LondonHouse Hotel, Downtown Chicago
During my recent visit to Chicago, I stayed at the ultra-luxe hotel, LondonHouse Chicago. Initially built in the 1920s, the London Guarantee and Accident building is one of Chicago’s most visible pieces of real estate. The building is located at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive right in the heart of all Chicago has to offer. In 2013 the historic building was transformed into a 452-room luxury hotel. LondonHouse is genuinely a one-of-a-kind destination in Chicago.
Rooftop Views Of Downtown Chicago
I couldn’t have picked a better hotel for my first visit to the Windy City! Not only is LondonHouse a gorgeous hotel, the location is perfect. The hotel is directly across from the Chicago Riverwalk and just a short walk to Millennium Park, both of which were on my must-visit list. I can’t even begin to list the shops and restaurants located near the hotel as well! My favorite part of my time at LondonHouse Chicago was viewing the city from the rooftop. The views were truly a sight to behold and it’s an experience I’ll never forget! I definitely recommend LondonHouse Chicago for your next visit to downtown Chicago.
Upcoming Posts About My Downtown Chicago Adventure
Thanks for reading and please be sure to check back for my next posts, where I’ll talk more about my time in Chicago. I’ll have in-depth posts about The Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, my visit to “The Bean”, and my time in Lurie Garden!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
Boston, Massachusetts
My recent New England trip started in Boston, Massachusetts, and while I only spent a few days in the city, I fell in love! One of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is the perfect blend of history and modernity. I enjoyed strolling the streets and seeing the colonial-style buildings right beside modern buildings. Boston provided the ideal first stop on my New England tour. The city satisfied my history buff side, my foodie side, and my adventurous side!
Boston Harbor Hotel
During our brief time in Boston, we stayed at the beautiful Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf. Boston Harbor is a 5-star luxury hotel located right on the waterfront, overlooking the Boston Harbor. The hotel was an easy commute from Logan Airport and it’s centrally located to numerous Boston attractions. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed and the service was everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel. At check-in, the front desk agent asked if it was my first visit to Boston, and upon learning it was, he kindly and generously upgraded my room to a harbor view suite! Be sure to check my IG page for views from my room!
The Tea on Beantown
Did you know the nickname “Beantown” came as a result of a love among the city’s earliest settlers of baked beans in molasses? I was able to discover so many fun facts about Boston during my time. I’ll share some of my favorites with you!
- We’re all familiar with the Boston Tea Party, right? Well did you know that every year on December 16, there is a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party?
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are located on the Historic Freedom Trail and are totally free to visit! Be sure to check my post about my time at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market.
- Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox is the oldest original Major League Baseball stadium still in use. It opened in 1912! I wasn’t able to catch a game during my visit, but I did enjoy visiting the historic stadium. Fenway Park is now my second MLB stadium, I caught a Cubs game at Wrigley Field last year!
- Did you know Harvard University is the first college in North America? The University was founded in 1636 and we all know its reputation today! It was so much fun visiting this historic campus!
So Much History, So Little Time!
We were able to squeeze in a visit to Old State House and stand on the spot of the Boston Massacre. Old State House is where the Declaration of Independence was first proclaimed on July 18 from its balcony. I continue to be blown away by how much American History there is to discover in Boston. I was also very pleased to see that Boston features African American History heavily as well. There was an awesome Black History display in Faneuil Hall that was very moving. I was deeply touched by the New England Holocaust Memorial as well. With no prior knowledge of the Memorial, I discovered it just by walking the streets of the city! It was so special to “accidentally” discover the memorial. I wish I had more time in the city to explore even more historic sites!
Thanks For Touring Boston With Me!
Thank you so much for joining me on this brief tour of Boston, Massachusetts. Be sure to come back for more of New England, I’ve got lots to share!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
Hey guys! I’m here with a quick post to let you know it’s that time of year again! The sunflowers are at peak bloom at Dorothea Dix Park!
Dorothea Dix Park Sunflowers
The sunflower fields at Dix Park offer 5 acres of sunflowers and they are free to visit 7 days-a-week, from dawn to dusk. During peak bloom, more than 100,000 people from across the city and around the region visit the sunflowers at Dix Park!
In addition to the sunflower field being free to visit, parking is also free, AND pets are welcome! The Dix Park Sunflower site has all the info you need on the best places to park and the best routes to get there. (I’ve linked the site for you).
Peak Sunflower Bloom is Happening Now at Dix Park!
