City Center Archives - Travel & Experiences at Boutique Hotels and Restaurants Around the World

Hidden Lake George Escape

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If you want to jump in a lake or be near one, a Lake George escape could fit your getaway profile. And what about the idea of staying in a cabin hotel, while being in the bougie meditative mountains? ⛰️

coffee mugs come with rainbows in this Lake George escape view 🌈

Lake George in Bolton Landing is part of the Adirondacks (where the Adirondack chair that you may own is named after). It’s a calming destination if you want to get your zen on and still be around people.

And there’s s’more entertainment… there’s firepit S’mores at night on one end …and by day, a mirror blue Infinity Pool awaits that seems to never end.

Put putt putt golf on the agenda, and pack tennis in between if you choose. And if you need more…

There’s a hidden gem wine shop across the street that you’d probably blast right past if I didn’t point it out. It’s not part of the resort. But another hidden ‘lil secret you may not know is that New York makes some of the best drinking wines.

Most people think California and Oregon are the only producing states for noteworthy drinkable American reds. 🍷

The Adirondack east coast terrain is favorable for vineyards and grapes. So it isn’t just in the drinking water in New York 🗽

Lake Geoge escape with the wine shop across the street — Adirondack Winery – shop across the Sagamore Resort

And staying at the Sagamore, you get these surprise experiences being at a fun resort property, and all the bells and whistles (and often weddng bells). There’s always a Cinderella ball gown or wedding dress event on weekends in case you know anyone who’s looking for a wedding venue. 💍

Hotel del Coronado is the White House hotel on the west coast, and the Sagamore Hotel is the White House experience on the east coast.

Sagamore Hotel lake george escape — Sagamore Hotel Lake George escape to lakefront and mountains

And there’s a fancy restaurant onsite in the main building inside where the hotel rooms are. But you’ll get the real deal vacation experience in the lodge cabin rooms that have a fireplace… and a relaxing stone shower backsplash that’ll remind you of the mountain backdrop from the windows and private balcony. With cabin robes, you can make your meals with a full kitchen and stove. It’s a hotel and a cabin all-in-one.🪵🎉

With all the distractions, you forget there’s a beautiful Lake George lakefront in front of you. As a hotel guest, you can catch a free boat tour on The George on your Lake George escape. 🚤 Now that’s a panoramic escape.

And if you can’t get a reservation at The Sagamore, don’t give up. There’s also a Best Western nearby that have quietyly moved up the hospitality ranks in standards.

And if you’re going to New York’s City that never sleeps, don’t forget to check out the water (😅) and New York Restaurant Week. 🍎

No Reservations Best Paris Eats

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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 💕 And remember, most most servers do speak English. And when you have something to say, just first be polite and say, Bonjour! 🇫🇷

…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 😃 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…

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 🪟 )… 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. 💭

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 💋… 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! 💕

The Best of Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, and Hillside Towns

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I got the best of Spain working in event management in a “foodie” Spanish restaurant chain in DC, and that inspired my vacation to Spain.

Also, the idea that Spain had such a big historical influence on Europe and the rest of the world, like northern Africa.

My suggestion is if you’re going to Spain, do it right and visit the big cities (Madrid and Barcelona) and the hillside towns (Granada, Sevilla, and Cordoba) so you can get a full flavor of the architecture and styles that influenced the world.

Seeing Christopher Columbus’ tomb is a memorable event. I’d seen photos of the Alhambra in Granada as a child (since my architect dad owns hundreds of travel books).

In Barcelona, the freshest fish can be caught right off the Mediterranean Sea. Port Vell is the area where most of the restaurants are that you shouldn’t miss. Skip the tourist traps and go for the real deal seafood if you like fresh Mediterranean salmon.

You’ll taste what fresh really means! Tapas and paella for the most part is like fast food in Spain (that’s popular and delicious in the US).

In Madrid I found memorable the solomillo (tenderloin) with patatas bravas (fried potatoes). In Cordoba, I had salmorejo (gazpacho specialty) that was very unique. Jambon (ham) is famous there, especially the bellota (acorn) ham.

This menu I worked with in the States, is a food and language lesson all in one.

There is so much to see in Spain, that I wouldn’t go for the most expensive hotel. I’d go for a great value hotel that’s city center in Agumar Madrid and Abba Sants Barcelona.

These are the ones I stayed at that were nice and I was happy at.

best of Spain in a warm hotel room — Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona

At Agumar, even a pleasant hotel chatbot named Velma pops up on the site. While that may be good or bad in some cases, for hotels that are often decades behind in tech, this is a futuristic move up.

If you’re checking out all of Spain, you may not remember the hotels, but you will remember the best of what Spain has to offer, and finding a nice stay will help you enjoy your vacation.

These are some that I would come back to:

Agumar Hotel Madrid

Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona

Melia Lebreros Hotel (heart of Sevilla or Seville 😊)

cool vibes to enjoy the best of Spain — Melia Lebreros Hotel, Sevilla

If you are charmed by the hillside towns of Spain like Granada, you’ll probably love rooftop views and architecture finds in Bologna, Italy.

