US Open Tennis NYC

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

us open tennis can include touring

If you’re a tennis fan, then the US Open Tennis Grand Slam Flushing Meadows event is a favorite. 🎾 And, you can enjoy NYC touring the Flat Iron Building district while you’re there. It’s close to the Eataly that I remember going to on its opening day. Those were the days. I worked in foodie restaurants and got to sit on the set of the The Martha Stewart show. Now, I’m really dating myself. πŸ˜…

And, the US Open tennis players back then are mostly all retired, but Djokovic had already won his first Glam Slam against Nadal and Federer.

With the New York US Open event, I especially like that the players get to express themselves in their sporty clothing (like I get to express my bright colors as I’m not afraid of the cuh-lah!)… and that’s totally different from Wimbledon pageantry where everyone wears white. But, that’s (white) hot too!

And coming up soon, there’s plenty to get excited about for the US Open Tennis…

The trophies are high-class Tiffany branded so they’re made by a NYC company. πŸ† Who would’ve thought it would be stylish to hold a trophy to sweeten the silver pot?

Do we think Djokovic or upsetting newcomer Carlos Alcaraz will win this time? And what about Swiatek or Jabeur for the Ladies trophy?

It’s anyone’s game… and that’s btw, why they play!

If you’ll be there or you live there in the NY or NJ area, you can check out mouth-watering foods served up like at the Flavors of the Open event happening during the US Open Tennis event (as a doubles event!)… this is super special because top local chefs will feature dishes, and there will be live music entertainment. We all could use a ‘lil hip-hop and pep in our step. You can read the lineup on their site.

David Burke is one of the chefs featured. And if you’re there you can also visit his restaurants! And for the cutest boutique stay, I love this place. Like I love hotels and I love New York! ❀️

And if you want to be in the thick of it in Queens β™•, this is a Flushing boutique hotel or a cool Brooklyn boutique with a stair-stepping building that fits in the NYC skyscraper skyline πŸ—½

take time to eat out during the US Open Tennis that's summer friendly

2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week πŸ’•

Fairfax is for lovers ❀️

2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week is coming! Fairfax, VA is part of Northern Virginia and Virginia is for lovers. And you may know Fairfax, VA as a suburb in the powerful DC metro area. Or you may have heard of Fairfax City, VA because of the sad Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. 😭

And no matter how you’ve heard…

It’s where George Mason University is located and that I know all so well in its richly growing ivy and goldenrod yellow colors… Go Patriots!

Still, Fairfax is in the heart of bustling Fairfax County… and yet it’s a bit country (compared to DC).

And every year there are fun events like an annual Fairfax Fair with all the fun bells and whistles that you would think would be at a country fair like fried and cheesy foods everything.

fairfax city restaurant week

And out in Fairfax country (haha), for 2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week, PJ Skidoos is a fun happy hour American bar that has lasted years and before I was a college student. Many restaurants in the area have not. So that’s sayin’ something special about the meeting place establishment.

Their Restaurant Week menu is $25 for a 3-course lunch and $40 for a 4-course dinner.

And Red, Hot, And Blue is a chain but also a phenomenon because it’s the only place that’s stayed after many restaurant changes on that iconic corner on 123 (Chain Bridge Road). It’s as shocking as the red-painted walls. and the barbecue fits in the country. πŸ˜ƒ

And The Wine House is the more upscale dining you’d find in a ‘burb type of place.

And for Italian fare, Belissimo Restaurant could be good to try.

And if you want the foodie DC restaurant experience, then you can check out my list of restaurants that I’m over the moon for.

Boutique Hotel Budget Travel

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

boutique hotel budget travel features

When you’re traveling you want to make a memorable experience. So you want to get out of your homey situation into a stylish, temporary one with boutique hotel budget travel that brands your trip. You want to get into your surroundings and stylish room furnishings.

…And you often can get that in $200-$250 per night stay if you’re a little creative or get recommendations. The sweet spot is value and getting high return for the lowest amount.

