Travel Fontaneously

A Local's Guide To A Quick Weekend Trip To Chicago

2019-09-15T01:38:00.000-04:00

Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the U.S. with countless blogs written about it. Instead of showing you the boring generic stuff to do and see, I'm going to focus on exciting and fun suggestions for a weekend getaway in this windy city.

Whether you have or have not been to Chicago, this guide is intended to bring you insight on local hotspots and popular activities within the city.

What To Do:

Biking

Biking is one of the best way to see a city. The flexibility of biking allows you to go anywhere and anytime you want. On top of that, you are sort of "working out" don't you think?

Picnic by the lake

There is no better way to enjoy the early fall weather in Chicago than throwing a impromptu picnic. Grab a blanket and pick up some food at the nearby supermarket, it's just that easy!

(Map location here. Also another great spot here)

Park strolling

Just like in New York City, parks are everywhere and it's free! Below is the BP Pedestrian Bridge that connects Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. (Map location here)

Alright, this is not a park (above) but an indoor tropical garden situated inside Navy Pier. This remarkable oasis is perfect for all occasions from celebration events to a casual date.

Art hunting

aka instagram-ing around the city. Do you really want to miss out those Instagram hotspots in Chicago? I didn't think so! There are a few famous arts in this area. Trust me, they are so big that you will not miss it! (Map location here)

credit: Dan DeLuca

What To Eat:

Weekend Brunch is a MUST! I highly recommend Maison Marcel and their eggs benedict (one of the best in Chicago). The interesting European inspired decor will make your Instagram goal comes to life!

Smoked salmon eggs benedict, London fog (drink) and matcha latte. (Menu here)

This is Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula Hotel, situated on the ground floor of the hotel. I went on a busy weekend and was able to get a table without any wait.

Dark chocolate tart (left), apple yuzu tart (right) and my matcha latte.

Where To Stay:

Whether you are a first time traveler or a frequent visitor, the key to a happy stress-free trip is convenience. You want to be as close to the major subway lines and bus stops as possible, unless you plan to bike through the entire trip. Bonus: This hotel provide free bike rental too! (Bike rental is first come first serve)

This is the StayPineapple Hotel in The Loop. Just like the name suggested, everything in this hotel are either in pineapple shape or in pineapple theme. Even the exterior of the hotel looks like a pineapple!

Room with a view!

A pineapple toilet tissue roll? Yes please!

Hotel hallway.

Still interested in checking the most touristy spots off your list?

The Cloud Gate - best time to go before 8:30 a.m.

Buckingham Fountain

Or if you're into architectures, Chicago is definitely a paradise!

Rookery Building

But for me, I rather be back on my bike and do a few more loops before winter comes...

How about "Summer Street" Chicago?

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(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the one with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Cherry Blossom in DC - The Worst & The Best #2017vs2019

2019-04-15T18:10:00.004-04:00

I'm sure at this point everyone have seen at least a photo or two (if not in person) what cherry blossoms look like during peak bloom. The beautiful fluffy pink background that resemble laces on photos all over the internet. The full bloom flower reminds me of the shape of the iconic jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels classic collections.

It may come as a surprise that not every cherry blossom season look the same as it depends on the weather and temperature of that year. According to the DC national park official website in 2017 (more photos here), when "the blossoms are so close to peak bloom and are exposed from the protection of the buds, they are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures right now. Cherry blossoms start to sustain damage when temperatures hit 27 degrees; at 24 degrees, up to 90% of exposed blossoms can be affected." (More evidences here)

I'm, indeed, one of the few "lucky ones" who witnessed both one of the best and worst years of Cherry Blossom in DC. The following photos were taken around Tidal Basin.

The Good Year (top) VS The Bad Year (bottom)

Photo location: click here.

Photo location: here.

This is one of my favourite combined photo as it perfectly demonstrates the dramatic difference in the major portion of the area. As you can see in the top photo below, the flowers in the distanced trees are mostly wilted : (

Photo location: here.

However, some area around the Tidal Basin were still very bare even during 'the good year'.

2017 vs 2019
Photo location: here.

Apart from the Tidal Basin area, the lawn in front of the Washington Monument also has a cluster of cherry trees. This area is pretty empty compare to the crowd around the basin area which makes it perfect for photo shoot!

2017 vs 2019
Location: here.

More from the 'good' year:

If you happen to be visiting DC during one of those bad years, don't be disappointed and try to make the best out of it like I did in 2017! : )

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(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the one with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

6 Important Tips On Finding A Trustworthing Jeweler in NYC

2018-04-26T13:12:00.000-04:00

Will you... ?

This post is long overdue but very much deserved and needed.

For those who are willing to spend 250% more on a diamond from Harry Winston and Tiffany's, you can move on to the next article. And for those who care more about the size of a diamond rather than the quality (like most Americans do), you can stop reading now. You could have the money to get as big of a diamond as 3 to 6 carats from around the world, but if you wish to get a high quality diamond (minus the 250% markup) that Harry Winston sales executive would stare at and say "That's a really nice diamond ring", then keep reading.

Finding the perfect engagement ring can be stressful and challenging. While some of you might have even heard about the horrifying stories from other shoppers' experience, I would like to share with you all my personal experience and provide you the tips and insights I learned through the long process of finding the right jeweler as well as THE perfect diamond ring.

Diamond

It all started on November 2017 after my then boyfriend (now fiancé) spent months searching and learning about diamond beyond the 4Cs. Feeling defeated, he finally gave in and got me involved in searching for the right diamond as he wanted me to be completely happy with it.

We met with a handful of jewelers and looked at plenty of diamonds in NYC. It is then did I started to realize I really don't know what I'm supposed to look for in a diamond beyond the 4Cs! And the worse part? Most jewelers told me to "pick the diamond that you are drawn to". Let me tell you, if I did exactly that, I would be making a HUGE mistake, especially for most of us who know nothing about diamonds. You might as well close your eyes and randomly pick one!

I, just like most of you, understand the important of "4Cs" of a diamond's characteristics. But there are more than that in order to identify a truly great diamond. In case you didn't know, diamond prices can vary based on criteria other than the 4Cs such as "light leakage" and "light performance", which is missing (or purposely omitted) from the GIA report. In other words, just because the diamond is E color with VVS clarity, it doesn't mean it's a great diamond. That's why some diamonds with such excellent GIA grading can be a lot cheaper than others. In this post, I would like to focus on the one important aspect: the overall light performance of the diamond.

Exhibit A: "Brilliance" or "white light return" of a diamond.

Terminology

The commonly used terms are "Brilliance", "Fire" and "Scintillation".

Brilliance is the white flashes/ white reflections (aka white light return) of a diamond when you tilt it in different angles. Usually seen under indoor office lighting.

Fire, however, is the rainbow color reflecting from the diamond (photo on left). It is most visible under spot light environment such as high-end restaurants!

Scintillation is the total amount of Brilliance + Fire.
It might sound easy to understand those terms, but trust me, you have no f-ing idea what they really mean until you see enough of diamonds in the market. It took me more than a month after looking at many diamonds to finally understand the true meaning of Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation.

The Importance Points

Before you start the search for the perfect diamond, it is very important to figure out what you really want from a diamond. Most girls I talked to care mostly about carat size and color rather than the overall quality and ended up getting a big but a bad quality diamond. This is a common mistake a lot of people make simply because they don't understand the importance of light performance. A good light performing diamond will get people's attention and attracts stares. And how do they notice your diamond ring you ask? Well, the constant bright flashes generate from the movement of a great diamond can really blind people's eyes.
I remember a few years back when I was dining at WD-50 (Michelin starred restaurant for seven consecutive years but is now closed), a lady sat two tables to my right wearing a diamond ring so flashy that I couldn't help staring at it for a few seconds. That is how I realized the important of light performance.

After getting a basic understanding of diamonds, next is finding a great and honest jeweler who won't rip you off, and you find yourself drowning in the amount of jewelers in NYC. Well, lucky for you, we have been through all that.

My fiancé had went through a few lists of "best jewelers in NYC" and narrowed down to a few after more details researching and talking to stores' representative. Here is a quick summary of why we ended up purchasing our engagement ring from ID Jewelry, a family-run business for over 30 years.

