Cristina Kiesel

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...

Belmar Parasailing : Soaring Above the Jersey Shore Parasailing 500 feet above Belmar Beach If you’re looking for the perfect mix of thrill and tranquility at the Jersey Shore, parasailing in Belmar, New Jersey , is an adventure you won’t forget. On a perfect summer day, we took to the skies with Belmar Parasailing, and the experience was nothing short of magical—clear blue skies, expert captains, and ocean views that seemed to go on forever. Here’s everything you need to know about parasailing in Belmar and why it should be at the top of your Jersey Shore bucket list. A Perfect Day on the Jersey Shore The weather couldn’t have been better for parasailing in Belmar. With a cloudless, bright blue sky and the Atlantic Ocean sparkling in the sun, we knew it was going to be a great ride. The water was a bit choppy, but our Belmar Parasailing captain handled it with skill and confidence, ensuring a smooth and safe experience from start to finish. How Parasailing in Belmar Works For f...

Key West : A Tropical Escape Full of Color, Charm, and Adventure Getting There: Easy and Direct Sometimes the best vacations start with a stress-free flight, and ours to Key West, Florida was exactly that. We hopped on a direct flight out of Newark Airport , and just a few hours later we were stepping into the laid-back island vibes of America’s southernmost city. No long layovers, no connections — just palm trees, ocean air, and sunshine waiting for us. Where We Stayed: Peace in New Town While many visitors swear that Old Town is the only place to stay, we opted for the quieter, more affordable New Town and checked into the DoubleTree by Hilton . It turned out to be a perfect choice. Not only did we enjoy peaceful nights away from the bustle, but the hotel’s free hourly shuttle made getting to downtown Key West a breeze. The property itself was a little tropical oasis, complete with a beautiful swimming pool — which just so happened to be home to a family of iguanas . Yes, igua...