And if you’re weighing whether to take day trips or a travel and stay, the hotel is going to be the biggest expense next to any airfares. So that’s why I recommend finding the best hotels at the $200ish price point.

For a nice hotel stay, you can split the cost with another person that will get you there… or if you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime solo trip, or with your partner, then splurging a little can pay off.

The rest of the year, you go vacation-free or take day trips.

In July 2023, 46.2% of American travelers surveyed reported that high travel prices have deterred them from traveling in the past four weeks. 

And around a $200 price point, you can find great boutique hotels. Like this one I stayed in for a fun weekend in New York City where hotels don’t come cheap. New York City is the #1 or #2 most expensive U.S. hotel city depending on who you ask. But you will get the modern character, crown molding charm, and even bullseye β—Ž molding in the historic buildings and designs.

boutique hotel budget travel can be nice

And these days, inflation is impacting travel prices all around. People are spending less and shorter stays. Most traveling are spending less than $1,000 or $2,000. That could be a weekend trip.

So being choosier is smart. You’re not spending time in your hotel but it’s part of the experience you want to remember.

If you’re on budget to spend $500 a day total for vacation spend, then that’s about 50% of your costs when you factor in taxes and additional fees. You want to have a leftover budget for nice meals and some entertainment that can cost.

Most people forget to add hotel or lodging taxes that are higher than local sales tax (for food and souvenirs).

And you don’t need a $500 per night extravagant hotel when you’re in a city trying to explore, or out all day in outdoor excursions. 

When you’re looking for a spa experience, that’s when you want to find the right hotel to match your trip’s purpose. Then the hotel could be the spa destination you capture in memory. 

And, boutique hotels don’t usually have spas or restaurants feeding non-staying customers… so with less overhead costs, they can charge less for rooms.

With boutique hotel budget travel you’re dealing with small business owners compared to the big-name franchise ones that get booked up by business travelers… and, so often at boutique hotels, you can get lower and very competitive rates.

It’s like a bottle of wine. At a certain price past $15, you may not see a return in value. And there are many fine bottles under $15 if you know where to look or get a recommendation from someone who has already done the research with similar high tastes and sensibilities. 

In hotels, consider fewer nights. And find hotels that will hold your bags on checkout day if you are leaving until evening.

I stayed at this one Paris hotel where they held my bags. That made my week at that hotel extra special.

And because it was $300 and under in the prime May month when I went, I could get a few extra days in to see more museums and take in the Paris vibes. I ate at cafes and bistros where no reservations were needed

When you’re traveling alone, hotels are definitely the way to go. The extra service, greeting, and help are nice so you have someone on the ground to talk to. And when you’re on a romantic trip you want to have a cab out front and a local who can give you walking distance restaurant recommendations.

When you enter a lobby with high ceilings and clean floors, you feel like you’re on vacation or luxury, even if you’re traveling within a budget.

Touring Napa, CA Wine Valleys

As I’m drafting this, today is National Pinot Noir Day. And one place in the US that is known for pinot noir grapes is Napa, CA wine valleys in California’s Napa and Sonoma counties.

If you have an artist’s eye, these wineries are like none other as there are modern art features and statue inspos throughout the wineries. All you have to do is look!

And there are distinct architectural designs to make the buildings stand out with exaggerated arches and spires. And soft, romantic touches.

There are many fabulous wine trails, but the Napa Wine Trail is world-famous. The best visits are still the larger producers, such as Robert Mondavi and Sutter Home. It’s not hype.

Quieter areas like Napa are not touristy, so you wanna visit the more happenin’ places so you don’t fall into a-nappa.

There are less people around, so you’re not dealing with crowds.

Beringer is another one that has the Harry Potter Alnwick Castle look.

Beringer Winery in the Napa, CA wine valleys

And then when inside, you’ll see they will have the tasting rooms that you’re accustomed to in your local wineries. It often feels like you’re in a cozy cave like I’m used to in Virginia wineries. And inside there are plenty of one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home and make great holiday gifts.

