Travel
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Day Trip from Washington, DC: Harpers Ferry
While looking up trails and parks in the area, I came across Harpers Ferry! Harpers Ferry is located right where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge at the corners of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It’s just over an hour away from Washington, DC by car or by train making it a super easy day trip.Β Β Harpers Ferry feels like a town frozen in time.Β The town is well preserved with 19th century buildings and is full of history! Harpers Ferry was witness to the first successful American railroad, more than 5 civil war battles, and the abolitionist movement! Harpers Ferry National Historic Park has various museums where you can…
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A Guide to Leaf Peeping near Washington, DC
The leaves changed a bit later this year but it’s official!Β It is leaf-peeping season!Β Here’s my guide to leaf peeping in and around Washington, DC. National Mall The National Mall is always a great spot for a stroll or a run.Β In the fall, it’s a nice spot to check out the changing trees.Β You won’t find super bright trees on the mall but the golden glowing trees will still get you in the fall mood.Β Β Walk towards the Capitol and there are some bright maples scattered around with popping color both on the East and West side. Rock Creek Park I recently posted about hiking in Rock Creek…
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Biplane Ride in Northern Virginia
During our honeymoon this summer, my husband wanted to book a ride on a small plane to go to one of the remote islands off the coast of Puerto Rico.Β Unfortunately, as they were recently reopening there were limited options so we ended up taking the ferry.Β Since my husband was all hyped about the small planes, I was inspired to look up small plane flights in the area for a surprise birthday gift.Β Lo and behold I found an even cooler option than a simple small plane ride – a ride in a 1941 biplane!Β Β Biplanes are the early plane models with two pairs of wings.Β When searching local…
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Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Washington, DC
If you haven’t already seen ads for the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, this crazy exhibition is currently in 10 US cities and 4 European cities (a few locations already finished the exhibition).Β In Washington, DC the exhibit is showing through January.Β We just recently visited the exhibit and I highly recommend snagging a ticket before it’s too late! I am a huge Impressionism and Post-Impressionism fan so Vincent Van Gogh is an easy favorite.Β When in Amsterdam, I visited the Van Gogh Museum which features a huge collection of his work as well as excerpts from his many preserved letters.Β Similar to the Van Gogh Museum, this exhibit features a…
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Hiking Rock Creek Park in the Fall
Rock Creek Park is one of my favorite parks in DC!Β Founded in 1890, the park is located in the upper NW quadrant of DC.Β Within its 1,700 acres, this park offers more than 32 miles of trails, as well as open areas for gatherings and picnics.Β Β In my opinion, the best part of Rock Creek Park is obviously Rock Creek!!Β There are trails on both the East and West side following the creek from Miller Cabin down to Boulder Bridge.Β You can also follow the creek on the East side all the way up to Boundary Bridge on the border of DC and Maryland.Β Β 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!Β The US National Arboretum in Washington, DC is often mixed up for the US Botanic Garden.Β 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.Β The park was established in 1927 and is comprised of 446 acres!Β 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 Β with my friend, we planned a brief trip to Munich and we had an absolute blast!Β Munich (MΓΌnchen) was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158 and is the capital of Bavaria.Β Most people think of Oktoberfest when they think of Munich – however, it’s a charming city worth visiting any time of year!Β 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!Β 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!Β However, up until this year – I had never been. This autumn, we visited the caverns while on a mini vacation in Shenandoah.Β Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 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…
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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.Β 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. Β 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.Β 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.Β Paris offers several different stunning cityscape views – from the Eiffel Tower itself to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.Β Below are my top 5 favorite views of Paris, with a little bonus pick.Β π This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Β If you’re planning a trip, check out my hotel recommendations for best neighborhoods to stay in the City of Light! View from Eiffel Tower One of the most well-known attractions in Paris is, of course, the Eiffel Tower!Β This is the…
