Happy Memorial Day! I hope that whatever the holiday brings, you make some memories with the people you love. I’ll be kicking back and bouncing to all the cookout invites I received this year!
Last year I spent Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and I was able to attend my first MLB game! I had such a blast watching the game at Wrigley Field. I enjoyed my baseball “snacks” and I went full tourist mode and wore a Cubs T-shirt and everything! While I’m not the biggest baseball fan, sitting next to my husband, and watching the game is a memory I’ll never forget.
Wrigley Field
I’m so glad my first MLB game was at Wrigley’s! Wrigley Field is the oldest National League ballpark and it has been the home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916! It’s such a historic field, I spent more time snapping photos than I did actually watching the game! Here are some fun facts about Wrigley Field I found online:
- Babe Ruth’s famous Called Shot happened at Wrigley.
- The ballpark with the last major league park to have lights installed for play after dark in 1988.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, and The Break-Up are just a few of the many movies that feature Wrigley Field.
- Harry Caray began the tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at the Cubs home games.
- The ivy that covers the outfield wall is a combination of Boston Ivy and Japanese Bittersweet, planted in 1937 by the Cubs General Manager, Bill Veeck.
- No batter has ever hit the scoreboard which has been around since 1937 and is still manually operated.
What are some of your favorite Memorial Day memories? Leave me a comment and let me know, I always love hearing from you all!
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- Downtown Chicago Views You Have To See To Believe!
- Chicago Riverwalk – A Stunning Waterfront Oasis!
- Faneuil Hall, A Little Touristy, and A Lot Fun!
- My Brief Love Affair with Boston
- Making The Best Of A Rainy Day On Rainbow Row
- A Luxurious Day To Remember At Versailles Palace
- Indulge In A Taste Of France, Le Cordon Bleu
What I Wore On The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
I recently spent a sun & fun-filled day at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. While the day was bright and sunny, a crisp breeze blew in from the ocean. Luckily I was dressed for the weather! The chunky cardigan I wore was the perfect layer for the mild beach weather. I call this look Boardwalk Blue and if you like it, please keep reading and I’ll share all the details AND give you the links to all the pieces!
Boardwalk Blue – A Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Looks!
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Button-Fly Sky-Hi Straight Cut-off Jeans – You’ll rarely find me in jeans that aren’t by Good American, but I got these Old Navy jeans for such a steal! I got these high-waisted jeans for $7.00 during last year’s Black Friday sale! It took a while to find just the right pieces to pair with them, but for $7 bucks I didn’t mind them taking up space in my closet! The light wash and loose, comfortable fit definitely make these jeans a must-have for any closet.
H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan – I love a good cardigan and this blue H&M rib-knit is one of my favorites. I have a chunkier, Kelly Green one as well, that I’m just waiting to wear! H&M is always a good choice for staple items like sweaters and cardigans and their prices are always reasonable.
*Underneath my cardigan I am wearing a solid white bodysuit. I’m not sure what particular brand it is so I did not link it.
Marc Jacobs Leather Mini Tote Bag – The March Jacobs Tote Bags are very popular and the new leather varieties are super stylish! My large MJ Tote Bag is black canvas and because it is so roomy, I typically use it for travel. The mini leather tote in cotton is a fresh change for me and I like the nice touch it added to my Boardwalk Blue look.
Aldo Bigstrut Lug Sole Loafer – These lug sole loafers from Aldo’s are my favorites! I have them in black and brown so I’m sure you’ll see them on another style board soon. They are very comfy and despite the lug sole, they aren’t heavy or clunky. I cruised the boardwalk, Riverwalk, and downtown Wilmington in these shoes and I had no comfort issues. The color is not quite white, more like a creamy vanilla and it’s absolutely beautiful in person. I highly recommend adding these loafers to your wardrobe.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll give some of these pieces a try. Please leave a comment to let me know if you’d like to see more style boards!
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Wilmington, NC Riverwalk
Wilmington is a coastal town located in southeastern North Carolina. Many fun things to experience in Wilmington include visiting the beach, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. For this post, I am just going to focus on the Wilmington Riverwalk!
The Riverwalk is a nearly two-mile showstopper stroll alongside the historic Cape Fear River. The pathway leads from Nunn Street to the Isabella Homes Bridge and is lined with unique shops, outdoor cafes, and markets. There are multiple hotels located very near the riverwalk, including The Hive where we enjoyed a great stay!
Strolling The Riverwalk
Well-known Wilmington landmarks like the Cotton Exchange, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and the 1914 Murchison Building are all located along the scenic Riverwalk route. In addition to these popular destinations, the Riverwalk is full of local shops, historic structures, and numerous works of art. In 2014, USA Today voted the Wilmington Riverwalk as the “Best American Riverfront” and it is certainly a well-deserved title!
