are only two spa locations in the United States: New York City and Philadelphia. It was a great excuse to return to Philly for a visit. The spa offers several different themed treatments ~ my daughter got the Validation and loved it. They want it to be an external (glowing and vibrant skin) and internal (relaxing) experience. The estheticians at all Lush spas have been trained at the headquarters in the UK so you can expect consistently fabulous facials at anyone of them. Before the facial begins, you will be taken into the store to handpick your preferred products to be used during the facial.
This is my personal opinion: I don’t know anyone at Lush nor have I received any monetary or product payment for this review. Although I’m sure my husband wishes I did. Just a big fan.
Posted in Philadelphia, Slovenia, Travels | Tagged Lush, Philadelphia, Skincare, Slovenia, Spa, Vegan, Vegetarian | 13 Comments »
We decided to take advantage of the record-breaking warm temperatures this winter and go on a hike to celebrate the last day of 2015. 
At the top of Buzzard Rock
Located in the George Washington National Forest , just west of Shenandoah National Park, is the Buzzard Rock trailhead. It’s just outside Front Royal and the address is 3087-3189 Mountain Road/Route 629. Parking is limited (if it’s full, see the link at the end of this post for larger parking areas). The drive from Washington DC takes about an hour and a half. 
The 1.5 mile trail is marked with white spray paint on either a tree or rock along the path. At the beginning, the terrain is rolling and gentle with a sprinkling of small creeks and a campground area. As you approach the top, the hike becomes steeper and rockier. 
Beautiful stream
My daughter jumping across the stream
For all the biology enthusiasts: lots of lichen along the trail. My favorite is the blaze orange… 
Looking out toward the Front Royal Fish Hatchery and Passage Creek.
Note the white marking on the tree on the right. Good thing there are marks because some areas become a bit rocky. 
At Buzzard Rock
The views are lovely, even in the winter. I’ll be back to see the scenery in spring and autumn…
A quick comment on hiking etiquette: Most hikers we saw, greeted us with a “hi” or “hey”. But almost all of them didn’t realize hikers coming down should yield to hikers going up. Also, hike quietly ~ there was one woman speaking loudly into her cell phone as she walked down the hill (not stopping for us as we were ascending) and her partner gave us an embarrassed shrug.
If you decide to go, you can get detailed information, maps and how many calories you burn on the hike: here.
Posted in Hiking, Photography, Travels, Virginia, Washington DC | Tagged Buzzard Rock, DC, hiking, Virginia | 10 Comments »
The drive from Washington DC to Philadelphia is under three hours which makes it perfect for a weekend or even a quick overnight getaway.
What I like best about Philadelphia is all the history you’ll find around every corner. It reminds me of Boston but with a little more grit. 
Visiting with Ben Franklin at UPenn
A whole lot of LOVE on the Penn campus 
I especially like the way the cobblestone was preserved – still there but not cumbersome. 
There are historic information signs everywhere explaining the importance of a building or area. A nice refresher of my Revolutionary knowledge. 
Betsy Ross House
Ben Franklin’s gravesite – I thought the pennies were a nice touch. Didn’t see any $100 bills…
A building reflected within a building.
Christmas tree at City Hall.
XOXO photo opportunity.
There’s a lot about Ben Franklin in Philadelphia and I was happy to finally see George Washington as well.
Since I have more time than money these days, I scowered the Internet (specifically Tripadvisor) for hotel deals in central Philly. The best deal was a Sunday night stay at the Hotel Monaco (Kimpton).
For a history buff, it’s perfectly located next to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The hotel is trendy without trying too hard and I appreciated the cheery welcome upon arrival. We walked to most historic sites, restaurants and shops but did catch a cab when we came back from the Theater. We weren’t planning to see “The Book of Mormon” but discounted tickets were available and the seventh row seats were hard to pass up.
After reading the reviews, I splurged and paid a little extra for a room with a view. It was definitely worth it: 
Looking out to Independence Hall
A very comfortable room with fun amenities like a kite – a nod to Ben Franklin!
