https://theopenroadahead.com/2026/03/09/the-philadelphia-flower-show/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2984.jpegAbout ninety minutes after departing Philadelphia, we pulled back into the garage at home. Not the most adventurous drive with the Acura, but it kept us dry and warm on a cold and rainy day. 70,000 miles is now in the rear view mirror... onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pa-convention-center-2026.jpgOur journey would take us to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located in Center City, Philadelphia. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2981.jpegWe spent several minutes circling a packed parking lot near the Convention Center before another vehicle left their spot (an Acura MDX, for the record). Given the weather, this is as close to a "glamour shot" as I was going to get this trip.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2980.jpegOur destination? EMei Restaurant, a Szechuan-style restaurant on Arch Street. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2978.jpegOur first stop? Lunch in Chinatown!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2977.jpegThe Marketplace also offers snacks! We tried Poppy’s Custard Company, which specializes in gluten-free and vegan desserts. A family owned and operated business, Poppy’s head chef is Jewel Johnson, who has been named twice as a Food Network Champion (including someone who beat Bobby Flay!). Pictured is Josh Johnson, co-founder and CEO, who told us the story of the business as he prepared our desserts.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2974.jpegWe chatted with Josh while he prepared our crème brûlée. The verdict? Out of this world. The flavor and texture were simply superb. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2972.jpegThe Marketplace is a vendor fair that showcases the wares of numerous vendors, everything from potting tools, to balsamic vinaigrette, to souvenir clothes, to replacement windows for your home, and much more.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2959.jpegThe Flower Show also offers numerous classes and lectures.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_2954.jpegIn addition to the numerous exhibits, there were also competitions for the best examples of specific plants and flowers. Think you grow the best daffodils in the country? You can register in one of 300 classes of competition.2026-03-09T19:51:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2026/03/05/ten-years/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/steamtown-1.jpgSo many amazing adventures... like my visit to Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_9402.jpgThrough the past ten years, there have been some memorable stops, such as the now-defunct Roadside America, one man's attempt to built the world's largest (and quirkiest!) miniature indoor village.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_1834.jpegMy old 2012 Accord coupe... gone but not forgotten. My absolute highlight with the car was rolling 200,000 miles on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/img_1178.jpgAnd what blog post wouldn't be complete without a view of Cape May... and a good luck rainbow too.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/adk-autumn-4.jpgThis blog has chronicled numerous visits to Adirondack State Park in upstate New York. One of my absolute highlights was when I climbed to the summit of Blue Mountain.2026-03-08T14:14:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2026/02/20/the-princeton-university-art-museum/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2654.jpegA half hour later, we were back in our garage. The 70,000 mile mark is fast approaching - onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/puam-map-2026.jpgPrinceton sits squarely in the middle of New Jersey, and is an hour from Philadelphia and 80 minutes from Manhattan.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2634.jpegRather than fight for street parking on a busy day in town, we left the Acura in the Chambers Street Parking Garage. Located off Palmer Square, the Chambers Street garage is relatively affordable, easy to access, and has ample parking.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2629.jpegDefying the cold February temperatures, my wife got two scoops of vegan ice cream - one vanilla and one dark chocolate. I, on the other hand, opted for the winter special: hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream. It was maybe the best hot chocolate that I have ever eaten. Fueled up, we headed back to the Acura to go home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2633.jpegBefore heading home, we made one last stop in Princeton - The Bent Spoon, one of our favorite ice cream shops in New Jersey!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2626.jpegIMG_2626https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2622.jpegYou are greeted at the entrance by a colossal piece of art entitled Let me kindly introduce myself, they call me MC Prince Brighton by Chicago-based Nick Cave.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2624.jpegWe made our way to the entrance, where we paid the fee of FREE! The Princeton University Art Museum is open to anyone and is free of charge.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2606.jpegAncient Egypt was quite well-represented. The Egyptian goddess Bastet was represented as a cat. In this case one that bears a striking resemblance to our cat, Mikko.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_2618.jpegSo our verdict? The newly renovated museum is quite nice. However, both my wife and I concurred that in the transition into the new space, it may have lost a little of the homey charm of the previous incarnation. The new museum feels quite professional, like an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The older one felt a bit more informal and relaxed, like a group of students had mixed-and-matched their favorite artwork as a semester project. That said, the new one is definitely worth a visit!2026-02-20T16:51:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2026/02/09/the-ten-year-top-ten/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/blog-stats-2026.jpgTen years after its humble beginnings, The Open Road Ahead continues to attract visitors. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_1336.jpgAfter selling my old Honda, my automotive road trip companion is now my 2020 Acura TLX. Approaching 70,000 miles, the car is a comfortable, economical, sporty long-distance cruiser. Now with 17 states and one Canadian province under its belt, it is proving a worthy successor to DH.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sandy-hook-seals-1.jpgThe most-read post of all time is The Seals of Sandy Hook. After several failed attempts, we finally were able to watch the harbor seals "haul out" onto the rocks in Sandy Hook Bay, part of Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/million-mile-9.jpgA 1,500-mile round trip journey to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to be on hand as my friend Justin rolled a million miles in his 2003 Honda Accord coupe. Along the way, there was a visit to a former First Lady's childhood home, a meal of the best hot dogs I have ever eaten, a signpost installed by a local youth named George Washington, and a stop by a park filled with dinosaurs.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_9402.jpgWithout question, the most important car in the creation of this blog was my old 2012 Honda Accord EX-L V6 coupe. "DH," as I called it affectionately, took me on countless adventures during my ownership. From climbing mountains, to driving on a beach, to plowing through blizzards, to parking on a dock beside a battleship, to zipping around a Formula One track, this car was an adventure companion like none other. When age and rust began to take their toll, I had to move to a new vehicle. DH is gone, but not forgotten.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_8375.jpegThis past summer my wife and I took a 2,700 mile road trip to see family and friends in Minnesota. We stood beside the majesty of Niagara Falls, ate Buffalo Wings at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, visited a century-old logging site, and explored one man's collection of hundreds of classic motorcycles.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_8332.jpgEach year since we have been married my wife has concocted various road trips to celebrate. My absolute favorite was when she arranged for me to drive my 2012 Honda Accord around Watkins Glen, a Formula One racetrack in upstate New York. Absolutely epic. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_6988.jpegAdirondack State Park, located in upstate New York, is a frequent destination of this blog. Several years ago I took up the hobby of mountain climbing, and this trip, where I summited Black Bear mountain and completed the Fulton Chain Trifecta mountain climbing challenge, and I remain proud of this accomplishment.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_6896.jpegA week-long journey to New Mexico to visit family and explore the state where my Dad's ancestors have lived for hundreds of years. I walked through a national monument filled with ancient carvings, learned more about UFOs, spent time with a dear relative, and spent time at a home that has been in my family for over a century. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_5668.jpgIn honor of the 100th post in this blog, my wife and I took on the 2018 New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. In a little under 36 hours, we visited all twelve remaining lighthouse in New Jersey, a 450-mile drive.2026-02-09T15:31:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2026/01/08/historic-attractions/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/6g5a1190.jpgWhen I was a little kid, I remember watching reruns of the Andy Griffith Show with my grandmom... so it was pretty cool to end my tour with a stop by the police car from that show! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1978.jpegThe coffee was fantastic! We grabbed our liquid fuel and headed out to the car.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1977.jpegAfter a good night's sleep in our hotel, we made a quick stop at Blue Collar Coffee Co in downtown Beloit.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1944.jpegStar Wars not your thing? That's ok. You can also travel the world!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1928.jpegIf you ask for a "train table," your food will be delivered via a model railroad.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1864.jpegIt's the house from the movie Home Alone! It's easily the most complicated Lego set I've ever seen - the instruction book is over 450 pages long!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_1801.jpegWe continued our drive the next morning, cruising through the remainder of Ohio and into Indiana. Near mile marker 65 on I-90, we crossed into the Central Time Zone. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/6g5a1142.jpgIt was an absolutely lovely Christmas with family. Mabel, our relative's beloved canine companion, posed patiently for me while I took this shot.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_2135.jpgNow if you'll excuse me... Grace needs a bath.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img_2128.jpegAround 8:00 pm on New Year's Day, we rolled back into our garage. Grace, our Jeep Grand Cherokee, was an amazing machine, transporting us in comfort, safety, and security. Along the way, she crossed the 130,000 mile mark. Onward! 2026-01-11T03:45:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/12/29/the-year-in-review-2025/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_5013.jpegIN over nine years, over 22,000 people have stopped by this post to check out the 306 posts on this blog!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_9294.jpegAn afternoon spent enjoying the best the Garden State has to offer, and my first visit to the New Jersey State Fair since I was a little kid. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_8375.jpegThe first leg of our 2025 summer road trip took us from New Jersey to Michigan. Along the way we explored the carousel capital of the world, hiked through a gorgeous state park in New York, ate lunch at the bar that invented the Buffalo Wing, and stood in awe beside Niagara Falls. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_8843.jpegOne of the wackiest, and awesomest, places we've visited in recent memory! The American Treasure Tour Museum is a paean to all things 20th Century America.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_7786.jpeg.JPGA weekend in the seaside resort town of Cape May, breakfast and a stroll in Asbury Park, and then a week spent in Sea Isle City. Come for the amazing coastal views, but stay for the mouth-watering food photos!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_8123.jpegMy wife and I celebrated our anniversary on both the east coast and west coast of New Jersey. We started with a lovely dinner at a restaurant in a seaside national park, followed by a long weekend in New Hope, Pennsylvania.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_6175.jpegGrace, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was an absolute workhorse during the past year. Family responsibilities made us taken several trips to the Adirondacks last winter, all of which were handled with zero drama. It also helped us pack up a week's worth of necessities for our time in Sea Isle City, it took us on numerous adventures, and it even was parked in front of the World's Largest Rocking Chair!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_6896.jpegA week spent in southeastern New Mexico, visiting family, learning more about extraterrestrial visitors, hiking through a national monument, and eating some amazing food.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_5448.jpgWant to visit a majestic pagoda? You could fly to the Chubu region of Japan... or just drive to Reading, Pennsylvania!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_5719.jpgI created weekend travel guides for two of my favorite destinations. The Open Road to Cape May was the first I published.2026-01-03T22:48:35+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/12/21/getting-in-the-holiday-spirit/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1602-1.jpegIMG_1602 (1)https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_7601-1.jpegFirst, friend and longtime blog reader Kathryn reached out with an achievement on her 2010 Honda Accord sedan - she joined the Quarter Million Mile Club! Her car has been featured in this blog before - it is the four door version of my old Honda Accord coupe. Congrats, Kathryn, and keep those miles rolling!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1728.jpegSo with the Christmas blahs banished and the holiday spirit back... Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and best wishes for a lovely New Year from our home to yours!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1762.jpegWe upgraded to the recently-released Nokian WR G5 Remedy tires. Unlike all-seasons, all-weather tires are designed to provide far better grip in winter conditions without needing to use a separate set of snow tires. I'll report back after our first snow driving experience with them.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1761.jpegSpeaking of rolling... my wife's 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was recently treated to some new tires. We went with a set of all-weather tires from Finnish-based Nokian. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1757.jpegWe made a quick detour on the way home to the nearby town of Ocean Grove. Since the mid-19th century, Ocean Grove has been a summer retreat for members of the Methodist Church, and the Great Auditorium (built in 1894) is the center of worship. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1755.jpegDuring the summer, these structures form the heart of the tent community, a residential neighborhood near the Great Auditorium. Our curiosity satisfied, it was time to head back home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1751.jpgFinally, my wife surprised me with an early morning trip to Asbury Park for a lovely breakfast at the shore. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1747.jpegWe decided to warm up with a quick stop into the Asbury Park Convention Hall. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/img_1739.jpegYes, a yummy oat milk latte helped to warm me up from the inside.2025-12-23T11:50:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/11/25/the-air-mobility-command-museum/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/477def76-f4f9-409a-96b3-f4c06035ab20.jpegFinally, the staff of The Open Road Ahead would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1449.jpgOnly one minor automotive update to report - during colder mornings I've noticed that my Acura has been starting a bit slower. I took it back to Bridgewater Acura, and they diagnosed a battery that was testing weaker than normal. After nearly six years of service, the old battery was replaced, and all is well again. Bonus? I crossed 67,000 miles on the way to the dealer. One again... onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6g5a1099.jpgThe B-17G Flying Fortress was extensively used in World War II as a bomber in every theater of combat, but most was used most notably in Europe. The B-17 could take heavy amounts of enemy fire and still bring its crew home safely. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1377.jpegIn addition to serving as the primary transport for US Vice Presidents, this plane was also used to ferry First Ladies to their destinations. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1417.jpegA little over two hours after leaving Delaware, I was back in my garage. The TLX continues to impress me as a capable long-distance cruiser. That 70,000-mile mark is fast approaching. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1412.jpegAbout an hour after leaving Dover, I crossed back into New Jersey, encountering little traffic as I sped home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1398.jpegBefore pilots are allowed to take taxpayers' multi-million dollar jets into the sky, they first will go through hours of simulated training. This trainer was used a a first step before a pilot can fly a T-38 training jet... so it's a trainer for the trainer.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1396.jpegThe excellent HBO series Band of Brothers has a powerful scene in which members of the 101st Airborne sit on board C-47s awaiting their time to jump, each soldier quietly contemplating the hours ahead. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1395.jpegEarly on the morning of June 6th, 1944, over 13,000 members of the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions of the US Army parachuted from C-47s and landed behind German lines in Normandy. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1394.jpegThe bomb bay could carry up to 8,000 pounds of munitions. The plane's greatest advantage, however, was the Norden bombsight, a 50-pound analog computer that provided a high level of accuracy from 30,000 feet in the air.;2025-11-25T23:52:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/11/07/off-season-adirondacks/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_0186.jpgGrace, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, recently went in for some scheduled maintenance. New oil, fresh brake fluid, a tire rotation, new front brake pads and rotors, new fluid for the all-wheel drive system (front and rear differentials, transfer case), a new air filter, and rotated tires were all on the menu. Everything went off without a hitch, and the dealer even threw on a generous discount of nearly 25%. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_0958.jpegRecently, I heard a commotion on our second floor while I was making dinner. I went to see what was the matter, and encountered this scene: Betty and Mikko (wearing his post-surgery cone), both staring at me innocently like, "What? I didn't hear a noise! We're perfect angels!" The two cats bring a lot of joy (and excitement) into our home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1071.jpgThe next morning I encountered my first sign of winter: frost! With temperatures in the mid 20's, I had to pull the scraper out of my car and clear my windows before I could head to breakfast.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1062.jpegThe collection of vintage cameras alone is worth the visit, as are the countless items of movie memorabilia.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1033-1.jpegPro tip: if you are staying at the Water's Edge, spring for a room with a lake view. It's worth the extra pennies. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_1023.jpgI also spotted this cool, vintage sign for a Honda specialist (now seemingly out of business). Of COURSE I stopped for a photo!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/offseason-adk6.jpgAnd, of course, no landmark is complete without an automotive selfie...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/offseason-adk3.jpgAbout an hour after leaving Herkimer, I was crossing into my happy place: Adirondack State Park. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/offseason-adk2.jpegI stopped to visit a family member in the town of Herkimer, and she had the brilliant suggestion for me to get off the interstate and follow NY-28, a winding, two-lane road, up into the Adirondacks. I saw some cool stuff, including the Octagon House, built by Linus Yale in 1850. Linus was the founder of the Yale Lock Company. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/off-season-adk-map-2025.jpgLongtime readers of this blog can probably find Adirondack State Park on a map of New York from memory! I'd be heading toward the town of Old Forge, located along the western side of the park. 2025-11-09T12:57:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/10/05/christmas-in-september/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/82876141-d4d8-438f-afb2-63126a0699ec.jpegSpeaking of my TLX, it continues its inexorable quest to reach 100,000 miles. 64,000 miles of trouble-free motoring are in the books - 70,000 is getting closer. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8943846a-891e-45a7-a5f3-f819d2ce5175.jpegFinally, we recently added a new member to our household - please meet Mikko! He's an energetic three-year old rescue from a local shelter. Our hope is that he provides some nice friendship for Betty, our longtime feline companion. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0482.jpegWhen I say "as far as the eye can see," I mean as far as the eye can see!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0418.jpegAt first, I found the lack of information annoying. "What am I looking at?" I asked myself in exasperation. However, the longer we spent in the museum, the more the approach of encountering each work on its own merits began to make sense. I don't know if I'd like to experience every museum this way, but at the Barnes it certainly was memorable!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0414-1.jpegThe collection of Impressionist painters were worth the price of admission alone. These two paintings by Cezanne (top) and Van Gogh (bottom) were absolutely beautiful in person. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0359.jpgAs this was my wife's much-belated Christmas gift, I woke up early to do some light decorating. Happy Holidays! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0577.jpegMeanwhile, my trust Acura TLX recently passed its first state inspection since I purchased it. I was there for fifteen minutes. Five minutes for the inspection, and then ten minutes chatting with the technician about classic Hondas and Acuras! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0570.jpegAt the end of the day, we pulled back into our garage. It wasn't the longest drive we've taken recently, but it was certainly packed with adventure!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0564.jpegWe departed the same way we came in, and I tried not to groan too loudly as I heard gravel pinging up from the dirt road and ricocheting off my car. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0550.jpegWe saw at least 17 food trucks on hand to provide sustenance to visitors. We were still full from lunch at El Vez, but I did grab an apple cider donut from a bakery food truck to take home. 2025-10-05T20:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/09/17/the-honda-meet/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0113.jpgTemperatures dipped down into the 30s that night, and I woke up to the dreaded low-tire-pressure-light-of-shame. Fortunately, a Sheetz gas station down the road had an air pump (a fancy one where you simply set the pressure you want and the pump automatically fills your tire to the correct psi), and I was back on the road.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_0048.jpegWhen I was growing up, neighbors a few blocks away owned an Acura Legend in this very color. I would often get off the school bus a few stops early, just so I could admire their car. Either they didn't see a little kid obsessively peering inside the Acura in their driveway, or maybe they found it endearing. Either way, I fell in love with the brand. I think 12-year old me would be very happy with my current choice of vehicle.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/the-honda-meet-map-2025.jpgEarly on a Saturday morning I departed New Jersey and headed west. I had two choices for my route - either the Pennsylvania Turnpike or Interstate 80. I-80 is a longer route, but it also avoids over $100 in tolls along the Turnpike. It made for an easy decision.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9987.jpegTaco Pros is a chain of Mexican restaurants located in the Midwest. Although I suppose you can call it "fast food," each order is made from scratch. My dinner was simply superb. I had an order of tacos (chicken, shrimp, and carne asada), with a side of rice and beans. It was excellent! Fueled up, I headed back to my hotel for the night.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9998.jpgBy the time I had arrived, the lot was filling up. I was glad I had stopped by the previous night for my car's glamour shots!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9972.jpegPerhaps my favorite photo from the entire trip! After enjoying the solitude, I headed back into town for dinner. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9982.jpegAlthough she hadn't joined me for the trip, my wife still played a key role in finding me a spot for dinner. She gave me a couple options, but Taco Pros, a Mexican restaurant in town, seemed most promising.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9969.jpegI decided to recreate a photo I had taken when I visited in 2016. I had the entire facility to myself, so I photographed at leisure.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9960.jpgNearly ten hours after leaving my house, I had arrived at the Hampton Inn in Marysville, Ohio. This would be my home for the night.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9967.jpgI paid a visit to the Honda Heritage Center, returning to it after a nine year absence. When I was taking pictures by the entrance, a guy in a Honda Civic Type R pulled up and asked if I had information about the event the next day. I filled him in as best I could, and then we chatted cars for a bit before he sped off, leaving me free to continue my trip down memory lane. 2025-09-17T01:28:33+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/09/10/the-minnesota-state-fair/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9850.jpegAfter an uneventful flight back to New Jersey, we were home! Betty certainly seemed excited to see us!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9789-1.jpegBefore leaving, I stopped by Sweet Martha's, a veritable institution at the state fair. First opening in 1979, Sweet Martha's serves one thing, and one thing only: freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. They are served warm, gooey, and delicious!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9784.jpegGreetings from the Minnesota State Fair! After a lovely day, it was time to head out. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/minnesota-state-fair-map-2025.jpgFor the second time this summer, my wife and I would be heading to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to see family and friends... and to attend a state fair!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9818.jpegAll too soon, it was time to head back to New Jersey. Our ride for the week had been our relative's 2019 Honda CR-V, which continues to tirelessly put in faithful service. It has now passed 47,000 miles - onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9796.jpegAfter taking a coach bus back to our car, it was time to head home. It was a long day, but so very, very fun!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9791.jpegFinally, what goes well with cookies? How about some milk! West End Creamery boasted of having the best milkshakes at the fair, so I decided to see for myself. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9794.jpegBest milkshake at the fair? More like one of the best milkshakes I've ever had anywhere. West End Creamery also offers a dairy-free milkshake for individuals with allergies to dairy products. If you're at the fair, it is worth a stop!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9779.jpegConstructed in 1968, the Education Building showcases the art, creative writing, science projects, photography, woodworking, and other school achievements of Minnesota's K-12 students.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9780.jpegIt took me a minute to realize that the wooden chairs were made by high school students - that is some serious skill!2025-09-10T01:08:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/09/03/birthday-shenanigans/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tlx-oil-analysis-1-2025.jpgIn my last post, I mentioned that I had sent a sample of used motor oil from my 2020 Acura TLX to Blackstone Labs, which provides in-depth reports on engine health based on various metals and contaminants found in oil. My TLX received a glowing report - it's a green light as it charges to 100,000 miles, and beyond!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9853.jpgEarlier in the summer, a minor collision in stop-and-go- traffic resulted in my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee suffering a battered bumper (fortunately, no one was injured). After a trip to Al Meschi Auto Body in Highland Park, Grace is back to her looking great once again. Grace is now on back on track as she heads toward 130,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9556.jpegThe car show was a lovely way to spend an early birthday. After taking in our fill, it was time to head home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9554.jpegSpeaking of pristine interiors, this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette was immaculate.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9537.jpegOne of the notable features of the car is its rear doors. The official name is "coach doors," but they are more commonly referred to as "suicide doors" The nickname comes from the doors' propensity to fly open while driving due to airflow, and at a time when many cars did not come with rear seatbelts, well... (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9544.jpegI love small British roadsters, such as this 1964 Triumph TR-4A. What's even cooler is the antique license plate!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9534.jpegYou may ask why a 2002 Toyota Camry Solara is worthy of a classic car show?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9535.jpegThis beautiful car has been owned by one person since new. Look how absolutely immaculate this interior is! Hopefully, in another 20 years, my Acura's interior still looks this good. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9516.jpegThis 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brought back some memories - for years, my uncle's daily driver was a silver 1976 Monte Carlo.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/img_9525.jpegNot every car on display was American. This cute little coupe was an X1/9. Originally built by Fiat, Italian coach builder Bertone took over production in the 1980s. It was the first vehicle designed from the beginning to meet US safety regulations, which were more stringent than those in Europe (via Wikipedia). 2025-09-07T22:00:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/08/16/the-new-jersey-state-fair/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9351.jpgFinally, the Acura made a pitstop at Bridgewater Acura, my local dealership, for an oil change and tire rotation. A small price to pay for miles and miles of reliable service!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/nj-state-fair-map-2025.jpgOn a weekend in early August, this was our weekend itinerary from central NJ to upstate NY to see family, to northern NJ for the State Fair, and then back home. It was a whirlwind thirty-six hours! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9348.jpegThe dealership frequently puts classic Honda and Acuras on display. I absolutely loved their latest showcase - a second generation Honda CRX. My stepmom helped teach me to drive on her 1989 CRX, so seeing this gem brought back a wave of good memories.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9349.jpegFinally, I had the dealership pull a sample of used motor oil from my engine, which I'll be shipping off to Blackstone Labs, a firm that analyzes motor oil to determine engine health. Stay tuned for the report in an upcoming post!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9329.jpgAfter a fun (if a bit warm!) afternoon, it was time to climb back into Grace, turn the air conditioning up, and head home!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9330.jpegYet again, Grace transported us in comfort and ease on a long weekend road trip. 125,000 miles has passed, and 130,000 miles is in the not-too-distance future. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9328.jpegThe state fair is also an opportunity for employers to connect with potential new employees. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service had a very cool display. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9323.jpegOne thing I love about my home state - we never take ourselves too seriously. I appreciate the warning label on the garlic display. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9325.jpegThe fair offers numerous live classes, including cooking and baking demonstrations.