Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach, California, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, situated along the rugged Pacific coastline of the Monterey Peninsula. The area is famous for its dramatic views of the ocean, majestic cypress trees, and pristine, pebble-strewn beaches. The 17-Mile Drive offers one of the most scenic coastal routes, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, which is often ranked among the top golf courses in the world.
First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Pebble Beach: What You Need to Know
- Entry Fee: To access Pebble Beach, you’ll need to enter via the famous 17-Mile Drive, which has a toll (it was $11.25 per vehicle during my 2024 visit). Keep your receipt as it’s credited towards purchases at select restaurants or pro shops.
- 17-Mile Drive: This scenic route offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, the iconic Lone Cypress, and several golf courses. Plan to stop at designated viewpoints to soak in the beauty and snap photos.
- Golfing Paradise: Pebble Beach is home to world-renowned golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links. Even if you’re not golfing, the courses are worth a visit for the scenery alone. Reservations for golf are essential, and the greens fees can be quite steep.
- Dress Accordingly: Pebble Beach is often cool and breezy, even during summer. Layer up and bring a jacket, especially if you plan to walk along the beach or explore the 17-Mile Drive.
- Dining Options: From casual cafes to fine dining, Pebble Beach offers a range of options. Popular spots include The Lodge and The Bench, which both offer fantastic views and delicious meals.
- Lodging: We opted to stay in nearby Caramel-By-The Sea, but Pebble Beach does offer its own lodging options. For an overnight stay, the luxurious accommodations at Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge and Casa Palmero, provide upscale experiences.
- Outdoor Activities: Beyond golf, Pebble Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking along the coast, cycling the 17-Mile Drive, or exploring nearby Carmel Beach.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and a variety of bird species. The surrounding area is a haven for nature lovers.
- Sunset at Spanish Bay: End your day by watching the sunset at Spanish Bay. Each evening, a bagpiper plays as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, creating a magical ambiance.
- Respect the Environment: Pebble Beach is a protected area, so be mindful of littering, stay on designated paths, and respect wildlife.
Enjoy your first trip to this iconic coastal destination!
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for reading a bit about my time in Pebble Beach. The serene environment, crashing waves, and the blend of coastal cliffs with lush, green forests make it a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet invigorating escape.
Other California Posts You Might Enjoy:
Cherry Blossom Bloom
The cherry blossom trees are the stars of springtime in Washington, DC! I was fortunate enough to visit the District during peak bloom this year (March 26, 2024) and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Seeing the nation’s capital accented in pink for the National Cherry Blossom Festival was so memorable and breathtaking.
When is Peak Blossom?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival took place this year from March 20 to April 14, 2024. The cherry blossoms bloom on different dates every year. Over the last five years, peak bloom, which is when 70% of the flowers of the cherry blossom trees are open, has occurred in the second half of March. You can compare peak bloom dates over the past 20 years thanks to the National Park Service, which tracks all stages of the blossoms. The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins, but some blossoms can linger up to two weeks under ideal conditions.
Where to See the Cherry Blossom Trees?
The most popular place to visit the cherry blossom trees is at the Tidal Basin, which will give you fantastic photos near the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. If the Tidal Basin is your viewing spot for the Cherry Blossoms, I suggest arriving as early as possible. The area fills with tourists quickly and it can be difficult to get your “dream” cherry blossom photo with so many people around!
If you prefer to avoid the crowd, there are plenty of cherry blossom trees found along the National Mall, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument. Off-the-radar cherry blossom trees can be found at the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, Stanton Park, and Oxon Run Park. All of these locations are easily accessible by bike, Metro, or walking so leave the car and avoid traffic if you can!
Thanks For Reading!
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment about your cherry blossom experience!
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Operating since 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the perfect spot for some California fun! The vibrant seaside park features a spectacular beach setting, great rides, food, and a friendly atmosphere. Best of all, The Boardwalk is super affordable, admission is free and the ride tickets are very inexpensive. A visit to The Boardwalk is truly a unique California experience!
Boardwalk History
The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the oldest amusement park in California and one of the last seaside amusement parks on the West Coast of the United States. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Loof Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks and the entire Boardwalk property is a California Historic Landmark.
According to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk website, the Boardwalk’s roots date back to 1865. John Leibrandt opened a public bathhouse near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Other bathhouses opened and tourists began visiting Santa Cruz to enjoy the natural medicine of bathing in salt water. Soon more concessions began to pop up including restaurants, shops, and photo stands. Toward the end of the century, The Boardwalk had plans to become the Coney Island of the West.
