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marvellovegalore · 3 years ago

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Loving You

Chris Evans

Synopsis: Chris is over the moon, he's met you and life couldn't be better - you're all he's ever dreamed of and there's nothing you could do to ruin that.

Warning: explicit language, sexual content

No one in your industry would ever consider you difficult to work with, neither mean, arrogant, conniving or calculating. Most would go out of their way to praise you, proclaim their adoration for the movie star of dreams. On the other hand, your previous partners would. Ex-boyfriends that would bravely volunteer to be interviewed about your past relationship would recount their experiences with the same look as a shell-shocked soldier. If they could, they would gather in a support group for those left with deeply affecting, unresolved trauma - left by you.

You would deny it, if you could be bothered; or if the media had declared your heartbreaker ways to be of public interest. Which they are, but you’re largely untouchable therefore they're unreported. A Hollywood starlet, philanthropist, trend setter and tastemaker - alongside with being viewed largely as a sweetheart. Your childhood nannies coming in storming with adulations and saccharine recollections of a sweet and shy child. Friends that are more than happy to celebrate you on social media and fans who fill the internet with high production videos of you strutting on the streets and red carpets cement the idea that you are the moment, and you are loved.

To the world outside of the sphere of your ex-boyfriends, you were the most eligible bachelorette. There was no flaw in sight, no illusion to dispel or enchantment to break; you’re the real deal. Until you get bored, and you need to hurt someone. Because hurt people, hurt people. As the saying goes. There’s no need to go into that - just yet.

So, when Christopher saw you at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars after party, he fell head over heels. Your eyes cast a spell on him, and the enchantment was cast by the world’s master mage, you. You barely realised what you did, you were in no mood to flirt or truly fraternise. You were attempting to drown your sorrows of missing out on another Oscar win for the second time - in a mojito glass. You looked spectacular, possibly more than how you looked during the ceremony. But to Chris, your face of indignation looked like the angelic expression of a good second place loser with no hard feelings. He attempted to approach you, but too many people go into his way, they came with unprovoked film criticisms and pseudo interview responses that would get them into the academy board. All he wanted was to see your face up close and know how you spoke when you weren’t being regarded by a crowd of enraptured spectators.

He could see that you weren’t being left alone either, you hadn’t won the Oscar, but you are being treated as if you did. Your eyes bounce off of him every once in a while, but he couldn’t capture your attention - and then you left the party. You hardly made the French exit you were seeking. Stars old and young clamoured to say their goodbyes and kisses on your cheeks. You finally managed to escape. If Chris were to attempt to lie and say that he wasn’t disappointed, a blind woman could have seen right through him. His heart dropped, and he couldn’t explain why - he didn’t even know you.

Some other actor friends managed to drag him to a more intimate after party, the setting hardly intimate. A compound nestled in Hidden Hills, twenty-four-hour security circling the property, of one starlet who presented herself at the beginning of the night but chose an early slumber rather than socialising.

You came in half an hour after him, a miniskirt showing off your incredible legs - which were insured for an absurd amount.

His breath caught in his mouth. You were dressed down, but you looked too incredible to even try and claim you didn’t try. Everyone’s head turned and everyone was captured by the beauty at the door, accompanied by a friend. Your demure appearance fooling everyone into thinking that the attention was unwanted. You grabbed yourself a drink and half an hour later you were still enveloped with a group of equally intoxicated friends.

Though, Chris was determined to get your attention. He grabbed a drink off of the barman and slowly and easily made his way to you. The word ‘chill’ being chanted over and over again in his head. He was dead set on not making a fool of himself. Three steps away from you, glass of mojito clutched in his hands, his anxiety being beaten down and desperately suffocated into his stomach and away from his brain. He goes over his words, and before he finishes walking to you, you turn suddenly.

Your eyes pierce into his, a smirk glossing your lips. “Hi.” Your voice is low, characteristically different from your stage voice - your accent just as strong.

“Hey, got this for you.” Chris thrusts the glass into your unexpectant hand, some of the drink splashing out over the frosted rim. “Hope, it’s not too presumptive of me to have gotten it for you?” His eyes have glossed over, he shifts his weight from one foot to another. You shake your head no, a sweet smile playing at your lips. He’s even easier on the eyes much closer up. “Sorry you didn’t win that Oscar, real shame, I was rooting for you!”

You store it in the back of your mind that this man manages to look like a golden retriever even when he’s several drinks down, “It’s nothing, what does it mean anyway, I’ll still get more jobs in the future.” You take a sip of your drink after he takes a sip of his.

He compliments your eyes, your complexion and goes on an eager rant of how much he admires your capacity for acting. You drink in the adoration diluted by alcohol and take his words with a pinch of salt. After twenty minutes of solid, drunken conversation you’ve moved to a nook shadowed by statues. Your legs next to his on the red velvet sofa. You remark on the class of the artistic statues, clearly purchased illegally from a Mediterranean museum. He barely takes in your words, much preferring to intoxicate himself with the sight of you - and his fifth beer.

You’ve decided that you want him. Badly. But you’ve sussed him out. He’s not just going to be a one-night stand - in the animal kingdom he’s a Golden Retriever, and those aren’t dogs to be messed with. Your last fling was essentially a Doberman pinscher - discardable - but this Chris had to reeled in slowly.

You interrupt his musing about the Boston markets with a kiss.

Your lips smoothly capture his, your lipstick smearing over his lips. His hand presses tightly on the small of your back, arm underneath your waist holding you up higher. Stars explode inside your eyelids and his fingers grip tightly onto your shirt as your tongue licks his bottom lip. Your entry is granted, you lips pressing tighter against each other. Your eyelashes dance over his. Your hands rise to his face, your hands imprinting themselves onto his cheekbones. His hand brushes over the bare skin of your leg, his fingertips tracing the insides of your thighs. A small moan rises from the back of his throat.

The hold you have on him is cemented, you part away from him. You untangle yourself from him and stand up from the sofa, your eyes refusing to look at him, you smooth your clothes and slowly strut away from him.

Chris looks at the fire that you’ve set on his limbs in disbelief, he doesn’t grasp what you’ve just done. Did he do something wrong? Does he smell? No. You just didn’t care for the ceremony of the first ‘after-kiss’ moments.

He doesn’t see you for a year.

You truly are elusive - to the media and him.

He couldn’t get you out of his mind, and the fact that you starred in another award-nominated film did little to help him forget you.

You were curious to understand whether you really enticed him or not. You decided to not pursue that line of questioning, and never bothered to reply to his direct messages. It wasn’t done with the intent of hurting him, you just didn’t care. But life has a way of putting things in your way that deep down you didn’t know you wanted.

Nevertheless, here you are, with your boyfriend of a year - Christopher, sat across from you telling you story about his nephew. You simper, your eyes flitting between the sight of him and the view of the sea. The coast of Martha’s Vineyard enraptures you, you drink your wine, eyes steadily moving to the coastal view.

You grew up coming here. Your family often choosing the quiet island to rest in during the late spring holidays. You brought Chris back here to stay at your family holiday home as it’s not too far from his own family home, a perfect last stop after spending the week with his family.

He watches you curiously, his blue irises begging you to let him in to your thoughts. You refuse silently and beckon the waiter. You ask for the bill, it’s quickly on the table and you pay - ignoring Chris’ refusals. You smile at him, for the second time during dinner. He responds in kind, remarking on your bad mood and how he’s glad you’ve cheered up after having some food. He muses on the lovely weekend you’ve had together as you leave the restaurant. Candlelight following you as you make your exit with your hands holding each other tightly, his other hand in his preppy shorts.

You walk slowly, watching the sunset. His arm finding its way around your shoulders. His sweet and intimate embrace enveloping you in warmth. Your heart beats quickly against his bicep as you near your home. Your hands tremble for some reason and you practically sprint up the porch steps after you’ve crossed the gate and walkway, leaving Chris five steps behind you.

You open the door and make a quick beeline for the kitchen in the far back of the house. You enter the pantry, ignoring Chris’ questions of what is wrong. You take a bottle of Rosé out of the wine fridge and forgo pouring it into a glass and drink it straight from the bottle. It tastes incredibly sweet, and Chris finds you eventually in the pantry. He looks at you in surprise as you gulp the drink.

“Everything okay, baby?” He walks to you, his hands failing onto your hips, his adoring eyes almost boring into your soul. You refuse him entry into the pits of your emotions. Steeling yourself against the onslaught of therapy-like talk.

You don’t want him to know that hurt people, hurt people. And that you’re one of them.

You kiss him, silencing his calming words.

His fingers tighten on your sundress. The colour melding with the colour of his fingers. Your lips become one.

You go through the steps of getting out of the pantry in a seemingly choreographed dance, your dance ends in the smaller reception room; your bodies tangling themselves on the rug. Neither of you giving a care to fact that you’re undressing in front of the window overlooking the pool and coast.

The flickers of the setting sun’s rays highlight his now bare chest. He returns his lips to yours in a hypnotising kiss. Your hands dance with the muscles of his back as you caress his skin, his torso vibrating in between your legs with the fervour of his movements. Your dress is ripped off your body. He directs his attention to your right breast, his soft lips caressing your skin. His tongue lashes slowly against your nipple, you fight to hold back your moans as his hand lowers to your pussy. His fingers pushing aside your pants, his fingers sink into you like it’s their second nature. Your head rolls back as he makes love to you with his fingers and his lips lower down to where his fingers are. He licks you where you need him most, his love for you being written inside you with his tongue.

You orgasm. Slowly.

And all that runs through your mind is how much you’ll miss him.

You pull him up to you, you turn over and straddle him. Tasting yourself on his lips as the sun sets even lower. The waves crash against the shore violently as the wind picks up. You lower yourself onto him and start riding him, your hips bucking in an impassioned manner against his. He doesn’t hold back his moans as he caresses your breasts and stomach.

You realised you loved him four months ago, but every time you catch sight of his loving eyes when you’re fucking, it makes you fall in love all over again.

Chris switches and puts you on all fours, he grips your hair in his hands, the rising intensity making him grip you harder. His thrusts are merciless, his spare hand spanking you and stroking, you’re on the cusp of a sensory overload when he turns you over. On your back you have the most beautiful view. A strong ray of sunlight brightening his eyes as he makes love to you. His kisses are tender but intense. His hand grips onto yours, your fingers intertwined and his other hand griping onto your face.

A tear slips out of your eye, you wipe it away quickly. Your increased sensitivity makes the second orgasm come, Chris fucks you through your breathy moans and you throw your head back. Momentarily blinded by the bliss; the pink sky wakes up from the saccharine, cloudy state. Chris orgasms into you with four thrusts.

You push away from him and stand up; you pull on your silky pants. You sigh and leave Chris on laying breathless on the rug. You walk upstairs and enter your room. You use the toilet, wash your hands, have a glass of water and throw on a short black dress. As you pull on your boots Chris enters the room, a smile gracing his lips.

He pulls on some shorts, “Want to tell me what all that was about?” He gives you a confused expression as he lies back against the bed, taking one of the fluffed pillows from behind him and tucking it between his chest and arms.

Hurt people, hurt people.

You turn towards him, facing away from your walk-in closet. “When we fuck, I have to think about other men to get through it.”

His eyes widen alarmingly, he turns to you, the light of the tv making him blue. “Say that again?” The disbelief is almost tangible in his words.

“I feel embarrassed about being seen with you now. I feel I’m just too good for you.” You walk into the closet and you hear him stomp off the bed.

“No, rewind to what you first said.” His voice is louder, his features twisted with confusion and hurt.

“I have to think of other guys to get off,” your eyes connect with his, you don’t look away, you fight the smirk biting at your lips. “I can’t stand the thought of being with you any longer. I’m sick of it.” You grab the suitcase that was packed for you when you were at the restaurant. “Also, you’re not as ripped as you were when we met, there’s other guys that can provide that image for me.”

“Take it back.” The hurt he’s feeling is completely tangible now. “Take it back right now. Right. Now.” His eyes are pleading with you to have mercy.

You've decided that you've gone past the point of no return. “I’d be happy never have to see you or have to hear from you - ever again.” You scan his eyes, your heart swelling with an eerie feeling of pride as his eyes flood with held back tears.

“This must be some elaborate prank— “he chokes on his words, his hands reach for yours, but you step back.

“This year has been tedious, completely boring and I’ve gotten nothing but only ten decent fucks from you.” Not true, and both of you can attest to that, you've had the best sex, your mutual adoration is clear when you make love. So, Chris is at a loss to understand how this is all being said and happening. “I’m off to New York, stay as long as you like or don’t. I don’t care. Have a nice life.” You slip past him.

Taking his heart and soul with you.

He can’t stop the tears from ballooning in his eyes and then trickling down his cheeks.

He must be stuck in a nightmare. He doesn’t know how long he’s been pacing in this closet filled with your clothes, your smell haunting him.

He rushes downstairs and there’s no sign of you. He stumbles outside and there’s no sign of you or your driver. He rushes in to get his phone and calls you. Five times. The sixth time it goes straight to voicemail.

He feels his heart break.

He falls right in the spot he’s in. He vomits his heart out, the pieces being spat out onto the wooden floors. The blood shinning underneath the soft lights of the lamps.

He wants death. Slow and steady death.

——

Part Deux -

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mellifera38 · 6 years ago

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Mel’s Big Fantasy Place-Name Reference

So I’ve been doing lots of D&D world-building lately and I’ve kind of been putting together lists of words to help inspire new fantasy place names. I figured I’d share. These are helpful for naming towns, regions, landforms, roads, shops, and they’re also probably useful for coming up with surnames. This is LONG. There’s plenty more under the cut including a huge list of “fantasy sounding” word-parts. Enjoy!