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_9321.jpegWhat state fair is complete without a contest to judge the best produce? And of course, no Garden State fair is complete without seeing some prize-winning Jersey Tomatoes on display!2025-08-29T20:00:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/08/02/the-american-treasure-tour/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/odometer-2025-million.jpgFinally, my friend Justin, whose 2003 Honda Accord passed a million in miles in March 2023, continues its inexorable march to the two million mile mark. It's currently at 1,084,164 miles. Onward, sir! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2020-tlx-7-25.jpgAnd then I put my newly-organized cleaning supplies to good use, spending the better part of a morning removing all the dirt, mud, and bug guts from my car after our recent summer road trip to Minnesota.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/6g5a0942.jpgA little bit of elbow grease and a good collection of supplies is all that is needed!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_9002.jpegA short, twenty minute ride later, we had arrived at our destination: The American Treasure Tour Museum.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_9025.jpegI am often asked how I keep my cars clean. The answer is my collection of car care products. On a recent day that had a rare break in the summer heat, I spent a few hours in the garage organizing my car care shelves.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_9110.jpegAfter only about an hour of work, they had everything looking ship-shape once again. I was thrilled with how Bridgewater Acura dealt with the issue - and helped to keep me as a loyal customer!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_9001.jpegThe museum is housed in a former B.F. Goodrich factory that opened in 1937. The factory closed in 1986, and its huge space was purposed as an industrial park... and a quirky museum (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_9007.jpegA little under an hour-and-a-half later, we were back home. My Acura TLX continues to perform well. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8991.jpegThe ancestor of the record player was this disc music box, one of several on display. The American Treasure Tour Museum was a terrific way to spend an afternoon, and was well-worth the admission. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8994.jpegIMG_89942025-08-03T10:49:39+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/07/24/bills-old-bike-barn/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6g5a0908.jpgAnd of course Billville has its own Harley-Davidson dealer...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6g5a0900.jpgThe level of detail is deeply impressive. Each shop feels like a step back in time. The Post Office (right) came from a small town in Ohio. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6g5a0878.jpgAs I stepped into the museum, my jaw hit the floor. Beyond the numerous bikes on display, this place had a collection of seemingly everything.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8742.jpegAbout 90 minutes later, we crossed back into New Jersey, bringing out 2025 Summer Road Trip to a close. Bill's Bike Barn was a fantastic chapter for an end of our adventure!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8728.jpegIMG_8728A small, but notable, collection sits outside, semi-covered under a roof. These knights are from Belgium and were discovered by Bill and his wife when they were making purchases for the museum. The knights had been used as movie props.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8731.jpegThis small tricycle doesn't seem too noteworthy, until you dive deeper. It was built in 1895 and is designed to steer with the rear wheels. It still has its original manufacturer's tag. It's in fantastic shape!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8723.jpegNumerous signs hang from the ceiling, such as this Harley-Davidson sign, commissioned for a proposed Harley-Davidson dealership in Allentown that lost its corporate approval in the immediate years after World War II. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8712.jpgAt the end of a winding driveway, there was no doubt we had arrived at the correct spot.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8721.jpegBill was sitting by the front door, greeting customers as they entered. When I first arrived, he was deep in conversation with other guests, so I waited to chat until I was leaving and he was free. At 86-years young, he is still intimately involved in the operation of the museum. "Got any Hondas?" I asked. He laughed and pointed me to the blue CB350 in the middle of the room.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8710-1.jpegAs I related in my last post, my wife asked if I wanted to take a detour on our way home from the Midwest. Her directions included a turn at a dinosaur statue...2025-07-24T12:52:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/07/17/summer-road-trip-part-ii-to-minnesota-and-back/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8643.jpgWhen in Wisconsin... you stop for a Cheese Chalet! Between the cow and the mouse, this place won us over with their advertising!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8429-1.jpegAfter a lovely week, we decided to get an early start on our drive and left after dinner on Independence Day. We raced the setting sun as we headed across Wisconsin.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8474.jpegWe arrived at a dear relative's house a little before dinnertime, where a freshly home-cooked meal was waiting for us. We had driven 1366 miles in a little under 48 hours. It felt good to put the TLX in park, knowing we would mostly be doing local driving for the next five days. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8438.jpegAfter our epic drive from New York to Michigan, with a detour to Ontario to see Niagara Falls, we allowed ourselves a slow morning (well, slow by our standards) in our hotel. Complimentary breakfast with automatic pancake maker? Yes please! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8734.jpegRather than jump back on the interstate, we wound our way through a series of two-lane country roads in central and eastern Pennsylvania. It maybe took a bit longer, but the view was spectacular.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8748.jpegAfter ten days of travel, we were back home! Along the way, we crossed the 60,000 mile mark. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8710.jpeg"Want to see something weird?" my wife asked. "Sure!" came my response. Ten minutes after exiting the highway in central PA, we made left turn at this triceratops...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8697.jpegWe got an early start the next morning and crossed into Pennsylvania - homeward bound!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8708.jpegIMG_8708https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8691.jpgA little while later, we pulled up to our accommodations for the evening: a Holiday Inn Express, just outside of Youngstown, Ohio.2025-07-17T00:45:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/07/10/summer-road-trip-part-i-niagara-falls/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8336.jpegIn 1964, one of the bartenders asked his mother to prepare a snack for friends who had just arrived at the bar. Out of the kitchen emerged a platter of fried chicken wings, coated in a special sauce. The Buffalo Wing was born!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8312.jpegPerhaps my favorite of the waterfalls: Upper Falls. The Genessee Arch Bridge, built in 2017, is an active railroad bridge for the Norfolk Southern Railway. After enjoying our detour, we got back on the road and pointed the Acura to the northwest. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8260.jpegThe next morning, we packed up the car and stopped at the local Starbucks for some coffee before beginning our adventures. What town are we in? Oh, right...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8252.jpegWe completely missed the "Welcome to New York" sign as we crossed the state border, so this shot from the Southern Tier Welcome Center will have to suffice! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8436.jpgWe finally reached out hotel near the city of Lansing. Exhausted, but happy, we made our way straight to bed. Its as an epic day of adventure!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nj-to-mi-map-2025.jpgOur route: New Jersey to Michigan, via Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8419.jpegAs night approached, we crossed the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, Michigan. Fortunately, the delay to cross the border was short and we did not encounter any hiccups on the way. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8431.jpegOne benefit of being at such a northern latitude - sunset is much later than in New Jersey. Despite the late hour, we had daylight for almost the entire drive to our hotel. This shot was taken at almost 9:30 pm. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8415.jpegShelby's was started by two friends who began with a food truck, serving a family recipe of shawarma. The food truck quickly gained popularity, and there are now 19 locations in Canada. My wife and I both ordered the chicken shawarma bowl, and it was simply superb. I hope they open a location in New Jersey soon! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_8413.jpegWe took Ontario Highway 401 across the southern length of the Province, with a plan to cross back into the US in Port Huron, Michigan. 2025-07-17T10:28:37+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/06/29/a-coast-to-coast-anniversary/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8350.jpegWe took the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. From the earliest days of the two cities, a ferry service would cross the Delaware. That service was eventually replaced by a succession of wooden bridges (each washed away by flooding), before finally being replaced by the current structure which was built in 1904. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8344.jpegWe encountered a wickedly strong storm, with heavy rains and gusting winds. Fortunately, between the TLX's unflappable all-wheel drive system and the set of Nokian tires, we arrived at home safely and unscathed. Even with the weather, it was a lovely way to kick off our anniversary celebration... but the main event was still to come! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8343.jpegOur drive home as not without drama, however. A line of strong storms rolled through Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey Thursday evening. I had hoped that we would be home before they hit. I was overly optimistic. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8224.jpegGrace, our Jeep Grand Cherokee, did a great job transporting us in comfort and convenience. She's nearing 124,000 miles now and is still doing great! However, if you notice, this is not a photo of Grace's odometer. It's my Acura, all set for our big summer road trip - stay tuned!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8222.jpegThe main course was amazing - absolutely perfect French toast, served with bacon and slices of oranges. I'd like to take a moment to give a shout-out to Lori, the manage of the Pinneapple Hill Inn, who greeted us warmly, served some amazing meals, answered all of our questions, and made the experience absolutely perfect. If you're looking for lodging in the New Hope area, definitely give the Pinneapple Hill Inn a try! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8221.jpegThe next morning we were treated to another delightful breakfast at the inn. We started with a slice of grilled pineapple and freshly cut strawberries.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8219.jpegWhile my wife enjoyed (loved!) her Nantucket Day Boat Scallops (served with polenta and spinach), I positively devoured this crab cake sandwich. Full and happy, we made our way back to the inn for the night. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8216.jpegWe started our feast with an order of grilled octopus, served with potatoes and lemon, and drizzled in olive oil. It was simply perfect. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8211.jpegWe chose to eat the Library Lounge, located on the second floor. Although not pictured, I was seated in a leather high-backed chair. All I needed was a glass of brandy and a cigar and I could have pretended to be a 19th century robber-baron. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8209.jpegAfter lunch, we had tickets to see a musical at the Bucks County Playhouse. The building is a former grist mill, constructed after the Hope Mills burned down in 1790. The building was named the New Hope Mills, and also gave the town its name (via Wikipedia). 2025-07-02T18:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/06/18/jersey-jaunts/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7786-1.jpegDCIM100MEDIADJI_0917.JPGDCIM100MEDIADJI_0917.JPGhttps://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7626-1.jpgMeanwhile, my wife's Jeep got new plates as well. Baymen's Heritage honors the New Jersey residents who spent their lives building a communities along the bayside coastline. Proceeds help support museums in the state that preserve this history. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7549-1.jpgBoth my Acura and my wife's Jeep recently got some upgrades! I went to the DMV and swapped my old license plates for these specialty plates. "Shore to Please" features Barnegat Lighthouse, and proceeds go toward beach cleanup and lighthouse maintenance in New Jersey. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_6979.jpegThe margaritas, as well as the chips, salsa, and guacamole, were excellent... and this view made the meal even better! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_8021.jpegLast, but not least, a quick check-in with my Acura TLX. It recently went in for some minor servicing, including a four-wheel alignment. It is in great shape, and will be our ride of choice for a very special trip in July - stay tuned! In the meantime... onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7344.jpegAsbury Park has a vibrant public art scene, and each visit I discover something new. This personal cassette player and headphones brought a smile to my face. It was a lovely morning in Asbury! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7333.jpegI also made a pitstop at Offshore Coffee Co in Convention Hall and grabbed a hot oat milk latte. Delicious! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7330.jpegI stopped by the Asbury Park Convention Hall to check out the latest murals on display. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7328.jpegAfter breakfast, I took advantage of the lovely weather to enjoy a walk along the Asbury Park boardwalk. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/img_7326.jpegOn the drive down I realized that my Acura had never been to Asbury Park. I fixed that with a mandatory glamour shot in front of The Stone Pony, the concert venue that has launched the careers of many noted rock artists. 2025-06-18T00:59:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/05/15/the-open-road-to-old-forge/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2991.jpegLast year at the Old Forge Festival of Arts and Crafts my wife found this beautiful piece of woodwork and gave it to me as a birthday gift. It now proudly hangs in our living room.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_6425.jpegI'd highly recommend stopping for breakfast at the Front Door Diner, a veritable institution in Old Forge.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_5624.jpegFront Door Diner is equally as tasty as Walt's, but has the added bonus of offering gluten-free options. At either location, you'll get a tasty, affordable meal from a friendly wait staff.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_3063.jpegIf you're in the mood for shopping and want to support local artists and vendors, you should definitely check out Space! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2986.jpegLast, but not least, get some coffee to go from Blue Line Coffee House. Blue Line has two locations - one in Inlet that is open in the summer and one in Old Forge that is open year round. Some delicious coffee will comfort you as you begin your drive home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_3060.jpegVarious photographers, artists, crafters, furniture makers, and other vendors rent an area within the building where they can sell directly to their customers, and the indoor location means they can. be open rain or shine. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2993.jpegThe Inlet Historical Society museum is definitely worth a visit as well! This small storefront museum does a great job of telling the history of life along the Fulton Chain of Lakes. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2546.jpegStart your day with a swim in an Adirondack lake! With water so clear that you can see right to the bottom, and gorgeous mountain views as far as the eye can see, it's a great way to begin your last day in town! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2990.jpegFeel like supporting local artists and crafters more directly? Be sure to check out one of the many arts & crafts vendor fairs that pop up during the warmer months. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_2583.jpegGo for a drive! The Adirondacks offer numerous roads that have plenty of twists and turns for those who enjoy driving. Even at the speed limit, you'll have a lot of fun.2025-05-15T00:00:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/04/04/land-of-enchantment/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image000003.jpegEver want to see what 1.6 million miles looks like? This is it. My friends Tyson and Justin recently had a meetup in Arizona. Tyson's 1994 Acura Legend coupe (left) has over 598,000 miles, while Justin's 2003 Honda Accord coupe (right) reports 1,059,000 miles on its odometer. You can check out a video of their meetup here.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6553.jpgAfter a winter spent making several long-distance drives to the Adirondacks, Grace, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was due for some maintenance. Now with 121,000 miles on the odometer, what did she need? An oil and tire rotation. And that was it. Cheers, Grace, and thanks for the trouble-free driving this winter. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fbkee9256.jpegFinally, please join me in welcoming my Dad to the high mileage club! His 2017 Honda Accord V6 Touring recently crossed the six-figure mark, rolling 100,000 miles on its way to Cape May, New Jersey. Dad reports that his car remains trouble-free. Next up? A well-deserved timing belt service for its engine. Congrats, Dad... onward!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_0741.jpegThis was my second visit to Old Town. I came here with my Mom in 2006 - camera technology has certainly advanced in the past 19 years!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6774.jpegIt's an interesting experience to walk through a property that has been tied to my family for many generations. This brick walkway was laid down by my great-grandmother many decades ago. It was a cool experience to literally walk in my ancestor's footsteps.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6796-1.jpegAside from playing tourist, I spent a lot of time with relatives at the farm south of Roswell that's been in our family for generations. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6672.jpegI selected Piedras Marcadas Canyon, as according to the National Park Service website, the canyon has views of over 400 petroglyphs on a 1.5 mile hike.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6951.jpegAfter two flights (and a lengthy weather delay in Atlanta), I was finally home in New Jersey. It was an amazing trip to New Mexico, but it also felt good to be back home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6929.jpegSadly, the Rattlesnake Museum was closed - I had saved it as my last stop in Old Town (when in New Mexico, right?). After an enjoyable afternoon, it was time to return my rental car and prepare for my flight home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_6934.jpegWith a little sadness, I returned the Nissan Rogue to Hertz. The little SUV proved to be a comfortable, spacious, fuel-efficient little run-around, perfectly suited for driving in the Southwest. I have not been thrilled with my previous Nissan Rogue rentals, but I really feel like Nissan made enough improvements to the vehicle to make it worthwhile for someone looking for affordable, efficient transportation. After bidding the Nissan adios, I headed to the airport for my flight home. 2025-04-06T21:42:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/03/26/the-open-road-to-cape-may/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_3273.jpegAfter a fun-filled weekend, it's time to leave Cape May behind. One last tip: if you are departing on a Sunday during the summer and want to beat traffic, make sure to leave before lunchtime. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_3249.jpegBefore packing up to head home, grab a coffee from one of the excellent independent coffee shops in town. My favorite is Out There Coffee, located on the corner of Washington and Ocean Streets.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_0681.jpgIn the evening, there is still plenty to see and do in Cape May. For instance, no trip is complete without watching a sunset from Sunset Beach! You'll also be able to see the slowly-deteriorating wreck of the SS Atlantus, a cargo ship made of concrete that ran aground in 1926 and has remained ever since. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_2266.jpegLouisa's offers both indoor or outdoor dining. You can also get your meal to go and enjoy it in the small municipal park across the street. If you're coming to Louisa's, plan on making a reservation, as the cafe fills up quickly. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_2275.jpegAnother excellent choice is Louisa's Cafe, located on Jackson Street. Open since 1980, this seasonal restaurant features entrees with locally-sourced ingredients. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_5536.jpegMy favorite part of the museum, however, is not aircraft-related, but rather an exhibit on the home furnishings of the 1940s. The museum does a great job recreating a typical American home during and immediate after the Second World War.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_2459.jpgBirders will delight with a visit to the South Cape May Meadows. The early bird catches the worm, and the early birder catches cool views!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_2563.jpgThe South Cape May Meadows is located along Sunset Boulevard, not too far from the lighthouse and the lookout tower. It is managed by the Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, and is free to visit. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_9434.jpegThe food is quite tasty, and gluten-free options are available. Pro tip: order the tater tots. You won't be disappointed.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_9436.jpegNew Jersey is known for its diners, and Oceanview Restaurant does not disappoint. 2025-03-26T15:08:06+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/03/04/the-adirondack-ice-bowl/2025-03-04T03:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/02/18/a-hot-air-affair/2025-02-18T14:00:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/02/08/catching-up/2025-02-09T00:04:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/01/24/the-reading-pagoda/2025-01-26T12:27:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2025/01/04/big-things-small-town/2025-01-18T21:51:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/12/27/the-year-in-review-2024/2024-12-29T13:53:08+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/12/16/over-there/2024-12-16T20:07:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/11/22/suffrage-in-seneca-falls/2024-11-27T03:09:33+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/11/07/historic-hyde-park/2024-11-08T13:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/10/12/the-impression-that-i-get/2024-10-15T01:26:32+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/09/28/the-road-taken-and-the-one-not/2024-09-29T23:58:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/09/15/an-adirondack-birthday-addendum/2024-09-16T01:23:39+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/09/01/all-aboard-for-a-celebration/2024-09-04T21:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/08/22/a-cape-may-day/2024-08-22T18:27:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/07/27/another-adk-adventure/2024-07-29T20:52:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/07/22/castles-made-of-sand-2/2024-07-24T16:01:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/07/17/port-of-call/2024-07-17T01:11:06+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/07/03/philadelphia-freedom/2024-07-08T18:40:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/06/21/smile-youre-in-sea-isle/2024-06-23T14:42:59+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/05/31/carefree-in-the-catskills/2024-06-06T17:03:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/05/22/the-north-shore/2024-05-30T19:00:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/05/01/a-providence-party/2024-05-03T01:53:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/04/19/hday/2024-04-20T11:06:49+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/04/12/total-eclipse-in-the-park/2024-04-19T23:35:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/04/02/snug-harbor/2024-04-04T18:00:12+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/03/17/quality-not-quantity/2024-03-18T16:53:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/02/20/going-west-to-east-on/2024-04-04T18:05:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2024/02/05/because-im-in-bethlehem/2024-02-05T20:43:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/12/27/the-year-in-review-2023/2023-12-28T02:49:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/11/28/weekend-getaway/2023-11-30T16:05:07+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/11/10/adirondacks-unplanned/2023-11-10T11:40:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/10/30/the-haunted-road/2023-11-01T13:44:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/10/06/the-tlx-test-drive/2023-10-06T21:24:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/09/28/the-next-chapter-2/2023-09-28T17:36:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/09/21/cape-may-stargazing/2023-09-21T21:16:39+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/09/08/drive-the-glen/2023-09-11T19:29:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/08/29/making-the-most-of-summer/2023-09-03T23:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/08/12/far-above-the-clouds/2023-08-12T13:04:24+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/07/26/eating-our-way-through-the-shore/2023-08-06T20:28:56+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/07/10/crossing-it-off-the-list/2023-07-10T23:28:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/07/02/birds-of-prey/2023-07-10T19:29:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/06/02/a-jersey-kid-climbs-a-mountain/2023-07-12T10:48:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/05/16/cars-of-yesteryear/2023-05-20T14:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/04/24/in-the-army-now/2023-05-02T01:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/04/17/bloom/2023-05-02T01:35:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/04/11/mud-season/2023-04-11T12:55:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/03/28/weekend-wrap-up/2023-04-02T22:53:39+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/03/16/the-million-mile-man-the-million-mile-accord/2023-03-21T16:35:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/02/27/highway-to-the-danger-zone/2023-02-27T21:36:53+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/02/21/steamtown/2024-06-27T17:01:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/01/24/wings-of-victory/2023-01-29T00:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/01/18/the-midwest-winter-ordeal/2023-01-28T23:44:57+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2023/01/03/the-year-in-review-2022/2023-01-04T00:14:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/12/15/shorely-going-christmas-shopping/2022-12-17T12:44:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/11/24/a-move-and-some-mountains/2022-11-24T13:43:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/10/28/late-autumn-adk/2022-11-09T00:05:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/10/18/back-to-the-shore-again-and-again-and-again/2022-10-29T14:27:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/09/08/according-to-us/2022-09-08T23:08:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/08/31/loons-of-the-adk/2023-08-18T00:30:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/08/23/the-great-american-road-trip-part-iii/2022-08-31T16:09:56+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/08/16/the-great-american-road-trip-part-ii/2022-08-26T02:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/08/03/the-great-american-road-trip-part-i/2022-08-10T11:16:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/07/13/an-adirondack-guide/2022-07-13T20:51:30+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/07/07/the-great-swamp/2022-07-13T20:51:08+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/06/29/sea-isle-summer/2022-06-29T00:20:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/06/15/the-200000-mile-update/2022-06-18T12:25:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/06/03/the-skys-the-limit/2022-06-10T13:59:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/05/26/the-top-ten/2022-05-28T17:55:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/05/22/funky-fresh/2022-05-26T16:43:49+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/05/16/shoulder-season/2022-05-19T12:27:53+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/05/03/the-fast-and-the-furious/2022-05-06T17:44:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/04/26/history-along-the-hudson/2022-05-01T22:07:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/04/20/i-cant-drive-55/2022-04-21T10:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/04/05/a-walk-a-wash-a-wedding/2022-04-10T21:09:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/03/20/destination-new-england/2022-04-01T23:53:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/03/10/march-miscellany/2022-03-13T20:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/02/25/whiteout/2022-02-28T19:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/02/15/hidden-art/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/fullsizerender.jpegFullSizeRenderYou can tell my interest in automotive mileage achievements is starting to rub off on my family and friends... my Dad texted me a photo of the odometer of his 2015 Honda Accord sedan after it crossed the 105,000 mile mark. Woohoo!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9936.jpegIMG_9936Meanwhile, my Accord recently went to a local Honda dealer for a four-wheel alignment. The car wasn't tracking straight on the highway, the result of probably one too many New Jersey potholes. The alignment brought the Accord's handling back to perfection. Even better? The mechanic also did a vehicle inspection report, and all systems read as green for satisfactory. Excellent!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9853-1.jpegIMG_9853 (1)In The Barn, we met Stan Sperlak, the owner and founder of the gallery and gardens. He gave us a map and asked how long we had to visit. He outlined a tour that would highlight some of the coolest works on display. The art gallery in The Barn is free to visit. To visit the outdoor sculpture gardens, a $10 per adult donation is requested. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9929.jpegIMG_9929The Accord once again brought us home, safe and sound. Now with 192,000 miles rapidly approaching, the goal of 200k is getting closer and closer. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9927.jpegIMG_9927A winter storm passed through our area, covering the grass and trees in a blanket of white. Temperatures were just warm enough that the roads were only wet. However, my car is now covered in a layer of salt and road spray. Ah, the joys of winter. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9919.jpegIMG_9919https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9916.jpegIMG_9916We ordered our usual - pecan pancakes for me, and gluten-free pecan pancakes for my wife. Yum! Yum! Yum!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9914.jpegIMG_9914I mean, my wife and I probably should explore some other breakfast spots in Cape May... but as long as Uncle Bill's is close by, why bother? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9913-e1644849334985.jpegIMG_9913That'll be crabcakes for me, the seafood combo (flounder, scallops, and shrimp - not pictured) for my wife, and an appetizer of calamari. Delicious, as always!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/img_9908.jpegIMG_9908Despite having seen countless Cape May sunsets in my years of visiting the Jersey shore, this view never gets old. 2022-02-16T00:45:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/01/28/10000-to-go/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9657-1.jpegIMG_9657 (1)https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9651.jpegIMG_9651Mission accomplished! 190,000 miles is now in the books, and we're onto the final push to 200k. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9695.jpegIMG_9695On a more serious note, Convention Hall was also the site of one of the worst maritime accidents in US history, when the S.S. Morro Castle caught fire and beached itself right off the Asbury Park coast. Of 549 passengers and crew, 135 died in the accident. Between September of 1934 and March of 1935, it became a grim tourist attraction, with thousands of visitors coming to Asbury Park to view the charred remains of the ship (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9694-2.jpegIMG_9694 (2)It was a lovely stroll along the Asbury Park Boardwalk, made even more enjoyable when I once again got to reenact one of my favorite scenes from The Sopranos: "Our true enemy... has yet... to reveal himself." Ah, you had to be there.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9707.jpegIMG_9707The rear of another local building had more art, this devoted to the Asbury Park music scene.