New York Restaurant Week 2019 and Hot Hotel Pick

(New York Restaurant Week in the summertime)

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skyline break from new york restaurant week dining out — NYC Skyline

New York Restaurant Week runs until August 16, 2019. A good reason to visit The Big Apple this time of year. You can try a James Beard Award Winner, Union Square Café owned by famous pioneer restaurateur Danny Meyer where you can have a chilled melon soup and brook trout “a la plancha” – a 2 course lunch for $31+. Having had dinner there, they simply take customer service to another level by knowing about their guests…and there’s no tipping allowed (read Danny Meyer’s book “Setting the Table”).

And another one to add to the list is the legendary Tavern on the Green in Central Park. You can have lunch there for $26++ (2-courses) and select an appetizer like refreshing watermelon and feta salad, with plated salmon or chicken kabobs. Dinner for restaurants participating is $42++ (3 courses). It’s one of those places you want to mention to others you went to.

Ian Schrager has a boutique-y hotel with sleek lines and cool vibe hotel lighting you can visit and stay at for a very reasonable rate, especially considering central NYC — in the heart of the City near Washington Square, SOHO, West Village, and whatever your NYC visit is about.

ICYMI, Schrager is the OG credited for putting boutique hotels as a new category on the map. And if that doesn’t strike a chord, he was the original co-founder and owner of “Studio 54” 🪩

The Hudson New York Central Park is a great hotel to stay at for many reasons. It’s a posh and busy hotel (a real see-and-be-seen type hotel), decorated and designed by world-renowned Philippe Starck. I love his clear stackable acrylic chairs that make the space seem light and airy. The weightless chairs come in fun colors are inspired by the hotel decor (and were in my stay in this Paris posh hotel I stayed at).

The lobby is very cheery with some brick walls and neon color lights and chandeliers, and a dramatic escalator leading to the lobby. The hotel is a great value in the location that it is, next to Central Park. It’s so close to Central Park which is one of my favorite parks… so peaceful and beautiful with the horse-drawn carriages lined up. I’ve taken one of those and it’s romantic. You can even get a New York-style pretzel right there in Central Park to top off your visit.

The only downside is that the standard room is 150 square feet shoebox size (and really meant for just one person or someone you know intimately, like a spouse or a good friend). Don’t let that turn you off, because it’s still worth every penny.

You save money and if you’re in NYC on a mission like trying the trendiest restaurants during NYC restaurant week, shopping, or visiting touristy sites, then you spend very little time in your room other than to sleep and shower. But yes, in a room this size you’ll probably bump into each other on the way to the closet or the bathroom and shelf space, which is all this room has.

My sister and I made a great stay of it because we were able to “bond” sitting on the bed and talking about our lives. But there are I think 8 or 9 sizes and styles of room, including a suite option that’s 450 square feet. Of the two times I’ve stayed there, it has been the best value. August always has good deals for under $200, which is amazing for the great location.

And they make wonderful drinks that you can sit in many areas to enjoy including the Lobby Bar and there’s a lobby library lounge that you can sit at also if you want to work on your laptop or chat on the phone without many others around. They are run by a group that is known for very modern chic hotels. I stayed at one in South Beach, Miami, Florida called the Mondrian.

In Miami, this is cutting edge with avant-garde room artwork with a Japanese cartoon girl’s face on one of the transparent walls separating the living area from the bedroom. And the pool was amazing along the Biscayne Bay in South Beach. Just trying to paint a picture of their brand and what it’s like to stay at another property. You feel very trendy on the trendy side of town but that’s less touristy than some of the Beach Week hotels where word gets around (like the famous 24-hour News Cafe restaurant).

Back in NY vibes, if you want to check out less touristy neighborhoods with a food scene, try Hell’s Kitchen district, but don’t let the name scare you. Or maybe you are curious because of the Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen food show.

There you are close to the best shopping in the city. And just a short subway or cab ride from the busiest Apple store and largest FAO Schwartz I’ve ever been to. My sister and I like to make a girl’s weekend getaway out of it. You are close to Time Square where all the crowds are. And you can people watch at the now very popular Bryant Park.

We go in the August summer usually when the US Open tennis match is advertised everywhere. It’s often New York Restaurant Week in the Big Apple. We’ve tried a few “foodie” New York restaurateur restaurants owned by David Burke (BTW, he has a restaurant that has a great rooftop seating view of One World Trade Center) and Joe Bastianich (aka related to Lidia Bastianich and Eataly) restaurants in great neighborhoods like Greenwich Village.

Paris Neighborhoods 101 (Perfect for a Solo or First Visit)

…and Paris neighborhoods you don’t want to miss out on!