I) Knowledge on fancy cut diamond

We were looking for an Asscher Cut diamond if you haven't noticed it from the photos. From our experience, most jewelers either (1) don't have enough experience with fancy cut diamonds, so they couldn't help you find the best one or (2) they try to sell you a lesser quality diamond with a relatively higher price to make the most $ off you, so they end up not being honest about the diamond quality they show you. Since we're purchasing a larger carat size diamond, the quality difference is very noticeable.

II) Equipments/Tools

This is very important! For fancy cut diamond seekers, you need to ask for an ASET report which identify the light performance within the diamond (If a jeweler tells you ASET report is for round cut diamond, he/she is lying!). For round cut diamond seekers, ask for optic lighting report (or ideal scope report) which will tell you where the light leakage within the diamond is. Light leakage can greatly affect the diamond price!

III) Knowledge on sizing

If you think measuring your ring size is easy, you are wrong! We went to a few jewelers and each one gave me a different measurement. What you don't understand is that your fingers can expand and shrink up to one size due to temperature! Finding the correct size can save you time and money (not to mention it is very annoying to have to resize your ring!). After all, ID Jewelry is the only one who finalized on my ring size which none of the others have gotten it right.

IV) Customer service

I won't go into details as all jewelers we went to have good services and friendly sales people because they want to get our business. But Yekutiel from ID jewelry is the only one who truly cares about his customers. He assessed each diamond honestly and provided bold but honest opinions. At the time when we were looking at two high quality diamonds, he said to us "I'd love it if you pick the more expensive one because we would make more money, but in my opinion the cheaper one is a better choice for its value. That one (more expensive one) is over priced."

That 'cheaper' diamond is THE diamond that impressed top notch jewelers like Harry Winton (see under "P.S.").

V) Prices (diamond price & ring setting price)

This is very tricky. Most jewelers claimed they have the best deal, but most of you will never find out the truth. On top of that, you can't really compare the price between different jewelers by comparing two different diamonds with the exact GIA grading. If you try to do that, you're making a mistake! Diamond price, once again, can vary due to other factors other than GIA grading. Thanks to a friend of mine who is in the jewelry industry, we're able to figure out that part of the mystery.

VI) Return Policy

Shit happens and sometimes you need to return the diamond ring even if it’s perfect (*knocking on wood*). When this occurs you would want your money back rather than store credit, which is why it's important to confirm with the jewelers about their policy (make sure it's in black and white)!
Note: A lot of them offer a standard 30 days return policy.

As a consumer, the biggest challenge is not looking for a jeweler with the most inventory, but a jeweler with (1) reputation, (2) honesty and (3) the ability to identify and source great quality diamonds. There are way too many things to learn in diamonds, and it might take you years to be a diamond pro. Therefore having the right jeweler is crucial in find the perfect diamond ring.

We decided on our diamond with confidence and put a down payment in less than 40 minutes (don't get me wrong, those guys are not pushy at all). We have enough hard evidences to confirm the diamond quality at the best price point. Not to mention we have looked at lots of bad diamonds before coming here. Even my fiancé was completely shocked on how quick I made the decision given how picky I am!

And that ended our months long search for the perfect diamond ring!

I hope this long article will save you time/ money and help you find the perfect diamond that you or your partner would be forever happy with and proud of!

P.S. To make sure I have a great diamond that would impressed top notch jewelers in NYC, I stopped by Harry Winston, Tiffany's, De Beers and other major jewelry stores to "look for wedding band" (the best excuse to show off your diamond ring lol). Conclusion? Harry Winston sales rep was very impressed. Tiffany's sales gave me high respect. Chopard sales thinks the diamond is too good to be true (FYI, it's very difficult to find a great Asscher cut diamond). Cartier sales was (secretly) staring at my ring, but I caught him doing that lol. And David Yurman sales kept asking me for the source (Lol, sorry but that's a secret I would only share with my loyal readers)...

To keep them out of trouble, all name are being concealed.

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the one with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

The One Best Thing You Can Do on Christmas Day #NYC

2017-12-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas day can be very quiet in New York City as most department stores and small shops close on this day. But there is one thing you can do. Let's get into it.

Although all department stores close on Christmas, their holiday windows will remain lit up. So what else better to do than checking out the famous NYC window displays on Christmas day!

Here are a few winners this year:

Macy's in my opinion is the best among all. Miniature display has always been Tiffany's tradition, but Macy's is showing off their version of mini NYC this year. Below photo will give you a sense of the miniature size.

Zooming in...

The front of Macy's opens up periodically as the street with mini cart, chairs and table duck down, and you will see..... (below photo)

Viola!

Look at all those details!!

Even polar bears are doing last minute shopping!

As we enter the NYC subway....

.... there is live music performance just like real subway!!

Even the miniature trash looks like a real thing! #ElfLife

And not surprising, the most minute details are well thought out. Even the dollar bills has washington's head visible with every crease and crinkle.
Most of those props are size of your pinky finger nails!

And of course it won't be a NYC subway without the pizza! Lol

Lord & Taylor has a mini Manhattan on one of their window on Fifth Avenue.

The NYC Taxis keep circling the city just like reality!

Cartier

Even Cartier has their own miniature window!

Tiffany's

Having seen Tiffany's holiday windows every year,
this year, in my opinion, is a little disappointing.

P.S. That is a real round cut diamond solitaire engagement ring on the fish role in case you're wondering!

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks has turned their windows into a Snow White theme story telling this year.
You can find out more on Saks official site.

Henri Bendel

All miniatures from Henri Bendel are made by Phillip Nuveen.

Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf is doing their usual extravagant holiday window this year.

Louis Vutton

And Vutton's window is snowing with their logos.

And Calvin Klein is definitely going BIG this year!

I hope you all love the photos in this post. If you love this post and want to support it, follow us on Facebook/ Instagram or forward it to your friends!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and a Merry Christmas! Xox

(Please note: All photos in my blog are taken by me, except the ones with me in it or stated otherwise, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent.)

How To Score A Perfect NYC Christmas

2017-12-13T15:10:00.003-05:00

♥

Christmas is one of the biggest festival among the western countries. Celebrating Christmas has always been a mission to many, while having a perfect NYC Christmas is always on my checklist. As thousands of people flood to NYC every December, eager to get a taste of Christmas in the Big Apple, here is the To Do List on how to score a perfect Christmas in the city that never sleeps:

1. Christmas dinner is a MUST

The list of restaurants with a view can be found on my previous post. However, if you are a foodie, I highly recommended Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

Those are one of the many appetizers: edible veggies on a display.

Photo source: Stone Barn

Photo credit: Eater

Not only does the establishment offer great food, but it also offers one of the finest food presentation in NY. Not to mention, it is ranked at #11 on the list of World's Best Restaurants in 2017 (#48 in 2016)!

2. Head to Radio City Music Hall and Watch the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular live

The famous leg kicks from the Rockettes.
Those kicks just never gets old!

Ticket can be found here.

3. Christmas Shopping at the Holiday Markets!

One of the most popular Christmas activities in NYC is strolling through Christmas markets and finding gift for everyone on your favourite list! You will discover a wide range of products, from handcrafted kids' toys to paintings and Christmas tree ornaments as well as food stalls! Seriously, who doesn't like shopping?

Worth mentioning in this year's market:

Flutter By Katie @ Union Square holiday market

New to this year holiday market, FBK offers beautiful (real) butterfly displays! (below)

Aren't they perfect for Christmas present?

Photo credit: Flutter by Katie

Go here for the complete list of MUST GO Christmas markets in NYC.

4. Check Out NYC Christmas Displays

This mall is one of my favourite places to hang out in NYC simply because
1) it's close to my home and 2) it never gets too crowded.

Located downtown NY near financial district and directly across the 911 Memorial,
this is a relatively new mall called the Brookfield Place.

Here is one of the best Christmas displays this year in my opinion.

This Christmas light show musical is so stunning! It runs from 4:35 to 11:35pm each night until Jan at Saks Fifth Avenue.