I still have an artsy painted glass coaster from Robert Mondavi that I’ve kept for a quarter of a century. So visiting the unique Napa Valley, CA wineries is definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime!

And of course, home to the one-of-a-kind Napa Valley wine train for a cork-and-fork foodie experience. 🍽️

On my first visit, I bought a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine sherry for cooking that was so amazing to pair with mushrooms… and enhanced the nose and tasting sensory kitchen cooking experience.

You can also explore Antinori Napa Valley in California with dominant Cabernet Franc grapes. The family winery is world-famous as a large Italian wine producer (12 million bottles in the Tuscan Hills), who’s known for Tignanello.

I visited the Italy-located vineyards in one of my 4 visits to the wine capital, Florence, Italy. I remember tasting Peppoli that’s a blend of Chianti and Sangiovese grapes. That’s perfect under the Tuscan sun that’s flowing with Sangiovese grosso grapes to make Brunello, and near Chianti. Something to dream about πŸ’­

And when in the Napa, CA wine valleys that could be closer to you, you can drive up the trail to Calistoga… you may have heard of or been to the Hot Springs? And that’s a great place to stay for great value hotels to enjoy your day and night experience. It would be great for a birthday celebration πŸŽ‚ or girl’s weekend!

There, you can travel west to Sonoma and find a few gems like Korbel (champagne maker) champagne room in Guerneville near Santa Rosa that also has cute hotels and vintage motels (that are not your roadside roof).

Korbel winery in Sonoma County

Exotic Morocco Cities

If you’re looking for an adventure travel experience, exotic Morocco cities has the mystique and city vibes. Growing up, I went to Disney World’s Epcot Center on a family vacation, and I remember visiting the Morocco expo country.

The lively colors and bright fabrics were so different, and especially from a kid’s perspective. Those forming memories helped shape me to want to see more of the world.

And when you grow up, you can go where you are able and to the real deal places, like Marrakech, Morocco, that’s famous for the markets. If you’re looking for a modern lantern or design decor or an extra spice to make everything nice in your home… you’ll find it’s there in the shopping mecca.

exotic Morocco markets like Marrakesh about 2 hours from Casablanca

And when you visit Casablanca about two hours drive to the north (closer to Spain), you’ll be on a city on a beach (kinda like how Miami is) but is very different than beaches around the Western world. And Rabat, the capital has a formal feel. Fez is another one of the exotic Morocco cities that many Moroccans are from.

You’re not likely to see beachgoers laying out freely on towels and bathing suits. You won’t see the beach umbrella scene or lifeguards on these beaches as there are unspoken cultural rules.

You will see the beautiful beach outline of sand on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean that’s all azure water as far as the eye can see. The beachside of exotic Morocco is, about 3,000 miles from the U.S. and Outer Banks (or the distance from Virginia to California).

…Never thought of it that way, huh?

And while North African exotic Morocco cities is an ocean apart from North America, it’s part of the same world we live in. And if you want to try authentic Moroccan foods, try different spices from souks, and see a wider array of grains that never make your local stores in the indoor grocery stores and outdoor markets.

Everything will likely be in Arabic, so do a little homework before your travel visit. If you want to spa like Moroccans do, they visit hammams or the local spas weekly. They prioritize valuing cleanliness and that includes the body and eating practices. And you can do this much cheaper than in the Western world.

And if you know French, you have an advantage as many Moroccans speak the language. And if you travel south toward Agadir, you’ll find a world of surfers and cultural nomads that speak many languages including some English. You’ll find the beach hotels in Taghazhout (that just adds to Morocco exotic vibesπŸ‡²πŸ‡¦).

Agadir is the southern exotic Morocco side

Agadir in southern Morocco along the Atlantic Ocean

7 Virginia and Charlottesville Wineries You Have to Visit

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

Bluemont is one of my favorite Virginia and Charlottesville wineries
A Bluemont Vineyards pairing event

If you’re visiting Virginia, you may want to add Virginia and Charlottesville wineries to your list.