The Riverwalk itself is a wooden walkway that leads right through the heart of downtown. I personally enjoyed walking the path in the early morning hours with joggers and dog walkers. The Riverwalk is equally enjoyable at night, as the path is lighted with decorative hanging street posts. There are benches and embedded stools throughout the route for visitors who want to sit down, relax, and enjoy the Wilmington breeze!
As a community boardwalk, The Riverwalk is open 24/7 with no charge to stroll along the Wilmington waterfront. With its beautiful scenery, and proximity to dining, shopping, and lodging, the Riverwalk is a must-stop for any visit to Wilmington!
Share Your Riverwalk Experience!
I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the Riverwalk at Wilmington is or if this post inspired you to visit for the first time! Please leave your comments and let me know!
Other North Carolina Posts You Might Like:
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds in Wilmington, North Carolina!
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- No Bull, Durham Really Does Have It All!
- Don’t Miss The Beautiful Sunflower Bloom at Dix Park!
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
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Charleston, South Carolina
Last summer I was searching for a fun but quick trip with my mom and husband. I wanted to find a destination that was an easy drive from Chapel Hill, was known for great food, and would have a slower, more relaxing pace. Charleston, South Carolina met all of the criteria; it is only a 4-hour drive from my home and its foodie reputation is well known. I probably should have checked the weather forecast before we left for SC, it rained (HEAVILY) throughout our entire stay! While the weather in Charleston was yucky, we still had a fabulous time and ate some incredible food!
Rainy Day #1
We started our first day in Charleston with breakfast at the Early Bird Diner. The Early Bird Diner is a tiny little restaurant that is very well known to locals AND it’s been featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The service was prompt and friendly and we all enjoyed our meals. It was a great kick-off to our “culinary tour” of Charleston.
After a very satisfying meal, we put on our ponchos and headed to Rainbow Row.
Rainbow Row
Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Rainbow Row has been a popular destination for 3 centuries. Rainbow Row was originally built in the late 1700s as a series of 13 townhouses. Over time, the homes were used for various purposes, including as commercial and residential spaces. By the early 1900s, many of the homes were dilapidated and were in danger of being demolished. Local preservation Susan Pringle Frost stepped in to save the damaged homes. Frost purchased several of the homes, restored them, and painted them in their original pastel colors. The street became known as Rainbow Row, a nickname still used today.
Visitors to Charleston can experience the vibrant colors and storied history of Rainbow Row by taking a walk down this iconic street. We certainly enjoyed our time on Rainbow Row, rain and all!
Lunch Time is The Best Time!
After touring Rainbow Row and a few other Charleston sights, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Let me tell you, the BBQ was fantastic! We all enjoyed our meals and the smoked wings (and potato salad) were a real standout for me. My husband was a fan of the brisket and my mom loved the smoked turkey sandwich.
Be sure to check my Instagram to see a reel of the delicious food we enjoyed at Rodney Scott’s BBQ!
The Battery
After lunch, we took a drive over to The Battery. The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade, famous for its gorgeous antebellum homes (like the one pictured above). Fort Sumter is visible from parts of The Battery. Despite the terrible weather, the view of Charleston Harbor from the Battery was simply breathtaking.
Wrapping Up A Fun (But Wet) Day in Charleston
We finished our first day in Charleston with dinner at Hannibal’s Kitchen. Hannibal’s Kitchen isn’t the fanciest place but the food was great. I had heard that crab rice is a must-try dish in the low country and Hannibals DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The crab rice was delicious and flavorful! Because it was raining cats & dogs outside, we ordered our meals from Hannibal’s to go. Our food was served to us piping hot and we took them back to our hotel to enjoy. Hannibal’s should definitely be included on any Charleston must-eat list.
Rainy Day Activities, Part 2
We started our second day in Charleston with donuts and biscuits. We visited Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts for some freshly baked doughnuts, and then we went right across the street to Callies Hot Little Biscuit for some biscuit sandwiches and coffee.
After our morning bites, we once again put on our ponchos and headed to the Old Slave Mart Museum.
Old Slave Mart Museum, Charleston, SC
According to their website, the Old Slave Mart Museum is the first African-American slave museum. Charleston is a fitting home for the museum as at one point during slavery, 35-40% of enslaved people entered the United States through Charleston. The museum was built in 1859 and is considered the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina.
Our visit to the museum was very informative but somber (as you can probably imagine). At the museum, you are able to tour actual spaces where enslaved people were held awaiting to be sold. There are some artifacts on display but not many. Since tickets were only $8.00 per person, a visit to the museum is a great value. I would not recommend the tour for children, certain aspects of the tour can be emotionally overwhelming. I personally think all adults should try and visit the Old Slave Mart Museum as a reminder of Charleston’s history and heritage (the good AND bad).
