A DAY TRIP TO WÖLFFER WINERY

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

A few weeks ago, I finally got the opportunity to take a day trip out to Bridgehampton to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard. This has been on my New York bucket list ever since I discovered Wölffer Rosé a few years ago. I knew the winery was one of the more popular wineries on Long Island, so I was excited to experience it in person.

Being that Wölffer Winery is located in Sagaponack on Long Island, there are a few ways in which you can get there from the city. My friend and I decided to rent a car for the day via Zipcar, which was super easy and affordable. You can also take a train from Penn Station (LIRR) to Bridgehampton. And then it’s just a short Uber ride from the train station to the winery. The other option, is to take the Jitney Bus which travels back and forth from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Either way, it’s totally doable as a day trip.

What to know beforehand:

• Wöllfer Estate Vineyard is Open Daily from 11am-8pm year-round.

• Highly recommend making a reservation for the tasting room. It’s FREE entry and you just pay per glass or flight.

• You can also make a reservation for a Vineyard & Cellar Tour which includes a tasting of four different wines. Cost is $68.50 per person.

• The winery does close from time to time for private events. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Ph. 631–537–5106

• Arrive earlier in the day if possible, as the crowd tends to grow as the afternoon/early evening approaches.

• There is indoor and outdoor seating available for tastings. The patio overlooks the vineyard and has some shade for those warmer days.

What to Sip:

• They offer a few different wine flights for $25 that include four different tastings. Seasonal flights are available.

• Since it’s Summer, we opted for the Rosé flight and loved it!

• You can also purchase wine by the glass or bottle(s).

• I recommend the Wöllfer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé or Grandioso Rosé.

• They also have signature cocktails on their menu that feature Wöllfer Ciders and ‘Pink’ Gin.
  

What to do:

• Take advantage of the patio seating that overlooks the vineyard.

• Stop by the shop inside to purchase bottles of wine and souvenirs to take home with you.

• Sit at the bar if you want more of a one-on-one tasting. The bartenders are very knowledgable and can give you more of a personal experience.

• Visit The Wine Stand and enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of wine.

  *This was by far my favorite part of the winery. It’s located just down from the main winery and they offer wine by the bottle or glass. Once you grab your wine, head out back to sit in the Adirondack chairs that face the vineyard.

If you decide to visit Wölffer Winery, I hope these tips help! I had the best time there and can’t wait to go back again (maybe this Fall).

Have you ever been to a winery? If so, which one(s) have you been to? Any that you recommend me visiting?!

CHEERS!

XO, Rae

TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 HOURS IN BOSTON

Earlier this Summer I made a quick overnight trip to Boston. And I’m finally sharing my guide on things to do + where to eat + where to stay. This was my first time visiting Boston and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I can say this, Boston was a place I could definitely see myself visiting again soon. It had the appeal of big city living but feels very quaint and easy going. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly. And I kept finding myself saying the words: “I could live here.” I think that says a lot about a city that I’ve only spent 24 hours in. I probably should visit during Winter months before I make any plans on moving there, lol.

Where to Stay:

Airbnb - This ended up being the best option for a last minute trip. I was really shocked at how pricey hotels are in Boston. Maybe it was due to the time of year?! But we got really lucky and found a nice Airbnb in the South End area to stay for the one night.

South End is such a quaint and charming area. The streets are tree lined with beautiful Brownstones on each side. It’s an easily walkable area and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby. I highly recommend staying in South End.

Where to Eat & Drink:

Barking Crab- This lively outdoor restaurant is a MUST! It’s casual dining with picnic table seating and views of the Boston Harbor. Order the hot crab dip and raw oysters. And the Frose to cool off!

Barcelona Wine Bar- Perfect spot for Dinner with friends or a Date Night Out! This tapas style restaurant is located in the South End. They have an extensive wine & cocktail menu. I recommend reservations, they are typically on a wait even on a weeknight. Order all the tapas (seriously) But definitely the mussels and charcuterie board.

Temazcal Cantina- Great spot to grab drinks in the Seaport District area. The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside and has amazing waterfront views of the Seaport.

Cafe Nero- Best coffee shop with even better coffee. Cafe Nero is a chain coffee shop with locations all over the city. I loved the coffee so much, I purchased 2 bags to bring home with me. Order the cold brew!

Barking Crab

Barking Crab & View of the Boston Harbor

Temazcal Cantina

What to Do: 

China Town- Although it’s not the size of the one in New York City, it’s still a fun area to explore.

Downtown/Theatre District- Home of the Paramount Theatre and host of many Broadway Shows. A must see in person.

