Monthly Archives: July 2015

An Unusual Garden

When you think about nurseries, you may not think of them immediately as gardens.  The first thing that may come to mind is that they are a landscaper’s haven.  And the source of supply for gardens other than their own.  Here, plants, bushes and flowers of all sorts are stocked by season.  They offer an abundance of choices.

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake”.  Henry David Thoreau

Nurseries are Gardens too!

Nurseries are Gardens too!

But on a recent trip to a local nursery, I was taken with the notion that visiting a nursery can also be incredibly inspirational and so uplifting.  And so easily done on your own.  The visual impact of so many varieties of plants and flowers, assembled together in their own categories is very different from the impact of a carefully curated and landscaped garden.

Nursery displays are a bit of a riot of colors, sizes, shapes and forms.  They have an energy and life that more or less shouts out “look at me”, “pick me”.  With pathways and squared out areas of display, walking around a nursery is quite simply, a feast for the eyes.  The wide range of robust fragrances also delight and transport you.

It’s a great alternative, if you don’t have access to public gardens…plan a morning or afternoon visit to a nursery.  You will thoroughly enjoy it.  Take your time there, linger and look for a lovely plant to bring home, nurture, and grow, as a reminder of your “A Table For One” visit.  Remember, you’re learning the art of being alone!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

An Invitation

I think that the more elegant the ways that a restaurant displays its desire to have you dine with them, the more you should consider trying it out.

Elegant and Inviting

Elegant and Inviting

“Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.”                           Frank Lloyd Wright

There are several reasons behind this.  First, the establishment wants you to notice them for all the right reasons.  They’re making it easy to preview their menu and prices.  You can be sure that, if they’ve giving this much attention to their outside display, (the invitation), that they’re also going to pay very close attention to what’s inside the dining room and the kitchen!  And, most importantly, to you their guest!

They’re also demonstrating that they’re not afraid to set up a higher level of expectation for excellent serve and attention to detail.  It would be safe to assume that they won’t hesitate to charm when you ask for “A Table For One”.

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Try Something Different

More and more venues offer wine and beer tastings these days.  In addition to so many new micro brews, many establishments offer special wines from many different countries.  All of this adds up to a different, more upscale approach to the traditional “Happy Hour”.  If you’re on your own, this can be attractive experience for your “A Table For One” outing.

“Everything has been figured out, except how to live.” Jean-Paul Sartre

Try a Wine Bar for fun!

Try a Wine Bar for fun!

Since this is more of an event, it will feel less awkward going alone.  You’re out to learn something new, try some new wines and enjoy the plates that are specially selected to go along with them!  Fully occupied, you will enjoy yourself and make some new discoveries in both food and wine.  A terrific evening to enjoy on your own!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Shopping Inspiration

If you try to observe what catches your eye as you walk along a beautiful street of shops, you’ll find the unexpected.  I love flowers and plants.  But I’m not always on the lookout for these shops, unless I have a specific purchase in mind.

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.”  Leo Tolstoy

Floral Inspirations

Floral Inspirations

So I’ve taken it to mind to look out for floral shops whenever I can.  They have an abundance of beauty and can inspire your next table setting, an entry way welcome or even a fragrant bedside arrangement.  Taking the time to appreciate the beauty around you is an essential part of the “A Table For One” experience.  It’s essential to the art of being alone!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

 

Go For Lunch

If you’re just starting out on your “A Table For One” adventures, I would suggest lunch as another alternative for a first “fine dining alone” experience.  Lunch can be a less intimidating meal to enjoy on your own.  It can be delightful and casual too.

“A well spent day brings happy sleep.”  Leonardo da Vinci

Small Cafe

Small Cafe

For your first choice, you might want to opt for a small cafe or restaurant.  You’re likely to get good service and the meal will be no doubt be delicious.  In addition, even if it’s crowded, it will feel intimate and you’re less likely to feel like you’re “on stage” dining alone.  I think lunch is a great way to begin your “Dining Solo” adventures!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Shopping Solo

Shopping is an entirely separate category when it comes to things to do alone!  What makes it specifically “A Table For One” experience is when you set out to shop, without a list or even specific purchases in mind.

“The less routine, the more life”.  Amos Bronson Alcott

This, for me, is one of the most fun ways to go shopping:  Go for a walk on a Main Street nearby, that’s known for its variety of small shops.  Or you can even go to a mall that has any number of different stores to visit.

Small Shops

Small Shops

Shopping is another great thing that will get you out and about.  You can window shop for inspiration.  Discover things you might want to add to your home decor.  You can wander into a shop you’ve never visited before.  You can see things you weren’t looking for.  You might even discover something you aspire to acquire and can start saving to purchase it!

