I cannot believe I’ve almost been married for 10 years.
Seriously, guys, that is crazy.
I’ve got an appropriately mushy post planned for Thursday (our actual anniversary), so I’ll spare you some of that today and focus instead on our sneaky weekend getaway to … drumroll, please … Ithaca, New York.
I know. Ithaca? It sounds completely random, right?
But when we were thinking of a destination for a quick, three-day anniversary weekend, we had two requirements. It had to be driving distance. And it had to be somewhere we’ve never been before.
Enter Ithaca, a 5-hour drive from the Boston area, and located right in the thick of the Finger Lakes wine region of upstate New York.
When I mention that last part — you know, about the wine — the people who know us well replied, “Ohhhhh.” Because they know wineries and wine tasting is kind of a thing for us. We’ve been to Dijon and the Burgundy region of France. We’ve been to Tuscany. We’ve been to Napa and Sonoma.
We’re not big wine connoisseurs by any means (although Dr. G. can fake it with the best of them, talking about tannins and “hints of raspberry” and oakiness.) But we can tell a good wine from a bad, and it’s fun to try wines from different regions and vineyards. Plus wine goes amazingly well with my three favorite foods: cheese, bread and chocolate.
But honestly? I would have been happy staying anywhere, because while the wine tasting and good eats were incredible, nothing compares to spending nearly 72 hours of alone time with my wonderful husband.
Even if it meant getting a wake-up call from Buddy (who was staying home with Nana) at 6:15 am on Saturday morning because he couldn’t figure out how to turn the TV on.
Some of the highlights of our weekend adventures include …
Lunch at the Moosewood Cafe in downtown Ithaca
We are the proud owners of about 4 or 5 Moosewood cookbooks. Each one shares recipes that have been served at the unassuming cafe, known for their vegetarian cuisine. Several of our longtime favorite go-to recipes are Moosewood recipes (Gado Gado, crepes, etc.).
Lunch was definitely yummy (the Parisian ciabatta, especially) but the menu was surprisingly small and I admit it didn’t knock my socks off. Then again, I know I went in with pretty unrealistic expectations. But as a vegetarian, it’s still such a treat to look at a restaurant menu and know you can order anything you want.
Food
Um, the food in the Ithaca/Finger Lakes area was not only delicious, but pretty inexpensive compared to Boston prices. On Friday night, we enjoyed an extensive tapas dinner that included a red wine flight for only $10!
Running
Sure, it was our anniversary celebration and all, but we do have a half marathon in a few weeks and Dr. G. and I never get to run together, so we decided to head out with a 10 mile distance goal at a leisurely pace and see where we end up.
We had popped into a local running store on Friday and got some suggestions for routes, including one that started along a paved path by Cayuga Lake (one of the Finger Lakes) and connected to several miles of trail running that went by some of Ithaca’s famous waterfalls.
I admit, I am not a fan of trail running. But Dr.G.is, so we thought this route was a good compromise. We started in Cass Park along the lake for about 3 miles at a slow, casual pace.
After completing the loop,we found the trail. The whole first half was a steady incline (ugh) but I was treated to sights like this, which is so unlike my suburban long runs.
But also this, which was so creepy I had to take a picture.
In the end, we did just over 7 miles, which was fine with me, since I was just happy we got out there in the first place. And given how I struggled a bit with the trail running, I think I may have found my next challenge. Hmmmm.
Wineries
So here’s a quick geography lesson. The Finger Lakes are really a pattern of long, narrow lakes in upstate New York that look like fingers. It’s New York’s largest wine producing region, and because the lakes are incredibly deep (some of the deepest in the U.S.), along with a weather phenomenon known as a “lake effect,” they produce surprisingly lush vineyards.
We settled on the vineyards around Seneca Lake (the largest of the Finger Lakes), which is a little further from Ithaca, hoping it would be a little more off the beaten path.
Because it’s never a good thing when you pull into a winery and see this.
Or this.
While I applaud their use of a designated driver, nothing kind of kills the relaxing, romantic spirit of wine tasting than an obnoxious (and highly intoxicated) bachelorette party.
We ended up visiting four vineyards, some of which are known for their red wines (our preference), but Shalestone was our clear favorite. Not only were there delicious wines (including some whites, which we were surprised by), but Shalestone also had a funny and knowledgeable winemaker (the marketing professional in me appreciated his unique — and totally unpretentious — wine descriptions), and a small, dark, musty tasting room that reminded me of Europe.
The day was overcast and a little chilly, so we didn’t get to sit around tasting outside as much as I would have liked, but we did sneak out here and there to enjoy the beautiful countryside.
A few winetasting tips:
– Most of the wineries (at least in this region) waived the tasting fee (which averaged between $3-$5 for up to 5 tastes) if you purchased a bottle.
– Look for smaller wineries if you want to avoid the crowds. If there’s a huge sign on the road announcing the winery is in 1/4 mile, be prepared for lots of tourists and girls wearing sashes and tiaras.
– Ask for a box on your first stop. You may need it.
Butternut Squash Oil
On Friday night, before we grabbed dinner, we wandered into a little olive oil shop in downtown Ithaca. The owner began telling us about butternut squash seed oil, which we had never heard of before.
Amazing. It has a rich, nutty flavor and will be incredible with roasted vegetables.
We also grabbed a dark chocolate balsamic vinegar. Delicious.
Our weekend went by way too fast but, wow, did we need it. Sometimes you just need some time to remember how to be grown-ups, and not just Mommy and Daddy, and to reconnect with each other on that level. It was heavenly to not feel like we had to go-go-go all weekend. And it’s fun to make new memories as a couple.
Plus, it’s crazy how luxurious a mid-afternoon nap can be.
And, truthfully, I think the kids liked having a special weekend with their Nana. (A special thank you to my mom for staying with the kiddos and experiencing what life is like as Buddy’s weekend chauffeur).
Two questions for you:
1. Are you a red or white wine person?
2. Have you ever gone away without your kids?
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
Mmmm… I only do red, too! 🙂
Looks like a wonderful time, and what a great thing to branch out! I learned to love trail running after I saw how much quicker my legs sculpted and how much easier road races seemed after the climbs and falls over rocks and branches of a trail.
I’ve never left Addie, yet… but I will be away from her for the first time overnight this coming weekend (she will behome with Dad), and I am not looking forward to it!
P.S. HAPPY !0 YEARS!
Jackie says
Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful time. You sure know how to spend a weekend away together – good for you! What a fun and well-deserved getaway! I love red wine, but I started liking white more (and champagne) this year for some reason.Happy 10th! (We celebrated our 18th in December!) To many, many more blissful years together!
joy says
I am not a wine fan. But If I do drink it, I prefer BLUSH! Its the best of both RED & WHite! And We have been away without our son- only 1 day or so- but still so worth it! looks like a great time! Happy Anniversary! 10 years!