The Gardens at Yaddo - A Visiting Tour!

I had a quick visit at the Yaddo Gardens in Saratoga Springs, NY in early fall of 2016, and unfortunately, not much was to be seen. There were few roses at the rock garden, but other than that, there was nothing more interesting to see except for the pergola where I found it unique for a photo opp! :).

The pool and fountain are the areas that are "catchy" and attractive. I noticed many who come here usually do their photo shoots!

The pool is designed with upper and lower parts with fountains and with a long connecting rill of flowing water bordered by dolomite rocks with a separating rocky incline.

The present location of Yaddo Gardens used to house a farm, a gristmill and the Barhyte tavern. During the years between 1830-1840, many famous writers dined at the tavern, among them Edgar Allan Poe.

In 1881, Spencer Trask, a famous financier in New York city and his poet wife Katrina Trask bought the property and named it "Yaddo" as suggested by their daughter. The Trasks built the present mansion which was completed in 1893, where scenes of famous house parties were held attended by prominent statesmen, artists and even industrialists.

The Trasks has 4 children and all died leaving them without heirs, so that in 1900, they established the Corporation of Yaddo endowing it in perpetuity to administer a working community of artists.

Today, Yaddo's mission is to provide artist uninterrupted time to work, good working conditions and a supportive community which has remained central in its operation throughout the years.

Historic Saratoga Springs & Guided Mineral Water Tours!

This innovative tour is one in a lifetime experience as you will learn about the famous architecture of the renowned city of Saratoga Springs and how it became as the "spa city", and a tasting tour of water samples coming from the springs.

For many centuries, Saratoga was known only as a sacred ground of the native Americans.

Sir William Johnson established a mutual strong relationship with the tribe wherein in 1771, he was brought to an area called High Rock Spring for healing. Ultimately, his healing became a news and prompted curiosity and interest of the public about the water spring.

By 19th century, Saratoga developed as a resort town and catered those who sought the water springs for therapeutic needs. The place consequently became a thriving spa where devotees sought for "the cure" by taking hydrotherapy treatments and mineral baths and drinking prescribed amounts of different mineral waters.

These mineral springs were produced as a result of fractured shale along the Saratoga Fault Line, causing the waters to spring upward out from the resulting cracks. The water dissolves minerals from the limestones where they were trapped, thus, in the process became naturally carbonated. All of these springs contain the same minerals but in different concentrations, depending upon how deep underground they have originated. The higher the mineral concentration, the deeper the depth of origin.

These mineral springs of Saratoga are known to be naturally carbonated with carbon dioxide; they have a cool constant temperature of 55F; and several of the springs are "spouters" which shoot high up in the air.

Courtesy of Saratoga.com

The photo above is the polaris spring. The water has a carbonated, "alka seltzer" taste!

The springs are also categorized as alkaline (antacid), cathartic (Laxative), or high in iron, and many claim they have healing properties.

There are at least 20 mineral springs, some located in the Spa State Park, Congress park and High Rock Areas.

Take note that during the tour, don't expect all the mineral springs to be working. Most tours have only 4-6 mineral springs location working where you are free to taste the spring waters at each location. (Bring your own cups for the sample tasting!)

Geyser Island Spouter
This is a 'spouter" located in an island, surrounded by hardened minerals.

Hayes Well Spring
This one has a distinctive horrible smell and tatste! :(

You can learn more about tours by visiting the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.

Visit To Prospect Mountain

This beautiful iconic landmark nestles at the foothills of Adirondacks in Lake George, New York. It offers a magnificent panoramic views with a foot summit of 2,030 feet. At the peak, you can see a 100-mile view of Lake George and Adirondacks region.

There is a 5.5 mile drive up to the summit on Veteran's Memorial Highway and has 3 stunning scenic overlooks; - The Narrow, the Lake George Panorama and the Eagle's Eye. The summit was built and dedicated in 1969 in honor of America's War Veterans.

At the summit, you can conveniently use restrooms and enjoy using their picnic facilities such as picnic wooden tables and chairs provided in the area. There are also self-guided hiking and nature trails.

Don't miss the historical ruins such as the Old Cable Railway and the Bullwheel. The Old Cable Railway was once the world's largest cable railroad from 1895-1903 which was used to be a transportation that brought passengers who wanted to do an overnight stay at the Prospect Mountain House; - a hotel on the summit that was burned down twice later.

Dining at Generations Restaurant (Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort)

This restaurant is owned by Golden Arrow Lakeside resort; - a lodge-style restaurant that also offers a view of the lake when dining located in Lake Placid, New York.

We had the experience of having a lunch here and the food was superb! There is a part where the view of the lake can be seen, but since we were a part of a big tour group, we only had a choice to sit at the middle which is quite hidden from the view. :( We had a quick peek for the view but it wasn't a good angle to take photos!