These days Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville are part of Northern Virginia, but growing up they were part of the country. …not anymore! Loudoun County has grown into its own as a major hub close to Dulles Airport that is very close to home (and you can read about my Dulles humble beginnings).

Northern Virginia west is not just where you get your apple pies for Thanksgiving or where you visit one of several known local spas like Lansdowne.

AND, it’s also in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. The winery trail is one attraction that gets locals and travelers to visit.

And these are my 7 insider picks of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries you want to check out especially if you only can choose a few:

But first a few good recommendations and tips. In most cases, bring a picnic. Yes, bring your own food!… brie and French bread and assorted cheeses and grapes to go with more crushed grapes (wine).

Do the tastings. They are probably the most fun as you try with your friends and see their preferences. And rank the ones they like in a wine game board. Plus, you get a free logo wine glass to commemorate your visit.

Outside dogs are acceptable, and babies inside too. But, you won’t see many as most find a sitter. Other than that, go on a nice weather day to enjoy the scenic views. And if it’s not so nice out, there are several below that are better indoor anyway because of the large barn structure, and I point those out below. πŸ‘‡

Barrel Oak – see the picturesque rolling wine hills.

rolling hills of virginia and charlottesville wineries

Bluemont – up the hill (951 feet up from sea level) and a hike off the beaten path in Bluemont, VA, but totally worth the map scavenger hunt drive! πŸ—ΊοΈ

They have quaint amazing girly events like the Girl Scout Cookie πŸͺ wine pairing and other thoughtful pairings throughout the year, like chocolate & wine… or tapas wine pairings where you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day or take a trip to Spain to enjoy. You can even do grape stomping for a photo opp! But please no sipping wine from those crushed grapes πŸ˜ƒ

Breaux – be in awe of expansive scenic views that do take your breath away. Surrounded by 3 acres of grapes, you want to enjoy a spot outdoors, so bring a blanket or event chairs. This one can get crowded in Purcellville which many Northern Virginians have moved out to, but worth it if you like being around the social hoopla.

Chrysalis – when in Middleburg, visit this cute town that you can miss if you blink and has now all grown up. Chrysalis Vineyards is known for Sarah’s Patio Red edition sold in most large grocery store wine selections, plus their 100% Norton grape wines served in Chrysalis’ AG District Tasting Room and backyard patio pergola. The drive is relaxing and takes you away from the hustle and bustle of NoVa.

Sunset Hills – is a Purcellville red barn winery experience great for an indoor or rainy day event. My club member friends say this one is the “most consistent” wineries with 13 grape varieties on 75 acres… and I love all on this list for different reasons, so I’ll go along with that.

Stone Tower – get there early so you can have a table indoors, and another great one for gray days. It’s located in Leesburg so you’re in the heart of Virginia wine country. They have events like a Lobster Boil. 🦞 They even serve pizza on the menu. Who says wine and pizza don’t pair? Red or white… your choice.

And for the super best-tasting wines in Virginia… go out further west toward Charlottesville (known for the University of Virginia and where Thomas Jefferson has roots).

These are my two faves πŸ’•:

Barboursvillefall is a beautiful time of year to go out toward Barboursville. Just when the air is starting to cool and getting crisp, every nice weather, work free-day is a good opportunity to check this winery out.

Barboursville ranks high in Virginia wines (and I would agree!). It’s attached to its Italian restaurant and an inn that you can learn about its history.

virginia and charlottesville wineries like Barboursville with the ruins
Barboursville ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson

And drumroll… I’ve saved the best for last. It’s a hidden gem and Dave Matthews (yes! from the band) winery named Blenheim. It’s a boutique vineyard. Especially if you like fruit-forward and quality wines, this is the cozy white barn you want to visit. And you can easily miss it…

Except you’re across the street from the Trump Winery estate (that I’ve never been into), but you know where you’re located when you see this place that stands out and then you can check out the smaller, boutique venues.

And as you take more country drives with country signs, you’re surrounded by remote boutique Charlottesville wineries you can stop in.