Time For Some Feel-Good Food
After our Old Slave Mart Museum tour, we headed to Johns Island for some fresh seafood, and Simply Seafood hit the spot! My family and I enjoyed fresh fried shrimp, clams, fish, oysters, and some great sides. Simply Seafood is a seafood market, so they have just about every type of fresh seafood you can imagine! They are known for their seafood boils and we’ll be sure to try one on our next trip to Charleston!
Final Thoughts
Charleston was a wonderful city to experience and explore with my family. Even though the weather was not on our side, Charleston gave us the relaxed, southern pace we were looking for and all of the food was delicious. I’ll definitely be back, but I’ll check the weather forecast first!
I hope this post has inspired your next trip to Charleston! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what’s on your Charleston agenda!
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A Trip to Versailles Palace
While planning my birthday trip to Paris, a tour of the Palace of Versailles was definitely on my must-do list! Our fantastic travel agent (Travel Designs by Judy) booked us a full-day, 8-hour excursion to the palace and it was a true bucket-list experience! To learn more about our experience using a travel agent AND our other Parisian experiences, please visit my blog post all about Le Cordon Bleu.
The Palace of Versailles is located in the city of Versailles, about 12 miles southwest of the Paris city center. Our travel agent arranged a private guide/driver throughout our stay in France so getting to Versailles from our Paris hotel was no problem.
A Quick History Lesson
Louis XIII originally commissioned Versailles as a hunting lodge in 1624. After taking the throne, his son, Louis XIV wanted to establish Versailles as the seat of the French government, meaning the Court of Versailles would reside there.
Between 1661 and 1715 the hunting lodge underwent major renovations to become one of the largest palaces in the world. The Palace of Versailles became the center of political power in France and a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Versailles: A Palace Fit For a King & Queen
The most well-known residents of The Palace of Versailles were King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Louis XVI was the last king of France. He ruled from 1774 until 1792 when the French Revolution stripped the King & Queen of their power and led to their beheadings.
After the French Revolution, the palace was in the hands of the new government and much of the remaining furnishing and artwork were sold or donated to the Louvre. The palace had been looted during the revolution and many of the artifacts had been destroyed.
In 1837 The Palace of Versailles was reopened as the Museum of the History of France. A major historic event took place in the palace in 1919. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, solidified the end of World War I and took place inside the Hall of Mirrors.
Visiting Versailles
We were fortunate to have a private tour guide during our visit to Versailles. Our tour guide was a native Parisian and he was so fantastic! His knowledge of the history of Versailles was incredible and he was so good, other visitors were asking HIM questions about the palace! An added bonus, we were able to skip the line to get inside the palace because our guide knew some key people!
The Palace of Versailles consists of four main areas:
- The Main Palace
- The Gardens & Park of Versailles
- The Estate of Trianon & the Queen’s Hamlet
- The Royal Stables
We were lucky enough to tour all of the areas of Versailles except the Royal Stables. During our visit in November, the stables were closed to the public.
There is so much to see and share about Versailles, I have limited this post to just the Palace. Be on the lookout for future posts about the Gardens, Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Touring the Main Palace
The Palace of Versailles is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it truly must be seen to be believed! The Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over almost 680,000 square feet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have your phone/camera ready! The over-the-top opulence is going to leave you breathless I promise!
Highlights of Versailles Palace
The Royal Chapel – The Royal Chapel is where the court gathered every morning at 10 am for the King’s mass. It is two-story absolutely beautiful.
King’s State Apartments – The King’s State Apartments feature 7 elaborate rooms which include the Venus room, Diana room, Mars room, Mercury room (the room where Louis XIV coffin was on display after his death), the Apollo room (used as the throne room beginning in 1682), the War room, and the Peace room.
The Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is the most popular room in The Palace of Versailles. The 240-foot-long hall is lined with 17 arches and comprised of 357 small mirrors. The artwork lining the halls speaks to the history of France. The Hall of Mirrors served as a daily passageway between the King & Queens state apartments.
Final Thoughts
The Palace Of Versailles is a study of over-the-top opulence and I loved every minute of it! Be sure to include a day trip to Versailles on your Paris visit. If I’m fortunate enough to visit Paris in the spring, I’ll definitely come back to see the gardens of Versailles in bloom. I’d love to hear from any of you that may have visited Versailles, what was your favorite experience? Thanks for reading and I hope this post inspires you to visit The Palace of Versailles!