Fun For The Entire Family
If you’ve been following me along here on the blog, you know for my birthday I went on a Pacific Northwest Road trip. I flew in to Seattle, and drove to San Jose California, with stops in Portland Oregon, Santa Cruz, Carmel By The Sea, and Big Sur. After being on the Highway for several hours, the Boardwalk was the perfect stopping point in Santa Cruz. The salty beach air, the smells of the concession foods, and the sounds of all the rides were so welcoming after a long car ride.
The Boardwalk is packed full of attractions. You’ll find miniature golf, an arcade with over 300 video games, laser tag, air hockey, bowling and so much more. Most of the attractions are open from 9am to 12am, but be sure to check for seasonal hours online before you visit. As you stroll along The Boardwalk you’ll find lots of classic Midway games and fun vendors offering caricatures, photo booths, face painting (and henna) and so much more. You could spend hours out here and not be bored!
Boardwalk Eats
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features a wonderful variety of fun and delicious food choices. Most of the food locations open with ride hours, and there are options for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. I was amazed by the amount of food choices on the boardwalk! You have options for sandwiches, fries, burgers, ice cream, fish & chips, crepes, Boba tea, pizza, corn dogs (Surf City Grill offers vegetarian corn dogs), gyros, cheesesteaks, beach tacos & nachos, BBQ, pretzels, saltwater taffy, caramel apples, and so much more! Needless to say, you won’t leave The Boardwalk hungry!
A Day To Remember on The Boardwalk
Spending the day in Santa Cruz and on The Boardwalk was one of the highlights of my birthday trip. I can’t recommend a visit to the boardwalk enough. The family-friendly atmosphere was so inviting and of course, I couldn’t get enough of all the food. It reminded me of the State Fair back home in NC but with much nicer weather! For a true California experience make sure to add a stop to Santa Cruz on your itinerary.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you’ll stick around for more of my time on the West Coast!
Other West Coast Posts You Might Enjoy:
Mona Lisa Smile
If you’ve been following me on the blog, you’ve read and seen so much of my adventures in France. I’m so excited to finally share my experience viewing the Mona Lisa (among other unbelievable works of art) at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France!
For my first time in France, there were certain attractions I knew I had to visit and the Louvre Museum was at the top of the list. Our travel agent booked us a private tour guide for a day at the museum, with the recommendation to arrive early to take in as many sites as possible during our limited time. Our French-born, English-speaking tour guide picked us up from our hotel promptly at 8:00 am and it was so convenient because we didn’t have to stress about navigating ourselves in a foreign city!
The tour guide was phenomenal, he knew the best place to park, the best entrance to use to access the Louvre, where and how to check our coats, and so much more. I cannot recommend tour guides enough.
Up Close and Personal with The Mona Lisa
Because our tour guide was a seasoned pro, he knew that the Mona Lisa needed to be the first stop on our Louvre visit. As the most visited site in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa can get packed with visitors. Since we arrived at the Louvre right at opening AND we made it our first stop, we were essentially able to view the famous Mona Lisa by ourselves (at least for a minute or 2).
Bucket List Item Checked Off!
Viewing the Mona Lisa up close and personal with my husband was truly a bucket list experience that I’ll be forever grateful for. The painting itself was much smaller than I imagined but it is beautiful nonetheless. Please be sure to check my IG page to see more photos and videos of my time with the Mona Lisa.
Thanks For Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope that you’ll stick around for more of my time at the Louvre!
Other France Posts You Might Enjoy:
Christmas Spectacular
I was fortunate enough to enjoy the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City (featuring the legendary Radio City Rockettes!) with my youngest daughter during the holiday season. The show was incredible and I can certainly understand how the show is a Christmas staple for some people. It was my first time visiting Radio City and all the Christmas decorations blew me away! We made sure to arrive for our 10:00 pm show an hour early to take in all the sights and snap lots of photos.
Christmas in NYC
Is there a more magical place than NYC during the holidays? My daughter and I had plans to take in as many holiday sights as possible during our 3-day visit to the city. We hit the Plaza, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Ave, The Winter Market at Bryant Park, and so much more. With such a packed schedule, I didn’t think we would have time for a show at Radio City Music Hall. I was delighted to find that the Christmas Spectacular was having a 10:00 pm showing and it fit perfectly in our schedule! The late showing allowed us to tour the city during the day, grab a nap to recharge, have a nice dinner, and then head out to see the famous Rockettes!