Posted in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia | Tagged history, hotel monaco, Philadelphia, Photography, Travel | 4 Comments »
In 1669, Scottish immigrant John Alexander purchased a tract of land which would become the town of Alexandria in 1749. The men who eventually settled the town were also of Scottish descent and so it is only fitting that Old Town (Alexandria) celebrates its Scottish heritage with a wonderful Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend every first weekend in December.
This year’s celebrations include a parade on Saturday, 5 Dec at 11:00 am. The parade features:
Santa on parade
Men in Kilts
Men in Kilts with Dogs
…more dogs
and even more dogs…
There’re a lot more going on for the Scottish Walk Weekend than just the parade. Click here for more details. All proceeds from the events go to the Campagna Center’s core programs that help children and families.
If you’re coming to the parade with younger children, I recommend going to the starting point by 10:30 so you can see Santa and all the other participants getting ready for the parade. You might even be able to snag a photo with Santa.
The parade route will be:
Posted in Dogs, US, Virginia | Tagged "Scottish Christmas Walk", Alexandria, dogs, Kilts, Parade, Virginia | 6 Comments »
Although I get strange looks when I mention I enjoy visiting historic cemeteries, it doesn’t deter me checking them out. They are interesting and peaceful. Recently I left busy M Street, with all its hustle and bustle of Georgetown’s shops and restaurants, and walked eight blocks up to Oak Hill Cemetery located at 30th and R Streets.
Oak Hill Cemetery was founded in 1849 through an Act of Congress and by Mr. W.W. Corcoran donating the land for the cemetery. Corcoran was a banker and philanthropist who also created the original Corcoran Gallery (now known as the Renwick Gallery).
The Gatehouse and Gothic Revival styled Chapel were designed by James Renwick in 1850. Renwick also designed the Smithsonian Castle building and St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Having visited Congressional Cemetery last August when they had visiting goats, I prefer the grounds at Oak Hill. The hilly, twenty four acres overlooking the Rock Creek are beautiful with mature trees, lots of plants and trails throughout the area.
My favorite thing to do when reading the headstone, besides finding an unusual name, is reading the dates and putting the life of the person into perspective as to what was going on at that time in history.
Here are a few photos from my outing:
Oak Hill Chapel designed by James Renwick.
Side view of the Oak Hill Chapel
Beautiful Fall foliage and blue skies
There are trails throughout the cemetery so you won’t be stepping on any graves.
Oak Hill Cemetery Gatehouse ~ designed by James Renwick
Original Bell at the Oak Hill Cemetery
The fallen leaves throughout the Garden cemetery
I found a “Giving Tree” stump
Oak Hill Cemetery’s Welcome and Rules
Pumpkins in Georgetown
Sweet Bulldog Statue
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Georgetown
Walking the leafy streets of Georgetown
The cemetery overlooks Rock Creek and the Rock Creek parkway.
For more information, click here.
Posted in Photography, Travels, USA, Washington DC | Tagged Georgetown, Oak Hill Cemetery, Pumpkins, Washington DC | 14 Comments »
Flowers and well wishes from around the world at the French Embassy in Washington DC
I’m well aware of the horrific terrorist attacks around the world including Kenya, Nigeria, Beirut, Bangladesh (bloggers being murdered for not being Muslim enough) and many more. If I wrote about every attack around the world, Displaced Beachbums would cease to be about travel. But Paris and all of France has a special place in my heart.
As an American, the French are our oldest ally ~ beginning with Lafayette and the help of the French during our revolution. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many times and also know someone who lives in central Paris. It’s personal to me. The French inspire me with their love of life, the physical beauty of their country, their history, their delicious wine, desserts and even their “confident” attitude.
My biggest fear is we will let Daesh (and other fanatics) change the way we live. When I say I’m “Praying for Paris”, I’m praying not only for those affected by the recent attack, but for the defeat of the darkness which has been allowed to permeate around the world.
