Our daughter recently graduated from college and we celebrated with a champagne brunch for family and friends and a surprise trip to Brooklyn. She's always wanted to visit NY and it was the perfect Mother/Daughter getaway...lots of shopping, eating and sight-seeing. Here are some highlights from our trip in case you're planning a future visit of your own!

We took a quick trip up the coast to Carmel and I thought I'd share a few of our favorite places with you. When I'm planning a trip, I always love reading other people's travel lists and find them handy in making my preparations. Hope you do as well. If you have another can't miss spot in Carmel, please leave it in the comments for others!

After my incredible afternoon touring the farm, I was invited by the Southern Food Writing Conference to attend a champagne reception in the garden, followed by a lavish dinner in the barn. It was in conjunction with the International Biscuit Festival, and the guests were there to celebrate, and dine on, authentic and inspired Southern cuisine.

To get to Blackberry Farm, you'll drive down a quiet paved road, dotted with farmhouses and lush green pastures. You'll pass a small white church that I'm sure has seen many potluck suppers, community gatherings, and country weddings. I believe it's the drive that prepares your senses for the beauty that awaits. Beckoning you to a part of our country that is, undoubtedly, at it's finest. Preserved by those who tend it for the pure enjoyment of it's guests.

It goes without saying, that there are plenty of unbelievably great places to dine in NYC. And my experience included nothing but delicious meals at every restaurant. The above photo was taken at the communal farm table just outside The Green Table, which is located in the Chelsea Market. Aren't the flowers and wine bottle repurposed for water such lovely touches. If I remember correctly, I had macaroni and cheese...or some sort of gooey pasta dish. This is a great place to relax, have a nice meal and people watch.

I'm going to admit, I must be living under a rock, because before this trip, I had never heard of Eataly. I also was unaware of one of it's famous owners, and didn't clue in until I saw a half dozen of his books on the shelves, and thought, wow...they must really like him. But after going, it's easy to see why there's all the buzz. Let me show you what this food empire is about...