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Where to See Bluebells in Virginia: Easy Spring Day Trips from DC
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest creek – Virginia’s fairytale-like wildflowers are in bloom! Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) typically bloom from late March through mid-April, but their peak only lasts a couple of short weeks. I checked near Manassas Battlefield this past weekend, and they’re already in full bloom. If you’re hoping to catch them at their best, this is your window! Plan a walk at one of the trails below before they fade. Bull Run Regional Park Bull Run Regional Park has a mile-and-a-half Bluebell Trail that winds alongside the creek, creating the perfect conditions for these blooms to thrive. It’s one of the most well-known spots in Northern…
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Three Days in Los Angeles: From Santa Monica to Hollywood
The City of Angels sure has a lot to offer – Hollywood glamour, palm-lined streets, Rodeo Boulevard, Beverly Hills, and the California Coastal Trail. After spending a few days in San Diego, I traveled up the coast to Los Angeles for three days! I recently shared some tips about flying with toddlers, but I highly recommend taking the train if traveling between these two cities. It was so quick and easy to board the Pacific Surfliner train and the views riding along the west coast were phenomenal! Can you believe I paid only $30 to ride up to Los Angeles!? This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at…
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Traveling with a Toddler: Tips for Stress-Free Trips
As a first time mom, the thought of traveling with my daughter was initially super intimidating. What do I need to pack? What will we do on the plane? How will she handle a disrupted routine? So many logistics! My husband and I brought our daughter to Morocco to visit family when she was just under a year and a half. A few months later, I flew with her to California while my husband was there for training. Both trips came with a steep learning curve – long flights with a young one, figuring out meals and naps on the go, and adjusting expectations along the way. Now, as…
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San Diego in Spring: What to See and Do
This time last year, I was soaking in the California sunshine in San Diego with my toddler in tow! I was so stoked to return after visiting 9 years prior with my mom, when I fell in love with the city and its laid-back charm. From seals and sea lions to gorgeous cliffside views, there’s so much to love about this city. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coincidentally, both times I visited San Diego was during the spring! I am now convinced this is the best time to visit. If you’re planning a visit, here are my recommendations for…
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DC in Bloom: Best Places to See Spring Flowers in Washington
There’s something about the season of renewal – springtime is my favorite! After months of early sunsets and cold weather, it’s so exciting to see signs of the warmer weather ahead. Every year I look forward to peeping cherry blossoms and flowers in the city! This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Below are my recommendations for best spring flower highlights in Washington, DC. If planning a visit, check out my recommended local hotel pick. Magnolias Bloom Timing: Mid-March Enid A. Haupt Garden Closest metro stop: Smithsonian I might love tulip magnolias even more than cherry blossoms! Enid A. Haupt…
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DC in Bloom: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington
The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings more than a million visitors to Washington, DC each year! Although it gets crowded, the cherry blossoms have always been a must see for me. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If visiting from out of town, check out my recommended local hotel pick convenient to the National Mall. Below are my favorite places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC: Tidal Basin Closest metro stop: Smithsonian Yoshino cherry trees are the iconic light pink blossoming trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. These trees were originally gifted to the US by Japan as a…
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5 Reasons to Visit the Library of Congress Jefferson Building
The Library of Congress Jefferson Building is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, DC! There are plenty of reasons to visit this library, but here are my top five: It’s Free! One of the best things about Washington, DC is its plethora of available free activities and visiting the Library of Congress is no exception! Entry is free, you just need to reserve a timed entry pass before you go. See the LOC website to reserve your timed entry. Note: the weekend passes can book out in advance so try to plan ahead if you can! The Library of Congress also has staff throughout the building available to…
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Day Trip from Rotterdam: Discovering the Kinderdijk Windmill Village
Kinderdijk is a village just up the river from Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While staying in Rotterdam, I took a day to travel to Kinderdijk and explore this iconic windmill village. The majority of Netherlands is actually below sea level and the Dutch have been successfully managing water for centuries. You can learn about the Dutch water management systems and take in the beautiful windmills of Kinderdijk! You can walk or bike around Kinderdijk for free, which a lot of local families do on a nice day. There is a path along the water with windmills on either side. Even on a cloudy day,…
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Hiking Bearfence Mountain Trail on Skyline Drive
Hiking Bearfence Mountain Trail on Skyline Drive I recently spent a girls weekend in Orange County and we wanted to do a nearby trail. My friend suggested the Bearfence Mountain trail loop on Skyline Drive. Located in between the Swift Run Gap entrance and the Thornton Gap entrance, Bearfence Mountain Trail Loop is a one mile loop that partially overlaps the Appalachian Trail. The trail is quick but fun with several rock scrambles. It is not dog friendly so leave your furbabies behind for this one. The views atop the main rock scramble are absolutely spectacular! Due to the rock scrambles, you will definitely want to wear appropriate footwear with…
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20 Lessons I Learned in My Twenties
20 Lessons I Learned in my Twenties As I enter a new decade, I have been reflecting on all the life changes that my 20s have brought! Thinking back over the last 10 years it is crazy how different life looks at 30 compared to 20. I think this is one of the most drastic periods of change – transitioning from an adolescent fresh out of teenage-hood to a full blown adult. It’s been quite a journey and I am very grateful to be where I am. I have had many pivotal moments over the last decade: studying abroad in Paris at 20; being an exchange student at UVSQ at…
