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.
Back in the day, we called Barbie Dream House pink a dainty pink, that’s a different shade than carnation 🌸, flamingo 🦩, ballet shoes 🩰, and Peeps pink 👯♀️
These days any shade of pink is retro back to a Barbie comeback. She didn’t go out of style ’cause she always got a makeover.
And if you’re in love with pink, you’ll love these hotels 💕
The Ryder Hotel (Charleston) is vintage for sure with a 50’s vibe in the southern charm historic oceanside city. You see the pink stools like in a 50s diner and the motel exterior but NOTHING like a motel inside. I stayed in my first and last motel (lol!) in my teens in Ocean City, MD. And those old days, staying at a flamingo pink hotel like the Dunes Manor would’ve been a treat. 💭 Back to today’s reality, this dream hotel is a scale-up and upscale with pink finds like hotel hair dryers, lotions, and potions.
Kasa El Paseo (Miami South Beach) will make you think you’ve gone on a tropical excursion with a Barbie pink exterior on Espanola Way… the hipster area like Lincoln Road where we used to retro rollerblade. 🛼
ICYMI, Miami Beach is a perfect rollerblading town as the surfaces are smooth and pedestrian-friendly. And as a rollerblader, you’re a souped-up walking pedestrian. When you’re tired you can sit yourself down in an outdoor cafe like a 4-paw 🐾 creature and catch your second wind before you go back to the pink scenes…
Fountainbleau night scenewith night life event chocolate marshmallows
Compass Point Beach Resort in Bahamas whisks you away to what feels like your own private island oasis away from the busier Nassau. These pastel and crayola crayon huts could be your perfect romantic getaway. You won’t need a compass or a map to find your way back.
Pink Hotel in Paris 💕draped with pink curtains, headboards, chairs in the hotel… and toilet seats… whaaat? That reminds me of those fuzzy carpet toilet seat covers from the 80s that matched the carpeted bathrooms… whoever thought that was a good idea, LOL. That’s a bit gauche and fittingly this hotel is next to the rive gauche along the Seine ready for your rosy stay. 💐
And maybe you’ll rent a pink mobile to match your Barbie Dream House hotel stay.💅
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.
Tivoli Copenahgen Amusement Park on the exterior
The Copenhagen amusement park scene needs to be on your bucket list if you like amusement. Maybe you visit the happiest city in the world for your birthday or an anniversary. 🎂
The park is close to city center but far enough to stand out on its own.
City center is reminiscent of many cobblestone streets in Europe and a clean, modern vibe without the downsides of city life. You may hear an occasional bicycle bell but that blends into the calm living air that’s not crowded.
And part of this calm Copenhagen living, is cycling around town. With the summer’s Tour de France 🚴♀️🚴🚵♀️ competition that happens further south, we learn that Jonas Vingegaard has won for the 2nd year in a row.
It’s no surprise he’s Danish because Denmark is the top bicycle city. And you don’t have to look far to see a cyclist in the city. They bike everywhere and confidently along highway streets.
And whether by wheels or feet, when you want to shake it up, Tivoli Gardens amusement park is a good spot to hang out. Start off with your visit in the day where you can appreciate the gardens, whimsical design theme choices, and architecture, but be sure to stay for the lights at night (and maybe plan for the Friday live music entertainment).
It’s kinda like souped-up Busch Gardens (if you’re familiar with the Williamsburg, VA theme park) where you want to see and appreciate park details and landscape outlines in the day, but also get the dazzle of the European-style carnival night life that’s lit up.
Tivoli Gardens is a smaller theme park and not too crowded. But don’t let that fool ya! Tivoli Gardens also has fireworks 🎆 during certain occasions like Easter 🐣 Summer is also a good time to go.
It’s also one that Disney modeled some of their theme parks after 🦄, and caught the unconventional inspiration from with all its creative rides and colors. And when you visit, you’ll understand why.
Before you freak out on the ticket prices, note it’s in Danish Krona (that today in writing this is about 7x the US Dollar, and that’s a lot less than half or a third of the price you’d pay in a U.S. theme park).