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9704.jpegIMG_9704A few feet away is this photo of one of my favorite bands. Pearl Jam has played Asbury Park several times, including last year at the Sea.Hear.Now festival.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9701.jpegIMG_9701On the same building is this life-size photo of Bruce Springsteen and the late, great saxophonist Clarence Clemons. Springsteen and members of the E Street band have longstanding connections to Asbury Park. Clemons was playing at Wonderbar in Asbury Park when he and Springsteen met for the first time. Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen's longtime guitarist, also founded Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (before eventually going on to star in TV shows such as The Sopranos and Lilyhammer). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9699.jpegIMG_9699And of course, it's always worth a stroll to check out the ever-changing installation of murals throughout Asbury Park!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9691-e1643244726480.jpegIMG_9691Not a bad view to enjoy some coffee!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9687.jpegIMG_9687After nearly four miles of walking, we had earned a treat, and stopped at Asbury Park Roastery for some coffee.2022-01-29T18:13:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/01/15/the-seals-of-sandy-hook/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9598.jpegIMG_9598A week after our Sandy Hook trip, my Accord crossed another mile mark: 189,000 is now in the books! Less than 11,000 miles until the big 200k! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220111_214828.jpg20220111_214828Meanwhile, my friend Justin keeps pushing his 2003 Accord EX-L V6 coupe to stratospheric mileage heights... less than 10,000 miles until the big 900,000! Wow!2023-03-02T19:35:52+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/01/07/the-midwest-grand-tour/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_5022.jpegIMG_5022The frozen conditions continued into Illinois. The picture doesn't do the roads justice - anything that looks wet on the blacktop was actually ice. The Jeep and the Nokian tires did very, very well. Temperatures eventually rose as we neared Chicago, and by the time we stopped at our hotel, we were driving on dry pavement. It was one of the more challenging drives in recent memory. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9372.jpegIMG_9372While many of our meals were home-cooked, I did find a couple of really cool restaurants during our trip. Friends introduced us to Shish, a Mediterranean restaurant in St. Paul that specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. I had the gyro rice bowl (delicious) while my wife ordered (and loved) the chicken curry dinner. To note for next time: one of our friends ordered the Shish Burger - a burger topped with feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, and hummus. It looked amazing. I might have to give it a try! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9402.jpegIMG_9402I was also introduced to Taco John's, a taco chain located in the Midwest and Mountain states. My order of street tacos was excellent. Taco John's specializes in Potato Oles, which are basically tater tots. Deep fried potatoes with tacos? Does that make sense? No, it makes zero sense. But it tastes amazing. Yum!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9395.jpegIMG_9395Finally, no trip to the Midwest is complete without a stop at Caribou Coffee. That will be an almond milk latte for my wife (left) and a medium roast with cream for me (right). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/midwest-trip-2.jpgMidwest Trip 2Come on, now! How many opportunities like this come around?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9417.jpegIMG_9417The World's Largest Boot is in the Red Wing Shoes retail headquarters. On the second floor is a small museum, telling of the company's history. Pictured are the very first pair of boots ever made in the factory, in 1908. They were given as a gift to a worker's son, who went on to work for the company as well. Years later,, he donated the pair back to the factory.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9419.jpegIMG_9419What i found most interesting was a display that explained how a boot goes from raw materials into a finished product. The museum was cool... but it was time to go to our next destination!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_9316.jpgIMG_9316COVID has certainly changed our approach to traveling over the past two years. For instance, we now stay almost exclusively at suite-style hotels. We pack most of our meals when we drive long distances, putting our food in a plug-in cooler in the back of our car (a Coleman 40-quart PowerChill thermoelectric cooler that plugs into any 12-volt outlet in your vehicle). A suite-style hotel gives us a kitchenette where we can store and prepare food for the next day's travels. If we get takeout, we also like eating off proper dishes in the hotel, and not resorting to plastic forks and knives. For this trip, a Hilton Homewood Suites was our overnight lodging of choice. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/midwest-trip-outgoing-map-2021.jpgMidwest Trip Outgoing Map 2021How long does it take to drive from New Jersey to Minnesota? For-ev-errrrrrrrr...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/midwest-trip-return-2021.jpgMidwest Trip Return 2021After a fantastic week with family, it was time to set off for home. However, we decided to detour a bit, and explore a bit of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. 2022-01-11T14:51:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2022/01/03/the-year-in-review-2021/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-stats.jpg2021 Statshttps://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-5.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 5The pandemic did force us to alter our planning for road trips, and we spent a lot of time trying to come up with adventures that would be safe, socially distance, and when possible, outdoors. One Saturday, we explored important sites in New Jersey from the Revolutionary War. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/jeep-grand-cherokee-maintenance-2021.jpgJeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance 2021https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_8363.jpegIMG_8363Meanwhile, Grace, my wife's 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, finished 2021 with over 78,000 miles on its odometer.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_8122.jpgIMG_8122I asked my readers for advice on which photos to submit to the "Shot on Canon" photo contest. This photo, along with shots of Rondaxe Tower and a cardinal perched on a snowy branch, were my three submissions. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_8092.jpegIMG_8092A fun-filled journey down Route 519, beginning at the highest point in New Jersey, traveling through miles and miles of farmland, twisting forest roads, and beautiful small towns. Country roads, take me home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_6898-1.jpgIMG_6898 (1)My wife and I participated in the NJ Monthly Selfie Challenge, and we spent the better part of a weekend crisscrossing the state to take our photo in front of numerous cool sites. My personal favorite? The Whitney Houston mural in Newark.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_5906.jpegIMG_5906A family vacation to Sea Isle City that included spotting some amazing wildlife, beautiful sunsets, amazing food, good times with family, and an ill-fated whale watching cruise. Actually... better not mention that cruise.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_3441.jpegIMG_3441Now with over 188,000 miles on the odometer, my 2012 Honda Accord coupe is doing just fine! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/delaware-lighthouses-1.jpgDelaware Lighthouses 1This past fall, we thought we'd challenge ourselves by visiting all the lighthouses in Delaware... we ended up with a trip that was certainly memorable!2022-01-04T17:57:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/12/21/yule-tide-greetings/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/weekend-write-up-5.jpgWeekend Write-Up 5With the New York skyline in the distance, you can see just how critical this gun battery emplacement was to defending allied shipping during World Wars I & II. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/img_9178.jpegIMG_9178On the way home from our trip to Cape May, we crossed 187,000 miles. However, that would not be the end to the Accord's milestones, as we had another trip planned a few weeks later...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/yule-tide-greetings-4.jpgYule Tide Greetings 4...and was even cooler as the sun set in the background!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/yule-tide-greetings-3.jpgYule Tide Greetings 3As dusk descended, I managed to grab a shot of Navesink Twin Lights. Built in 1862, these two lighthouses stand 246 feet above sea level. It was also the second stop when my wife and I completed the 2018 Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/weekend-write-up-2.jpgWeekend Write-Up 2After leaving Battery Gunnison, we drove to the northernmost tip of Sandy Hook, where we had a terrific view of the Manhattan skyline. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/weekend-write-up-1.jpgWeekend Write-Up 1The previous day, seals had been spotted sunning themselves on the jetty near Officer's Row, the former homes of US military personnel who inhabited Sandy Hook when it was an active military base. Alas, we would encounter no seals, no snowy owls, and no sly foxes. Sigh. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/sandy-hook-map-2021.jpgSandy Hook Map 2021After a fun weekend in southern New Jersey with my family, my wife and I set off for Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook, a preserved wilderness that juts into both the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook Bay. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/img_9296.jpegIMG_9296Meanwhile, Grace, our Jeep Grand Cherokee, hasn't been making too much news lately. We're saving her up for a monster road trip later this week. Grace did, however, cross the 75,000 miles threshold. About that road trip...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/img_9293.jpegIMG_9293At the end of our weekend adventures, my Accord now sits at less than 12,000 miles until the big 200,000... onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/img_9291.jpegIMG_9291Fort Hancock was a major gunnery base, with artillery trained on the advance to New York Harbor to defend it from enemy attacks. 2021-12-24T12:43:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/11/29/rockin-around-the-christmas-tree/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-12.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 12I also made time for some drone photography, including this view of the confluence of Third and Fourth Lakes. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-11.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 11The Yuletide tour took about an hour - it was time well spent!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-10.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 10The Christmas tree in the Readbourne Parlor featured a notable display of artwork...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-9.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 9Swans were considered delicacies beginning in the Middle Ages. By the time of Mr. DuPont, it was far more elegant to create a life-size cake in the shape of a swan! A swan cake, such as this one, was a popular holiday centerpiece. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-8.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 8The sideboard in the DuPont Family Dining Room is equipped with six tankards created by Paul Revere. It's not a proper Christmas dinner without items from America's most prominent silversmith. Obviously. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-7.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 7Looking for inspiration for your Christmas dinner? How about this set-up of the DuPont Family Dining Rom? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-6.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 6Trees throughout the Yuletide exhibit are decorated with elements of the gardens of Mr. DuPont. This tree is inspired by the Peony Garden on the estate.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-5.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 5Guests of the DuPont family would often retire to the Chinese Parlor for cocktails, music, and card games. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-4.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 4"Yuletide" both presents elements of the history of decorative arts in America, while also displaying the holiday traditions of the DuPont family. On Christmas Day, after lunch, the DuPont family would often exchange presents, as displayed here in the Marlboro Room. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winterthur-yuletide-3.jpgWinterthur Yuletide 3The Yuletide tour was a great way to get in the proper holiday spirit!2021-12-05T23:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/11/20/citizen-soldier/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8849.jpegIMG_8849Meanwhile, Grace, my wife's 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, crossed a mini-milestone of 74,000 miles. It recently went to the Jeep dealer for an oil change and tire rotation. It also received a new battery (the old one was working fine, but was factory original, and I wasn't comfortable with my wife going into the winter with a 7-year old battery in her car). Otherwise, the Jeep dealer said all looks well. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2018-odometer.jpg2018 OdometerJosh sent me this image of his dashboard - almost 39 miles per gallon is impressive for a non-hybrid car! Looking at the odometer on the lower right, I'm pretty sure we're going to see higher numbers soon!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/accord-2018-1.jpgAccord 2018 1Josh did relay the he missed not having a manual transmission. The car comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a form of an automatic that uses a series of belts to transfer power from the engine to the wheels (as opposed to the gears found in a traditional automatic transmission). CVTs provide greater fuel economy, though, and Josh reported he is seeing good miles-per-gallon. He also appreciate the Honda Sensing safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/lawrenceville-museum-map.jpgLawrenceville Museum MapLocated just outside of Princeton, the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey is located an hour north of Philadelphia, and two hours southwest of New York City.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8844.jpegIMG_8844Home again. The Accord continues its climb to 200,000 miles. The next trip with this car will be to the local Honda dealer for a scheduled oil change and tire rotation. Otherwise, all seems well. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8824.jpegIMG_8824Hundreds of model kits of military equipment were on display throughout the museum. I was chatting with one of the staff members, and he informed me that one volunteer built and donated every model you see in this display case. Talk about a labor of love! And speaking of volunteers... several staff members took the time to check in with me, to offer to answer any questions I had, and to share their own stories of military service. Museums can all too often come across as cold, stagnant institutions, but the people that run the NGMMNJ made it a great place to visit!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8816.jpegIMG_8816It is a truism that an army travels on its stomach. The Mermite container (left) was used to deliver hot meals from mess kitchens to soldiers at the front lines, while the Officer's Mess Kit (right) could serve up to 8 officers at a time.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8813.jpegIMG_8813A large portion of the museum is dedicated to New Jersey's role in the American Revolution. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8811.jpegIMG_8811One of the most sobering exhibits was this display of a HMMWV (Humvee) door and its blast-resistant plexiglass window. The HMMWV was hit by a rocket propelled grenade in Iraq, but the rocket failed to penetrate the thick window, saving the lives of the crew members. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_8810.jpegIMG_8810The museum also has a small, but significant, collection of WWII-era weapons from both Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany. One of the museum staff members told me that most of these items were donations from New Jersey soldiers who returned from fighting overseas.2021-11-23T00:25:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/10/26/delaware-lighthouses-maybe/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8546.jpegIMG_8546About a half hour south of Liston Rear Range, we turned off the main road and headed down a narrow-two lane drive that bisected coastal marshland. High tide meant that water lapped at the edge of the road, and at one point actually covered the road, forcing us to forge through some water (nothing new for the Accord after all of our wet weather driving the past few months!). We then arrived at what turned out to be the location of a former lighthouse. Mispillion Light, built in 1831, burned to the ground and was replaced by the DuPont Nature Center. To add to our good fortune, the Nature Center was also closed for the season. We were completely and totally alone. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8533.jpegIMG_8533My wife said that according to the description online, the lighthouse was in the parking lot of an industrial area. That was putting it mildly - it felt more like the setting of a scene from The Sopranos in which Christopher Moltisanti and Paulie Walnuts are about to dispose of the body of an underworld enemy. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8507.jpegIMG_8507No beautiful, sunny skies here. Our Saturday morning started under a layer of gray, with temperatures struggling to break out of the 50s. On the plus side, the New Jersey Turnpike was mercifully traffic-free at 8:00 am. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8630.jpegIMG_8630On our drive home, we encountered little traffic, arriving at our front door a little more than two hours after departing. The Accord was once again a rock star on another road trip adventure, now nearing the 184,000 mile marker. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8624.jpegIMG_8624Before starting the long drive home, we enjoyed a long walk on the beach. Now that the summer tourist season is over, my wife and I had the beach entirely to ourselves. Not a bad way to start a new week! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8617.jpegIMG_8617And no trip to Cape May is complete without breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House! That'll be pecan pancakes for me and gluten-free pecan pancakes for my wife. Double yum!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8616.jpegIMG_8616https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8611.jpegIMG_8611Dinner was takeout from Fish and Fancy, a seafood takeout restaurant near my family's shore house. I went with the crab cake dinner (of course) while my wife enjoyed the seafood combo of scallops, shrimp, and grouper. Yum!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8606.jpegIMG_8606The ferry staff are a well-oiled machine when it comes to loading and unloading the ferry. Only a few moments after arriving, we were driving onto the solid ground of New Jersey. The ferry ride made for a fun end to our trip!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8598.jpegIMG_8598In the middle of the bay, I took a screenshot of the map on my phone... that's a lot of blue around us!2021-11-16T16:56:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/10/13/adk-autumn/2021-10-16T21:52:06+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/10/03/country-roads/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8146-1.jpegIMG_8146Our destination? Toast, one of our favorite beachside eateries in New Jersey. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8149-e1633296993727.jpgIMG_8149Tillie, the mascot of Asbury Park, features prominently on Wonderbar, a restaurant, bar, and performance space. Despite having visited the city numerous times, this was the first time I was able to grab a photo of the Accord and Tillie together. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8166.jpegIMG_8166We stopped by the Asbury Park Historical Society, which is located in the Stephen Crane House. Named after the author of The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane lived here for several years while battling ill health. This is the only building in the United States with a direct connection to Crane. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8164.jpegIMG_8164...or check out an old favorite. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8155.jpegIMG_8155One of Asbury Park's most notable features are the number of public art installations throughout the city. We stopped by the Carousel Building. Although the original carousel is long since gone (it was moved to an amusement park in South Carolina), the building showcases several art installations (via Atlas Obscura). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8151.jpegIMG_8151It's always fun to find new murals throughout Asbury Park...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8142.jpegIMG_8142That will be a Firebird gluten-free waffle for me and the Firebird gluten-free pancakes for my wife! After not venturing to Toast for the past nineteen months, it felt great to return, and the food was just as good as when we last visited!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_8136.jpegIMG_8136The reason for the trip - 182,000 miles is now in the books! Less than 18,000 miles until the big 200k! Onward!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_4801.jpegIMG_4801After our last trip, my Accord was close to a new milestone: 182,000. My wife thought an early morning drive to an old favorite spot for breakfast might be a fun way to mark the occasion. Departing our house, we encountered fog so thick, it was like driving into a scene from a Stephen King novel. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/img_4794.jpegIMG_4794After almost 60 miles of driving along Route 519, turned into the town of Clinton, aiming to get some lunch. Our drive took us over the Lowthorp Truss Bridge. Built in 1870, this cast-and-wrought iron bridge is on of the few surviving examples of its type... and is still in daily use for vehicle traffic! 2021-10-16T21:52:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/09/19/challenge-complete/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_e0257.jpegIMG_E0257My Dad sent me this milestone - his 2015 Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan recently crossed the 100,000 mile mark! Congratulations, Dad. Of course, that means you'll get to celebrate with the timing belt and water pump service soon, but after that, your car will be ready to give you another 100,000 miles on service. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7886.jpegIMG_7886Readers Chuck and Deb sent me a photo of the new shoes they put on their 2019 Honda CR-V - a set of Nokian WR G4 SUV tires! A Honda AND Nokian tires? Day made. I'll look forward to a write-up on how these tires perform in the first snowfall!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210914_012628.jpg20210914_012628Meanwhile, my friend Justin recently passed yet another milestone. His 2003 Honda Accord coupe has racked up astronomical mileage, and the million mile mark is inching closer and closer. He passed 850,000 a few days ago, and his journey continues. C'mon Justin - you're getting into the home stretch now!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_4761.jpegIMG_4761Finally, reader Chris sent me this photo of his Honda CR-V, parked at Montgomery Reservoir near Alma, Colorado. It's like Chris somehow knew that this kind of photo would make me happy... how would he have guessed? (Great shot, Chris!)https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7916.jpegIMG_7916And while we didn't get a "car selfie" at our last stop, the Jeep certainly deserves an odometer photo for its part in transporting us to our scavenger hunt locations. Now at 71,400 miles, it's just getting broken-in. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_6473.jpegIMG_6473Although we did a lot of driving, some of the sites were close to home... such as the Raritan River Ways mural in Boyd Park in New Brunswick. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7550-1.jpegIMG_7550In 1774, residents of the town of Greenwich took possession of tea owned by the East India Tea Company, moved it to an open field, and lit it on fire in protest of excessive taxation by the British rulers (via Cumberland County). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_6954.jpgIMG_6954Our trip to Demarest Railroad Depot would be the northernmost stop along our route.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7574.jpegIMG_7574Our travels also took us to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, the site of a Revolutionary War battle in 1778. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_6455.jpegIMG_6455Or our visit to the statue of Bruce Springsteen's guitar in the town of Deal, on the corner of E Street and 10th Avenue. 2021-09-23T09:56:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/09/08/hangin-out-in-havre-de-grace/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7812-1.jpegIMG_7812 (1)After dinner, we took a stroll on the boardwalk to check out some of the latest public murals. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/731baab4-1429-4d0d-bb55-61e102ab049a.jpeg731BAAB4-1429-4D0D-BB55-61E102AB049ABecause tramps like us, baby we were born to run! My wife thought it would be a fun way to roll 180,000 miles... and she was right! Another milestone in the books, and less than 20,000 miles now until the big 200k. Onward!!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7808.jpegIMG_7808While my wife had the Boardwalk Salad (shrimp, arugula, olives, cucumbers, goat cheese, corn, and herb vinaigrette), I relished in my choice of fish tacos - maybe one of the best fish tacos I've ever eaten. So good!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7807.jpegIMG_7807We began our meal with shrimp guacamole and a basket of tortilla chips (yum!).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7814.jpegIMG_7814Not a bad way to spend a weeknight! So why did we come to Asbury Park?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7815.jpegIMG_7815After work, my wife suggested we take a drive to Asbury Park for dinner. Talk about a brilliant idea! We sat at a table on the patio of the Robinson Ale House, enjoying our meal with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_5744.jpgIMG_5744...you might remember it from my Art of Photography post. I took this photo several years ago when visiting the site with friends. It remains one of my favorite photos, and a large canvas print of it hangs in my home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_7679.jpegIMG_7679The house has changed significantly since its as first constructed. In the kitchen, the original 1827 floor has been unearthed, which sits about two feet beneath the current floor level from 1884. Even this modest keepers house can tell us a lot about the techniques of carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths from two hundred years ago. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img-4725.jpegIMG-4725In less than two hours, we had crossed into Maryland - the Old Line State. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img-4722.jpegIMG-4722A short distance from the Maryland welcome sign was this marker indicating that we were crossing the Mason and Dixon line. The name comes from the work of two surveyors - Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon - who established the boundaries of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia in the 1760s. It is associated with the separation of slave and non-slave states (although New Jersey, which is north of the line, was a slave state until 1865). It has since become much more - a cultural line of demarcation between North and South (via Wikipedia). 2021-09-20T23:51:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/08/27/classic-road-trip/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7468.jpegIMG_7468I cooled off with a swim in Fourth Lake.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7381.jpegIMG_7381I mean, the birthday road trip was already amazing... but this museum put it into high gear.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7531.jpegIMG_7531Finally, the Christmas ornaments that we created at the Corning Museum of Glass arrived! I was thrilled with how my red and green ornament came out, and my wife was equally happy with her blue and white ornament. What a fun way to remember a great experience!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7519.jpegIMG_7519After putting a set of Nokian WR G4 SUV tires on my wife's Jeep a few weeks ago, it was time for a new set for my Accord as well. With a fresh set of all-weather tires, my Accord is now prepared for the coming winter. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7514-e1630010174531.jpegIMG_7514My souvenirs from the "Wheels of Time" museum were placed in our curio cabinet at home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7511.jpegIMG_7511The Accord once again brought us home safe and sound. Along the way, it even crossed a new mile marker: 179,000 is now in the books! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7494.jpegIMG_7494Compared to the nightmarish drive through TS Fred, the return home wasn't awful. There were heavy rains, but thankfully the hurricane-force winds never materialized. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7489.jpegIMG_7489We both ordered the Cobra Kai bowl - chicken, edamame, carrots, cabbage, sesame seeds, and either quinoa or rice. The meal hit the spot! Full, we set off to begin the most challenging leg of the day's drive. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7487.jpegIMG_7487Before leaving the Adirondacks, we had picked up lunch at Dough A Deer Bakery. Dough A Deer prepares meals and baked good with healthy, locally-sourced ingredients. A rest stop along the New York Thruway may not have been the most scenic spot to eat lunch, but the meal made up for it. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7482.jpegIMG_7482Instead of backtracking to the highway, we drove through the rolling farmlands of upstate New York along US Route 20. Established in 1926, it is one of the original transcontinental highways. Route 20 runs from Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Oregon (via Wikipedia). 2021-08-29T21:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/08/24/blown-away/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7165.jpegIMG_7165After leaving the museum, we explored more of the city. West Market Street is the center of the downtown area, housing numerous restaurants, shops, and businesses. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7108.jpegIMG_7108The main event for my birthday road trip: a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass, where we would see priceless works of glass art, learn cool facts about the history of glass working, and try our hand in the hot shop, blowing our own Christmas ornaments.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_4667.jpgIMG_4667Fortunately, the Accord was flawless on the drive, utterly unflappable in the awful conditions. When we arrived at our hotel, we turned on the news and saw that the rain caused flooding in numerous locations, necessitating first responders to save people from submerged vehicles. It was one of the hairiest drives I've ever taken, and I was grateful to arrive at our destination unscathed. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/6g5a4283.jpg6G5A4283My wife and I recently binge-watched "The Repair Shop," a British series where people bring their broken, dusty, and damaged heirlooms to a workshop staffed with skilled artisans. One of our favorite workers is the horologist, who fixes the battered and neglected watches and clocks brought to him in various states of decay. The level of precision and focus needed to keep a clock in working order is impressive. This clock movement (a movement is a collection of the pieces that make a watch or clock work) was for a clock tower in Louisiana, and was built in 1848. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7089.jpegIMG_7089An entire exhibit was devoted to the watches of James Bond. With watches that also functioned as Geiger counters and printers, featured hidden saws and lasers, and could also act as a grappling hook and a bomb, only 007's cars were more feature packed accessories. This display featured two of the Omega watches that Pierce Brosnan wore in my personal favorite Bond film: Goldeneye. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7098.jpgIMG_7098With our time at the museum running out (see what I did there?), we were ready to set off for our next destination: Corning, New York. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7031.jpegIMG_7031Ah, nothing like rush hour traffic in Philadelphia. Our drive west to Lancaster would take the better part of two hours. Although there were sunny skies when we first departed, clouds toward the west would be an ominous sign of what was to come... more on that later.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7317.jpegIMG_7317https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7305.jpegIMG_7305Glassmaking is an ancient art. These glass pieces, from Pharaonic Egypt, are over three thousand years old. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_7279.jpegIMG_7279For all of the glass on display from around the world, my wife and I remarked on how we did not see any items from New Jersey, a state with a rich glassmaking heritage. Finally, we spotted a display case with a handful of items, including this jar from a glass factory in Woodbury, New Jersey, made around 1885. 2021-08-29T21:38:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/08/17/around-nj/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6966-1.jpegIMG_6966As we made our way to our next destination, we stopped for a driving break at Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere. Established in 1984, Four Sisters has won numerous awards for its wines. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6964-1.jpegIMG_6964This was our view as we sat on the winery's deck, enjoyed our wine, listened to live music, and reveled in the beautiful weather. New Jersey wineries continue to impress me. Did you know that in 2012, at a conference at Princeton University, a selection of elite French wines and wines from New Jersey were blind taste-tested against each other. A panel of neutral judges from France, the United States, and Belgium tasted the wines, and the New Jersey and French wines scored so similarly, they were judged to be not statistically distinguishable from one another. The New Jersey winery industry hailed it as a victory, dubbing it the "Judgement of Princeton" (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image0.jpegimage0Tyson, the original Acura high miler, already has over 1,800 miles on his new car. Congratulations, Tyson, on your new ride!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/around-nj-9.jpgAround NJ 9Before leaving, I took a few more snapshots of the New York harbor. I might have to get this one printed and hang it up in my office! After enjoying our break, it was time to set off for our next stop. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/untitled.jpgUntitled"Give me your tired, your huddled, your poor..." The island also offers a view of the Statue of Liberty. The 151-foot tall statue was a gift from the people of France in 1886. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_e6998.jpegIMG_E6998Meanwhile, with today's post, this blog will cross its own unique milestone: 200 blog posts! In March of 2016, I thought I would dip a toe into the blogging world. I had no expectation that five years later, I'd still be at it, and would have written 200 posts!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_9426.jpgIMG_9426In other news, blogger Tyson Hugie recently took possession of this gorgeous 2021 Acura TLX Type S. Tyson's blog, Drive to Five, was the inspiration for The Open Road Ahead, and this TLX joins his stable of 1990s Acuras (I'd say "classic Acuras," but I have a hard time using the word "classic" to describe cars that you could buy new when I was in college... because that would mean I'm getting old). Congratulations, Tyson, on your new ride!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6997.jpegIMG_6997And the Jeep hit a milestone of its own: 70,000 miles is now in the books! My wife and I were deep in conversation and I completely missed the 70k mark, so this will have to do. Better late than never, I say!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6986.jpegIMG_6986We arrived home, the Accord knocking on the door of 178,000 miles. It was a great day exploring New Jersey, and a nice warm-up for a far longer road trip that begins this week. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6979.jpegIMG_6979Our final stop took us to the western half of northern NJ, to the unincorporated town of "Buttzville." Yes, that's its real name. Yes, I giggle like an 8-year old each time I say it. Now if you'll excuse me... (heh heh heh heh).2021-08-19T00:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/08/10/going-to-the-chapel/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_5448.jpgIMG_5448My friends Jessie and Ryan, who purchased a 2020 Honda CR-V last year, sent me an update on their new ride - it just crossed the 5,000 miles mark. I love it when people understand what a car nerd I am. Congrats, Jessie and Ryan! Here's to many, many more happy miles with that CR-V!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/resized_20210808_203031.jpegResized_20210808_203031This car is as rare as a unicorn - it has a V6 engine and a manual transmission. Compared to the legion of Accord sedans on the road, Honda made fewer coupes, even less coupes with V6 engines, and a remarkably small amount of coupes with V6 engines and manual transmissions. This also means that Justin has the first year of the V6-manual Accord (2003) and the last year of its production (2017). Congratulations on this beauty, Justin! Here's to many happy miles with it.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/resized_20210808_202928.jpegResized_20210808_202928Readers will also remember my friend Justin, whose 2003 Honda Accord coupe has over 800,000 miles (835k the last time I saw an update). While he's still going strong with that car, he recently purchased another Accord for fun - a 2017 Honda Accord EX-L V6 coupe. It's in absolutely fantastic shape. Justin traveled from his home in Texas all the way to Ohio to pick up this car. And while I approve of any Honda purchase, this one has an extra special feature...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6858.jpegIMG_6858After another fun day on the road, the Accord brought us once again safely back home. It is inching toward 178,000 miles - a trip planned for next week should put us to that mark, and well beyond.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6846.jpgIMG_6846We next headed south to Trenton, the state capital. There, we stopped by the Trenton Battle Monument. Erected in 1893, the monument celebrates the American victory against the British in the Battle of Trenton in 1776 (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6840.jpgIMG_6840"Car Selfie" complete! The bridge has been damaged numerous times in its history. In fact, after an accident in 1960, it was taken apart (and all the pieces were saved - this is important to the story), and a more modern bridge was constructed in its place. The new structure caused an uproar from locals, and so the old bridge was reassembled from all its original parts less than a year later (via Atlas Obscura). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6835.jpegIMG_6835Our first selfie of the day would be in front of Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge. Built in 1872, it's the last surviving covered bridge in New Jersey. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6830.jpegIMG_6830How did it feel to drive across a nearly-150 year old bridge? Noisy. The bridge was designed for horse-drawn carriages, not modern cars, and so the wood planks make a lot of noise as you drive across. It's also quite narrow. While my Accord fit through just fine, I wouldn't want to drive across in a larger vehicle. After traversing the bridge and completing our selfie, it was on the way to our next destination. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6826.jpegIMG_6826Full, and satisfied, we set off for our next destination. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6823.jpegIMG_6823I had the "Chicken You Out" wrap - roasted chicken, creamy apple cider vinaigrette, with walnuts, raisins, celery, red onions, and mixed green. My wife had the "You Guac My World" - roasted chicken, nitrate-free bacon, pickled onions, avocado, baby spinach, and vegan caesar dressing. Both sandwiches were prepared on gluten-free wraps (which is the only kind of wraps The Clean Plate Kitchen serves). Between the delicious food, and the tasty wine, it was a wonderful lunch!2021-10-27T21:59:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/11/11/washington-camped-here/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3030.jpegIMG_3030As for the Accord, is simply keeps on rolling. I recently passed 163,000 miles on the odometer, and the only thing it needs right now is a good wash and wax. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/truck-pick.jpgtruck-pickSome of you may remember my friend Steve, who accompanied me on my drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Road and my journey to Newburyport, Massachusetts to when my Accord rolled 100,000 miles. Steve has been a longtime Honda owner, and in 2017 traded in his 2008 Honda Accord LX sedan (with 160,000 miles on the odometer) for this gorgeous 2017 Honda Ridgeline Sport pickup. Steve recently crossed a major milestone, so I asked him to update us on how his truck is holding up, three years later. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ridgeline-odometer-2020.jpgRidgeline Odometer 2020It seems like just yesterday that Steve texted me to let me know he had gotten his new ride - and in the blink of an eye, it's been three years and 50,000 miles. In the words of Ferris Beuller: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ridgeline-2020.jpgRidgeline 2020Steve took this photo while awaiting a meteor crossing the sky in his hometown. Congratulations on the milestone, and keep up posted on your quest for 100,000!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_2882-a.jpgIMG_2882 AOriginally settled in the 1760s as an iron-working village, Batsto Village has been preserved by the state of New Jersey and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/batsto-map-2020.jpgBatsto Map 2020My wife and I have a tradition of planning road trips for each other's birthdays. I presented my wife with a list of possible road trip choices, and she selected a visit to Batsto Village, a historic iron-making factory town deep in the Pine Barrens. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_2891.jpegIMG_2891By this point, we were both starving, so we asked the waitress for a recommendation, and she suggested the antipasto pairing board. It was phenomenal. For the quality of food, the careful attention to safety, and the excellent wine, White Horse Winery gets two thumbs up!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_2866.jpegIMG_2866Before leaving, we ambled down to Batsto Lake and enjoyed the view on a gorgeous fall afternoon.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_2888.jpegIMG_2888White Horse currently offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Although my wife and I aren't comfortable with eating indoors at a restaurant, we were feeling adventurous enough to try an outdoor tasting. To ward off the chilly temperatures, we were seated at a fire pit. Each fire pit was at least 5-6 yards apart, allowing for excellent physical distancing. Oh, and by the way... the wine was amazing!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_1821-a.jpgIMG_1821 AAfter departing Batsto Village, we drove to nearby White Horse Winery in the town of Hammonton for a wine tasting.2021-08-09T15:18:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/10/25/fort-mott/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_1944.jpegIMG_1944I have previously shared that my wife and I volunteer at a local food pantry. Part of our responsibility includes transporting food from donations to the pantry. As a result, the trunk of my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee was starting to get beaten up. We purchased the all-weather trunk mat from Jeep. Sturdy and waterproof, it is designed to keep the trunk looking as clean as possible. If the mat gets dirty? Just take it out and hose it down! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/screen-shot-2020-10-24-at-7.52.49-pm.jpgScreen Shot 2020-10-24 at 7.52.49 PMFort Mott sits at the mouth of the Delaware River, in Salem County, New Jersey.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2826.jpegIMG_2826And home! The Accord once again proved to be a comfortable, reliable companion on yet another road trip adventure. Less than 38,000 miles now until we hit the big 200k. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2819.jpegIMG_2819After a fun, informative afternoon, we began the long trek home. I did pull off the highway at a rest stop along I-295 so I could take this photo... Welcome to New Jersey!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2816.jpegIMG_2816The large, stately Post Headquarters was the office and residence of the base's commander. Built in 1902, no expense was spared in making this a high quality home - a slate roof for the house, galvanized steel roof for the porch, and the gutters are integrated into the roof, instead of being hung on the side of the house. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2812.jpegIMG_2812https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2811.jpegIMG_2811Behind the batteries is the parados, man-made hill, designed to protect the gun batteries from land attack. The latrines are built underground within the parados, and they empty out into a moat on the other side of the hill. I'd rather take my chance with a moat filled with water, crocodiles, or ravenous wolves than what filled once filled the moat at Fort Mott!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2800.jpegIMG_2800Although the interior of the gun batteries were closed to visitors, I was able to poke my camera through a window to take some photos. As my wife noted, this would make an amazing location for a haunted house.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2794.jpegIMG_2794If exploring decaying architecture is your thing, this facility has lots to offer!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2787.jpegIMG_2787We arrived at our destination by lunchtime. A state park, Fort Mott is free and open to the public between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.2021-08-09T15:16:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/05/the-voyage-of-dh/2021-08-05T18:12:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/07/to-the-5-boroughs/2021-08-05T18:11:32+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/11/new-car-throwback-thursday/2021-08-05T18:09:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/16/on-the-way-to-cape-may/2021-08-05T18:08:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/19/the-best-laid-plans/2021-08-05T18:06:33+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/03/27/i-hear-the-train-a-comin/2021-08-05T18:04:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/04/03/rainy-saturdays-and-a-concrete-ship/2021-08-05T18:03:11+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/04/12/the-voyage-of-the-altima/2021-08-05T18:01:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/04/17/a-sunset-an-elephant-and-a-drive/2021-08-05T17:59:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/04/25/a-special-road-trip-spring-flowers-edition/2021-08-05T17:57:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/05/01/the-first-year/2021-08-05T17:56:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/05/09/shipping-up-to-boston/2021-08-05T17:53:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/05/15/at-the-end-of-the-rainbow/2021-08-05T17:49:52+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/05/25/heritage/2021-08-05T17:48:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/05/30/the-best-kept-secret/2021-08-05T17:45:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/06/02/city-of-blinding-lights/2021-08-05T17:43:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/06/13/beyond-the-sea/2021-08-05T17:41:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/06/20/heritage-part-ii/2021-08-05T17:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/06/30/on-the-road-again/2021-08-05T17:38:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/07/04/four-score-and-seven-years/2021-08-05T17:35:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/07/06/all-the-news-thats-fit-to-print/2021-08-05T17:33:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/07/17/heart-of-glass/2021-08-05T17:29:32+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/07/21/the-need-for-speed/2021-08-05T17:26:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/07/24/to-the-lighthouse/2021-08-05T17:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/08/08/and-meet-me-tonight-in-atlantic-city/2021-08-05T17:21:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/08/13/and-all-the-pretty-little-horses/2021-08-05T17:18:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/08/29/pinball-wizard/2021-08-05T17:13:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/09/06/the-three-day-test-drive/2021-08-05T16:04:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/10/03/the-victorians/2021-08-05T15:59:24+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/10/15/navy-blue-gold/2021-08-05T15:51:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/10/23/weekend-potpourri-spooky-edition/2021-08-05T15:48:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/10/31/the-70000-mile-review/2021-08-05T15:46:00+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/11/06/the-voyage-of-ds/2021-08-05T15:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/11/13/lookout/2021-08-05T15:40:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/11/26/historical-saturdays/2021-08-05T15:37:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/12/05/valley-forge/2021-08-05T15:35:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/12/12/winter-is-coming/2021-08-05T15:33:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/12/29/o-christmas-tree/2021-08-05T15:31:01+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2016/12/31/new-years-eve-before-naptime/2021-08-05T15:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/01/07/the-snow-day-test-drive/2021-08-05T15:25:52+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/01/16/a-detour-to-prison-historically-speaking/2021-08-05T15:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/01/22/we-all-live-in-a-153-year-old-submarine/2021-08-05T15:21:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/01/30/the-license-plate-lighthouse/2021-08-05T15:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/02/05/the-last-post-from-new-jersey-to-the-new-jersey/2021-08-05T15:15:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/02/20/the-next-chapter/2021-08-05T15:13:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/02/25/the-rock/2021-08-05T15:11:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/03/13/a-day-at-the-museum/2021-08-05T15:09:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/03/18/heavy-metal/2021-08-05T15:06:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/03/26/jurassic-park/2021-08-05T15:03:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/04/03/20000-leagues-under-the-sea-part-i/2021-08-05T15:01:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/04/08/what-lies-beneath/2021-08-05T14:59:35+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/04/11/the-80000-mile-addendum/2021-08-05T14:57:33+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/04/15/20000-leagues-under-the-sea-part-ii-and-a-starting-line-too/2021-08-05T14:55:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/04/24/the-shot-heard-round-the-world/2021-08-05T14:52:34+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/05/01/cape-cod-an-introduction/2021-08-05T14:48:12+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/05/05/take-me-out-to-the-ballgame/2021-08-05T14:46:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/05/08/pride-of-the-fleet/2021-08-05T14:44:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/05/21/lighthouses-and-dunes/2021-08-05T14:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/06/06/im-on-my-way-home-sweet-home/2021-08-05T14:40:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/06/09/jump-back-whats-that-sound-here-she-comes-full-blastn-top-down/2021-08-05T14:37:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/06/11/presidents-day/2021-08-05T14:35:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/06/18/the-tall-ships/2021-08-05T14:32:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/06/25/old-ironsides/2021-08-05T14:30:57+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/07/05/when-we-go-back-to-the-sea/2021-08-05T14:28:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/07/16/a-day-of-sunshine/2021-08-05T14:25:47+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/07/23/view-from-the-top/2021-08-05T14:23:24+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/07/31/ye-olde-boston/2021-08-05T14:21:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/08/06/isabella-of-boston/2021-08-05T14:19:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/08/14/top-of-the-hub/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_3746-1.jpgIMG_3746 (1)Despite the Abbey Room being readied for a function this evening, I snuck in to grab a photo. The murals that run the length of the room, installed in 1902, tell the story of Sir Galahad's quest for the Holy Grail. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_1073.jpgIMG_1073From a previous nighttime excursion through Boston, the Prudential Tower is the skyscraper to the right of the image. The tower in the center of the Building is 200 Clarendon Street (previously it was named the John Hancock Tower, which is how many people still refer to the building). The Charles River is in the foreground.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/prudential-tower-map.jpegPrudential Tower MapNo rest for the weary! After driving to New Jersey and back, on Sunday I headed to Boston yet again. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4751.jpgIMG_4751Several days of driving, and 88,000 is already fast approaching. DH continues to happily rolls on for mile after mile.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4741.jpgIMG_4741Bates Hall, the main reading room of Boston Public Library.2021-08-05T14:17:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/08/27/the-boston-birthday/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/untitled.jpegUntitledThe site of this weekend's unintended post. Some of the other places on the map should be starting to sound familiar from previous tours!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4961.jpgIMG_4961Heading home after a wonderful birthday!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4958.jpgIMG_4958One of the few shots where our table didn't look like the Velociraptor feeding pen in Jurassic Park.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4955.jpgIMG_4955For my birthday, my friends treated me to a wonderful dinner at Redbones, a barbecue restaurant in Somerville, MA.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4948.jpgIMG_4948After the museum, I took a stroll by the Charles River.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4947.jpgIMG_4947https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4943.jpgIMG_4943Stashing DH in one of the underground parking garages in Harvard Square. Yes, it's more money than street parking, but I have seen how people treat other cars when they are parallel parking in the city... no thank you.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4935.jpgIMG_4935On the way out, I spotted this Dire Wolf skeleton. The largest wolf to have ever lived, dire wolves play a major role in the book and TV series A Game of Thrones. The North Remembers.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4933.jpgIMG_4933Not everything in these museums is inanimate. On the way out of HMNH, I spotted this tarantula. My grandmother, who grew up in New Mexico, would tell me how, at her childhood home, a familiar ritual was to shake the tarantulas out of your shoes, which had taken residence inside during the course of the night.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4919.jpgIMG_4919This totem pole from the Tlingit peoples of Alaska is used to recount the Brown Bear Legend of a Teikweidi Clan of the Tlingit.2021-08-05T14:15:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/09/10/phillys-very-own/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5208.jpgimg_5208https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5201.jpgimg_5201https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5198.jpgimg_5198https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5194.jpgimg_5194https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5189.jpgimg_5189https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5180.jpgimg_5180https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5177.jpgimg_5177https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5171.jpgimg_5171https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5150.jpgimg_5150https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_5142.jpgimg_51422021-08-05T14:12:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/09/17/climb-to-the-clouds/2021-08-05T14:11:12+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/10/02/the-witch-city/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_3984.jpgIMG_3984The large iron scale would be used to weigh goods as they came off ships, in order to assess taxes and fair value.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_54511.jpgIMG_5451Arriving in the late morning, all the street parking was already filled. I splurged for a garage spot for DH and began to explore the town.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/witches-at-their-incantations.jpgabout 1646Witches at Their Incantations, painted in 1646 by Italian artist Salvator Rosa. This horrific scene depicts how many individuals viewed witches in the 14th-17th centuries. This painting now hangs in the National Gallery in London.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/salem-map.jpegSalem MapLocated in the North Shore area of Massachusetts, Salem is approximately 16 miles northeast of Boston.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5513.jpgIMG_5513Before heading home, I detoured to nearby Danvers, about four miles away from Salem, to stop by the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, where the Nurse family lived. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5510.jpgIMG_5510Although the Rebecca Nurse Homestead was built in 1700, it uses portions of the prior home, built in 1630, in its structure. Rebecca Nurse, who was hung at age 71, had her remains brought to this property by her family, although the grave is unmarked.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5508.jpgIMG_5508https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5506.jpgIMG_5506https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5505-1.jpgIMG_5505-1https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5498.jpgIMG_5498I hiked into the nearby woods and came across the rocky outcropping where the gallows existed in 1692. It abuts a series of homes, so I tried to be as unobtrusive as possible. The victims would have been hung from trees, and they were initially buried here (as witches, they were not entitled to proper burials). The families of the victims would later come at night, remove the bodies, and rebury them near their homes.2021-08-05T14:09:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/10/08/the-90000-mile-review-and-a-guest-too/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/truck-pick.jpgTruck PickSteve's 2017 Ridgeline!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_e5530.jpgIMG_E5530Next stop: 100,000!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5535.jpgIMG_5535Plymouth Harbor in twilight.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5532.jpgIMG_5532A site for sore eyes after a long day of work!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5417.jpgIMG_5417The offending rust spot. It looks small, but rust can spread quickly. Better to get it taken care of now than to wait.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5259.jpgIMG_5259The 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Ridgeline. From the same family of engines as the one that powers DH, the truck's engine is geared toward towing and powering through rutted dirt roads. Don't be fooled, though, it can accelerate like a race car when needed!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5258.jpgIMG_5258This space under the trunk bed is waterproof and can serve as a cooler. It even has a little drain plug to empty the water after your tailgating party is over!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5257.jpgIMG_5257Before our Mt. Washington trip, Steve gave me a tour of his Ridgeline. The single coolest feature that I saw? Intelligent Traction Management. The truck will change its driving dynamics based upon conditions- simply indicate what type of terrain you are traversing, and it will alter power delivery, throttle response, and braking points to suit the conditions. Each mode has a corresponding animation- for snow mode, the Ridgeline drives through a little snowstorm in your dashboard. So cool!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5256.jpgIMG_5256Only 2419 miles! I've forgotten what that feels like.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_4026.jpgIMG_4026Overall, though, the car continues to be in excellent shape!2021-08-05T14:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/10/22/the-capital-of-the-cape/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_e5627.jpgIMG_E5627Last week, I was invited to guest lecture at a university in Rhode Island. On the way to my destination, I caught this amazing fall sunset. The view was spectacular! (And my lecture went well, too!)https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5701.jpgIMG_5701https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5698.jpgIMG_5698Goodbye for now, Hyannis. I WILL be back soon.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5693.jpgIMG_5693Before getting back on the road, I stopped at this small memorial to President Kennedy.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5690.jpgIMG_5690What I was not expecting was to be so thoroughly charmed by Hyannis. It's a beautiful seaside resort town. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5682.jpgIMG_5682After leaving the JFK Museum, I decided to explore some of the beaches near Hyannis Harbor.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5680.jpgIMG_5680With Labor Day long past, we are officially in the off season for seaside resort communities - the drive to Hyannis was very quick. The Maritime Museum's building is so nondescript that I missed it and drove past when I arrived. I had to circle the block and come back.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5679.jpgIMG_5679Need assistance keeping track of all of the Kennedy family? This large chart (about four feet high by ten feet long) can help.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5677.jpgIMG_5677Much different than the Kennedy Library that I visited in Boston in July, this museum almost solely focuses on President Kennedy's connection to Hyannis and Cape Cod.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5676.jpgIMG_5676Of course, there is plenty of information regarding President Kennedy's political career. Side note: look at the button at the top right: President Kennedy was elected during a time when the voting age was 21, not 18 as it is now (the voting age became 18 in 1971).2021-08-05T14:05:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/11/05/remembrance/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/natick-map-1.jpegNatick Map 1Located about 20 miles west of Boston, the International Museum of World War II is located in Natick, MA.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5836.jpgIMG_5836This small museum will soon be growing - the museum has purchased the adjacent property and a new, far larger building will be opening in 2019.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5835.jpgIMG_5835One of the first items you see upon entry? Ian Fleming's portable typewriter. Mr. Fleming is best known for creating one of the most recognizable characters of the 20th century: James Bond.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5828.jpgIMG_5828A chair from Hitler's office in the Reich Chancellery in Berlin. The mannequin to the right, dressed as a U.S. soldier, has a flame thrower on his left. Seems an appropriate way to guard such a heinous object.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5809.jpgIMG_5809Located on a side street and surrounded by office buildings and shopping plazas, the museum is the only building with its own artillery on the front lawn.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4105.jpgIMG_4105This Japanese flag is from the battleship Nagato. This vessel was the flagship of the Japanese fleet until the commissioning of the far larger Yamato. The Nagato was one of the few Japanese battleships to survive the war.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4103.jpgIMG_4103This flag, from a Japanese submarine, is signed by the captain and crew. They wrote the word "Victory" in the middle of the flag. This is done to wish good luck before battle.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4102.jpgIMG_4102German soldiers were ordered to place demolition charges such as these around Paris to destroy it completely upon their retreat. Fortunately, the order was never carried out.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4100.jpgIMG_4100A display of the uniforms of allied soldiers who participated in the D-Day attacks to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4099.jpgIMG_4099Handmade wooden chess set, crafted by American soldiers who were held captive by the Japanese. 2021-08-05T14:02:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/11/12/living-history/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_e5909.jpgIMG_E5909I went with the bread pudding French Toast. It was simply amazing!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5924.jpgIMG_5924Mission accomplished: 200,000 miles! Congratulations, Jack! That's a whole lotta driving!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5902.jpgIMG_5902Arrived at Hangar B, our eatery of choice! This is my second trip to this terrific little restaurant.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5901.jpgIMG_5901My friend's trusty 2007 Honda Pilot, our ride of choice for brunch today.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4134.jpgIMG_4134The fire served to cook dinner, heat the home, dry your wet linens, and help to dry herbs. All of which was taking place 8-10 feet away from your bed. I can't imagine all that smoke was any good for your lungs.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_41521.jpgIMG_4152I mean... of COURSE I had to take this shot. You should know me well by now.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/untitled.jpegUntitledToday's destination: Plimoth Plantation, approximately 40 miles south of Boston.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5892.jpgIMG_5892Care to have Thanksgiving at the site of the first Thanksgiving? Plimoth Plantation hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner every year. Tickets sell out well in advance, so book your spot early. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5891.jpgIMG_5891The Visitor Center is also a popular wedding venue, with several indoor and outdoor locations available. Several years ago, two dear friends of mine were married here. A wedding was about to begin when I arrived today.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_5890.jpgIMG_5890Near the Village is the Craft Center, a modern building housing work spaces for local artisans to create many of the objects you see in use at the museum.2021-08-05T02:03:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2017/11/25/yuletide/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_2318.jpgimg_2318Today's destination: Winterthur, located about thirty miles southwest of Philadelphia, in Delaware.