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Welcome to “The Rock”! Located just under 2 miles off the San Francisco waterfront is Alcatraz Island & Prison. The Federal prison was in operation from 1934 to 1963 and at the time it was the most feared federal penitentiary in the United States. The famous 1979 movie, Escape From Alcatraz (starring Clint Eastwood) is based on the true story of Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin and their 1962 escape from Alcatraz. Here is a clip of the movie if you are unfamiliar with it.
California Adventures
As I was planning my 40th birthday trip to California, there were certain spots I KNEW I wanted to visit (Napa Valley, for one) and others I just took a chance on. The Alcatraz Island visit was one of the chances and I’m so glad I took it; Alcatraz was one of the highlights of my California visit!
Getting to The Rock
I purchased my tickets for the Alcatraz in advance and I went with the Early Bird Tour. The Early Bird Tour is the first tour of the day to Alcatraz Island. We purchased our tickets directly through Alcatraz City Cruises. Please DON’T fall victim to scammers, purchase your tickets online through a reputable vendor! Tickets were $41.00 per person and the price includes the ferry ride to the island as well as the audio tour. With tickets in hand, my husband and I made our way to Pier 33 to wait for the ferry to Alcatraz!
The ride to Alcatraz was stunning, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge on the port side and views of the San Francisco city line on the starboard side. The ferry was open-air so to smell the sea and hear the birds was an exhilarating start to the tour!
As the prison came into view, it became obvious how it earned its nickname, The Rock. The island literally looks like a rock rising out of the sea! I can only imagine what the prisoners arriving at Alcatraz must have thought of their fate.
Locked Up
After landing at Alcatraz, we were greeted by the Alcatraz staff and they explained the history of the island, hidden treasures to look out for, and they explained how the tours would work, We were all free to explore the entire island on our own and the ferry back to San Francisco leaves every 45 minutes. We decided to visit inside the prison first and save the prison grounds for later.
Stepping inside Alcatraz was surreal, I personally was glad that I could leave any time I wanted, unlike the men who served hard times here! As I mentioned earlier, Alcatraz tours include an audio tour in the ticket price. We were issued hand-held audio devices that allowed us to learn about each area of the prison we visited. The audio tour was narrated by ex-inmates and guards personally. We toured cell blocks, solitary confinement, areas used by prison staff, the warden’s office, the dining hall, and the recreation area. The highlight for me was seeing the actual cells of the 3 prisoners who escaped! Seeing the tiny hole they escaped from was incredible.
Alcatraz, A Must-Visit For Any San Francisco Trip
A visit to San Franciso should definitely include a trip to Alcatraz. Alcatraz is suitable for families, couples, friend groups, or single folks too. In addition to the Early Bird and day tours, Alcatraz offers night tours as well; imagine walking through the abandoned cell block at night…spooky!
Have you visited Alcatraz Island before? What was your favorite experience at The Rock? Head to the contact me page with your comments and feedback, I love hearing from you all!
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The Hive Hotel, Wilmington, North Carolina
The Hive is a 15-room all-suite boutique hotel located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The property was built in 2019 and is located steps from downtown Wilmington, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all nearby. All 15 rooms are styled differently, with some rooms offering a city view and some featuring a terrace. Here are some of the nice features at the Hive:
- Self Check-In. We never had to stop by the front desk to check into our suite. Check-in was done online and we were sent our room information via text. It was super convenient!
- Full-size kitchens in every suite
- High-Speed Internet was available throughout the property
- Onsite laundry facilities
- Onsite fitness center
- Pet-friendly suites are available (for an additional fee and WITH approval)
- Off-street parking for an additional fee. The $19.00 per day parking fee was well worth it for us. The Hive has its own dedicated parking lot just across from the hotel.
- Quiet time for all suites from 10 pm to 7 am.
TikTok Made Me Do It!
How did I end up at the Hive? Once my husband and I decided to check out Wilmington on our days off, I immediately began my search for the best places to stay (and eat)! I turned to TikTok and I saw several recommendations for the Hive. Once I saw the prime location of the Hive, I knew it was the hotel for us! We wanted to be near Carolina Beach but not ON the beach and we definitely wanted to be within walking distance to lots of restaurant options. The Hive well located; it is only 16 miles from Carolina Beach, steps from tons of dining AND the beautiful River Walk is just up the street.
Just Book It…
If you’re looking for accommodations in Wilmington, strongly consider the Hive. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and the location is unbeatable! I’ve got a longer blog post coming, all about our adventures in Wilmington, but I wanted to do a quick spotlight on the Hive. If you’ve stayed at the Hive before, leave a comment and let me know about your experience!
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High on the Hog…
In 2021, Netflix aired a series called High on the Hog, How African American Cuisine Transformed America. The series is based on the 2011 book by historian and cookbook author Jessica B. Harris, “High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America”. Allow me to explain how the show led me to Monticello!
