About Jessica Tiare Bowen

Latest Posts by Jessica Tiare Bowen

Arizona’s White Stallion Dude Ranch Sits Between Mountains and Desert

When I was in elementary school, my first grade teacher taught us to tell the difference in spelling “desert” and “dessert”.  ”Dessert” has two s’s, because you always want another helping, whereas “desert” only has one, because who in their right mind would want a second helping of something so dusty, dry, and hot?  Mrs. Brown certainly knew a thing or two about spelling tricks, but she had clearly never spent much time in a desert, or at least the one I was in.

The White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is nestled between mountains and desert, with the sky reaching as far as the eye can see.  Early to bed and early to rise certainly has its place on a dude ranch, as there’s enough activity to keep you going from sunrise to sunset, then immediately crashing.

Each morning we’d awake to a gorgeous blue painted sky, and head over to the dining hall for a homemade breakfast.

“I think the American West really attracts me because it’s romantic.  The desert, the empty space, the drama.” -Ang Lee

Then it was off to the stables to fetch the horses.  What I loved about the ranch was that they assigned you your own horse for the entire duration of your stay, based on your skill and comfort level with riding.

Well.

That being said, I have about as much comfort on a horse as I do driving in Manhattan, so the amazing ranch hands assigned me the slowest, laziest, oldest horse of the bunch, Cholla.  Cholla loved nothing more than to eat along the trail and to nip at whatever horse was in front of her, so needless to say, we got along just fine.  Depending again on your riding experience, there were a myriad of rides to choose from: slow rides, fast rides, mountain rides, flat rides, short rides, all day rides, wine and cheese rides, beer and cheetos rides…you name it, they had it.  I’ll let you take a guess which ride was my favorite.

 

 

The rides departed three times a day, so if you really loved riding, it was entirely possible to be on a horse the majority of your stay.

I chose to engage in a few of the other activities, as well: hiking, reading by the fire, and lounging in the hot tub all ranked at the top of my list.

 

 

Each night was a different form of post-dinner entertainment, ranging from country line dancing to songs and stories by the campfire.  Not gonna lie, I was utterly wiped out by about 8pm, heading back to the room to kick my boots up, and falling fast asleep to the sound of crickets.  Sorry, Mrs. Brown, but I’ll take two helpings of the desert anytime.

 

 

If You Go

One of the best aspects of The White Stallion Ranch is that, much like a cruise ship or a Carribian vacation, it’s all inclusive…no matter how much you eat or how much you ride, it’s all one set pre-paid price.  The only thing NOT included in your stay is alcohol, but drinks are very affordable and done on an honor system of paying when you check out.  OR you can be super budget savvy and BYOB and keep it in the fridge of your room.  Our room had its own electric fireplace and front porch with chairs…perfect for watching the sunset, then snuggling into bed.

 

 

A few things to note…

Ranch rates can be found on their website, but the most affordable time of year to go is June 16th-September 28th, when you can take advantage of the hot summer rates!

Tucson has over 3,800 hours of sunshine yearly–the highest known!  So no matter what time of year you go, pack sunscreen.  Even the winter sun is very fierce.

Wireless is available, free of charge, as is the on-site gym and sauna.

If you will be staying 4 nights or more, there is free transportation to and from the Tucson airport.

This would be a fantastic vacation if you have young kiddos who you’d like entertained all day, non-stop, by others.  The resort has a pool, game room, movie theater, basketball and tennis courts, petting zoo, library, and plenty of room to run around (safely) and act like kids.  There is no charge for children under 5 years of age, but the minimum riding age is 5.

If you want to explore more of Tucson while you’re out west, I’d highly recommend Stephen Fredricks from Tribute Transportation, whose local perspective and excellent (and affordable) driving will give you everything you need to know about the town.

A very special thank you to the wonderful folks at the The Dude Ranchers Association and the White Stallion Ranch!

 

 

 

 

New York City’s Crosby Street: Street Fashion & Style

Out comes the sun, on go the shorts.  New Yorkers are thrilled that summer has finally decided to make a proper appearance…and even if you can’t see it on their faces, you can surely see if in their outfits. This week’s street style was snapped on Crosby Street in New York.

