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!
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).
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)
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:
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave me a comment about other spots in Raleigh I should visit!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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:
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:
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.
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!
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 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.
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!
Thanks for reading all about my love of Durham and I hope you’ll check back in for more details on my hometown!
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!
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.
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:
Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a safe and festive Independence Day filled with love, laughs, and unforgettable memories!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
I recently enjoyed a fun day trip to Greensboro, NC and I’d like to share the details with you all in hopes you’ll visit Greensboro too! Greensboro is located just shy of an hour from the Triangle and it’s the third largest city in North Carolina, behind Charlotte and Raleigh. The city of Greensboro is often called the Triad with Winston Salem and High Point. Greensboro is home to several universities including North Carolina A&T, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and the well-known 23,500-seat Greensboro Coliseum, the second-largest coliseum in the US. Of course, there’s more to the city than just universities and the Coliseum! Lush green spaces, historical sites, artistic venues, and countless restaurants and shops make Greensboro a town that has something for everyone!
My husband and I took a trip to the F. W. Woolworth building, located in downtown Greensboro, which is the home of the first sit-in demonstration of the Civil Rights Movement. Four A&T State University freshmen (known as the Greensboro Four) sat down at a segregated F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960 and refused to leave after being denied service. The sit-in movement soon spread to college towns throughout the South. Many of the protestors were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace, their actions made an immediate impact, forcing Woolworths and other establishments to change their segregationist policies. It was incredibly powerful visiting the Civil Rights Museum. I highly recommend including a stop on your visit to Greensboro.
I’m always on the hunt for a good sandwich and I discovered an awesome sandwich shop called The Bodega, located in downtown Greensboro (right across from The Carolina Theater). As listed on their website, The Bodega is a locally owned business, that gives patrons a place to come, drink and relax indoors or out on the shaded patio. The Bodega serves beer and wine in-house daily, they offer a ton of grab-and-go snacks along with other household needs AND they offer the most incredible made-to-order sandwiches! Be sure to include The Bodega on your lunch break list!
Greensboro, North Carolina is a city full of history, art, nature, food, and so much more! You owe it to yourself to check it out! What is your favorite thing about Greensboro? Leave a comment and let me know!
If you’ve been following along with my blog posts or on my social media, you’ve seen some of the adventures I’ve had in California at Napa Valley and Alcatraz; now I’m going to talk about Sausalito!
During my stay in San Francisco, my husband and I decided to take a day trip to Sausalito and it was indeed the highlight of our Cali vacation! Sausalito is just a hop & a skip from San Francisco and it is the most charming seaside community I’ve ever visited! The town is full of beautiful shops, cafes, restaurants, and great waterfront walks.
The lovely beach town of Sausalito is right in San Francisco’s backyard. We simply headed across the Golden Gate Bridge and boom, you’re right in the quaint small town of Sausalito! Be prepared to fall in love instantly…homes nestled into the hillside, the sounds of sea birds chirping in the air, the salty breeze blowing in, so amazing!
We started our day trip from San Francisco to Sausalito with the most delicious breakfast at Kitchen Sunnyside. Kitchen Sunnyside is a small restaurant located in Mill Valley, CA which is just a short 15 minutes from Sausalito. My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast spread, with chicken & waffles for him, a turkey sausage hash for me, and berry french toast for us to share. The drinks were great too, I had a classic latte and Sidney had a chai tea latte. Be sure to check my IG for a fun reel featuring the excellent breakfast from Kitchen Sunnyside!
After breakfast, we drove straight into Sausalito and were just blown away by the beauty of this bayside town! I had fun taking silly photos that show the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, and I was fortunate enough to glimpse a sea lion swimming by in the bay!
We spent most of the morning and early afternoon in Sausalito strolling the waterfronts, walking the marina, and visiting many of the local shops. I enjoyed selecting souvenirs from the one-of-a-kind shops that line the streets of the village.
For lunch we decided on Copita Tequileria y Comida, a modern Mexican restaurant with an incredible selection of Tequila. The tacos my husband and I shared were good but the Margaritas were the clear winners for me! If you know me you know I LOVE a good Margarita and I’d go so far to say that the Copita Margarita made with Herradura Slive Tequila, lime, agave nectar and a salted rim, is the BEST Margarita I’ve ever had, seriously. When in Sausalito, I highly recommend stopping by Copita’s for lunch or dinner. We enjoyed our meal inside, but they have a fabulous patio that right on the main drag of Sausalito.
A double scoop of ice cream from the Hawaiian chain, Lappert’s, was just the perfect way to end our day in Sausalito! Lappert’s Ice Cream is know for their tropical flavors and their Macadamia Nut ice cream sure did not disappoint! Taking in the scenic views of Sausalito with a delicious ice cream cone in my hand is definitely a memory I won’t soon forget.
Thanks for joining me for a fun day trip to Sausalito, California! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what adventures you’d like to hear more about!
We all know Las Vegas as the destination for parties, drinks, gambling, and shows, but you’d really be missing out if you didn’t sample some of the brilliant food they offer! Vegas is truly a gold mine for cuisine from all over the world and I’m here for all of it! From elegant Michelin-starred meals to classic Italian fare, there is no limit to the great restaurants to choose from in this wild city, whatever your budget. Whether you need a fancy sit-down meal, a quick bite before you hit the strip, or a hearty breakfast to cure your hangover (remember, what happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas), Vegas is sure to have the delicious meal you’re looking for! I’m spotlighting Giada’s for this post, but stay tuned for later posts for more of my time in Las Vegas.
Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian entrées with a California twist have been a favorite for years. Located inside the Cromwell Hotel, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting space with fantastic views of the strip. The atmosphere of the restaurant is upscale but still welcoming.
Our server was pleasant and gave us menu recommendations. He suggested the breadboard to start with and it was a great choice! The breadboard featured an assortment of freshly baked bread with various spreads, oils, and different types of butter. I don’t recall the names of the cocktails we ordered, but I do remember how delicious they were! For my entree, I selected Giada’s Signature Lemon Spaghetti. The dish features handmade spaghetti with shrimp, mascarpone cheese, lemon, and basil. It was EXCELLENT! I love all things lemon and the lemon flavor of this dish was just perfect. My husband chose the Rigatoni with a flavorful pork ragout and Tuscan kale, and he loved every bite!
Even though we were stuffed after such a great meal, we knew we couldn’t leave without sampling some of the gelatos we had heard so much about! We went with the Vanilla Mascarpone, Baileys Stracciatella, and Strawberry Limoncello (this one was a Sorbet). All three were simply delicious.
I would highly recommend Giada’s to anyone looking for an upscale dining experience on the Vegas Strip. Reservations are highly recommended and do be prepared to pay a $25.00 reservation fee (If you indeed keep the reservation, the $25.00 charge is deducted from your bill). Don’t be turned off by Giada’s being a “celebrity” restaurant, the food is top-notch as is the service.