REVISITING THE GRENADINES

ST VINCENT AND BEQUIA 

sailing in the Grenadines

Though the credo of VFH Central is to never repeat travel destinations because, well, “it’s a big world out there and someone’s gotta see it”, I have always had a secret desire to revisit the island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or SVG.

We last visited the area nearly 20 years ago on what was our first vacation together when we sailed on the now defunct Windjammer Cruises. With just 36 or so people onboard the majestic three-masted Yankee Clipper we sailed from St. Lucia through the islands of the Grenadines. Along the way we stopped for a time at several previously unheard-of islands like Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, anchoring in Grenada overnight before sailing back to St. Lucia. 

The Yankee Clipper

It was quite a trip, and the beauty was unending.

It was in the Grenadines where I went scuba diving for the first time ever. I was shocked by the clarity of the water and the diversity of marine life beneath the surface. Although I did not dive again until we started traveling to the Sandals family of resorts, where diving is included in your stay, I have always harbored a desire to see this part of the world again.

KIDS? 

Technically we are not actually “repeating” a destination when we travel to the newest Sandals resort located on St. Vincent, for on that Windjammer “bucket-list” cruise long ago we never physically stopped at the island.

Originally, the Sandals company planned St Vincent to be a “Beaches” resort which is (shudder) a family resort also run by them, but for some reason Sandals decided to transition the property into a proper, adult couples only all-inclusive resort where you will never hear the word “no”, or for that matter, incessant prattling and whining as you would expect at a child-centric location. Ugh.

A Beaches resort will open on the island in 2027 according to an article in the St. Vincent Times. We will NOT be there….

NEW BEACHES RESORT ON ST VINCENT

SANDALS EFFECT

Tourism is growing on St. Vincent because of Sandals. Used to be there was only one flight daily (except for Tuesdays) on American Airlines, but because of the popularity of Sandals other airlines like JetBlue and soon, Delta, are adding flights from the United States. It once was difficult to get to SVG, but that is changing. Still, just be sure to plan far in advance as flights fill up. We (Janet) booked our flight a long time ago, using Aadvantage Miles.

St Vincent 
and the Grenadines

YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE

For further insurance against missing a connecting flight out of Miami (where American notoriously schedules very tight windows) we (Janet) chose to fly into Miami the night before our flight to St. Vincent. We (Janet) didn't want to risk missing any time in the Grenadines, because before our stay at Sandals St Vincent we are first traveling to Bequia, one of the islands we visited on that long ago Windjammer cruise, for a four-night stay. 

There is also a tight connection once we arrive at Argyle International Airport on St Vincent, for after we clear customs we then need to head to Kingstown a half hour drive away to catch a ferry to Bequia. 

To expedite matters we (Janet) arranged for a car to take us directly to the Bequia Express ferry for the hour-long passage to Bequia. At first the arrival time for the flight and the departure of the ferry didn’t jibe, but Bequia Express people shifted the departure time to accommodate a later arriving flight.  

(I cannot stress enough how valuable Janet is in this entire process. Without her doing all the necessary research and arranging we would not have made the ferry.)

BEQUIA EXPRESS FERRY

Bequia

BEQUIA (BEK-wee)

With this trip to St. Vincent we will have visited each of the islands that hosts a Sandals resort, Janet and I are really looking forward to returning to Bequia for this extended stay. It will be our vacation before our vacation as it were. We are staying at the Bequia Plantation Hotel before our Sandals visit on St Vincent.

The Yankee Clipper's captain was born on Bequia and on that Windjammer cruise we anchored overnight in Admiralty Bay and only got to see a little bit of the island. It was not enough. 

BEQUIA PLANTATION HOTEL

A HIDDEN GEM

A bit about the island. Just 7 square miles and with only 5,000 inhabitants, Bequia is large enough to offer plenty to do but still be intimate and peaceful.