Towns & Kingdoms

town, borough, city, hamlet, parish, township, village, villa, domain

kingdom, empire, nation, country, county, city-state, state, province, dominion

Town Name End Words (English flavored)

-ton, -ston, -caster, -dale, -den, -field, -gate, -glen, -ham, -holm, -hurst, -bar, -boro, -by, -cross, -kirk, -meade, -moore, -ville, -wich, -bee, -burg, -cester, -don, -lea, -mer, -rose, -wall, -worth, -berg, -burgh, -chase, -ly, -lin, -mor, -mere, -pool. -port, -stead, -stow, -strath, -side, -way, -berry, -bury, -chester, -haven, -mar, -mont, -ton, -wick, -meet, -heim, -hold, -hall, -point

Buildings & Places

castle, fort, palace, fortress, garrison, lodge, estate, hold, stronghold, tower, watchtower, palace, spire, citadel, bastion, court, manor, house

altar, chapel, abbey, shrine, temple, monastery, cathedral, sanctum, crypt, catacomb, tomb

orchard, arbor, vineyard, farm, farmstead, shire, garden, ranch

plaza, district, quarter, market, courtyard, inn, stables, tavern, blacksmith, forge, mine, mill, quarry, gallows, apothecary, college, bakery, clothier, library, guild house, bath house, pleasure house, brothel, jail, prison, dungeon, cellar, basement, attic, sewer, cistern

lookout, post, tradepost, camp, outpost, hovel, hideaway, lair, nook, watch, roost, respite, retreat, hostel, holdout, redoubt, perch, refuge, haven, alcove, haunt, knell, enclave, station, caravan, exchange, conclave

port, bridge, ferry, harbor, landing, jetty, wharf, berth, footbridge, dam, beacon, lighthouse, marina, dockyard, shipyard

road, street, way, row, lane, trail, corner, crossing, gate, junction, waygate, end, wall, crossroads, barrier, bulwark, blockade, pavilion, avenue, promenade, alley, fork, route

Time & Direction

North, South, East, West, up, down, side, rise, fall, over, under

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, solstice, equanox, vernal, ever, never

dusk, dawn, dawnrise, morning, night, nightfall, evening, sundown, sunbreak, sunset

lunar, solar, sun, moon, star, eclipse

Geographical Terms

Cave, cavern, cenote, precipice, crevasse, crater, maar, chasm, ravine, trench, rift, pit

Cliff, bluff, crag, scarp, outcrop, stack, tor, falls, run, eyrie, aerie

Hill, mountain, volcano, knoll, hillock, downs, barrow, plateau, mesa, butte, pike, peak, mount, summit, horn, knob, pass, ridge, terrace, gap, point, rise, rim, range, view, vista, canyon, hogback, ledge, stair, descent

Valley, gulch, gully, vale, dale, dell, glen, hollow, grotto, gorge, bottoms, basin, knoll, combe

Meadow, grassland, field, pasture, steppe, veld, sward, lea, mead, fell, moor, moorland, heath, croft, paddock, boondock, prairie, acre, strath, heights, mount, belt

Woodlands, woods, forest, bush, bower, arbor, grove, weald, timberland, thicket, bosk, copse, coppice, underbrush, hinterland, park, jungle, rainforest, wilds, frontier, outskirts

Desert, dunes, playa, arroyo, chaparral, karst, salt flats, salt pan, oasis, spring, seep, tar pit, hot springs, fissure, steam vent, geyser, waste, wasteland, badland, brushland, dustbowl, scrubland

Ocean, sea, lake, pond, spring, tarn, mere, sluice, pool, coast, gulf, bay

Lagoon, cay, key, reef, atoll, shoal, tideland, tide flat, swale, cove, sandspit, strand, beach

Snowdrift, snowbank, permafrost, floe, hoar, rime, tundra, fjord, glacier, iceberg

River, stream, creek, brook, tributary, watersmeet, headwater, ford, levee, delta, estuary, firth, strait, narrows, channel, eddy, inlet, rapids, mouth, falls

Wetland, marsh, bog, fen, moor, bayou, glade, swamp, banks, span, wash, march, shallows, mire, morass, quag, quagmire, everglade, slough, lowland, sump, reach

Island, isle, peninsula, isthmus, bight, headland, promontory, cape, pointe, cape

More under the cut including: Color words, Animal/Monster related words, Rocks/Metals/Gems list, Foliage, People groups/types, Weather/Environment/ Elemental words, Man-made Items, Body Parts, Mechanical sounding words, a huge list of both pleasant and unpleasant Atmospheric Descriptors, and a huge list of Fantasy Word-parts.

Color Descriptions

Warm: red, scarlet, crimson, rusty, cerise, carmine, cinnabar, orange, vermillion, ochre, peach, salmon, saffron, yellow, gold, lemon, amber, pink, magenta, maroon, brown, sepia, burgundy, beige, tan, fuchsia, taupe

Cool: green, beryl, jade, evergreen, chartreuse, olive, viridian, celadon, blue, azure, navy, cerulean, turquoise, teal, cyan, cobalt, periwinkle, beryl, purple, violet, indigo, mauve, plum

Neutral: gray, silver, ashy, charcoal, slate, white, pearly, alabaster, ivory, black, ebony, jet

dark, dusky, pale, bleached, blotchy, bold, dappled, lustrous, faded, drab, milky, mottled, opaque, pastel, stained, subtle, ruddy, waxen, tinted, tinged, painted

Animal / Monster-Related Words

Bear, eagle, wolf, serpent, hawk, horse, goat, sheep, bull, raven, crow, dog, stag, rat, boar, lion, hare, owl, crane, goose, swan, otter, frog, toad, moth, bee, wasp, beetle, spider, slug, snail, leech, dragonfly, fish, trout, salmon, bass, crab, shell, dolphin, whale, eel, cod, haddock

Dragon, goblin, giant, wyvern, ghast, siren, lich, hag, ogre, wyrm, kraken

Talon, scale, tusk, hoof, mane, horn, fur, feather, fang, wing, whisker, bristle, paw, tail, beak, claw, web, quill, paw, maw, pelt, haunch, gill, fin,

Hive, honey, nest, burrow, den, hole, wallow

Rocks / Metals / Minerals

Gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper, platinum, iron, steel, tin, mithril, electrum, adamantite, quicksilver, fool’s gold, titanium

Diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, pearl, jade, jasper, onyx, citrine, aquamarine, turquoise, lapiz lazuli, amethyst, quartz, crystal, amber, jewel

Granite, shale, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, diorite, basalt, rhyolite, obsidian, glass

Earth, stone, clay, sand, silt, salt, mote, lode, vein, ore, ingot, coal, boulder, bedrock, crust, rubble, pebble, gravel, cobble, dust, clod, peat, muck mud, slip, loam, dirt, grit, scree, shard, flint, stalactite/mite

Trees / Plants / Flowers

Tree, ash, aspen, pine, birch, alder, willow, dogwood, oak, maple, walnut, chestnut, cedar, mahogany, palm, beech, hickory, hemlock, cottonwood, hawthorn, sycamore, poplar, cypress, mangrove, elm, fir, spruce, yew

Branch, bough, bramble, gnarl, burr, tangle, thistle, briar, thorn, moss, bark, shrub, undergrowth, overgrowth, root, vine, bracken, reed, driftwood, coral, fern, berry, bamboo, nectar, petal, leaf, seed, clover, grass, grain, trunk, twig, canopy, cactus, weed, mushroom, fungus

Apple, olive, apricot, elderberry, coconut, sugar, rice, wheat, cotton, flax, barley, hops, onion, carrot, turnip, cabbage, squash, pumpkin, pepper

Flower, rose, lavender, lilac, jasmine, jonquil, marigold, carnelian, carnation, goldenrod, sage, wisteria, dahlia, nightshade, lily, daisy, daffodil, columbine, amaranth, crocus, buttercup, foxglove, iris, holly, hydrangea, orchid, snowdrop, hyacinth, tulip, yarrow, magnolia, honeysuckle, belladonna, lily pad, magnolia

People

Settler, Pilgrim, Pioneer, Merchant, Prospector, Maker, Surveyor, Mason, Overseer, Apprentice, Widow, Sailor, Miner, Blacksmith, Butcher, Baker, Brewer, Barkeep, Ferryman, Hangman, Gambler, Fisherman, Adventurer, Hero, Seeker, Hiker, Traveler, Crone

Mage, Magician, Summoner, Sorcerer, Wizard, Conjurer, Necromancer,

King, Queen, Lord, Count, Baron, Guard, Soldier, Knight, Vindicator, Merchant, Crusader, Imperator, Syndicate, Vanguard, Champion, Warden, Victor, Legionnaire, Master, Archer, Footman, Gladiator, Barbarian, Captain, Commodore,

Beggar, Hunter, Ranger, Deadman, Smuggler, Robber, Swindler, Rebel, Bootlegger, Outlaw, Pirate, Brigand, Ruffian, Highwayman, Cutpurse, Thief, Assassin

God, Goddess, Exarch, Angel, Devil, Demon, Cultist, Prophet, Hermit, Seer

council, clergy, guild, militia, choir

Climate, Environment, & The Elements

Cold, cool, brisk, frosty, chilly, icy, freezing, frozen, frigid, glacial, bitter, biting, bleak, arctic, polar, boreal, wintry, snowy, snow, blizzarding, blizzard, sleeting, sleet, chill, frost, ice, icebound, ice cap, floe, snowblind, frostbite, coldsnap, avalanche, snowflake

Hot, sunny, humid, sweltering, steaming, boiling, sizzling, blistering, scalding, smoking, caldescent, dry, parched, arid, fallow, thirsty, melting, molten, fiery, blazing, burning, charring, glowing, searing, scorching, blasted, sun, fire, heat, flame, wildfire, bonfire, inferno, coal, ash, cinder, ember, flare, pyre, tinder, kindling, aflame, alight, ablaze, lava, magma, slag,

Wet, damp, dank, soggy, sodden, soaked, drenched, dripping, sopping, briny, murky, rain, storm, hail, drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, deluge, squall, water, cloud, fog, mist, dew, puddle, pool, current, whirlpool, deep, depths, tide, waves, whitewater, waterfall, tidal wave, flow, flood, leak, drain

Wind, breeze, gust, billow, gail, draft, waft, zephyr, still, airy, clear, smokey, tempest, tempestuous, windswept, aerial, lofty, torrid, turbulent, nebulous, tradewind, thunder, lightning, spark, cyclone, tornado, whirlwind, hurricane, typhoon

Man-made Item Words

Furnace, forge, anvil, vault, strap, strip, whetstone, brick, sword, blade, axe, dagger, shield, buckler, morningstar, bow, quiver, arrow, polearm, flail, staff, stave, sheath, hilt, hammer, knife, helm, mantle, banner, pauldron, chainmail, mace, dart, cutlass, canon, needle, cowl, belt, buckle, bandana, goggles, hood, boot, heel, spindle, spool, thread, sweater, skirt, bonnet, apron, leather, hide, plate, tunic, vest, satin, silk, wool, velvet, lace, corset, stocking, binding

Plow, scythe, (wheel) barrow, saddle, harrow, brand, collar, whip, leash, lead, bridle, stirrup, wheel, straw, stall, barn, hay, bale, pitchfork, well, log, saw, lumber, sod, thatch, mortar, brick, cement, concrete, pitch, pillar, window, fountain, door, cage, spoke, pole, table, bench, plank, board

Candle, torch, cradle, broom, lamp, lantern, clock, bell, lock, hook, trunk, looking glass, spyglass, bottle, vase, locket, locker, key, handle, rope, knot, sack, pocket, pouch, manacle, chain, stake, coffin, fan. cauldron, kettle, pot, bowl, pestle, oven, ladle, spoon, font, wand, potion, elixir, draught, portal, book, tome, scroll, word, manuscript, letter, message, grimoire, map, ink, quill, pen, cards, dice

Coin, coronet, crown, circlet, scepter, treasure, riches, scales, pie, tart, loaf, biscuit, custard, caramel, pudding, porridge, stew, bread, tea, gravy, gristle, spice, lute, lyre, harp, drum, rouge, powder, perfume, brush

bilge, stern, pier, sail, anchor, mast, dock, deck, flag, ship, boat, canoe, barge, wagon, sled, carriage, buggy, cart

Wine, brandy, whiskey, ale, moonshine, gin, cider, rum, grog, beer, brew, goblet, flagon, flask, cask, tankard, stein, mug, barrel, stock, wort, malt

Body Parts

Head, throat, finger, foot, hand, neck, shoulder, rib, jaw, eye, lips, bosom

Skull, spine, bone, tooth, heart, blood, tears, gut, beard

Mechanical-Sounding Words

cog, fuse, sprocket, wrench, screw, nail, bolt, lever, pulley, spanner, gear, spring, shaft, switch, button, cast, pipe, plug, dial, meter, nozzle, cord, brake, gauge, coil, oil, signal, wire, fluke, staple, clamp, bolt, nut, bulb, patch, pump, cable, socket

torque, force, sonic, spark, fizzle, thermal, beam, laser, steam, buzz, mega, mecha, electro, telsa, power, flicker, charge, current, flow, tinker

Atmospheric Words

Unpleasant, Dangerous, Threatening

(nouns) death, fury, battle, scar, shadow, razor, nightmare, wrath, bone, splinter, peril, war, riptide, strife, reckoning, sorrow, terror, deadwood, nether, venom, grime, rage, void, conquest, pain, folly, revenge, horrid, mirk, shear, fathom, frenzy, corpselight/marshlight, reaper, gloom, doom, torment, torture, spite, grizzled, sludge, refuse, spore, carrion, fear, pyre, funeral, shade, beast, witch, grip, legion, downfall, ruin, plague, woe, bane, horde, acid, fell, grief, corpse, mildew, mold, miter, dirge

(adjectives) dead, jagged, decrepit, fallen, darkened, blackened, dire, grim, feral, wild, broken, desolate, mad, lost, under, stagnant, blistered, derelict, forlorn, unbound, sunken, fallow, shriveled, wayward, bleak, low, weathered, fungal, last, brittle, sleepy, -strewn, dusky, deserted, empty, barren, vacant, forsaken, bare, bereft, stranded, solitary, abandoned, discarded, forgotten, deep, abysmal, bottomless, buried, fathomless,unfathomable, diseased, plagued, virulent, noxious, venomous, toxic, fetid, revolting, putrid, rancid, foul, squalid, sullied, vile, blighted, vicious, ferocious, dangerous, savage, cavernous, vast, yawning, chasmal, echoing, dim, dingy, gloomy, inky, lurid, shaded, shadowy, somber, sunless, tenebrous, unlit, veiled, hellish, accursed, sulfurous, damned, infernal, condemned, doomed, wicked, sinister, dread, unending, spectral, ghostly, haunted, eldritch, unknown, weary, silent, hungry, cloven, acidic

(verb/adverbs): wither (withering / withered), skulk (skulking), whisper, skitter, chitter, sting, slither, writhe, gape, screech, scream, howl, lurk, roil, twist, shift, swarm, spawn, fester, bleed, howl, shudder, shrivel, devour, swirl, maul, trip, smother, weep, shatter, ruin, curse, ravage, hush, rot, drown, sunder, blister, warp, fracture, die, shroud, fall, surge, shiver, roar, thunder, smolder, break, silt, slide, lash, mourn, crush, wail, decay, crumble, erode, decline, reek, lament, taint, corrupt, defile, poison, infect, shun, sigh, sever, crawl, starve, grind, cut, wound, bruise, maim, stab, bludgeon, rust, mutilate, tremble, stumble, fumble, clank, clang

