Vermont: Stowe, Von Trapp Family Lodge

By show of hands..who has seen The Sound of Music? Everyone. Like, everywhere, right?

I'd always wanted to visit the Von Trapp Family home in Stowe, Vermont (read their story, here) and with Spring nearly upon us, the time was now! I'm not much of skiier but give me a good lodge and a fireplace and I'm all set.

With five of us in one car, a pair of skiis wedged between, and beautiful scenic views along the way, we took off to Stowe, Vermont.

Here, the Von Trapp Family home, and lunch and beer at the Von Trapp Deli Bakery and Brewery!

I especialy enjoyed the wall of photos outside of the gift shop, showing the family and their home. Here, THE REAL Maria von Trapp cross-country skiing!

The brewery's weekend special was the "Trapps Brand spring seasonal dry hop" beer! Verdict was that it was very good!

Of course, we sent von Trapp post cards to loved ones!

Also, the best veggie wrap, ever!

 Touristy? Of course! Still, if you're a fan of The Sound of Music, and you are in the area, it's worth a visit.

Boston: Pillow Fight 2013

International Pillow Fight Day took place on April 6 at North Point Park in Cambridge, this year.

At precisely 3pm, it was game on!

I got pummeled in the head a few times (because I was carrying a pillow and trying to get some shots) in the center of all the action! I managed to swing a few myself, too.

Will you join in next year?

Boston: L.J. Peretti Co. Tobacconists & Cigar Merchants

Location:

2 1/2 Park Sq, Boston, MA 02116

http://www.ljperetti.com

Sounding like something out of Harry Potter, with the 2 1/2 Park Sq address, L.J Peretti's is a new discovery, for me, but an institution in Boston, having been in the city for over 140 years and has seen the likes of Bing Crosby, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

Alan and Ginnie, who I introduced to you before in Amsterdam, were visiting with us in Boston last week, and Ginnie stumbled upon L.J Peretti's on one of her walks and wanted to take Alan (a pipe smoker and tobacco connoisseur) there.

Naturally, I wouldn't miss seeing a new (to me) place in Boston. I felt like I was in a Diagon Alley world!

Where the tabacco gives an earthy-ness to the air and the lingering puffs of smoke hover lazily above. Where a smartly dressed man smokes a cigar in the afternoon, sitting on a leather chair that is both sturdy and familiar. Where tins of tobacco and hand-made briar pipes line the walls and cigar boxes blanket every last inch of the counter.

The star of the show, though, are the brass scales. As classic as you can get! 

I'm not a smoker, but after stepping into this historic society, I wanted to be a part of its world...and of course, anything with a "Co." in its name is a friend of mine!

Fly Porter

Ever since Toronto introduced the "Toronto Island Airport" I've been a fan. A city airport? What a great idea! First it was the convenience of it being in the heart of the city and the incredible Porter lounge, outfitted with MACs and a kitchen with Starbucks beverages, and all the snacks you could want.

Soon, the service and reliability of flying Porter became apparent and now, it's expanding! Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will soon have a pedestrian tunnel between the mainland and the island. As it stands now, the ferry ride between the two may not make much logistic sense although it serves as a nice break for passengers to take in the gorgeous Toronto skyline.

Valentines Day Photo shoot Offer!

$199 for a 1 hour shoot in Downtown Boston 5 spots available! Book before Feb 21 2013 and the special can be used anytime between now and June 30 2013 Makes a great GIFT! You can be engaged or a mom and daughter (for Mother's Day), BFFs, siblings, or simply treat yourself to a photo shoot! 50% deposit is required upon booking to secure your spot! Call 617-803-6348 or email hoggerandco@yahoo.com Offer ends Feb 21 2013