Driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway ia a sight to see, especially if you‘re lucky enough to catch the colors changing on the trees. There are plenty of lookout areas along the way where you can pull your car over and get out to see the breathtaking views. The best way I can describe what it’s like to be in The Blue Ridge Mountains is, it’s like getting the best hug of your life!
^ The most gorgeous kilm rug, among many others, leading you through walls of books.
We struck book store gold here in Asheville, this place is incredible! Battery Park Book Exchange has a coffee bar and a champagne bar, you could hang day and night! My husband is an avid reader so you can imagine his delight with this place. You could get lost roaming the book-lined isles that are set up like a maze. Cute marble topped bistro seating is tucked away into nealry every corner, there are also living room-like areas with couches and coffee tables for groups. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful painings and cozy lamps. It’s common to run into book clubs having their meetings here too. Every city Jamie and I visit, we pop into their local book stores, and we have yet been able to find another that is even comparable to Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar!
^ House-Made Bloody Mary Bar? Yes Please! At the restaurant in the Omni Hotel which has great views of Magnificent Mile.
For my birthday, my sweet husband surprised me with a trip to Chicago! We’ve never been to the mid-west before but have always heard lovely things about Chicago. I’ve been to a lot of cities in America, and I have to say, this town is one of the prettiest. It is America’s Paris, super clean with beautiful old buildings, waterways, small gardens and great food. If you plan on visiting, I highly recommend renting the city bikes which are located on nearly every street corner. Jamie and I rode our bikes ALL over Chicago for an entire week, there is no better way to see this place.
Some Things to Do:
Lincoln Park / Zoo
Wicker Park
Navy Pier – Take a boat tour
Millenium Park / Cloud Gate (the bean)
Second City for your comedic fix
Michigan Avenue for Shopping
Buckingham Fountain (the infamous ‘Married with Children’ fountain)
A Few Places to Eat:
The Beatrix (don’t leave without ordering the caramel pie for dessert, no lie, best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life)
The Publican (BEST bloody mary and fantastic sandwiches)
Stan’s Donuts (Biscoff Banana Pocket! hands down best donuts in America)
Girl and The Goat
The Little Goat Diner
Siena Tavern ( Everything is delish, get the wagyu meatball to start) Fun Fact: I spotted Bethany Frankels ex husband Jason Hoppy here
Native Foods (for quick and colorful vegan food)
Silver Spoon Thai (small, quaint neighborhood family-owned Thai food)