Ohio Part II: Salem by Scooter

Kurt's mom has a scooter she rides around town to run errands. Sunday was a beautiful day, so we thought we would take it out for a spin and tour around Salem. I was a little nervous, but Kurt was an excellent driver.

We rode through Salem's downtown. There were several banks and a few little shops but not too much activity. I spotted a nice corner building (currently an insurance agency) that I have plans to turn into a cafe/bar/restaurant with big windows that open to the street and sidewalk seating. I may be projecting a little too much of Brooklyn onto this small town, but I think it would be a fun project.

There is a nice coffee shop downtown. We stopped there on our way out of town. I was amazed how cheap a couple coffees and pastries could be! New York prices have definitely skewed my financial reality. We also poked our heads into this cute little antique shop above the coffee place.

After a little bit of cruising around, we couldn't resist the allure of Bruester's milshakes on a hot summer day. We got a few, loaded them into the scooter and went to visit Kurt's friend Nick at his house.

Back on the road, we came across a farm that had several zebras and an ostrich! We tried to get close and get a better shot, but they were unreceptive to my calls and whistles. They don't know what they were missing!

We rode by so many farms! I was impressed by the amount of successful family farms that are still in operation. The landscape of rolling green hills is breathtaking and calming. I loved all the barns and silos. I imagine Alabama once looked like this, but now we have demolished all the fields and built subdivisions instead :(

Kurt and I noted that it was eerily quiet everywhere. Maybe we are so used to the madness of NYC, but we hardly saw anyone out in their yards even though it was a beautiful day and the 4th of July. It was an interesting comparison to our everyday hustle back in the city.

Next up: a closer look at rural Ohio!

Ohio Part I:Train and Pittsburgh

So, if you haven't heard, traveling is expensive. And since Kurt and I have the mother of all trips coming up very soon, we decided the most economical way to get to Ohio would be by train. Amtrak has a route from NYC's Penn Station to Pittsburgh, PA. The only downside is that the trip is 9 hours long...

Kurt was pretty excited though. We set out from New York a little before 11am on our trek across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The scenery was beautiful but can only occupy one for so long. Even with books, magazines, music, naps, and deep, meaningful discussions, I got a little restless from being cooped up for so long.

Luckily, we packed some snacks....

and refreshments. The rest of our entertainment was provided by a little boy sitting in front of us. At one point, he and a few other kids were getting a little rowdy and were told to settle down by the conductor. The little boy comes up to his grandmother and says, "Can I go to the bafroom...umm...bathroom, so I can calm myself down?" Momentarily adorable.

The ride was great but I was excited to finally make it to Pittsburgh around 7:30. The train was actually early! Little did we know, this would be the only easy transportation of the trip.

Everyone should take a train ride sometime. It may be slow but it's a nice, relaxing way to get from A to B. Plus, the system is never going to get better if people don't ride. The demand needs to be there, so get out and see the country!

The old train station in Pittsburgh was amazing. They have converted it into apartments, and the new station is a little dinky addition on the back. People don't appreciate grandeur like they used to.

Pittsburgh is a steel city (Birmingham, AL is often referred to as it's little sister...or cousin...some type of relative) and there was this awesome building really boasting its use of the material. Kurt took this picture as the sun was setting. He's so artistic, isn't he?!

Mr. and Mrs. Martig, Erik, and Silvia came to meet us in Pittsburgh. We did a little walking around and then stopped for dinner. We ended up getting out of the city pretty late. We were in two cars, and unfortunately, Erik and Silvia got a flat tire along the way. Needless to say, it was a bit of a setback and we didn't arrive in Salem until late. We went straight to bed to get ready for our big day of touring!

Ohio: Introduction

Happy Belated 4th of July! I'm currently sorting through a mountain of photos from our trip to Salem, Ohio for the long weekend, looking for the one's that best describe the Land of the Buckeye. It was a great departure from the city and really interesting to see where the Brothers Martig were shaped.

Look forward to train, car, and scooter tales!

New Project

Having brunch with some designer ladies the other day made me realize I need to step up my game in the decorating department. My apartment is seriously lacking. I decided to spice up the little wall as you enter my room. So far, I like it. I don't love it though. There is a lot going on.

The mirrors are Ikea which I have had since my glory days at University Corner in Auburn. My mom graciously sent them to me here in NYC--probably so they aren't cluttering her house in Alabama.

I got the idea to hang the magazines from this cute little cafe in my neighborhood called Smooch. Instead of spending money I don't have on art for my walls, why not hang magazines I love and already own on bulldog clips!? Brilliant.

Speaking of decorating with no money, my next project will be a faux headboard over my bed which Kurt and I "rescued" from the curb. Stay tuned.

Reasons I Love NYC Summers

The Empire State Building framed by a crisp blue sky with white fluffy clouds....

Anthropologie dresses and window displays....

Mister Softee parked on every other corner....

All two blocks from my office. Wonderful.