{high waisted shorts}

{matching mints}

{distressed denim}

{tie dye to the max}

{black booties + summer sundress}

{guitar in hand always makes the outfit}

Head to Five Fabulous Beaches to Escape New York City’s Heat

New York City can get pretty hot in the summer season and what better way to cool off than going to the beach and fighting with a seagull for your turkey sandwich? Pack a bag with all your essentials: sunscreen, flip-flops, towels and, of course, your Metrocard. You won’t need any gas money on this trip because MTA is going your way.

1. Orchard Beach

For my Bronx natives, Orchard Beach is a bus ride away. This is the only public beach in the Bronx open since the 1930s. Orchard held a bad reputation for its polluted water and dirty sand but once the word got around, NYC Parks has really cleaned up their act. The beach is also known for its 26 sporting courts; you can enjoy some handball or watch a little street ball after your swim.

2. Coney Island

For a more adventurous day, get on the D train and head straight to Coney Island. It’s an aged attraction that never seems to get old to us New Yorkers. An amusement park, boardwalk and sandy feet all wrapped in one.  Home of the infamous Cyclone and Nathan’s annual 4^th of July hot dog eating contest, Coney Island holds enough history to become a national monument. It may sound over-the-top but just wait until you’ve seen the annual Mermaid Parade, only then will you be a believer.

3. Brighton Beach

Alongside Coney Island is Brighton Beach. The Brighton area is filled with Russian speaking natives giving it the nickname, Little Odessa. Brighton is filled with live Russian culture and many Jewish immigrants as well. It is the home of the annual Brighton Jubilee Festival. The festival is a grand event with kiddie rides, diverse merchandise, international food and more. Brighton is the place to be to dip your feet into some diversity.

4. Jacob Riis Park Beach

Hop on the A train and head over to the Rockaways. Jacob Riis Park Beach is a serene and quiet beach. It’s the perfect place to get away from the city life. There are few concession stands so a picnic is the best suggestion. Riis is known for its dangerous rip currents. It’s highly important that you read up on how to survive these currents before entering the water…or you can just spend your days building sand castles and soaking in the sun.

 

 

5. Beekman Beer Garden Beach

If you’re in love with the city life, you’ll enjoy the urban oasis, also known as The Beekman Beer Garden located near Pier 17.  This is a different kind of beach; no bathing suits allowed…(but don’t forget your clothes!) Enjoy the beautiful view of the city with a nice drink from the long bar and a delicious burger from the restaurant tent sitting on the couches with sand at your feet. With continuous music playing all day from 12 noon till 3am, Beekman is the best “beach” in the city. Perfect for a day out with the girls or even a game day with the guys. Equipped with ping-pong and pool tables, corn hold and chess. There’s much to choose from in this crazy city. Either way, your paradise is just a Metrocard swipe away.

 

 

Contributed by Denise Pina

 

 

Random Shots Along New York City’s Highline

Walking along New York City’s Highline, I was getting annoyed at all the random people that would pop into my shots.  And then, like a glittering disco ball falling from the ceiling, it hit me that the collection of strangers who speckle my iPhone library could be put to good use…featuring everyday New Yorkers and their fabulous, quirky, timeless, preppy, bohemian, what-were-they-thinking?! fashion ways!  Hence the birth of our latest featuring New York City’s “street style”: Oh, Snap!

{dance shoes are always in style}

{a touch of gold}

{total sucker for a good hat}

{bonjour, paris}

{neon skinnies}

{palm springs meets the standard rooftop}

 

A Walk Through New York City in May: Food, Style and Art

 

{discovering a new yoga studio with seriously nice instructors…kudos, u studios nyc}

{watching the great gatsby in 3-D with friends, and visiting brooks brother’s flagship store to see the costumes up close and personal}

{afternoon tea, complete with clotted cream}

{snapping our annual “jumping shot” while visiting my sister in dc}

{cupcake tasting…need i say more?}

 

 

Upper East Side Walks With New York Book & Food Stops Along the Way

In order to know New York City, you have to stay above ground and walk its streets.  Save a swipe of your Metrocard, and walk it!  Heck with those street bike shares, this costs you nothing and is far safer.  You never know what lies around the corner or in front of you.

