Converting our minivan into a camper was easy (with Alex’s decades of construction experience) after we found the right design for a foldout bed but the hard part was now planning our trip to eastern Canada to fit in as much as we could in just 10 days from Toronto to Newfoundland, passing through Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia along the way.

In the beginning, we opted to camp at only Provincial or National Parks, but we quickly grew to love the personality of private campsites and their (often) much more accessible locations from the highway. We stuck to driving 5-6 hours a day so we could balance the trip with work commitments (the benefit of telecommunity and working for oneself) and sightseeing. Some nights, we had to set up camp late as we pulled in to our spot after dark. In the mornings, we’d awake to the gamble of what the campsite actually looked like.


While in New Brunswick, we camped in Fundy National Park. While there, we opted for runs through the Coastal trails, ending at the fishing town of Alma for lobster rolls as the prize at the end of the 6 mile workout. After our novice camping skills were fully broken in, we toasted marshmallows over inverse campfires well into the night. In the mornings, we would try to wake before the rest of the campsite and quietly drive off to check out the tidal conditions at Hopewell Rocks.

My main desire of Nova Scotia was the Cabot Trail. I wanted to feel its every twist and turn, to stop at every doting town from Baddeck to Meat Cove, and to taste today’s fresh catch. Going up the west side of Cape Breton, the Cabot Trail can be driven by using right hand turns only. You can drive the Cabot Trail in a day, but if you have the time, stay for a weekend. The highlight of our trip was Captain Mark’s whalewatching boat tour complete with whales that swam right alongside our boat.

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time hanging out around my own neighborhood, Harlem, as part of an exciting project I'm working on (more details to come). I love the budding coffeeshops and restaurants on Harlem's restaurant row and jump at the first chance to bring my friends from downtown NYC to this side of Central Park. Before the summer is officially over, I'll be squeezing in a few more patio beers and outdoor brunch sessions at my favorite spots in Harlem.

For brunch, my favorite spot is Barawine. Bottomless mimosa - need I say more? The interior decor is bright and minimalistic, and the outdoor seating leads up to a row of brownstones to lust after. All the while, the DJ is making sure everyone has a great time.

For some post-brunch caffeine boost, head over to Double Dutch Espresso. This intimate rustic spot serves up a perfect cup of joe and, dare I say, offers the best cup in the neighborhood. Indoor seats are usually hard to snag as it's a local favorite spot to work, but the outdoor patio is generally open while weather permits and ideal for some peace and quiet in an otherwise busy city.

If coffee is not for you, then head a bit north of Double Dutch and try some tea at Serengeti Tea & Spices. They have several different iced teas, from Africa, to cool you down on a balmy day. The tasting room is well-stocked with teas and spices of all variety, and feels like a hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered.

By this time, you're probably ready for something sweet. Pop into Levain Bakery - yes, there is now one uptown - for some perfectly baked oversized cookies. Indulge in a cookie (or share it with a friend), or order some fresh baked bread to go. This place won't disappoint.

Funnily enough, I find that no matter where I'm headed to in Harlem, I always find my way to Streetbird Rotisserie. Perhaps it's because the A/C train is right at the corner, or perhaps Streetbird is the perfect representation of Harlem's history. The interior is a celebration of the art and culture of the Harlem, while the food is a mix of Asian/African cuisine that punctuates the tastebud of the neighborhood.