It’s currently peak bloom at Dix Park making it the perfect time to visit! In addition to walking the sunflower fields, you can also enjoy Food Trucks & Beer during peak bloom. Friday, July 21 from 5-9 pm, Saturday, July 22 from 11 am to 3 pm, and again from 5-9 pm, local Food Trucks will be onsite. On Saturday, July 22, visitors can enjoy acoustic music by local musicians and beer from Trophy Brewing from 5-8 pm. (*Dates are subject to change based on sunflower bloom and inclement weather)
Explore More Outdoors!
I’m so glad I stepped outside my box and explored the sunflower fields at Dix Park! Raleigh is right in my backyard and part of my goal with my blog is to explore my hometown more. I was able to get some great photos, venture to a part of Raleigh I’ve never been to before, AND I learned some interesting facts about sunflowers, all by being willing to explore more outdoors!
Here are some facts I learned during my visit to the sunflower fields:
- 280,000 sunflower seeds were planted in mid-May
- The sunflower field is a massive pollinator habitat for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
- After the bloom, the sunflowers are left for birds and other wildlife to eat the seeds throughout the fall.
- Late in the year, Raleigh Water clears the field and plants a winter cover crop.
Helpful Tips For Your Visit to Dix Park
- SUNSCREEN is a must! The fields are full sun so PLEASE wear your sunscreen and remember to reapply!
- I recommend bug spray. The fields are full of insects so a little bug spray is a good idea
- Bring plenty of water! I arrived at the fields around 10 am and it was already so hot & humid! Definitely bring yourself plenty of water to stay hydrated as you explore the fields.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. I wore my favorite Birkenstock slides and it probably wasn’t the best choice. The sunflower fields are muddy in spots and some of the terrain can be a little rocky. Exploring the fields isn’t strenuous at all, you just want to be dressed appropriately.
- Bring your camera! The sunflower fields are absolutely stunning and the photo opportunities are limitless! Just remember not to disturb, or pick any of the flowers during your photo shoots.
- Have fun!
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave me a comment about other spots in Raleigh I should visit!
Other Local Posts You Might Enjoy:
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market is a well-known mixed-used marketplace in Downtown Boston. There are over 80 businesses located inside the marketplace and they range from unique, local businesses to nationally recognized shops. During my recent trip to Boston, Faneuil Hall was on my “must-do” list and I’m so glad I got to experience it!
A Brief Boston History Lesson…
Quoted directly from the Faneuil Hall website…
“In 1742, Peter Faneuil, one of Boston’s wealthiest merchants, built Faneuil Hall as a gift to the city. The building would serve as a meeting hall and a permanent central marketplace. The building was home to merchants, fishermen, and meat and produce sellers, and provided a platform for the country’s most famous orators. It became home to the town government and served as a public hall for concerts, banquets, and ceremonies.”
I really valued how the Faneuil Hall website included the following statement:
“The building was named in Faneuil’s honor but a significant portion of his wealth came directly as well as indirectly from human enslavement.”
Kudos to the folks at Faneuil Hall for including the dark history of the marketplace along with the vibrant present!
Faneuil Hall, 1826 – 1976
In 1826, Faneuil Hall expanded to include Quincy Market when Boston’s rapid growth required a larger marketplace. Quincy Market was named after Josiah Quincy, who organized the construction of the Market without any tax or debt. The South and North Market buildings were completed in 1827.
By 1976, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market were in bad shape and slated for demolition. A group of Bostonians stepped in and revitalized the buildings into what we know and love today!
Present Day
Today, Faneuil Hall is at the top of the list of places to visit in Boston. It is a very “touristy” destination but it’s also a fun, one-of-a-kind experience. Adding in the rich (and at times dark) history of the place makes it a must-see for any trip to Downtown Boston!
Chowda!
Quincy Market is essentially a giant food hall. They offer American, Asian, Breakfast, Italian, Mexican, Salads, Seafood, Sandwiches, and Dessert. There is truly something for every palate at Quincy Market!
My favorite dish at Quincy Market was definitely the clam “chowda” from Boston Chowda Company! It was everything I expected my first taste of authentic clam chowder to be. The clam chowder was creamy, salty (in the best possible way), and full of clams in every bite!
Thanks!
Thanks for experiencing Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market with me! I’ll have more Boston posts coming soon, so do stay tuned. As always, I love hearing from you all so be sure to leave me a comment about your summer trips!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- My Brief Love Affair With Boston
- Enjoying Life One Lighthouse At A Time – Portland Head Light Lighthouse
- The Great Lobster Roll Debate!