And as you get closer to C’ville, you have Virginia mountain views. ⛰️ It’s “purple mountains majesty” and a beautiful drive as you get closer to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello land. And then you’ve completed your tour of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries.

Ferragosto Italy Holiday Foods

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

Potato gnocchi is Italy’s version of Spain’s patatas bravas tapas.

Ferragosto Italy holiday foods is an opportunity experience.

First off, what happens during Ferragosto? August 15 is the feast of Assumption recognized as a public holiday for Catholics (Italy is predominant in). Italians celebrate the public holiday by closing the doors of their business. And that marks the beginning of the Ferragosto summer holiday (vacation) for the rest of August and sometimes beyond.

You see paper signs on windows like the shop owners wrote the note just before they left. Even though we know they’ve been planning their holiday vacation for months. πŸ˜‰

And then they head to the local Italian beaches along the Ligurian Sea like Cinque Terre (Five Lands) and Livorno. And some go north to Northern Europe, maybe to Norway and I recommend this spa hotel and Denmark. You can learn about one of the most unusual amusement parks in Copenhagen that Disney caught inspiration from.

They definitely stay away from the super hoppin’ busy places like Rome and Amalfi Coast that could be similar to or where they just left.

And maybe that’s where you head to enjoy. And if so, you can be bummed that the town you’re visiting looks shut down… or you prefer the slower pace… You can still enjoy what’s open and that serves cool pesto that’s made of cooling basil. And you can say Yes! to refreshing lemon dishes. And delight in bright seafood galore. 🍀

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods in cinque terre

And Ferragosto Italy holiday travel could be the opportunity for you!

I mean, it’s perfectly timed during the hottest time of the year and at the tail end of summer… AND before the start of any school year. That’s a golden recipe for expanding your year’s enjoyment…

And think of all the food travel adventures you can have before year’s end. πŸ’­

You’ll be fine if you keep cool and pack an aluminum water bottle in your travel bag as sometimes they’re difficult to find in the city or at the destination. And if you’re heading to Rome (where it’s hot, you can fill up your bottle and drink clean water from public fountains and aqueducts that date back to Ancient Times. That’s an experience in itself! ⛲️).

Then when you have your water-filled, remember to order cold dishes like gazpacho and save your warm soup for another day. ❀️

Order fruit salads… see this rustic cantaloupe bowl 🍈 paired with Italian prosciutto that gives a cool taste explosion in the mouth.

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods

And here’s an opportunity to get in those unusually good black squid ink pasta dishes that are straight from the Ligurian Sea.

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods in liguria

And cannellini dishes with bread make for enriching Ferragosto Italy holiday foods in northern Italy. This dish has hints of summer herb gardens and shrimp from the sea. Even the bread keeps cool with air pockets and holes. πŸ˜ƒ

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods

And even during the slower Ferragosto months, there are festivals and events happening in the surrounding Tuscan hills for your Ferragosto adventure… so, what are you waiting for? πŸ˜‰

Duck, NC – The Best of Outer Banks

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

Duck, NC is one of the quieter beach towns in the Outer Banks barrier islands. Northerners know the barrier islands or OBX, which has been made more popular with the Nicholas Sparks romantic books and movies like Nights in Rodanthe (starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere).

And while Duck, NC is more busy than Rodanthe, it’s a quieter Outer Banks town just a ‘lil north. You can still enjoy the same beach coast in a more relaxing setting away from stress or the city. And then watch the peaceful sunset waterfront views. Maybe that’s what the doctor ordered?

Outer Banks starts at the top when you drive into Corolla (pronouned Kha-rawl-ah). And down at the southern tip is the popular Nags Head Beach. From there, you can go down to Frisco past the furthest eastern point Rodanthe, and enjoy the ocean ride or unforgettable car ferry on a day trip out to Cape Hatteras. You may have seen the Cape’s iconic lookout lighthouse that’s with painted black and white diagonal stripes.