New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street.

Click here for the best of 2017 Christmas displays in NYC.

5. Go Ice Skating in NYC Winter Rinks with a spectacular backdrop

The following are some of the best places in the city for ice skate:

Most people who follow my blog would know about this place - Bryant Park skating rink!
Details and pricing can be found here.

The famous Central Park and its rink!

This is the Brookfield Place skating rink during sunset!

Last but not least is the Rockefeller Center skating rink !

Photo credit: Rasekh Fatmi

If indoor + adventure are more your elements, you can..
6. Hang Out at this World's First Underground Park in NYC!

More details can be found here .

7. Head Over to Dyker Height for their Over The Top Christmas Lights and Displays!

During the holiday season, a small part of South Brooklyn turns into a Christmas wonderland where you will find decorated homes all over the neighborhood. There were nearly a hundred of them, and it was pretty amazing!!

Yes, that's a real house in Dyker Height...!

8. Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

Each year from November to January, the New York Botanical Garden will feature model trains navigate through 150 crafted miniatures of New York City's landmarks, all made entirely out of plant parts!

This is the New York Botanical Garden!

The Famous Brooklyn Bridge.

The Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Look at the details!

That's it! If you love this post and want to support it, follow us on Facebook/ Instagram or forward it to your friends! Stay tuned for more NYC Christmas updates! Xox

(Please note: All photos in my blog are taken by me, except the ones with me in it or stated otherwise, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent.)

A Magical New York City Weekend Getaway That Won't Break Your Bank

2017-12-01T01:59:00.003-05:00

It was a short trip in early fall when a good friend of mine was getting married. A five days getaway then turned into an unexpected quick stop to this magical land. Where is it you asked? Well, let me start with one of my favourite places of the year:

(Hint: Less than 2 hours away from a major city!)

This place looks so magical that it's almost like I was being photoshopped in it!

Same place, different angle. It felt like a dream and I was entering the Wizard of Oz! This fantasy land is indeed in California, an hour and a half north of San Francisco. A hidden cypress tree tunnel located inside the Point Reyes National Seashore Park. (GPS coordinate here)

The best time to be there is when the fog moves in, which makes the scenery more mystical and spell-binding. However, although frequently appearing, the fog is not easy to catch. My suggestion is to try getting there early morning (a higher chance for the morning fog), you might catch the right moment if you are lucky!

Here is another photo opportunity if you have venture into Point Reyes. Only ten minutes away from the tree tunnel, this locally renowned shipwreck looks even more intriguing in reality!

Shipwrecks had always stirred my imagination. As seen on National Geographic documentaries or movies, I have always wanted to encounter one firsthand with treasures hidden inside waiting to be discovered... well, sadly this one did not have any lost treasures (nor dead bodies!), although it did rekindle my enthusiasm and sense of adventure.

Location: map here

About 20 minutes north, you can venture into the "wild". Walking through more dense fog, and about to have a close encounter with.....

... the Elks! No kidding! Just don't get too close to them as they might get nervous and paranoid.

Location: Tomales Point Trail (GPS coordinate here)

If you are not so much of a hiking person, there is the secluded Mcclures Beach nearby frequented by many seabirds. A fifteen minutes walk from the Tomales Point Trail head.

Accommodation

In case you would like to spend more time exploring the area, you should consider staying at the Motel Inverness for a night! Not only are they inexpensive, they even provide all kinds of binoculars to watch the wild animals while you enjoy breakfast in the morning!

Can you believe this whole area is their backyard?! We were told as much as 30 specifics of birds have been spotted in the past week!

Food

I was always told that good food lights up my face. I guess they are right! No make up needed, just good food!

This is the Marin Sun Farms, with only feature grass-fed, pasture raise meat!

Before you head over, make sure to give them a call and check their opening hours. (They are closed on Tue & Wed)

Address:
10905 Shoreline Highway 1 Point Reyes Station

If you happen to pass by any Whole Foods Market, treat yourself the "Hong Kong Milk Tea" ice cream (exclusively sold at Whole Foods in California only)! Never heard of it? Then you're really missing out! HK Milk Tea is part of the local Hong Kong tea culture influenced by the Brits. Made with black tea and condensed milk, the tea is usually brewed overnight for extra flavour. (Follow my instagram for more authentic Hong Kong Milk Tea hot spots in NYC)

So back in San Francisco where I spent a day before my flight leaving the next morning. Here are some of the Fontaneous' spots:

Don't recognize the giant bow & arrow? Me neither! It's just a public art I came across as I drove by the Rincon Park! And that's me trying to strike the perfect pose ⤵ (How did I do? Lol)

The famous 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, created by two artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher since 2003. (GPS coordinate here)

And here comes the classic Golden Gate Bridge photo!

Heading into the fog is always fun!

I hope you enjoyed the photos! If you love this post and want to support it, follow us on Facebook/ Instagram or forward it to your friends! Have a wonderful weekend y'all!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

The Best Fall Foliage in 2017

2017-10-28T23:27:00.000-04:00

VT 🍁 17'

I have been chasing after fall foliage for years. As most of you know, Vermont is crowned the best place for fall foliage because of the high density of famous maple trees across the state. Having the experience of living in Vermont for two years more than a decade ago, I recall one week sometime in late September, the whole backyard of my school was lightened up with golden color. That same week, I was riding in a car heading to a supermarket. On the way, I witnessed mountain after mountain glowing with red, orange and yellow colors. It was so beautiful that my jaw was almost on the ground. That scene stayed in my head for the next decade. It was, in fact, the peak of Vermont fall foliage.

More than a decade later, after missing the foliage two years in a roll, I finally made it in 2017!

Some would think that fall foliage would be the same every year, but it isn't true. Fall foliage is like cherry blossom, the color of the leaves changes depend on many factors with most important being the temperature. Maple trees in particular change color early, and in general, after the first frost. According to a Vermont local, the fall foliage this year was not as vibrant and stunning as the past, mainly because the late arrival of first frost in addition to the warmer than usual fall temperature. "Look at that tree right next to the road. It's a maple tree, but strangely it's still green!" said an owner of a Vermont maple farm surrounded by maple trees during past peak.

Although some of the fall foliage this year was not as pretty as previous year, I was lucky enough to hunt down some of the best foliage in Vermont as well as in Pennsylvania (which is only a few hours away from NYC, why not!)

Here are the best of Fontaneous fall foliage for 2017 with photo locations and insider tips:

This is my first stop - Equinox Pond, Manchester, Vermont.

This pond actually belongs to the Equinox Hotel, but it's opened to the public during the day.
(Gate at the entrance will be closed after sunset)

Pinnacle summit in Stowe, Vermont. Entire trail takes about 3 hours to complete.

Best time to be: Sunset.

I basically left the summit 10 minutes before the sun completely disappeared, and I was hiking down in the dark for a good 1.5 hour which was pretty scary.

Note: Trail markers are not very visible, therefore download the google map within the area prior to the hike is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (Yes, GPS works even when mobile phone is on flight mode)

Kent Pond in Killington, Vermont.

The entrance of the unpaved gravel road that bring you to this pond can be easily missed, which makes this area pretty secluded and perfect for picnic time!

This is Lake Wallenpaupack in Greentown, PA. (GPS coordinates: 41°22'06.4"N 75°16'37.3"W)

One of my favourite places - Lake Harmony in Kidder Township, PA.

There is a restaurant in the area with outdoor sitting - Nick's Lake House.

Perfect spot for weekend brunch if you time the foliage right!

Some stunning scenery on the way to Vermont.

Life is so beautiful, isn't it?

If you enjoy this post and want to support it, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or forward it to friends! Cheers!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

5 Free Awesome Events In NYC This Weekend

2017-09-23T00:12:00.003-04:00

1) Attention carnival fans: The Annual Feast of San Gennaro Festival has returned to Little Italy in NYC. In additional to food and game stalls that stretches a few blocks down on Mulberry Street (between Canal Street and Houston Street), there is also a 5-story tall ferris wheel on Grand Street! (Above photo)

The feast opens every day from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. until this Sunday (and closes at midnight on Friday and Saturday). You can find more details of the festival here.