- I Experienced The Coolest Playground On The Planet!
- Haunted History, My Time at Monticello
- Don’t Miss Out On The Fun in Greensboro, NC!
- Gone to Key West, Be Back Never!
- Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
Speed Vegas
During a recent trip to Vegas, I spent a fun-filled day at Speed Vegas Motorsports Park, the self-proclaimed “coolest playground on the planet”. Located just 10 miles off the strip, Speed Vegas is a speed enthusiast’s paradise! Don’t worry that you’ll need prior racing experience to have fun here, everyone is welcome. Here are some of the offerings at Speed Vegas:
- Exotics Racing – From Ferraris to Lamborghinis, Porsches, and more, Speed Vegas offers supercars ready for you to race around the track (in a safe, controlled environment).
- Vegas Superkart – According to Speed Vegas, their go-kart track is the fastest (and safest) track in Las Vegas!
- Vegas Off-Road Experience – We personally experienced the ultimate off-road experience by driving a real Baja Race Truck. My husband LOVED jumping the dunes and driving at some serious speeds in an actual Baja Race Truck!
A Day You’ll Never Forget at Speed Vegas!
The visit to Speed Vegas was a gift to my husband for his birthday and I booked a full day of activities including the following:
- Vegas Off-Road Experience – I purchased 7 laps (*additional laps can be purchased) for him in a Baja Race Truck and I added an On-board HD Video of the experience. The Off-Road Experience was a full 2 hours.
- Drifting Ride Along – The ride-along featured high-speed drifts in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat with a professional drift racer. It was for 30 minutes and we were both able to ride with the driver. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, trust me, this is the experience for you! I added the Onboard HD Video of the Ride Along as well.
My total cost was roughly $900.00 and it was worth every penny!
During our time in Vegas, we stayed at the Bellagio, and Speed Vegas was just a short 15-minute Uber ride from the hotel. Once we arrived at Speed Vegas, check-in was smooth and professional. I had booked all of our adventures in advance online, but Speed Vegas does take walk-ups (based on availability). I highly recommend reservations though, to make the most of your time.
After check-in, we sat through a welcome briefing and technical instructions that gave pertinent information on driving the cars. The instructors answered all questions and made sure that everyone felt safe and comfortable with the car driving to driving. As an added bonus, 2 Discovery Laps are included with driving experiences, so you can really feel comfortable with the vehicles without wasting your purchased laps. Helmets are provided for all drivers and passengers at no additional charge.
A Vegas Experience You Don’t Want to Miss!
I can’t recommend Speed Vegas enough! If you’re in Las Vegas and want a different experience add the Motorsports Park to your list. It’s great for couples, groups, and special events. You won’t regret it, I promise. Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment and let me know what some of your favorite “off the strip” activities are in Las Vegas!
Other Las Vegas Posts You Might Enjoy:
Durham, North Carolina
I’m lucky enough to call Durham North Carolina home and I can tell you first hand, Durham has so much to offer! Durham is home to prestigious universities (Duke University & North Carolina Central University), world-renowned medical and research facilities, a vibrant culinary scene, and countless picturesque parks, to name just a few attractions. Durham has been my hometown for over 18 years and I’m still discovering new ways to love the Bull City!
The Bull City
The nickname for Durham is Bull City and the name originated from the Bull Durham Tobacco Company. During the late 1800s, Durham was a booming tobacco town and the Bull Durham Tobacco Company was the premier manufacturer of tobacco products. The flagship product of the company was Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco, and the logo featured the iconic bull image we all recognize (and love) today! As Durham grew and thrived, the nickname “Bull City” emerged and serves today as a proud reminder of Durham’s industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
To Know Durham Is To Love Durham
Since Durham is my hometown, I am keeping this post short and sweet because you’ll see so many more in-depth posts about specific attractions I love in the Bull City! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite things to do in the city, with links to the respective websites. I’d love any comments about what you’re favorite things to see and do in Durham are!
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre garden featuring vibrant flowers, serene water features, peaceful trails, and the most beautiful landscapes. It’s a must-see for any visit to Durham!
- Durham Bulls Baseball Team – Attending a Durham Bulls is a quintessential experience for locals and visitors alike. Who doesn’t love enjoying a hot dog and watching a baseball game?
