Who knew that Thomas Jefferson could be considered the father of .....ice cream!
Word is he was an early adopter and regularly served the sweet confection to his friends and family at Monticello and beyond.
If you want to follow in his culinary foot steps, you'll find the recipe below.
Thomas Jefferson's Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of good cream
- 6 yolks of eggs
- 1/2 lb. of sugar
- Stick of vanilla
Directions:
- Put the cream on a fire, first putting in a stick of vanilla
- When near boiling, take off the fire and pour it gently into a mixture of eggs and sugar, stirring well
- Put it on the fire again stirring thoroughly with a spoon to prevent it from sticking to the dish
- When near boiling, take it off and strain through a towel
- Put the mixture in a Sabottiere and set it in ice (sprinkled with a handful of salt) an hour before it is to be served
- Put salt on the coverlid of the Sabottiere and cover the whole with ice for 7 minutes
- Turn the Sabottiere in the ice 10 minutes, and when well taken, stir well with the spatula
- Put the mixture in moulds, which will sit in the same bucket of ice until serving
If you and your family are yearning for a seaside holiday, these coastal National Parks may fit the bill.
Here are five to consider:
1. Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA
Brimming with thousands of years of human history, your family can contemplate the complexity of the natural world amidst lush rain forests, glacier-capped mountains and richly-hued seaside tide pools. There are wild animals to observe, trails to hike, rivers to fish and more than 70 miles of untamed coastline to explore. Rangers are in residence to provide input during interpretive walks, campfire programs and to help decode the starry sky. Stay in the park lodge, in cabins or pitch a tent in your own campsite. , Built in 1953, Kalaloch Lodge is the only coastal lodging in the Park.
Contact: https://www.nps.gov/olym; www.thekalalochlodge.com.
2. Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys, GA.
Bypass the crowds and head for Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Pristine beaches, mud flats, dune fields and salt marshes provide respite for shore birds, sea turtles, wild turkeys and wild horses. Kayak, fish, and hike by day. Enjoy the bounty of stars visible from your family’s campsite. (No other lodging is available on the island.) A 30-minute, daily dockside program offers insight into the island’s history, culture and ecosystem. Other lengthier tours are also possible. Check the web site for times and availability.
Contact: https://www.nps.gov/cuis
3. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Explore the underwater world via a 225-yard trail where snorkelers are treated to a signed introduction to the region’s fish and marine life. While 40 percent of the park is under the water’s surface, there is plenty to do on land. Stroll the beaches, hike or tap into the region’s history at the visitor’s center.
Ranger led programs include bird watching, hiking, yoga on the beach, lionfish safaris and sky watching. Inside the park, resort lodging and camping are available. An extensive array of possibilities are available outside Park boundaries. (recovering from hurricane damage)
Contact: https://www.nps.gov/viis; http://www.CaneelBay.com.
4. Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX.
This Park protects the longest stretch of undeveloped Barrier Island in the world, a landscape that includes dunes, tidal flats, prairies and 70 miles of coastline. Home to more 380 species of birds, the Park also provides a safe haven for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Hatchling releases, often open to the public, occur from mid-June through August. Ranger-led interpretive programs broaden the experience with walks and talks and birding tours.
Contact: https://www.nps.gov/pais
5. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter, IN
Geocaching is a favorite activity of families who choose to explore this 15,000-acre Midwestern lakeshore. Be on the lookout for the rare Karner blue butterfly. Climb over dunes, along rivers and through wetlands as you choose from 50 miles of meandering trails. Take the Succession trail to the top of a dune for a view of the Chicago skyline. Kayak via the Lake Michigan Water Trail or claim your spot along the 15-mile stretch of sandy beach.
Contact: https://www.nps.gov/indu
Escape the bright lights of the city and introduce your family to the night sky. Here are five places to experience a star-filled landscape:
1. Arizona skies.
Expect stellar stargazing as well as the chance to tour the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, which was the first city to be designated a Dark Sky City by the International Dark-Sky Association. See the telescope via which Pluto was discovered in the 1930s and peer through the century-old Clark Telescope. Head south to Tucson, often noted as the astronomy capital of the world. Check in to the Westin La Paloma, where families can learn about the celestial world in the foothills of Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains. A “cosmic concierge” will provide an educational preamble while you enjoy fireside s’mores. Bolstered by your new information and the fresh night air, go forth to identify the sea of constellations above.