Copley Square- This area is where the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and several other landmarks are located right in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Seaport District- This is an new up and coming area with lost of restaurants, shops, art and where a lot of local events take place. You can also walk along the waterfront and see all the boats along the harbor.

Boston Public Gardens- A beautiful public park adjacent to Boston Common. And home to the famous Swan Boats.

China Town

Paramount Theatre

Copley Square

Boston Public Library

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Boston Public Gardens

So that’s my quick travel guide for Boston. I loved my stay there and would definitely go back and explore more of city. There is so much to see & do!

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve ever been to Boston! What would you recommend for my next visit there?! Comment below.

XO, Rae

5 OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS SUMMER

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it's the unofficial start to Summer. And that means it's time to soak up some SUN and take advantage of these long Summer days. Although New York City is known for being a concrete jungle, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to life outdoors. So, I'm sharing five things to do outdoors this Summer in NYC.

1. Bryant Park

There are an array of parks all over Manhattan, but this one is worth braving the crowds for. Bryant Park hosts a ton of events during the Summer months. You can take a FREE Yoga class in the park, watch a movie on the lawn, preview a Broadway Show & even attend an all you can eat ice cream festival. This is the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy all that Summer has to offer.

Located: between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues., New York, NY 10018

2. Grand Bazaar Market

This outdoor market is located on the Upper Westside and is OPEN every Sunday from 10am-5:30pm. Being NYC's largest curated flea market with 100+ vendors, you can expect to find everything from clothing, jewelry, antiques to local food vendors. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and support local artists. 

Located: 100 West 77th St., NY, NY 10024 (at Columbus Avenue)

3. Rooftop Bars

Summer wouldn't be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. Whether you're going for the breathtaking skyline views, the Instagramable cocktails or just to cool off from the heat, there is something for everyone. Click here for a list of some of the best rooftops in the city. Cheers to Summer!

Pictured: Loopy Doopy Rooftop / Prosecco & Ice Pop Cocktails

Located: 102 North End Avenue, New York, NY 10282

4. Boat Basin Cafe

This is one of the best kept secrets (in my opinion) on the Upper Westside. In a somewhat hidden location, Boat Basin Cafe sits right on the edge of Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River. It's laid back atmosphere is accompanied by casual dining, frozen drinks, beer on tap and waterfront views. This is one of my favorite places to bring my Georgia friends when they come to visit, because they never expect to see a place like this in the middle of the city.

Located: W 79th St, New York, NY 10024 

5. Madison Square Eats

One of the best parts of Summer is dining al fresco. And Urbanspace has several pop-up food markets all around the city including Madison Square Eats that hosts 20+ vendors of local NYC restaurants. It's the perfect place to grab lunch on the go or meet friends after work. Seasonal ONLY May/JUNE. Open Daily 11am-9pm

Located: Worth Square, Flatiron District New York, NY 10010

ALSO RECOMMENDED:  THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NEW YORK 

XO, Rae 

7 TRAVEL TIPS: FOR THE GIRL ON THE GO

There are two types of people when it comes to travel. Those who plan ahead of time and pack days in advance. Or those who wing it and throw together outfits last minute. Personally, I’m a much better travel companion if I plan ahead and take out the guess work.

Traveling can be stressful at times. And since I’ve done more traveling in recent years, I’ve picked up a few habits that help me to feel less anxious when planning trips. So I thought I’d share some tips in case you also want to eliminate some of the stress of traveling.

1. CHECK THE WEATHER FOR YOUR DESTINATION

This might seem obvious. However, weather can change day to day. So, this is the very first thing I do prior to packing. It helps me to narrow down the items I need rather than just packing my entire closet. And as a female, I always like to be prepared when it comes to my outfits. I love using the app Swackett to see the weather for my upcoming destination. Not only does the app give you hourly weather previews, but it also has wardrobe suggestions that are weather appropriate. Packing is a breeze with this app.

2. PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

The method of planning your outfits in advance may seem time consuming, but I promise it will save you time in the end. If you know that on certain days/nights you will need more dressy outfits vs. casual, then this is a great way to plan ahead. I start with laying out each piece of clothing individually. Then I match pieces together to create outfits. Lastly, I add shoes and accessories to each outfit for a completed look. And then I pack everything accordingly. This also helps to give you a visual of what you have in your suitcase. You can also take a photo of each outfit to save for reference on your trip. Planning your outfits ahead of time will also help avoid packing unnecessary items. Because let's be for real, we've all over packed a time or two. No judgement here. 