- Museum of Life and Science – Voted the Triangle’s Best Museum, The Durham Museum of Life & Science is an 84-acre interactive museum perfect for the whole family!
Thanks for reading all about my love of Durham and I hope you’ll check back in for more details on my hometown!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
The Perfect White Bikini Does Exist!
Is there anything more challenging to find than a well-fitting swimsuit that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg? Over the years I’ve spent countless dollars on swimsuits that don’t fit my body well, or if they do fit well I’ve had to spend so much on them, I don’t want to get them wet! Amazon to the rescue! The CupShe storefront on Amazon offers all styles of swimwear at unbeatable prices. I scored this chic white bikini for under $40 and the fit is fantastic. The top features an underwire for support which is a HUGE deal for me and the bottoms are high-waisted without being old-fashioned. If white bathing suits aren’t your thing, don’t worry, this suit comes in various colors. Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what color you went with!
Complete Your Beach Girl Look!
Cover-Up – The white semi-sheer sarong I’m wearing is an Amazon find as well! I’ve linked the Eicolorte storefront here for your convenience. This sarong is available in many shades and finishes if you’re looking for something other than white. Best of all, it’ll only set you back $15!
Sandals – The EVA Birkenstocks are always my go-to beach shoe. The EVA material is lightweight, flexible, and waterproof, everything you want at the beach. Of course, I went with white for this particular look but they are available in so many fun shades and most are available for $49.
A Fun Filled Day at Kure Beach, NC
My family and I enjoyed spending the day at Kure Beach. I love the small-town beach vibes you get at Kure and it’s only 18 miles from Wilmington! After you finish soaking up the sun in your gorgeous white bikini, here are some fun activities to check out in or near Kure Beach:
- Kure Beach Fishing Pier – This is one of the oldest piers on the Atlantic Coast. It was originally built in 1923, but its been rebuilt and restored over the years.
- Ocean Front Park – Family fun for all ages! Don’t miss out on the seaside swings!
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher – Travel Channel named the Aquarium one of the best aquariums in the United States!
Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a safe and festive Independence Day filled with love, laughs, and unforgettable memories!
Other Style Posts You Might Enjoy:
- DeMellier London Offers Affordable Luxury Handbags You’ll Love!
- Longchamp Proves French Luxury Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelmingly Expensive!
- Vanilla Tones Sure To Make You Melt!
- A Lovely Day on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
- A Flattering Jumpsuit You’re Guaranteed To Love!
DeMellier London
Hey guys! I’ve been feeling really inspired by the “quiet luxury” trend that’s happening now. Quiet luxury is essentially high-quality goods with a complete lack of logos and anything too conspicuous. Say goodbye to handbags with logos splashed across them; the trend now is “stealth wealth” or high-end items that say luxury without actually saying anything.
In my search for some new quiet luxury pieces, I came across the London-based handbag company, DeMellier. According to their website DeMellier was founded with the vision of doing things differently: to design handbags that would make women feel empowered, made ethically and sustainably while giving back to those who need it most. All of their pieces are made ethically in Spain or Italy, and for every piece sold, DeMellier funds vaccines and treatments aimed to save the life of a child in need.
In addition to doing good in the world, DeMellier’s handbags are sold at phenomenal prices! Most of their bags range from $350-$500! Talk about a deal! DeMellier is the true definition of affordable “quiet” luxury. There are no flashy logos on these bags, just a small name print on the bag.
If you are looking to add some quiet but stylish pieces to your handbag collection, I highly recommend giving DeMellier a try! I purchased The Vancouver in Black Smooth and The Nano Montreal in Pink Smooth. It was love at first sight with both bags, but the Nano Montreal has really stolen my heart!
Stay Tuned For More on DeMellier London!
You’ll see more of my DeMellier looks when I post about my New England trip! The pink Nano Montreal Bag paired so well with all of my looks in Boston and Maine, and I can’t wait to share it with you guys! In the meantime, here are some other style posts you might enjoy:
- Longchamp Proves French Luxury Doesn’t Have To Be Overwhelmingly Expensive!
- The Black Handbag You Need In Your Collection
- Vanilla Tones Sure To Make You Melt!
- I Found The Most Amazing White Bikini on Amazon!
- A Flattering Jumpsuit Your Guaranteed To Love
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
- A Lovely Day On The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Meow! A Darling Leopard Print Dress You’re Sure To Love!
- Don’t You Just Love A Good Denim Look?