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6166.jpgimg_6166As we were walking back to the car, my Mom pointed at my Accord and said, "Look at that! Take that shot! It's your car photo for the trip!" Have I mentioned my Mom is one of the most enthusiastic readers of this blog?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6160.jpgimg_6160It's because the sitting room is part of a dollhouse reproduction of the original du Pont mansion.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6161.jpgimg_6161Does this sitting room seem a little odd?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6155.jpgimg_6155Fashions do change quite a bit! On the left is a boy's coat, and on the right is a woman's gown and petticoat, both from 18th century America.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6143.jpgimg_6143After the Yuletide exhibit, my Mom and I stopped by the galleries and checked out some of the displays of American antiques. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6136.jpgimg_6136The dining room of the du Pont family. Fun fact... in high society of the time, it was considered impolite to talk to the person across from you. You were only permitted to speak to the person on your immediately left or right. Anything else was considered rude.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6127.jpgimg_6127This room has figurines of Santa Claus (red robes) and Grandfather Frost (white or silver robes). The wallpaper in the background is dated to no later than 1860.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6117.jpgimg_6117This small theater was used to entertain children of the du Pont family and the workers of the estate on Christmas Eve. The shows would feature singing, dancing, magicians, and plays.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_6108.jpgimg_6108The tree was ringed by more poinsettias than I could count.2021-08-05T02:02:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/01/10/the-year-in-review/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_e6560.jpgIMG_E6560An impromptu trip to Minnesota happened at the end of December, which included a visit to the Mall of America. Ever see a roller coaster and log flume in the middle of a shopping mall before? No? Neither had I.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6581.jpgIMG_6581The temperatures might be arctic outside, but inside the conservatory it was absolutely beautiful.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6578.jpgIMG_6578A visit to the Como Conservatory and Zoo in St. Paul was a perfect place to visit when the temperatures were below -10 degrees for much of my visit.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6500.jpgIMG_6500Though it all, the Accord keeps on rolling.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_e6365.jpgIMG_E6365A mid-December trip to New York City...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6474.jpgIMG_6474And Longwood Gardens was beautiful as ever.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6462.jpgIMG_6462A return visit to Longwood Gardens.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6453.jpgIMG_6453https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6397.jpgIMG_6397Including a visit to the Christmas Market at Bryant Park.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_6388.jpgIMG_6388Which included my first-ever visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral.2021-08-05T01:59:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/07/02/a-whale-of-a-tale/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3287-2.jpg6G5A3287We saw several lunges, as the whale was actively feeding throughout our time near it. An adult humpback whale will need to eat between 4,000-5,000 tons of food each day to survive. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5929.jpegIMG_5929During our trip, we pulled to the side of the road to capture a significant mileage mark: 175,000 miles is now in the books! Only 25,000 left until the big 200k. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5960.jpegIMG_5960For a small SUV, the HR-V handles very well. It's agile, and is poised even during aggressive cornering. It handles more like a car than an SUV. The 4-cylinder engine won't be setting any fastest laps at the Indy 500, but it's peppy enough around town. I did find myself needing to turn off the economy mode setting of the engine when trying to merge onto a highway or get up to speed quickly, but the car never felt sluggish. It also soaked up the bumps and potholes quite well on the cracked and crumbling roads in southern NJ. Overall, I was pleased with the build quality and handling of this little SUV. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5958.jpegIMG_5958On the way back to her place, Mom and I stopped at one of our new favorites - Que Ricas, a restaurant that focuses on Venezuelan and South American cuisine. My wife discovered it a few months back, and we're enthusiastic customers!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5957.jpegIMG_5957https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5956.jpegIMG_5956If you have read my previous reviews of this vehicle, you'll notice that the interior is instantly familiar. The leather seats were comfortable and supportive, offering enough side bolstering and lumbar support to keep me safely cosseted in place. The controls all fell easily to hand, and I didn't have to spend much time hunting for where to find buttons and switches. Basically, it's a typically well-designed Honda.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5955.jpegIMG_5955Although this is a subcompact vehicle, the rear seats offer decent leg room for passengers. The HR-V also comes with Honda's "magic seat" - the rear seats fold completely flat, allowing for increased storage capacity - over 58.8 cubic feet of space!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5950.jpegIMG_5950Our appetizer was an order of gluten-free fried calamari, which included fresh tomatoes and fried jalapeño peppers. It was some of the best calamari I've ever tried. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5944.jpegIMG_5944Although eating indoors would have been cooler, we opted to sit on the deck... because how often can you have a view like this for dinner?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5942.jpegIMG_5942The open ocean ahead! Approximately forty-five minutes into our cruise, we were two miles off the NJ coastline when the captain slowed the boat to a crawl. We were told to keep our eyes open, as whales had been reported in the area.2021-08-05T01:55:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/06/20/the-real-jersey-shore-part-i/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/6c48ab4c-2424-4f73-8b41-ddcda07963be.jpeg6C48AB4C-2424-4F73-8B41-DDCDA07963BEThat's it for the first installment of "The Real Jersey Shore." Join us next time for a cruise through the coastal wetlands, a visit to a favorite nature preserve, a classic car show, beautiful sunsets, and more amazing food!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/7509770c-61bf-4dfc-83ef-fb8292e5be87-e1624216701417.jpeg7509770C-61BF-4DFC-83EF-FB8292E5BE87Mom and I headed over to Burns Honda in Marlton, New Jersey, to see if it was time to write a new chapter in her vehicle ownership story.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cf6727f5-6263-42a5-80e6-bd3a362f9f47.jpegCF6727F5-6263-42A5-80E6-BD3A362F9F47Insisting that she didn't want leather, Mom initially test drove a cloth-interior EX model. While she liked the way the car drove, she found the seat uncomfortable. Those concerns faded, however, when she next sat in this beauty: a 2021 Honda HR-V EX-L in Crystal Black Pearl. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/9eb0e9d0-5e71-498b-850a-6c4b28d5aa82.jpeg9EB0E9D0-5E71-498B-850A-6C4B28D5AA82After nearly 10 years of owning her 2009 Toyota Matrix, Mom was ready for something new, and wanted to have a vehicle with some of the newest safety driving aides. The Matrix was a great car for her, but its time had come.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/a2224241-5f05-4b61-866d-03daa4b43cb3.jpegA2224241-5F05-4B61-866D-03DAA4B43CB3My parents owned a succession of mediocre American-made cars in the 1970's, culminating in their 1978 Ford Thunderbird (a car that still gives my Mom nightmares). She researched vehicles on the market and insisted that she and my Dad's next vehicle be a car from a small Japanese company that was just making inroads into the American market: Honda. Their 1980 Accord hatchback is one of the best cars either of them ever owned. So I thought it fitting that Burns Honda has this first-generation 1970s Honda Civic sitting on the lot.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/f2c4563a-5026-43c5-9be9-9dfed0fd8609.jpegF2C4563A-5026-43C5-9BE9-9DFED0FD8609The leather seats definitely solved the comfort issue. The EX-L includes the Honda Sensing Suite of safety systems, electronic climate control, smartphone integration, a power moonroof, and a camera in the passenger side mirror that shows a view of objects in the vehicle's blindspot. Plus... lots of new car smell!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/7298da38-212e-4e82-a53f-fe5901d13709-e1624212949300.jpeg7298DA38-212E-4E82-A53F-FE5901D13709After a brief negotiation with the salesperson, we came to a figure that mom felt was a fair price for her new car. The car was prepped and detailed, and then Mom got her new car.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ea4d95fd-a8e3-4665-a7c5-c9079edc8419.jpegEA4D95FD-A8E3-4665-A7C5-C9079EDC8419Mom was most interested in the latest safety features from Honda, including Road Departure Mitigation, which shakes the steering wheel to alert you when you are drifting out of your lane. Also, check out that odometer - I can't remember the last time I saw so few miles on a car! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0c0c32dd-0428-4415-a034-407a220a1a0c.jpeg0C0C32DD-0428-4415-A034-407A220A1A0CCongratulations, Mom! Here's to wishing you many happy years (and miles) with your new car. And welcome back to the Honda family!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/5a2bf729-847c-4f10-92bc-b7abcf8bc243.jpeg5A2BF729-847C-4F10-92BC-B7ABCF8BC243One of the most underrated aspects of living in New Jersey: we have a rich tradition of roadside farm stands. They don't call this the Garden State for no reason! There are at least 700 roadside farm stands and markets throughout the state (via nj.com). 2021-08-05T01:53:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/06/09/obscure-new-jersey/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-11.jpgObscure NJ 11It looks like a brand new car! Needless to say, I'm thrilled with the outcome.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-10.jpgObscure NJ 10A few days later, I picked up the car, and was absolutely thrilled with the results. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/6g5a2603.jpg6G5A2603After 9 years and over 174,000 miles, the front end had seen its fair share of rocks, debris, and careless drives. Although the factory color, polished metal metallic, hides it well, the bumper is pretty beat up, and feels like the surface of the moon. In addition, countless chips and dings are spotted all over the paint. So the car went to Al Meschi Auto Body in Highland Park, NJ.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/6g5a2611-1.jpg6G5A2611Although a historic village, some of the buildings are still in active use, such as the Waterloo United Methodist Church, built in 1859, which has Sunday worship every week.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-9.jpgObscure NJ 9Our first stop was Waterloo Village. Established in 1820, the town was built at the halfway point of the Morris Canal, which was built to ferry coal from Pennsylvania to New York harbor (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-8.jpgObscure NJ 8In the early 20th century, AT&T placed hundreds of telephone poles in this grassy field. The company was interested to see how different types of wood withstood storms, various types of bugs, animals, and birds (via Atlas Obscura). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-7.jpgObscure NJ 7Our final stop in the village was the Peter D. Smith House, a Victorian mansion built in 1871. With several stops to go, we decided to depart the village and head to a one-of-a-kind "farm."https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-6.jpgObscure NJ 6This old, rusting water wheel, leaning against the gristmill, caught my eye.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-5.jpgObscure NJ 5The Gristmill, designed to grind grain into flour, was originally used by the National Biscuit Company, which we know today as Nabsico, the Chicago-based creator of such classics as Chips Ahoy!, Lorna Doone, Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thins, and your humble authors beloved Oreos (via Waymarking). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/obscure-nj-4.jpgObscure NJ 4This small stone building is the Blacksmith's Shop, built in the 1780s. It sat beside the canal lock, which was designed to lower boats from a section of the river at a higher elevation to another section at a lower level.2021-08-05T01:52:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/03/09/storm-king/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4434.jpegIMG_4434Okay, little Accord. Break time is over. Let's get back on the road to 200,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4432a.jpgIMG_4432ABy mid-afternoon, I received a call that my car was done, and I headed back to Autosport Honda to pick up my car. I found it waiting for me at the front of the lot - in a sea of sedans, minivans, and SUVs, I'm happy to say that my car stands out, and holds its own with newer designs.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4431.jpegIMG_4431All fixed! I hadn't realized what an impact the dragging brake caliper was having on my driving - the car felt peppier, braked in a straight line, and the droning noise at highway speed was gone. It was a bit of a pricy repair, but worth every penny.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4428.jpegIMG_4428This was also my first in-depth experience with Honda's Honda Sensing suite of safety features. Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) was the most interesting feature. Get the vehicle above 45 mph, and the car will use its various sensors to gently nudge your car back into the center of your lane if you start to drift too far to one side. At first, it felt a bit too intrusive, the wheel moving slightly as the car corrected its course. At first, I found myself fighting against the corrections, but once I loosened my grip on the wheel and allowed LKAS to assist me, its novelty faded into the background. By the end of the day, I wasn't even aware of the car's electronic intervention. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4426.jpegIMG_4426This HR-V was the fully-loaded Touring model, with leather trim, seat heaters, and an upgraded stereo. One huge improvement from the last HR-V I drove: Honda reintroduced a volume knob for the stereo, replacing the touch-slider that was nearly impossible to adjust while driving. Sometimes, simpler is better.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4423.jpegIMG_4423When I arrived at Autosport, the service advisor concurred with my assessment of the problem, and offered a no-cost loaner vehicle for the day while my car was repaired. I immediately said yes (secretly hoping that my loaner would be the new Civic Type R - hey, a guy can dream!) and was handed the keys to a 2019 Honda HR-V. You may remember my previous loaner experience of a 2017 HR-V a few years ago. After spending a day with the vehicle, I stand by my initial assessment: it's a safe, fuel-efficient, reliable, all-weather vehicle for those who value economy and the security of four-wheel drive.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4415.jpegIMG_4415Jumping into the HR-V after driving my Accord, I did appreciate the higher seating position. The car definitely encourages you to drive efficiently - a ring around the speedometer will glow green when you are driving gently and maximizing fuel economy. And while it won't win a drag race with the V6 in my Accord, the HR-V uses the R-series four-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic, giving it sufficient pep for keeping up with traffic, merging, and passing.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4412.jpegIMG_4412For the past few weeks, my Accord was feeling a bit sluggish, and I was getting a droning noise on the highway. I passed it off as my car getting a bit older, and perhaps my tires starting to get noisier with higher mileage. However, I kept noticing my driver's side rear wheel getting coated by brake dust, and when I was inspecting it on Saturday, I could feel intense heat radiating from the wheel. Further inspection revealed that the brake pad had turned blue from constant heat, and the disc rotor had scorch marks. The brake caliper (the part that squeezes the pad onto the disc to slow the car) was dragging - it was making contact with the disc and not releasing. It's essentially like driving with your parking brake partially engaged - it's bad for your braking system and your gas mileage. It can ultimately lead to premature brake wear, and in extreme cases, fire. Not wanting to risk a long drive to Burns Honda in southern New Jersey, I made an appointment with Autosport Honda, a dealer much closer to home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4387.jpegIMG_4387When I recently logged into Wordpress (the site that hosts my blog), I received a very cool announcement - The Open Road Ahead is now five years old! At the urging of auto bloggers Tyson Hugie of Drive to Five and Josh Clymer of TSX Travels, I decided to try writing up some of my automotive adventures. I had no idea that five years later, I would still be documenting these adventures to mountains, seasides, drives halfway across the country and journeys across my hometown. It has been a truly enjoyable endeavor, and as long as my readers continue to find these posts interesting, I'll keep writing. Thank you to everyone who has read, commented, liked, emailed, texted, and otherwise supported The Open Road Ahead!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/storm-king-map-e1615170948142.jpgStorm King MapOur destination for the day: Storm King Art Center, located a little over an hour north of Manhattan. 2021-08-05T01:49:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/02/16/an-adirondack-winter/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4231.jpegIMG_4231And finally, the Accord has spent much of the past few weeks in the garage, hiding out from all the winter weather. I have to do some driving for work this coming weekend, however, so 167,000 is right around the corner. Once again: onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6g5a1258.jpg6G5A1258We ended our drive at Arrowhead Park in the town of Inlet. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/aws-9.jpgAWS 9You know its winter when you can stand on a frozen mound of snow and be eye-level with a seven-foot tall railroad crossing sign. I enjoyed my time at Thendara Station, but there was still more sightseeing ahead of us.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/aws-8.jpgAWS 8Our first stop was Thendara Train Station. It looks a bit different now than it did during my first visit during the summer.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4224.jpegIMG_4224Despite the winter weather, we made it home far quicker than Google Maps had estimated for our trip. The Jeep was an excellent companion for our mountain adventures, tackling snowy, icy roads with no problems. Along the way, we crossed the 63,000 mile mark. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4222.jpegIMG_4222With a massive winter storm threatening to engulf upstate New York, we left early on Monday and drove back to New Jersey. Aside from some freezing rain and sleet, we missed the worst of the winter weather. The Adirondacks are expected to receive 5-9" of snow, and an additional 1/10 of an inch of ice. Locals know to put another log on the fire place, pick up a good book, and settle in for the storm.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4211.jpegIMG_4211Mmm... mmm... mmm... fry cakes! As I explained previously, whereas yeast donuts rise before being fried, the fry cake is made without yeast, offering a crispy exterior and a dense, soft interior (via Rochester City Newspaper). Either way you cut it, the Eagle Bay Donut Shop is a must-visit when you're in the Adirondacks!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4205.jpegIMG_4205Seriosuly, though. These WR G4 SUV tires are worth every penny in the Adirondacks.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4202-e1613427985381.jpegIMG_4202And even better news... the Eagle Bay Donut Shop is now open year round! What a better way to warm up your insides than with hot coffee and fry cakes! (Also, check out the icicles on the left side of the building).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/img_4197.jpegIMG_4197Aside from some treats, we made most of our meals at home. My personal favorite was taco night!2021-08-05T01:44:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/01/24/rocky-ramapo-ruins/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6g5a1005-1.jpeg6G5A1005Needless to say, I'm thrilled with my new camera, and can't wait to learn the ins-and-outs of all of its functions!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_4010.jpgIMG_4010After almost five hours of hiking, I have never been so happy to see my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee. After practically inhaling our picnic lunch, we headed home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6g5a1070.jpg6G5A1070This was part of the "trail" that we had to descend from the ruins. It wasn't a climb as much as a controlled fall down the mountain. But we made it, safe and sound.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3998.jpegIMG_3998Before heading home, we thought we would check the map at the parking lot to see what we possibly had done wrong, and then we noticed something about the signs...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-forest-map.jpgRamapo Forest MapOur destination: Ramapo Mountain State Forest, a 4,200 acre woodland in the mountains of northern New Jersey.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-6.jpgRamapo 6From a rocky outcropping near the house, we had a spectacular view of Ramapo Lake and the countryside in the distance.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-5.jpgRamapo 5One of the most jarring remnants of the building - much of the pipework remains. I would have thought, given its exposure to the elements, that the pipes would have long since corroded into dust.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-4.jpgRamapo 4Once home, I began post-processing the photos, and was impressed with how little correction they needed.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-3.jpgRamapo 3One of the remaining structures is the house's swimming pool - even the stairs and railing are still intact.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ramapo-2.jpgRamapo 2Even more impressive was the level of detail the camera captured inside the fire tower. With bright light streaming in through the windows, my old camera would have severely underexposed this scene, losing much of the detail within the structure. So far, so good!2021-08-05T01:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/01/18/reminders-of-the-revolution/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-3-1.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 3https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_2679.jpgIMG_2679Jeffrey Hook Lighthouse was originally built in Sandy Hook, NJ in 1889. It was moved to the Hudson in 1921 to aid ships traveling on the river. Standing only 40 feet tall, this lighthouse gained fame through the 1942 children's book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Lynd Ward. Slated for demolition, the book was so popular that the lighthouse was saved, and turned into a museum (via Wikipedia).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3856.jpegIMG_3856While I had known about the Burr-Hamilton duel from history class in high school (and, of course, as dramatized in the musical Hamilton), I hadn't realized that Weehawken had been so popular for this grim way of settling scores. At least 18 duels were held in this location, including the duel that killed Alexander Hamilton's son in 1801 (via Wikipedia).This is one tradition I'm glad to see consigned to the scrap heap of history.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-map.jpgRemainders of the Revolution MapDrawing again from a map of important sites that is published by Revolutionary NJ (a nonprofit organization that is supported by the NJ Department of State), my wife organized a fun day of exploration. Our trip would take us to eleven locations in about six hours. It was a whirlwind!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-5.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 5Although most famous for its involvement in the American Revolution, Fort Lee has another, lesser-known footnote in history: in the era of silent movies, it was the major film production location in the United States. Before the movie industry moved to Hollywood, it was the birthplace of many of the biggest film studios in our country, such as 20th Century Fox and Universal (via history.com). After enjoying a walk through the park, my wife and I took one last look at the view before setting off for our next destination.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-3.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 3Although the site of an American defeat, the park was preserved as a historic site in 1908, and then in 2004, the fort itself was recreated, allowing visitors to better learn about the history of the location (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-2.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 2Despite its impressive earthwork fortifications, colonial troops had to retreat from the fort when Fort Washington in New York was overrun by the British. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/remainders-of-the-revolution-1.jpgRemainders of the Revolution 1Owing to Hamilton reportedly speaking negatively of Burr to others, a conflict between the two men quickly escalated into a formal challenge of a duel. On July 11, 1804, Burr and Hamilton faced each other in Weehawken in the early morning. Hamilton's bullet hit a nearby tree, while Burr's struck Hamilton in the chest. Hamilton died the next day, and Burr, having participated in an event that was illegal, fled to Pennsylvania to escape prosecution (via revolutionarywarnewjersey). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3961.jpegIMG_3961Six hours after leaving our house, we returned home, heads full of history, and the camera full of cool photos. The Accord, meanwhile, crossed yet another marker: 166,000 miles. Less than 34,000 until we hit the big 200... onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3957.jpegIMG_3957During the Revolutionary War, the church served not only as a religious house of worship, but as a storehouse for ammunition by colonial soldiers (via Springfield Presbyterian Church). 2021-08-05T01:41:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/12/19/pre-holiday-potpourri/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3508.jpegIMG_3508Speaking of onward, the Jeep is nearing 60,000 miles. It recently went in for maintenance, and aside from an oil change and a tire rotation, all is well.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3491.jpegIMG_3491A winter storm recently rolled through our area, dumping about ten inches of snow on the region. The downside of a one-car garage? The Accord stayed indoors, all snug and dry, while Grace, our Jeep, dres the short straw endured the winter blast in the frigid cold. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3498.jpegIMG_3498And from the staff of The Open Road Ahead... happy holidays to you and your loved ones!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img-3888.jpegIMG-3888With Christmas only days away, Mother Nature did her own holiday decorating!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/sandy-hook-map.jpgSandy Hook MapAlthough this blog featured a far more in-depth exploration of Sandy Hook a few summers ago, it is always fun to return to a familiar haunt and see it again.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3463.jpegIMG_3463After a 45-minute drive, we were back home. The Accord was once again a rock-solid vehicle for our adventure, and is slowly beginning to close in on 170,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3458a.jpgIMG_3458AAs the sun slowly set, we began our trek home. On the way off the island, we pulled over for this quick shot. Fun fact: the "Guardian Park" commemorates when Fort Hancock hosted batteries of Nike anti-aircraft missiles that were positioned to defend New York City against Soviet attack. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3452.jpegIMG_3452Beginning in 1806, Sandy Hook was taken over by the US Army for military use. Massive gun battery fortifications, built in the 1890s to protect the New York harbor, still exist.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3450.jpegIMG_3450Peaking my camera through a small hole in the rusting iron door, I was able to get a few photos from inside the gun battery. Talk about another great setting for a haunted house!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3448-1.jpegIMG_3448 (1)After a while on the bay side, we walked across the island to the ocean side and enjoyed the beautiful weather and the refreshing sea breeze.2021-08-05T01:37:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/12/08/jersey-shore-jaunt/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/island-beach-state-park-map.jpgIsland Beach State Park MapIsland Beach State Park is located to the south of Seaside Park. A few months ago, we explored the nearby Double Trouble State Park, to the northwest.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3278a.jpgIMG_3278ARoute 40 begins begins in Atlantic City and ends in Silver Summit, Utah, although it once ended in San Francisco, California. This sign, beside the now-closed Country Kitchen restaurant in the town of Elmer, let us know that California is only 3,015 miles away!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/jersey-jaunt-1.jpgJersey Jaunt 1Before dinner, we stopped by Sunset Beach in Cape May to check out the rough waves on the Delaware Bay. The region was under a gale warning, and while we stood on the beach, we were blasting by wind-driven sand and ocean spray. It was a memorable stop!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/island-beach-map-e1607352517665.jpgIsland Beach MapWe spent the weekend exploring the Jersey Shore, and our final destination open Sunday was Island Beach State Park. Along the way, we would venture to Port Norris along the Delaware Bay and my second home: Cape May.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3385.jpegIMG_3385After an hour drive, we arrived back home. Along the way, the Accord crossed the 165,000 mile mark... less than 35,000 miles now until the big 200k. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3383.jpegIMG_3383After paying a nominal entrance fee of $5, we had access to the entire park. Island Beach is managed by the State of New Jersey, and fees are collected to help maintain the park. Through most of the ten-mile road that runs through the park, we saw very few other people. I'd imagine it gets a bit busier in the summertime!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3378.jpegIMG_3378Although cold and wind-blown, we enjoyed the view of Barnegat Bay.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3370.jpegIMG_3370A half-mile trail took us through marshland toward Barnegat Bay. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3365.jpegIMG_3365Behind the Nature Center, the nature trails began by walking through the jaw bones of a fifty-five foot long Fin Whale that once washed ashore at Island Beach. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/img_3363.jpegIMG_3363About halfway down the island is the Nature Center, once home to the Forked River Coast Guard station. From here, several trails allow you to explore some of the wilderness of the island.2021-08-05T01:35:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/11/23/back-to-the-adirondacks-back-to-back/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3148.jpegIMG_3148Taking in one last look from the top of Rocky Mountain, I began my descent. Another Adirondack trip, another mountain climbing adventure completed!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/rocky-mountain-inlet-map.jpgRocky Mountain Inlet MapDuring my last extended visit in the Adirondacks, I climbed Bald Mountain in Old Forge. On this trip I set my sights on another nearby peak: Rocky Mountain.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3185.jpegIMG_3185We arrived home safely. The Jeep continues to roll along without complaint, a comfortable ride for us on these long journeys.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/lknp6984-1.jpegLKNP6984As always, I made time for some sunset and twilight photography on Fourth Lake in the town of Inlet.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3179-1.jpegIMG_3179The next day, after saying our goodbyes, we began the long trek back to New Jersey. The Wigwam Tavern in Forestport, NY, is my marker that I have finally left the Adirondacks. For much of the next two hours, we would drive through constant snow flurries. Although the temperatures in the mid-30s meant that nothing stuck to the ground, it was a reminder that winter is on its way.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3173-1.jpegIMG_3173Sunsets in the Adirondacks are really cool... but sunrises are pretty special as well.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3161-1.jpegIMG_3161What is this white stuff? Oh, right. It's snow. Between rocks covered in water and ice, wet, decomposing leaves, mud, and snow, good hiking shoes are a must. As I've said before, leave the flip-flops, sneakers, high heels, and loafers at home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3146-1.jpegIMG_3146After a 45-minute climb, I finally reached the summit. I was sweating and gasping for air, but once I took in the view, it was well worth it!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3143-1.jpegIMG_3143If you can tell me where to find the trail, I'll be impressed. The only markers were small tags on the occasional tree that said "Foot Trail" (look closely at the tree on the right). However, long stretches of the trail had no markers, so my strategy was simply to keep heading upward, hoping to eventually find another marker. It was... challenging.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_3142-1.jpegIMG_3142I wouldn't call the path up the mountain a "trail." It was more like a rock-strewn hillside where you attempted to follow the path of least resistance as you climbed.2021-08-05T01:33:08+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/10/14/adirondack-back-to-back/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img-3699.jpgIMG-3699Speaking of beautiful views, my wife snapped this photo as she walked along the TOBIE trail (a hiking trail that runs through Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay). The Adirondacks have seen a dramatic increase in visitors over the past six months, and while locals are welcoming of guests, there has also been an unfortunate increase in careless visitors who are not mindful of their behavior. My wife and I would like to encourage you to take the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge. In doing so, you are committing to being a good steward of the largest protected wilderness in the continental United States.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/adirondack-2x-1a.jpgAdirondack 2X 1AEarly Saturday morning, my wife and I drove to Raquette Lake to catch the sunrise. There, we spotted a familiar site from a previous trip: the W.W. Durant, a cruise ship that takes passengers on a delightful journey around the lake during dinner.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/adirondack-2x-map.jpgAdirondack 2X MapIf I wasn't an expert on the route before this past week, I am now. And don't be fooled by Google's optimistic element: traffic, especially when you first enter New York from New Jersey, pushes this drive to six hours at the minimum.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2590.jpegIMG_2590Finally, a shout-out goes to Tyson Hugie, whose 1994 Acura Legend recently rolled 575,000 miles while driving through Santaquin, Utah! Congratulations, Tyson!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/quiver-pond-1.jpgQuiver Pond 1On the way home, I did detour to South Shore Road, which runs along the southern rim of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. As I have shared previously, it's a fun drive, and even with gray skies, Quiver Pond still makes for a fun backdrop for automotive photography!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/qdsi4031.jpegQDSI4031With evening temperatures dipping down into the 30s, a thick mist hanging over Fourth Lake made for some dramatic photos. Unfortunately, this would be the only sun I would see in the Adirondacks, as rain clouds rolled back in for my return journey to New Jersey.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_6671.jpgIMG_6671https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_6670.jpgIMG_6670Another high mileage story awaits!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_6669.jpgIMG_6669Ken, thank you for sharing your story. For over 595,000 miles, your Civic looks fantastic! Please let us know when you roll 600,000! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/img_2665.jpegIMG_2665After a fun, enjoyable weekend, my wife and I ventured home. The Jeep performed flawlessly, and is now heading toward the 60,000 mile mark. Onwards!2021-08-05T01:26:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/09/27/down-by-the-sea/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1596.jpgIMG_1596As my wife and I walked back to our car, we spotted this little guy perched atop a barren branch. Like the deer, he also allowed me to approach to within only a few feet so I could take photos. Eventually, he got bored with his portrait session and flew away. Now I'll turn this question to the bird enthusiasts among my readers: what species of bird is this? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1579.jpgIMG_1579This deer was so preoccupied with its afternoon snack of tree leaves and berries, that it allowed me to stand pretty close to take these photos. I was less than ten feet away, and even the click-click-click of my camera's shutter didn't seem to bother it. After allowing me to photograph it for a solid five minutes, it finally sauntered off into the woods.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1557.jpgIMG_1557"A Flock of Seagulls." And I'm not talking about the 80's pop band. This gaggle of birds was like something from a Hitchcock movie.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1515.jpgIMG_1515I've never seen an egret perched in a tree before. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1508.jpgIMG_1508Despite this power line being almost a quarter of a mile away, I was able to zoom in to see this falcon enjoying a midday snack of a small rodent (I'll spare you the shots of it actually eating... yuck!).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1502.jpgIMG_1502This beach cactus, whose flowers were just blooming, made for an interesting subject. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1490.jpgIMG_1490While there were some crowds of people in the areas of the beaches near the parking lots, my wife and I hiked to more remote locations, where our only companions were the wildlife... such as this great blue heron. Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying the Canon 100-400mm zoom lens that I bought this past spring?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1507.jpgIMG_1507My wife spotted this battle royale under the water... two crabs fighting over a shell. Property Wars, Crab Edition?https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2373.jpegIMG_2373We decided to leave the Accord at home and give my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee some exercise. While during the summer months, there is a fee to park at Sandy Hook, there is no entrance fee during the off-season. Although there were a large number of people in the park, for the most part, everyone kept a safe distance from one another.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2375.jpegIMG_2375Back home again! The Jeep is slowly approaching 57,000 miles, although my wife and I have a trip planned in the coming weeks that should put the Grand Cherokee well beyond that milestone. Stay tuned! 2021-08-05T01:25:12+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/09/13/sleepy-hollow/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-8-1.jpgSleepy Hollow 8https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-map-1.jpgSleepy Hollow MapOur destination: the village of Sleepy Hollow, located on the bluffs over the Hudson River in New York.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-8.jpgSleepy Hollow 8I think we're in the right place! This sculpture was erected in 2006 to commemorate Irving's famous story (via enchantedamerica). Originally named North Tarrytown, the village renamed itself Sleepy Hollow in 1996 to emphasize its connection to the tale. "Sleepy Hollow" was the name of a village in a valley among the hills of Tarrytown.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-7.jpgSleepy Hollow 7You know you have money when... you can build an ornate bowling alley on the grounds of your already ostentatious estate.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-6.jpgSleepy Hollow 6The center room of the greenhouse was the "Palm House." It held 242 varieties of palm trees! I was surprised to learn that much of the park had fallen into disrepair in the years since Gould's death. Restoration efforts first focused on main buildings like the bowling alley and mansion. The greenhouse has been stabilized so it does not collapse, and will be restored to its former glory in the coming years. It will be worth a return visit!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-4.jpgSleepy Hollow 4Built in 1838, the mansion was designed for William Paulding, the mayor of New York City. Its third and final owner was Jay Gould. After Gould's passing, his daughter would work to preserve it open it to the public.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-3.jpgSleepy Hollow 3Erected on a stone pier and built of cast iron, this 137-year old lighthouse is on the Register of Historic Places. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-2.jpgSleepy Hollow 2Rounding a corner, we spotted Tarrytown Light, and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in the background. Built in 1883, the lighthouse served as a navigational guide on the Hudson River until 1961.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sleepy-hollow-1.jpgSleepy Hollow 1I did not mention the second owner of the house until now. George Merritt, a New York businessman, was responsible for much of the landscaping of the area around the home. He hired a prominent landscape architect to create a park to surround his estate (via Wikipedia).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2179.jpegIMG_2179After a long day exploring towns along the Hudson River, we finally arrived home at dinnertime. The Accord was as flawless as ever. Only 11 miles to 159,000... only 1,011 miles to 160,000, and only 31,011 miles to 200,000... the Accord keeps gobbling up the mileage. Onward!2021-08-05T01:21:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/08/29/woke-up-this-morning/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_4163.jpgIMG_4163Two years ago, we visited the Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, NJ. This 77-foot waterfall was used twice for filming scenes of the show's first season. The first scene was when two mobsters threatened to throw a man who was behind on his loans to the bottom of the falls in the pilot episode. Several episodes later, a drug dealer, Rusty Irish, is thrown off the falls by henchmen of Ton's uncle, Junior Soprano, after Rusty has earned Junior's ire.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1015.jpgIMG_1015"Our true enemy... has yet... to reveal himself." The setting of my most-quoted line in the show - the Asbury Park boardwalk beside Convention Hall. In season two, Tony, suffering from food poisoning, has a fever dream in which he confers with his associates (some dead, some living) about difficulties with his organization. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1902.jpgIMG_1902From the worldly to the holy... our next destination was St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in the town of Clifton. It served as the location of the Roman Catholic church where Father Phil, the (sort of) spiritual adviser to Tony's wife Carmela, presided.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1885.jpgIMG_1885Our next stop: The Muffler Man! Spotted in the title sequence of the show, this roadside statue was originally a lumberjack before being a mascot for a local carpet shop (via Roadside America).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1878-1.jpegIMG_1878 (1)Our first stop: Centanni's Meat Market in the city of Elizabeth. The shop appears in the title sequence of the show, and in the pilot episode is where mob boss Tony Soprano meets with his lieutenants.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sopranos-map.jpgSopranos MapOur road trip would take us to a total of 8 destinations around northern New Jersey. I had long been talking about trying to do a road trip like this. Inspired by blogger Jason Pawela's exploration of filming locations for the show Breaking Bad in New Mexico and Tyson Hugie finding the house from the film Napoleon Dynamite in Idaho, I was interested in doing something similar for The Sopranos. I had never progressed past the idea stage... enter my wife, and her prodigious planning abilities.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sopranos-1.jpgSopranos 1As we drove through a residential neighborhood in Montclair to our final stop, my wife came to a screeching stop atop a hill. To the right, we could see the New York skyline. Imagine having this view through your back window every day!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/lrm_export_143927583796759_20191016_115149731.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe off-road MDX is back!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/lrm_export_18723285025094_20190916_091847583.jpgLRM_EXPORT_18723285025094_20190916_091847583Thanks again, Sam, for taking the time to share some more about your unique Acura SUV. Stay safe on those dirt roads!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1937.jpegIMG_19372021-08-05T01:18:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/08/26/go-back-to-your-woods/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1816.jpegIMG_1816See the couple in the chair lift on the left? See how far their feet are dangling from the ground? Just saying.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mccauley-mountain-map.jpgMcCauley Mountain MapDuring a drive to the supermarket, we passed a sign advertising the Scenic Chair Lift at McCauley Mountain. Located in the town of Webb, McCauley is a 2,800-foot peak that is home to a winter ski resort. Intrigued, we decided to do some research.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/adirondack-state-park-map.jpgAdirondack State Park MapWhat should now be a familiar sight for my readers: Adirondack State Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the nation.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1772.jpegIMG_1772Arrived! We would be spending the weekend with a dear relative of my wife. After catching up and unpacking, it was off to visit Fourth Lake in the town of Inlet.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mccauley-mountain-5-1.jpgMcCauley Mountain 5Once again, my new Canon 100-400mm zoom lens continues to impress. This close-up of Third Lake was taken at the exact same spot as the photo above.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mccauley-mountain-4-1.jpgMcCauley Mountain 4From an observation deck at the top of the mountain, you can see Second and Third Lakes in the distance.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mccauley-mountain-3-1.jpgMcCauley Mountain 3I loved the reflection of the trees in the pond, and the mist floating above the surface.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mccauley-mountain-2-1.jpgMcCauley Mountain 2After finishing the wash and wax, I took the Jeep to Quiver Pond, one of my new favorite car photography spots.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1850-1.jpegIMG_1850After five hours of driving, we returned home. Now nearing 55,000 miles, the Jeep was an excellent companion for our mountain getaway. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1848-1-e1598383280640.jpegIMG_1848As I spotted the Adirondacks in the rearview mirror, I said farewell... but not for long. We'll certainly be back again!2021-08-05T01:16:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/08/16/hemlock-falls/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1595-1.jpegIMG_1595After our journey to Hemlock Falls, the Accord inched closer to 158,000 miles. Overall, it is running well, although it has developed a little hitch in its gear shifting - I have noticed that when downshifting between 3rd and 2nd, there seems to be a bit of a hesitation as it shifts and then a jolt into the lower gear. It will be going to the shop to get checked this week - fingers crossed that it's only a minor issue!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hemlock-falls-1.jpgHemlock Falls 1Many of the geological formations in the park date back to volcanic eruptions during the Jurassic Era, over 200 million year ago. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hemlock-falls-2.jpgHemlock Falls 2I was treated to a momentary break in the tourists clogging the site, so I quickly snapped several photos. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hemlock-falls-3.jpgHemlock Falls 3https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hemlock-falls-4.jpgHemlock Falls 4On the way back, we spotted a web that a spider had spun between two trees. While the spider was absent, her lunch (center) was certainly present.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hemlock-falls-map.jpgHemlock Falls MapOnly 20 miles west of New York City, Hemlock Falls is located in the South Mountain Reservation in Essex County.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1568.jpegIMG_1568Our morning began with a northward drive on the Garden State Parkway. The clouds burned off as the morning went on, leaving us with blue skies and sun.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1590.jpegIMG_1590On the way back to the car, we spotted this scenic overlook, and went to check it out. The scene? Not much - trees had grown so high that any view was obscured by the branches and leaves. While South Mountain Reservation is home to cool geological formation, a zoo, and a famous rock from which Continental soldiers were alerted to British movements during the Revolutionary War, the much touted Hemlock Falls failed to deliver the goods. Overall, when we weren't stumbling over loose rocks, scrambling up hillsides, or aimlessly wandering down unmarked trails, we had a good time. Just don't expect Hemlock Falls to make a return appearance in this blog anytime soon!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1588.jpegIMG_1588After a few minutes at the falls, we began our trek back to the car. This steep hill was our path away from the falls - the roots made for some good handholds as we pulled ourselves up the hill. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1584.jpegIMG_1584After an hour of hiking, we arrived at our destination... and were promptly underwhelmed. The trickle of water definitely didn't compare to the Dingmans Falls or Cascade Falls. Still... Hemlock Falls is listed as one of the twenty best waterfalls in New Jersey, so I was glad we were able to cross it off our list. Been there, done that.2021-08-05T01:13:30+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/08/10/spread-peace-and-love/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1543.jpegIMG_1543We arrived home by dinnertime, exhausted but happy with our journey. The Accord performed flawlessly yet again, and inches yet closer to the next major marker: 160,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1509.jpegIMG_1509Richie Havens, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, was the opening act of the concert. The museum has his guitar and kaftan on display. After reading about the concert and watching documentaries, it was amazing to be up close and personal with the artifacts of the concert. It was amazing to be... there.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1448.jpegIMG_1448If you look closely in the rearview mirror, you can see a group of power utility trucks. We passed several such caravans during our drive: a strong tropical storm that blasted the East Coast last Monday left widespread power outages, with many areas of New Jersey in the dark for several days. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/woodstock-map.jpgWoodstock MapLocated about one hundred miles northwest of New York City, Bethel was the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ny-97-map.jpgNY 97 MapThe drive to Bethel Woods takes about two hours from my front door. We decided to a half hour to our drive for a worthy detour: Route 97, the curviest road in New York State.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3456a.jpgIMG_3456AThere, in the middle of the field, I pulled out my iPhone, scrolled through my music, and began playing The Star Spangled Banner by Jimi Hendrix, the song with which he is best remembered for playing at Woodstock. Interesting fact: Hendrix, who dreaded playing in front of large groups, purposefully waited to perform until 9:00 am on Monday morning, at which point only 30,000 people remained (via Wikipedia).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1537a.jpgIMG_1537AOn a gorgeous afternoon, we sat on the patio, sipping our beverages, and listening to a woman and two men playing acoustic guitars and signing rock and folk classics from the 1960s. When they played Don't Think Twice by Bob Dylan, my afternoon was made. Our time at Catskill Distillery was a great ending to our day.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1530a.jpgIMG_1530AOur last stop for the day was for some refreshments at Catskill Distilling Company, a local distillery featuring vodka, gin, and whiskey made on premises. Side-note: I love the cow.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1529a.jpgIMG_1529AGotta love a place with a clear sense of direction!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_1528.jpgIMG_1528Before leaving the grounds, we drove to a small parking lot at the edge of the property, where a stone marker commemorates the festival. Set near the site of the stage, the marker was placed in 1984.2021-08-05T01:11:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/07/27/dont-go-chasing-waterfalls/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_2898.jpgIMG_2898I was looking at my blog's stats recently and realized that over 4,000 unique visitors have checked out my writings on trips far and wide on the roads of America. I will have more to say in my conclusion below, but for now, thank you for taking in interest in my travels!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1384.jpegIMG_1384SInce my 2012 Accord is now the highest mileage vehicle I have ever owned, I thought I would try to add more periodic updates about the vehicle. After the excitement from last month's oil leak repair, my Accord has gone back to being the dependable, no-drama ride that it always has been. While the drive to 200,000 has been slowed by COVID-19, 158,000 miles is definitely in my sights by the end of the summer. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1308.jpegIMG_1308While my Accord was no the vehicle of choice for week's road trip, it has been kept busy with errands in southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. If you can't tell... it's corn season!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1343.jpgIMG_1343As we started driving, we pulled over after a few miles to deliberate... turn around and drive home in time to get lunch, or drive to the next waterfall, pick up lunch along the way, and keep going down the open road ahead? There was only one choice...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1378.jpegIMG_1378At the beginning of the day, we planned for a 2-hour trip. Instead, we returned home at dinnertime, exhausted, but very happy with the results of our exploration. Grace was absolutely the right choice of vehicle for the somewhat-challenging roads of the Delaware Water Gap, and along the way she inched closer to 54,000 miles.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1376.jpegIMG_1376Fine dining! Heading home, we realized that we had missed lunch. We stopped at a nearby 7-Eleven to grab "something." I wandered around the store aimlessly, until my wife asked if I wanted a Lunchables... my inner ten-year old jumped for joy... I hadn't had a Lunchables since I was in the fifth grade. And I was a happy man.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1375.jpegIMG_1375So. Much. Mud. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1369.jpegIMG_1369We arrived at our destination - Dingmans Falls. A National Park ranger met us at the entrance and directed us to park in a nearby field. The road to the visitor center was closed (in an effort to reduce crowding during the current pandemic), so we had to walk a mile from our car to the falls. Some might complain, but not us! Exercise will do your body good!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1360.jpegIMG_1360https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1353.jpegIMG_1353The last quarter mile of the walk to Dingmans Falls is on a raised boardwalk over the forest floor. My wife remarked that it felt like walking through a Disneyworld attraction, but being a Star Wars fan, I felt like I was walking through the Ewok village on Endor.2021-08-05T01:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/07/23/into-the-woods/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1169-1.jpgIMG_1169Deja vu? Nah. Just that the "I Love New York" sign, at the New Baltimore service area is one of my new favorite photo opportunities.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2020-07-21-at-9.37.06-am.jpgScreen Shot 2020-07-21 at 9.37.06 AMOf all the places I visit, I am probably the most active in the Adirondacks. With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails in the park, it's easy to find new places to explore. On a beautiful, if warm, Saturday morning, my wife and I decided to hike the trail around Cascade Lake.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1289.jpgIMG_1289Back home! Along the way, my car passed another milestone: it's now the highest mileage car I have ever owned. I sold my 2003 Accord when it had 155,900 miles on it, so my 2012 has taken me further than any other vehicle. Of course, it's not the miles that makes the car special - it is the memories the car has helped me create throughout the past five years that are so memorable. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1281.jpgIMG_1281As we headed through the town of Remsen, my wife, who was behind the wheel, said, "Hold on!" and took a fast right turn onto an exit from the highway. For years, she had passed signs for the Steuben Memorial State Historic Site. She decided to satisfy her curiosity (and test my car's ability to take a fast corner) and check it out!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1274.jpgIMG_1274Despite his critical involvement in the founding and survival of the Continental Army in its fight against the British, Steuben only had a small limestone marker for a gravestone. In the mid-19th century, German cultural associations in America banded together to create a grave marker that they felt would better honor his legacy. In 1931, then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt designated these lands as a state park, to honor Baron von Steuben.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1271.jpgIMG_1271While his primary residence was in New Jersey, Steuben spent his summers here. It is also where he was laid to rest after his passing, in a woods called the "Sacred Grove."https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1270.jpgIMG_1270Stopping to read the signs around the park, we learned that this was the summer home of Friedrich Wilhem von Steuben, an 18th century Prussian military officer whose career took him to America, where he helped train the colonial army, writing rules and procedures that would shape the development of the US Army for decades to come. He also became chief of staff to General George Washington. This land in upstate New York, totaling some 16,000 acres, was gifted to him after the Revolutionary War as a reward for his service.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1269.jpgIMG_1269While I had no clue who "Steuben" was or why he or she merited a state park, we decided to stretch our legs, explore the park, and enjoy the summer day.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1268.jpgIMG_1268After a fun five days, it was time to head back to New Jersey. As we left the mountains, we passed the Wigwam Tavern, notable for the plane tail sticking out of its roof!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1266.jpgIMG_1266Despite most restaurants now being open for dine-in, we still felt most comfortable getting takeout, so my wife got the taco salad, our relative got the fried chicken, and I went with a delicious burger. How was it? Fantastic!2021-08-05T01:06:18+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/07/13/deserted/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1161.jpgIMG_1161After coming back from the Adirondacks, we picked the Jeep up at the dealer, and all seems well. Between the oil filter housing it required last fall and the power steering rack that wore out, I am glad my wife got the extended warranty, as those two repairs would have ended up costing us close to $3,000 out of pocket. I like this Jeep a lot, but its long term reliability bears watching. Ah well, it's fixed now... time to enjoy it!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1157.jpgIMG_1157My wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee went in for an oil change and tire rotation before we left for the Adirondacks, and the service advisor reported a fluid leak from the power steering rack. It's a $2,000+ repair! Fortunately, when my wife purchased the vehicle, she had negotiated for the extended warranty at no cost to her, so this monster repair ended up costing us only $106 for the deductible. My wife gets major points for her negotiating skills!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/feltville-10.jpgFeltville 10Our final stop was the Masker's Barn. Built in 1882 when Feltville briefly functioned as a summertime resort, the barn had space not only for carriages and horses, but also hosted dances for the resort's guests. Our curiosity satisfied (and our legs very tired), we headed back to the car. We will definitely come back to Watchung Reservation, as there are several other cool sites to visit - stay tuned!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/feltville-9.jpgFeltville 9While beautiful, the woods also have a creepiness to them. Reading up on it after we got home, these forests are home to numerous stories of hikers and campers finding odd stone formations, strange drawings, and other evidence of rituals in these woods. Add to it other unexplained phenomena, and you have quite the spooky setting! You can read more about the supernatural stories of the Deserted Village and the Enchanted Forest in this article from Weird NJ.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/feltville-1-1.jpgFeltville 1A paved road leads from the parking lot to the Deserted Village, and one of the first major buildings you encounter is the town's church and general store. A devout Christian, David Felt was motivated by a desire to improve his workers and their families by making them stronger in their faith. For instance, church services were mandatory every week (information is from a pamphlet provided by the Union County parks department). My wife and I agreed that the porches of this building looks like something you would find in the Adirondacks.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2020-07-12-at-5.23.25-pm.jpgScreen Shot 2020-07-12 at 5.23.25 PMOur destination for today: The Deserted Village, located in the Watchung Reservation. Located in Union County, the Watchung Reservation is a 1,900 acre nature preserve and park that is also home to several endangered species. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_2874.jpgIMG_2874The oil change and tire rotation went fine... except the mechanic discovered a leaking from my car's oil pump. Part # 21, specifically, a donut-shaped gasket which keeps the engine's lubricants inside the engine, had worn out and was no longer doing its job. Bear in mind when you look at the next photo, #21 is a $7.00 part...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1156-e1594601372736.jpgIMG_1156...the oil was leaking onto the engine's timing belt, causing it to slowly deteriorate. A snapped timing belt will wreck an engine, so my service advisor recommended taking care of the leak and also changing the timing belt and related parts, and taking care of a few more seals that were also starting to show evidence of leaking. What began as a quick oil change turned into an all-day job. It was expensive, but as I want to keep my car for a long time, it was a necessary repair. One bonus - timing belt services are done every 7 years or 105,000 miles. I had last done the service in May of 2018 when my car had almost 106,000 miles. I would have been due for the service at 200,000 miles, but now it won't need to be done until 250,000. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1154.jpgIMG_1154The day after the repair, we jumped into my Accord and drove up to the Adirondacks - nothing like a 330-mile test drive to make sure everything is working correctly! The Accord was flawless, which was good, because our other vehicle was also in the shop...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1137.jpgIMG_1137After passing through the village, we took a short hike through the Battle of the Short Hills Historic Trail. A Revolutionary War Battle in June of 1777, the fight itself was a loss for American forces who were outnumbered by the British Army. However, the battle alerted George Washington to the location of the sizable British force, allowing him to retreat and save his larger army from what would have been a punishing engagement (via Wikipedia).2021-08-05T01:02:30+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/07/07/adirondack-ambling/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_0935-2.jpgIMG_0935Photographic opportunities abound in the Adirondacks... even a flag on July 4th becomes more dramatic with the mountains of the Adirondacks in the background! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2020-07-07-at-12.33.40-pm-1.jpgScreen Shot 2020-07-07 at 12.33.40 PMOur July 4th weekend destination: Adirondack State Park. This has become one of my favorite destinations, as I described in previous blog posts, such as my visit to Lake Placid and my exploration of one of the Great Camps.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1087-1.jpgIMG_1087We arrived at home, and along the way, my Accord broke the 155,000 mile barrier. Although my wife's Grand Cherokee is the vehicle of choice during our winter trips to the Adirondacks, my Accord is our summer ride. Its fuel efficiency, powerful engine, and sporty handling make it a blast to drive on those twisty mountain roads. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1084-1.jpgIMG_1084With clear, sunny skies and little traffic, we had an easy drive home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1072-1.jpgIMG_1072Sadly, our time in the mountains drew to a close and we began our long drive home. I would like to give special mention to the seriousness and care that I saw on display regarding social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions while in the Adirondacks. Everyone was wearing masks, care was taken to make sure that adequate space was given between groups of people, and restaurants and businesses, for the most part, had clear directions to ensure adequate distance indoors. Even on hiking trails, people wore masks and gave plenty of room between themselves and other hikers. It was good to see such care being given, and it deserved mention here.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1064-1.jpgIMG_1064After leaving Moss Lake, we drove further up Big Moose Road (another fun drive!) to visit Big Moose Station. Built in 1926, Big Moose Station has the highest elevation of any train station east of the Mississippi River - 2,044 feet above sea level. Although no longer operating as a train station, Big Moose has found new life as a popular local restaurant. