Cristina Kiesel

When most people think about great skiing in the United States, they might be envisioning Lake Tahoe, Colorado or Wyoming. But anyone who has spent time skiing in the Northeast knows there is something uniquely special about the mountains in New York , Vermont , the Poconos and even New Jersey . This winter reminded many of us exactly why skiing in the Northeast can't be beat -  convenience, reliable snowmaking and charming small towns - not to mention affordability (relatively speaking.) Another phrase you often hear among skiers in the Northeast is “ Born from Ice .” It’s a lighthearted way of acknowledging the unique conditions that come with skiing in this part of the country. Unlike some regions that are famous for deep powder, the Northeast is known for colder temperatures and firmer snow that can sometimes turn icy. But rather than discouraging skiers, it has become a badge of honor.  Those of us who grew up skiing in less than favorable conditions have learned to adap...

  Going Down the Shore to  Point Pleasant, New Jersey Point Pleasant Beach If you grew up in New Jersey, you know the phrase “ going down the shore ” is part of our summer vocabulary. The Garden State is lined with wonderful beach towns like  Belmar , Spring Lake , Bradley Beach , each with its own personality. But year after year, we find ourselves drawn back to Point Pleasant, a place that combines everything we love about the Jersey Shore : a beautiful beach, a lively boardwalk, amazing food, and plenty of family fun. Point Pleasant Beach is just a short two hour drive from Monroe, New York .  As Bruce Springsteen once sang, “down the shore everything’s alright.” The Beach and Boardwalk Seagull at the Beach Point Pleasant’s beach is wide, clean, and perfect for soaking up the sun or cooling off in the surf. After a day in the sand, the boardwalk is the heartbeat of town. You can walk its full length all the way to the inlet, where you’ll see the fishing boats ...

Sailing Into Margaritaville: A Dinner Cruise with Fins Up Fins To The Left, Sunsets To The Right This weekend we got to see something truly special — my brother Paul’s first gig with his new band, Fins Up , a Jimmy Buffett tribute band that brought the tropical island spirit right to Long Island .  Paul plays bass guitar, anchoring the rhythm for an ensemble packed with talent.  Their ensemble was something you don’t hear every day — ukulele players strumming out that breezy island rhythm, a fabulous lead singer who had the crowd hooked from the first note, a harmonica player adding soulful flair, a violin weaving unexpected magic into the mix, and more talented musicians rounding out the sound. The Nautical Mile Vibe The performance was part of an all-day Jimmy Buffett celebration along Freeport’s famous Nautical Mile — a lively waterfront strip lined with seafood restaurants , bars, and shops. After an afternoon of music and festivities, the evening’s highlight was our s...