Brooklyn: the BK, the new Manhattan?

These are just some of the nicknames for Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City. I like the term the "BK" just because Destiny's Child called it that in their song "Soldier" (where they at, where they at?). To be honest, I don't know much about Brooklyn. When I think of Brooklyn I think of the Brooklyn Bridge and Peter Luger.

I suppose you can call this post a shout-out to the best steakhouse in
ALL OF AMERICA



A group of us drove up for a weekend trip to N.Y.C. so we could visit the sights and sounds (again) of the bustling city. However our Cali-steak-lovin' friend, Dennis, came along for the ride and reservations were made to his favorite steak joint in New York, Peter Luger!

If you love to eat and you love steak then you must visit this place at least once. They have two locations in NY- one in Brooklyn and one in Long Island. I've enjoyed steak at both of those locations but I personally prefer the Brooklyn atmosphere more.

Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn


Peter Luger steakhouse in Long Island


Each piece is carefully selected, aged, and then buttered up and broiled. Writing about this is making my mouth water so I won't go into anymore details. You can just read their website if you are interested in going! Keep in mind that it's hard for them to seat big parties. It's best to go in a small group (6 or less). Peter Luger Steakhouse Website

After our 5,000 calorie dinner, we worked off a sliver of those calories by walking back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn bridge. YES, you did not read that incorrectly. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan! It was a beautiful experience because we saw part of the skyline of Manhattan and the Manhattan Bridge across the river.


I found this fantastic picture of the Brooklyn bridge when the World Trade Center was still present in the background. This bridge was built over the East River from 1870-1883 and it connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. This picture shows the separate walk ways along the center line for pedestrians. One side is for walkers and the other side is for bikers. I recommend walking the bridge when the weather is warmer. A lot of people use this bridge for their morning workouts- something I'd like to do one day!

Here are some pictures from our invigorating walk:






This is the view of the Manhattan Bridge from the Brooklyn Bridge


Walk way at night


The start line

Budgeted Vacations, Anyone?

The Economy sucks, the stock markets are still tanking, and my refund check from school is not exactly going to allow me to fly across the world for an expensive ski trip. Where do I turn? I turn on route 476 and head to the Poconos!

This year I think we all took advantage of the Poconos, whether it be for weekend getaways, birthdays or just day trips for skiing/boarding. When planning for the UD undergrad reunion part deux, we specifically made it a priority to make it cheap. Our theme this time was "A Budgeted Winter Wonderland!" Fortunately it all worked out and expenses for food and drinks ended up being much less than our summer reunion bill. It was amazing to see how a big pot of chili for 10+ could be so friggin' cheap. I definitely recommend making chili when trying to feed a group of hungry skiers. Steve, our stay-at-the-cabin-chili-chef, did a great job!


Compliments to Steve's grandma for making the matching hat and scarf set


The weekend UD reunion


Celebrating Katie's 24th Birthday at Shenanigans near Jack Frost


Celebrating My 24th Birthday at Camelback


For all of you skiers and boarders, there are about five main mountains that people like to go to. I've only been to the first four.

1. Big Boulder- Open all day and is one of the family-friendly ones. They only have a few intermediate and black diamond trails.
2. Jack Frost- This is only open during the day time. They don't have any lights for night skiing but a buying a lift ticket here allows you to ski at Big Boulder at night. One great element is the stage they have at the main lodge for music concerts.
3. Blue- One of my favorites because they have a lot more intermediate trails.
4. Camelback- Another favorite because of the number of trails available. I also like their chili. If you're a beginner, they have a really nice bunny slope.
5. Elk- Never been.

Obviously, lift tickets have increased and expect to pay ~$50 for a weekend pass at each mountain, plus $15-25 if you need rentals. Food at the lodge is also expensive! I was at Camelback last weekend and just wanted a Gatorade. Before I even checked the prices, I drank half of it and went to the cashier...$4.75!?


Stretch Your Dollar
If you can gather up a group of 15 or more, you can get discounted tickets for about $35. You'll have to call in advance (maybe up to two weeks, depending on the mountain). Skiing during weekdays when it's not a holiday can also be very affordable, especially if you have a student ID. You can't beat a $26 all day lift ticket!

**On a side note, some mountains are making some great deals because of the economy. Jack Frost and Big Boulder are offering "Bounce Back" deals. When purchasing a full day adult lift ticket, you can also purchase a Bounce Back Bonus Pass for $38 good on your next visit. The radio station, WMMR, also does a few events (Day off at the slopes) at Jack Frost. If you go on these designated days, you can get your lift ticket for less than $10! Just remember to order online at Jack Frost's website.**

When it comes to food, I'm a big fan of packing sandwiches. Albeit, if you don't like putting things in lockers or if it's inconvenient than I guess you can stick with your $20 chili-soda-lunch. As for snacks I prefer to carry a lot of them with me, even if that means putting energy bars in every available pocket. You'll be surprised at how hungry you get when you're riding the lift.

Rentals are another very important thing to consider. If you don't have your own gear (which will save you loads if you go a lot) and it's possible to borrow a friend's, then borrow your friend's! Each person has their own opinion about renting at the mountain versus renting at the near by ski shops down the street. I personally prefer renting them at the ski shops. I think they are a tad bit cheaper, have better quality gear and better service.

Hopefully, next year's winter season will entail a fabulous ski trip to Mammoth Mountain in CA but for now...Budgeted Vacations it is! Enjoy the snow if you still have any!

Au Revoir from the Poconos!