Osaka Japanese Restaurant

       Last Tuesday, my friends and I decided to have dinner at a charming, quiet Japanese restaurant called Osaka, located on 187 Route 73, Berlin Township, NJ.  osakaberlin.com. Osaka specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine that's prepared to order, and spicy dishes are prepared to one's taste. Osaka's dishes are offered for the diet-conscious, low in sodium, and mildly seasoned, and all of their dishes are cooked in Vegetable oil.  It is an excellent place for a low-budget date night, Lunch with family and friends. Osaka's is a BYOB spot, so you're welcome to bring any drink you'd like. I got a bottle of Riesling myself, as I heard it pairs nicely with Japanese cuisine. 

  If you’re a fan of sushi or sashimi, they have a fantastic variety of freshly prepared options. For those who aren’t into sushi, there’s no shortage of hot dishes, including hibachi dinners, fried rice, and tasty appetizers like dumplings, seaweed salad, and more. By the way, the bear-shaped ice cubes are absolutely adorable!

   That's my food journey for now; where I'll head next, only time will reveal. Please make sure to like, follow, and share this lovely blog with everyone. Have a great time and travel safely.

JerzyP😊🍴🍷🍣🚗
       

DoubleTap Brewery

         In North Jersey, there's a new brewery that was once an old post office, dating back to 1961. Now it houses a tremendous variety of craft beers and seltzers, I'm talking about Double Tap Brewery located at 50 Parsippany Rd. Whippany, NJ, doubletapbeer.com. Double Tap opened its business in 2022, inspired by Morris County's Colonial heritage and Benjamin Franklin's description of New Jersey as "a keg tapped at both ends," referencing its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.  Double Tap is a welcoming spot for families and their furry friends, as long as dogs are well-trained and kept on a leash.    They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Happy hour is held on Wednesdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with discounts available for those who use Uber or Lyft. Double Tap offers snacks like popcorn, a charcuterie board in a box, and pretzels they also have menus from other restaurants in the area. Additionally, a food truck is on-site. 

  That wraps up my day trip journey for now. Don’t forget to follow, like, and share the blog to stay updated on where I head next—only time will tell. Until then, travel safe and take care.

JerzyP😊🍺🚗

Greenwood Gardens & South Mountain Fairy Trail

      Last Saturday, I went back up to North Jersey, where nature invites you to breathe in the fresh air, admire beautiful flowers, and... fairies???  My first stop was New Jersey's version of Longwood Gardens—smaller in size, but a true hidden gem. The location is called Greenwood Gardens, situated at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills, New Jersey, greenwoodgardens.org. Greenwood is a 28-acre non-profit public historical garden and former private estate, nestled within 2,110 acres of preserved parkland. It is an enchanting retreat featuring terraced gardens, woodland meadows, grottoes, fountains, artistic touches, and charming craft follies. Winding paths from the early 20th century add to the charm and magnificence of the gardens. Before visiting Greenwood Gardens, check out the etiquette rules online. To plan your visit, you can get time tickets online. Refreshments are available at the gift shop and visitor center. Wear comfortable shoes, and if you have any questions about the garden's history, park assistants will be available to help. The premises also feature farm animals, including wild turkeys, roosters, and geese that freely roam the gardens. Visitors are advised not to feed the animals.

         From strolling through nature's beauty to stepping into a magical realm with fairies, my next adventure led me to a wooded path known as the South Mountain Fairy Trail, located at 197 Glen Ave. in Millburn, NJ, somocon.org. As you stroll along the roped path, you'll come across charming, handcrafted miniature fairy houses created by volunteer program coordinators. If you're interested in making one yourself, you can find details on getting your handcrafted fairy house approved by the coordinators via email on their website. Once approved, you can place it along an empty assigned spot on the trail, but please be cautious of poison ivy and nesting bees (especially if you're allergic).  Also, I recommend you 1. Leave no trace by avoiding adding homes, non-constructed lean-tos, or other structures to the trail. 2. Respect fragile creations by refraining from touching or removing any parts of the homes, allowing others to enjoy them. 3. Stay on the designated path to view the visible fairy homes.       

        

        Well, that's my excellent adventure for now. Where I go next, only time will tell. So, make sure to like, share, and spread the word to friends and family.  Happy travels and be safe. 

JerzyP 😁🚗🌸🌷