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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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November 30, 2014

Family, Turkey, and Christmas Tree Hunting

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I’ve been busy these past few days with family from out-of-town visiting and Thanksgiving. We rarely have family over for the holidays. It is almost always just the 5 of us, which is fine, but there’s something so much more special when you have others present to share the joy and memories with.

With my nephews from Texas growing so quickly, we’ve all found it so important to find ways for them to be together more.

At the same time, the people over at Lexus asked if I would be willing to take part in their #DecemberToRemember campaign and test out the Lexus GX460 during my annual Christmas tree hunt.

The SUV is huge, with three rows of seats, prefect for 4 adults, 4 children, and a small dog, and though this loaner didn’t come with a roof rack, the people at Hidden Pond Tree Farm, where we have picked out our tree since 2011, are pros and were able to secure our beautiful Douglas fir on the top of our vehicle without a problem.

The seats are heated all around (rear and front) and the leather interior feels like butter on the skin, so comfortable and soft. The 4-wheel drive made it easy to navigate through the icy roads left from a recent snowstorm, and the XM radio allowed for Christmas tunes to set the mood as we made our way towards our Christmas tree hunt. I am a huge fan of the sunroof, and though my loaner didn’t have it, the car also does offer a rear entertainment system.

#DecemberToRemember

We love the folks over at Hidden Pond Tree Farm (read all about them in our previous write up). At the time of our visit, they had run out of cut-your-own trees, which at first we thought would be an issue. But, we decided to give it ago anyway because our experiences there have always been so positive and friendly.

Family holidays_girlgonetravel

Though we weren’t able to cut down our own tree this year, they had a beautiful collection of pre-cut trees from their other tree farm. The Douglas fir is not one that they can grow on this particular farm because of the type of soil they have there, so if you prefer the softer needles then their pre-cut options are the best, so don’t let the fact that you can’t cut your own tree keep you away. This organic tree farm is a short drive from NYC and a favorite family tradition.

Family holidays_girlgonetravel

We love, love, love our tree so much that not having cut it down ourselves didn’t matter in the end. Not to mention, all the other things I love about this farm is still there to enjoy: the roasting of the marshmallows by the fire, the hay ride, the hot chocolate with marshmallows and peppermint sticks, the friendly service, and warm smiles.

Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravelWe also celebrated this little guy’s birthday!

Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel Family holidays_girlgonetravel

Our family has been with us for a week and it seemed to just fly. They are now getting ready to leave and we are all sad. We are also having to say goodbye to the super comfy and spacious Lexus GX. The starting retail price is $49,085.00, so this is definitely a Santa super-duper wish list item for me!

Thank you to the Lexus team for the opportunity to experience the ride, we all enjoyed it so much.

And to my family, I am excited to do it again next year!

Family holidays_girlgonetravel

Check out our adventures on my latest Storify, Thanksgiving Fun.

Disclosure: I partnered with Lexus to help promote their #DecemberToRemember holiday campaign. All opinions are my own.

Related

Christmas Tree Hunting: Return to Hidden Pond Tree FarmDecember 2, 2012In "North America"

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NYDecember 12, 2008In "North America"

Christmas Tree Hunting at Hidden Pond Tree Farm, NJNovember 26, 2011In "North America"

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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4 Comments
  • Kelly Stilwell
    November 30, 2014

    I am so jealous! My nieces are in MD, and though I am hoping they will come spend a week with me over the summer, it was just the 4 of us and some friends from church for Thanksgiving. We might try to go to MD next year, but then again, we spent Thanksgiving in Costa Rica 2 years ago and really want to eat fish tacos for Thanksgiving again. Decisions, decisions. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Kelly Stilwell
      November 30, 2014

      LOL! That is tough. Though my kids won\’t let me make any travel plans for the holidays. They enjoy being home and all the cooking involved around that time of the year! Whatever you decide, they both sound like great choices! At least you have a year!

