Travel
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Hiking Rock Creek Park in the Fall
Rock Creek Park is one of my favorite parks in DC! Founded in 1890, the park is located in the upper NW quadrant of DC. Within its 1,700 acres, this park offers more than 32 miles of trails, as well as open areas for gatherings and picnics. In my opinion, the best part of Rock Creek Park is obviously Rock Creek!! There are trails on both the East and West side following the creek from Miller Cabin down to Boulder Bridge. You can also follow the creek on the East side all the way up to Boundary Bridge on the border of DC and Maryland. I usually drive to Rock…
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Autumn Visit at the US National Arboretum
One of the silver linings of the pandemic for me has been that with so much downtime and very limited things to do, I discovered many local spots that I hadn’t explored much before! The US National Arboretum in Washington, DC is often mixed up for the US Botanic Garden. The botanic garden is right next to the Capitol while the National Arboretum is located in NE DC. While exploring lots of local parks and trails, the arboretum in DC was one of my favorite discoveries. The park was established in 1927 and is comprised of 446 acres! It is gorgeous to visit year-round, but fall time is especially astonishing…
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Beer Gardens, Churches, and Pretzels: Highlights of Munich, Germany
While visiting Germany with my friend, we planned a brief trip to Munich and we had an absolute blast! Munich (München) was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158 and is the capital of Bavaria. Most people think of Oktoberfest when they think of Munich – however, it’s a charming city worth visiting any time of year! Here are my highlights for first time visitors to Munich: Marienplatz Marienplatz, or Mary’s Square, is the main square in Munich and one of the first things I picture when I think of the city! Both the new town hall (Neues Rathaus) and the old town hall (Altes Rathaus) are situated in the…
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Luray Caverns in Virginia
I can’t tell you how many times I saw commercials for “Luray Caverns – What Will You Discover?” growing up in Virginia. I can still hear the ad when I think about it! However, up until this year – I had never been. This autumn, we visited the caverns while on a mini vacation in Shenandoah. Located just 11 miles from the Thornton Gap Entrance to Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns were discovered in 1878. These caverns are the largest in the eastern United States, and the most visited! After visiting myself, I understand why they are so popular. The caverns are filled with different types of speleothems. These formations are…
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Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC
The Washington, DC Downtown Holiday Market is an annual outdoor shopping “village” which supports local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The market is an especially great way to shop local while still remaining socially distant! Located on F street between 7th and 9th in NW DC, the Downtown Holiday Market is open from November 19 until Christmas Eve eve (December 23) from noon to 8pm. Previously the market was located along the sidewalk, but they have expanded the market the last two years by blocking off road traffic on F street to allow for wider aisles. Rather than walking between stalls, the layout is more of a loop around outward…
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Top 5 Best Cityscape Views of Paris, France
One of my favorite parts of visiting a city is to find that picture perfect view from a higher perspective. Paris offers several different stunning cityscape views – from the Eiffel Tower itself to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. Below are my top 5 favorite views of Paris, with a little bonus pick. 🙂 View from Eiffel Tower One of the most well-known attractions in Paris is, of course, the Eiffel Tower! This is the tallest structure in Paris (324 meters) – and actually the tallest building in all of Île-de-France. You can climb the 674 steps up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower or take an elevator. I…
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What To Do in Strasbourg, France: From Canals to Cathedrals
Strasbourg is a charming town known for its timber-framed buildings and canals. Strasbourg sits on the German-Franco border, within the Alsace Region of France. The city has a complex history, changing between German and French rule over several centuries. As a result, Strasbourg offers a unique blend of both cultures. I have visited Strasbourg several times, and it never gets old! It’s a more laid back city, perfect for strolling along the canals and just enjoying the beautiful architecture. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg The Notre Dame cathedral in Strasbourg is considered to be one of the best examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. It’s very striking and incredibly detailed. The…
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Germany Off the Beaten Path: Schwäbisch Gmünd
A thirty minute trainride from Stuttgart in Southern Germany is the small town of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Though a much lesser known destination for tourists, the town is well worth visiting for its architecture, charming alleyways, and historic town center. My friend’s Opa lives in this charming town and we visited for a few weeks in 2014. I really enjoyed exploring the city and the surrounding attractions. Cities like Schwäbisch Gmünd that are more off the beaten path offer an unexpected cultural experience. Below are my highlights of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Historischer Marktplatz Historischer Marktplatz, or the Old Marketplace, has beautiful well-preserved buildings. Marktplatz is a great place for people watching and…
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A Day in Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is a charming university town in Baden-Württemberg, in southwestern Germany. This picturesque city is somewhat of a hidden gem, with a more small-town feel. Heidelberg is an easy day trip from Stuttgart or Frankfurt. Here are my highlights of Heidelberg, that all fit into one afternoon! Heidelberg is home to Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century, as well as European Molecular Biology Laboratory and other research facilities. Old Bridge Theodore Heuss Brücke, commonly called Old Bridge, is an 18th century bridge crossing the Neckar River. This bridge offers beautiful views of the river and the Palace above. The bridge is iconic of Heidelberg, often featured in pictures depicting…
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10 Must Have Travel Essentials
Although we might not be ready to travel just yet, I certainly have several trips in mind once it is more safe! I’ve also been planning more local getaways to national parks and other locales that allow for outdoor activities without being too crowded. While daydreaming of future trips, I compiled what I think are the top travel essentials. I hope you enjoy! Backpack Aside from suitcases and duffel bags, I find that I use backpacks the most when traveling. A decent travel backpack is a great investment for use as a carry-on bag. Pro tip: pack a change of clothes in your carry-on as a back up in case…