And in Hatteras, you’re getting closer to a jumper plane ride to Bermuda that’s probably what the Wright brothers could’ve done with their first motorized plane. A model illustration was featured at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers landed their first motorized plane, is next to Duck, NC

…And in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is where the Wright Brothers landed. And if you’re on vacation with kiddos, be sure to check out the Kill Devil Hills natural sand dunes where climbing and riding sand plus kite flying are fun sports for the family.

Sandwiched in the middle is Duck, NC if you want a more zen and spa-like stay, with coastal design ambiance while sipping and enjoying Harney & Sons fine teas. This special resort has its own spa and there are other local spas you can check out.

Like this one waterfront restaurant and spa nearby with live music. You can make this an escape romantic weekend where you can breathe a sigh of relief from the reality of everyday life.

When I compare Duck, NC and Outer Banks to Ocean City, MD or Myrtle Beach, SC, I look at them as different vacations with different hotel vibes. Duck, NC being the relaxing beach where maybe you take a zen sabbatical, and the other touristy ones are a fun getaway on another agenda.

No Reservations Best Paris Eats

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

When you’re in a major city like Paris, bistros and cafes are great for no reservations best Paris eats… that are usually just steps away. PARIS is a walking city full of options, but may not be for all tastes…

You can find these Paris foods prepared and served everywhere: ham, cheese, bread, crepes, croissants, and light salads (plenty o’ photos below so you get a sense)…

If these foods sound good to you, for some/most meals you don’t need to know which cafes or restaurants you’ll drop in… but no matter what your vacation agenda is, I would recommend planning a few named bistro and cafe stops you don’t wanna miss (that btw, still need no reservations!)… and I share some below that didn’t disappoint in food experiences 🍽️

You want to be able to make some food memories in your Paris travels πŸ’• And remember, most most servers do speak English. And when you have something to say, just first be polite and say, Bonjour! πŸ‡«πŸ‡·

…And cafes open early and close later, usually past dinner hours, so relax and enjoy your time there.

In certain months, sunset is past 10 pm (thank you City of Light phenomenon for naturally staying lit up late ✨ So if you’re traveling from U.S. you don’t lose much daylight time even on Day 1 πŸ˜ƒ If it’s your first time there, it’s also a city of lights that is well-lit with street lighting and Eiffel Tower lights.

For the food stops you plan in advance but don’t have to be there at any specific time, keep your list simple, short, and sweet. For the other impromptu meals, when you’re hungry, use your senses to look around and read menus.

That makes exploring Paris more fun and enjoyable as you work up to your next snack. And whether you’re alone enjoying the walking city or with others, you can have a great time.

Let’s start with a simple breakfast snack you can get anywhere, like a croissant… this was around the corner from The Five Hotel in Latin Quarter.

This chocolate croissant with cappuccino is good to tie anyone over for a few hours…

Chocolate croissant with cappuccino

Croque Monsieur – this ham and cheese toast (or you can order a Croque Madame with a poached or fried egg) is classic fare. This was across the street from where I was (just sayin’ it’s easy to score a meal like this without any hassle). There are always places to eat near the metro lines all over the city.

A light lemon crepe with my cafe au lait is my choice at this Ile de la Cite cafe (btw, you have to visit and do window shopping at the petite boutiques πŸͺŸ )… that was on a different day than the croissant.

And you may wanna try more than one crepe. Banana and Nutella seem to be a fave, but that’s a little to0 heavy for my liking. I feel like I’ve seen that on a food truck in the States. πŸ’­

Ok… now we get into the fun, like these planned no reservations Paris best eats that add to your trip…

Foie Gras – I’m not one to eat this often (or more than once a millennia),but I thought I’d give it a go as it is a French delicacy like caviar. When in Paris, do as the Parisians do πŸ’‹… But that’s completely up to you!.. I’ve had reindeer and whale in Scandinavia, so I’m willing to try anything once.