The restaurant is mainly located on Main St., and has quaint boutiques, shops and stores close by.

The Alpine Village Shoppes are series of shops that directly connects to the hotel (Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort). This is a good area for shopping for clothings, they have specialty shops, snacks, etc... you'll never get bored! :).

The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. We saw a beautiful church close by and the colorful trees in the fall are stunning!

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

If you are planning to visit the statue and Ellis Island, please take note and be aware that there are two ferry routes coming to and from the islands. One is a ferry coming from/to Liberty State Park (New Jersey side) and the other one is coming from/to Battery Park (New York side).

The same thing is true when you are going back. Be sure you are taking the right ferry back to where you came from, unless you plan to change your route in going back to either on the New York side or New Jersey side.

Before boarding the ferry, all visitors will have to undergo primary security screening, similar to airport security procedures. Sharp pointed objects, big bagpacks, luggages and bikes are NOT allowed.

There is a second security screening at the statue's monument entrance before visiting any area on or in the Statue.

The Statue of Liberty in the U.S. is one of the most visited park in the country, and where security is everybody's top priority. The areas worth visiting are the statue's pedestal, the crown and the Liberty Island Museum. But these areas require ticket reservations. You must either have ticket reservations to either crown or pedestal areas in order to visit the Liberty Island Museum as well.

Before you get access to the statue, you have to undergo a second security screening. Once you get past the screening, you will be entering the lobby at the pedestal area. At the center of it is the statue's original torch constructed in 1876, and was replaced by a torch made of copper in 24K gold leaf in 1984. There used to be an access to the statue's torch, but it has been closed since 1916.

Just a few steps up above the lobby is the Liberty Island Museum. At the entrance, is a huge face of Statue of Liberty made of copper.

There are lots of facts and information inside the museum comprising historical timelines and chronicles about the statue before it was built as a symbol of freedom. You will also learn about the various interpretation of the changes of the statue's design since it was erected in 1886. Tons of interesting facts that you will discover!

There are 2-3 plight of stairs going up the pedestal viewing area, but there is also an option to use the elevator if you have difficulty going up the stairs.

Once you are at the viewing deck, you'll get to see the panoramic views of the New York Harbor, Ellis Island, New York and New Jersey. Take note though that the viewing area can become so crowded. It can sometimes hinder you from taking good photos as the space around the viewing area is narrow.

Visiting the statue's crown is another separate ticket reservation. Did you know that reaching the Statue of Liberty's crown is like walking up to a 22-storey building? Yup!...it's a fact! :)

If you plan to visit the crown, be sure you are able to walk at least 154 steps shaped in a spiral staircase. Another thing to take note is that there is only a limited view of the Brooklyn area from the crown level.

There are various choices you can do as well, such as self-guided audio tours (free) on the grounds of the island, as well as park ranger tours are also available daily at the park. Park Ranger tours start at the Liberty Island Flagpole that last 30-40 minutes.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum:

Just a few minutes from the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island & the Immigration Museum. The building where 12 million immigrants used to pass through in the years 1892-1954 is now called the Immigration Museum, located in Ellis Island.

All the stories of many of these immigrants are displayed in the museum. Mostly are documented in photos, statues and memorabilias, while some are video and audio interviews.

Some display areas used to have artifacts that are no longer available due to the aftermath of hurricane Sandy.

At the upper floor of the museum is the Registry Room, ("The Great Hall").

This area was where the immigrants were inspected and processed before they could enter America. The architectural designs are still amazing including the Guastavino tiled ceilings with the Tiffany chandelier still hanging below it!

911 Museum & Memorial Tour (NY City)

The museum was dedicated on May 15, 2014 and has been recently opened thereafter in honor of the memory of those killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The museum has a huge collection of displays including artifacts and other materials that were destroyed during the attack. Displays of photos, videos are also included as well as the timeline of events of what happened in the morning of September 11, 12 years ago.

Timelines of the events are shown through images, audio, video as well as first-person accounts. Take note that the timelines contain some graphic images and sensitive contents associated with the 911 terrorist attack aftermath.

Adjacent to the museum now stand a memorial, - the twin reflecting pools which now sit where the Twin Towers used to stand before the collapse.

The 2 reflecting pools each has an acre in size and they are considered to be the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.

Bronze panels edging around the pools contain the names of all the people who died both in the 2001 and 1993 attacks. This is a powerful event as a result of a foreign attack to the US where a lot of lives was lost and where a great single loss of rescue personnel's lives were taken in the US history.

Just a quick note though: A security screening is mandatory for all visitors who enter the museum. All bags, purses, equipments and belongings should all go through the security belt. Things allowed are handbags, backpacks, tote bags as long as they are limited to 8x17x19-inch size per item.

Items such as alcohol, glass bottles, weapons or tools like knives and cutting tools, any type of marking materials like paint and markers, powdered substances and liquid soaps are NOT allowed!