Contact: lowell.edu; flagstaffarizona.org; westinlapalomaresort.com
2. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah.
Home to some of the darkest skies in the country, this scenic landscape was the first to receive the International Dark Sky Park certification. Massive natural bridges form star-filled windows through which you can observe the skies as the Pueblo people did some 800 years ago. Among the most spectacular sights is the river of Milky Way brilliance observed rising over Owachomo Bridge.
Contact: www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm
3. Death Valley National Park, Calif.
The park’s 3.4 million-acre expanse and the region’s clean, dry air combine to provide an ideal vantage point for observing shooting stars, meteor showers and constellations galore. The conditions have earned the park Gold-Tier Dark Sky status. The area shares a strong commitment to avoid light pollution and keep the night sky visible. Stay at the Ranch at Furnace Creek and join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for Star Parties on selected evenings.
Contact: furnacecreekresort.com; nps.gov/deva
4. Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Relax on the beach by day and learn about the Pacific sky after the sun sets. This Hawaiian island is home to one of the world’s most important observatories and inspires the hotel’s interactive kids’ camps. During Cosmic Night, your youngsters will gather with astronomers for educational stories of the night sky. Each week, they’ll also have the option to join “A Camping We Will Go” and can learn to pitch a tent, stargaze, play flashlight tag and sample s’mores.
Contact: hiltonwaikoloavillage.com; ifa.hawaii.edu
5. Costa Rica.
Discovered by Magellan in the 1520s, his namesake dwarf galaxies are best observed mid-December through April. And Costa Rica, the home of pura vida, is one of the few places in the Northern Hemisphere where it’s possible to view the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Visit the Arenal volcano region for stunning vistas or relax in a jungle resort, where guided walks through lush flora and fauna are paired with observations of the night sky.
Contact: visitcostarica.com
Quick, what's the difference between a big resort hotel and the Wizard of Oz's Emerald City?
Answer: A story.
The wizard's creator, L. Frank Baum, was a frequent visitor to Coronado, California, and the town's beating heart, the Hotel del Coronado ("The Del" to the locals). His visits were so frequent, in fact, that his editor arranged for the rental of a separate house—off of "The Del" property—so that he might get away from the perpetual distraction of the hotel and get some writing done. The hotel and his whimsical experiences there clearly influenced his imaginings of Oz; some of Baum's illustrations of the Emerald City even look suspiciously like the iconic Queen Ann-style hotel.
Coronado still retains much of what attracted Baum (not the least of which is its own, amazing story), and it has also developed an even richer offering of experiences, accommodation, dining choices, and activities that (fortunately for his editor) didn't exist in Baum's day. And because families have always been such a part of the Coronado story, much of that new growth is still family-friendly.
The crown jewel of Coronado is, of course, the Hotel Del Coronado http://hoteldel.com/. Before it was completed in 1877 there was little more than dust and scattered tufts of pampas grass. But the dreams and vision that brought forth the grand hotel spread outward, and shortly the whole island was transformed into the lush, green, and (relatively) tranquil community you see today.
A stroll through the exquisite Coronado neighborhoods is a hint of the island's military presence on its north side. Many current and former navy personnel have homes here, and that military precision shows in the beautifully kept homes and immaculate landscaping (you could bounce a quarter off the lawns). But perhaps a better way to stroll the area around the Hotel Del is to tag along with Coronado Touring http://coronadowalkingtour.com/pop.php for a truly fun and fascinating walking tour. The grand and historic feel of the Hotel Del suggests a great story all its own, and a couple of hours with Coronado Touring confirms it. You'll even see "The Oz House", Mr. Baum's former "off-site" residence. If you can do this early in your Coronado visit, you'll then see the place with a sense of wonder you might otherwise miss (how else would you know about the secret message in the sand dunes?).