2) It started a few summers ago, the annual NYC photo festival with small galleries built out of shipping containers, has return this year at a brand new location in Dumbo. Above is Photoville and the unbeatable NYC skyline as backdrop.

Here are some interesting photos being showcased from yesterday: Instead of the traditional way to showcase photography, this artist has decided to print his art works on everyday grocery items..

Did I mention there is a beer garden next to Photoville right under the famous Brooklyn Bridge?

Location: Water Street and New Dock Street
Time: Sat 12-10pm; Sun 12-8pm

3) One day only, tomorrow is the Museum Live (hosted by Smithsonian magazine). Over twenty New York City museums have joined force in providing free admission to local New Yorkers and all visitors. To name a few: Cooper Hewitt, Museum of the City of New York and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (regular admission at $33/ adult). Don't miss your chance to score free tickets to some of the great museums in NYC! A list of participating museums and details for free voucher can be found here.

Partial of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Hudson River during sunset.

4) To those of you who have been following @Travel_Fontaneously Instagram knows how much we love Odd Fellows Ice Cream's creativity and awesome seasonal flavors. Their Nolita pop up carnival theme location that started this June will end this Sunday. To celebrate their successful summer, rumor has it there will be $1 a pop that normally cost $8 (available on Sunday only). Not sure the accuracy of this, but their tangerine cotton candy ice cream (photo below) is totally worth your trip to Nolita!

Odd Fellows Carnival

Bonus - Brooklyn bound: The Annual Brooklyn street festival will be back this Sunday! Atlantic Antic is by far the largest block party in NYC! From noon to 6pm, there will be all kinds of foods, art & crafts available along with live music and other performances on Atlantic Avenue between Hicks Street & 4th Street.

Not in NYC this weekend? You can always check out other NYC events on @Travel_Fontaneously Instagram updates! Enjoy your weekend guys!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Waking Up to the Amazing #Miami

2017-05-31T00:15:00.001-04:00

#WakingUpToTheAmazingMiami

Miami is pretty much a relaxing version of New York City minus the pollution. Just last year I was still telling myself and everyone that I couldn't imagine living anywhere else than NYC. Well, that has changed after spending a week in Florida.

It is true that Miami doesn't have as many Michelin starred restaurants or as much exciting happenings as NYC does. However, it offers a lot of other things that NYC doesn't have. Let me explain:

1) Warm Weather all year long - That sick-of-freezing-weather feeling every New Yorkers have by January. Who like bundling up with layers of clothes when you only need a light sweater in Miami!

Warm weather all year long brings palm trees everywhere in Miami.

2) Great beaches within 10 miles away

South Beach (photo above) is just a bridge away from downtown Miami, and it stretches all the way up north. If you come on weekend, Nikki Beach Club (photo below) is just a few steps away to start your party weekend.

3) Great city view

This is the lobby of Mandarin Oriental in Miami.

Photo captured on the MacArthur Causeway overlooking downtown Miami.

4) Just like NYC, streets art are commonly seen in Miami

I didn't spot the artist name on the mural, but it sure looks amazing.

Just a random art on the street of Miami.

Mural by Logan Hicks. His NYC art was previously seen on Bowery Street which went viral on Instagram.

5) Fresh seafood - Since Miami is known for fresh seafood, we had seafood in almost every meal the whole week!

D.J.'s Clam Shack - This clam shack is quite popular among the locals as well as the tourists! It's best if you avoid going there at regular lunch and dinner hours to avoid the queue.

Zuma Miami - Zuma is a London based Japanese fusion restaurant. They are in eight different countries, and the NYC location was opened just two years ago and quickly became a local hotspot.

TF recommendations (in photo above):
seabass sashimi with yuzu, salmon roe and truffle oil (left),
fried softshell crab with mizuna, wasabi mayonnaise (right)

Lung Yai Thai Tapas - This is a very popular Thai place in Miami.
I love how they're so generous and over stuffed their dishes with seafood!
No reservation. Expect long wait.
Be there at 12pm for lunch or 5pm sharp for dinner to avoid long wait.

6) Exotic fruits within reach - One of the fruits I was so obsessed with is the guanabana, also known as soursop. It tastes like a combination of passionfruit, guava, banana and mangosteen. The best part? It has a lot of health benefits!

Below photo was taken inside Robert is Here, the famous fruit stand founded in 1959.

Robert Is Here is so famous that even President Obama was here! See that picture frame on top left corner?
He even wrote Robert (in blue shirt) a thank you letter which is framed right below the Obama photo!

If you come here, you HAVE to get their milkshakes which is what they are known for! Expect long line during prime hours.

7) Best key lime pies in the country

This delicious pie is from the famous Fireman Derek's Bake Shop
on 2818 N Miami Ave, Miami.
(TF tips: Long queue usually form around 8pm. Best to visit on a weekday afternoon!)

Pie from Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe on 200 Elizabeth St, Key West.
To prove you how delicious their key lime pies are, I had to go back 20 minutes after my first visit
to buy a second pie!

8) Tacos!

This is from Taquiza, a small patio in Miami beach serving authentic Mexican tacos.

This is Coyo Taco, a popular local taco joint near the murals art district.

8) Florida Keys is just an hour away

Florida Keys has some of the best coral reefs sites for scuba diving! Unfortunately my session got cancelled due to severe wind : / Oh well, I'll definitely come back for that.

Other worth mentioning: Anyone who knows me know how much I love ice cream! So here's the TF recommendations on local ice cream places.

This 'instagram-made-famous' blue milk spirulina pop is from Bianco Gelato. Their organic Italian Gelato are freshly made everyday.

Address: 3137 Commodore Plaza, Miami

This is a pear flavor ice cream from Azucar Ice Cream. Their menu changes quite often with unique seasonal flavors from time to time.

That's it! Share with us your favourite Miami places in the comment section below!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Making The Best of Cherry Blossom #DC2017

2017-03-31T22:13:00.000-04:00

Most of you who live in the east coast would know, spring weather this year has been a little unpredictable. The temperature fluctuated as we went through a warmer than usual February, then we got hit by a snowstorm in mid-March, follow by the icy cold temperature drop. As a result, cherry blossoms this year weren't in ideal condition. (According to the National Park Service updates, about 50% of the early stage cherry blossom got wiped out by the cold.)

Fortunately, the reality isn't as bad as imagined. I agreed that cherry blossoms this year isn't in the best condition, but I decided to head to DC and make the best of the situation:

Flowers are very sparse in most part, just like the photo above. Some of which had even wilted.

But you will still find a few small sections with dense flowers trenches in the park.

Although the trees aren't as pretty as other years, they still made ok photos, no?

If you haven't had enough of cherry blossom around the Tidal Basin, there are more near the Washington Monument (below).

Also don't forget to stop by the Lincoln Memorial for this amazing view (below)!

Other worth mentioning:

If you are visiting DC this month, here's another photo opportunity for you:

Located near the White House, this is the Wonder Exhibit by Janet Echelman at the Renwick Gallery.

This exhibit changes colors every few seconds, so you can capture the art in all kinds of different colors! It made pretty interesting photos don't you think?

On a different note, if you are planning to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for this upcoming trip, the National Fossil Hall (where they store the dinosaur fossils) are currently closed for renovation and is expecting to re-open in 2019. However, you will still be able to see a few of them like this one below in a different section of the museum.

I hope you enjoy the photos! And don't forget to share with us your first cherry blossom experience in the comment section below!

You can also find more details of NYC cherry blossom in NYC Spring Bucket List or other amazing photos of Washington DC here.

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Everything You Should Know About The 2nd Harry Potter Park

2017-03-23T13:28:00.002-04:00

#photooftheday

Yes. Harry Potter has two theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The first theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™- Hogsmeade, was officially opened in 2010. And the second one, Diagon Alley was opened four years later. For those who have already been to Universal Orlando Resort knows that it consists of two parks:

- Universal Studios Florida and

- Island of Adventure

And as confusing as it already is, each has one Harry Potter theme park. That's right. If you, Harry Potter fans, think you can just purchase a ticket for one of the Universal parks and visit both Harry Potter theme parks, you are out of luck!