This was at Au Petit Sud-Ouest, a restaurant with a green awning that I found after my walking visit to the famous Rue Cler street where many food shops and markets are. It’s closer to the Eiffel Tower area and while it does attract visitors, no reservations are needed because it’s not on the busiest street.

you can even try foie gras for great no reservations best Paris eats

Osso Bucco – This is a fall-off-the bone veal shank Italian dish, but when you go to a French restaurant and you see this on the menu… it can be very good… and this one was in Les Halles (near Marais). Sometimes you go off script using your foodie instincts and that becomes a memorable meal. Especially if you’re tired of ham, cheese, and bread.

Both Les Deux Magots or Cafe de Flore in St. Germain du Pres are famous. The famous surrealist artists, and forward-thinking leaders like Picasso, Descartes, Ernest Hemingway, and Jean-Paul Sartre in the early 19th century used to frequent these historical establishments. Since Les Deux Magots is a brasserie, you need a reservation… but not for Cafe de Flore where you watch people go by.

Cafe de Flore is famous and is great for no reservations best Paris eats

And keep in mind, you can get a sandwich anywhere as a quick no reservations best Paris eats option. You’ll run into more Paul Bakery shops (big also in the DMV area) and macarons, than convenient stores. Bon appetit! πŸ’•

Boardwalk Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby Nostalgia

This post contains affiliate links. You do not pay additional by making a purchase through an affiliate link, which helps to support this blog’s livelihood. 

Delaware has a few Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby carrying (now TY toys) stores.
Downtown Bethany Beach

In my heart is the Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby memory… what am I talkin’ about? Keep reading…

First, I remember the 90s Beanie Baby craze from the traditional boardwalk candy store chain that’s everywhere along the Delmarva coast. Candy Kitchen stores all over Ocean City, MD and up the coast to Rehoboth and Bethany Beaches in Delaware. The first store opened around the tail end of the Great Depression, so it was a place that brought some joy to the times… and today, brings happiness. Who doesn’t love the smell o’ candy?

While Beanie-mania died down before Y2K, the candy craze has not.🍬 Those early years bring back youthful, carefree day memories…

In the 90s, I was a young adult chasing down the Beanie Babies on my weekends, looking for a Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby. There was one baby I had in mind that was either a soft stuffed cute bear, cat, dog, bird, or other wildlife creature that just came out.

Most living young and old had at least one Beanie Baby. But not everyone got them from a candy store like I did. That was my underground store I discovered.

…I remember driving hours with friends and all the way to Ocean City, MD during the heyday. I had the purple royal Beanie with a white rose and the Jerry Garcia swirly rainbow color Peace Bear. If you spout out the names now, I’d still know them… that’s how the kid at heart stays alive. ❀️

The Beanies usually were “special” because of the tag names, fabrics, and some had an emblem stamped on their chest and poems on the tag. And they’re so darn cute. I had a trash bag full of them. And that’s where there are now!

Once decorating a house and box-size computer tops, these stuffed animals were a fad that had a shelf life. And today’s TY versions look more like Furr-bies… and the kiddos love ’em not knowing the history of their plush toy maker.

…Like these unicorn babies (foals) that just woke up and have their tags on backward πŸ˜„ but still intact. They’re brother and sister. πŸ¦„ They never met their Pegasus Beanie Baby ancestor.

…But, they are as cute as buttons, like button candy. And remind me of those Candy Kitchen 90s memories that are so ingrained in me because the sweet smell waff of chocolate fudge hit you in the face as soon as you walked in the store. And would do the same today, if you’ve never been to a CK or want to relive sweet memories.

Candy Kitchen is known for saltwater taffy 🍬, but I went for the cola gummies (not the fun gummy burgers and lips πŸ‘„)… being friendlier to my teeth and mouth. I appreciated seeing the colorful round-up pop and swirl lollipop candy 🍭 You can say I got two pops in one (candy and a cute Beanie Baby).

And today too if you visit, they still sell a few special TY tag stuffed toys like the Spiderman TY. Or you can have him and other items shipped with your candy, to brighten your day until you can find time to be a kid again. 😊

Need a place to stay? These are Ocean City hotels to check out (and checkin to!).