Shopping stimulates your mind, not just your pocket.  And getting out and away from “screen” shopping is another perfect way to enjoy “A Table for One”!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

 

Small Hotels

Small hotels, sometimes in out-of-the way places can be a great option when you first start out traveling alone.  Recently, I stayed in a small hotel, just outside of Sorrento, Italy.  Located in Vico Equense, it was just a quick 11 minute train ride into Sorrento.   The Hotel Aequa featured all the advantages of a small hotel for solo travelers.

 

Hotel Aequa, Vico Equense

Hotel Aequa, Vico Equense

Hotel and Garden

Hotel and Garden

“The true object of all human life is play.  Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.”     Gilbert K. Chesterton        

The price included a European style buffet breakfast each morning.  I had asked for a double room with small balcony and view, thinking that the single rooms in Europe are still quite small.  It was a good choice, because the bed was bigger and the balcony provided access to beautiful views of the hotel property, Bay of Naples and the stunning Mount Vesuvius.

View from the balcony

View from the Balcony

Small hotels can be both intimate and private, depending on how much you want to engage with the people around you.  Again, this can be ideal for those first venturing out alone.  The hotel clerks are there to help, the guests at breakfast and around the pool can sometimes be friendly and engaging.  But if you really just want to relax, read, sun yourself, etc. you can easily opt to do this without interruptions.

 

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Things to Pack

When packing for a trip anywhere, I think it’s a good idea to pack a few essentials that you can use to support any adventure!

Bring these along!

Bring these along!

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”   William Morris

I always pack plastic utensils and some napkins.  No matter where you stay, (bed & breakfast, hotel, etc.), you will find these things very convenient to have on hand.  For example, I like to explore local farm stands for fresh fruit when I’m on the road.  Even if I’m working, I’ll keep my eye out for local treasures like fresh peaches, apples, strawberries, etc.   Having the utensils, and some napkins already in my room means that I can make a purchase and enjoy a snack anytime!

Farm Fresh!

Farm Fresh!

 

You might also want to consider packing some gourmet nuts and raisins too.  I love pistachios and have found that some brands add a twist, like chili or salt & pepper to spice them up.  Chose whatever your favorites are and make sure what you pack has a special “twist” to make it new and different.

Another treat I always look for is dark chocolate.  Wherever I go, inevitably, I find a new type of gourmet chocolate bars that may not be sold at home.  It’s a great opportunity to try something new that you wouldn’t think of trying ordinarily!

Dark Chocolate Treats!

Dark Chocolate Treats!

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Strawberry Fields…Forever!

Strawberry Fields!

Strawberry Fields!

Here’s something that works for me, when I’d like to clear my mind while doing something alone.  I find that choosing an activity that is physically engaging, anchors me in the present.

“Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”        Buddha

For example, getting out into farmland and orchards to help harvest the earth’s beautiful bounty requires real focus.  You have the experience of the activity, the “fruits” of your labor and all the many ways to consume and enjoy your bounty!

My local field is at Bartlett’s Farm on Nantucket Island.   The salt sea air and bright summer sun nudge these delicious berries into full ripeness.  You can buy a container and go out in the fields and pick them yourself!  With organic food becoming so popular, you can find all sorts of places that offer this kind of activity.  This particular summer day started out with a cool breeze, after humid heat and fog the past few days.  So off I went, early morning to Bartlett’s Farm and here’s the result and “fruits of my labor”:

Sunset Strawberry Bubbly

Sunset Strawberry Bubbly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady

Dining Tips: Repeat Visit

“People who love to eat are always the best people”  Julia Child

When you’re first out there, exploring the adventure of dining alone, try “repeat dining”.   Of course the goal is to get enough experience to feel comfortable going anywhere.  But to get to that point, it’s helpful to chose a place and go there a couple of times, if you like it.

Here’s why:  The first time, you may feel a bit uncomfortable.  But if you have a good experience and are sure to leave a nice tip (no need to go overboard, just don’t be stingy), you will be remembered.  The trick is to go back soon after your first outing, so you’re recognized.

I’ve found this to be helpful in neighborhood restaurants and, even more importantly, when traveling.  In most cases, they will welcome you back, remember which table you liked and sometimes they add a special amuse bouche from the chef, or after dinner drink to your meal.  It will make you feel a bit royal.  Imagine the next time, when you bring someone along with you…they will see how you are greeted with special treatment and be delighted as well!

 

Orsay

 

Copyright Marion O’Grady 2015