I walk everywhere when possible, yet my favorite stroll is in my own residential neighborhood on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I keep it real by keeping it local. Nothing better then browsing and patronizing my neighborhood “Mom & Pop” stores which are sadly disappearing.  I cherish my local side streets; walk yours daily as that’s where you’ll find tiny, flavorful storefronts full of goodies and surprises. So enjoy a neighborhood nibble of the Big Apple. Welcome to my world!

Starting Point

Take the 6 train to 77th Street and walk East.  My daily walk begins with a stroll over to Orwashers, an artisan bakery located at 308 East 78^th Street. They have been in business since 1916, and when you taste their amazing variety of fresh baked breads (ask for a sample before you purchase a loaf) you will know why they stayed in business so long.  Many of the restaurants we patronize have “Orwashers” breads on the table.

I am addicted to their raspberry jelly donuts so I grab a fresh cup of take out coffee sold as a customer courtesy, and solidly start my day. Everything is baked daily, sold practically out of the oven, and whatever is left at the end of the day, is donated to places like City Harvest. Good for them.

My next neighborhood stop is Martine’s Antiques at 404 East 78^th Street.  I browse this teeny treasure of an antique store but maintain a steady eye on a stunning platter with a flying fairy design pattern, love this piece!  Keep your eyes wide open, you just never know what you can spot here, objects d’arte abound. Call for their hours (212) 772-0900.

Now I breeze around the corner to The Book Cellar book shop occupying the entire basement level (with accompanying bargain basement prices) of Webster Library located at 1465 York Avenue. This is a treasure trove; it’s a used book shop with every classification of book befitting the library above.  Ask for it, they usually have it, including collectibles. From cookbooks to biography, classics to contemporary romance novels, sheet music to CDs, mysteries to self help….you can spend an entire afternoon perusing.  There is a separate room just for children’s selections.  All proceeds go to the NYPL, it is totally non-profit and admirably run by knowledgeable volunteers.

If I have any time left, and believe me, I can get lost in the Book Cellar, I carefully step into Tiny Doll House at 314 East 78^th Street.   This place is darling, you enter another dimension.  They only sell items in miniature scaled to fit in a doll house.  Of course you can order, purchase a doll house and even have it customized, but it’s their tiny pieces for sale that make you gasp.

Anything you want in miniature is available, there is probably nothing they don’t have in a tiny size scaled to fit a doll’s house…candles, ipads, clocks, pillows, candelabras, furniture, domestic pets…an adorable assortment of anything you need in your display “home.” Should you have a passion for things small, this is the spot!

 

 

A great end to my local walk is dinner at Heidi’s House directly next door to Orwasher’s Bakery. This is a pint sized restaurant with big taste.  Primarily their menu presents comfort food at its best. Some entrees are organic and many selections are gluten free. Try the “mac and cheese” or the “gnocchi.” My friends highly recommended the paella should you be a seafood lover.  There is indeed a bar, a satisfying wine list, and glamorous desserts. It is reasonably priced for dinner and is a small albeit intimate locale, so be patient for a table.  Well worth the wait.

 

 

The day closes before dark while you walk off that tasty supper.  Stay on 78^th Street, walk past York Avenue straight over the 78^th Street trestle and voila! The East River is in your face, look to the right you can see well beyond the 59^th Street (i.e. Ed  Koch) Bridge then left up to the Triboro (i.e. Robert F. Kennedy) Bridge which cross the East River. This is a view and a half!  Should you walk uptown, this well groomed walkway takes you past historic Gracie Mansion and behind Carl Schulz Park. It is glorious right at this spot as you view the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. Hard to believe you are on Manhattan Island and not Nantucket at this point.