3. PACK EMERGENCY ITEMS

We've all been guilty of saying the phrase; 'If I didn't pack it, I'll just buy it". Well, that sounds great in theory. However, sometimes getting everyday items in an unknown place can be more trouble than it's worth. You can avoid all that by just bringing a few extra items that you may need during your trip. This way if something comes up, you can be at ease knowing you have these in your suitcase. Items to include are: band aids, Preheels (for those new shoes that will likely give you blisters), pain reliever, aloe vera (if you're planning on being in the sun), feminine products, anti-nausea, etc.) Target & CVS have the best selection of travel sized products.  

 

4. LOOK INTO ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Traveling to a new city can be EXCITING! It can also be a daunting task trying to put together an itinerary for a trip. But thanks to social media, it can be easy to create a "wish list" of things to do & see during your stay. Try searching the name of your destination as a #hashtag on Instagram. This will allow you to see all photos that are tagged with that hashtag, often showcasing scenic sites, places to shop and even restaurants within that area. Time Out is also a great resource when planning a trip. You can look up attractions, free things to do and local events within the city you're visiting to help make the most out of your trip.

5. CARRY A TOTE BAG

Tote bags are a necessity when traveling. Especially when you're out sightseeing/shopping and don't want to carry multiple bags through out the day. They also double as a great carry on bag for the flight. You can throw in all of your usual purse items plus extras like headphones, iPad, makeup and more. And if you have a tendency to bring back more than you left with, pack an extra tote bag in your luggage for those items that don't fit for the flight home. This will save you from having to pay any baggage overweight fees. 

6. INVEST IN QUALITY LUGGAGE

Whether you travel often or only a few times a year, buying quality luggage is worth the investment. I recently purchased new luggage from Calpak. And I'm OBSESSED. It's lightweight, glides on eight wheels and has separated compartments inside which provide more space for clothing, shoes & accessories. Calpak offers super sleek designs and durable exteriors making in easy to navigate the streets of the city and running through the airport. It has made traveling so much easier.

7. CHECK IN ONLINE

The airport is one of the most unpredictable places. And with constant changes to airline rules and regulations, it can be time consuming going through security and getting to your assigned gate. Checking In online is a great feature offered by most airlines via their website or mobile app. You can print your boarding pass ahead of time (from home) or download your boarding pass straight to your phone. And if you're traveling with only a carry on, you can bypass the airline check in counter all together. Getting through security is the next challenge. But now with CLEAR, you can navigate the line within minutes. CLEAR is a monthly membership that allows you to bypass the long lines of ID check and gets you straight to the security screening line. If you are a frequent flyer, you can now travel with more ease and save time.   

Now that you're all packed up and ready to go...you can sit back, relax and enjoy your flight to your final destination. Preferably with a cocktail in hand.

What do you find helpful when traveling? Share your travel tips in the comments below.

XO, Dana Rae 

BRYANT PARK: ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES IN THE CITY

On Sunday, I met up with my friend Sarah for lunch who happened to be in the city for the weekend. Sarah and I met while working in Atlanta together and she now lives in upstate New York. So, when she mentioned she would be coming into the city, we immediately made plans to meet up. Always great to see an old friend and catch up! 

After lunch I did some shopping and took a walk through Bryant Park, which is easily becoming one of my favorite places in the city. Bryant park is iconic for so many reasons. Mostly for hosting Fashion Week in the past years. But one thing I love about the park, is that it always takes on a new feel according to the season. And now that it's SUMMER time, it's the perfect place to hang out. Along with tables and chairs that border the lawn to sit and have lunch or just take in the sites, there is also food trucks and outdoor games available. Not to mention, the park also has some amazing views of nearby skyscrapers. I can't wait to hang out in the park more and take advantage of all things to do nearby.

What is your FAVORITE place in the city?

XO, Rae

MY FIRST TRIP ACROSS THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

A few weeks ago, I FINALLLY took a trip downtown to see the Brooklyn Bridge. I've been wanting to walk the Brooklyn Bridge ever since my first trip to New York, a few years ago. And now that I live in the city, it only seems fitting.  My roommates, along with some friends visiting from out of town all decided to make a day of it and walk across the bridge into DUMBO.

As you start entering the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side, you first walk along side the highway and soon start to see the infamous arches of the bridge. Then as you get toward the middle, you start to see views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. It's the most amazing skyline. For me, it was a bit emotional. It just so happened to be the day after my last day at my job. Standing there on the bridge was surreal for me. It reminded me that in life, you can often be in between two points and you have the choice as to which one you decide to embark upon. I definitely had some moments of tears as well as pure happiness as I walked the bridge. And to be there with my best friend, Will of over 10+ years, was amazing to experience it together. And a day that I will never forget.

For anyone visiting or living in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge is a MUST. 

XO, Rae