Recently I’ve been attempting to reorganize the thousands of photos I’ve taken over the last ten years. In light of what’s happening in Paris, I made a quick visit to the French Embassy in DC yesterday and then decided I would concentrate on my France photos. Below are a few photos of my visits to Paris:
Looking up to the Eiffel Tower
Obelisk of Luxor, Paris, France
Enjoying a smoke break in Paris
Beautiful relief on the Arc de Triomphe, Paris France
Looking out to the Seine from the Eiffel Tower
Another view from the Eiffel Tower
Paris has so many gorgeous statues ~ an outdoor museum
Music Academy in Paris, France
An Angel overlooking Paris
A favorite pastime in Paris ~ lingering over coffee, tea and pastries at an open air cafe.
American Soldier Statue in Paris
Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
and then here’s a real throwback to 2004…
My husband and daughter at the end of the 2004 Paris Marathon
Posted in Paris, Photography, Travel | Tagged France, French Embassy, Marathon, Paris, Place de la Concorde | 18 Comments »
With a Croatian Cheesemonger
When I travel, I love being able to chat with locals. My favorite Croatian encounter was with a cheesemonger at a rest stop on our drive back to Slovenia. She told us about the beautiful National Parks in the area and about her cheese/honey she was selling. When I asked her if she’d ever been to the states, she replied “No, but I LOVE Miami ~ CSI.”
I’ve been asked for more details about our brief visit to Split:
- Accommodations: Hotel Slavija €156.00 per night for a two bedroom, one bath, a balcony and breakfast for three. There’s also a €1.20 per per person per stay charge. We loved the central location of the hotel and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff.
- Tour of Diocletian’s Palace (highly recommended) €20 per person. Our tour was approximately two hours and we were the only ones on the tour. There’s a max of 6 people for any of the tours unless you book as a group. Book in advance through the Hotel Slavija (don’t need to stay there). All guides are licensed and Mirjana was fabulous! To book, email info@hotelslavija.hr
- The beaches are rocky ~ water shoes are a must. We didn’t have any and ended up walking in with our flip-flops. Comical!
- We took an afternoon boat trip to Trogir (UNESCO protected) and to Blue Lagoon (a swim/beach area). There are lots of options and also sailboats which would make the trip less bouncy. The tour companies are lined up along the harbor so you can check out which trip will suit you best. The Hotel Slavija staff can also book trips for you.
- Driving to Split from Slovenia was easy although we did get caught in summer traffic on the way there. And keep your passport handy for the border crossing. Tolls could be paid in euros or kunas. We saw license plates from almost every EU countries and even some Non EU countries. My advice is to travel early in the day. It made a big difference on the way back to Slovenia. Once we got to Split, we parked the car and didn’t use it until we left. The hotel is in a pedestrian only area but they provided detailed instructions on where to unload our bags and then where long-term parking was (we chose the bus terminal parking).
- Learn a few phrases in Croatian ~ it goes a long way with the locals. My daughter was so impressed that I spoke only in Croatian on the way out of the pay parking area. It was only FOUR words: Dobar Dan (Hello), Koliko? (How much?) Hvala (Thank You) but it was fun to give the language a try, limited as it was. His response to my “how much?” was “deset” which sounded a lot like diez in Spanish so it was a lucky guess when I handed him 10kn. It was fun to give the language a try and we were all smiles as we left the parking lot (the attendant included).
- Usually, I prefer to recommend rather than warn against but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our dinner at Tavern Favola. Don’t go. It’s tempting because it has a stellar location just outside the palace gates in a lovely courtyard. Unfortunately, the service was awful and the food even worse. With so few opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine, I was kicking myself for not looking up reviews on Tripadvisor or asking the hotel staff for their recommendations. Don’t make our mistake!
- If you have specific questions not covered in the above, please leave a comment or send me a private message through facebook.
Croatian Flag, Trogir, Croatia
Posted in Croatia, Photography, Travel, Travels | Tagged Beaches, Blue Lagoon, Croatia, Hotel Slavija, Photography, Split, Travel, Trogir | 9 Comments »
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