Sugar was once the prime commerce, but that has faded, and now Bequia is known for her shipbuilding craftsmen and whaling. Many of the inhabitants can trace their heritage to Scottish immigrants so the local patois comes often with a Scottish brogue. Whaling is still allowed and up to four can be harvested each year, although years can pass without a catch. To read more about Bequia's history and whaling culture, click below for two great resources.

WHALING ON BEQUIA

BEQUIA HISTORY 

Whaleboner

WHALEBONER

There are several reasons to get excited over a visit to Bequia. One could explore her maritime history at the Boat Museum and take a tour of the island and visit Sample Cay where the whalers process the animal. 

Or, one could visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. The Yankee Clipper’s captain spoke of his time as a boy when the sea turtles were so plentiful that they could literally hitch rides on their backs. Their numbers have dwindled over the years, but at the sanctuary they are endeavoring to replenish the population.

OLD HEGG TURTLE SANCTUARY BEQUIA

Blackbeard the pirate had some business in Bequia in the the 1710s. Perhaps there may be some hidden booty somewhere on the island, but for us simply lolling about on any of the beautiful beaches is probably the extent of our exploration. You'll probably find us lounging at the Whaleboner Bar, sipping a local Hairoun beer. A mere 10-minute walk from our hotel, the entrance to the Whaleboner is decorated with two soaring whale rib bones and you can sit in chairs right on the water's edge, overlooking Admiralty Bay. We'll be there, happy that we have finally returned to this beautiful island.

 THE WHALEBONER BEQUIA

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS SVG?

Just in case you're unsure about where St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located... 

The island nation is south of St. Lucia, north of Grenada and west of Barbados. Bequia is 9 miles south of St. Vincent.   

Thanks for reading

Love Janet and greg

© 2025 by Gregory Dunaj

OKTOBERFEST IN PHOENIXVILLE

THE POWER OF POSITIVE DRINKING

As if anyone needs an Oktoberfest celebration for a reason to drink beer. This is especially so here in Pennsylvania where there is a rich history of beer drinking.  Philadelphia even has a section called “Brewerytown” and during its height in the late 1800s there were several breweries clustered in a 10-block area, and at one point there were 100s of breweries scattered across the city.

Early on Pennsylvania embraced the “craft” and "micro-brewery” movement and the proliferation of these varied brews can be found in every corner bar and hipster hang out throughout. Even the dive bars have at least one or two or more beers that ARE NOT Bud, etc. on-tap.

KEEP ON QUAFFING ON

So, as the Oktoberfest season is upon us there is not a lot of extra “celebrating” here in southeast Pennsylvania, it is just another weekend. And, in Phoenixville, just a 5-mile uber drive from our Collegeville address, the beer flows generously as each weekend the main street is blocked off and beer revelers crawl from pub to pub, with nary any lederhosen in sight.

PURITY LAWS

Although, there are scattered attempts in Pennsylvania at upholding the Oktoberfest tradition that started in 1810 in Munich as a celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, with wavering results.

In the past we have attended some lively Pennsylvanian Oktoberfest celebrations that featured oompah bands and dancing and a parade with the roasted pig. Some even serve beer only brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot or “purity laws” that state only barley, water, hops and yeast are the only allowable ingredients.

DIRNDL, LEDERHOSEN AND KOLSH OH MY!

PARTY ON

There are two notable Oktoberfest celebrations around Reading. One is the highly rated Reading Liederkranz, it is considered quite authentic. We haven’t had a chance to get to this one. Here is their website:

READING LIEDERKRANZ

Stoudt’s brewery in Adamstown, not far from Reading, used to have a phenomenal Oktoberfest, like if you’re not sporting lederhosen you’re underdressed. It featured everything from requisite brews and a parade through the crowd with a roasted pig, dancing and bouts of drinking songs.

One of the earliest craft breweries, Stoudt’s started in 1987 but closed when the brewmaster Carol Stoudt retired in 2020. We attended this one several times over the years. Janet even got on stage to flail about with her accordion.

