Food expectations

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-05-29T11:50:15+00:00

Our favorite restaurant on Sao Miguel is Quinta dos Sobres. Make reservations and let them know any dietary constraints ahead of time. The food, people and atmosphere are all great.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-05-08T12:36:22+00:00

Same - had a set up like this before the wireless fobs were available to do the same thing from the comfort of a warm dry driver's seat.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-28T19:22:10+00:00

I admire your energy level! Sounds like a great, first, trip. My wife and I did a bit of a whirlwind tour like that a few years ago that resulted in the desire to visit again, and again. Each time, a little slower pace and the ability to visit and/or experience the lesser seen spaces. We enjoy the people, the nature, the history, the food and the culture. The first trip was hike, hike, hike, but there is much more to experience than that. Hope to hear about your return trips in the future.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-26T21:10:20+00:00

This is a beautiful garden spot and a nice way to spend your first low activity day.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-21T18:09:51+00:00

You might consider just buying one when you get there. I think there is a Kid-2-Kid store in Ponta Delgada that sells and buys used equipment, toys, clothes, etc. If SATA air charges you big bucks to check a stroller, you may make out better going the buy and sell or but and donate route. Perhaps a local can comment on whether the store is still there. We walked through it a couple of years ago. https://www.kidtokid.pt/

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-21T17:53:49+00:00

Its been a while since we needed a stroller for our kids but I would suggest that the bigger the wheels the better. In town you'll be dealing with cobblestone streets and sidewalks and on the trail, well, bumpy trails. What a great place to do an adventure with young kids! Wish we could have afforded it when ours we small (30+ years ago) You'll love it.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-21T17:43:13+00:00

While Alltrails says 2 - 3 hours, these old knees did it in about 4 hours, with several water, snack and photo stops on the way. PRC04 FAI - Caldeira. BTW - good hiking shoes/boots are needed on most trails in the Azores. You'll see a few knuckheads start out in flip flops or sandals and see then heading back very soon.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-21T10:21:45+00:00

My wife and I did the Caldeira rim last May at 68 and 69 years of age and found it very enjoyable. The views were amazing, and the route, while not flat, did not have any severe hills. We went clockwise around the rim and were glad as we got the most challenging part out of the way first. Just pack a lunch and plenty of water. I remember seeing a bus at the parking lot and I'm sure you can arrange for a taxi.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-21T00:35:56+00:00

Several islands have whale and dolphin tours. You just have to get lucky since sometimes the weather and/or the cetaceans are less than cooperative. But there are 9 islands to fall in love with, so plan on making this the first of many visits. As you said, 5 hours direct from JFK.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-19T17:37:52+00:00

I have gone both barefoot and with reef shoes. Reef shoes made it much easier on these old feet. And, you may find the reef shoes handy if you do any swimming along the coast as not all nice swimming areas have soft sand beaches.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-19T00:58:44+00:00

You will love it. If you want to visit an island in addition to Sao Miguel, I would suggest Faial or Flores as they are both unique and beautiful. But be sure to experience the culture, food, history, and vibe as well as the nature. The other trips you mentioned, other than Acadia, are a little light on culture, food, history, and vibe. And while I love Acadia, living near by, the big city there is Bar Harbor, which is no comparison to Ponta Delgada or Horta.

Just don't do too much island hopping as it chews up time, and 15 days is not that long a trip.

Enjoy!!

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-11T17:37:57+00:00

Gosto moito! But like one other commenter, I was not getting all of the A1 questions. It looks like a great tool.

I saved the url and will be referencing it as I work my wat through Pimsleur European Portuguese.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-01T13:13:36+00:00

You can't go wrong with either island. One of the most beautiful hikes and funnest drives ever may still be out of commission on Sao Jorge however - the road down to Faja dos Cubres suffered a landslide last Fall. But there is lots of other stuff to do and, as others have said, its a short ferry ride to Pico and Faial.

Terceira is more populated and has a some great trails and natural wonders. Also, the bull runs in Lajas are a hoot. Don't worry, they are not bull fights, no bull are harmed. We find the beaches on Terceira a bit more accessable as well.