Pleasant, Safe, Neutral

(nouns) spirit, luck, soul, oracle, song, sky, smile, rune, obelisk, cloud, timber, valor, triumph, rest, dream, thrall, might, valiance, glory, mirror, life, hope, oath, serenity, sojourn, god, hearth, crown, throne, crest, guard, rise, ascent, circle, ring, twin, vigil, breath, new, whistle, grasp, snap, fringe, threshold, arch, cleft, bend, home, fruit, wilds, echo, moonlight, sunlight, starlight, splendor, vigilance, honor, memory, fortune, aurora, paradise, caress

(adjectives) gentle, pleasant, prosperous, peaceful, sweet, good, great, mild, grand, topic, lush, wild, abundant, verdant, sylvan, vital, florid, bosky, callow, verdurous, lucious, fertile, spellbound, captivating, mystical, hidden, arcane, clandestine, esoteric, covert, cryptic, runic, otherworldly, touched, still, fair, deep, quiet, bright, sheer, tranquil, ancient, light, far, -wrought, tidal, royal, shaded, swift, true, free, high, vibrant, pure, argent, hibernal, ascendant, halcyon, silken, bountiful, gilded, colossal, massive, stout, elder, -bourne, furrowed, happy, merry, -bound, loud, lit, silk, quiet, bright, luminous, shining, burnished, glossy, brilliant, lambent, lucent, lustrous, radiant, resplendent, vivid, vibrant, illuminated, silvery, limpid, sunlit, divine, sacred, holy, eternal, celestial, spiritual, almighty, anointed, consecrated, exalted, hallowed, sanctified, ambrosial, beatific, blissful, demure, naked, bare, ample, coy, deific, godly, omnipotent, omnipresent, rapturous, sacramental, sacrosanct, blessed, majestic, iridescent, glowing, overgrown, dense, hard, timeless, sly, scatter, everlasting, full, half, first, last

(verb/adverbs) arch (arching / arched), wink (winking), sing, nestle, graze, stroll, roll, flourish, bloom, bud, burgeon, live, dawn, hide, dawn, run, pray, wake, laugh, wake, glimmer, glitter, drift, sleep, tumble, bind, arch, blush, grin, glister, beam, meander, wind, widen, charm, bewitch, enthrall, entrance, enchant, allure, beguile, glitter, shimmer, sparkle twinkle, crest, quiver, slumber, herald, shelter, leap, click, climb, scuttle, dig, barter, chant, hum, chime, kiss, flirt, tempt, tease, play, seduce

Generic��“Fantasy-Sounding” Word Parts

A - D

aaz, ada, adaer, adal, adar, adbar, adir, ae, ael, aer, aern, aeron, aeryeon, agar, agis, aglar, agron, ahar, akan, akyl, al, alam, alan, alaor, ald, alea, ali, alir, allyn, alm, alon, alor, altar, altum, aluar, alys, amar, amaz, ame, ammen, amir, amol, amn, amus, anar, andor, ang, ankh, ar, ara, aram, arc, arg, arian, arkh, arla, arlith, arn, arond, arthus, arum, arvien, ary, asha, ashyr, ask, assur, aster, astra, ath, athor, athra, athryn, atol, au, auga, aum, auroch, aven, az, azar, baal, bae, bael, bak, bal, balor, ban, bar, bara, barr, batol, batar, basir, basha, batyr, bel, belph, belu, ben, beo, bere, berren, berun, besil, bezan, bhaer, bhal, blask, blis, blod, bor, boraz, bos, bran, brath, braun, breon, bri, bry, bul, bur, byl, caer, cal, calan, cara, cassa, cath, cela, cen, cenar, cerul, chalar, cham, chion, cimar, clo, coram, corel, corman, crim, crom, daar, dach, dae, dago, dagol, dahar, dala, dalar, dalin, dam, danas, daneth, dannar, dar, darian, darath, darm, darma, darro, das, dasa, dasha, dath, del, delia, delimm, dellyn, delmar, delo, den, dess, dever, dhaer, dhas, dhaz, dhed, dhin, din, dine, diar, dien, div, djer, dlyn, dol, dolan, doon, dora, doril, doun, dral, dranor, drasil, dren, drian, drien, drin, drov, druar, drud, duald, duatha, duir, dul, dulth, dun, durth, dyra, dyver,

E - H

ea, eber, eden, edluk, egan, eiel, eilean, ejen, elath, eld, eldor, eldra, elith emar, ellesar, eltar, eltaran, elth, eltur, elyth, emen, empra, emril, emvor, ena, endra, enthor, erad, erai, ere, eriel, erith, erl, eron, erre, eryn, esk, esmel, espar, estria, eta, ethel, eval, ezro, ezan, ezune, ezil, fael, faelar, faern, falk, falak, farak, faril, farla, fel, fen, fenris, fer, fet, fin, finar, forel, folgun, ful, fulk, fur, fyra, fallon, gael, gach, gabir, gadath, gal, galar, gana, gar, garth, garon, garok, garne, gath, geir, gelden, geren, geron, ghal, ghallar, ghast, ghel, ghom, ghon, gith, glae, glander, glar, glym, gol, goll, gollo, goloth, gorot, gost, goth, graeve, gran, grimm, grist, grom, grosh, grun, grym, gual, guil, guir, gulth, gulur, gur, gurnth, gwaer, haa, hael, haer, hadar, hadel, hakla, hala, hald, halana, halid, hallar, halon, halrua, halus, halvan, hamar, hanar, hanyl, haor, hara, haren, haresk, harmun, harrokh, harrow, haspur, haza, hazuth, heber, hela, helve, hem, hen, herath, hesper, heth, hethar, hind, hisari, hjaa, hlath, hlond, hluth, hoarth, holtar, horo, hotun, hrag, hrakh, hroth, hull, hyak, hyrza

I - M

iibra, ilth, ilus, ilira, iman, imar, imas, imb, imir, immer, immil, imne, impil, ingdal, innar, ir, iriae, iril, irith, irk, irul, isha, istis, isil, itala, ith, ithal, itka, jada, jae, jaeda, jahaka, jala, jarra, jaro, jath, jenda, jhaamm, jhothm, jinn, jinth, jyn, kado, kah, kal, kalif, kam, kana, kara, karg, kars, karth, kasp, katla, kaul, kazar, kazr, kela, kelem, kerym, keth, keva, kez, kezan, khaer, khal, khama, khaz, khara, khed, khel, khol, khur, kil, kor, korvan, koll, kos, kir, kra, kul, kulda, kund, kyne, lae, laen, lag, lan, lann, lanar, lantar, lapal, lar, laran, lareth, lark, lath, lauth, lav, lavur, lazar, leih, leshyr, leth, lhaza, lhuven, liad, liam, liard, lim, lin, lirn, lisk, listra, lith, liya, llair, llor, lok, lolth, loran, lorkh, lorn, loth, lothen, luen, luir, luk, lund, lur, luth, lyndus, lyra, lyth, maal, madrasm maera, maer, maerim, maes, mag, magra, mahand, mal, malar, mald, maldo, mar, mara, mark, marl, maru, maruk, meir, melish, memnon, mer, metar, methi, mhil, mina, mir, miram, mirk, mista, mith, moander, mok, modir, modan, mon, monn, mor, more, morel, moril, morn, moro, morrow, morth, mort, morum, morven, muar, mul, mydra, myr, myra, myst

N - S

naar, nadyra, naedyr, naga, najar, nal, naal, nalir, nar, naruk, narbond, narlith, narzul, nasaq, nashkel, natar, nath, natha, neir, neth, nether, nhall, nikh, nil, nilith, noan, nolvurm nonthal, norda, noro, novul, nul, nur, nus, nyan, nyth, ober, odra, oghr, okoth, olleth, olodel, omgar, ondath, onthril, ordul, orish, oroch, orgra, orlim, ormath, ornar, orntath, oroch, orth, orva, oryn, orzo, ostel, ostor, ostrav, othea, ovar, ozod, ozul, palan, palad, pae, peldan, pern, perris, perim, pele, pen, phail, phanda, phara, phen, phendra, pila, pinn, pora, puril, pur, pyra, qadim, quar, quel, ques, quil, raah, rael, ran, ranna, rassil, rak, rald, rassa, reddan, reith, relur, ren, rendril, resil, reska, reth, reven, revar, rhy, rhynn, ria, rian, rin, ris, rissian, rona, roch, rorn, rora, rotha, rual, ruar, ruhal, ruil, ruk, runn, rusk, ryn, saa, saar, saal, sabal, samar, samrin, sankh, sar, sarg, sarguth, sarin, sarlan, sel, seld, sember, semkh, sen, sendrin, septa, senta, seros, shaar, shad, shadra, shae, shaen, shaera, shak, shalan, sham, shamath, shan, shana, sharan, shayl, shemar, shere, shor, shul, shyll, shyr, sidur, sil, silvan, sim, sintar, sirem, skar, skell, skur, skyr, sokol, solan, sola, somra, sor, ssin, stel, strill, suldan, sulk, sunda, sur, surkh, suth, syl, sylph, sylune, syndra, syth

T - Z

taak, taar, taer, tah, tak, tala, talag, talar, talas, talath, tammar, tanar, tanil, tar, tara, taran, tarl, tarn, tasha, tath, tavil, telar, teld, telf, telos, tempe, tethy, tezir, thaar, thaer, thal, thalag, thalas, thalan, thalar, thamor, thander, thangol, thar, thay, thazal, theer, theim, thelon, thera, thendi, theril, thiir, thil, thild, thimir, thommar, thon, thoon, thor, thran, thrann, threl, thril, thrul, thryn, thuk, thultan, thume, thun, thy, thyn, thyr, tir, tiras, tirum, tohre, tol, tolar, tolir, tolzrin, tor, tormel, tormir, traal, triel, trith, tsath, tsur, tul, tur, turiver, turth, tymor, tyr, uder, udar, ugoth, uhr, ukh, ukir, uker, usten, ulgarth, ulgoth, ultir, ulur, umar, umath, umber, unara, undro, undu, untha, upir, ur, ursa, ursol, uron, uth, uthen, uz, van, vaar, vaelan, vaer, vaern, val valan, valash, vali, valt, vandan, vanede, vanrak, var, varyth, vassa, vastar, vaunt, vay, vel, velar, velen, velius, vell, velta, ven, veren, vern, vesper, vilar, vilhon, vintor, vir, vira, virdin, volo, volun, von, voon, vor, voro, vos, vosir, vosal, vund, war, wara, whel, wol, wynn, wyr, wyrm, xer, xul, xen, xian, yad, yag, yal, yar, yath, yeon, yhal, yir, yirar, yuir, yul, yur, zail, zala, zalhar, zan, zanda, zar, zalar, zarach, zaru, zash, zashu, zemur, zhent, zim, ziram, zindala, zindar, zoun, zul, zurr, zuth, zuu, zym

A lot of places are named after historical events, battles, and people, so keep that in mind. God/Goddess names tied to your world also work well. Places are also often named after things that the area is known for, like Georgia being known for its peaches.

My brain was fried by the end of this so feel free to add more!

I hope you find this reference helpful and good luck world-building!

-Mel

#worldbuilding #d&d #dnd #writing resources #fantasy #word list #dungeons and dragons

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arcisfoodblog · 5 years ago

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The next stop on our road trip was a super relaxing 3 days on Salt Spring Island!

The glum and rainy Tofino weather had seemingly spread over the whole of Vancouver Island. Only 180 kilometers / 110 miles in, on the north side of the island near Nanaimo, it finally started clearing up a bit. In the absence of cellphone reception in the interior part of Vancouver Island, Chantal chose Gabriel’s Cafe (39A Commercial St) in Nanaimo for lunch at the last-minute.

Gabriel’s Cafe works according to their “farm to fork” principle by sourcing their ingredients directly from local, small-scale family farms to be able to serve fresh, seasonal veggies, free-range eggs and pasture-fed, ethically-raised meats. They had excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, and Chantal said they had burgers, so we were definitely okay with the choice. On arrival at the restaurant, the window logo gave it away: those burgers turned out to be made from beans, rice, and corn… Consequently, as Chantal opted for the yummy wholewheat wrap filled with quinoa & chickpea fritters and topped with hummus, chutney & cucumber, the rest had Pulled pork (with North Carolina style tangy apple cider BBQ sauce) and Lemongrass braised beef sandwiches (with sriracha BBQ sauce and pickled vegetables) – which were excellent – and we enjoyed some good beers from Vancouver’s Steamworks Brewing and Victoria’s Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.

We tried to catch the ferry from Crofton to Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island of 3.35 pm and were there around 2.40 pm, but had to queue several hundred meters on the downhill road to the docks. Very annoying that no bookings were possible for this short crossing; it is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person in front of us had inquired with a traffic controller who said that given the length of the queue we would probably only be able to board the ferry at 6.05 pm – so 2 ferries later. He turned around and so we moved up again … The ferry of 3.35 pm came and left, but to our delight, more cars came off than we expected, so it was our turn immediately to line up for the next ferry, at 4.50 pm. Fortunately, there was still some distraction while waiting with the marina on one side and the paper(pulp) factory of Catalyst on the other side, where ships were loaded with logs and small tugboats herded the logs towards the cranes.

After 8 hours in the car, and 24℃ / 75℉ by then, we were so happy that we arrived at our holiday home at The Cottages On Salt Spring Island (315 Robinson Rd), a couple of kilometers north of Ganges. It is a small park with about 40 separate multi-floor cottages/houses located on the bank of a small lake, equipped with a couple of jetties, and canoes, paddleboards, and rental bikes for the guests to use.

The kids were feeling so cramped from the long drive that they immediately wanted to go swimming (or at least avoid having to unload the car…) They soon realized that the lake was still pretty chilly 🙂

Besides 2 BBQs, there were no other culinary facilities, so you have to drive down to Ganges for groceries and restaurants. The first restaurant at the marina we tried (Moby’s Pub) was not a success because, after 7pm, no minors were allowed to be in the building. The second restaurant we tried, The Tree House Cafe, was far too busy also due to the live band on their patio, so so that we finally end up at next door’s burger bar, Burger Bar 537 (106 Purvis Ln). This time Chantal was convinced going there by the presence of burgers on the menu (the vegetarian Beyond Meat burger that is). The kids had the Classic Cheese Burger (Cheddar cheese, crispy lettuce, tomato & red onion) with extra thick-cut Bacon for, $17.50. I chose the Hangover Burger (Sunnyside up egg, bacon, and cheddar, crispy lettuce, tomato, and red onion; $21). The burgers were reasonably pricy, but very tasty, as were the onion rings that we subbed for the regular fries. In anticipation of the visit of the brewery the next day, we washed them down with the delicious IPAs of Salt Spring Island Ales.

After a good night’s sleep, we had early lunch at El Loco Taco (106 Lower Ganges Road), which is located in a cool former gas station/repair shop converted into a Mexican restaurant. There are indoor and outdoor seats for the take-out counter, but you also have a separate patio with service. It seems to be a popular place to grab some food before heading to the docks to catch one of the ferries back to Vancouver Island, as it went from super crowded to almost empty in just 15 minutes.