The walking tour begins in the Glorietta Bay Inn http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/, which is itself significant in the story, as it's principle building was the home of Coronado's greatest benefactor and "savior" of the Hotel Del dream, John Spreckels. The Glorietta is a terrific option to the Del Coronado, as you are just across the street from the Del but can choose from luxurious and historic rooms in Spreckels's original house or more modern and affordable rooms of various sizes throughout the rest of the hotel. The entire property is immaculately kept and the friendly staff clearly take their cue from, Claudia, the Glorietta's gregarious and hospitable manager.
The vivid and fascinating history of the island lends a richer tone to everything else you experience afterward. Just a few blocks from the Hotel Del, Clayton's Coffee Shop could be just a nifty 50's-themed diner (albeit with great food and sumptuous milkshakes), but now it feels like a time machine and you wouldn't be surprised to see Mr. Baum himself at the counter reading the day's paper over a coffee and apple pie. Two more blocks along Orange Avenue will find you transported back to that golden age of theatre at the incredibly restored Village Theatre http://www.vintagecinemas.com/village/, and two blocks back on Orange Avenue from Clayton's will satisfy that old fashioned summer yen for handcrafted ice cream at the Moo Time Creamery http://www.nadolife.com/mootime/loc-coronado.html. And of course many of the shops at the Hotel del Coronado itself http://www.hoteldel.com/Shops-at-the-Del.aspx recapture that historic feel, like at Spreckels Sweets & Treats, where you can get (among loads of other things) the same fudge or saltwater taffy that Frank Baum undoubtedly sampled.
But while Coronado Island certainly honors its rich history, it has grown up nicely with terrific contemporary offerings. Head south along the narrow peninsula (Coronado is technically not an island) where you'll find the contemporary and luxurious Loews Coronado Bay Resort http://www.loewshotels.com/Coronado-Bay-Resort, one of Parents Magazine's "10 Best Family Beach Resorts". The sheer luster in the recently refurbished interior betrays the many family-oriented amenities, including poolside movies (at just one of the three pools!), a dedicated kids' activity desk, and rides in one of their authentic Venetian gondolas. And it's just a short walk or free shuttle to the quiet Silver Strand State Beach, which might seem like your own private beach, relative to crowds at Coronado Beach.
Further along Orange Avenue from the Hotel Del on the north side of the Island you'll find a host of shops, restaurants, and activities surrounding the Ferry Landing http://coronadoferrylandingshops.com/. Nearby the Ferry Landing is the sumptuous Coronado Island Marriott Resort http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanci-coronado-island-marriott-resort-and-spa/, with exquisite views over the bay to the beautiful San Diego skyline, rejuvenating spa treatments, a private water taxi across the bay for guests, and a lush pool and outdoor restaurant that you may find difficult to leave to explore Coronado.
But explore you must, for no matter where you stay, your own Coronado story is waiting to be written.
"Coronado: The Queen of Fairyland"
And every day her loveliness,
Shines pure, without a flaw;
New charms entrance our every glance,
And fill our souls with awe!
- L. Frank Baum
WHEN TO GO:
The locals are spoiled in San Diego, and even during what they call "June Gloom", the weather is pleasant (if not fully sunny till noon). That said, the best months for weather are June through September. You'll find better deals and smaller crowds outside those months.
THINGS TO DO:
You'll find plenty to keep the whole family busy on Coronado, but here are number of things to consider in your itinerary:
- Gooey fun: After dinner S'mores on the beach at Hotel Del Coronado.
- Haute Culture: and evening at the impressive Lamb's Players Theatre http://www.lambsplayers.org/.
- Discovery: Kayak tour with a state park naturalist at Loew's Coronado Bay Resort.
- Gluttony: The indescribable decadence of the Hotel Del Coronado Crown Room Sunday brunch.
- Toodling: Pedal the family around the island on a 4-person surrey bike, available at your hotel or shops around town.
- Learning: Get the full and fascinating story on the island at the Coronado Museum of History & Art http://coronadohistory.org/.
ACCOMMODATION:
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Glorietta Bay Inn
Hotel del Coronado
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
