Audubon | A TABLE FOR ONE

I think that day trips are highly underrated. While we spend hours planning for major getaways, we frequently overlook the fun that can be had from just spontaneously hopping in a car, taking a train ride or even a bus to a nearby location for the day. Taking a break from your own routine surroundings, even if just for a few hours, can rejuvenate and reenergize your perspective.

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see.” John Burroughs

I have found that there are an infinite variety of things to do when you’re on your own. Breaking out of the scenery you live in is always invigorating. It gives you a different way to see your everyday environment. When you return, after exploring a totally different landscape, you feel that you’ve been far away, even if you’ve just gone an hour or so away from home base.

Break away for a spontaneous adventure, somewhere nearby!

The town of Greenwich, Ct. is not far from Manhattan. I grew up in Rye, N.Y. and attended elementary and high school in Greenwich, so it too is very familiar territory. Greenwich is a great choice for a day trip from New York City. Nestled in the northern end of Greenwich, there are acres and acres of meadows, lines of old stone walls meandering up and down hills, trees as old as those hills and a plethora of expansive fields to explore. And there, you will find the Audubon Center…an absolute treasure, so near and yet so far from the intenseness of city life.

The Audubon Center nestled in the northern corner of Greenwich, Ct.

The Audubon Center of Greenwich is a nature center comprised of over 200 acres of land and offers 7 miles of trails to walk. Who would suspect that such a rich resource as this would be so close to the city of New York? The beautiful welcome center has a gift shop, lots of reading materials, rooms for their regular talks and the people are lovely. Here is where you can rest after a long walk, sit on their back deck overlooking the property and enjoy the spectacular view.

The Audubon Center of Greenwich, Ct.

Pack up your favorite sandwich, snacks and bottled water for a picnic. Don’t forget your sunscreen, a hat and be sure to wear good walking shoes. This is a day trip made to order. The trails are long and complex enough to make it a return-to favorite. For me, the complete contrast from the concrete pathways of the city is a welcome relief. Open sky, earthy terrain, beautiful flora, fauna and birds…what a magnificent way to spend a day! It would be great to go with a friend too. But this is a perfect day trip just for you! Revel in the freedom of a very special adventure on your own.

Create your own backyard habitat!

The Audubon Center also offers great ideas on how to create your own backyard habitat. It doesn’t have to be fancy. These are great ideas from the best experts. Since the Center also offers interesting talks and tours, this will be something to consider doing for another “A Table For One” experience. Try not to waste any time, if you find yourself alone, set out on a day trip! You’ll find it’s one of the best ways to enjoy “being” on your own!

I think most of us do far more “special occasion” shopping for others than for ourselves. I definitely know this to be very true of me. Every once in a while, it’s OK to shop for yourself. In fact, it’s another celebration of you… an important expression of the art of being alone.

“If you want to live a memorable life, you have to be the kind of person who remembers to remember” Joshua Foer

When I finished my career of 25 years at The New York Times, I wanted to mark the event, by making a purchase of something that would remind me of the special occasion. Most people chose personal patterns of china, silver and crystal for their engagements, weddings and anniversary registries. Not having ever had a registry, I had rarely received gifts in any of those categories, but I certainly had shopped for these gifts for countless friends and family.

Beautiful Tiffany Audubon Silver Server and Spoons

Over time, I developed a fondness for particular patterns, dreaming of a day that I might be able to create a list of my own for these gifts! I have a great love of the outdoors and so I’m frequently drawn to colors and patterns that are evocative of nature. There’s a particular pattern of silverware at Tiffany and Co. that I fell in love with years ago. It’s called Audubon and I’ve always imagined how stunning it would be to set a table, inside or out, with this gorgeous pattern.

Tiffany Audubon Treasure “Reminders”

One Christmas, my mother lovingly gave me a serving piece in the Tiffany Audubon pattern, because she knew how much I loved it. So, when I left The New York Times, I decided to shop for my special gift for this outstanding occasion. I bought 2 large Audubon spoons that I knew would be great for multiple uses. I keep them on a shelf with colorful bowls and such. No-one else would notice, but every time I walk by them, I smile. Their beauty reminds me of my mother’s special gift and my years of hard work and happy days at The Times! (Maybe someday, I’ll even have a full place-setting or two…something to look forward too!)

A TABLE FOR ONE

THE ART OF "BEING" ON YOUR OWN

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Day Trippin’

Special Occasion Shopping…For You!