Inside, if you like the circus environment, you’ll love this Copenhagen Amusement Park that’s full of sightseeing surprises 🍭🎠
You think you’re riding into the future or somewhere Far East (or maybe outside this Universe 🪐). And at the least, you’ve never seen these wild-bending rides. Here’s one ride shot below… but for the others, you’ll have to check it out for yourself!
And they have 70 (and maybe some 70s decade-inspired) gourmet eatery, cafe, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops… and fantasical shop fronts, like a Marshmallow Shop (how fun!).
Foodie foods range from churros, lobster, and sushi, plus fun boardwalk faves like bougie ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy, to name just a few. If you’re not entertained with just the food scene ambiance and fun-decorated shops, I’d be shocked! And if you’re not hungry (that I think you will be 😋), I’ll be wondering. 💭
There’s also free entrance to the Tivoli Food Hall in case you’re meeting up with people who don’t want to go to the Amusement Garden Park.
Tivoli Gardens ride
And being the planner that I am (and for a decade), a cute place to stay that is walking distance to the Copenhagen Amusement Park is an affordable hotel find called the Imperial Hotel that you can walk comfortably to with your friends or companion, as I did on my visit. 💕
What I love about the hotel is the simplicity, and the room headboard is huge so it makes the ceiling look expansive. There are also homey velvety touches that soften the tight bed corners.
You can full chill-ax after you’ve got your fill of amusement. And the bathroom has spa-esque calm colors with thoughtful warm lighting. ✨ I’ll be back!
Standard Imperial Hotel roomImperial Hotel room bathroom
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.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter near the San Diego baseball stadium
If you’re a baseball fan, San Diego Baseball is one of San Diego’s identities and the schedule is in full swing … like many major American cities, it has its own national baseball stadium and team. It’s not named after one animal, but many kinds and not just oriole birds or cubs… it’s the Petco Park Stadium that appreciates cats and dogs alike. 🐱🐶 And their owners. 😊 That includes Padres (means father). Go Padres! ⚾️
And you can catch a glimpse of this San Diego baseball park from the hotels and buildings nearby.
One such hotel is the Omni Hotel that you can’t help but get in the batting zone frame of mind. Decorated with famous baseball player bats and balls throughout… um, have you heard of Babe Ruth and Yogi Berra? Regardless, you will in this baseball vibe museum hotel.
Babe Ruth bat
San Diego is an area that is a popular dream place for young professionals. It’s low in humidity and known for its better weather reputation close to the water and mountains. Hello, sunshine and relaxtion! ☀️
I have many memories in San Diego and Pacific Beach with family and friends including my Carbsbad wellness memories a little up north. And at the Omni you can catch some wellness rays at the pool or get a massage especially if you’re there for a convention like I was!
And walking distance to the convention-centric San Diego hotel is the downtown San Diego Convention Center. Getting there, you may stumble over some Bird scooters… are those still around? 🛴
I tried one around the city in the Gaslamp Quarter and discovered it’s not safe or reliable. It could die on you at any time which works for its drop-off anywhere convenience (or inconvenience if you trip over one 🤨). It’s tempting to ride with flip flops with the beachy relax vibes minutes away. 🩴 But save them for the sand.
Electric bike could be a better-controlled ride. Just sayin’! And don’t forget to get a nearby bite along the San Diego Bay water by Seaport Village. A good place to do that is next to The Kiss or The Unconditional Surrender statue you can find in other palm-lined states (hint: it’s on the east coast and the largest producer of oranges that’s not California 😉).
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.
I can sniff a food festival from around the globe… and a London food carnival is happening at the Hampton Court Palace. The 👑 palace looks like it’s straight out of a storybook in its spire features and symmetrical architecture.
And it reminds me of the brick facade on the iconic Smithsonian Castle near the National Mall Smithsonian Carousel on the other side of the ocean. That was my first merry-go-round riding memory. 🎠
And this Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is happening on the manicured lawns next to the Palace and Magic Garden playground for all ages. And a Kitchen Garden for foodies at the London food carnival.
