Coast 2 Coast Mom

Samsung Impresses Again with the ES8000 SMART 3D TV

I first went gaga for Samsung TVs at CES a couple of years ago when they started rolling out the large flat-screen HD TVs. They were beautifully-bezeled with super sharp pictures that looked like you could reach out and touch the characters or scenes onscreen. Then, last Christmas we visited my parents and c2cDad practically drooled watching TV on their new 55" Samsung SMART TV. It was impressive, and lived up to what I'd been telling him about the TVs I see at tech press events. So when we returned home to NJ after Christmas, and happened upon a fantastic... Read more →

Marvel's The Avengers Blu-Ray and DVD Second Screen App

The Avengers released yesterday, September 25th on Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3D and DVD, bringing together Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Captain America in a battle to save the earth from Loki, Thor’s brother from Asgard. What happens when you put some of the greatest superheroes together in one film? You get one of the highest-grossing movies of all time (#3 in fact). Put those same heroes on Blu-ray? You have an amazing theatrical experience in the comfort of your own living room that involves both your TV and your iPad. Not only is the video quality just... Read more →

Family-Friendly Beach Hotel on Cape Cod

We were recently invited to stay at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, Mass., on Cape Cod to experience the completion of their multi-year multi-million dollar renovation project first-hand. Nearly every part of the family-friendly beach resort was upgraded or remodeled - the guest rooms, the saline pool, Red's restaurant and more. One thing that didn't change - nor should it - is the hotel's location on the beach on Buzzard's Bay. It's perfect. The beach was gorgeous and the sunset views amazing, and unlike other coastal beach areas, the waves were kid-friendly and easy for kids to... Read more →

Red's Restaurant at Sea Crest Beach Hotel

Part of the Sea Crest Beach Hotel's recent multi-million dollar renovations included their dining offerings, and the cornerstone, Red's restaurant. Named for coach and philanthropist Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach, it's a relaxed Cape Cod restaurant with something for everyone. The killer sunset views on Buzzard's Bay make it a must-visit for a trip to North Falmouth. We tried Red's on our recent visit to Cape Cod. Situated right on the beach, it offers indoor clubhouse-style seating on a three-season porch, private, more formal seating, or outdoor seating. We opted for the indoor three-season room seating and perfectly timed it for... Read more →

Newly Renovated Sea Crest Beach Hotel on Cape Cod

The Sea Crest Beach Hotel on Cape Cod completed a $15 million multi-year renovation project earlier this year and invited us to check out the remodeled family beach hotel for ourselves. Cape Cod? Family beach hotel? Yes, please! Between c2cDad's travel schedule and my work schedule, this was our first trip to the beach all summer, so we were beyond giddy to pack up the car and head toward the sand and waves of the Cape. Located directly on a private beach in North Falmouth, Mass., the Sea Crest Beach Hotel is a family-friendly hotel just a four to five... Read more →

Visit to the newly renovated Hilton Westchester #MeetMeInWCNY

When we visited Westchester County recently as part of the #MeetMeInWCNY program, we stayed at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook, NY, located amidst 37 acres of lush woods, manicured grounds and trails. The hotel just completed a $35 million renovation project in July 2012, and you could tell that a lot of thought had been put into the rooms, entryway and central lobby area. The new open lobby takes advantage of natural light, and the floor to ceiling windows bring some of the natural surroundings outdoors, inside. The natural decor with stones and tropical flowers seemed to echo the... Read more →

Yonkers Esplanade and Saw Mill River Daylighting

I recently traveled over the Tappan Zee Bridge to visit Westchester County upon the invitation of the Westchester County Tourism and Film Board. We explored some fabulous food and dining experiences, and I learned a bit of Westchester history too. I had a terrific time and am excited to plan some family-friendly visits this fall to explore more of Westchester County. One of the great things about getting away for dinner, the day or the weekend in Westchester County is that it took about 35 minutes to get to Rye from our home in Bergen County. In less than an... Read more →