The 4 episode docuseries covers the roots of African American foods in Benin Africa, to the rice kingdoms of the Carolinas, then introduces us to the Founding Father’s enslaved Chefs (James Hemings & Hercules Posey), and finally ends with a Juneteenth feast in Texas. Netflix’s High on the Hog is led by author and chef, Stephen Satterfield. The show does a phenomenal job of shedding light on the history and celebration of African American food. Episode 3, Our Founding Chefs resonated and spoke to me deeply.
Our Founding Chefs
In the 3rd episode of High on the Hog, viewers are introduced to James Hemings and Hercules Posey. Hemings was the enslaved chef for Thomas Jefferson and Hercules, was the enslaved chef for George Washington. As this blog post is about my time at Monticello, we’ll focus on Hemings.
James Hemings came to Monticello at 9 years old with his family, which included his younger sister, Sally Hemings (who would later bear at least 6 of Jefferson’s children). James Hemings was the half-brother of Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha Jefferson; James Hemings and Martha Jefferson shared the same father.
At 19 years old, as the enslaved property of Jefferson, James Hemings traveled to France to begin an apprenticeship under French chefs. In France, Hemings learned classical French cooking techniques that he would later bring back to Monticello. Many of the dishes that Hemings mastered are current American favorites like French Fries, Ice Cream, and Mac & Cheese! We can credit enslaved Chef, James Hemings with popularizing these dishes at Monticello.
After many years of cooking for Jefferson, Hemings wants his freedom but is told by Jefferson he can only be free after he finds and trains a replacement chef. That replacement would be Hemings younger brother Peter. Imagine that proposition, your freedom in exchange for your brothers; truly heartbreaking. Hemings does indeed teach his brother to cook all of Jefferson’s favorites and earns his freedom. History can trace Hemings to Philadelphia and then Baltimore. We know that Hemings dies in Baltimore in 1801 but not much else is known about his life as a free man.
Thank you, James Hemings
As a restaurant owner, married to a black chef, I was deeply intrigued by the history of James Hemings (Hercules Posey as well) and how their recipes changed the face of American cuisine. They were the first celebrity chefs and up until High on the Hog, I had never heard of these men! I was eager to learn more. Hats off to High on the Hog for introducing me to the legacy of Hemings and Hercules.
An Opportunity Presents Itself…
Netflix’s High on the Hog aired in May of 2021. In August of 2021, my youngest daughter was narrowing down her college choices and doing college tours. UVA (founded by Thomas Jefferson), located in Charlottesville, Virginia was on her shortlist. College tours were being limited to half days during COVID times so, my family and I decided to book a tour of Monticello to make the most of our time in Charlottesville. It was an exciting prospect for me, an American history buff, and for my husband, who watched and loved the segments featuring Monticello Netflix! We both loved the idea of touring the kitchen at Monticello, to see firsthand where enslaved Chef Hemings perfected his dishes.
Arriving at Monticello
The first stop at Monticello is the visitor center. Inside the visitor center, you’ll view personal items of Jefferson and have the opportunity to watch a short film on the history of Monticello. To Monticello’s credit, they did not try and downplay the slavery aspect of Thomas Jefferson’s legacy. The welcome film discussed the history of slavery at Monticello just as much as it discussed Jefferson’s legacy as a Founding Father of America. The welcome center also features a small cafe and a gift shop. For a souvenir, I purchased a cookbook featuring the recipes of James Hemings!
After spending some time at the welcome center and gift shop, our shuttle bus arrived to take us up to Monticello. It was a short but scenic drive, and the atmosphere on the bus was somber. My family and I were trying to process how someone could achieve all that Jefferson did while enslaving masses of people. It’s difficult to understand, add to that we knew a tour of the Monticello slave quarters was on the way.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
The tour at Monticello was very intimate. Though there were lots of folks around, the tours are guided, limited to 45 minutes, and broken into small groups (about 12 folks). We were led from room to room, through Monticello, and we viewed Jefferson’s study, parlor, dining room, bedroom, and other areas. It was amazing to see the actual desk where he pinned the Declaration of Independence. It was equally amazing to see Jefferson’s parlor lined with the original 18th mirrors that hung in his day. Just imagine the stories these walls could tell!
One story our tour guide shared with us was how Marquis de Lafayette asked Jefferson how he could fight for liberty, equality, democracy, and freedom and still enslave hundreds of people. According to our tour guide, Jefferson responded “Their (slaves) time for freedom had not yet come.” Talk about outrage and heartbreak! I was speechless and I could only imagine MY ancestors toiling away under a man like Thomas Jefferson, in the very room I was standing in. Here is a clip of the story.
