Travel Tuesday

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I absolutely love this above. It's so easy to get caught up in the touristy things when you travel. I think part of that(for me) is a fear of the unknown. Especially when you are in a foreign country. Venturing off the path can be a little scary. Especially if you watch a lot of the Criminal Minds type shows - lol.


 However, doing more local things really gives you a feel of a location. When we were in New York City last November, we made sure to leave the regular old places and walk the neighborhoods. Our hotel was in the heart of Times Square. You can't get any more New York touristy than that. Hey, we got a great deal at the W hotel in Times Square.

 My husband went to undergrad at Columbia University and lived in NYC for roughly 10 years. So, he knew a little bit about some of the neighborhoods. They just have a different feel. A more homey feel than the tourist traps. We ate in some of the local restaurants,shopped in the local shops and just people watched.

 Don't worry if you don't have someone to tell you exactly where to go to find local. You can usually google and find a blog from your travel destination. More times than not, if it's a lifestyle blog, they will talk about local places. Things they do - places they eat.

Once you get to your location, talk to the concierge. Ask them about things to do in the area. What do they like to do? Are their festivals going on? What the best _________ to get ____________. You fill in the blanks.


 You can also ask your friends on Facebook. You probably have friends from all across the country who would love to help you out. A word of caution - please don't advertise on FB when you are traveling. It's just not safe. Share your pictures and travel news once you get back home.


Another thing I do when we travel is watch the local news. I love hearing the stories from the point of view of the local newscasters. You can also find out what is happening in the area from the shows.

Travel Tuesday: Chicago

Source: kevinandamanda.com via Camino on Pinterest

 I  have to tell you that Chicago is probably one of my favoritest (i know, I know) places in the world. We are fortunate enough to live only 3 hours away. So, we are able to get there whenever we feel the urge.

I remember my first trip to Chicago many, many, many years ago. A group of friends and I traveled there for the Taste of Chicago. The Taste of Chicago is held in Grant Park and showcases the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The festival also showcases many bands. The girls and I had a ball! I was hooked. This years event is being held July 10th thru 14 from 11AM - 9PM

We've traveled to Chicago for Musicals - Wicked, The Color Purple and a few others. The Ford Center/Oriental Theatre is a beautiful place where we have enjoyed many a great play. Crazy as it sounds, we went to Chicago in the winter to see Wicked a few years back with a group of friends. Believe me, it was cold. I mean is was very cold - Chicago cold, but I loved it!


There are a few restaurants that we must go to when we visit Chicago:
 Giordano's Pizza and Wishbone.

•  Giordano's has (in my opinion) THE best pizza ever. Honestly, one slice is usually enough for most people. You MUST there is you go to Chicago. Giordano's was founded in 1974. Can't get to Chicago to try it or just need a fix? You can order it online here. Yikes, I wish I didn't know that - lol!  

• Wishbone is described as Southern Reconstruction Cooking. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I know that it is good  eating. Since it's located one block from Harpo Studios, we've eaten there just about every time we went to an Oprah show taping. I ALWAYS get the same thing - eggs fried HARD, cheesy grits and blackened catfish. (Wonder what I would get now that I am a Shredder?) Check out the website here.

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Source: kevinandamanda.com via Camino on Pinterest

We get the best hotel deals when we purchase through Priceline or even Groupon. You can get 4-5 Star hotels for a great deal. Many of the hotels are boutique hotels which we tend to like. We (well, I do)  like to stay within an area near or on Michigan Avenue. Close to the action. This next trip, I am searching for a hotel near the Oak Street Beach. We've stayed at The Drake, but looking for something else. It's just a lucky coinkydink that Oak Street Beach is very near Oak Street which is where Kate Spade and Tory Birch stores are..........................................

Source: thebrowsingbrunette.com via Veronica on Pinterest

Be sure to check out Chicago's many, many museums. They have some of the best. You'll likely spend a whole day in one alone. The Field Museum is a massive natural history museum. Be sure to check the times for all museums when you visit. 

One trip we always make when we visit Chicago is a trip to Evanston - home of the Northwestern Wildcats. This is where my husband went to Graduate School. Many found memories for him when we go. we now always visit one of his (and now my) favorite restaurants - Davis Street Fish Market. This restaurant was a cozy little place when he went and even the first few years of our marriage. A few years ago, they remodeled and it kind of lost that feel. However, the food is still as delicious as ever! 

Source: davisstreetfishmarket.com via Charlene on Pinterest

Travel Tuesday

Hi dolls!
 My husband and I just returned from the BEST vacation ever! I mean we seriously relaxed and got pampered and ATE...... You guessed it we took a cruise. I'll share more with you on all of the ports and the actual cruise in later posts. For now, I hope you will enjoy these tropical shots of the Southern Caribbean........