#ThrowbackThursday Goodbye Lord & Taylor

Since 1914, Lord & Taylor has had its flagship store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Sadly it was announced earlier this year that the current owner, Canadian company Hudson’s Bay Co., has sold the lovely landmark building to WeWork (other locations will remain open). For years the Lord & Taylor Christmas windows were the highlight of my family’s holiday outing to New York City. The demise of this location hits hard because of that and because it reminds me of another venerable retail institution which was shuttered and which was like part of my family – B. Altman’s. My dad worked at Altman’s for over twenty years and I worked there as well to pay for high school and college expenses. I actually based the store in ONE SUMMER NIGHT on Altman’s which is still so dear to my heart.

So today’s Throwback Thursday is an homage to the Lord & Taylor Christmas windows. Thank you for so many wonderful years and memories. You will be missed.

FYI – Hudson’s Bay also owns Saks Fifth Avenue. Wonder if that location will be the next with a “For Sale” sign?

A Possible Goodbye to the Circus Diner #ThrowbackThursday

There are some things that have been around forever and are embedded in people’s minds and hearts. The Circus Diner is one of those things because of its uniqueness and longevity. It has been around for 63 years in Wall Township and is an iconic emblem of the Jersey Shore.

Sadly, the property has been sold and it looks like the new owner has no interest in running a restaurant. While the township is discussing what can be done to preserve what should be a landmark, it seems that little can be done. You can read and see more about the Circus diner by clicking here.

For now, some pictures from one of my visits to this truly unique place.

#TravelTuesday Ocean Grove #NJ

Ocean Grove is a lovely little town in my neck of the Jersey Shore. It was founded in 1869 by Methodist clergymen who wanted a summer camp meeting site on the Jersey Shore. A lot of the property in the town is still owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and leased to residents for their homes and businesses. The town was declared a State and National Historic District in 1975 and has an amazing number of Victorian and early 19th century homes. It also has these fabulous tents that are occupied during the summer months and originated as places for people to stay for the camp meetings.

Ocean Grove beaches are some of the loveliest in the state and the beaches and boardwalk have been restored since the damage done by Hurricane Sandy. It is always fun to visit the beaches and then stroll into town for the small businesses (like my daughter’s surf and skate shop) and the many events that the town holds all year long.

This past weekend was the Brits on the Beach event! I loved visiting to see all the classic and modern British cars that were in town for the event. Today I’m sharing some pictures with you. Just click on a photo to see it full size!