The guided tour ended with the entire group standing outside of Monticello, in the spot where many of Jefferson’s slaves were sold. Jefferson died deep in debt and his slaves were sold off to pay his debts. Try to picture families being torn apart and destroyed as mothers and fathers, sons and daughters were sold away, never to see each other again. Chilling, and it left MY family speechless. How do you reconcile such beautiful scenery with such monstrous actions? It’s been two years since our trip to Monticello and I still can’t answer that question.
Monticello, On Our Own
Once the 45-minute guided tour of Monticello ended, we were on our own to explore the grounds freely. Our first stop was the kitchen! It was incredible to stand in the kitchen James Hemings worked in hundreds of years ago. The actual stove and hearth are still standing and honestly, it felt like we were standing on sacred ground. The kitchen was just as we saw on Netflix’s High on the Hog! What a wonderful experience, it was the highlight of the tour for us and it really helped lighten our moods!
Sadly, the lighter mood was very short-lived. Immediately after leaving the kitchen, we were faced with touring the slave cabins. These cabins are not models or re-creations. These are the actual slave cabins from the 18th century. Stepping inside the tiny little cabin that a FAMILY would have shared sickened me. ESPECIALLY after having just viewed the opulence and splendor of Monticello. I was struggling to process the paradox of Thomas Jefferson, pursuer of liberty AND slave owner.
After such an emotional rollercoaster, my family and I were ready to bid Monticello farewell. We took a final view of the gardens with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains framing the background. All I could do was breathe in the mountain air and say a prayer for my ancestors who toiled for generations at Monticello.
Farewell, Monticello
As emotional as our time at Monticello was, I would recommend a visit there to EVERYONE. Regardless of your race, it is a location every American should try to visit. You’ll need to prepare yourself to face the two sides of Thomas Jefferson. Founding Father, inventor, “foodie”, and also a slave master to over 600 people. Make that make sense. It was a tough tour (emotionally) but I walked away grateful and inspired. Grateful for MY freedom and inspired by the opportunities I have that the folks buried on the ground I toured didn’t have.
I would love to hear from any of you that have toured Monticello and its grounds. How did the experience leave you feeling? Head over to the contact page to leave your comments!
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Food & Fun, Parisian Style
For my 41st birthday, I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks in France with my husband, 1 week in Paris, and 1 week in Nice. It was without a doubt the vacation of my dreams! I experienced so much culture in those 2 weeks, it forever changed my outlook on the world & life in general. You’ll definitely see more of my adventures in France as I get more posts up, but for now, let’s start with the personal cooking class I took at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
Since France was my first international trip, I definitely wanted to rely on the expertise of a travel agent, to ensure I had a wonderful European experience. I wanted a vacation that was full of activities and adventure, but that also allowed enough free time for my husband and me to explore France on our own. Enter Judy from Travel Designs by Judy!
Travel Designs by Judy
From our initial introductory phone call, I knew Judy was the right travel agent for me. She really listened to my wishes and helped craft a vacation that was straight from my dream board! As we were working out what I’d like to experience in France, Judy asked about my profession. When I told her that my husband and I owned a restaurant, she suggested taking a cooking class during our time in Paris. I was slightly hesitant at first because we spend so much time in a kitchen for a living. I was afraid a cooking class would feel like “work” and not a vacation. Boy, am I glad to be WRONG! I trusted Judy’s input and experience and went ahead with the cooking class on the Paris itinerary. Judy booked us a five-and-a-half-hour personal cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
Founded in 1895 in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu is a leading global network of culinary arts and hospitality management institutes. Their state-of-the-art flagship campus in Paris is just past the Seine River and very close to the Eiffel Tower! Below is a video of our drive to the campus and a quick view of the beautiful facilities!
The Art of French Cuisine: Brittany
Cooking courses at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris are offered in small groups under the supervision of a Chef. Our course was focused on the cuisine of Brittany and we would be making a 3-course meal made of classic & traditional Breton recipes. Fun Fact…The courses are taught in French and consecutively translated into English by a translator. The French really helped us feel even more immersed in the culture!
Brittany is a peninsula in the northwest of France. Surrounded by the sea, Brittany offers a wide range of fresh seafood and fish. Brittany is also known as a producer of artichokes and cauliflower. The menu we would be preparing highlighted Brittany’s specialties and included:
Velvet crab soup with Camus artichoke & anchovy puree croutons
“Caribbean” scallops, with Colombo spice cauliflower
Brittany flan with apples and rum-macerated prunes
Let’s Get Cooking!
Upon our arrival at Le Cordon Bleu, we were immediately greeted and warmly welcomed by a staff member that knew Sidney was a Chef. The personal welcome made us feel like mini celebrities! I knew that my wonderful travel agent, Judy had mentioned to Le Cordon Bleu about us owning a restaurant and Sidney being a classically trained Chef. It was just one more reason I was glad I used Travel Designs by Judy!