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall was built in 1932, as part of the construction of Rockefeller Center. The 5,960-seat Music Hall was the larger of two venues built for Rockefeller Center’s “Radio City” section, the other being Center Theater; the “Radio City” name came to apply only to the Music Hall. It was largely successful until the 1970s when the theater nearly went bankrupt. Radio City was designated a New York City Landmark in May 1978, and it was restored and allowed to remain open. The theater was extensively renovated in 1999.
Currently Radio City hosts televised events including the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the NFL Draft, as well as university graduation ceremonies.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual musical holiday stage show. It’s a 90-minute show that features more than 140 performers and an original musical score and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes. The stars of the show are the Rockettes, a women’s precision dance troupe. Thanks to the Rockettes, the show has become a New York Christmas tradition since 1933!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the diversity struggles the Rockettes have faced in their history. The first non-white Rockette, a Japanese-born woman named Setsuko Maruhashi, was not hired until 1985. The Rockettes did not allow dark-skinned dancers into the dance line until 1987. Sadly the first African American Rockette was not selected until 1987. Jennifer Jones made her debut in 1988 at the Super Bowl XXII halftime show.
As African American women, my daughter and I were pleased to see that the Rockette lineup includes diversity. It made the Christmas Spectacular even more enjoyable.
Everything You Need To Know For The Show
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes runs at Radio City Music Hall from November 17, 2023, to January 4, 2024. The 2024 holiday dates will be released soon so you can grab your tickets early. Most days there are 6-7 showings per day. There are morning shows, afternoon shows, and evening shows available, which makes planning your visit super convenient! I paid $160.00 (per ticket) for 2 tickets and I had great seats. We sat on the first Mezzanine and had clear, unobstructed views of the stage!
I suggest arriving at Radio City at least 1 hour before your show is scheduled. The lobby is decorated so beautifully, that you’ll want to spend time taking it all in. There are several concession stands in the lobby so be sure to grab some snacks and drinks (alcohol is available for the adults) before the show. Keep in mind that it’s NYC so don’t be shocked at the concession prices. A glass of Pinot Noir was $16.00 and I also spent $20.00 for a souvenir tub of popcorn.
Once you’ve snapped all your photos in the lobby and purchased your snacks, sit back, relax, and enjoy every second of the Christmas Spectacular!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to add the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes to your holiday plans next year!
Other Holiday Posts You Might Enjoy:
Monte Carlo Casino
During my trip to Monaco, I enjoyed visiting the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. The opportunity to experience all the glitz & glamour Monaco is known for was the highlight of my time on the French Riviera!
Monte Carlo, The Jewel of the Mediterranean
Monte Carlo Casino is located in the Principality of Monaco and many consider it the glittering jewel of the Mediterranean. The views are just spectacular everywhere you look, and it’s truly a sight that must be seen to be believed!
Fun Fact: Monte Carlo Casino is more than just a gaming house, it is also home to the Opera de Monte-Carlo!
Exploring Monte Carlo Casino
Our adventure at the Casino began at the Casino Square (Place du Casino), a Plaza at the front entrance of the building. The plaza was full of tourists taking photos (me included) of all the wildly expensive supercars driving by. It was a great introduction to the excess that is Monte Carlo. As guests, my husband and I got to visit the Casino de Monte Carlo without entering the gaming rooms. We were able to tour the artfully decorated Atrium. Touring the Atrium is a fantastic way to get the feel of the casino without paying to access the rooms. The Atrium is free to visitors beginning at 10 am and it is a beautiful spot to explore and people watch.
Our tour guide informed us that accessing the gaming rooms requires a valid national identity card or passport. Driver’s licenses are not an acceptable form of identification. Currently, the entrance fee is 18 euros (about $19) per person.
Bond, James Bond
007 fans should recognize Monte Carlo Casino from several James Bond films. Some of the filming of GoldenEye took place here, and the casino was also featured in Never Say Never Again & Casino Royale. It was so much fun snapping photos inside places I recognized from the big screen!
A True Bucket List Experience!
As I said earlier, during my time at the Monte Carlo Casino we only toured the Atrium, we did not enter the gaming rooms. It would have been nice to at least enter the famous (infamous?) gaming rooms and try my luck, but sadly time just didn’t permit it. I would love to hear from any of you who may have had an opportunity to try some games at the legendary Monte Carlo Casino! Please let me know everything I missed!
A visit to Cote d’Azur would be incomplete without a stop in Monaco and to trip to Monte Carlo Casino! If you love travel, architecture, glitz & glamour, this is the place for you!
Be sure to follow my IG page for lots of videos and photos of my time in Monaco!
Thanks For Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to add Monaco and the French Riviera to your travel list!
Other French Riviera Posts You Might Enjoy:
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!
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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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!