*There is an update on Stoudt’s. It turns out that a collaboration between Stoudt’s and another area craft brewery, Evil Genius, have restarted the brand with Carol giving advice on recipes, etc. There was also this past weekend the second annual “Stoudtoberfest”. Set in a faux Bavarian village square created as a shopping area, Stoudtoberfest had beers, music and stein hoisting contests. Despite the slight constant dreary drizzling we had a great time.

STOUDTOBERFEST

Here is the website for Munich’s Oktoberfest:

MUNICH OKTOBERFEST 

RISING FROM THE RUST BELT

But, this article is really about the beer scene in Phoenixville.

The town had a rich history before it became a beer destination.

Phoenixville was once the site of the historic Phoenixville Iron Company, which cast most of the cannon used in the Civil War by the Union. When the company closed its doors in 1987 the town suffered a severe economic downturn.

The 1958 science fiction horror film The Blob was filmed mostly in town and the Colonial Theatre was featured prominently when the titular critter from outer space oozes out of the projection booth. Each July the Blobfest is held, and patrons can recreate the pandemonium of the film as they partake in the “run-out,” which is a highly sought after ticket.

Colonial Theatre
Plaque 

Activities like the Blobfest and the convivial atmosphere of the many restaurants, shops, distilleries and breweries have had a great positive impact on the regrowth of Phoenixville.

Here’s a sample of what Phoenixville offers as a beer destination and drink responsibly:

 

BREWERIES:

Rec Room at Conshohocken Brewing

Rec Room

Spacious area with several bars on premises offering Conshohocken Brews, with free (at least during the day) shuffleboard, table tennis and pool tables.

CONSHOHOCKEN BREWING 

Stable 12 Brewing Company

On Bridge Street, the main drag that’s closed off weekends, but beyond the enclosed area. Good beers, finger foods, open area with tables and a small stage for music.

STABLE 12 BREWING 

Root Down Brewing

Big airy building steps away from Bridge Street. Great array of beers.

ROOT DOWN BREWING 

Twelve78

Newest brewery in town. Nestled near the parking lots when you first enter town coming south. In a converted garage. Live music sometimes.

TWELVE78 BREWING

TWELVE 78 BREWING 

Rebel Hill Brewing Company

Across the street from the Colonial Theatre

REBEL HILL BREWING 

Sly Fox

Various locations. Phoenixville’s is just outside of town on Route 113. Great burgers, even better beers. Try my personal favorite their 113 IPA or Odyssey if it’s on tap.

SLY FOX BREWING 

RIP:

Stable 12

Iron Hill

One of the original brewpubs. Fantastic array of beers and great food. Various locations were in Delaware and Pennsylvania, but in September they abruptly filed for bankruptcy and all brewpubs were closed. Very sad

BANKRUPTCY OF IRON HILL 

Notable Drinking Establishments in town:

Bistro on Bridge - Oktoberfest

Large rotating taps of beers from all over the area, plus descent food. There’s an open air bar upstairs that only serves cans, although the recent weekend we went there, they were having their mini-Oktoberfest celebration. Several Bavarian beers on tap, German delicacies and even the mayor of Phoenixville pranced around looking resplendent in his lederhosen.

BISTRO ON BRIDGE 

Rivertown Taps

RIVERTOWN TAPS 

Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery

It is a coffeehouse, a music venue (we saw Steve Forbert there a while ago) and they serve food, coffee and a couple of beers brewed specifically for them by an area brewery.

STEEL CITY CAFE 

Great American Pub

In the beginning of Phoenixville's regrowth, it was only Iron Hill and the Great American Pub in town. A beautiful old Oak bar inside and a modern airy bar in the back. Different beer lists at either bar but can order from both. Good food.

THE GREAT AMERICAN PUB 

Sedona Taphouse

A chain establishment but has good food and a nice beer list…. In Phoenixville they’d better.