Just before the cooking class began, Chef Rene Kerdranvat personally greeted Sidney and me and inquired about our restaurant back in Durham…more rock-star treatment! It was so funny watching the other class participants wonder who Sidney & I were and why we were being greeted by everyone, it was a fun start to the class!
Even though the cooking class itself was 5.5 hours, it flew by! By the time we did all of our prep, 2 hours had already passed and it was break time. Le Cordon Bleu has the most delightful cafe run by students inside the facility. During our break, I enjoyed some freshly baked pastries and a coffee like a true Parisian. Everything was freshly baked by the students and was fantastic!
After our break, we all headed back to the kitchen for more cooking under the guidance and direction of the Chef. The menu was complex and challenging (shelling and preparing fresh scallops is NOT easy) but luckily for me, my husband (the Chef) was right beside me and fixed all of the mistakes I made in the kitchen.
Please follow this link to view a video of us in action at Le Cordon Bleu!
Taste Test!
The cooking class was rounded off in style with a tasting of the dishes we prepared, served with a glass of wine that was specifically chosen to match the menu. We got to eat our meals alongside the other class participants, and it was a real bonding experience. Le Cordon Bleu keeps the class sizes small so there were only about 8 of us total. After spending 5 hours working in a kitchen together, we really got to know each other, and sharing the fruits of our labor together was nice. We met folks from Australia, London, and China and there were even some fellow Americans in class from Atlanta, GA!
All of our meals turned out fantastic, I regret not snapping photos of the final dishes! My favorite menu item was the velvet crab soup, aptly named because it was so creamy and smooth. I’m not typically a fan of artichokes but the puree we made under Chef Kerdranvat’s direction was delicious and was delightful on the croutons served with the soup. Chef Kerdranvat hails from Brittany so it was like an added bonus having our Chef Instruction be from the region the class was centered on, well done Le Cordon Bleu!
After dinner, we returned to the kitchen to say our goodbyes and thanks to Chef. I was amazed to see the goodies waiting at our kitchen stations! We had already received crisp white Le Cordon Bleu aprons, hats, and tea towels. Now there were large cooler bags for each of us to take home the dessert (Brittany Flan) we baked earlier in class! We also received certificates of completion and they were personally signed by Chef…the perfect Le Cordon Bleu souvenirs!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Paris and you are looking for a fun, non-traditional experience, consider taking a cooking course at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris! It was such a sophisticated yet approachable experience. I can’t recommend it enough, we loved our time at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
Our France vacation was a package price so in this instance I don’t have itemized costs to share with you.
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3 Sun-Filled Days in Key West, Florida
The February weather here in Durham, North Carolina can be very temperamental. One week may be sunny and mild, followed by a week of freezing temps! As I was planning a Valentine’s Day Getaway, I knew I wanted to visit a location that was sunny & warm, even in mid-February. Because the trip would only be 3 days, I had to rule out locations outside the US (next time, Turks & Caicos!). Where could I find beautiful weather in winter, a short travel distance away from NC, a locale with plenty of activities to do upon arrival, AND a romantic vibe? Key West Me, Please!
Key West was just a short 2-hour flight for us from RDU and was very affordable. 2 roundtrip tickets (booked through American Airlines) were roughly $350.00 per person. Our flight plans took us from RDU to Miami and from Miami to Key West. Immediately upon landing, I knew I had chosen the right location…the weather was amazing! Key West greeted us with a balmy 80 degrees! Nothing at all like the nippy 40-degree weather back in NC.
First Things First, Head to the Hotel
My husband, Sidney is typically in charge of selecting the accommodations when we travel and he has an excellent track record of picking winners! Key West was no different; he chose The Marker Resort, which is a beautiful 4-star harbor resort. The hotel is stunning and is located right on the waterfront of the Key West seaport, in Old Town Key West. The rooms were comfortable and well-appointed. In addition to looks, the hotel offered some great amenities such as complimentary daily breakfast, a welcome cocktail upon our arrival, and personalized concierge services to name a few! The Marker Resort, Key West is a definite must-stay for any visit to Key West.
There’s This Place…
After slipping into our ‘Keys wear, we were more than ready to get out and see Key West! The much-famed Duval Street was definitely the place to go for some on-foot sightseeing.
Duval Street is the main drag of downtown Key West. The street is only about a mile long, but boy is it vibrant! We really got to experience the character and personality of Key West on Duval Street.