A Memorable Stay At The Legendary Hotel Le Negresco!
During my November 2022 trip to France, I spent a week on the French Riviera and was fortunate enough to stay at the legendary Le Negresco Hotel! Le Negresco Hotel opened in 1913 and it is one of the most famous hotels on the French Riviera. Many notable guests have stayed here over the years including the painter Dali, Princess Grace of Monaco, The Beatles, and Louis Armstrong.
Le Negresco overlooks the beach and the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. The unique and timeless hotel features artwork from the 17th century to today, displayed throughout the property. In 2003, Hotel Negresco was listed by the government of France as a National Historic Building and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Le Negresco, Our Home Away From Home in Nice
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Le Negresco is only 3.1 miles away from the Nice Cote d’Azur airport! It felt like our driver had just picked us (and our MANY bags) up when we were pulling up to the front door of the hotel!
I was immediately struck by the Doormen dressed in 18th-century style uniforms, it was so fun to see! The hotel is simply stunning. There is no other way to describe the place. The front desk is beautiful, the hotel bar is beautiful, and even the elevator is beautiful! Because our stay was in late November, the hotel was decked out in full Christmas decore and it only added to the appeal.
The front desk was kind enough to upgrade our room to a King Suite overlooking the beach and promenade. Be sure to head to my Instagram for a video tour of our stunning room!
Of course, Hotel Negresco features a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chantecler. The food was everything you’d imagine and then some! I’ve got another post coming that spotlights our dining experience at the restaurant. For now though, just trust me when I tell you the food is phenomenal! We also enjoyed our breakfast daily at the hotel. We opted for room service but the La Rontonde restaurant serves a fresh buffet breakfast daily.
Le Negresco, The French Way of Life
My experiences on the French Riviera are times I’ll never forget. From visiting the Medieval village of Eze, to strolling the Promenade of Nice, to spending the day in Monaco, it was a dream vacation. Le Negresco Hotel was the perfect place to end each day of my French adventure. We you find yourself in the South of France, you simply must book a stay here.
Other France Posts You Might Enjoy:
- I Found The Most Enchanting French Village!
- My Time At The Legendary Monte Carlo Casino
- Indulge In a Taste of France, Le Cordon Bleu
- A Luxurious Day to Remember at Versailles Palace!
Update! A Room Tour of Le Negresco!
During my birthday trip to France in November, I was fortunate to spend a week in Paris and a week on the French Riveria, splitting my time between Nice and Monaco. While in Nice our fantastic travel agent, Travel Designs by Judy, booked us a tour of the village of Eze. Before my travels, I had no knowledge of the area, and I was in for the best surprise ever!
Eze is a beautiful seaside village in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in southeast France. It is located on the French Riviera, just a short distance from Nice to the north and Monaco to the west.
A Brief History of Eze
During our time in the South of France, we stayed at the legendary Le Negresco Hotel which I will feature in my next post. The Negresco Hotel is located in Nice and our tour guide/driver picked us up directly from the hotel for our excursion to Eze.
During the scenic drive from Nice, our guide explained more to us about Eze. The village dates back to the Medieval Ages, but it’s been modernized with shops, art galleries, hotels, and restaurants. Because of the beauty and charm of the Eze, it is very popular with tourists and honeymooners. Eze is called by some a “museum village” as so few residents of local origin live here. The oldest building in the village is the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix and it dates back to 1306. Eze is often described as an “eagle’s nest” because of its location overlooking a high cliff 1,401 ft above sea level on the French Mediterranean.
A Day on the French Riviera I’ll Never Forget!
Our tour guide dropped us off right outside the village walls and we were on our own to meander the pathways and just enjoy being in the South of France! The first thing I noticed was how peaceful the atmosphere was. Cars are not allowed within the precinct, so the quiet was palpable. The only sounds are the birds in the air, muted conversations from other visitors, and your own footsteps along the cobblestone path.
The stunning views of the French Riveria coast took my breath away! There were so many photo ops in the village, I literally wanted to photograph everything! My husband and I both loved browsing the many shops and I was able to find some eclectic souvenirs for home. I was enthralled by the centuries-old architecture and seeing all of the carvings, plaques, and artwork from ages ago was truly an experience.
Thanks For Joining Me On The French Riviera!
Thanks for reading along and don’t forget to follow me on social media to see more photos and videos of my time in Eze. Please comment below with any questions you may have about the village, I’m here to help!
Other France Posts You Might Enjoy:
