Two Places at Once. New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ

Everyone should have a bucket list full of beautiful, thrilling, or ridiculous tasks that they need to accomplish before they leave this Earth. Everyone should also plan and accomplish those things with equally beautiful, thrilling and ridiculous friends. Going to Lambertsville, NJ, drinking a glass of wine... or two... and walking across the Delaware Water Gap to New Hope is beyond a fantastic time. There are so many wonderful little shops and places to enjoy a meal or a drink in good company. Aside from my friends kicking my ass in pool about 3 times, one fantastic opportunity we had was to cross off a bucket list item. Yes, like a Nicholas Sparks book, we all stood in "Two Places at Once". Thinking about it, why was this so cool? Why is standing on the line of two states fun? I think it is the realization of power that we all have to go where ever we wish and the choice we have to cross all  the lines we are faced with. 

Enjoy the journey.

                          xx Jules Taylor.

Johnson's Locust Hall Farm. New Jersey.

New Jersey, as the Garden State, does have some gorgeous farms and produce. It almost makes me wonder why anyone would purchase food at a large supermarket or a chain. There is something comforting to be said about getting to know your local farmers and to purchase their products and produce. Johnson's Locust Hall Farm was a great recommendation from newly met friends. Entering the farm, there are rows of tall, fully bloomed sunflowers. Upon approaching you can see the expanse of the farm and how many people are helping to operate it. Going into the hall has this rustic look and appeal as well as $5 wine tasting where they give you 10 tastings, yes 10. You can purchase jams, honey, fruit, meat, home decor etc. There is fruit in season that you can pick yourself and purchase and animals to feed. It's a worth while day trip and a great atmosphere. 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor. 

Laurita Winery. New Jersey.

Spend a day in the Vines. 

Yes, there are wineries in NJ. Yes, they are fabulous. What I adore about this winery other than their white wine selection is the view. Laurita is in New Egypt, NJ and from the moment you enter their driveway, you can see how much love and care is put into the place. Walking in to this chic and rustic atmosphere really sets the tone for a great experience. They offer tastings, finger foods, and a view that you just don't want to leave. Sitting on the outdoor patio was refreshing under the mesh canopy. Bringing a group of friends or family to sit or tour the grounds is a definite must. I am excited to see that they aren't "just a winery". They have an entire board full of events from Food Truck Events from June-November, firework nights, and Goat Yoga (yes, I said goat yoga). 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor. 

"Write it down."

Witnessing beautiful sights, people, and cultures is important when roaming around the world. Bringing along a stellar group of friends is just as, if not more important. Sharing experiences with those that inspire you, motivate you, and make you feel magical is an invaluable endeavor. On my Martha's Vineyard trip this year, strolling alongside some of their most incredible docksides, our conversations were many I-wish-I-could's or I-want-to-one-day's. After about 2 days of being broken records about our hopes and dreams, my friend finally responds by saying to 'write it down' and send out that message to the universe. To take control of life and our role and to manifest it into fruition. Taking your dreams and aspirations and setting some plans, finding your source of support, and ignoring the negativity that is capable of chipping away at your motivation. After a while of hearing this in between our belly laughs and inside jokes, we took a quaint walking trail through gorgeous trees and stone lined beach and found a little black moleskin book whose pages were saturated in a stranger's dreams, goals, and hopes. These dreams were absolutely massive and to us impossible for one man to manifest. Who were we to laugh at his dreams? We had the same strength in our dreams, the same passion, the same desire for them to desperately happen. On my 6 hour long drive home, yes 6 hours, I thought about that little book. What I would say to this stranger with such big dreams. I wish I could meet you and tell you that you should write every single desire of yours out, even if the list goes on for miles. I hope you reach every single item on that list, no matter how many people tell you that you cannot. Keep pushing, keep failing, keep learning, keep growing. You may not reach everything, and that is ok. Just know I am here rooting for you, hoping for you, and chasing my own list too. 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.                                                           

Edgartown Lighthouse and Downtown.

Sophisticated. 

A trip in Martha's Vineyard is not complete unless you visit at least one light house. Edgartown is home of a Children's Memorial lighthouse which is too adorable for it's own good. The short walkway through some flowers leads out to a beach walkway. At the top, the view is remarkable and absolutely breathtaking. I didn't want to get out of the lighthouse, one because the view was remarkable and overlooking the water and two because climbing down a ladder is absolutely terrifying. 

Walking through Edgartown is adorable and sweet with it's brick sidewalks and sophisticated look. Every time I visit Edgartown I am sure to stop by at two places, Rosewater and Edgartown Books. Rosewater has perhaps the best lunchtime food and coffee on the island. Edgartown books has a great selection can carries some great and new reads. Behind the Bookstore is their garden backyard.


Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.              

Aquinnah Cliffs and Gayhead Lighthouse.

Magnanomous. 

One of the must see locations on the island is Aquinnah Cliffs, the home of Gayhead light house. Preparing to get there is slightly complicated seeing as wifi on the island is really a struggle. Driving up consists of long hilly roads with an impeccable view of small ponds and other small boats. Once you arrive, finding parking is difficult not to mention that you are only allowed 1 hour to park.  Walking up to the viewpoint is simple and there are some cute shops and a few places to grab a bite to eat. On the opposite side of the viewpoint there is a trail that directs you to Gayhead lighthouse, a light house that was created with clay from the cliffs themselves. The lighthouse had to be physically moved back closer to the land because of the erosion of the cliffs, as you can still see the place that the light house originally was. You can travel all the way up to inside the light itself and see all of the islands from the top. There is a small beach at the bottom of the cliffs (granted you paid for parking in the far away lot). 

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.              

Menemsha Sunset on the Beach.

Unreal. 

How I lived 26 years of my life without genuinely witnessing a sunset is beyond me. As my friend and I neared the end of our trip, practically doing everything possible on the island, we wanted to go to the beach. My friend asked me where a beautiful beach was on the island and instantly I thought of Menemsha, not because I spent a lot of time there, but because of word of mouth on the island. We grabbed our two beach chairs and sat at the edge of the water, letting the tide hit our feet. Around us were tons of families, friends, and couples, laying around just enjoying the day. As the sun was closer and closer to setting, we realized that everyone on the beach was waiting for the sunset, most holding wine or beer in hand. We spend a large amount of our approaching evening there to discover why so many people had continued to stay as the sun was falling. The sunset on this beach was something that you hear about in movies. It was a perfect sunset, the only sunset I have ever witnessed. I always felt like the idea of watching a sunset was so pointless until I experienced it. Sitting with my friend, both talking about nothing and everything while waiting to see this beautiful experience is perhaps one of my favorite memories on this island. It felt so calming, safe, beautiful, and just unreal. I didn't take a picture, because if I did it really would not have done it justice, but here is a picture of how remarkable the beach really is.

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.              

Martha's Vineyard Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary.

Balance. 

Martha's Vineyard is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit over the summer months with it's suspended-in-time feel. Despite it's size, Martha's Vineyard becomes home to a large crowd in July and August, where all are looking into the typical attractions of the island. Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary is a gorgeous trail which leads to a secluded rocky beach. Driving up to the trail, the dirt road that stretches and leads to the parking area is perhaps the width of one car, but intertwining through the wooded area is absolutely stunning. Taking the full trail is a must, but to get to the beach you need to take the one to the right. The view of the water, cliffs, and greenery from the beach is stunning. This trail is a completely hidden gem without anyone around. It is a great place to go and relax, touch the water, and enjoy the sun and view.

Enjoy the journey.       

                        xx Jules Taylor.