The Palace has history and inside even has artwork from Rembrandt and Caravaggio. It’s situated near the seasonal Ice Rink and The Great Fountain Garden (with wildflowers, seasonal flowers, and of course my fave, a Rose Garden with pink roses). On the western outskirts of central London, you can visit two-in-one and make a one-stop-shop.
The garden was recently completed with 13 fountains and artistic Baroque design that actually matches the nearby castle. 🏰
You wonder where the moat is. 💭
And if that doesn’t flip your boat, then a Restaurant Show is coming to London in Olympia, closer to Chelsea, that’ll showcase new hospitality trends. It’s where caterers and chefs experience the latest and greatest, and probably you do too…. who doesn’t love to taste good foods!
And don’t be surprised if you see Great British Baking Show (or Great British Bake Off) former contestants like Nadiya Hussain (from Nadiya Bakes) who may shows up at these events. 🎉 And who knows who else?
…That to me would be worth the trip.😊
If you want to stay more city central in Westminster, you can try this mod, delightfully designed Georgian castle-like boutique hotel.
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.
Handmade ravioli postage stamp shapes made in a 1789 cooking class 🧑🏻🍳
Getting ready for DC Restaurant week? These are my 30 faves for the DC Restaurant Week 2023 summer edition. DC is a transient area as people come and go, and restaurants come and go just as easily. But some (most on this list) have withstood the test of time, and one or two are 2020ish newcomers that are on that trajectory. 🎉
I know these restaurants and areas intimately, living-working in the DC metro area for decades after growing up there and working in hotel & restaurant events management, and enjoying brunch meetups. So yeah, I consider myself a foodie and a distant local no matter where I am in the world. ❤️
… And, If you’re a sushi or pizza lover, you’ll love this list (…plus, you and I will get along very well! 😁)! Raw and baked are high on my list. And for 2023 DC Restaurant Week they’re serving a $25 brunch/lunch and $40/$55 fixed dinner price menu.
Some of these restaurants you will find on my 2019 DC Restaurant Week List which is a good sign. While prices have gone up some 😏 , the Restaurant Week prices are still price fixed so you know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re on a budget (and easy to calculate if you’re with a group. And some of the Restaurant Week picks are on my group brunch picks).
1789 – They are owned by the same Clyde’s Restaurant Group who own Clyde’s, Old Ebbitt Grill, and The Tombs. From time to time they have cooking classes and they are the creme de la creme of restaurants.
2941 – out in a tranquil setting in Fairview Park outside of the bustling Tysons Corner area, this is a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion. …Maybe consider Restaurant Weekto test out?
Al Dente – was founded and once owned by Chef Roberto Donna. This casual restaurant is in the ritzy Palisades area (where the Clintons once had a home) is not far from Georgetown.
I’m a diner as much as someone who knows what it’s like inside restaurants 😋
Bastille – near Old Town Alexandria, this Parker-Gray neighborhood restaurant is one you’ll enjoy if you want to get off the busy and touristy King Street, but still have the high-end historic town vibes.
Birch & Barley – owned by the Neighborhood Restaurant Group who also own Rustico, Evening Star, Vermillion, and Bluejacket on this list to name a few. You can’t go far and not run into one of their restaurants.
Black Salt – serves find-dining seafood in the Palisades (…scallops and black squid ink come to mind 💭… maybe that’s all you needed to hear).
Bluejacket – this is comfort food near Nats Stadium in Navy Yards. Working in the biz, we took a tour of the metal beer barrel production.
Bluejacket beer barrels
Cafe Milano – this was the see-and-be-seen restaurant in Georgetown before others flocked to the Italian foodie scene. My fave is Fiola, but they are not on the 2023 Restaurant Week menu 🫤 But there are many other Penn Quarter restaurant choices on this list 🍽️
Fiola in Penn Quarter
Chart House – on the Alexandria waterfront, and is a local treasure. You can’t miss the restaurant that looks like a beach restaurant.