The food was delicious and the service, albeit a bit unorganized due to last-minute replacements for staff not showing up, but super friendly. We had some Chips and Salsa to figure out what to have. Chantal went for the Tofu Tacos with Cheese and Guacamole. Chicken quesadillas were chosen by the kids, and I opted for the Jalapeno Poppers and Chicken Taquitos. As the temperature was already quite high and the salsas fiery, we had some Tiger Shark APAs from Phillips Brewing Company in Victoria, BC to quench the heat.

In combination with the beautiful weather, we got a real “holiday feeling” from Salt Spring Island. It is small (only 27x14km / 17×9 miles, and only 10,000 inhabitants), laid back as well as back to basics (no traffic lights, one big supermarket, 2 gas stations, 4 ports and hardly any cell phone reception on the entire island), so you can take in the beautiful bucolic pastures, back roads, as well as the peaks up to 700 meters. Yet it was not particularly touristy, even in summer. Chantal had a theory that islanders already have some special pride, sense of self-sufficiency, and urge to prove themselves. As a consequence, there is relatively more craft and artisanal activity than on the mainland. I think that is correct for Salt Spring Island because you can see artisans and roadside stands almost everywhere. In addition to the standard abundant range of fruit, vegetables, and eggs, we have also seen figs, pesto, coffee beans, pork sausages and chops (in freezers) and horse manure (for the garden we hope) on offer.

That afternoon we visited Salt Spring Island Cheese (285 Reynolds Rd) for excellent ice cream, and incredibly tasty goat’s cheeses, Salt Spring Island Ales (270 Furness Rd) – the Heather Ale is stellar! – and Salt Spring Vineyards & Tasting Room (151 Lee Rd), after which we tested these local products, relaxing on our balcony. The good life!

The Salt Spring Saturday Market was held around Ganges’ Centennial Park and draws enormous crowds, even from Vancouver Island as a day trip! With almost 150 stalls, the offering was indeed very extensive: lots of snacking, stunning produce, and stalls with jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, and vegan products as well as a lot of CBD products. We were there around noon to have breakfast “on the go”, and it was quite busy.

The striking live musical accompaniment was a xylophone octet, but we suspected that the free-spirited dancers in the audience already had ingested some hemp products. There was also – a little further from the main route – the “artsy” corner with, among other things, stalls with stuff against menstrual pains and postcards with “Happy 1st Period” and one with Happy Vagina Products: bags, and purses with expected embroidery and stitching. No pictures, please!

Our hiking intentions on the east side of Salt Spring Island, in Ruckle Provincial Park (Beaver Point Rd), were nipped in the bud because the most beautiful part of the trail towards the cape with the lighthouse, turned out to be a “quarantine area”. The alternative route back over a campsite was not particularly appealing, so we went double-backed through the forest.

According to various sites, another recommendation was Mount Maxwell, a 600-meter high mountain, with impressive views of Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, and others of the Southern Gulf Islands. Several online reviews indicated that the road to the top was difficult to pass. That was undoubtedly true, so I was quite happy that in Vancouver, we had opted for our Yukon (a high-clearance 4WD) instead of the minivan because the holes in the road were so deep that ordinary cars could not go up up Mt Maxwell Rd without damage. They were able to stop halfway through and walk the last 2 kilometers, while SUVs, pick-ups, and Subarus (all standard 4x4s) made it to the top without too much of a hassle. Admittedly, with shaken kidneys (a video of it would have a high Cloverfield content), but the views were well worth it!

At the end of the afternoon, we bought another fancy soft-serve ice cream at Spring Island Soft Serve, one of the regular stands at the Ganges Marina. The mini Airstream trailer is super sleek, but I suspect it gets scorching in such a little metal egg in the full sun.

They only offer vegan soft serves made of oat milk or coconut milk (we weren’t able to really taste the difference to regular dairy soft serves!) available in cones or a Sundae cup. They have vanilla, chocolate, and – as we have already seen in Tofino – a swirl of both as the base and many tempting toppings. I had the Black Forest Cake Sundae: A swirl topped with intense Amarena Cherries, Black Cherry Syrup, and Chocolate Cookie Crumbles. Chantal went for the weekly featured Sundae, “Don’t Tell Mama”, a truly amazing one with Tumeric and Lime Elixer from Moonshine Mama’s, Calamansi Citrus, Ginger, and Oat Cookie Crumble.

Around the World – British Columbia Roadtrip (2019) – Salt Spring Island The next stop on our road trip was a super relaxing 3 days on Salt Spring Island!

#British Columbia #Burger Bar 537 #Canada #El Loco Taco #Gabriel&039;s Café #Ganges #Mount Maxwell #Nanaimo #Roadtrip #Ruckle Provincial Park #Salt Spring Island #Salt Spring Island Ales #Salt Spring Island Cheese #Salt Spring Island Vineyards #Salt Spring Saturday Market #Spring Island Soft Serve #Tofino #Vancouver Island

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aisphotostuff · 3 years ago

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West Mersea Essex. by Adam Swaine Via Flickr: Walk: Mersea Island, Essex..This east-coast island, tethered to the mainland of Britain by a haunted causeway, is a wildlife haven in early spring, where seals exult, sea plants thrive and butterflies dance..Covering roughly seven square miles, Mersea Island off the coast of Essex is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island. Evidence of a pre-Roman settlement has been found here, and legend has it that a Roman centurion haunts the Strood, the road that links the island to the mainland. It’s a land of two halves: you’ll find restaurants and cafés in West Mersea, offering the oysters and shellfish that the island is famous for, as well as a vineyard selling locally produced wine. While East Mersea is all salt marshes and farmland, fantastic for a stiffly breezy, cobweb-clearing spring walk

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taruntravell · 1 year ago

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Top Places to Visit in California

California tour is a diverse and beautiful state with numerous attractions and destinations worth exploring. Here are some of the top places to visit in California:

San Francisco: Known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and cable cars, San Francisco offers a mix of culture, history, and stunning views.

Los Angeles: The entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and many more attractions.

Yosemite National Park: One of America's most famous national parks, Yosemite offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan.

San Diego: Enjoy beautiful beaches, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and historic sites like the USS Midway Museum in this coastal city.

Lake Tahoe: Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a picturesque alpine lake offering outdoor activities year-round, such as skiing, hiking, and boating.

Napa Valley: Renowned for its vineyards and wineries, Napa Valley is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a serene countryside experience.

Big Sur: Located along California's rugged coastline, Big Sur is known for its stunning cliffs, redwood forests, and breathtaking ocean views along Highway 1.

Death Valley National Park: One of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley showcases unique desert landscapes, salt flats, and dramatic canyons.

Joshua Tree National Park: A surreal landscape filled with otherworldly Joshua trees, rock formations, and starry night skies perfect for stargazing.

Santa Barbara: Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara offers beautiful beaches, Spanish architecture, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Disneyland Resort: A magical destination for all ages, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim provide a world of fun and entertainment.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Home to the giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume.

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Experience charming coastal towns, visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and explore stunning coastal drives.

Palm Springs: A desert resort city known for its mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, and hot springs.

Sacramento: California's capital city, with a rich history, Old Sacramento district, and numerous museums and art galleries.

These are just a few highlights, and California has many more fantastic destinations to explore, depending on your interests and preferences. Whether you're into nature, culture, or entertainment, California has something to offer for everyone.

#disneyland #tour #alcatraz

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mysterymirrors · 1 year ago

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Triangl Farrah - Hotel California Crochet Bikini Top - Blue/Black - S.

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travelcenter-uk · 4 years ago

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Visiting Malta 2021: A Perfect Guide to The Heart of the Mediterranean

Apparently, the buildings that we jumped from one to another in Assassin’s Creed are real. The vintage streets? They are real too!

And where are they located? You’ll see them when you are visiting Malta!

Well, if you are not a big fan of Assassin’s Creed, you are still staying on this article with me.

Because Malta is not selectively good, It is a destination for everybody!

If you are planning on visiting Malta in 2021, I also must tell you that at the Travel Center, you can actually get your holidays customized. So, once you get your complete guide to visiting Malta from the article, you know whom to call right away!

But, first, let me give a break to your sceptical thoughts about Malta.

Why should you be visiting Malta out of all the other tourist destinations in 2021?

Malta is a country best known as the ‘sun and sea’ holiday destination.

Good food? Sunshine? A good mixture of culture and adventure? It has everything covered for you. Whatever your travel style, maybe, you can always be sure to find something for you in here.

Additionally, the small country also gives you significant experiences, if you are visiting Malta for Island hopping!

Yes. Malta constitutes three unique Islands; Malta, Gozo and Comino.

No time for Island hopping? You can still have an all-round experience visiting the fascinating cities like Valetta, Mdina, Victoria and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua!)

Cutting it short.

Just add Malta to your bucket list already because it’s a destination that words cannot merely explain. You know destinations like Dubai or Croatia that you must visit yourself to experience true beauty? Malta is such!

(But of course, with a touch of a fairy tale, and extra culture!)

I know it’s already in your bucket list now, so let me tell you what you need to know next.

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Choose the best time to visit

It is a crucial topic because you obviously don’t want to invest your money on a trip to nothing.

So… here are the best times when you MUST visit Malta;

April, May and June: It is the period of early Summer and Spring, so it gives you the best weather. Luckily, it is also the period where some of the best annual events in Malta are hosted, and the country is in its utmost beauty!

July – September: Best period to visit for those on a budget because you can beat the high tourist season. Malta is less busy, and you can get some of the best Malta flight deals and offers!

Oh, speaking of deals of offers, you need to grab the special deal for Malta from Travel Center right away!!!!

And then, I’ll tell you what places you can visit, about the Beaches in Malta and what you can do in this fun-filled destination!

Great. If you are done checking the deal out. Here’s what I promised you for.

The most unique things to do in Malta for some unforgettable Maltese experiences

Do you sense the excitement in my tone here? Because that is how mesmerized I have been from the time I explored this country. I mean, these honey-coloured streets and exceptional locations in the country cannot go unexplored!!

Besides exploring the exceptional beauty of the Maltese streets, this is what you should be doing!!

In Malta

Visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Definitely, the best spot for the art and culture seeker! Because, how can you come to a boiling pot of culture and not seek art and culture? (Sounds bland? But that’s the truth!)

The Cathedral is located in Valletta and stands out for its impressive Baroque frescos, 3D statues, vaulted ceilings decorated by Mattia Preti, the well-known Italian Baroque artist.

It is also home to some of the internationally recognized artworks of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, including ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist.’

You can either visit the Cathedral for the artworks and architecture or do so to have a final tranquillizing time on your final day while visiting Malta.

Explore the countryside vibes at Siggiewi

Siggiewi is a town formed on a plateau in the 14th century. It’s great to have this on your ‘Things to do in Malta’ or ‘Places to visit in Malta’ list because it gives you an actual getaway from the happening side of the Islands.

Siggiewi takes you through a series of ‘countryside vibes’. There are a few selected landmarks in this town that you’ll be lucky enough to visit when you reach the destination;

The Inquisitor’s summer palace

The Parish Church

Verdala Palace

Ghar Lapsi

If your interests actually aren’t in these landmarks, then Siggiewi also is one of the most beautiful parts of Malta that gives you the chance to take a scenic walk around!

Climb the Dingli Cliffs

You know this picture that we have in mind about getting lost in nature? (Just feel it with me, even if you don’t!)

Because that’s how you can actually know Dingli Cliffs!

It attracts you through rocky trails to reach the cliff, then nearly makes you disappear into the sky… and the sea!

That’s probably why it is called the place in Malta where the sky and sea meet!

This location is for the breath-taking views (no doubt!) So, I would suggest, you either go for the sunrise or the sunset. Depending on your type!

Discover the Blue Grotto

You know this picture that we have in mind about getting lost in nature? (Just feel it with me, even if you don’t!)

Because that’s how you can actually know Dingli Cliffs!

It attracts you through rocky trails to reach the cliff, then nearly makes you disappear into the sky… and the sea!

That’s probably why it is called the place in Malta where the sky and sea meet!

This location is for the breath-taking views (no doubt!) So, I would suggest, you either go for the sunrise or the sunset. Depending on your type!

Tip: To experience the actual blueness of the water, visit the spot in Summer. It’s in its glorious views, morning through midday!

Experience a maritime getaway at the Grand Harbour

To one of the most essential experiences in visiting Malta! You can’t really come to a Mediterranean country and not cruise the Med, can you? That is why you need to add the Grand Harbour to your list when you are visiting Malta in 2021!

It is not only one of the spectacular ports in the world, but it is also the best maritime getaway that you’ll experience when you are visiting Malta, given that it has a remarkable ‘port-of-call’.

Yes! That is what is going to give you a safe and scenic cruising experience in the Mediterranean!

In Gozo

Take a look at the Marsalforn salt pans

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Ever heard of the ‘subtle art of… collecting salt?’

Whether it’s a yes or no, you need to be here in Gozo when you are visiting Malta, to check it out!

What looks like chequerboard in the picture below are the salt pans. Simply, where the salt is collected from the Meditteranean. (Mediterranean Salt!)

So, next time when you are visiting Malta, you should go to the salt pans!

Watch the art of lace making at the Village of Sannat

If you are someone who loves everything about ‘lace’, then the Village of Sannat is a must-visit for you. So, when you are visiting Malta, you’ll have the unique experience of watching lace being made in every nook and corner of the Sannat village!

What is adorable about this village is that you’ll find elderly women seated outside their homes (I’m not sure why it makes my heart so happy!) leisurely, making delicate shawls, table mats or handkerchiefs with lace edges!

Tal-Massar Winery

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It is one of the best tourist attractions in Gozo, that allows you to take a wine tour and learn the making of wine and the history of the vineyard!

When you are visiting Malta, you’ll notice for yourself the beauty of the vineyard that is open to a spectacular view of the sea from far away!

In Comino

Blue Lagoon

For those who know the ‘Blue Lagoon’ specially for Iceland or the best thermal spring therapy, this Blue Lagoon in Comino is a different experience!

I’ll tell you why.

There’s nothing so ‘hidden’ about the Blue Lagoon in Malta. Everything beautiful about this lagoon is as transparent as its crystal-clear waters!

It is also the perfect spot in Comino for jagged cliffs, ferry rides and… cruising!

At this Blue Lagoon, you can also go swimming or just be the nature-lover you are and walk the (rocky) moon-like surface.

Santa Marija Caves

This one’s for the adventure-seekers, waiting to fuel their thirst for more unique adventures. When you are visiting Malta in 2021, I’d recommend you to choose the Santa Marija Caves in Comino Island, as your diving spot for the extra thrill!

