THE COOLER STOOL

While at an Eddie Bauer outlet last week. I came across the Cooler Stool. I saw it as a possible "Pack Light" find. It is a foldable stool with an attached soft thermos which includes an outside pocket for a water or beverage. It is lightweight, foldable and easy to store in a car trunk or boat. It is OK for temporary use but I liked it more as a footrest. It folds flat when the thermos is empty but that might prove to be a problem when it is packed with food or drinks. I bought two regardless.

RED GATE FARM

Traveling the charming back roads in New Hampshire is a special treat for me and made even more so when I happen upon a unique shop like Red Gate Farm. Here, Janice Maves stands proudly in front of one her beautifully made quilts. An artist in her own right, she incorporates bold color and contemporary design into the age old craft. Her shop is located at 188 Highland Street in Plymouth, NH and is well worth the trip.

THE COUNTRY COW IN CAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

I find that one of the joys of travel is the discovery of the unique and charming. Vermont and New Hampshire seem to have cornered the market in this department. Last week while I was enjoying the breathtaking views of mountains, streams, ponds and lakes, I came upon an old favorite, The Country Cow. Honestly, I am not fond of the name, but the views, the views, well, they are spectacular! Overlooking the very scenic Blair Bridge, just sitting at a window table makes one want to return to New Hampshire's White Mountains region every year. Now for the great news, the food is good and very reasonable. Early bird dinners are $11.99 and include a salad and beverage with the house dessert for an additional $1.00. Their are additional specials nearly every day and live music on Thursday.

VIRGINIA'S WINE AND HORSE COUNTRY

Just about an hour southwest of Washington DC, one finds themselves in Fauquier County, home to Virginia's wine and horse country. The rolling hills and breathtaking vistas have charmed the very elite for centuries. So if you are from the Northeast and are thinking Napa but don't have the time, think Virginia instead. Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this part of the country is unspoiled and reminiscent of when Thomas Jefferson lived there. Wine festivals and tastings just add to the ambiance. For the horse lovers out there, you may wish to visit in October during the International Gold Cup or in May when Virginia's Gold Cup Steeplechase takes place.   

ANIMAL RIDDEN WALLS

My summer meanderings have begun and with my love of novelty in full swing I was delighted when my sister suggested Pub 199 in Mt. Arlington, NJ. The walls of this funky restaurant are adorned with the stuffed remains of what Noah tried so desperately to save. The prices are great, the gawking potential is way up there, but you must pay in cash. We had lobster dinners in the $15.00 range and they were served with actual butter! So if you want something different for yourselves and the kids and you don't want to break the bank, head over to Pub 199 on 199 Howard Blvd., Mt Arlington, NJ 07856 (973-398-7454). No reservations needed

SAFE AND SECURE HANDBAGS

The three bags shown above are from Travelon. All the bags have wide, adjustable straps  which are excellent for personal safety while traveling or just out and about. The largest bag  (to the right) has metal support within to give it even more security from a thief with scissors or a knife. They range in price from $34.99 to $59.99 depending on features. I found them at the Samsonite store at the Potomac Mills Mall in northern Virginia on my way to North Carolina. They can also be found online. I personally use the middle bag as my everyday pocketbook. It has numerous zipped pockets for added security and it is washable.

SIX KEYS TO PACKING LIGHT

1.)   Know the climate and expected weather of your destination before you pack.


2.)   Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing (shoes included) on your flights if you take them

3.)  For those "Just in case" moments; Ladies, pack the indispensable "Little Black Dress". Men wear a sports coat on travel day but pack a collard shirt, tie, belt and coordinating slacks.

4.)   Scale down on everything. Travel size toiletries, thin socks, light weight underwear, fewer shoes and polyester-spandex blends work well in keeping down the weight.

5.)   When in doubt, TAKE IT OUT.

6.)   If you are going away for three days pack for three days and not a week.

FOR MORE TIPS AND DAILY CHARTS GO TO:     mimipackslight.com
      

TABLETS, E-READERS AND NETBOOKS ARE PACKLIGHTABLE!

I learned a major lesson during my Cruise Challenge, never travel without a computer. But that might not be altogether true, for I made a visit to Staples today, and found out about some other smaller devices that might have worked out just as well. Here at the Staple's in Cape May Court House, NJ, manager, Deven Hamidy, shows off the tiny but potent Acer. The Acer 10" Tablet which sells for $449.98 can be manipulated by touch which I like since I have an iPhone. Read your book, play games, watch a movie, make phone calls through skype and enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity all on this tiny computer. It packs light too which is what I love. It seems like there are all sorts of scaled down computers out there ready to make our journeys easier and more efficient. Toshiba Thrive, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy and of course the iPad 2, to name a few. Treat yourself to a technology outing and see what appeals for your travels.

LORETTA'S PRALINES, NEW ORLEANS

I can leave New Orleans without tasting a beignet but I can't go without trying a praline. While visiting the French Market I stopped by Loretta's and treated myself to an excellent original praline. Here her son packages up some of the best the city has to offer.

NEW ORLEANS - BLACK TIE OPTIONAL!

I am often asked, "What should I wear when I go to New Orleans?" I usually reply, "anything!"

Of course that all depends on where you are going, what you will be doing and when. Just remember though, that New Orleans is flexible. This past weekend I attended a wedding in the French Quarter where black Tie was optional. Walking down Bourbon Street, in nearly 90 degree weather, it was no surprise to see brides in long white gowns, tuxedo clad hurricane holders walking side by side with gents and gals in short shorts, ripped jeans and nearly no tops! What a place! Always keep in mind, that New Orleans is pron to high humidity and plenty of rain. So if you go, take an umbrella, some bottled water and very comfortable walking shoes.  

NEW ORLEANS

After packing for a two week cruise in my little Travelpro, it seemed relatively simple to pack it for a weekend wedding in New Orleans. Its warm here, about 90 F, so summer clothes are in order. I checked into the JW Marriott with jeans, long sleeve shirt, reversible jacket, sneakers and socks (my typical travel day fare) but it didn't take me long to throw on a pair of shorts, sleevless top and sandals. Then I was off to stroll the French Quarter, walk along the waterfront, and part with cash at Harrah's Casino. New Orleans is one of my favorite US cities. There is so much to do here, the people are friendly and the history......yeah, the history is great. With iPhone in hand I took a lot of great photos but Blogger is giving me problems posting them. What a drag. Before Blogger did an upgrade (wrong word) to their system a week or so back, I loved them. Now, with all the problems, I will probably have to change to another server. If anyone has a suggestion please email me at: mimipackslight@gmail.com

Thanks. Enjoy your travels

IMPRESSIVE PACK LIGHTERS!!

In the photo above are Elaine and Matthew from Perth, Australia. They are on a four week trip that includes visits to the UK, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and a grand finish of 10 days in Norway. Here you see them with two bags and two backpacks. Don't be fooled by the extra sac Elaine is holding as it is their lunch. I could tell by what they carried and the conversation that we had that they are great pack lighters. They had to pack for almost all weather types as they will be checking out Iceland's glaciers and the rugged terrain of Norway. They will visit friends along the way so they have also packed gifts in those bags. If I were to give out gold stars for packing right, these two would get them. Hey, thats not a bad idea. Elaine, Matthew, if you happen to check this blog, please send me your address for the first of the Mimi Packs Light Gold Stars! Also, would love to know about your trip and any tips you might like to offer.