Cell phones are allowed but should be placed on mute and shouldn't be used while you are inside the museum's exhibition premises.

There are places in the exhibit areas where photos are NOT allowed, but other than that, feel free to take photos as long as no flash photography is followed.

Another important reminder; - there is only one cafeteria inside the museum basing on our last visit (10/2014) which serves only cookies, bagels, coffee, juice and soda.

So, if you need to eat a decent meal, you have to go out and find one outside the museum.

Summer Destination For Sports - Flushing Meadows, NY

Any sports enthusiast can be allured of New York's venues. Baseball fans can now choose from two new, state-of-the-art stadiums and basketball fans can take in a game at historic Madison Square Garden.

Each September, tennis fans flock at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows for the most significant tennis tournaments of the season.
The US open is being held August 31-September 13, one of the four grand slam events in tennis which provides a perfect opportunity for an end-of summer trip to the Big Apple.

The main court is located in the 24,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is also lit allowing for action to take place after the sun sets.

Times Square Church

November 29, 2008 - NY Bus Tour

It was so cold when we reached New York in the morning. While walking along Broadway St., we happened to pass by Times Square Church. We got curious so we went inside to check it. We were greeted by a guy (a caretaker I guess) and my husband started asking about the church, building, pastors, etc... It was actually an opera house converted to a church. The artistic designs are still there so at a first glance, you won't think it's a church.

The history of this church is much more heart warming for me. It started all from Pastor David Wilkerson when he saw many lost souls wandering on the 42nd street of New York...pimps, drug addicts, pushers, prostitutes, etc. Being a man of God, his heart broke of what he saw, so that he looked up to God, wept and prayed about how can he help these lost souls get back to life. The answer was given...the Times Square Church was up.

Now, the church has over 8,000 people representing more than 100 different nationalities serving and praising God. It's an interdominational church so all people are welcome :). What a glorious start of the day for us. We felt we've been blessed to know one awesome place of worship and the house of God at the midst of a busy city. Nothing is impossible for God!

The St. Paul's Chapel-New York (Part 2)

Here is a note about St. Paul's Chapel that made a history in the whole wide world.

For nearly a year after the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, St. Paul's Chapel served as a relief mission for recovery workers at Ground Zero. Over 14,000 volunteers worked in 12 hour shifts to provide solace, comfort and care for 2,000 workers each day.

St. Paul's Chapel became the spiritual home of Ground Zero.

For many, it was the first time they had ever volunteered, and they discovered that one individual's efforts could indeed make a difference. The poet Chester Johnson was one of the many who came to St. Paul's offering his help to those who needed hope and healing. Like many who volunteered their time, he discovered that what he took away from this place of extraordinary ministry was far greater than what he brought in.

The St. Paul's Chapel - New York (Part 1)

On November 29, 2008, I got the chance to visit St. Paul's Chapel. This chapel is so far Manhattan's oldest public building in continous use. There are long stories about this chapel that made itself a part of American and world book history when the 911 attack happened. There are so much things to be shared as well, but let me just share to you a poem by J. Chester Johnson that describes this chapel when that fateful day happened:

It stood. Not a window broken. Not a stone dislodged.
It stood when nothing else did.
It stood when terrorists brought September down.
It stood among myths. It stood among ruins.

To stand was its purpose, long lines prove that.
It stands, and around it now, a shrine of letters, poems, acrostics, litter of the heart.
It is the standing people want:
To grieve, serve and tend celebrate the lasting stone of St. Paul's Chapel.

And deep into its thick breath, the largest banner fittingly from Oklahoma climbs heavenward with hands as stars, hands as stripes, hands as a flag;
and a rescuer reaches for a stuffed toy to collect a touch;
and George Washington's pew doesn't go unused.

Charity fills a hole or two.

It stood in place of other sorts.
It stood when nothing else could.
The great had fallen, as the brute hardware came down.

It stood.

Exploring Niagara Falls

We started the day going to Niagara Falls State Park (New York), which was just 20 minutes from our hotel. There are lots of parking spaces in front of the Gateway to The Falls Building but may be a little bit challenging to find a parking spot during the weekends. From the parking, it's a walking distance (about 5 minutes walk) going to the actual falls area. It is captivating.


At the other side of the falls is the Canada side, and only 25 miles away crossing the border.

Sharing you some of the photos while having fun at the falls. Plus some good shots of the beautiful sceneries.

Niagara Falls At Night

My trip to see Niagara Falls was memorable, the fact that I went with our church group and hubby of course!. There are so much more to be shared, but meantime, let me tell you that one of the highlights was watching the illumination of the falls at night.

We were in the observation deck which is on the US side (New York), and it was chilly up there. But bearing the cold windy atmosphere was worth it. The following night, we stationed ourselves at the Horeshoe Falls and waited for the fireworks. Although the wait was longer than the fireworks as expected, it was fun!