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1060-1.jpgIMG_1060Adirondack State Park is home to seemingly countless hiking trails. On a beautiful Sunday morning, my wife and I decided to explore the trails around Moss Lake.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1048-1.jpgIMG_1048The view from the bridge wasn't too bad, either!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1044-1.jpgIMG_1044At times, bridges allow you to cross narrow sections of the lake, and the breeze over the water offered a cool respite from the summer heat.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_1037-1.jpgIMG_1037The 2.5-mile trail travels the circumference of Moss Lake. Although the northern and western rim trails involve steeper ascents and descents and rockier ground, the southern and eastern rim trails are relatively flat and smooth. Overall, it made for an excellent workout!2021-08-05T00:59:56+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/06/22/island-in-the-sun/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/auburn-map.jpgAuburn MapOur biggest day trip was to Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, located in Pilesgrove Township, approximately an hour away from Sea Isle City. With cloudy skies and fog on Sea Isle City, we decided to explore some of southern New Jersey.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0809-1.jpgIMG_0809My favorite winery in southern New Jersey: Natali Vineyards. All of the wineries in this area are small, family-run operations, and we enjoyed not only buying excellent, affordable wines, but also supporting local businesses. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0682-1.jpgIMG_0682One of our favorite local vineyards, we stopped by Cape May Winery & Vineyard to pick up a few bottles of wine to take home and share with family and friends.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/sea-isle-map.jpgSea Isle MapOur vacation destination: Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Sea Isle City is situated on Ludlam Island, one of the barrier islands that make up much of the Jersey shore. Originally used as a pasture for sheep and cows, with the founding of Sea Isle City in 1873, the island has been a tourist hotspot. Although the average population is around 2,000 people, summertime visitors can increase the population of this small strip of land to almost 40,000 (via Wikipedia)!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_3307.jpgIMG_3307Our drive took us through much of Salem County, a more rural section of the state filled with farms and two-lane roads. Much of this part of NJ has more in common with sections of the rural Midwest than it does with the rest of the over-developed Northeast.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0865.jpgIMG_0865Throughout the journey, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a fantastic companion, holding all of our suitcases, coolers, bedding, beach towels, and all the other supplies we required for two weeks away from home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0862.jpgIMG_0862Once we returned home, I got back in my Accord and despite sitting inactive for two weeks, it started right up without complaint. Both my Accord (now at 153,836 miles) and my wife's Grand Cherokee will be going in for routine maintenance in the next few weeks - I'll certainly post updates on how the vehicles are doing!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0853.jpgIMG_0853The house where we stayed had a porch overlooking the ocean. This was our view everyday, from sunrise to sunset.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0847.jpgIMG_0847Mike's Seafood with a view.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_0834.jpgIMG_0834We returned to Sea Isle City, which was covered in fog for almost 24 hours. Although I have spent a lifetime in and around the shore, I've never before seen a fog that continuously rolls in and out for a day and a night. Although we had great weather for most of our time in Sea Isle, we picked a great day to get off the island.2021-08-05T00:58:03+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/06/06/the-birds/2021-08-05T00:54:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/05/01/five-years/2021-08-04T22:21:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/04/16/the-art-of-photography/2021-08-04T22:19:15+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/04/07/walk-this-way/2021-08-04T22:17:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/03/23/an-artistic-scavenger-hunt/2021-08-04T22:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/03/17/north-to-south/2021-08-04T22:09:37+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/03/11/the-art-of-the-jersey-diner/2021-08-04T22:06:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/03/03/under-the-sea/2021-08-04T22:04:07+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/02/19/spa-city/2021-08-04T22:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/02/10/charm-city-redux/2021-08-04T21:57:18+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/01/29/around-olde-town/2021-08-04T21:54:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/01/12/the-year-in-review-2019/2021-08-04T21:39:21+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/01/07/go-west-young-man-pt-5/2021-08-04T21:29:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/01/05/go-west-young-man-pt-4/2021-08-04T21:28:22+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/01/05/go-west-young-man-pt-3/2021-08-04T21:26:00+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/12/28/go-west-young-man-pt-2/2021-08-04T21:23:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/12/25/go-west-young-man-pt-1/2021-08-04T21:21:09+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/12/21/this-and-that/2021-08-04T21:19:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/12/12/pennsylvania-dutch/2021-08-04T21:18:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/12/01/homes-for-the-holidays/2021-08-04T21:17:03+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/10/08/field-trip/2021-08-04T21:15:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/09/23/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed/2021-08-04T21:13:03+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/11/18/weekend-roundup/2021-08-04T21:10:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/10/20/jack-o-lantern/2021-08-04T21:09:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/09/08/sunflower-sunday/2021-08-04T21:07:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/09/02/exit-zero/2021-08-04T21:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/08/28/americas-pastime/2021-08-04T21:02:40+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/08/21/middlesex-monday/2021-08-04T20:59:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/08/05/the-mines-of-new-jersey/2021-08-04T20:57:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/07/23/hodag-hoedown/2021-08-04T20:54:24+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/07/15/a-dolphin-tale/2021-08-04T20:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/07/11/rocky-mountain-high/2021-08-04T20:49:02+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/06/23/art-for-arts-sake/2021-08-04T20:45:59+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/05/20/automotive-potpourri/2021-08-04T20:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/04/16/monsters-of-rock/2021-08-04T20:40:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/04/11/d-c-in-bloom/2021-08-04T20:37:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/03/29/washington-slept-here/2021-08-04T20:32:39+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/03/20/viva-las-vegas/2021-08-04T20:30:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/03/11/downbound-train/2021-08-04T20:26:53+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/03/04/a-princeton-afternoon/2021-08-04T20:24:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/02/20/hey-providence/2021-08-04T20:20:57+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/02/12/charm-city/2021-08-04T20:18:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/02/04/castles-made-of-sand/2021-08-04T20:15:18+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/01/13/a-mans-home-is-his-castle/2021-08-04T20:13:48+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/01/06/the-year-in-review-2018/2021-08-04T20:12:07+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/12/31/a-model-christmas/2021-08-04T20:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/12/27/treasures-of-the-twin-cities/2021-08-04T20:08:36+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/11/25/born-to-run/2021-08-04T19:19:37+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/11/21/saratoga/2021-08-04T19:15:41+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/11/04/ive-been-working-on-the-railroad/2021-08-04T19:09:10+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/10/27/like-totally-rad/2021-08-04T19:08:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/10/22/one-hundred/2021-08-04T19:03:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/09/24/touch-the-sky/2021-08-04T18:59:40+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/08/31/the-fighting-i/2021-08-04T18:57:27+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/08/26/eat-drink-and-be-merry/2021-08-04T18:54:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/08/16/requiem-for-yesteryear/2021-08-04T18:51:57+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/08/02/been-through-the-storm/2021-08-04T18:50:18+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/07/24/roadside-america/2021-08-04T18:48:40+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/07/19/greetings-from-asbury-park/2021-08-04T18:47:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/07/08/do-you-believe-in-miracles/2021-08-04T18:45:40+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/07/02/a-new-hope/2021-08-04T18:42:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/06/14/the-crossing/2021-08-04T18:41:06+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/05/30/were-off-to-see-the-wizard/2021-08-04T18:39:31+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/05/17/a-massachusetts-x-file/2021-08-04T18:37:58+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/05/14/the-gilded-age/2021-08-04T18:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/04/22/the-deep-south-of-south-jersey/2021-08-04T18:34:35+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/04/01/the-whaling-city/2021-08-04T18:32:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/03/13/minneapolis-in-a-morning/2021-08-04T18:30:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/02/22/to-infinity-and-beyond/2021-08-04T18:28:07+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/02/19/pilgrims-and-lighthouses/2021-08-04T18:26:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/02/06/cape-cod-in-an-afternoon/2021-08-04T18:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2018/01/30/great-falls/2021-08-04T18:14:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2019/05/28/the-great-camps/2021-08-04T18:13:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/08/03/accidental-adventures/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6699-1.jpegIMG_6699https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6474.jpegIMG_6474We stopped by the Raritan River Ways Mural in New Brunswick. Readers might remember when we featured this mural in the post on the art of Middlesex County. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6455.jpegIMG_6455Finally, we stopped by the corner of 10th Avenue and E Street in Belmar, New Jersey to visit the Fender Esquire guitar statue that was placed in honor of Bruce Springsteen. E Street is where Bruce Springsteen's band took their name, and 10th Avenue in Belmar lent its name to one of the most well-known Springsteen songs of all time: "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6449.jpgIMG_6449The Sea Girt Lighthouse should also be familiar to anyone who read the post about our successful completion fo the NJ Lighthouse Challenge in 2018. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6698.jpegIMG_6698Leaving the shore on a Sunday in the summer is just about as fun as driving to the shore on a Friday in the summer. It took us almost two hours to drive a stretch of road that usually takes 45 minutes. Remember how in a previous post I said we never drive down to the shore in the summer? This is why. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6689-1.jpegIMG_6689 (1)We took our custard to Cape May Rotary Park, where a band was performing a mixture of show tunes, standards, and classical music. On a beautiful Saturday evening, it was a wonderful (and free) way to enjoy our dessert! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6654.jpegIMG_6654Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/img_6603.jpgIMG_6603As I detailed in the last post, my wife and I are attempting to complete the 2021 New Jersey Monthly Scavenger Hunt: take a selfie in front of 36 locations throughout the state. We started with the Emlen Physick estate in Cape May, a Victorian-era mansion built in 1879. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/selfie-challenge-1-map.jpgSelfie Challenge 1 MapOur plan for Saturday morning? An early breakfast at Lemma's Beach Grill in Wildwood, and then a day of relaxation. It all seemed so perfect... and then I locked my keys in the house. We would have to drive to my Dad's house near Blackwood to get the spare key. While I grumbled to myself about my stupidity, my wife was busy coming up with an excellent Plan B: there were some cool sites to explore along the way!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/nj-selfie-4.jpgNJ Selfie 4We came across a meadow filled with at least one hundred birds - ducks, geese, egrets, and gulls. Suddenly, something spooked them, and they all took flight at once. It was an impressive sight. 2021-08-06T17:51:46+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/07/24/up-up-and-away/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/solberg-airport-map.jpgSolberg Airport MapOur destination: Solberg Airport in Readington, approximately a half hour from our front door. With the first flight of balloons scheduled for 6:30 am, our departure time would be early. Very early. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6536.jpegIMG_6536Grace was a champ for our early morning drive. Although she didn't get to test out her all-wheel drive prowess too much in the field, it was still reassuring to know that if we'd needed to park in a swamp, she could have handled it. 70,000 miles is right around the corner. Aside from needing new tires before the winter, all seems well. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6535.jpegIMG_6535Although it's been a quiet few weeks for the Accord on the mileage-front, it proved a ready and willing companion on our short jaunt to Princeton and Duke Farms today. We have a longer trip for next weekend scheduled - stay tuned as we close in on 177,000 miles. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6533.jpegIMG_6533On the way back to the car, we spotted the Farnese Bull Statue, which we missed during our previous visit. It is a reproduction of a statue in Naples, Italy, that is the largest statue surviving from antiquity. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6531.jpegIMG_6531We took our selfie in front of the Orchid Range, a conservatory built in 1900. The building highlights subtropical and tropical orchids found in the United States. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6525.jpegIMG_6525Our stop was to Duke Farms, a large public park and garden, once the home to tobacco magnate James Buchanan Duke. Readers of this blog might remember Duke Farms from my birthday adventure a few years ago. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6524.jpgIMG_6524In the past, I've managed to park my Accord in front of the visitor's center for it's "car selfie," but not today. Given the summer tourist season, sections of the driveway are closed off, and traffic is routed directly into the parking lot. In addition, for visits on Saturdays during the summer, you now must making a parking reservation in advance. Fortunately, the parking attendant took pity on us, as a few people had cancelled their visits. Side note: Yes, I have a "Honda" sunshade. Did you expect anything else? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6519.jpegIMG_6519One of the selfie locations - the Bent Spoon, a local ice cream shop, is in Princeton. While ice cream is always cool, who can resist lunch at Jammin' Crepes, one of our favorite spots? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6517.jpegIMG_6517Although we had passed "The Little Vintner of Colmar" statue in the park previously, we had never seen it with running water - it was pretty cool! The statue was gift from Colmar, Princeton's "sister city" in France. Colmar is more famously known for another statue - it is the birthplace of the creator of the Statue of Liberty. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6511.jpegIMG_6511I devoured my "Jammin' Turkey Club" - turkey breast, bacon, mozzarella, greens, with chutney and horseradish aioli, while my wife thoroughly enjoyed her Bahn Mi - Black Forest ham, a pickled radish and cucumber blend, fresh cucumbers, spicy aioli, and cilantro, on a gluten-free crepe (any of their crepes can be prepared with a gluten-free batter upon request). So good! 2021-07-27T18:27:12+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/07/19/hot-fun-in-the-summertime/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6431.jpegIMG_6431It was a fun day exploring a new city - neither my wife nor I had ever set foot in Perth Amboy before today, and there is still lots more to see! Meanwhile, the Accord had a pretty quiet week after its Adirondack trip, but all seems well. I think the blend door motors in the dashboard (that control the flow of air out of the vents) are starting to wear our. They're making an audible, intermittent clicking noise. I'll wait until it gets a bit more consistent, and then have it addressed. Otherwise, all seems well at 176,299 miles. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6427.jpegIMG_6427Numerous signs throughout Sadowski Park tell of the history of Perth Amboy. One that immediate caught my eye was this one for Great Beds Lighthouse! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6424.jpegIMG_6424With access to Raritan Bay, which leads to the Atlantic, Perth Amboy has long had a connection to the sea. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6419.jpegIMG_6419In front of the Duarte monument is a plaque that commemorates the Scottish immigrants who established the settlement that would eventually become Perth Amboy. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6416.jpegIMG_6416Our next stop was to Sadowski Park, a gorgeous stretch of land beside the waterfront. International Park features monuments to Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant who served under George Washington, a bust of Nicholas Copernicus that was erected on the 500th anniversary of his birth, and a monument to Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founders of the Dominican Republic. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3823.jpg6G5A3823Hanging out isn't just for humans - these swans were getting in on the act too! Did you know that swans mate for life? These are beautiful birds, but do be careful around them - they are highly protective of their young, and will attack anything that gets too close to their nest (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3820.jpg6G5A3820After giving me a little air show, the egret resumed its hunting for its next meal. The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society - that organization was founded in 1905 to stop the slaughter of millions of egrets, as the white feathers were particularly valuable as decorations for hats (via Audubon). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3809.jpg6G5A3809Turns out, he was only hopping from the rocks onto the shore, for a better vantage point for his hunting. No matter - I was thrilled with the shots! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3805.jpg6G5A3805We were close enough that I thought I'd have a decent change of photographing the egret taking flight. We waited, and waited, and waited... and just as we were about to leave, my patience was rewarded. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3784.jpg6G5A3784This Great Egret was standing on a small jetty near the shore, searching a tidal pool for fish. 2021-07-21T11:52:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/07/15/the-erie-canal/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1db7f7b0-542c-4244-b372-38ef24255f37.jpeg1DB7F7B0-542C-4244-B372-38EF24255F37Before heading home, I stopped by Quiver Pond in Old Forge for my Accord's obligatory "glamour" shot. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6306.jpegIMG_6306Our relative recommended that we check out Cathedral Pines, a short hike through a section fo Moose River Plains Wild Forest that has old growth pines that pre-date the settlement of the Adirondacks. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3595.jpg6G5A3595That's quite the leak! However, the captain was completely correct - there was no drama to fear, and no Hollywood-style disaster unfolded. In eight minutes, we were back to the higher elevation, and continued on our way. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/herkimer-map.jpgHerkimer MapInspired by our visit to the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center, and eager to learn more about the Erie Canal, my wife booked us tickets with Erie Canal Cruises, which boat tours of the canal. In this map of Herkimer, you can see the Erie Canal running parallel (to the south) to the Mohawk River. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6179-1.jpegIMG_6179 (1)And the dock wasn't a bad place to spend the evening hours, either! Once it was one of fourteen hotels located in Inlet, but it now stands as the sole example of the height of Adirondack tourism history. While it may lack some modern amenities (for instance, there is no elevator, although the hotel is accessible to the first floor), it more than makes up for it with its history and beauty. We give it a two open road thumbs up! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6227-1.jpegIMG_6227 (1)One of the most arresting rooms in the hotel - the great room - remains largely the same as it did in 1894. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6340.jpegIMG_6340On the way home, my Accord passed yet another milestone: 176,000 is now in the books! Despite the age and mileage, my car doesn't feel old. I think that's what I find so fascinating about high mileage Hondas: just how boring (in a good way) they are. Get behind the wheel of my car, and it feel like a vehicle with 50,000 miles, not 176,000. Needless to say, I continue to be thrilled with this vehicle. Onward! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6329.jpegIMG_6329On a rainy morning, we set off for home. I'm sure there is some kind of psychological principle why the drive to the Adirondacks goes by in the blink of an eye, while the drive home always feels like it takes forever. Regardless, I'm not a fan of driving away from the Adirondacks!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6324.jpegIMG_6324At a local bookshop, I had a chance encounter with Charles E. Herr, author of The Fulton Chain, a history of the settlement and development of this section of the Adirondacks. Charles told me that it was once a small acetylene plant, which produced the gas that was used to light the Woods Inn. The plant exploded in 1905, taking the manager of the hotel with it in the blast. The Woods Inn switched over to electric light shortly afterward, but this foundation remains a crumbling testament to the accident. Fascinating, if grim, stuff!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6319.jpegIMG_63192021-07-19T11:41:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/07/06/around-town/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6110-1.jpegIMG_6110 (1)Members of the Danish community can be interred within this burial mound. A tradition that dates back to the Bronze Age (almost 5,000 years ago), over 86,000 burial mounds can be found in Denmark today (via Wild About Denmark). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3427.jpg6G5A3427All cleaned up... and somewhere to go! I'll have a post sometime next week about our upcoming long drive to a familiar spot!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3431.jpg6G5A3431In preparation for our next road trip, I gave the Accord an early summer cleanup. Despite being nine years old and having over 175,000 miles, it still shines up nicely. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3387.jpg6G5A3387Also in the basement is the laundry room, and one of the strangest inventions I've come across in my travels - an antique steam dryer. Used for drying large linens like tablecloths, this steam dryer from the early 20th century would save the mansion's servants valuable time preparing for one of the numerous parties the Kean family held on the property.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3377.jpg6G5A3377I'd bet these toy cars are worth a pretty penny. A quick search showed a similar Bell Telephone truck, produced by a company called Hubley, listing for around $150 on eBay. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6g5a3343.jpg6G5A3343Our tour guide was patient as I kept walking away from the tour whenever something caught my eye to photograph.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_5987.jpegIMG_5987The Stangl Factory was once a pottery factory that dates back to 1814. Producing pottery from the red clay found nearby, operating in this location until 1935 (via Stangl Factory). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6120.jpegIMG_6120And what Open Road Ahead post is complete without food? We joined our friends for lunch at Cafe Paris, a small French-themed eatery in nearby Metuchen.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6119.jpegIMG_6119While my wife ordered a tasty salad topped with grilled shrimp, I went with a galette - a thin pancake made from buckwheat, wrapped around a savory filling. I had the Galette Exotique, filled with sausage, egg, cheese, and spicy peppers. It was delicious! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_6118.jpegIMG_6118As good as the galette was, the high point of the meal was definitely my beverage choice! Cappuccino Liegios contains espresso with steamed milk, caramel, and chocolate. It was like dessert in a cup! Our meal over, we said our goodbyes to our friends and headed home. 2021-07-10T14:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/06/28/the-real-jersey-shore-part-ii/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5908.jpegIMG_5908After two fun-filled weeks, it was time to pack up the Jeep and head back home. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/6g5a3089.jpg6G5A3089I greatly enjoyed my time wandering through the classic car show, and it will definitely be on my "must see" list for next year! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5658.jpgIMG_5658One of our first major activities was a cruise through the wetlands of Sea Isle City and Avalon aboard Starfish Boats. Primarily a deep sea fishing operation, Starfish Boats also offers wildlife cruises (via Starfish Boats).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/sea-isle-city-map-2021.jpgSea Isle City Map 2021Early on a Saturday morning, we set off for our destination: two weeks in Sea Isle City!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img-4399.jpgIMG-4399What vacation is complete without some great food? We returned to one of our favorite eateries from last year: Quincy's Lobster Rolls. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5914.jpegIMG_5914With the Jeep safely unpacked and tucked away in the garage, it was time to dust off the Accord and get it back on the road. Stay tuned - we have a fun journey planned this week for when it crosses 175,000 miles!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5912.jpegIMG_5912Grace, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was a fantastic beach vacation companion - capable of swallowing a prodigious amount of luggage and supplies, while being maneuverable enough to navigate the somewhat cramped streets of Sea Isle City. She's closing in on 70,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5906.jpegIMG_5906Mother Nature saved her best show for our last night of vacation.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5905.jpegIMG_5905https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_5894-e1624842691665.jpegIMG_5894How were they? Absolutely scrumptious!2021-06-29T10:50:19+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/05/24/flowers-and-tigers-and-herons-oh-my/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6g5a2591.jpg6G5A2591The variety of birds was impressive. This woodpecker flew in for its portrait session.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6g5a2514.jpg6G5A2514The largest enclosure in the zoo is for two Bengali tigers, Rishi and Mahesha. I'm not sure which one this is, and I didn't get close enough to ask.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/presby-gardens-map.jpgPresby Gardens Map"Want to see a garden filled with nothing but irises in bloom?" my wife asked earlier in the week. Always up for a road trip adventure, we headed northward to the town of Montclair after work on Friday.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/lake-alloway-map.jpgLake Alloway MapOur Saturday morning adventure would take us to the heart of southern New Jersey, and the towns of Bridgeton and Alloway.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/iris-and-alloway-1.jpgIris and Alloway 1https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img-4356.jpegIMG-4356Rather than eating at the restaurant, we ordered takeout and headed back to the Iris Gardens, where there are picnic benches and plenty of open space to spread out a blanket and dine in the fresh air. I had the gnocchi (made with yucca instead of potato) in bolognese sauce, while my wife had the yucca gnocchi with with olive oil, garlic, and sautéed seasonal vegetables. How was it? DE-LIC-IOUS!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5469.jpegIMG_5469Another trip, another milestone! My Honda Accord passed the 174,000 mile marker on this weekend's journey. That 200k barrier keeps getting closer. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5466.jpegIMG_5466We are South Jersey! Contrary to the state's reputation for overdevelopment and congestion, much of New Jersey, especially its southern half, is rural. Much of Cumberland County could easily pass for rural Ohio or Iowa.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5464.jpegIMG_5464Despite its relatively small size, the zoo has a diverse group of animals in its care. The zoo also gets bonus points for approaching its COVID safety measures with a sense of humor and lightheartedness. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5463.jpegIMG_54632021-05-31T00:02:28+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/05/17/wildwood-doo-wop/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/coga2887.jpegCOGA2887Some fun news closer to home - we recently paid off the loan on Grace, our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's a great feeling to be completely clear of car payments, especially two cars that still look and run great. Here's to new adventures in our debt-free cars! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20200524_094549.jpg20200524_094549Thanks for stopping by for this interview, Justin. Keep those miles rolling, those updates coming, and best wishes for safe travels on the way!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20210515_174209-e1621284396310.jpg20210515_174209Yes, you are seeing that correctly. My friend Justin recently rolled 800,000 miles in his 2003 Honda Accord. You may remember the interview I ran last spring when his Accord had a measly 650,000 miles.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/wildwood-map.jpgWildwood MapOur destination: Wildwood, New Jersey, located 158 miles south of New York City and 91 miles southeast of Philadelphia.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5388.jpegIMG_5388After a post-breakfast walk on the beach, it was time to return home. Two hours later, we rolled into our driveway. The Accord performed flawlessly during the journey. Less than 27,000 miles now until the big 200k... onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5383.jpegIMG_5383Pecan pancakes? Check. Now my Jersey shore experience is complete!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5380.jpegIMG_5380Fortunately, we did several miles of walking around Wildwood on Saturday night during our Doo Wop architecture adventure, so we had enough room for a mandatory stop at Uncle Bill's!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5377.jpegIMG_5377Roller coasters, a log flume, batting cages, a Ferris wheel - Morey's Piers conjures summer memories for anyone whose childhood involves a visit to Wildwood!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5374.jpegIMG_5374The Morey family were developers in Wildwood, responsible for the creation of several of the motels and resorts mentioned in this post. They may be best known, however, for Morey's Piers, an amusement park spanning multiple piers along the Wildwood boardwalk. No visit to this town is complete without stopping by! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5369.jpegIMG_53692021-05-23T12:16:38+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/05/04/eagle-cliff/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6g5a2130a.jpg6G5A2130AWe awoke on May 1st to temperatures in the 20s and snow falling from the sky!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5245.jpegIMG_5245Almost 172,000 miles... I can begin to see 200k on the horizon. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5237.jpegIMG_5237We did, however, walk out onto the bridge, 145 feet above the Hudson River. Compositionally-speaking, this is not the best photo I've ever taken. But I took it while standing 145 feet above the Hudson River, on a metal walkway with gaps that allowed you to see all the way down to the river. Did I ever share on this blog that I have a fear of heights? Did I mention the bridge was 145 feet above the Hudson River? https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_3148.jpegIMG_3148Come to the Adirondacks, they said. Winter is over, they said...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/thomas-cole-map.jpgThomas Cole MapAbout a half hour south of Albany, my wife, checking her phone, asked if we could detour to a historic house. Of course!