SEDONA TAPHOUSE 

Molly Maguires

Standard issue Irish bar. Guiness for all. Seating on the street and on the balcony overlooking the steel works across the street.

MOLLY MAGUIRES 

Fenix

Next door to Molly Maguires. It’s quieter and a great place for mixed drinks. Our go to for a martini.

FENIX BAR

Foodery

Don’t worry about finding a particular beer in this beer emporium. You want it, they probably have it. A chain, there is one on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Some food available and there are tables outside to enjoy your choice. 

THE FOODERY 

Distilleries: (In case you don't want a beer)

Boardroom (partnered with Boardroom Spirits Landsdale)

THE BOARDROOM 

Blue Bird Distilling

BLUE BIRD DISTILLING 

Nearby:

Lock 29 (across the bridge in Mont Clare)

LOCK 29 MONT CLARE 

Fitzwater Station

FITZWATER STATION

Along the canal across the river from Phoenixville proper. Mont Clare is where the Sundance Kid (not Robert Redford) was born. Great beer list and even better barbeque. Sit on the deck overlooking the canal. You can even rent kayaks.

FITZWATER STATION 

Troubles End (Collegeville)

The day after Troubles End opened the COVID pandemic hit, but this thriving establishment just down the block from our place in Collegeville has a great selection of house and guest taps and cans. Great chef. Great location, because we can walk there!

TROUBLES END BREWING COLLEGEVILLE 

So, Oompah your way through the Oktoberfest in Phoenixville, even if it’s just another weekend.

Prost!

Thanks for reading, and you’re all welcome to come by and buy us a beer.

Love, Janet and greg

© 2025 by Gregory Dunaj

                                                                    Lou

SUMMER HOME BODIES 2025

redefining the locus

REDEFINING THE LOCUS  

Those of you who are repeat and highly revered visitors to this blog may be wondering why we haven’t “gone” anywhere recently. Apart from our early summer visit to the upstate New York area, we have spent this summer close to home. It’s a big world out there you’ll say, parroting my oft uttered view about traveling, so rightfully you may think “what the heck?”.

A reasonable question. I mean, so far this year we’ve been in England and Thailand and the Big Island of Hawaii. So, why the lapse these last three months?

LOCUS=LUGGAGE    

Well, during the summer months it was necessary to redefine our locus from luggage and travel to home and family commitments. July was taken up with housesitting and dog watching for other family members as they traveled in Europe. They have two dogs who require lots of TLC, so we were happy to help. Truthfully, we couldn’t say “no”.

We travel a lot, and because they watch our cur while we are gone, we HAD to return the favor. Sometimes you need to pay the piper.

Because we had this large commitment in the middle of the month we needed to stay home. Thankfully we had access to a cement pond of a dear friend, and we puttered in our garden between dips. So, it wasn’t THAT bad.

Evansburg SP

August though was a month-long tornado.

THE BRITISH ARE COMING

For most of August Janet’s grandchildren from England and their family stayed with us. Of course, we welcomed them and enjoyed their company, but it was as if a tornado descended on our middle-class garret in the normally quiet Philadelphia suburb of Collegeville.

Throughout their stay in was a flurry of movement and activities that had us conjuring up more things to do with them when they got bored.

Inert they ain’t. 

Ocean City NJ

We played pickleball, basketball, climbed trees, kicked a soccer ball around for hours (they are English), played rounds of miniature golf that often descended into World Cup final hysteria, had spirited water pistol fights at our friend’s pool, went hiking, kicked a soccer ball around some more, rode scooters (which they brought with them from England) daily at the local skate park, walked our dog so many times that she would hide when we fetched her leash, went horseback riding at nearby Evansburg State Park, and endured hurricane Erin as it lashed the beach at Ocean City New Jersey while we stayed in the “dry” town.

Ocean City NJ

(No bars or alcohol sales are allowed in the family-friendly OCNJ).