It’s already the most sought-after spot for the deep-water soloists, so you can’t be an exception!!

By ‘extra thrill’, I also meant the amount of climbing you could do in the cave that offers you good grips to follow the routes that’ll take you down into the crystal-clear water. If you love how thrilling it sounds, then add it to your list of things to do in Malta, right away!

Or, if you are looking for places more specific…. then I also have lists of unique places to visit in Malta with your romantic partner and family. There’s also a separate topic for the LGBT waiting to explore the number one country that has made LGBT rights legal and official!

First,

For those who are visiting Malta with their romantic partners

Mdina

If you are looking for a ‘silent city’ that could give you and your lover an undisturbed experience when visiting Malta, then Mdina is for you.

You can either book one of the best hotels/resorts in the city and spend your holidays relaxing away or visit the old-fashioned streets of Mdina with your better-half, in silence.

It’s always great to choose a silent city as a getaway with your partner if you want to show them your loud (or… loved) feelings for them!

Fomm Ir-Riħ

If you ever promised your partner to take them into a world far away from reality, then Fomm Ir-Rih is what you meant! (That’s a little exaggeration there)

But, this off the beaten track location in Malta is the perfect adventure that you can embark with the love of yourself. It’s an excellent pick if both of you are adventure lovers!

Sa Maison Garden

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Again, an off the beaten track spot for a secluded and tranquil time with your partner.

It’s a literal ‘get lost in nature’ location, where you can either stroll the entire garden together hand in hand or just picnic and have a relaxed time spent together, away from the bustling streets.

Valetta

Not sure if it’s just me, but the city’s title ‘Valetta’ itself gives me the vibe of a romantic city.

Well, it is actually true, because Valetta is a fairy-tale city that is best for you to start or progress your love story!

Take your partner through the golden streets of Valetta and fill their hearts with the colours of this city.

One day wouldn’t just be enough to traverse this city’s exceptional beauty.

Next,

For those who are visiting Malta with the family

Popeye Village

The most-visited family entertainment park in Malta, which includes many kids’ activities, swimming areas, boat rides, eateries and more!

Bov Adventure Park

A free park in Malta that offers many fun activities like climbing frames, swings, a picnic area, water fountains and much more! It also has a resting space for parents with a café.

Esplora

Infotainment at its best! Esplora is an Interactive Science centre in Malta that keeps your kids entertained until you visit some of the landmarks around the location!

Mediterraneo Marine Park

Another favourite family entertainment spot in Malta!

Here, you can just sit back and enjoy watching some of the fun shows featuring dolphins and sea lions.

And finally,

For the LGBT visiting Malta

The excellent news for you is Malta itself!

Being the number one country for LGBT, Malta has some of the best experiences waiting for you to encounter on your visit.

So, if you are visiting Malta in 2021, you can freely enjoy anythings to do in the country.

But if you want something extra-special, then here are some of the best spots you must not miss out;

The Michelangelo Club Lounge in Paceville

The Birdcage Lounge in Rabat

The Monaliza Lounge in Valletta

Now that I have given Malta to you in its fullest, you may be wondering why I had not mentioned any beaches on the list! You got me.

I saved some of the best for the last!

The top 4 beaches in Malta you must visit!

Golden Bay Beach

Yes, it is as Golden as it is named. The Golden sands of this beach make you want to stay in it forever. Not if you don’t love the beach vibes as much as I do, but this beach is for everybody!

If your ideal definition of a ‘beach’ that could make you happy is the space and the unspoilt surroundings, the Golden Bay has it for you!

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

The name of this bay actually translates to ‘Apple’s Eye.’

That is probably why the beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malta!

Although not as wide as the Golden Beach, the Tuffieha Bay has its own uniqueness due to its secluded nature!

Mellieha Bay

This is Malta’s largest sandy beach!

Unlike the ‘untouched’ and ‘raw’ beaches we saw above, this one is the most frequently visited beach in Malta.

It is in the middle of the most happening location dedicated for a prime holiday for those who are visiting Malta.

Ramla Bay

It’s another ‘untouched’ beauty of Malta that you should have in your list while visiting Malta!

It’s well-known for symbolizing the ancient Malta that had the most’ undisturbed and tranquil’ environment.

This natural beauty, just like the other unspoilt beaches in Malta, has clear waters that are recommended for swimming.

Apart from that, it is also an excellent location for snorkelling!

Now stop to breathe.

If you already have the list of things to do in Malta and places to visit in Malta ready, then you have something extra-special coming your way.

This one is for the ardent music lovers!!!

Here’s a list of;

Music Festivals in Malta you must attend if you are visiting Malta any day!

Lost and Found

Usually held by the St Paul’s Bay, it’s a literal music blast with electronic, house and techno beats echoing amidst breath-taking backdrops of cultural Malta with ancient castles on the coastline!

For more information on dates, line-up and tickets, check out their official website.

Summer daze Malta

The Summer Daze Malta is the authentic Mediterranean music and dance festival that you must attend if your genre is Electronic, House or Pop!

It is usually set up grandly at the Ta’Qali National Park or by the St Paul’s Bay, but if you are interested, you can stay up-to-date with information from their official website!

Isle of MTV Malta

It’s a blast of various music genres and world-famous artists! You wouldn’t want to miss out on the Isle of MTV Malta if you are visiting Malta in 2021.

So, stay up-to-date from the information they provide on http://www.isleofmtv.com/ their official website.

Malta Pride

It’s more of a ‘Pride Festival’ than just specifying it as a music festival! With many more surprises included, the Malta Pride is literally a Pride Day celebration that holds a Pride Parade along with an open-air Party on the street and a colourful concert.

It’s also a great opportunity with fun and music, to raise awareness on the LGBTIQ Health-related issues! If you don’t want to miss it out when you are visiting Malta in 2021, then keep yourself updated with information from the Gay Malta official website.

Earth Garden

The Earth Garden is definitely in the list of Music festivals that you must attend at least once before you die! So, on visiting Malta, don’t miss the opportunity!!

It is usually held at the Ta’Qali National Park and specifies the World, Reggae and Electronic genre.

Check their official website for dates and reserve your tickets early. This music festival attracts people from all over the world!

It’s impressive that you have come this far to know about Malta, so here’s your final Maltese treat from me;

The unbeatable taste of the Maltese Cuisine

If you are someone like me, you definitely know your taste buds well.

And if you know your taste buds well, then you should definitely be in Malta right now feasting on the Maltese cuisine!

Trust me, it’s one of the best Mediterranean treats you MUST try at least once in your lifetime!!

If you think I am overstating, go ahead and check it out for yourself!

Now when you do, according to my travel guide to Malta, you’ve got to cover;

The Traditional Maltese Cuisine

Ftira

What looks like bread ring is the traditional Maltese bread that is usually served with potato, tuna, olives, onions or other preferred fillings. You can either eat it like a stuffed loaf, pizza or a sandwich depending on your liking!

Soppa tal-Armla

A great soup that could warm you during the winter months, and also an easy recipe to grasp!

The soppa tal-armla (also known as Widow’s soup) is a soup made of vegetables, pulses and then topped with sheep’s milk cheese.

You can either enjoy the soup alone or try it with some fresh Maltese bread!

Torta tal Lampuki

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I am not sure why the titles of all the traditional foods sound like the ‘Minion language’ to me, but this traditional dish is for the seafood lovers!

‘Lampuki’ is a most-sought-after fish in Malta, that the locals love cooking in different ways.

The Torta Tal Lampuki is basically a fish pie that they stuff with well-cooked and garnished Lampuki.

Pastizzi

Like pasta and pizza put together. But wait, that’s not the dish!

Pastizzis are usually made to look like croissants. They are rolled pastries in a flaky texture, traditionally stuffed with salty ‘ricotta’ or ‘mushy peas.’

Gbejniet

Say ‘cheeeeeeeeese!’

Gbejniet is literally cheese that the Maltese people cannot go a day without in every meal they consume. If you are visiting Malta in 2021, be traditional and try out the Maltese cheese, all you can during the stay!

Kwarezimal

Kwarezimasls are oblong-shaped Maltese biscuits made using almonds, honey and selected spices.

They are usually served hot during the Easter and Lent period, mostly topped with a thread of local Maltese honey, unsalted pistachio nuts or roasted almonds (preferably chopped).

Imqaret

One of the yummiest fried pastries you’ll find in Malta, filled with dates. The unique blast of flavour you’ll encounter is when the citrus notes infused in the pastry tingle your tastebuds on every bite!

Biskuttini tar-rahal

They are some of the must-tries from the traditional biscuits in Malta, that’ll remind you of gingerbread.

It has a nice balance of spices, citrus and sweet!

As a result of the recently-formed partnership with Travel Center, you’ll have access to an extensive array of affordable holiday deals. Get in touch with us now to learn more about the best bargains in store.

Malta maybe the size of a heart compared to the size of the Mediterranean, but it cannot be explored in one visit.

Read More:- Visiting Malta 2021: A Perfect Guide to The Heart of the Mediterranean

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- Travel Center UK Blog

#travel #travelling #traveller #travellife #travelgoals #travelcenteruk #malta #travelblog #travelblogger

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bethestaryouareradio · 4 years ago

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Top of the Morning to You!

“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks

May your heart be as light as a song.

May each day bring you bright

Happy hours that stay with you all the year long.” Irish blessing.

My first introduction to the Emerald Isles arrived when I was seven. First grade was the beginning of my education since pre-school and kindergarten did not exist in our neck of the woods. A new school had been constructed with young teachers dressed from head to toe in black with white collars who arrived from a faraway land called Ireland. These exotic nuns told the most marvelous tales of a land where mischievous little people known as leprechauns lived in tiny houses, worked as shoemakers, and hid their gold in pots at the end of the rainbow. Magical green shamrocks blanketed the fields and dales that were used by the legendary St. Patrick in the 4th century to explain the Holy Trinity to those he wanted to convert to Christianity. Best of all, we learned he had driven out the snakes.

Rattlesnakes were everywhere on our ranch so the thought of being able to run barefoot through a field of clover sounded spectacular. By the age of nine, letters were flying across the pond to my pen pal in Dublin and, finally when I was eighteen, I visited her in this mythical landscape to become an adopted Irishwoman. Since then, I’ve spent many days traversing the island, soaking up the hospitality of the people and the beauty of the stones, seascapes, landscapes, cottages, and shamrocks. Most charming are the tiny doors built at the base of trees where the leprechauns live.

Shamrocks grow in my garden in the colors of pink and yellow. There are over five hundred species of Oxalis, known as sorrel or shamrock. Many people consider them a weed because they do multiply. Because I love the Irish lore, I love my spreading shamrocks. They grow from a small bulb and in March sprout mounds of beautiful green clover-shaped leaves with flowers that open at the top of the morning and close at the end of the day. I started my collection by growing shamrocks indoors in a pot and eventually moved the plants outdoors. When the foliage turns yellow and begins to die, cut the leaves to let the plant sleep. Next season, the shamrocks will burst forth again. The tiny bulbs or tubers can easily be moved or transplanted elsewhere. Be aware that shamrocks can become invasive. If you have a small yard, it may be best to keep them in a container. Or designate one area of your garden for the shamrocks and don’t allow them to escape.

Wear green on March 17 and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a pot of shamrocks on your table. They may not bring you a pot of gold, but shamrocks are a reminder that once we can travel again, visiting the land of leprechauns is at the end of the rainbow.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Erin Go Bragh!

Cynthia Brian’s Gardening Guide for March

Since I’ve been writing this column since 2008, I often mistakenly assume that readers understand that I encourage the use of organic and safe garden practices for feeding, fertilizing, spraying, or eliminating pests. There are always ways to create a beautiful garden without the use of toxic chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides. Keeping our children, pets, and wildlife safe and healthy is of the utmost importance. Whether I specific an organic method or not, please always use eco-friendly products. By doing so, we’ll also heal our planet.

ELIMINATE SNAILS: Non-toxic to children, chickens, and other pets, Sluggo and Natria are two organic baits containing iron phosphate which naturally occurs in soil. Non-ingested bait degrades and becomes part of the soil.

Other ways to purge snails and slugs include:

a. Handpicking them. I often go out at night with a flashlight and a bucket. If you have chickens, ducks, or geese, they’ll feast on escargot. Otherwise, at the risk of sounding cruel, you must kill them. We do the snail stomp. Put on boots and dance around. Other ways include drowning them in a bucket of water.

b. Trapping them. Snails like to hide in damp, dark refuges under flowerpots, boards, or plants. Gather them in the morning after their nightly raid.

c. Beer bowls. Snails are attracted to the fermenting yeast of beers. If you put out saucers or shallow bowls of beer, they will fall in. They don’t get drunk. They drown in the beer.

d. Copper barriers. Copper bands or strips are probably the most effective barrier to keep snails and slugs out of pots and plants. It is work-intensive and more expensive, but especially useful around trees.

e. Decollate snails: These predatory snails have been used in Southern California to control young small brown snails in citrus groves. However, they cannot be used in Northern California as they would endanger other mollusk species.

Once you have killed your snails, you can add them to your compost pile where their moist bodies will decompose quickly. The shells will take a bit longer but will add nutrients as they compost.

UPGRADE your outdoor living to be a place that encourages peacefulness and solitude. Create an area where you can work and listen to the sounds of nature.

SUPPORT National Farmworkers Awareness Week March 25-31 by purchasing produce from socially responsible vendors.

TRY a solar-powered sonic mole deterrent that emits vibrations through the ground to keep these velvety creatures at bay. Moles do produce unsightly molehills and undermine plants with their shallow tunnels which can cause roots to dry out. They also do positive chores by feeding on slugs.

STORE garbage cans out of reach of scavengers. Don’t feed wildlife. Skunks, raccoons, and coyotes have become frequent neighborhood visitors and can be dangerous.

FEED your lawns. Healthy soil grows healthy strong grass. Top your lawn with ¼ inch of compost or use a slow-release organic fertilizer that disseminates their nutrients through animal, plant, and mineral matter. It is best to fertilizer before rainfall.

TURN on lawn sprinklers to check the heads have not been covered by new growing grass.

DESTROY weeds and poison oak without toxic chemicals.

For weeds in sidewalk cracks, borders, and areas where lawns, flowers, and other plants won’t be affected, mix one tablespoon Dawn dishwashing detergent, a cup of salt, and a gallon of regular white vinegar in a pail. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on the weeds on a sunny day. The sunlight works the magic. Be careful where you spray as this solution is harmful to grass and plants. It will kill your weeds.

For poison oak or super-tough weeds, buy a gallon of 30% white vinegar and put it in a spray tank undiluted. Spray poison oak as it emerges in spring and do it on a warm, sunny day. The 30% white vinegar is very potent and will kill everything it touches. It is the safe and effective alternative to using Round Up for a similar amount of money. It also is useful for cleaning brick and stone patios, driveways, greenhouses, and hothouses. It will dissolve calcium, mineral, and lime buildup.