 

 

Contributed by Joanne Theodorou

 

 

 

 

Storytelling at The Happy Ending Lounge in New York

Let me tell you a story, about some storytellers, telling their story, down in the Bowery. I heard about the “How I Learned” series and had to check it out for myself. I mean, how else can I tell you about it, right? Alright, so it all happens at the Happy Ending Lounge on Broome Street.

Now, I know your interest was piqued by the joint’s name. Here’s a brief history on it: During pre-Giuliani days it was a massage parlor that specialized in “erotic” massages – no more, obviously. It now has a vibe more along the lines of a lounge operating during the aforementioned days. But enough about the place, let’s talk about what happens in it every 4^th Wednesday of the month, shall we?

 

 

“How I Learned” is just the beginning. You see, every live show covers a new experience. Last night’s installment was “to lie, cheat or steal.” A series of raconteurs, one after another, stepped up to the mic to share their story, in hilarious detail, on how they learned. Comedians, writers, storytellers…they all got in on the action.

Put together 4 years ago by creator, producer and host, Blaise Allysen Kearsley, the show has just the right balance of hip, edgy and awkward. From the moment she greets the crowd, you’re hers. A smile, a joke, a story…you’re hanging out with friends. It’s a neighborhood feel. I mean, you’d expect nothing less from a Brooklynite, right?

So, make sure to head down to the Bowery on June 26^th for the next (free!!!) installment, “little things are big.” Sit back and get comfortable in one of the red velvet booths with a How I Learned Cocktail in hand to enjoy the best 2 hours, of every 4^th Wednesday evening, of every month, that’ll you’ve ever have. As Blaise put it, “It’s pretty much the best thing for you right now.”

Contributed by Orlando Manuel

 

 

 

 

Craving a Baked “Something” in New York? 5 Must Stop Bakeries

Like everything else in the city, when it comes to baked goods and yummy treats, New Yorkers have too many choices. To keep you from falling prey to unnecessarily long lines at Magnolia, or from eating the same old fare from Crumbs, we’ve found you some delicious and much more swoon-worthy alternatives.

Prohibition Bakery – Two words – boozy cupcakes. It’s okay, take a minute. Yup, that’s right – boozy cupcakes.  Dark and Stormy, Old Fashioned, White Russian, Margarita – pick your cocktail pleasure and Prohibition Bakery on the Lower East Side will have a cupcake to match it. Smaller than the average cupcake (for obvious reasons) they’re prefect for a party for 20 or a party for one.

One Girl Cookies – This Brooklyn favorite puts places like Magnolia Bakery to shame. The cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and savory and exactly what we all want when we’re craving our favorite American dessert. Not a cupcake fan – then how about a whoopie pie? Whatever you choose, this little bakery is quintessential Brooklyn and the perfect place to rest your tired feet whether you’re in Brooklyn as a tourist or just out for a neighborhood stroll.

Lady M – Let’s start with the fancy one first, shall we? Lady M offers some of the richest and most decadent desserts in Manhattan and is no doubt perfectly at home in its Upper East Side neighborhood. While it would be easy to pretend a bakery like Lady M is only for ladies who own Chanel bags, the reality is that no one can deny how delicious their cakes are, and once you have then tried their star crepe – the Mille Crepe – you will be converted.

 

 

Billy’s Bakery – Old fashioned baked goods made from scratch. You can’t get much better than that.  Billy’s Bakery in midtown has every baked good you can dream up but their cakes are by far some of the best in the city. Their Famous Icebox Cake is serious business and a must try for every New Yorker.

Mille-Feuille Bakery – This small and charming French bakery in the West Village looks as if it’s been plucked straight from the streets of Paris and dropped in the middle of Manhattan. Everything here is perfectly French and perfectly made, from their éclairs, to their croissants, and their famous macarons.  The best part? Not only can you indulge in their delicious desserts but you can learn how to make them too! The bakery offers macaroon and croissant making classes on select Saturday mornings – what more can a New Yorker ask for?

 

 

What’s your go-to bakery?

 

Contributed by Adrienne Mansard

 

 

 

Next Page »