Pre-Season Escape to Montauk

Montauk is so beautiful at this time of the year ... right on the precipice of the summer season, the crowds, the aviator glasses and gossip on the beaches about the "Real Housewives" have yet to arrive.

We spent this past weekend enjoying pre-season rates at Hartman's Briney Breezes, with plenty of fresh air, wine, and World Cup games.

A Weekend in Charleston

Memorial Day Weekend was spent in Charleston this year, where I recieved some serious Southern Hospitality from my dear friend Savannah. I'd always heard fantastic things about the town, and most of them were accurate: Charleston's "cute" appeal is through the roof. While we were there, our itinerary ranged from the classic (lounging on the beach on Sullivan's Island), to the classy (a boat ride around the city + battery) to the trashy (a visit to the grave of Melanie Thornton, a.k.a. La Bouche).

Aside from a night spent battling the Formosan Termites, who swarmed in the hundreds of thousands for breeding, it was an incredibly relaxing weekend. I now understand why plenty of my friends have evacuated the northeast to call Charleston home. An autumn trip might be in order -- especially with such a short flight from NYC.

Partying With the Real Housewives

On Monday night, my best friend and I had the pleasure of partying with the Real Housewives of New Jersey (as well as some other Bravo personalities). In our lifelong quest of pursuing sheer trash, this was a milestone.

Check out more photographic evidence in my Facebook album, and full coverage of the premiere party at The Brownstone via my post for PopEater.com.

I Can't.

Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger Doritos... oh yes they did! For the true Frito-Lay connoisseur who craves Swiss n' beef flavor in their bag of pre-dawn, blackout shame.

As a recently born-again vegetarian AND a Doritos lover, this will present all sorts of new obstacles for me during late night/inebriated runs to the bodega.

Quote of the Day

“At night I have possums, skunks, lots of raccoons. They come right in the house, through the cat door, and they bring their babies in. I get up at night and they’re in the kitchen, eating all the cat food.” (http://kl.am/b0Ap)

He will never stop impressing me.

#thingsiwant

Colombia

I've just returned from 6 days in Colombia, and it was without a doubt my favorite trip I've taken in the past year. It was my first time in South America, and a quick 5 hour flight whisked me to one of the most beautiful countries I've seen yet. The Andes flanking Bogota, the bougainvillea tumbling from the quaint buildings in Cartagena, the sounds and colors of the streets and the churning, changing weather patterns kept our senses super busy.

While there are stark contrasts between the rich and poor, most of the people we encountered were kind, helpful and happy. And contrary to its reputation as a scary place (chock full 'o kidnappers, violence, drug hawkers and "Colombian Devil's Breath"), I've seen more violence on a weekend trip to Boston -- and been offered drugs much more freely in places like Jamaica and Mexico than I was in Colombia.

Bogota and Cartagena were incredible, but I wish I had more time to explore the rest of Colombia. I'm convinced that it will become the next "hot spot" for backpackers and upscale vacationers alike quite soon, and I can't wait to go back someday.