SPRING for spring on March 20th. Enjoy the rebirth of our gardens and start digging deeper.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Spring!

Photos and mores: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1502/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Top-of-the-Morning.html

Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, is available for hire to help you prepare for your spring garden. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Buy copies of her best-selling books, including, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, and Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers at www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Receive a FREE inspirational music DVD.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.

[email protected]

www.GoddessGardener.com

#stpatricksdaymarch17spring naturegardeningrenewal cynthiabrian starstyle goddessGardener growingwiththegoddessgardener

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hamid-world · 4 years ago

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9 Easy Weekend Getaways on the East Coast

In the canicule of summer, nothing is more refreshing—and rejuvenating—than a fast weekend trip. While that's definitely harder to try to to this year, there are a couple of secluded options on the East Coast for those eager to jump within the car and absorb some new scenery. (We're sure able to ditch our own four walls, too!) Whether you would like a quiet island in Georgia or an alpine escape in Vermont, these are the foremost gorgeous getaways beyond the doorstep. And for more safe travels, inspect the 13 Underrated Places That Americans Are Allowed to go to Now.

Editor's Note: We understand that travel is complicated immediately and restrictions vary state to state. If you propose on visiting any of the destinations or attractions below, which were open at the time of publication, we recommend double-checking their official websites for limited access announcements and general safety guidelines.

1New Hope, Pennsylvania

Nestled in Delaware, this quaint hamlet may be a hodgepodge of history. Established within the 1700s, New Hope quickly became a thriving mill town and layby between Philadelphia and NY City. Main Street still reflects this old-school charm with its 19th-century stone storefronts, watering holes, and galleries. and therefore the eponymous mill—now transformed into the Bucks County Playhouse for performing arts—is a nod to the enclave's treasured past. While here, walk along the promenade and swing by The Salt House, a 270-year-old tavern, for a pint, or snag a seat on the waterfront patio at Nektar bar to tuck into Mediterranean-inspired tapas and charcuterie boards. And if you are looking for an adventure, consider a tubing trip down the river or hop aboard a vintage train on the New Hope Railroad, which chugs through the bucolic countryside.

2Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport has all the trimmings of a quintessential New England escape. The Maine town is home to fresh lobster shacks, former sea captains' mansions, and kooky lighthouses dotting its craggy coastline. Wander through Dock Square, the central haunt where the Atlantic meets the Kennebunk River, and inspect the towering schooners within the wharf. For your own slice of paradise, look no further than The Cottages at Cabot Cove, a cluster of 16 shingle houses that appear like they're pulled from the pages of Coastal Living. The resort's manicured grounds are drenched hydrangeas, the lawn is about up for games of croquet, and there are beach cruiser bikes and kayaks available to explore the world. And for more coastal locales, inspect the 17 Best Secret Beach Towns in America.

3Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Stretching 200 miles over the Blue Ridge Mountains Mountains, Shenandoah Valley is once among Virginia's most scenic locations. Its namesake park is legendary for the Skyline Drive that winds atop the spine of the range, and there are many natural wonders and magical caverns to get. However, the valley is additionally a thriving wine region, with verdant vineyards and tasting trails that might impress any oenophile. Pack a picnic and head to Shenandoah Vineyards, where you'll grab a wine flight from the Civil War-era barn turned tasting room.

4Saratoga Springs, New York

Just 40 miles north of Albany within the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs was the premier resort destination for affluent New Yorkers throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century. In its heyday, the glamorous set came upstate to cheer on the thoroughbred horses at the racetrack, soak within the mineral baths fed by the area's natural springs, and socialize at Grand Union, the world's largest hotel at that point. Many of those pleasures are still available today, and you'll teleport yourself even more so by checking into the recently restored Adelphi Hotel. inbuilt 1877, the 32-room boutique stay is an emblem of Gilded Age elegance that overlooks the Victorian abodes along Broadway's downtown drag.

5The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Massachusetts could also be known for tony Boston or laid-back Cape Cod, but the Berkshires within the western side of the state may be a worthy destination too—and has fewer crowds. The region is comprised of 30 towns and two cities—North Adams and Pittsfield—and though its fall foliage and plush landscape may peg it as a natural escape, it's a surprisingly active creative community. The area's art scene boomed within the late 19th-century, drawing musicians, painters, and authors from the likes of Melville and Wharton. That legacy lives on at establishments like the Rockwell Museum, The Clark institute of art, and therefore the Massachusetts Museum of up to date Art (or MASS MoCA), the country's biggest contemporary museum. When you're able to hit the road, cruise down the 63-mile Mohawk Trail scenic byway, then drop your bags at Tourists. The rustic-chic woodland lodge has much room to roam, between its hiking paths, picnic spots, and saltwater pool. And for more stunning drives, These Are the simplest Road Trips in New England.

6Old Saybrook, Connecticut

One of the primary villages in Connecticut, Old Saybrook is straight out of a fairytale storybook. Beachfront antique shops, independent cafes, and Colonial homes decorated with patriotic American flags dot the most Street. Meanwhile, farther afield, Rocky Neck State Park and therefore the Great Island Wildlife Area offer a breath of fresh air, and therefore Connecticut is smooth enough to stand-up paddleboard or kayak as osprey, falcon, and sharp-shinned hawks soar overhead.

7Woodstock, Vermont

Full disclosure: this is often not the Woodstock that hosted the 1969 festival featuring Hendrix, Joplin, Joe Cocker, and other iconic rockers. This town is far more tranquil, hidden away within the sylvan slopes of Vermont. Here, it's all about the outside, whether you're hiking, skiing, or golfing. It also proudly displays its storied past: an ingenious 1818 Revere bell is often seen at the primary Congregational Church in town. The Woodstock Inn, a colonial estate that when belonged to the Rockefeller family, is that the ideal home base because it sits on the central green facing the covered wooden bridge within the heart of town. From here, it is easy to browse the gourmet stalls at the local market, pop into Simon Pearce's glassblowing studio, or see the animals at Billings Farm and Museum. And for more hidden gems, inspect the 33 Utterly Amazing Travel Destinations within the U.S. You've Never Heard Of.

8Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville may be a hidden gem sandwiched between the good Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway. Its assets are that the Biltmore, a sprawling castle owned by George Vanderbilt and gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who was the landscape gardener behind Manhattan's Central Park. the town itself has attracted many movers and shakers, causing it to blossom into a verified food destination and craft beer hub. Asheville native and el Bulli-trained chef Katie Button is at the forefront of this culinary crusade, together with her Spanish tapas bar Cúrate. Swallow the meal down with some suds on the alfresco patio at Wicked Weed, one among the quite 20 top-notch breweries in town.

9Jekyll Island, Georgia

While most tourists flock to Tybee Island, a step from Savannah, there's an island on the southernmost tip of Georgia that's far more secluded. Jekyll Island may be a historic atoll just an hour from Jacksonville, Florida, where the nation's most well-heeled families retreated within the 19th century. Today, you'll enter their footsteps, taking within the oak-lined plantations, peaceful marshes, and driftwood-laden beaches. Don't miss the Georgia marine turtle Center to ascertain a number of the island's most precious inhabitants.

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berlinner · 4 years ago

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riggy

i spent the spring and summer of 1971 on Martha’s Vineyard, a year before band after band took over my life. 1971 was the tail end of all the summers of love of which i’d believed in like a hippie evangelical, mucho acid, psilocybin, peyote consumed. in fact on my very first ‘on island’ landing i was ripped. i’d hitched down route 3 with Pat and Sam. we got our last ride on a 16 wheeler, got off the ferry and got a ride to Oak Bluffs which, under the influence or not, looked like the Shire. the gingerbread cottages, undulating in the LSD air, had to have been built by Hobbits. we were looking for Toby. he’d been in a motorcycle accident and was hospitalized. turns out his room mate was a lesbian pilot, one of seven from an all-lesbian-pilot cove. (no kidding — they flew the island in v-formations.) she offered him a house on a field in Menemsha if he’d shingle the roof. she said he could live there until the job was done. we add-on squatters took her at her word. in less than a week five of us moved in. we brought a100 lb bag of brown rice, kerosene lamps, sleeping bags and an upright piano that we liberated from a church. we set it up in the kitchen, banging away as Michelle cooked elaborate vegetarian dinners by kerosene light. it was our cartoon circus — nudity, pot, booze and LSD taking center ring. this was gonna be our fucking summer of love, brakes off. Michelle painted a white bone on a slab of driftwood to mark the unmarked dirt road that led up to the house. we got day jobs as a painters, working for a Portuguese who mocked our beards (‘why grow on your chin what grows wild around your asshole?’) but who went easy on us and our faux Wavy Gravy lifestyle. we painted rich people’s houses, high on ladders and drugs and listened to Joni Mitchell and Carol King on a paint spattered boom box. after work we’d gas up for the ride home and hit the booze and the drugs hard. the kid who pumped gas in town reminded me of that Wyeth painting, the one with the boy with that huge listening ear. he was from Indiana, a farm kid with yellow hair and overalls. he drove out to the ‘farm’ on a Vespa for one of our perpetual day/night parties. he vomited in the front seat of a truck when i went down on him and bolted. i never went back for gas and i never saw him again. it was that kind of summer. on weekends we’d drive to a fresh water pond, skinny dip, walk a narrow sand path from pond to ocean, swim in salt water where pebbles, shells and rocks looked like crown jewels, stumble back, rinse off in the pond, drive home, eat, drink and renew the cycle all over again. we were unstoppable, happy and wild on life. one clear as a bell afternoon i dropped, hit the pond, slipped on a pair of fluorescent flippers, slid into the water and pumped the circumference at what felt like 90 mph. round and round and round on my back, the convex sky rising above me in fish-eye distortion. back on the beach i hear my dad yelling: ‘Riggy! Riggy!’ (how the fuck did he get here? how did he find me?). with my sister’s high school friend standing beside him he stood at the top of the incline, a styrofoam carry-all crammed with ice, cups, vodka and tonic in one unsteady grip. he’d been dipping into this all afternoon while they hitched and drank their way around the island and now, lo and behold, here he was, SURPISE! he ripped off his shorts and plunged naked down the slope and into the water where my incredibly high, skinny dipping friends were treading water and grinning hard-wired, Captain Beefheart — ‘my smile is stuck, i can’t go back to my frown land’ ear-to-ear grins. he seemed overly real. he stayed a few nights at the farm, charming my hippie room mates and leering at the broads. he walked in on me one night as i was going down on some guy in my bedroom, flailing about in the kerosene light. he ducked back out the door without a word. i shrugged and resumed. at dawn he was spotted hugging his knees on a rock in the surrounding field cooing ‘whippoorwill…whippoorwill’ as if the bird might land on his shoulder. dad let his freak flag fly.

This is an excerpt from my book, The Paragraphs — Cutlass Press

About The Paragraphs and how to order

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delhi-architect2 · 4 years ago

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Journal - Midnight Maple: 12 Canadian Homes Cloaked in Black

Architects: Showcase your next project through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.

Canadian residential design has continuously evolved alongside the country’s culture and environmental conditions. Large-scale immigration helped shape Canada into one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world, a place that mixes styles, traditions and values. Simultaneously, a northern climate with subarctic and arctic weather has greatly impacted the vernacular and modern building traditions of these diverse groups. In a country where igloos and luxury urban real estate coexist, the similarities between residential projects can be few and far between.

The following collection takes a closer look at Canadian houses wrapped in black cladding. Built with matte material envelopes that explore depth and texture, the projects stand in stark contrast to their surrounding landscapes. Designed with particular attention to craft, the projects balance privacy while providing views to the Canadian landscape. Though their exteriors are dark and solemn in nature, the projects are typically formed with warm, spacious interiors to keep out the cold. Juxtaposing different programs and outdoor areas, the houses connect to natural settings with simple geometry. Together, they begin to reflect Canada’s modern residential design culture while embracing the dark side.

Fogo Island Artist Studios by Saunders Architecture, Newfoundland, Canada

Sited on an island in the North Atlantic, these artist studios were designed to respect a dramatic landscape and local culture. Created with three buildings housing six total studios, the project features bold geometry that lightly touches the natural environment. Elevated to provide views to the sea, the buildings were oriented so that occupants could observe the area’s changing seasons while the structure itself weathers over time.

La Héronnière by Alain Carle Architecte, Wentworth, Canada

La Héronnière was created as an interpretation of recycling. Exploring upcycling and renewable energy, the project reorganizes the relationships of its site to create a plateau for outdoor living. Defined by the programmatic concepts of Reuse, Supply, Occupation and Distinction, the home reflects the clients’ desire to live symbiotically and harmoniously with nature.

Cross-Laminated-Timber Cottage by Kariouk Associates, Québec, Canada

Located next to a private lake in a remote, wooded location, this cottage was designed to replace a decaying, family-owned structure on the site. The home was created using dark, prefabricated cross-laminated timber that forms the project’s outer shell. The new cottage features an open spatial arrangement while using the former building’s original dimensions and orientation to the lake.

Bolton Residence by _naturehumaine, Bolton-Est, Canada

The Bolton Residence was located on a natural plateau within a wooded, sloping site with views to Mount Orford. The country house was built with two stacked volumes that are anchored and cantilevered on the hillside. A gable roof was used to create a more spacious interior, while the design’s utilitarian program was carved out of a black volume at the house’s center.

Salt Spring Island House by Springer Architects, British Columbia, Canada

Sited off the coast of British Columbia, the Salt Spring Island House was made atop a rocky slope surrounded by mature trees. Built around the client’s art collection, the home was created with a dark bronze, corrugated metal exterior to create minimal visual impact among its surroundings. Interior spaces were designed with continuous connection to the outside.

MODERNest House 3 by MODERNest, Toronto, Canada

Opening up to create a private courtyard while taking advantage of uninterrupted skyline views, this residence was made with a contemporary and warm aesthetic. Clad with textured black wood siding, the project was formed to create shaded exterior decks, entry porches and large skylight elements.

Echo House by Kariouk Associates, Ottawa, Canada

Echo House was made as a vertical loft that opened four stories between the basement and roof. Large new parlor windows were added to capture views of the Rideau Canal and surrounding exterior space. The project’s more private spaces, like the “book vault” and den, were suspended inside the larger vertical volume.

Kicking Horse Residence by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Golden, Canada

Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Kicking Horse Residence was designed to accommodate larger family groups and directly connect to the landscape. Surrounded by an alpine forest and ski trail, the project was formed as a dense bar and open shell oriented to mountain views.