At least the storm was far offshore. Unfortunately, the ocean was treacherous and no one was allowed onto the beach. So, we spent our time in the arcades and amusement rides on the Boardwalk, and we ate a lot of pizza and a lot of ice cream and a lot of chocolate-chip pancakes.

They may be a poor substitute for Pad Thai or Shave Ice, but it we had a great time enjoying the company of the grandchildren.

SEPTEMBER RECOVERY

We took it slow in September and busied ourselves with our pepper gardening. Janet makes a very popular Pineapple/Habanero Jelly, and I make an array of hot sauces. I also made pulled pork and we went to a Phillies/Mets game. 

Phillies game

It was nice to enjoy our home and drink coffee of our back deck.

Don’t worry, we’ll be hitting the road again soon.

OCNJ

Ocean City NJ is very family oriented. There are no bars or even liquor stores on the barrier island, though it’s not that far from Atlantic City. The beach is wide and sandy.

While there we played more miniature golf, frequented several arcades, spent a night on the amusement rides, and one morning rented bikes on the boardwalk.

We stayed in OCNJ for 4 days as Hurricane Erin churned the waters offshore and caused some flooding during high tide as water crept into town from the bay.

We were concerned and spent the evening monitoring the situation, but the water only got to be shin deep. It was not until our last day in OCNJ that bathers were finally allowed on the beach, but the lifeguards kept everyone close to the surf line and so the grandchildren were not able to boogie board.  

OCEAN CITY NEW JERSEY

HORSE BACK RIDING

Evansburg State Park is five minutes from our house, and the Red Buffalo Ranch offers guided trail rides through the 3,500 acres of green space on 15 miles of trails. Cost was $60 pp, tips not included.  

RED BUFFALO RANCH 

CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Chinese Lantern Festival

A yearly event at Franklin Square by Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Bridge. Displays change, but the long Chinese Dragon is a constant. This year there was an aquatic motif. It was as entertaining for us as it was for the grandchildren. We ate at the festival.

PHILADELPHIA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL 

Thanks for your patience and thanks for reading.

Love, Mom mom and greg

© 2025 Gregory Dunaj

SARATOGA SPRINGS and LAKE GEORGE

HEALTH, HISTORY AND HORSES

Kayaking on Lake George

We accepted another invitation from dear friends to visit them at their home in upstate New York. They live near the tony town of Saratoga Springs. Like our previous visits we spent the weekend partaking in the revelry of the many drinking establishments in town, especially around Caroline Street. That’s a normal occurrence in Saratoga Springs, but this time we also went kayaking on nearby Lake George at the “camp” their family owns, and we also visited the mineral springs that first lured tourists to this area.

…AND THEY’RE OFF

Today, Saratoga Springs is known for horse racing. Thousands of people come to town for the thoroughbred racing season at the Saratoga Race Course which runs from mid-July through September. Added recently to the schedule is the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, while Belmont Park is being renovated through 2026.

During the racing season the population of Saratoga Springs swells with tourists who hit the many bars even if they didn’t hit it big at the races, but the revelry does not abate with the off season. We have experienced the crush of patrons in the bars when the track wasn’t open during our previous visits.

RACING AT SARATOGA SPRINGS

THE DRUNKEST CITY IN NEW YORK

Saratoga Springs also has the dubious distinction of being the drunkest city in New York State, with 24% of the population admitting to excessive drinking in a recent pub crawl poll. This number is about 5% higher than the national average.

We have been known to partake in “some” drinking during our visits with this humble scribe’s personal favorite being the Bourbon Room on Caroline Street.

BOURBON ROOM, SARATOGA SPRINGS

NEW YORK'S DRUNKEST CITY

VIVA L’ESTAT UNIS

This was our third visit to the area and previously we toured the battle sites of Saratoga which was a turning point in the Revolutionary War as the Americans’ victory here convinced France to help in our cause. We also used Saratoga Springs as a jumping off point to experience the thrilling solar eclipse in 2024. We settled in on the storied speed skating rink for the Lake Placid Olympics and watched the heavenly display.

