United States
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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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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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Highlights of Savannah, GA
I spent a weekend in Savannah on a girls’ trip a few years ago and we had such a blast!Β Savannah is full of Southern charm and beautiful draping Spanish moss. This city is easy to explore by foot over a few days time, making it a perfect weekend destination.Β Historic District The Historic District is a great starting point for exploring the city. Savannah has 22 historic squares, each with its own charm and character. Take a stroll around the district and take in the Colonial style houses, old lampposts, trolleys, and horse-drawn carriages.Β Β Forsyth Park Spanning 30 acres, this park cannot be missed when visiting Savannah!Β This park…
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NOLA: What to Eat in New Orleans
New Orleans cuisine encompasses its diverse cultural history, with Creole, French, and Cajun influence.Β From beignets to crawfish, there are several traditional dishes that you cannot tour the city without trying! Beignets The top of my New Orleans bucket list was to eat beignets!Β They are powder-sugar covered fried doughnut-y goodness!Β This delicacy was actually introduced to the city in the 18th century by French-Creole colonists.Β Pro-tip: these are best to eat when they are hot!Β Β CafΓ© du Monde in the French Quarter was founded in 1862 and is one of the most well-known stands/restaurants to buy a beignet.Β Whether it’s there, or another Cafe around the city – a…
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NOLA: Best of New Orleans
New Orleans is famous for its French and Creole influence, bustling nightlife, and being the birthplace of Jazz!Β “The Big Easy” is also known for the laid back culture.Β I recently visited New Orleans for my Bachelorette weekend and I had an absolute blast!Β These are my highlights of this unique city. French Quarter | Vieux CarrΓ© Laissez les bons temps rouler! The French Quarter is the historic center of New Orleans.Β This neighborhood is home to the infamous Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and French Market.Β The French Quarter features beautiful 18th century buildings with wrought-iron balconies.Β Jackson Square Jackson Square is a historic park just off of the Mississippi…
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Fall Foliage on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
One of my favorite fall activities is to visit Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park! Skyline Drive is a scenic route atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching 105 miles long. This is the only public road through the park. Not only does Skyline Drive boast stunning views from Front Royal to Waynesboro, it also offers access to hiking trails, camp sites, picnic areas, and cabins. Β There are four entrances to Skyline Drive: Front Royal Entrance (off of 66 in Front Royal, VA) Thornton Gap Entrance (off of 211 near Sperryville, VA) Swift Run Gap Entrance (off of 33 near Harrisonburg, VA) Rockfish Gap Entrance (off of 64/250 near…