Closse Residence by _naturehumaine, Montréal, Canada

The Closse Residence was reimagined as a suburban Montréal home that embraced daylight around a central stair. This sculptural staircase was made with frosted glass, maple veneer and hot rolled steel to create a powerful focal point inside. The project’s exterior was repainted and restored, while a new dormer was added to contain an additional second-floor program.

Clear Lake House by MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, Parry Sound, Canada

Designed as a contemporary and modern cottage, Clear Lake House was created with a tent-like envelope that encompasses the interior and exterior program. Advocating an intimate scale within its forested site, the house takes advantage of the sloped site and views to the nearby lake. Three different programmatic volumes were crafted around privacy, views and separation.

The Wetlands by Alain Carle Architecte, Wentworth-Nord, Canada

This expertly crafted home explores the scale of rural landscapes and settlements, including large, empty spaces and aggregated building masses. Blurring hierarchies while establishing different perceptions of place, the design was imagined as a complex within an interconnected landscape. The three structures were made with black painted wood around common outdoor spaces linked by a shared base.

The Treehouse by Forestgreen Creations Inc., Pelham, Canada

Featuring a cantilevered porte-cochère and tri-level design, the Treehouse is located along the Niagara Peninsula. Surrounded by a century-old Carolinian forest and vineyards, the project features floor-to-ceiling glazing and an outdoor area for enjoying views to the landscape.

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knopfcooks · 5 years ago

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Flourless Chocolate Cake

From KING SOLOMON'S TABLE by Joan Nathan

Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

I know many good cooks but none who entertains as joyously and effortlessly as Injy Farat-Lew. More often than not, when Injy and her husband, Jason, invite friends for lunch or dinner at their sprawling home on Martha’s Vineyard, she will serve this elegant flourless chocolate cake for dessert.

Injy was born into an Egyptian-Jewish family. Her grandfather Emmanuel Mizrahy Pasha was one of the few Jews to serve as Pasha, or financial counselor, to King Fuad I, the father of King Farouk. In 1961, when Injy was twelve and five years after Gamal Abdel Nasser’s 1956 revolution, the family fled to Paris from Cairo, leaving this regal life forever.

After studying medicine in Paris, Injy met Jason, also a doctor, on a trip cruising down the Nile. Cairo and Paris are far cries from Martha’s Vineyard where Jason is an obstetrician, but Injy has made this island her home and uses nearby farms as sources for ingredients. Because she likes to make food that is easy and delicious for her ever-appearing guests, this flourless chocolate cake—a cake that has been around since Europeans started using chocolate and has wandered as much as Injy’s family—is a favorite dessert. It was a big hit the year that Injy brought the cake to our Passover Seder. I like to serve it covered with colorful berries.

You will need:

8 ounces (226 grams) good bittersweet chocolate such as Caillebaut or Guittard

8 tablespoons (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter or coconut oil

6 large eggs, separated

¾ cup (150 grams) sugar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Unsweetened cocoa for dusting

Raspberries and blueberries for topping

Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9- or 10-inch spring-form pan with spray or a little of the butter or coconut oil.

2. Melt the chocolate and the butter or coconut oil in a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave for a little more than a minute. Let cool.

3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the whip attachment, beat the egg whites with ½ cup (100 grams) of the sugar and the salt until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, whip the yolks with the remaining ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar and vanilla. Using a spatula, slowly stir the chocolate in with the egg yolk mixture. Then carefully fold in the egg whites. Don’t overmix or it will deflate. 4. Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is fully set around the edges. You want it to be slightly gooey in the center. 5. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then remove from pan to cool completely, and dust with cocoa. 6. Serve topped with berries and, if you like, with whipped cream or ice cream.

Excerpted from King Solomon’s Table by Joan Nathan. Copyright © 2017 by Joan Nathan. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

#KnopfCooks #JoanNathanPassover

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princessweddingdressesbyalf-blog · 5 years ago

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Princess Wedding Dresses Pictures

Wedding Venues - Greenbrier Valley

Table of Contents49+ Of The Best Connecticut Wedding Venues (Find Amazing ...Wedding Locations - Virginia Beach - Visit Virginia BeachWedding Venues In San Diego - Dream Beach WeddingTop 10 Best Free Wedding Venues In San Diego, Ca - Last ...

State your promises below looming ancient oaks, in a sophisticated ballroom, an intimate yard, a gold marsh, along the coastline, or in the residential property's enchanting chapel. And also the choices do not stop there, considered that the resort uses a wide variety of activities for visitors to take part in throughout the wedding celebration weekend break.

Sea Island, GA Vizcaya Gallery & Gardens Invest the wedding celebration weekend at one of Miami's lots of amazing resorts, swimming pools, dining establishments, and clubs prior to unexpected your guests with a ceremony and function here. Although it resembles someplace much as well as away in Europe, Vizcaya Gallery & Gardens is easily situated in the heart of Miami.

A jewel amongst Miami's high-rises, this building is for couples looking for something easily accessible, with an abroad ambiance. Miami, FL, UNITED STATES Ashford Castle This 800-year-old castle in Ireland has an incredible background and also a fairytale really feel that can be yours solely for approximately 160 visitors. The castle's 83 bed rooms, suites, and also Lakeside Hideaway Home permit you as well as your wedding party to appreciate the full castle experience without disruption.

Wedding Venues - Zola

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Cong, Region Mayo, Ireland Pelican Hillside Best recognized for its Rotunda venue, The Hotel at Pelican Hill is iconic in it's timeless layout as well as contemporary The golden state style. Set on a picturesque rise, its dramatization and also simpleness have actually made it a remarkable background for numerous West Coastline wedding celebrations. Newport Coastline, CA Fairmont Banff Springs Styled on a Scottish Baronial castle, this palatial house is located among some of one of the most excellent woodlands you are most likely to see.

This globe heritage site is renowned for its outdoor activities and relaxing warm springtimes. If you're seeking something besides a beach or a ballroom, consider preparing a great winter months wedding event here. Banff, Alberta, Canada The Breakers Be it an intimate event of 50 or a grand affair for 500, The Breakers weddings and celebrations group is understood for first-rate service as well as thoughtful, indulgent information.

Napa Valley Wedding Venues - Vineyards, Resorts & Gardens

Specifically if you're intending a large affair with a substantial visitor listing, the skies is the limit at this Palm Beach residential or commercial property. Hand Beach, FL Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Book Once an exclusive plantation, this 'Ritz-y' get developed by a Rockefeller is known for it's remoteness, improvement, as well as regard for Puerto Rico.

While you're on building, see to it to take the time to delight in the remarkable food at their numerous on-site dining alternatives as well as the beyond zen health experiences at Health club Botanico. Dorado, Puerto Rico Cart's Montauk Resorts Situated on Montauk's a lot of immaculate stretch of oceanfront property, Cart's Montauk Hotel & Salt Water Health spa is an organization and the only year-round hotel on Montauk.

Be it for the rehearsal supper, after celebration, or throughout the days surrounding the wedding, hang around at The Beach Club, it's where any person whose any person goes to see and also be seen come summer season. Montauk, NY, UNITED STATES The Factory The Foundry is a 19th Century historic building situated steps from the East River in Long Island City.

Bay Area Wedding Sites - Wedding Locations Bay Area - Napa ...

This is the only foundry in the location still standing today, and it's cherished for its rawness and also multiple ivy-covered balconies. If you're looking for a more European vibewith a sky line sight as well as the industrial influence of New York Cityhead below. Brooklyn, NY Montage Palmetto Bluff This 20,000-acre area in between Hilton Head and Savannah features a collection of elegant venues on the water with unrivaled panoramas of the South Carolina shore.

Bluffton, SC Rosecliff Mansion Maintained by Rhode Island's biggest social organization, this historic house museum channels old-world style with its French baroque rebirth style and also sprawling premises. An impressive estate for any kind of event, this East Coastline spots allows you live like Gatsby for a day. Choices are limitless at this Gilded Age masterpieceit's one of many historical bryllup københavn chateaus in Newport along the city's legendary High cliff Stroll along the water.

35+ Fall Wedding Venues — Best Locations For Fall Weddings

Patrick's Sanctuary and also 5th Avenue from a manicured historic garden atop Rockefeller Plaza. Complete with a shimmering reflective swimming pool, 620 Loft space & Garden is an enchanting oasis that can be tented all year long and is totally customizable. You're guests will certainly enjoy the renowned, one-of-kind views of New York City classicsfrom the Prometheus sculpture to the Rockefeller Facility Xmas Tree.

Carefully polished gardens breaking with color, sculpted balconies, as well as scenic lakes make this National Historic Spots a remarkable setup for Southern-style and also one-of-a-kind weddings. Charleston, SC Save These Concepts For Later on! Adding Weddings Writer Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and way of living writer and editor.

Wedding Places on The KnotFind relied on wedding celebration locations in your area. Select a CategoryReception VenuesWedding PhotographersBridal SalonsDJsFloristsWedding PlannersHotel Area BlocksJewelersBeautyVideographersWedding BandsWedding CakesAccessoriesAlterations + PreservationBar Services & BeveragesBed and also BreakfastsBoudoir PhotographersCalligraphersCaterersCeremony AccessoriesCeremony VenuesDance LessonsDecorDessertsEnsembles + SoloistsFavors + GiftsFitnessInvitations + Paper GoodsLightingMenswearNewlywed ServicesOfficiants + Premarital CounselingPhoto BoothsRegistry ServicesRehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers + PartiesRentalsService StaffTechnologyTransportationTravel SpecialistsVariety ActsVacation Residences + VillasWedding DesignersWedding JewelrySearchAdvice From The KnotIcons/ Action Based/ heartCreated with Sketch. (Uncertain? Request for more information!) Icons/ Messaging/ chatCreated with Sketch. Start a ConversationFound a place you enjoy? Connect! Inquire about their availability and also see if their capacity straightens with your visitor count. Likewise try The Knot's "Request Quote" feature. It helps you choose what details to share so you can conveniently attach with locations.

Auberge du Soleil not only uses one of one of the most extravagant breakfasts in America, however it's additionally a decadent as well as picturesque place to have your wedding. According to Yelper Jean T., "Everything from the planner to the food to the view to the solution personnel was simply remarkable." If the climate permits, having your function or event outside offers you a stunning breathtaking sight of the surrounding valley.

Additionally, the food is an outright standout. Jo. C composed: "This was the first wedding celebration where our steaks actually appeared as everyone asked for. The scallops were completely cooked. The treat was very imaginative cookie bottom, cake facility, pastry cream on inside, surrounded by chocolate mousse, after that decorated with a stick of chocolate as well as a tiny scoop of whipped cream on the side." Appears unbelievable!.

10 Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations - U.s. News ...

Site 860-425-3686 Email THE CONSUMMATE NEW ENGLAND INN, A STORYBOOK SETTING FOR YOUR WEDDING. Invite to Wedding Celebrations at Norwich Inn, among New England's finest wedding destinations. You take a trip down a winding country roadway and go into a personal drive lined with century old maples. There before you sits a Georgian Colonial Estate, its red block faade simultaneously sophisticated as well as inviting.

Inside, you will discover our stylish Grand Ballroom, a comfortable Nation Home, as well as other special occasion spaces, the majority of with wood-burning fireplaces.

Below comes the bride. Planning to say, "I do" in Hill Country? Why not walk down the aisle at one of Cedar Park's premier wedding event locations. Whether you are looking for a peaceful family celebration or a joyful fete, the estates, inns as well as clubs in and also around the city deal picture-perfect backgrounds to your special day.

55 Salisbury Road, Worcester, 508-793-4327, worcesterart.orgIndustrial stylish is a wedding event fad, as well as this seaside winery is loaded with it. The location was originally the home of the Plymouth Rope Company, a 19th-century rope maker that created rigging made use of on the USS Constitution and also run through the mid-20th century. Now the block wall surfaces, rustic wood floors, as well as beamed ceiling supply a sensational backdrop for weddings of as much as 200 visitors, with an ordinary cost of the place, food, and alcohol coming in at $25,000.55 Rope Park Circle, Plymouth, 508-746-3532, 1620winery. comYou may have become aware of James Beard Honor semifinalist Will certainly Gilson, the chef-owner of Puritan & Firm in Cambridge.

Gilson's loved ones developed the ranch's residence and carriage residence in the late 1800s, and the team behind his restaurant runs all wedding events at the farm. Host an intimate, 30-person wedding celebration in the carriage house or a 150-person event in the greenhouse. "There truly is no location else that I can think about in the region where you 'd have the ability to go and see such well manicured as well as storied yards that somebody driving by wouldn't also be able to inform [are] there," Gilson says.

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nagsale · 5 years ago

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THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY GUIDE TO CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA

Last year while driving home from a Virginia food & wine themed road trip, we decided to form a last-minute detour to Chatham Vineyards, Virginia’s only Eastern Shore vineyard before heading home. We also decided that we’d do a touch exploring on the way. Anytime we saw a symbol we felt like following, we did. Did it take for much longer to urge home? Yes. Did we discover some pretty cool places off the beaten path that we probably never would have known about otherwise? Absolutely. That’s how we found a touch hidden gem called Cape Charles.

Located on the southern end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay side of the peninsula, Cape Charles is one among America’s coziest little beach towns. There are not any mysterious wild ponies here like in Chincoteague or any of the flashy or touristy boardwalks you would possibly find in Virginia Beach. But what you'll find here may be a charming and historic laid back small-town vibe with sweet little shops, great food, kind people and a gorgeous (and quiet) public Chesapeake Bay Beach with free parking and calm, clear waters that you simply can wade out dozens of yards from shore and still be waist-deep. Adjacent to the beach may be a fishing pier perfect for bringing in some fresh catch or taking in of Cape Charles’s spectacular Chesapeake Bay sunsets. And you actually can’t leave Cape Charles without snapping a couple of pics or selfies ahead of their iconic “LOVE” sign sitting at the doorway of the pier, one among 180 public “LOVE” artworks across Virginia.

Love Art Sign Cape Charles Beach Virginia And the word seems to be spreading about this sweet little seaside retreat. Recently voted one among “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns,” by Coastal Living in 2018, Cape Charles is additionally unique for having one among the most important concentrations of late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast. it's numerous that the town has earned status as a Historic District on the Virginia Landmarks Register also as on the National Register of Historic Places. Nature lovers will love the nearby Kiptopeke State Park and therefore the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge which are perfect for hiking and birding, while golfers have their option to play at either an area Jack Nicklaus or Palmer 18 hole golf courses which are the sole two side by side courses designed by these golf icons on an equivalent property within the country. While golf isn’t necessarily my thing, driving a golf cart around the streets here is legal and encouraged, which I can drag.

Cape Charles Beach shallow waters The shallow and calm waters of the Cape Charles Beach.