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5208.jpegIMG_5208Fortunately, Blue Line Coffee House in Old Forge remains open during mud season, the perfect fuel for our ride home! While my wife enjoyed an almond milk latte, I indulged in an iced "Birch" - a caramel and vanilla latte. We were now properly equipped for our drive home.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5242.jpegIMG_5242After departing the Catskills, we arrived home a few hours later. It was a fun trip into the mountains, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee once again proved its worth as a comfortable, spacious long-distance cruiser.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5232.jpegIMG_5232We saw signs for the Hudson River Walkway. Eager to stretch our legs after several hours in the car, we set off to explore it, following the signs for Olana, artist Frederic Church's mountaintop estate that we visited earlier in the winter.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5230.jpegIMG_5230As we finished our tour of the property, we were faced with the most relaxed fence we've ever seen...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_5228.jpegIMG_5228Cole lived here from the early 1830s until his death in 1848 (at only the age of 47!). He built two studios on the property, both of which are still standing. The Old Studio, his original place of work, is the white building in the background.2021-05-05T18:04:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/04/26/a-princeton-afternoon-2/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/movern-4a.jpgMovern 4ABefore departing from Morven, I pulled the Jeep in front for the mandatory photo. Inspired by a post card I saw in the gift shop, I thought I'd have a little fun when I processed the photo on my computer.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wetland-facebook.jpgWetland FacebookAnd one other thing... The Wetland Institute of Stone Harbor came across my blog post from when I visited earlier in the month, and shared it on their Facebook page. So cool!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/princeton-movern-map.jpgPrinceton Movern MapOur destination: Morven Museum, a three-hundred year old mansion located in Princeton, NJ.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/movern-2.jpgMovern 2I thought the most eye-catching section of the statue was the head of George Washington's horse. The monument was designed by sculptor Frederick Macmonnies and architect Thomas Hastings. Macmonnies and Hastings had previously worked together on a 72-foot tall statue in Meaux, France that was a gift from the United States of America, to honor French war dead from the Battle of the Marne in World War I (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/movern-1.jpgMovern 1The centerpiece of the park is the Princeton Battle Monument. Built in 1922, the monument commemorates the American victory over the British in the Battle of Princeton in 1777 (via Wikipedia).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_5113.jpegIMG_5113And... home! After sitting on the sidelines for a few weeks, it felt good to give the Jeep some exercise. Having crossed the 66,000 mile mark, the Grand Cherokee continue to run well... more on that below!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_5101.jpegIMG_5101Stone markers like these can be found all over Princeton, indicating movements of Washington's army through the town during the Revolution.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_5094.jpegIMG_5094Our tour over, we headed outside to amble through the gardens. From the earliest days of the mansion's history, a large garden was part of the estate.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_5089.jpegIMG_5089The museum addresses head-on one of the most problematic aspects of New Jersey history: slavery was legal in the state until 1804, the last northern state to ban the practice of owning other human beings. The Stocktons were slave holders into the early 19th century - among the evidence on display is this reproduction of a tax record that showed slave ownership.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_5086.jpegIMG_5086The tour begins in the lobby. The building has been renovated and altered several times since the 18th century, and Morven functions as both a museum and an ongoing archeological site. During renovations to the museum, the original brick hearth was discovered hiding behind a wall, which is now prominently displayed near the entrance. 2021-05-03T10:29:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/04/14/long-island-adventures/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4894-1.jpegIMG_4894https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1943-1.jpg6G5A1943And here's another good view from Sag Harbor! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1947-2.jpg6G5A1947Entry into the museum is timed (to control the number of guests indoors). We arrived before our scheduled entry time, so instead we spent time exploring an outdoor art installation called Field of Dreams. This is Bonac Blind, one of the many cool works of art on the grounds.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1963-1.jpg6G5A1963The centerpiece of Field of Dreams is four bronze sculptures originally carved in oak. Each sculpture has its own title: this is Wilsis. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1959-1.jpg6G5A1959My inner 8-year old loved The Hooligan by American artist Jim Dine.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1955-1.jpg6G5A1955My wife's favorite piece was Two Orchids, by German-born Isa Gezken. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1952-1.jpg6G5A1952One of my personal favorites: Tokyo Brushstrokes I & II by American artist Roy Lichtenstein.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1967-1.jpg6G5A1967 1After enjoying the work on display in the student gallery, we moved onto the permanent collection. This is a small section of Mysticism for Beginners by American painter Ross Bleckner.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1978-1.jpg6G5A1978Perhaps my favorite piece, however, was from the student gallery: The Wheel of Misfit Toys by students from a local elementary school. I've never seen such a creative interpretation of a color wheel.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6g5a1972-1.jpg6G5A1972Both my wife and I loved Sentinel by Simone Leigh.2021-04-25T18:41:14+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/04/08/special-edition-the-photo-contest/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_8122.jpgIMG_8122A butterfly resting on a sunflower at the Sussex County Sunflower Maze.2021-04-10T10:52:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/04/05/coastal-explorations/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4787.jpegIMG_4787And home! The Accord was flawless once again, and another significant milestone is approaching. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wetlands-institute-map.jpgWetlands Institute MapLocated in Stone Harbor, about twenty minutes north of Cape May, is The Wetland Institute. Established in the late 1960s, the institute seeks to inform the public about this unique coastal environment, while also working to preserve these critical zones (via The Wetland Institute).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wetlands-institute-1.jpgWetlands Institute 1Sunsets at the Jersey shore are a spectator event, and beaches quickly fill with people to watch the sun go down. As soon as it vanishes, most of them turn to leave... they don't know what they're missing. Twilight is even more spectacular. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4771a.jpgIMG_4771AOn the way home, we wanted to break up the drive with a quick stop, and realized we were near the original American tourist stop... Lucy the Elephant! Built in 1881, this 6-story tall pachyderm has been a Jersey Shore landmark for almost a century and a half.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4765.jpegIMG_4765Takeout from Uncle Bill's Pancake House! I had the pecan pancakes with bacon, while my wife enjoyed the gluten-free pancakes with sausage. So good! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4764.jpegIMG_4764By this point, I'm certain my readers can guess where we got breakfast...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4762.jpegIMG_4762The colors were truly spectacular.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4743.jpegIMG_4743Bleu Bear provided dessert - a gluten free vanilla cupcake with chocolate creme icing. It was the perfect ending to the meal.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4739.jpegIMG_4739My wife ordered the gluten-free crab and shrimp cakes, with sides of string beans and polenta. Lucky Bones' pizza is also excellent, and I ordered the "Sofia" - a pizza with shrimp, mozzarella, roasted garlic cloves, and garlic oil, on a wafer-thin crust. A huge bonus - most items at Lucky Bones can be prepared gluten free. How was dinner? Yum! Yum! Yum!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_4734-e1617657010934.jpegIMG_4734What blog post is complete without some food photos? Our dinner destination was Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, a restaurant and bar on the waterways that lead to Cape May Harbor.2021-04-08T23:29:53+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/03/26/womens-heritage/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/womens-heritage-trail-map.jpgWomen's Heritage Trail MapWith a copy of the Women’s Heritage Trail guidebook, we mapped out several locations across the southern half of New Jersey that would form the basis of our trip.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_6933.jpgIMG_6933British and American forces fought a pitched battle on this site across the river from Philadelphia in southern New Jersey. Despite the danger of being so close to a battlefield, Ann Whitall refused to leave her home. She was a Quaker and trusted in her faith that she would survive. After the battle, she tended to wounded soldiers on both sides of the conflict. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4575.jpegIMG_4575Now called the Ramada Vacation Suites, this hotel, overlooking the beach in Brigantine, was once owned by Sara Spencer Washington, an African-American business entrepreneur who established a chain of profitable beauty schools. By the 1940's, her empire was worth millions of dollars, and she used her wealth to invest in a string of properties. The beach outside of her hotel was racially integrated - the first town in this area of the New Jersey coastline to do so. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4568.jpegIMG_4568This was once the summer home of Katherine Baker, who worked as a nurse in France during the First World War, tending to injured French and American soldiers. After returning from the war, she spent the next several years working to secure women's right to vote. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4542.jpegIMG_4542Our drive next took us toward the southern New Jersey shores. Located in Middle Township, the Dr. John Wiley House, home of Edith Elmer Wood. She was dedicated to helping less fortunate members of society, earning her MA and PhD from Columbia University in the field of social economy. Many of her writings were used as the basis for New Deal programs instituted by President Franklin Roosevelt.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4536.jpegIMG_4536Our next stop was Boxwood Hall, located in the colonial-era town of Haddonfield. This house, built in the 1700s, was home to two sisters, Sarah and Rebecca Nicholson, who founded a charity to help African-American mothers and children in the nearby town of Snow Hill (now Lawnside). The charity worked to teach marketable skills such as sewing, and to help people who were jobless find work. Later in their lives, the sisters would donate land across the street to start a library... the Haddonfield Public Library, where my mom spent most of her career!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4535.jpegIMG_4535Jarena Lee is buried in an unmarked grave behind the church. As I did the research for this post, I discovered that not only was she the first female A.M.E. preacher, but that she is the first African-American to have a published autobiography. Writing in her book, she boldly states: "For as unseemly as it may appear now-a-days for a woman to preach, it should be remembered that nothing is impossible with God. And why should it be thought impossible, heterodox, or improper for a woman to preach? seeing the Saviour died for the woman as well as for the man" (via JSTOR Daily).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4534.jpegIMG_4534Our next stop was to Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lawnside. Established in 1808, the church was also home to the first female preacher in the A.M.E. church - Jarena Lee, who as born in Cape May in 1783. Called to preach from a young age, Jarena at first held prayer meetings and spoke when invited by the church's pastor. In 1817, however, she became licensed as a preacher within the church, and spent her life as an evangelist, traveling the nation to share her message of faith.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4529.jpegIMG_4529https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4519.jpegIMG_4519The school proved so successful that after one year, attendance was up to six hundred students. The town built a larger school, but claiming that leading a large school was not a job for a woman, Barton was replaced as principal by a man. She quit, and moved to Washington D.C., where she would eventually leave education to become a nurse. 2021-03-30T23:25:33+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/03/22/shore-to-please/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4514.jpegIMG_4514My wife and I recently received the first dose of our COVID-19 vaccines. I've never been so happy to see a needle - hopefully, this marks the beginning of the end of the awfulness that has been the pandemic. I'm excited for the possibility of life to return to something approaching normal in the coming months ahead.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4566-1.jpegIMG_4566We purchased a few bottles to try at home, but once the pandemic has lessened, we will definitely come back for a fun wine tasting. Can't wait! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4479.jpegIMG_4479One of the oddest things I've seen at the shore- this driftwood lean-to that was built along the western shore of Sandy Hook. I'd love to uncover the mystery of who created this, and why...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4476.jpegIMG_4476Readers of the blog will doubtlessly recognize the entrance to Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4466.jpegIMG_4466Over the past week, strong winds battered the northeast. During our drive back from the park, blowing sand turned the Garden State Parkway into a scene from Lawrence of Arabia.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shore-to-please-map.jpgShore to Please MapOver the course of a week, we visited Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, Sandy Hook, and Cape May. Although we have been to all of these sites previously, it felt good to see them again - like visiting old friends.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4579.jpegIMG_4579We arrived safely at home, and along the way the Accord passed yet another milestone, breaking the 168,000 mark. Less than 32,000 miles until the big 200k. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4565.jpegIMG_4565We also discovered a new winery! During previous trips, we had seen signs for Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery. Originally a family farm dating back to the 1940s, the winery was established in 2007 by Todd Wuerker, grandson of the farm's founder. The name is appropriate as well - we spotted a hawk nesting in a nearby tree as we walked into the winery.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4563.jpegIMG_4563If you're keeping score at home, I had the pecan pancakes and my wife had the gluten-free pecan pancakes. So good!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4561.jpegIMG_4561And what trip to Cape May would be complete without a stop at Uncle Bill's Pancake House?2021-03-22T16:22:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/03/03/ice/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/6g5a1326-1.jpg6G5A1326 1My only regret is that the cloudy skies reduced the brilliance of the colors of the house. I'd love to go back to see it on a bright and sunny day.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img-4115a.jpgIMG-4115ADeparting from I-87, we headed east on Route 23, before encountering the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Named after the story by Washington Irving, the bridge opened in 1935. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/olana-map.jpgOlana MapAs my wife and I were traveling home along I-87 South, we spotted signs for Olana State Historic Site. It caught our interest, and checking the map revealed it would be only a 10-minute detour from the highway. We decided to do what we do best... explore the open road ahead.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4314.jpegIMG_4314The first step of the ice harvest is the measuring of the blocks of ice to be cut. Lines are carved into the ice to provide precise measurements to the cutters.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img-4123.jpgIMG-4123As we entered the state park, we climbed up the side of a mountain through beautiful tree-lined roads. The park was originally the estate of Frederic Edwin Church, a 19th century painter. Church designed these roads to provide scenic views for visitors as they traveled in horse-drawn carriages. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img-4118.jpgIMG-4118Spanning the Hudson River between the towns of Hudson and Catskill, the nearly one-mile long bridge serves approximately 15,000 vehicles each day. The pedestrian walkway on the right side of the bridge was added in 2018, allowing a view from 145-feet above the river... my fear of heights kicks in just thinking about it. I'll pass.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4365.jpegIMG_4365Once again, we arrived, safe and sound. Grace crossed the 64,000 mile mark, and continues to excel as a comfortable long-distance cruiser with an appetite for all-wheel drive adventure.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4359.jpegIMG_4359https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4348.jpegIMG_4348After a fun weekend, it was time to begin the trek home. Once again, the Wigwam Tavern marked our departure from the Adirondacks, and our journey back to New Jersey.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/img_4343a.jpgIMG_4343AWith temperatures rising unexpectedly and then dropping to below freezing, our relative's driveway turned into a sheet of ice. We took the Jeep to the municipal complex, where we were allowed to drive right into the storage building for salt and and sand and take what we needed. Spending some time addressing the worst areas of the driveway, I returned to the house, and our relative pronounced that I was no officially "a local." I wear that badge with pride... especially later in the day when I was at the grocery store, and a younger couple who were definitely stopping by were loudly marveling at the "quaint little store that was so cute" (their words). I shook my head and under my breath muttered, "Tourists!"2021-03-07T23:27:11+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/01/31/the-new-camera-test-drive/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6g5a1084.jpg6G5A1084Approximately a mile from the shore is Great Beds Light. The lighthouse is named after the oyster beds below the surface of the bay. Great Beds opened on November 15, 1880, and served as a navigation aid until 1945. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/sandy-hook-map-2021.jpgSandy Hook Map 2021Our next destination will be familiar to anyone who has read this blog in the past: Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands, New Jersey. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/raritan-bay-map.jpgRaritan Bay MapOur first destination: Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy, NJ. Raritan Bay separates New York from New Jersey. The name "Raritan" comes from a Leni-Lenape tribe who lived in the area (via Wikipedia). https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/nctd-3.jpgNCTD 3Once I was home, looking at some of the images in black and white allowed me to appreciate how much texture you can see in each image.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/nctd-2.jpgNCTD 2From an open-air observation tower on the northern end of the island, you have a clear view of Manhattan. This shot never gets old.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/nctd-1.jpgNCTD 1The rusting metal doors allowed me to test out the image quality of the new camera - so sharp!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/long-branch-map.jpgLong Branch MapOur last destination would take us a half hour south of Sandy Hook, to the seaside resort town of Long Branch, which has a long history of famous visitors. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_4067.jpegIMG_4067The purpose for this week's adventure: an in-depth test of my new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera. I was most interested in evaluating the camera's autofocusing system, so for this trip, I would be almost exclusively using my Canon 100-400mm zoom lens.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_4064.jpegIMG_4064An hour later, we were safely back home, the Accord tucked in the garage awaiting the winter storm predicted to drop more than a foot of snow on our region. I guess the quest for 200k is going to have to wait a few days until we can all dig out!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_4058.jpegIMG_4058Although with the traveling roadshow, Seven Presidents Park features protected dunes, a public beach, a skate park, and a universally-accessible playground (designed so that any child can use it, regardless of physical ability). 2021-02-06T03:06:16+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/01/12/the-birds-of-winter/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_4003.jpegIMG_4003Dinner was takeout from Jake's, a local bar and restaurant. We split an order of mouth-watering calamari, and my wife had the broiled seafood combination: scallops, shrimp, and flounder, with a baked potato and green beans. I had the baked crab cakes. How was it? Yum!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3773-1.jpegIMG_3773 (1)And the Cape May sunsets aren't half-bad, either.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3994.jpegIMG_3994No snow! No ice! No sleet! No freezing rain! Just sunny skies, with nary cloud in sight, for our drive down the Atlantic City Expressway on a beautiful Saturday. https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3676.jpegIMG_3676We ended up delaying our return home by a day when an ice storm crippled much of the Midwest. Although the skies remained ominous for much of the trip, we had clear roads through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio...https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3556a.jpgIMG_3556AStopping for gas, I couldn't help but take this shot. After all, when in Wisconsin... cheese!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3916-e1610403863714.jpegIMG_3916And finally... Wisconsin! Of course, after crossing over from Illinois, it would still be another five hours before we reached our destination.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/midwest-trip-2020-2021-map.jpgMidwest Trip 2020-2021 MapExactly one year after taking a nearly 1,200 mile road trip, my wife and I set off again for the Midwest. You can read our 5-part adventure from last December here.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/the-birds-of-winter-1.jpgThe Birds of Winter 1https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3976.jpegIMG_3976So stressful was the drive through Pennsylvania that I half-joked with my wife that when we crossed the bridge into New Jersey, I was going to get out of the car and kiss the ground. I didn't do that... but I've never been so happy to see the NJ Turnpike!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_3975.jpegIMG_3975...but Pennsylvania was a different story. As we ascended into the mountains of central Pennsylvania, we encountered rain, which quickly changed to sleet, and then a mixture of snow and ice. The Jeep was fantastic, and although I've been a fan of Nokian tires for a long time, the control and confidence I felt from the tires' handling of the road conditions was reassuring. 2021-01-19T00:02:50+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2021/01/04/the-year-in-review-2020/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2021-01-04-at-2.17.39-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-01-04 at 2.17.39 PMhttps://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/jeep-maintenance-2020.jpgJeep Maintenance 2020https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/coga2887.jpegCOGA2887The Jeep proved its mettle several times this year in off-road and snow driving conditions that would have stopped lesser vehicles.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/screen-shot-2021-01-04-at-12.10.22-pm.pngScreen Shot 2021-01-04 at 12.10.22 PMhttps://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bhxq2666.jpegBHXQ2666Not a bad look for nine years old and over 165,000 miles!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_1584.jpegIMG_1584There is some irony that the trip where nothing went right was the most popular post of 2020. From closed roads, to waterfalls that should be described as “water trickles,” to hordes of tourists, this was the trip that we hoped to forget. Instead, you, my dear readers, decided that this post should be the most-viewed post of the year, redeemed, in part, by an interview with an Acura owner who takes his SUV to places most would fear to tread.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hemlock-falls-2.jpgHemlock Falls 2https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/feltville-1.jpgFeltville 1In second place is our exploration of an abandoned town in central New Jersey. Equal parts fascinating and creepy, The Deserted Village was a memorable stop, as was introducing another new friend who drives a high mileage Honda, and a unique Acura dealer commercial! https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_5744.jpgIMG_5744Rather than a road-trip, this post delved into my lifelong hobby of photography, along with some tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/img_9534.jpgIMG_9534How do you explore art when museums are shut down? With a scavenger hunt to find public art throughout your county.2021-01-05T16:34:45+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/09/07/double-trouble/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/double-trouble-8-1.jpgDouble Trouble 8I thought I'd try my hand at some nighttime automotive photography. Not bad - it certainly hides all the scratches and dings! Now with over 158,500 miles, the Accord continues to roll along without complaint. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1149.jpgIMG_1149As Rutgers University is engaged in remote learning for the fall semester, I had the stadium complex all to myself. In the time it took me to park in front of the Scarlet Knight, get my camera gear out of my trunk, walk across the street, find a suitable vantage point, and take the photo... not a single car drove past me.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_1143.jpgIMG_1143In honor of what should have been the start of the football season at Rutgers University, I drove past Shi Stadium, home of the Scarlet Knights. Owing to the pandemic, Rutgers, like all members of the Big 10 Conference, has suspended for the fall semester. I parked my Accord in front of a very empty stadium.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2048-1.jpegIMG_2048 (1)The center of the Park is Double Trouble Village, a 19th century cranberry farm and packing plant that finally closed in the 1960s. This building is the Pickers Cottage, a surviving example of the numerous cottages that once dotted the village. These small houses would be home to the 30-40 families who would work the farm from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2058.jpegIMG_2058In the early afternoon, we arrived back home. The Jeep was a flawless companion for the drive, and is inching closer and closer to 60,000 miles!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2056.jpegIMG_2056After leaving Double Trouble State Park, we headed to our next destination, one of our favorite wineries, which was only 20 minutes from the park.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2055.jpegIMG_2055This trip certainly had an international flavor - we drove through the center of New Egypt on our way to our final stop. Check out the Welcome Center - the building certainly is eye-catching!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2053.jpgIMG_2053Our final stop: Laurita Winery, on the outskirts of New Egypt. We've visited this award-winning winery several times, and always enjoy stopping by to pick up some more of our favorites. If you're in the area, makes sure you try their sangria - it's a fantastic summer drink!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2040.jpegIMG_2040I peeked in the Foreman's House to see the remains of the kitchen. The state of decay of the buildings reminded me of Feltville, the deserted village my wife and I explored earlier in the summer.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2028.jpegIMG_2028Within the boundary of the park is the Platt Reservoir, and it made for a beautiful early morning photo!2020-09-08T12:45:54+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/05/28/memorial-day-meanderings/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_0479.jpgIMG_0479Meanwhile, my Accord also continues to happily gobble up the miles... well, given how little I'm driving these days, perhaps it is nibbling at the miles. The next 46,630 miles feels like it is going to take a loooonnngggg time!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9968.jpgIMG_9968https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9946.jpgIMG_9946https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9937.jpgIMG_9937With camera in hand, we began photographing the birds of Sandy Hook. This bird, the great egret, flew past me. Fortunately, egrets are slow flyers, allowing me plenty of time to snap some photos.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9875.jpgIMG_9875I shot over 300 photos this morning, and many of them were attempts to capture the numerous egrets in flight. While I had my fair share of misses, when it mattered... I got the shot (although this photo was taken by my wife when she took over the camera... so SHE got the shot!).https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9785.jpgIMG_9785https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9775.jpgIMG_9775https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9768.jpgIMG_9768https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9746.jpgIMG_9746https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9739.jpgIMG_9739It swept down into the water to catch dinner - if you look closely, you can see the fish in its mouth!2020-05-29T02:08:22+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/2020/05/13/weekend-wanderings/https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7e88d21f-9bea-4546-b8fe-f0452727936a.jpg7E88D21F-9BEA-4546-B8FE-F0452727936AI've spoken before of my wife and my involvement with a local food pantry. Both her Jeep and my Accord are invaluable members of this process! For sheer load carrying, her Jeep is amazing for how much cargo it can swallow. And my Accord continues to impress me for the amount of food it is able to haul in such a relatively small vehicle. Kudos to Jeep and Honda both for thinking through the basic problem of how to make loading, storing, and unloading as painless as possible.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_0246.jpgIMG_0246With pollen season well underway, I recently ran the Accord through the car wash, as I'm pretty sure that pollen yellow was not a factory-approved color. Now at 152,895, the Accord is slowly creeping up on 153,000 miles. Onward!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_0404.jpgIMG_0404Dad's ride! This 2015 Accord is my favorite sedan style in recent memory. To me, there is an elegance and classiness that will age very well. I've been open about my lack of enthusiasm for the 10th generation Accord (2018+), and the "refresh" of the 9th generation (2016-2017) has too much chrome on it for my taste. There is a simplicity and tastefulness to this design that will hold up very well to the passage of time. Congrats on the milestone, Dad, and here is to reaching 100,000!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_0280.jpgIMG_0280More social distance parking... and with temperatures only in the mid 40's, we had the trails almost entirely to ourselves.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img-3122.jpgIMG-3122"Flatten the curve - not your tire" is another. My favorite, though, was "Don't be a knucklehead - wear a mask."https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img-3121.jpgIMG-3121While the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious matter, I am glad that whoever is in charge of the public messages on the New Jersey roads has a sense of humor. "No Tailgating cars or people" read this one.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9987.jpgIMG_9987Still on the high-mileage front, my Dad recently texted me that he had just broken 80,000 miles in his 2015 Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan. He took this odometer shot when he was able to stop the car and safely get a pic.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9508.jpgIMG_9508We spent our time trying to decipher the plaque. Eventually, we figured out that it is the control tower for the model aircraft flying club. It referenced "U-Reely," which was a model aircraft control system from the 1950s (you can read more about it here). Clearly, this park has been in the remote control aircraft business for a long time!https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9506.jpgIMG_9506On the way through the park, we spotted this decaying tower. It looked so out-of-place, we ambled closer for a detailed inspection.https://theopenroadahead.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_9490.jpgIMG_9490The wooded area was filled with wildlife - numerous bluejays dotted the woods, a hawk soared above us in the sky, and several deer kept an eye on us from a distance.2020-05-13T16:31:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theopenroadahead.com/about/2016-03-05T13:30:19+00:00weekly0.6https://theopenroadahead.comdaily1.02026-03-09T19:51:50+00:00