But not to worry! This is where Travel Fontaneously guide comes in handy. I have been to both parks, and hopefully my insight will help you decide which one is worth going to if you are just here for a short visit.

In my recent visit, I stopped by the Diagon Alley (the new addition at Universal Studios Florida). In terms of the entrance to the Harry Potter parks, they might look very similar, but the two parks are very different in a few ways.

Let's start from outside of the entrance:

Diagon Alley has an iconic triple decker bus parked right across the entrance, where as the first park (Hogsmeade) has the iconic train (Let me elaborate on the train later).

Once you enter, you will see HP theme stores (above) selling merchandises, food & beverages. That's where one of the major difference between the two HP parks is. Diagon Alley is more catering toward HP merchandises -- especially the magic wands. A majority of the stores front has interactive window displays. With a "magic wand" (cost around US$40) purchase at the park, you can "cast spells" and move objects around and make them come to life. How do you "cast spells" you ask? Well, each of them has a little instruction plaque that shows you the wand movement in order to "move things around". Yes, just like the movie. So in summary, without the wand, one would ask themselves why they are even there.

Here comes the dragon, the mascot of Diagon Alley, where as the first park has the iconic castle. According to staffs from this park, the dragon breathes fire at random, so if you want to witness it, be sure to stay patient, because no one knows when the next fire is going to come. (haha)

Same dragon, different angle.

Now let's talk about the ride and what comes with it:

Here is the entrance of the ride. It looks a little distorted just like in reality (definitely not by my camera).

Here's the lobby where the loooong queue will be patiently waiting before their turn to get on the ride. Don't worry, the line moves pretty fast.

You will also see newspapers like this with interesting moving images on it, just like the movie.

After waiting patiently for your turn, you'll find yourself seating in one of those carts. The cart will then ride around in the dark with screens everywhere to recreate a 4D experience as seen in the movies. This is very similar to the ride in the first HP park. The only difference between the two rides is, you'll be seating on an individual chair instead, with your legs hanging in the first HP park, so the ride itself is more vivid because you'll be "flying around" the whole time. This is why I like the first park better. So if you are into rides and only planning to visit one park, the first park (Hogsmeade) is a must.

Year End Review: Best of 2016 #SparklingNYC

2016-12-30T18:36:00.002-05:00

#SparklingNYC

Here's to another great year! Not only has the amount of TF followers grown significantly in the past year, we have also been widely recognized by the local community (not to mention our site has been viewed over 27,600 times, up 176% since June this year). As this year is coming to the end, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my readers for the tremendous support over the years. Travel Fontaneously would not be a success without each and everyone of you.

Let's take a moment and look back at some of the most popular post of 2016. From local NYC discoveries to insider tips of some of the world's most traveled destinations. Here is the top 10 most-read and shared stories of 2016:

1. The New Yorkers' Guide To A Memorable Valentine

2. Anniversary Special Edition: My Best Window Views

3. 25 Unbelieveable Photos of Zion National Park

4. The Enchanting Central Park During Snow Blizzard #Jonas

5. Fontaneous Discovery: Breathtaking Scenes In The South

6. NYC Best Exhibit Of The Year: “Manus x Machina”

7. A Complete Guide to Score A Perfect NYC Christmas #2016

8. This Brooklyn Hot Spot Is Absolutely Worth Visiting

9. NYC Bucket List #Spring

10. Discover Brooklyn-hood with NYC’s Best Outdoor Gallery

I wish you all a wonderful and unforgettable New Year's Eve. May 2017 bring you good health, wealth and happiness! Happy New Year!

The Best NYC Christmas Displays in 2016

2016-12-23T18:28:00.000-05:00

❤

Christmas is only 2 days away! As a New Yorker, one of the most exciting Christmas tradition is strolling through Fifth Avenue and checking out the window displays of the iconic department stores!!

My favourite Christmas display this year is from Tiffany & Co. There are five windows showcasing trees trimmed with Tiffany's jewels and vignettes of iconic New York City iconic landmarks at this Fifth Avenue flagship store. Let's go straight to photos:

Their attention to details on the display is simply mind blowing.

Christmas crackers with Tiffany's jewelries served on miniature Tiffany tea set? Yes please!

You can also check out their holiday windows from 2015 and 2014 on my previous posts!

Saks Fifth Avenue's window this year has yet again made it on my favourite list this year.

If only I can buy those 5 feet high NYC iconic buildings cookies..

Bloomingdale's holiday window is not as astounding as Saks' and Tiffany's, but this intense looking pig at this window caught my attention!

Lord & Taylor

I must say Lord & Taylor has set their bar pretty high with their mind blowing display in 2014, unfortunately this year is once again a little disappointing.

I wish each and every one of my TF readers a happy and safe holiday! Merry Christmas and be sure to follow my Instagram page for NYC daily updates!

(Please note: All photos in my blog are taken by me, except the ones with me in it or stated otherwise, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent.)

One of my favourite trees in NYC this year!
Locates inside the lobby of the Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue between 36th & 37th Street, this
pink tree is not going anywhere til 2017.

A Complete Guide to Score A Perfect NYC Christmas #2016

2016-12-14T04:25:00.001-05:00

♥

Christmas is one of the biggest festival among the western countries. Celebrating Christmas has always been a mission to many, while having a perfect NYC Christmas is always on my checklist. As thousands of people flood to NYC every December, eager to get a taste of Christmas in the Big Apple, here is my To Do List on how to score a perfect Christmas in the city that never sleeps:

1. Christmas Eve's dinner is a MUST

The list of restaurants with a view can be found on my previous post. However, if you are a foodie, I highly recommended Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

Those are one of the many appetizers: edible veggies on a display.

Photo source: Stone Barn

Photo credit: Eater

Not only does the establishment offer great food, but it also offers one of the finest food presentation in NY. Not to mention, it is ranked at No. 48 on the list of World's Best Restaurants in 2016!

2. Head to Radio City Music Hall and Watch the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular live

The famous leg kicks from the Rockettes.
Those kicks just never gets old!

Ticket can be found here.

3. Christmas Shopping at the Holiday Markets!

On left is the owner/ artist who created those fun paintings about NYC.

Aren't they cute?? This booth locates at Union Square Christmas market. More of her paintings can be found here.

This is "German Delights" that specialize in wooden handcrafts.

They are known for their rotating wooden pyramids (power by candle heat),..

..all handmade in Germany! A unique present for Christmas don't you think?

This is another interesting booth selling toys handcrafted out of metal. The artist wasn't there the day
I visited, but the staff told me that every piece was handmade from Israel, priced between $100 to $300.

This is how it works.

This artist does not have a website nor a Facebook page, but
you can email Juan Rivera at juank23_86@hotmail.com for more info.

Go here for the complete list of MUST GO Christmas markets in NYC.

4. Check Out NYC Christmas Displays

This mall is one of my favourite places to hang out in NYC simply because 1) it's close to my
home and 2), it never gets too crowded.

Located downtown NY near financial district and directly across the 911 Memorial,
this is a relatively new mall called the Brookfield Place.

Here is one of the best Christmas displays this year in my opinion.

This Christmas light show musical is so stunning! It runs from 4:35 to 11:35pm each night until Jan 10 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Click here for the best of 2015 Christmas displays in NYC.

5. Go Ice Skating in NYC Winter Rinks with a spectacular backdrop.

The following are some of the best places in the city for ice skate:

Most people who follow my blog would know about this place - Bryant Park skating rink!
Details and pricing can be found here.

The famous Central Park and its rink!

This is the Brookfield Place skating rink during sunset!

Last but not least is the Rockefeller Center skating rink !

Photo credit: Rasekh Fatmi

If indoor + adventure are more your elements, you can..
6. Hang Out at this World's First Underground Park in NYC!

More details can be found here .

Yes, that's a real house in Dyker Height...!

This is the New York Botanical Garden!

The Famous Brooklyn Bridge.

The Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Look at the details!

That's it! I'll be back in a few days with more reports on NYC Must Do in December! Happy planning!