Our first visit to Cape Charles was a brief stop at the beach and pier and a walk down the tiny downtown main street with plans to return this year and that we made it happen even with the likelihood of a hurricane storm surge on its way. Luckily all the town experienced was some early morning wind and rain.

Cape Charles Fishing Pier Here’s what where we ate, where we stayed and what we did on our short two-day trip back to Cape Charles.

Where to remain Cape Charles Hotel Building and Rooms Hotel Cape Charles 235 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 hotelcapecharles.com (757) 695-3854

There are many lovely B&Bs and vacation rentals in Cape Charles. except for the right spot within the center of downtown, yet walking distance to the beach, we stayed at the Hotel Cape Charles. one among only two hotels in town, this 101-year-old boutique hotel with an unbeatable location seamlessly blends into the tapestry of Cape Charles’ downtown and therefore the fabric of this very town. So seamlessly actually that we drove past it twice. If you wish historic buildings but you furthermore may just like the experience of a contemporary hotel, Hotel Cape Charles delivers on both.

Hotel Cape Charles Front Desk And Lobby Lobby At The Hotel Cape Charles

Recently renovated, with no two rooms being exactly alike, the vibe here is peaceful, light, clean, modern and cozy with vintage accents, exposed brick walls and preserved original architectural details that nod to the building’s rich history. The bathrooms are gorgeous too! If you like spacious accommodations choose one among their “lofts” with open floor plans, exposed brick, full kitchen, dining areas that define the word spacious.

While there are Keurig coffee makers within the rooms, we looked forward to heading right down to the lobby each morning for a few delicious freshly brewed locally roasted coffee in their Hotel Cafe and bar. They also offer guests a light-weight complimentary breakfast, featuring organic, homemade granola and a few light fare and food for purchase.

At night we recommend unwinding on the third-floor veranda with gorgeous views of the town with a glass or bottle of wine from the hotel’s list. If you’re in town and need to require a swim when the weather is warm, guests may purchase each day pass for the Bay Creek Beach Club only 2 miles from the Hotel which has two outdoor pools and an outsized fitness center. On each day you only want to explore Cape Charles, a couple of steps in any direction from the hotel entrance and there are great places to dine, shop and galleries to browse.

A 5-minute walk will land you at Cape Charles’s main attraction – the beach and fishing pier. For those that love a motorcycle ride, the hotel has six cruisers available for guests on a primary-come first-serve basis. except for something a touch extra, the hotel also will secure you a golf cart to urge around town. does one need to if you've got a car? Probably not. But it’s THE thanks to getting around Cape Charles. And is it a blast? Totally. While in town I happen to ascertain my cousin and her husband driving by on one returning from the beach as I used to be packing up the car to go away. It clothed they were also staying at the Hotel Cape Charles, two doors down from us and that we both had no idea. That’s the type of magical little moments that happen at the Hotel Cape Charles.

CAPE CHARLES CANDY COMPANY 300 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 capecharlescandy.com (757) 655-1338

When you’re in Cape Charles and your appetite strikes, stroll over to the Cape Charles Candy Company located in one among Cape Charles’s new group of outlets on Mason Ave. they need an eye-grabbing sort of classic and modern candy that will please any sugar addict. You’ll scoop your thanks to sugar heaven with their selection of gummies, jawbreakers, and saltwater taffy.

Don’t miss their freshly crafted fudge (samples encouraged!) made with real cream and butter that comes in an irresistible selection of flavors like spread chocolate, cake, cookies, bourbon chocolate, maple walnut, rocky road and cookies, and cream. for a few local flavor infusion, their bittersweet chocolate caramel sea salt and salted caramel fudge are made using sea salt harvested from Virginia’s Eastern Shore from the Barrier Island’s Salt Company.

CAPE CHARLES DISTILLERY 222 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 capecharlesdistillery.com (757) 695-3737

With rich leathers, dark woods and moody colors, Cape Charles Distillery is simply the sort of place you’d want to cotton up inside while sipping artisan craft spirits. Cape Charles’ very own speakeasy with talented mixologists won't only pour and educate you about what you’re close to sipping but also whomp up their signature cocktails made with unique ingredients, fresh herbs and sometimes a touch fire. Plus, they’re located right across from the road from Hotel Cape Charles.

Cape Charles Distillery crafts their bourbon, whiskeys, moonshine, and vodka with locally grown corn and grains with pristine Virginia mountain spring water. If you are trying any of their spirits and fall crazy, make certain to bring home a bottle or two… or three.

Where To Eat

AMBROGIA CAFFÉ & ENOTECA 321 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 ambrogiacc.com (757) 695-3049

You probably wouldn’t expect to seek out super authentic, hand-crafted, farm to table style Northern Italian during a small beach town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. But in Cape Charles, you can. At Ambrogio Caffe everything here which will be made up of scratch is, and love and keenness for nice food are clear in every bite. a replacement women-owned addition to Cape Charles, business partners Cristina Carollo, an Italian born oceanographer turned chef from Milan and Maria Goerner, a Ukranian with 20 years experience working within the NY restaurant scene, are serving up a number of the simplest food on the shore in their vintage chic space. that has their homemade focaccia, ciabatta and piadina bread for the paninis we devoured while visiting for lunch. We tried the mortadella (my favorite) with crescenza cheese and olive tapenade on homemade ciabatta, the roasted eggplant, fontina and tomato tapenade on homemade focaccia bread also because the piadina flatbread layered with thinly sliced prosciutto, taleggio cheese and a pepper relish for an ideal balance of flavors.

For dessert, we had their simple, yet delicious homemade tart with fig jam and a house-made tiramisu from Cristina’s family recipe that was so light and delicious I couldn’t get enough. Ambrogio is open for lunch and dinner and also does a coffee and biscotti hour within the morning starting at 10:30 with a number of the simplest espresso, doppio, cappuccino, and macchiato for miles made with a true Italian coffee machine. If you’re visiting just note the menu can change on a dime counting on what’s fresh, available or counting on what Cristina and Maria desire whipping up. Just the way they are doing in Italy.

THE SHANTY 33 Marina Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310 shantyseafood.com (757) 695-3853

For our second day in Cape Charles, the looming possibility of a hurricane headed our way caused many of the companies and restaurants to shutter for the day. So when lunch called and that we got word at our hotel The Shanty was braving the storm and that I didn’t need to eat leftover pretzel bits and protein bars out of rock bottom of my bag we headed right over. The Shanty in Cape Charles isn't a shanty but a contemporary restaurant and bar inspired by all those dockside shacks you’ve ever eaten at that have unbeatable water views and fresh delicious seafood.

I live for those sorts of places and no I don’t care if the floors are crooked and nothing’s been changed in ages. But if you’re not into hole-in-the-wall sort of places like me, don’t worry because The Shanty is very charming during a modern seaside – built to code quite way. The menu here is made around sustainable seafood, local ingredients, and familiar dishes with creative twists. We ordered their crispy conch fritters, creamy New England chowder like cheesy potato soup with fresh clams (scrumptious), and their Yucatan Style Tacos with shrimp. We enjoyed every bite.

Voted one among the “Top 25 Bars within the U.S.” by Men’s Journal, The Shanty features a few differing types of drink menus with martinis, crushes, margaritas, signature drinks, tropically inspired cocktails also as a spread of craft beers and wine. The Shanty is found just south of Cape Charles’s main downtown on the opposite side of the railroad tracks within the Cape Charles town marina. By foot you'll stroll over if you’re downtown, I like to recommend punching it into your GPS if driving which can take you on a special route and maybe a touch confusing for a primary outing of towner.

THE OYSTER FARM SEAFOOD EATERY AT KING’S CREEK 500 Marina Village Circle Cape Charles, VA 23310 theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com 757-331-8660

If the thought of eating fresh oysters, clams, and incredible seafood while overlooking the serene blue water cove where those very oysters have grown sounds pretty amazing, then The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery at Kings Creek must be a requirement on your Cape Charles to-do list. Located on a shocking 39-acre waterfront property complete with a marina, event center and luxury villas for rent, The Oyster Farm Eatery may be a large, airy and maybe a casually stylish bayside seafood restaurant, raw bar and barroom adorned with an ornate bar and impressive fish tanks. The chefs here call the food “water to the table,” and therefore the code on their website says it’s sandals to ties. Gotta love a shore town.

Cape Charles Oyster Farm Just a few minutes drive north of downtown, we headed to The Oyster Farm on our first night in Cape Charles. On an actual oyster farm, you can’t leave without trying some oysters. It just wouldn’t be right. With some wonderful suggestions from our super friendly waiter Mike, we settled on the oysters Rockefeller to start made with a house recipe of crispy bacon, kale rather than the standard spinach, slightly of cream and Parmesan. We were floored at unbelievably juicy and flavorful they tasted. Total score. Mike also suggested we try one among their hottest appetizers, the Thai Shrimp Salad. An explosion of fresh flavor and texture, fried shrimp are tossed with bell peppers, cabbage, scallions, and cilantro during a Thai condiment that's salty, sour, sweet beat one. Amazing. For mains, we moved onto a crisp and creamy Caesar salad topped with their own crispy fried oysters and perfectly Seared Scallops served over creamy risotto.

To wash it down we stayed local and paired it with Church Creek Chardonnay from Chatham Vineyards. For dessert, we dug into a delicious custard then got able to roll back to the hotel. Everything at the Oyster Farm was deliciously on point and that I anticipate returning return. The Oyster Farm Eatery has indoor and outdoor patio seating and if you've got the prospect, plan your visit so you'll catch stunning Chesapeake Bay sunsets. Great views, great food, and great service. What more are you able to ask for?

BAKERY ON MASON 236 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 Bakeryonmason.com (757) 331-4777

While the brick and mortar bakery located within the Strawberry Street Plaza Shops on Mason Avenue may be a recent addition to Cape Charles, owner Louise Orlando who runs the shop together with her husband Andrew has been perfecting the art of bread making for years. and therefore the love she puts into her bread-making shows. I first tasted Louise’s bread while visiting Chatham Vineyards last year where they serve her custom vineyard flavor baked with their own Church Creek Cabernet Franc, cranberries and walnuts which with their cheeseboard. That bread stuck in my mind ever since. sometime past Louise was baking out of her home and selling at farmer’s markets and native shops. When the bread business began taking up her home that she realized she needed a fanatical space. Fast forward to today and you've got the Bakery on Mason.

Not only is everything at the Bakery On Mason made up of 100% scratch with simple ingredients, but every sourdough loaf here is fermented with an Eastern Shore born wild yeast starter that Louise has lovingly cultivated and attended for nearly 10 years. The result's a stunning crumb with a satisfying bite and chewy crust. If you’re trying to find something on the sweet side they even have pastries, muffins, scones and croissants which have something of a cult following. Wash it all down with some freshly brewed locally roasted coffee. If you’re within the area and wish lunch on the go, choose one among their gourmet sandwiches built on their mini French baguettes. Try the Cape Charles – layered with thinly sliced Edwards country ham, Parmesan-Asiago, fresh and peppery arugula, and finished with their creamy house dressing that features a nice kick.

KELLY’S GINGERNUT PUB 133 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 kellysgingernut.com (757) 695-3737

There’s something pretty darn cool about eating during a historic repurposed space. And with 16-foot tin ceilings, a bar crafted from locally sourced 100-year-old yellow pine, and exposed brick walls, Kelly’s Gingernut Irish Pub located during a converted circa 1907 bank doesn’t disappoint. Oh, and did I mention you'll even eat inside an old vault. How cool is that?

Cape Charles Kellys With attention on what’s fresh and native and a menu that changes seasonally, Kelly’s Gingernut serves up soul-warming Irish and American pub fare like burgers, steaks, local fresh seafood, salads, an award-winning she-crab soup, along with side craft beers and wine. and therefore the food here didn’t disappoint once we stopped certain a late dinner by candlelight within the vault. We had their chevre Salad with mixed greens, candied pecans, blueberries, strawberries, shallots, and crumbled Chevre cheese, local fresh clams steamed during a wine broth with bread for dipping and a few true Irish pub fare a Shepherd’s Pie made with local organic Virginia lamb and authorized Angus Beef during a delicious pan sauce topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and Irish cheddar. We couldn’t pass up dessert and ended a stunning meal with their light and airy cake. Kelly’s Gingernut is open for lunch and dinner year-round and serves the hair of the dog brunch on Sundays. Outdoor seating is out there when the weather permits and is dog-friendly!

How To Get Around Cape Charles Golf Cart Rentals CC RYDER RENTALS 415 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 capecharlesgolfcarts.com (757) 678-3239

Anywhere it’s perfectly acceptable and truly encouraged to ride around during a golf cart may be a place I’m excited to be. And Cape Charles is one among those places. While downtown Cape Charles is walkable, driving around during a golf cart is simply darn fun and an excellent thanks to admiring the gorgeous homes within the historic district, get around town and have a ride back from the beach without having to urge buckets of sand in your seat. It’s also just plain fun! When you’re in town pop over to CC Ryder Rentals, a brief walk from the beach and downtown area. If you would like any recommendations on the world, check-in with Smitty the owner and he’ll steer you within the right direction. The rates are super reasonable and any time on a golf cart may be a blast.

Shops to not Miss Cape Charles Virginia Peach Street Books PEACH STREET BOOKS 401 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 facebook.com/Peach.Street.Books (757) 695-3886

Beaches and great books go together just like the sea and therefore the sand. And in Cape Charles, you’ll find quite possibly the cutest, if not the foremost unique book store on the East Coast. Located on the corner of Mason and Peach Street, Peach Street Books is one part book store and one part cafe. If you��re thinking a bookstore with coffee is nothing new you’d be right. But this one’s located during a renovated storybook cottage looking 1930’s Pure Oil gasoline station with a late 1950’s garage that’s attached and also restored, but with a contemporary vibe. Somehow its whimsical architecture works, and with over 500 new titles and over 10,000 gently used books, anyone on the look for their next great read are going to be in their glory. After you’ve grabbed all the books you'll handle, grab a bagel, some food or snacks, a house-made smoothie or a cup of java made with local Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting Company coffee. Chill outside on their pooch-friendly patio for a few R, R & R – rest, relaxation and reads.

Like A Sailor Shop Interior LIKE A SAILOR 219 Mason Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310 facebook.com/likeasailor (757) 678-3239

Cape Charles has some great boutiques if you are feeling more within the mood for retail therapy than dipping your toes within the sand. If you've got a way of humor and love finding unique and quirky gifts instead of the standard sorts of souvenirs you always find by the shore, then make certain to pop inside. There are all types of fun things inside from card and board games to kitchen linens and candles with witty quotes and much of unique gifts. If you’re squeamish (you know who you are) this might not be the shop for you. But if you don’t take life too seriously and love quirky witty things that you simply won’t find anywhere else, then breeze on in to love A Sailor. The giggles are freed from charge.

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