      Reply
  • Erin Janda Rawlings
    December 1, 2014

    What beautiful photos! Looks like you had an amazing time!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Erin Janda Rawlings
      December 1, 2014

      Thank you! We had a blast : ) Went too quickly though : ((

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Follow @girlgonetravel

When I recorded this video…in the start of Septe When I recorded this video…in the start of September 2024…I was still too afraid to say what I wanted out loud, which was to open my own little cafe. In fact, I would only admit that I wanted to simply learn the craft, and @travisjcain would kick start that journey for me (seen here), that would eventually give me the courage to pursue more formal training, which eventually gave me the confidence to start my own little café pop-up, @cafecomodony, 9 months later. 

This version of me couldn’t fully see it being more than a silly little thing (she’s been wanting for decades), and could never have dreamed of being where she is now.

I have worked very hard and have committed many long hours to training and learning, with very little sleep, and all of my savings, to realize this moment. 

But, I am living a literal dream come true.☕️✨I am doing it y’all! ✨

Please follow Café Cómodo, and once there, sign up for our newsletter for updates on where we will pop-up next, please consider us for your next wedding, gathering, and private event…and thank you to everyone who has showered us with support and friendship throughout this journey. 🥰 If you have experienced us already and liked what you’ve seen and tasted, please spread the word! Thank you! 🙌🏾

#cafe #cafecomodo #flxcafe #coffeelover #barista #cafepopup #coffee #fingerlakes
I started the day sitting in the sun sipping on a I started the day sitting in the sun sipping on a cafecito, then spent time with my guys while planning our summer vacation over brunch. I later took a nap, and as this amazing rain falls, I am making my family a hearty Dominican meal.

My life is kinder, easier, and softer because of the immigration choices my family made before me. Because at some point, they sewed someone’s clothes (my abuela as a seamstress in the Fashion District), or fixed someone’s electrical appliances (my grandfather in Brooklyn), or cleaned someone’s house or office, or cooked someone’s food (my tias and tios). 

Because of their labor and sacrifices, I get to work for myself, with experience I gained from a college education all the way to a Master’s degree. I get to dream bigger, and bolder, with more courage and confidence. My children get to as well. 

But make no mistake, I am the daughter of immigrants, very proudly so. My language is Spanish first, the core of my culture is Latinx. 

I was born here, but I am not so far removed from my culture to be from here. And so anything I bring to others, through my work or my friendship is born from there…and if it benefits you, then you are benefiting from what an immigrant can bring when given the freedom, respect, safety, and opportunity to exist and thrive. 

My heart goes out to all in my community and beyond suffering through the abuse, racism, and discrimination. This is shameful to this country and all its people. And we should all unite against it.
Life has been a LOT lately, and I am indulging in Life has been a LOT lately, and I am indulging in it. 

Especially enjoyed this recent walk through town as a storm slowly brewed. 

It felt lovely. 

#fingerlakes #corningny #newyork
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting a beautiful new mural at Elmira’s Mural Fest this year (weather permitting on Saturday, if not on a less rainy day)! Last year he painted this board which was recently on display still at @communityartselmira. 

Hopefully we have a sunny day and you can come out to support Travis and all the muralists that day! See you there!

#elmirany #painter #artist #communityarts
Sometimes it’s like I never left. #newyork Sometimes it’s like I never left. 

#newyork
SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries with him the entrepreneurial spirit he’s inherited from his parents. 

While successfully working in supply chain management for a global corporation based in NYC, he continues to manage and operate his own product, @getcalma, a comforting heated eye mask that is currently on the Amazon top seller list for two years in a row and has a growing consumer following! 

We are so incredibly proud of David and his growing success as an entrepreneur and in his career, and know the future will continue to be bright for him!

To learn more about Calma and make a purchase, visit his website at GetCalma.com. 

#proudmomma #getcalma #entreprenuer #smallbusiness

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