(Please note: All photos in my blog are taken by me, except the ones with me in it or stated otherwise, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent.)

25 Unbelieveable Photos of Zion National Park

2016-11-02T17:39:00.000-04:00

❤

I have just returned from another long excursion into the great wilderness! With over two weeks of adventures to share, I've decided to break my experience into several posts to better focus on tips and insights for each destination.

I must admit, even after my first incredible journey to the famous parks two years ago, I'm yet again astounded by the beauty of nature all over again! With limited to no phone or internet connection, I felt totally one with nature and enjoyed every moment of it! Now I understand why these parks are some of the most visited destinations with tourists from all around the world!

Located in Utah, Zion National Park is a canyon wonderland full of vegetation. Once you step inside, you will not believe your eyes..

Here is the 5 best easily accessible places for photography within Zion National Park:

Observation Point Trail

Observation Point Trail is a 7.2 miles (roughly 6 hours round trip) hike in Zion.
Here is the view you'll get within 30 minutes into the hike.

Once you get to this point, you are about 30 minutes away from Observation Point.

The Observation Point - totally worth the 3 hours hike to the top.

Hidden Canyon Trail

The little wiggle trail on the left (not to be mistaken the famous Walters Wiggles)
is the beginning of a three miles hike (RT) of Hidden Canyon Trail.

At some point, the trail becomes extremely narrow with some parts directly over high cliffs. Due to this, the park installed
chain linked rails for safety. Above photo is at least 1000+ feet above the ground.

This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart!

After hiking through dangerous cliffs and climbing pass rocky paths, we finally arrive
at Hidden Canyon.

The trail stops here with the warning sign ahead.
However, if you are daring enough, you can certainly pass through to further explore.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Exhibit A: For those who are not a fan of height, here's the Fontaneous way of hiking through parts of the Canyon Overlook Trail! Lol

Where is "Faldo"?

Cuteness overload chipmunks caught on camera! Wait for it...

Emerald Pool Trail

Just in time to catch the sunset.

Virgin River Trail

Common scene along the river's edge during sunset in Zion.

Zion transportation - free shuttle

Most roads that lead to the major trails are accessible only by the park's free
shuttle system and closed to private vehicles. However, the Zion shuttle is
very convenient and takes you directly to the trail heads.

Accommodation

This is the Cliffrose Lodge right by the entrance of the Zion National Park.

Photo: Cliffrose Lodge

Who doesn't love breakfast with a view?

Even my room comes with a balcony and the view of the Zion National Park.

Worth mentioning

In case you missed The Wave (the famous sandstone rock formation in Arizona), here is a mini Zion version near the exit of the park. *Map*

As the name suggested, the Checkerboard Mesa has a crosshatched appearance. It is intriguing how the weather and climate can create such art form. *Map*

Zion National Park is one of the most visited National Park in the U.S. with peak season during the summer time. However, I recommend visiting at the beginning of October, so you get to enjoy the less crowded park while the weather is still mild and breezy (a light wind breaker is needed).

I hope this Zion-taneous post has inspired your next travel destination. Stay tune for more Fontaneous adventure tips and photos.

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it or stated otherwise, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

2016-10-08T14:18:00.002-04:00

🏞

I'm currently in the middle of my long vacation. Travel Fontaneously will resume a normal schedule on Oct 16. In the meantime, be sure to follow me on Instagram @Travel_Fontaneously for a daily sneak peak of my travel adventure!

The Blowout Carnival During NY Fashion Week

2016-09-13T02:33:00.001-04:00

The New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is still underway. With some of you asking about the event on my Facebook cover photo, I thought I'd share the pictures I took at this particular event over the past weekend.

This is the "Tommy Pier", the runway of Tommy Hilfiger fashion show during NYFW to unveil his fall's collection in collaboration with super model Gigi Hadid. The fabulous carnival is a 2-day pop up located at South Street Seaport in NYC. It has a 40-foot ferris wheel and other amusement park rides as well as a record store, a temporary tattoos shop along with food stands selling pier classic such as hot dogs, doughnuts, lobster rolls, burgers and more.

Behind the carnival is the famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Tommy Pier at night.

Do you see the two light beams in the background?
That's the Tribute of Light in remembrance of the September 11 attacks.

A constant reminder of why NYC is the best place to live, and I'm happy to call this place home ❤

You can see the full video of that night here.

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Edible Balloon + Sprinkle Pool = The Sweetest Place in NYC

2016-09-08T20:27:00.003-04:00

#WhoIsReadyToEat

Summer is almost coming to an end, so is the Museum of Ice Cream in NYC. For those who haven't had the chance to visit this ice cream exhibit in Meatpacking District, this post is dedicated to you! Thanks to the museum's invitation, I got to check out what all the fuzz was about!

#MyKindofBreakfast

The museum is divided into seven small sections. As you enter the exhibition, you will be greeted by a free scoop of ice cream along with some wacky yet interesting art displays..

Reindeer sprinkle sundae anyone?

A combination of ice cream cake and cones with a lot of whipped cream, cherries as well as fan wafers!

Next... is the Selfie Room!

What am I holding? Good Question!

It's the edible helium balloon!! Who said you need to be in Chicago to taste it?!

Moving on next is the Scooping Room...

The "scoop all you want" ice cream mountain

Next... is the Chocolate Room with the chocolate fountain wall and a mountain of "all you can eat" chocolate!

Up next - the Sprinkle Room with a large pool filled with 11,000 lbs of confetti-colored sprinkles!

After swimming in the pool of sprinkles, it's time for another free ice cream tasting!! This is when they give out the dried Miracle Berry which makes sour flavor taste sweet..

the Art Room.. while enjoying your free ice cream..

And finally - the Ice Cream Playground Room!

There is nothing that looks more delicious and fun than the Neapolitan ice cream sandwich swing!

Who wants to play!!

Fun times! Thanks for having me. Now I can go home and dream of more ice cream tonight!

Xoxo

How many can you eat?

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram to get a daily does of NYC!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

The Latest Addition to NYC's Bucket List

2016-08-25T01:33:00.002-04:00

The bright corner near the check out perfect for hang out ♥

It was my pleasure to introduce you to the latest NYC hotspot that opened just last week!
Thanks for the invitation to the opening, I got a glimpse of the gorgeous new Eataly Downtown. This destination is the latest addition to NYC's trendy food hall theme. Located on 101-125 Liberty Street in the Financial District, this place has quickly become one of the local's favourite!

Different from the Flatiron location, this spacious downtown location is dedicated to a bread theme with five restaurants, nine take away counters, two cafes and a wine bar!

Let's start from the entrance:

This is the entrance with a table fills with Italian baguettes and a map
that shows the best representative bread in each country.

Immediately on your right is the fruit and vegetable corner...

..and a wine bar to the left.

Behind the wine bar is the pizza stand as well as a juice bar on the right side if you're looking for a healthier option!

Here's the many other delicious options at the pizza stand.

This restaurant, Orto E Mare, is right behind the juice bar!

Orto E Mare is the only restaurant that serve breakfast for morning riser.

Here's the steps of how they make their cheese!

(P.S. Also worth mentioning is the learning corner with daily demonstrations and free tutorial lessons.)

Then from here is a spacious area with a combination of three restaurants (which I find the arrangement a little confusing). But hey, the area is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with an amazing view!

View outside: The Infinite Pool of 911 Memorial on the right.

This is the other wine bar, which is part of their more upscale restaurant, Osteria della Pace.

The seating of Osteria della Pace.

This pastry corner is near the exit which is a short corridor away from Osteria della Pace.

I haven't had the chance to try anything, but the pastries looks good : )

And Finally, there is the rotisserie chicken corner, cheese corner, meat corner and the seafood corner near the exit/ entrance!

Eataly Downtown opens 7AM - 11PM daily

(Note: If you want to avoid the office crowd, the best time to go would be
in the morning and between 2pm to 5pm!)

Thanks again for having me! This is now officially on my list of favourite hangout spot in the city!

Tell us what you think in the comment section below! And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a daily dose of NYC!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

The NYC Summer Event You Should Not Miss

2016-08-09T15:25:00.000-04:00

Thank you Vita Coco for the coconut water!