Al-Fresco Dining, Key West Style
Our first Key West meal was at the popular al-fresco-style restaurant, Blue Heaven. The live music playing in the background, under the tropical canopy instantly made me feel the Key West vibe! Our meals were great, I went for the shrimp & grits with a thick slice of homemade banana nut bread on the side and Sidney opted for the pancake breakfast. While the food was good, the cocktails are what really knocked my socks off! The Margaritas were absolutely perfect. I wish I had saved room for dessert because the Blue Heaven mile-high key lime pie looked incredible, but I was just too full. Be sure to give Blue Heaven a try on your visit to Key West!
Key West Lighthouse
Now that our bellies were full from the satisfying meal at Blue Heaven, we were up for taking in more views. Since Key West is such a walkable destination, we skipped the rental car for this vacation (later I’ll tell you more about our golf cart rental) and did all our sightseeing on foot. Strolling from Blue Heaven led us right past the historic Key West Lighthouse. Constructed in 1825, the Lighthouse still stands today as a museum and landmark. The Lighthouse currently offers a guided tour of the tower and the Keeper’s Quarters. I only snapped pictures outside of the Lighthouse, we opted out of the guided tour. I would love to hear from any of you that may have toured the Key West Lighthouse before. You can head to my contact me page and tell me everything I missed at the Lighthouse!
The Old Man And The Sea
After snapping some pics at the Key West Lighthouse, I noticed the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum directly across the street! The museum was the residence of the world-famous author, Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. The museum is open daily for walk-in visits which feature a 30-minute guided tour. Tickets are only $18.00 per person and it’s a fun experience for fellow book lovers!
Southernmost Point
When you visit Key West, it is absolutely mandatory to visit and take a picture at the Southernmost Point of the continental US. Erected in 1983, the SMP landmark is just 90 miles from Cuba! It truly is one of Key West’s most iconic landmarks. Please prepare yourself for a line of visitors waiting to take photos at the landmark. I rushed and didn’t get the best shots of the landmark, but the memories of standing in front of the southernmost point of the US, with the Atlantic Ocean sparkling behind me, are really what I was after.
Calling All Key Lime Pie Lovers!
You didn’t think I would write an entire blog post about Key West and NOT mention key lime pie, did you? If you’ve never tried a slice before let me tell you all about it! Key lime pie is a sweet and creamy pie made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. Typically it has a graham cracker crust and some folks even like to add a meringue topping (I personally don’t need the meringue). The absolute requirement is the key lime juice. You CAN NOT make a true key lime pie without the juice of key limes. Key limes are similar to traditional limes but are sweeter and less tart; trust me, you can really taste the difference! It’s rumored that key lime pie was born in Key West, but there is no actual proof. Whether the rumor is true or not, the best key lime pie is definitely found here in Key West!
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe
We sampled key lime pie all throughout Key West, but our hands-down favorite was the pie at Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe (try saying that 3 times fast). Not only does Kermits have the best key lime pie, but their shop also sells any and everything key lime related you can think of! Key lime juice, key lime salsa, key lime vinegar, key lime seasonings, key lime lotions, soaps, shampoos, and even key lime lip balm! I stuck with just the pie, but it was super fun browsing the shop. Be sure to follow the link above to see all that Kermits has to offer. *Pro tip, the key lime pie is available to order on their website, and they’ll ship it fresh to your door!
Fort Zachary Taylor Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Park is a 54-acre National Historic Landmark located in Key West. It’s just a short golf cart ride off Duval Street and it’s well worth checking out! We were able to stroll along the park with our Kermits Key Lime Pie in hand of course, and just enjoy nature. The park offers guided tours and is an excellent choice if Civil War history is your jam. Even if Fort Tours doesn’t exactly excite you, please check out the park anyway! It’s totally free to wander around, relax, and breathe in the tropical air. The Coast Guard ships also provide an excellent photo backdrop!
Mile Marker 0 – End of the Line
US1 Mile Marker 0 is the longest north-south route in the USA. US Route 1 gives you roughly 2,370 miles of road from Key West all the way to the Canadian Border, just outside of Maine! It’s a fun landmark to visit and it’s much easier to get some photos at than the Southernmost Point! Be sure to add Mile Marker 0 to your Key West to-do list!
Shades of Pink & Orange…The End of Our Keys Adventure
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration – Our final Key West experience was definitely one for the books. I’m on a mission to fill my camera roll with sunset photos and the famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration provided me with the most incredible sunset views! The Sunset Celebration is held nightly and it’s essentially a crowd of people gathering together to watch the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. We arrived 2 hours prior to sunset to grab a good viewing spot for the sunset. Mallory Square is filled with artists, food vendors, street performers, locals, and tourists. It’s crowded but not chaotic, everyone is there for the same reason, to watch the beautiful sunset. Watching the sun touch the waves was the most calming and rewarding way to end not only the day but our time in the Florida Keys.
No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again and bring the dawn.
Maya Angelou
Be sure to check out our newest post, all about our time at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