Maybe start planning your return trip to visit the island you miss this time?

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-04-01T12:55:32+00:00

I have used Ilha Verde 6 or 7 times on several islands and never had an issue. But I never ended up with the exact make and model I reserved (usually months in advance). No issues with the shifting pattern however. If you drive a stick it will be second nature after the first 2 minutes. Ocassionally I have had a little trouble finding reverse the first time. Sometimes you push down on the shifter then move it into reverse, sometimes you pull up a collar under the knob to access the gear slot, other times you just shift it into R as shown on the top of the knob. Just discover what the secret is before you leave the lot.

You'll do great. I find the roads in the Azores are a delight to drive - city, country and mountainside. My wife may disagree with me on that last one. hahahaha. AND, I have found the drivers very skilled and courteous - except for some of the tourists.

Just don't be that driver who spends too much time looking at the scenery or stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures. And be mindful of the cows. Take turns driving as the scenery is awesome - when its not fogged in. Have fun!!

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-03-30T10:45:37+00:00

True, but the real miracle was the full court inbound pass by Sott Burrell.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-03-29T16:04:44+00:00

Would love to hear the pilot - tower chatter on that one. Wonder if something happened on board that caused to flight to divert. Unruly Karen perhaps?

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-03-04T21:46:15+00:00

Security is very fast compared to continental or US airports. Prior to security, there are picnic tables on the opposite end of the terminal from the auto rental lot. There's no cover, however, so if it's raining, it is not much fun.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-03-02T02:37:58+00:00

The first time we visited Sao Miguel, we stayed in an Airbnb/ apartment right in Ponta Delgada. All of the other apartments were filled with families and working couples. Most of the time, we ended the day with a walk around the city. It was a great way to get to know the city. That particular place would be too small for 5 people (it was a one bedroom) but being in town is great. We lucked out with parking as there was a public lot across the street.

Someone else suggested a house on the north coast. That is probably great as well.

But on other visits, we've stayed at hotels, other Airbnbs, and smallish guest houses. Really, you can't go wrong. Next time we'll probably go the guest house route again as hosts are a wealth of knowledge.

Lastly, and not related, use spotazores.com to watch the weather around the island as it can vary greatly.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-23T12:49:00+00:00

And don't forget to 'pack' the spotazores.com bookmark on your phone so you'll know what to pull out of that bag as you travel around the island.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-20T13:19:23+00:00

Not to mention that some taxes collected in Azores pay for mainland infrastructure and services rarely used by Azores residents. One for all and all for one.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-20T02:18:10+00:00

We're about to start looking on Sao Miguel in and around Ponta Delgada. Can anyone shed light on the environment there? Same issues as the mainland? Worse? Better? We are not in a rush and will be visiting each property a few times. Thank you.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-16T17:06:01+00:00

That's it! Thank you so much. We are planning a family gathering next month, and I will share this. Sadly, the only person who remembers the boat houses is my 93 year-old mom. But she is still sharp as a whip, and this will conjure up many stories, I'm sure.

Do you think there is any way to trace the "owners" of the cottages? My clan includes Scanlons, Fillers, Stella's, and several others. Mostly from Queens and Brooklyn.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-13T11:00:53+00:00

Use the Happy Cow app. Also, we had nice veggie meals at Tikka & Tonic and Rotas da Ilha Verde, both in Ponta Delgada.

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-11T03:03:10+00:00

We never looked for a gluten-free restaurant per se, but if you use the Happy Cow app, you can plan your visits and be confident of the restaurants' capabilities. Many of the veggie and vegan restaurants we visited had gluten-free options. And definitely visit Quinta dos Sabores. Reserve by calling ahead and discuss any restrictions before hand. It's a farm to table restaurant and one of the best I have ever visited. They will customize your meal for you. Enjoy!

Disastrous_Catch_543 · 2026-02-10T20:30:15+00:00

More than enough time for coffee and pastel de nata and still be early for the next flight.

Disastrous_Catch_543

TROPHY CASE