For those of you who have been following Travel Fontaneously since the beginning must know NYC summer has a lot of fun free activities! Now it's the time of the year again where Summer Street returns!

Summer Streets, a block party on three consecutive Saturdays in August, celebrates New York City's streets complete with food and entertainment. Nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are closed to all vehicles and opened for people to play, walk, and bike. This festival also promotes outdoor activities such as zipline, water slide, dance and yoga lessons all for FREE!

Here are the highlights you need to know:

Since last summer, Vita Coco has been one of the major sponsors at the NYC Summer Street where coconut water is given out for FREE! Here's the pretty hostess on duty last Sat : )

In addition, during this year's event, they are giving out FREE popcorn cooked with coconut oil! #Yummm

DJ is present this year too!

As well as a beach stand..

and a swing!

The best part....?

Of course the 300 ft tall water slide in front of the New York Court House!

(Note: Advance registration is required for the slide.)

As you bike up toward midtown, you will pass by several murals along the way...

This is on Lafayette Street in SoHo.

This one locates on 10th Street.

... as well as a few concerts in different spots along Park Avenue!

When you get to 42nd Street where Grand Central is..

..you'll go through a tunnel that is normally restricted to cars only.

Such a fun and unique experience!

Last but not least is another of my favourite! Located on 53rd Street, there is a 30 ft high zip line at the midtown rest stop!
No advance register needed as it's first come first serve!

Paris Summer Street lasts for the entire month while London Regent Street Summer Street held on every Sunday in July each year, but in my opinion, nothing beats the NYC Summer Street!

Now I know how difficult it is to obtain a time slot for the waterslide, so I have a Fontaneous surprise for you loyal readers! I'm giving away my slot for this coming Saturday the 20th of August. To win the tickets for two, all you have to do is:

1) Like us on Facebook and/or Instagram.
2) Share this post on Facebook, or repost TF Instagram photo,
3) and tag one friend who you want to go with!
4) Remember to tag "Travel Fontaneously", so I can easily find you!

Contest ends on Friday the 19th at noon (ET)! Winner will be announced at 3pm. Good luck you all!!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

NYC Summer Bucket List: A Perfect View

2016-07-28T14:19:00.001-04:00

New addition to NYC parks

Last week, I got invited to the opening of a brand new public park in NYC. It was such an incredible experience to be away from the hustle of the city for a few hours to this wonderful park and enjoy 360 degree views of the beautiful city skyline, the New York Harbour and the Statue of Liberty.

This 30 acres parkland is a new addition to the NYC parks.
Located on Governor's Island, this new park - The Hills - consists of four sections: Outlook Hill, Discovery Hill, Slide Hill and the Glassy Hill. Let's go straight to the photos!

Views from the ferry ride

The ferry leaves every hour from 10am to 5pm at the Battery Maritime Building located on 10 South Street.
Detailed schedule here.

The view looking back on the ferry ride, which in my opinion is the better view.

Arriving the Governor's Island.

Governor's Island ferry terminal at dusk.

Views on Governor's Island

The new park, located in the other end of the island, requires about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal. On the way over, you will have a good view of the East River, Financial District and the Statue of Liberty.

A resting area near the ferry terminal with the view of the Financial District and Freedom Tower.

You have a choice to rent a bike here located near the ferry terminal.

The walk along the river before arriving the new park.

The Hills - View on Outlook Hill

This is the Outlook Hill, rising 70 feet above sea-level.

The Scramble, a short cut to the top of the Outlook Hill, was created with blocks from a 1905 seawall.

Photo credit: Richard Barnes

And here's the amazing view on the Outlook Hill, overlooking the Financial District and New York Harbor.

With the sun setting, everything turns golden color.

Minutes before the sun disappeared.

Looking west is the sun setting next to the Statue of Liberty.

Then there is the Discovery Hill

The path to Discovery Hill.

Everywhere you look on the hills is a good photo opportunity!

A much closer view of the Statue of Liberty.

Behind me is the permanent art installation by British artist Rachel Whiteread.

During sunset.

The Slide Hill

This is where the four slides are located.

This tallest (and scariest!) slide is 72 feet long.

Warning: Not suitable for people with high blood pressure!

No! This is exactly how steep the tallest slide is... Scary!!

I went down on this shortest slide instead. Don't judge Lol

Even on top of the Slide Hill, you will have a great view of the city.

Last is the Grassy Hill

Perfect for any outdoor activities like picnic or even a nap!

Here's an educational video from the official Governor's Island shot by a drone.

Food options are limited, but you will find a few food trucks at the "food court" - Liggett Terrace.

Now put it in your schedule. This is a park you should not miss! And for those who are visiting the city this coming weeks, here's the New Yorkers' 9 best ice cream hotspots in NYC to cool off your hot summer days!

Enjoy!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the one with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Surviving Heatwave: NYC's 9 Best Ice Cream Shops

2016-07-22T02:34:00.000-04:00

Photo taken at my home

The weather has been unbearably hot (and humid!) the past two weeks in NYC. And if the weather forecast is correct, there will be more hot days to come this remaining summer 2016!

But don't worry because NYC has got you covered! There are plenty of places in the city that will shield you from the heat. From this local Brooklyn hot spot to the world's first underground park in downtown NYC. You can also spend the whole afternoon indoor strolling through this popular MET exhibit of the year or simply head to one of those fancy afternoon tea places in NYC! But first, to get you ready for the hot summer days in the city, here is the New Yorkers' guide to the best ice cream spots in each neighborhood:

Lower East Side

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream

Location: 2 Rivington St, New York
TF's recommended flavors: Burnt Honey, Vietnamese Coffee,
Coconut Ash and Durian.

Ice & Vice

Location: 221 E Broadway, New York
TF's recommended flavors: Milk Money (Toasted Milk, Sea Salt, Chocolate Ganache)

And their colorful cones will definitely make a great photo!

East Village

Snowdays

Location: 241 East 10th St, New York
TF's recommended flavors: Roasted Black Sesame, Sweet Milk
and Green Tea Matcha

(Note: They are now also in West Village - 167 7th Ave S)

Chikalicious Club

Location: 204 E 10th St, New York
TF's recommendation: Whatever flavor you get, you
must get the churro cone - it's sugary, super flaky + crisp
like croissant in texture.

Trust me! You won't regret it!

West Village

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream

Location: 152 West 10th St, New York
TF's recommended flavor: Earl Grey

(Note: And their East Village shop located in 48 E 7th St)
Worth knowing: Their ice cream are made with hormone-and
antibiotic-free milk and cream, along with egg yolks and cane sugar.

Dominique Ansel Kitchen - from the creator of Cronut, Dominique Ansel. (I'm sure you know who he is)

Location: 137 7th Ave S, New York
TF recommended flavor: Burrata soft serve with balsamic caramel (left)

Here's Dominique Ansel in his kitchen, which is why it's called the "Dominique Ansel Kitchen" Lol

Don't forget to stop by inside and check out their daily fresh bakes as well as made-to-order small bites!

TF's recommendations: The EGG-clipse, Blueberry Laminated Brioche and Mini Matcha Beignets.

Theater District/ Times Square

Bibble & Sip

Location: 253 W 51st St, New York
TF's recommendations: Matcha Cream Puff, Matcha Panna Cotta and Black Sesame Panna Cotta
Although they don't serve ice cream, this cafe's delicious cold treats will definitely cool you off on a hot summer day!

Brooklyn Height

Häagen-Dazs

Location: 120 Montague St, Brooklyn
TF's recommended flavors: Everything tastes good in there!

(Worth Knowning: HD has many locations in NYC, however this
Brooklyn location is their very first shop opened in 1976!)

Williamburg

OddFellows Ice Cream Co

Location: 175 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
TF's recommended flavors: Thai Iced Tea (However, they do rotate flavors quite frequently)

(Note: OF is now also in East Village - 75 East 4th St)

The mad scientist behind OF is known for its unique flavors.
He once created this foie gras ice cream above.

