Where has November gone? I feel like five minutes ago it was Halloween, and we’re already racing towards Thanksgiving and the New Year. Life on the road seems to accelerate these transitions, when every day is equally different, yet the same, time seems to stall — until you look at the calendar and watch how the days have flown by.
That said, this week was a busy one! It started in New Jersey, led me to Delaware, and ended in Maryland. I’ll be in Maryland for the coming week before heading back up north for the holiday.
But for now, let’s walk through some of my favorite snaps of the week.
I started the week off with one of the best bagels I’ve ever had in my life. If you are in Northern Jersey and you don’t regularly go to Bagel Box, what are you doing?? Go!! (At least for me!!)
I made my way down through Central Jersey to Trenton, where I explored the Burg and had some seriously awesome pizza. (So awesome, I might add, I had it twice.)
I kept on to the Jersey Shore, where I explored empty boardwalks, chatted with people at diners, and sat in awe of the big, beautiful ocean.
I can’t imagine what it would like to be here during the regular season! Everyone told me it would be PACKED.
When I was walking around the empty boardwalk, I stopped in and talked to one shop owner, who explained how all the shops will close by Thanksgiving and open up again in late March. Tourism completely runs this stretch of Jersey, so there’s not much point in staying open during the “off months” — and they make enough during the summer season to pay rent the rest of the year.
I had some nice chats and cheap beer at a few local places, too. (Surprised?)
It was then off to Delaware, where I spent the first half in the northern bit of the state. Delaware is pretty split from north to south, and both parts feel vastly different — suburban to rural, though if you stick to Route 1, it can feel eerily like a giant strip mall.
The strip mall/suburban nature of Delaware continued down the state. It was hard to find many local businesses, while chains and outlets seem to flourish. (The zero percent sales tax doesn’t hurt.)
In Southern Delaware, I spent a few days with my Grandma’s brother and it was the PUREST and most lovely experience. He took me around the state, we drank a lot of coffee, and overall I had a wonderful time.
And then, it was off to Maryland. Onward.