Earls – sushi alert! Let the food board speak for itself… 🍱
Earls across the new Tysons Corner greens area that sometimes has live concerts
Evening Star Cafe – in DelRay (in between Alexandria and Arlington) off the main street. DelRay is a 50s neighborhood with old-fashioned porches, and is dotted and lined with restaurants along Mount Vernon Ave. (DelRay’s King Street). And a few are on this DC Restaurant Week list.
Farmers Fishers Bakers (Georgetown) – this is a popular farm table restaurant that’s one of the newer additions to the Georgetown waterfront (The Washington Harbour). They’re owned by the Founding Farmers Group.
Founding Farmers – are restaurants that bring in seasonal menus in a modern setting. Like Neighborhood Restaurant Group, ThinkFood Group, and Clyde’s Restaurant Group, the Founding Farmers Group’s restaurant concepts are all over the DC metro area serving sensible modern American eats. In other words, you don’t have to travel far to find another one under their umbrella.
Hen Quarter – southern fare comfort food with an upstairs and downstairs in Old Town Alexandria. Maybe a great brunch meeting place? You can’t miss the red corner as a great directional detail that makes it easy to point out.
Kaz Sushi Bistro – creative sushi and Bento boxes and has been around before Y2K. You can find the more traditional rolls and some artistry touches.
creative sushi on a plate
Matchbox – upscale pizza chain you can find in DC, MD, and VA including Penn Quarter, Rockville, and Mosaic District (the new shopping center in Merrifield near Fairfax). This is a good meeting place as you can’t go wrong.
Officina – in the newest hangout area of the DC Waterfront with amazing water views. It’s the coolest restaurant, good for a date. 😘 More on this waterfront Wharf District below.
Oceanaire – …Baked Alaska lit at the table comes to mind, but that’s my sweet tooth talking. This is one of the older, established seafood restaurants around. You can find this in DC near 14th Street (another revival area) and Baltimore in the new Harbor East section (by The Four Seasons and Under Armour if you need a compass 🧭). Baltimore is growing beyond the Inner Harbor.
Oyamel – Jose Andres’ colorful restaurant that serves tasty bits (tapas-style_ and dishes, and a great mole (mo-lay) if you’re into that! Nothing is served brown on the plate, it’s always brightened with natural food colors like pickled purple onions and yellow edible flowers that match the restaurant vibes.
Passion Fish – sushi, oh my! One of my fave as a modern concept in the 90s built Reston Town Center.
Ris – if you’re near Dupont Circle, Ris is owned by the local chef who made a Washingtonian magazine debut back when 1789 was getting its name.
Rustico – rustic pizza wood-fired and a great neighborhood place for beer lovers! And Neighborhood Restaurant Group fans.
Sequoia – Georgetown waterfront is a longstanding restaurant on The Washington Harbour that’s as popular today as in the 80s and 90s.
Tony & Joe’s – has outdoor seating with branded patio umbrellas that have been there forever… a great stop for visitors to get a feel of The Washington Harbour
The Melting Pot – what about fondue when you want a fun day!? This is an area chain restaurant that can be hours of entertainment, whether you choose cheese or chocolate… and fondue cook your own meat at the table (tip: bring a cook or someone who’s good at keepin’ minutes ⏲️).
The Wine Kitchen – in Leesburg (Northern Virginia), it’s a quaint Italian restaurant that’ll make you forget you’re in a major metro city.
Unconventional Diner – near the DC Convention Center, and is probably one of the newest comers… and comes with unconventional presentation stacks where southern eat meets modern diner… would love to know whatcha think!
Vermillion – King Street Old Town Alexandria – is a fan favorite and has been closed for a few years, and is now back open!
Zatinya – Penn Quarter Greek-Mediterranean known for serving lamb dishes and mezza. It’s one of Chef Jose Andres’ near the Portrait Gallery (one of the free Smithsonian museums to checkout!).
And if you’re needing a place to stay, an area that has transformed from a smelly fish market where the boats docked and you could see the moving waters below, is now the swanky Wharf District that has become high-end boutique restaurants, shops, and hotels. There’s even a Milk store, in case you’re into cereal desserts like I am. I like the birthday truffles 🎉 and yuzu parfaits.
