During our trip to Long Eddy, NY, I loved sitting by the lake at night at our VRBO, soaking in the tranquility that surrounded us. We were there in May, and all the trees were in bloom, their vibrant colors reflecting beautifully in the moonlit water. At night, the lake was as smooth as glass, a perfect mirror that showcased the starry sky above. The birds were singing gently in the distance, their melodies blending harmoniously with the soft rustle of leaves. I just sat there and took it all in, feeling a deep sense of peace and connection to the environment around me. The only person I saw on the lake was a solitary fisherman, patiently casting his line and enjoying the serene beauty of this hidden gem. It was an idyllic scene, a moment frozen in time, and it was perfect, exactly what I wanted for our vacation. The experience reminded me of the simple joys of life, and I felt incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stone Arch Bridge
As I have mentioned before, I do thorough research on Google Maps to see what is the area to where we are traveling. I look at popular places in the vicinity, carefully examining the reviews and photos to get a good sense of what to expect. Then I save my findings in a list that I can refer to during our journey, making it easy to spot interesting locations while we explore. One of the highlights from our recent trip was the stunning Stone Arch Bridge, which was not only beautiful in its architecture but also provided access to a great park where kids could play and families could enjoy a picnic. The surroundings were vibrant, filled with laughter and the sounds of nature, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. I am always amazed when I see historical structures like this that were built in 1880 without all the modern tools and technology we have today; it really makes you appreciate the craftsmanship and vision of those who came before us.
Carousel Ice Cream
My mom loves chocolate ice cream, so when we pass a local ice cream spot, we stop. Carousel Ice Cream in Jeffersonville, NY, is a delightful gem known for its charming atmosphere and a wide variety of flavors that cater to every taste. There were a lot of choices, and they have both soft and hard ice cream, making it difficult for anyone to choose just one favorite. My mom was happy as she spotted her beloved chocolate flavor. The vibrant colors and delightful scents from the shop filled the air, and we couldn’t resist lingering just a bit longer to savor our treats and enjoy the sunny afternoon together.
Kasos Greek Restaurant
When traveling with my parents, we like to eat breakfast and dinner at the house we are renting, as it gives us a chance to relax together and enjoy home-cooked meals while soaking in the local atmosphere. We usually eat lunch out at various local spots to explore the region’s culinary offerings. On one such trip, we drove through Roscoe, NY, and stumbled upon Kasos Greek Restaurant. During the Covid pandemic, we started our car picnics as a safe way to enjoy our meals, and this convenient practice has continued even now while we are traveling. We have found it to be easier to eat in the car sometimes than to navigate the process of getting my parents into a restaurant. To enhance our experience, we have also added a cup holder that has a tray to the car, which makes it easier for my parents to eat comfortably without spilling anything and allows them to enjoy their meals without hassle. These little adjustments have transformed our travels into a more enjoyable and stress-free experience, allowing us to bond over meals together, no matter where we are.
Sisters of Bethlehem Monastery
Besides seeing the Bald Eagles during our visit to the Long Eddy area, our visit to the Sisters of Bethlehem Monastery was a highlight of the trip for me. As you enter the grounds, you feel a profound sense of peace enveloping you like a warm embrace. The tranquil atmosphere is palpable, filled with the soft sounds of nature that invite reflection and serenity. I have never been to Ireland, but the grounds are how I envision Ireland to be—lush, green, and dotted with beautiful, ancient trees that seem to whisper stories of the past. The serene pathways lead you to various peaceful spots perfect for contemplation or simply soaking in the beauty around you. According to their website, they do silent retreats, which is something I would be genuinely interested in pursuing. I can imagine immersing myself in such a retreat, disconnecting from the chaos of everyday life, and finding a deeper connection with myself and the world around me.
The Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem make their living by creating beautiful chinaware, each piece a unique work of art that reflects their dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. The pieces are hand painted with intricate designs and vibrant colors, showcasing both traditional and contemporary styles that appeal to a wide range of tastes. You can conveniently purchase these exquisite items on their website, where a diverse selection is available to delight any customer. Additionally, there is a charming place on the monastery grounds where visitors can browse and purchase their items in person, allowing them to appreciate the beauty and artistry up close. They truly are stunning creations, and I found myself enchanted by their elegance, wanting to take home as much as possible. Ultimately, I decided to purchase a small dish that caught my eye and some delightful Christmas ornaments to add a special touch to my holiday decor. Each piece holds a story, making them not just items for sale, but cherished keepsakes filled with the spirit of the monastery.
The grounds surrounding the church were beautiful, adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers that swayed gently in the breeze. There is a serene lake behind the church, which you aren’t able to enter, but it was breathtakingly beautiful nonetheless. The reflection of the towering trees around the lake created a picturesque scene, while the occasional ripple disrupted the mirror-like surface, hinting at the life beneath. As you stroll through the well-maintained paths, the tranquil sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for reflection and peace.
The beauty of the church was breathtaking. It was unlike any other church that I have visited, exuding a sense of tranquility and reverence that filled the air. There is a balcony above the church that you can visit to see the stunning interior from a different perspective, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry involved in its creation. At ground level, I was able to peek in with my mom through the wooden doors, mesmerized by the serene atmosphere that enveloped us, as if time stood still in this sacred space.
Livingston Manor Covered Bridge
For those who follow my blog, you know we like to visit covered bridges in the area we are traveling. On our recent adventure to Long Eddy, we discovered a couple of beautiful covered bridges in Sullivan County, and we particularly enjoyed our visit to the historic Livingston Manor Covered Bridge. The charm of this bridge, with its quaint wooden structure and picturesque surroundings, captivated us as we took in the serene landscape. We couldn’t help but imagine how this area would be even more amazing to visit in the fall when the trees burst into vibrant fall colors, creating a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Beaverkill Covered Bridge
When we are on road trips, we put a Thule roof carrier on top of the car, and it creates the much needed space for us to store our luggage and other gear. This added storage allows us to bring along everything we need for our adventures. When traveling with my parents, the car is filled with items to help with their mobility, including a walker and a few other essential aids to ensure their comfort. I am not sure of the exact height of the car with the Thule attached, but after visiting Beaverkill Covered Bridge, I should definitely find out to avoid any future issues. We weren’t able to cross this bridge because I knew we were taller than 6′ 6″. However, the beautiful park and majestic mountain behind the bridge offered a stunning backdrop for some photos. When we were there in May, they were beginning to set up for the summer season, and the anticipation of the busy months ahead filled the air with excitement, making us eager to return and explore more of the area.
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