Queens

Sam's Fried Ice Cream

Location: 159-15 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, Queens
TF's recommended flavors: You can never go wrong with Green Tea Fried Ice Cream

(Note: You can also find Sam at the food fairs)

New Jersey

ITO EN Matcha Love

Location: 595 River Road, Mitsuwa Marketplace, Edgewater, NJ
TF's recommended flavors: Get both Green Tea and Black Sesame!

At your own home: For those of you who rather stay home with the AC, I totally get you! I mean no one really enjoy heading into the smelly stuffy NYC subway especially during summer time! As an ice cream fanatic, I have tried almost every brand you could find in the supermarkets, so you don't have to spend a lot of money just to figure out the great ones!

TF's recommendations:

Van Leeuwen - Earl Grey
Häagen-Dazs - Green Tea
Dolcezza - Heirloom Apple sorbetto
Phin & Phebes - Toasted Green Tea
SoCo Creamery - Mission Fig

This is a gelato filled tangerine from Divino.
Its texture feels like sorbet and very refreshing!
Highly recommended!

(Other fruits available: Lemon, plum, kiwi and peach)

Share with us your favourite summer treats or hotspots in the comment section below! Happy munching!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

New Yorkers' Guide To A Weekend Getaway

2016-06-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

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As New Yorkers often asked, where can one find good beaches close enough to NYC that doesn't require taking too many vacation days off? The Travel Fontaneously answer to that is ----

--------- Bermuda!

With the JetBlue flash sale a few weeks ago, I was able to snap a cheap ticket and spent a relaxing week in Bermuda (yes again!) to visit some old friends!

Let's begin with beach talk:

Since the island is surrounded by water, beaches in Bermuda are as abundant as Starbucks in NYC. This beach pictured below is not one of those famous beaches advertised in the tourist guide but a secluded beach close by my friend's home.

The secret entrance!

Not a single tourist! This beach is all mine! : )

(TF Tips: GPS coordinates of this secret beach click here)

Also the best time to go is during sunset!

#NoFilter #SamsungGalaxyPhoto

And then there is the Glass Beach, filled with pieces of aqua and sea glass washed up onto the beach (with some bottles perhaps dating back centuries). Those pieces of glass from broken bottles, broken tableware, or even shipwrecks are rolled and tumbled in the ocean for years until all of their edges are rounded off and worn to a frosted appearance.

I was told that the beach used to be completely covered with the glass debris from the ocean. Unfortunately the tourists had been illegally smuggling them out of Bermuda and over time it has diminished the amount of glass and its overall aesthetic... : (

The Travel Fontaneously 'gif' moment

If you see the creepy sculpture on the right, that's the entrance of the Glass Beach..

Photo by chéri.

In case you get sick of sitting on the beach, you can also choose to take a fun ride on the hydrobike.

Thank you Krystal B. for taking me there! : )

And get a close encounter with the famous shipwreck!

Perfect timing!! #epicsunset

Taxi is expensive in Bermuda, not to mention a lot of taxi drivers purposely drive extremely slow to bump up the meter price! No taxi ride, no problem! You can either rent a motor bike or roll like a local and take the bus which gives you one of the best view of Bermuda beaches...!

You can also head to the light house for an elevated view!

Every one of those square windows offers an amazing view of the island!

And here it is, view from the top!

Other activity suggestions...

This is the newly opened Underwater Exploration Institute in Hamilton...

"underwater" selfie time!

I found this amazing piece in a room filled with sea shells from all over the world!

During summer time, Front Street will be closed to vehicles around sunset every Wednesday for "Harbour Nights", a summer street festival with music from live band as well as vendors selling all kinds of things from local arts and crafts to food and drinks! (See more Fontaneous insider food recommendation photos in Bermuda here, here, here and here)

Street parade with Gombey dancers!

Do you also see the shipwreck bounce house in the middle top of the photo?

Famous birdcage with police directing traffic on Front Street...

Don't forget to head to the Dockyard for a fun night of drinks & cocktails!

Snorkel Park Beach Bar during full moon.

Taken on Calico Jack's Floating Bar!

Other Kodak moments in Bermuda...

A moon gate, originated in Chinese culture, has many different spiritual meanings.
In Bermuda, according to the locals, it brings good luck for newlyweds walking through the gates!

Those edible "cherries" were freshly picked from the trees..

(P.S. don't eat it unless it's in deep red color)

Thank you Krystal for the fun filled week! It's time to say goodbye now!

Don't forget to follow my adventures on Instagram @Travel_Fontaneously!

Feel free to share with us your Bermuda moments! If you have never been to this beautiful island, I hope this post inspires your next fun travel destination!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the one with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

Fontaneous Discovery: Breathtaking Scenes In The South

2016-06-05T19:59:00.000-04:00

It was such an amazing and unexpected trip last week, which I visited two states in three days. Never did I think I would see such beautiful places in my life! Thanks to Blue Mountain for the complimentary round trip ticket, I got a chance to see a small part of Georgia and South Carolina! Some sites are now on my list of top 10 breathtaking places in the US! Let's go straight to the photos.

Johns Island, South Carolina

This is Angel Oak, estimated to be 500 years old?!!
To give you a sense of scale, check out how small the people look behind me standing
near the foot of the tree. This tree is actually a lot bigger than what it seems in the photos...!

Look at those ginormous branches, which are so heavy that it hangs off the ground! Once again this photo doesn't do justice to its immense size!

We drove past this place on our way to Charleston. It's a private property but can't help to capture a few shots to show you guys how magnificent the place is!

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This place looks like it's straight from the fairy tale!

I even found a Mario mushroom!

Historic Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

I skipped the popular touristy sites since you could easily search them on the internet, and rather show you a few interesting scenes in the historic downtown area.

Where do those long tall trees come from...??

This ice cream parlor is one of the best in town and has a long line most of the time...

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston SC

Love at first sight?!

And right before leaving, we met again! This time he is up to something....

... animal porn!

And after....

Savannah, Georgia

Wormsloe Historic Site

fountain in Forsyth Park

Battlefield Memorial Park

Some interesting homes in Savannah *slide show*

Look at those trees...

Honey on the wall from Savannah Bee Company

The Tea Room : A cute tea room with a wall full of different type of tea!

If you're in Savannah, be sure to stop by this cookie store
for their delicious bite size cookies! They have been
around for nine decades!
My favorites: Lemon tart as well as chocolate chip!

And this popcorn store has a 10 feet long wall fills with giant buckets of popcorn in different flavors! More than 60 flavors, from green apple, banana to olive oil and truffle!
More details can be found here.

On our way to the airport and passed by this abandon barn that looks like scene from The Walking Dead!

So long Charleston and Savannah! Thanks for having me!

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)

NYC Summer Must Have: The "It" Bag

2016-05-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

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Summer is almost here! Are you guys excited as I am?? So thought it might be fun to do a post on the perfect "fontaneous" summer outfit!

To me, summer is all about fun, so I have hand picked this eye catching bag for you TF girls and matched it my white on white outfit!

There is no other bag that is as fun and colorful as this bag!

This "It" bag is by far my favourite summer bag. I received it back in February, and I'm finally bringing it out with me.

The rose bucket is perfect size and surprisingly functional. The leather bucket and fabric roses are well-made, and the quality is impeccable! It really looks like I just picked up some roses from the flower garden! Perfect for summer outing, picnic or even on a date! But hurry! This bag is on sale and gets sold out fast!

Top:   Alice & Olivia, similar style in here, or other suggestions - #1, #2 and #3.
Pants:   7 For All Mankind
Shoes: Diane von Furstenberg, other suggestions - #1 and #2.
Bag:   Kate Spade (limited stocks), or get it here and here. (Note: The item shows "out of stock" on Kate Spade website, but some local stores, such as in CA, actually still have a few stocks, so I suggest you to call the hotline and ask them to locate the item and order it for you. They will wave the shipping fee as well.)

A top view of the rose bucket bag on a blue polka dot plate.

(P.S. If you decide to order it on my online listing, your 5% promote code is TFMAY2016)

Be sure to check out the current NYC exhibit that everyone is crazy about, here is the details.

(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)