A new boutique hotel has joined this newest revival district. And if you’re coming for a convention and want to make this bleisure (business and travel), then these are convenient convention-friendly hotels you can consider.
Today’s Wharf District waterfront fish market all lit up
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.
The London sky in fall is good for travel. We landed in London. I remember Harrod’s, the famous department store. I also remember seeing the changing of the guards. Thirty plus years later, London is so much bigger now. I think it’s getting close to 10 million people there. I’ve never seen so many people in my life in one day.
To get from Heathrow Airport to your staying destination, I recommend a London cab. The cab drivers are “licensed”, take a lot of pride in ownership with their vehicle they purchase, and know all the major sites in London. They have to pass the test.
Why visit London in the fall?
The weather is formidable. It’s cooler than most south European cities. It’s also a great place for ragweed pollen sufferers around the world who can get some relief.
New Modern London Hotel
The Park Plaza Waterloo in London is a convenient hotel next to the London Underground subway system (the Tube). The hotel also has an Illy coffee café on property (and has tea bags in the room 🫖). It also is super modern looking in the room. When I stayed there, there were a lot of light features in the room to create mood of choice in your room. The hotel has a real modern vibe.
Mood light control in the room
Every time I hear Waterloo, it makes me think of the snazzy
Abba song “Waterloo.”
My, my At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender Oh yeah And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way The history book on the shelf Is always repeating itself
Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore Waterloo, couldn’t escape if I wanted to Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo
The area is very close to the famous London Eye (large ferris wheel), that was referred to in the James Bond (Daniel Craig as 007) movie “Skyfall”… the London sky in fall.
And just a hop, skip and a jump from Covent Garden, a beautiful restaurant and shop area where they have free live performances in the square. Also a great place to go during Christmas season, even though it can be a “mad house” with all the visitors whenit’ll feel like one of the most crowded places on this earth.
Covent Garden
Picadilly Circus (like NY’s Times Square) is London’s most famous square and another popular area in London’s West End and Westminster area along the River Thames. You can check out all the hotels in London City Centre where so much is happening!
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.
Bologna’s best rooftop views with the leaning tower city center
Bologna is a university town and has the best rooftop views. I recommend taking a terracotta rooftop view and slowly enjoying a memorable cup of cappuccino and Italian cookies (biscotti). ☕️
Bologna canals
Don’t miss the beautiful architecture in the heart of the city where a little walking brings a lot of beautiful sightseeing surprises. You also see the one-of-a-kind canals where you think you’re somewhere as magical as Venice (minus the Carnevale masks). 🎭
In the heart of the city in Bologna, are the Twin Towers (the other leaning towers in Italy on a lean). You can sit on the steps in the square nearby, and take in the view. And when you’re ready to keep going, you want to take a look at the architectural features that the city has to offer.
One feature is the best rooftop views (more on this below) and the famous arches that you can find at different street angles. If you’re a photographer, this is a paradise.
The modern charm everywhere matches the city. You can get great shots against doors and corners. And you don’t want to miss why this city is a UNESCO world heritage site… Bologna is dotted with ornate porticoes that you have to see in person like in this colonnade.
roof views and best rooftop views
After you’ve had your fill and maybe a nice meal or two, a 10-minute walk away is Hotel Metropolitan that could be your choice of stay. Take the elevator to the rooftop. That’s where there’s a quiet and good size shaded terrace you can enjoy. Most likely you and your companions will be the only ones soaking in the city center view.
There are nice hotels by the train station in case that’s your mode of transportation, but it’s a hike to the city center, so I recommend staying close to city center. And especially if you’re only in Bologna for a day or two to soak in the town (that is probably enough).
And you can pack in your Italian foodie experiences 🍝. Bologna is in Emilia-Romagna (one of the 20 Italy regions and is north of Florence). Classic to the region, you want to try the tortellini that’s on every menu, or you can choose local farro like I did for one meal. The tortellini in Bologna is as common as fountains in Rome, and is also Pope recognized 😉