And, of course, for both visits we slaked our thirst at the many establishments in and around Saratoga Springs…for medicinal purposes you know.

TAKING THE WATERS

Saratoga Springs has long been a wellness destination for those seeking the curative naturally carbonated spring waters in the area. By the mid-1800s doctors would routinely prescribe a visit to the spas of Saratoga Springs where nearly everything, from skin, kidney and liver ailments to rheumatism to cancer to stress relief, was rumored to be cured by taking the waters at spas like the Roosevelt Baths and the Lincoln Baths. Elite members of society like the Vanderbilts, Whitneys and the Morgans often visited the spas.

Today only the Roosevelt Bath and Spa remains. Located on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park, visitors can soak privately in individual rooms filled with the naturally effervescent mineral water—keeping the centuries-old wellness tradition alive.

WHEREFORE THE WATERS

Saratoga Springs lies on a geological fault line, and the underground water sources contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. This carbonates the water as it passes through layers of shale, rock and soil, absorbing minerals and gases along the way. The carbon dioxide dissolves in the water and creates the sparkling, fizzy waters that have lured tourists to Saratoga Springs since the Revolutionary War era.

Geyser Island with tufa

Soda water is created by artificially infusing the water with CO2 gas under pressure, but in Saratoga Springs this occurs naturally.

TASTING THE WATERS

Essential minerals to humans like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are absorbed by the water and the natural carbonation has an alkaline PH that helps reduce acidity in the body which also helps with indigestion. It is possible to purchase Saratoga Springs water in deep blue bottles in area stores, or one can fill their personal containers at any one of 21 mineral springs located in the vicinity.

Each of the springs vary slightly in its chemical makeup and flavor, some even change with the season. Some of the springs have an accumulation of tufa, a type of limestone carbonate that is deposited as the carbonated water breaches the surface. Over time some of the tufa mounds have become massive.

Geothermically heated hot springs produce a similar limestone carbonate called travertine.

Here is a map of the area’s springs:

Here is a description of each of the springs:

THE SPRINGS OF SARATOGA SPRINGS 

CAMP, CABIN OR COTTAGE DIFFERENCE?

Nothing.

Depending on where you are from, your plot of heavenly getaway can be called a cabin or a cottage, or a camp. With our upstate New York friends, their little house on a finger of the lengthy and historic Lake George is called a camp. With a screened porch, brilliant views, refreshing waters and kayaks it was a great way to spend a relaxing day. Even when I fell out of the kayak at the pier it was all fun.

Camp on Lake George

Their camp is far enough away from the relative tumult of the tourism around the state run Million Dollar Beach which is a quick walk to Fort William Henry, which was part of a chain of forts erected by the British during the French Indian War and the living museum there is a major tourist attraction. The fort figured prominently in James Fennimore Cooper’s novel, The Last Of The Mohicans. Parking at Million Dollar Beach is $10 per car.

My family traveled to the area when I was a gawky teenager. There’s a photograph somewhere of me tormenting my younger siblings while on the parapet.

Thanks for reading.

Love Janet and greg

© 2025 by Gregory Dunaj

MY TIME IN EDEN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

The alternative is final. Our time is fleeting. Never say never and never have a false sense of permanence. Our joys in this vast beautiful world are boundless today but tomorrow is a guess at best. Enjoy this Eden while you can. There is so much to see and to do and the past doesn’t matter because you can’t do anything about it. The here and now is all we got.

In the words of the Buddha: “Let that shit go and party on.”

Perhaps I’m paraphrasing?

SUMMER OF LOVE

Yes, I turned 69 today. Other than the bawdy reference to “love” the number is significant because my age, my waist and my IQ are finally all the same, a perfect confluence of meanings. I will not allow my girth, age or stupidity to get in the way of having a great time today.

Gotta go.

Love greg

© 2025 Gregory Dunaj