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The Eiffel Tower is one of the most sought out Paris neighborhoods for obvious reasons

If you are like me, you’re not afraid of going to exciting places with cultures where they don’t speak your native language. And as a solo person or a first-time visit. It’s the vibe of the modern traveler who enjoys trying, tasting, and seeing new places. 👀

Paris is one of these great exploring cities. It’s a great walking city, and flooded with tourists and visitors who don’t speak french. Walking from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower is exciting.

My favorite is walking through posh neighborhoods like Saint Germain du Pres, and having a cafe.

One of the nicest neighborhoods is St. Germain du Pres in the 6th arondissment

And then visiting Ile Saint Louis, Sacre Coeur, and walking through the Tuileries Gardens (not necessarily in that order ;-). And you’ll want to know how to get an inside look at best food options with no reservations (great if you don’t like to plan!).

And of course, with so many Paris neighborhoods (arrondissements), you want to know where in stay…

If you want to save money, near the Latin Quarter (close by to Sorbonne University and Luxembourg Gardens), you can achieve that. I stayed at the coolest vibe boutique hotel, The Five Hotel. The shower had different lights. Each of the rooms were painted different colors, like this teal color room…

I was kinda intrigued by the black painted room and actually moved out of the beige room (too boring for me!). I like the cuh-lahs! And I had a beautiful view of the courtyard.

The best feature of the hotel is that they will hold your bags for you for FREE. This is convenient if you’ve checked out and still want to explore the city before you have to leave. Wifi worked great in the room and I could Facetime without hiccup 😊

Their service was exemplary and I left a tip for the maid as I felt the room was cared for. When I got back home and realized I left my small personal pillow behind, I wrote them and they wrote back that they found the white pillow and could ship it back to me. Most short-stay venues wouldn’t be that thoughtful.

Latin Quarter is one of the Paris neighborhoods you should check out and maybe stay at

each room is unique and exciting to enter…

7 Best Summer Pink Rose Walking Gardens

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Summer pink rose gardens are one of life’s greatest beauties. Pink means “like” 💕 and appreciation… so deeper pink roses (…yes, please!) can be a part of everyday life for greater intensity.

In case you’re into signs, red roses are special love… yellow roses are friendship… and white roses are purity. So now you know your rose sender’s intent we learned from teen magazines 😉

And likable summer pink rose varieties are common. Shades of pink are attractive to males, females, and bees. Some are fragrant. Rose water 💐 is naturally clear but often with a pink tint as a spritz.

For food flavoring, you could add a little that goes a long way. And some like light rose. 🥂 All good for mind, body, and spirit on travel to reduce stress.

And if you want to fulfill your summer pink rose list, these gardens are dazzlers 🤩 to add to your bucket list in Washington DC, Miami, Florence, and Sweden:

Two are free to visit.

1.Meadowlark Gardens (Vienna, VA)

This is a whimsical bring pink rose garden with many walking surprises and a great meetup place

Meadowlark Gardens has a swervy gameboard path garden wonderland where you get to have fun with the big bell (look out Liberty Bell!) off the beaten path… and on the main path, there’s also an imaginary Alice In Wonderland tea party setup with tree-built beams (nothing faux there!).

You never know what you’ll find each season… from natural stump stools to ever changing foliage, and of course a beautiful rose garden. Fee to visit .

Located closer to Tysons Corner that’s a corporate area surrounded by the mega mall, you might want to try racking up your Hilton Honors point at this Doubletree 🍪 🍪up the street (that’s now related to my catering hotel but that’s another story). And then the other story is my first now-Hilton hotel close to Dulles Airport in case you’re flying there.

summer pink rose is one of the many features of Meadowlark Gardens and DC area summers — Meadowlark Gardens

2. Gothenburg Gardens (Gothenburg, Sweden)

The scent of this summer pink rose garden in September is worth returning

Gothenburg or Goteborg Gardens is the first garden that you’ll take notice of is a beautiful rose garden. It’s a photographer’s haven and unless someone (me) points this out, you could miss this FREE garden that has an arched entrance if you’re in Gothenburg.

And then you’ll be kicking yourself that you missed it and spent your time in the shopping mall. Or riding around on the local tram that runs on a metal track. Bring your nice running shoes as everyone seems to have them. 👟.

And I recommend staying at one of many boutique-feel hotels close to the Central Station convenient to walking everywhere (you don’t have to run 👣).

fragrant summer pink rose garden — classic summer pink rose in Sweden 🇸🇪 at the Gothenburg FREE public garden

3. Vizcaya Museum & Garden (Miami, FL)

Go pre-hurricane season in spring and summer

Vizcaya is surrounded by statues and steps to the Casino, you’ll find beautiful backdrops and oh, yeah… the Villa where many large events took place including meetings with Kings and Presidents. Fee to visit.

Since this is on the Biscayne Bay side, I would recommend staying up the street so you can appreciate the special side of the breezy palms and boat tours. If you want the romantic upscale red rose vibes, mosquito net (good for summer!) and humidity-friendly tile, then this luxury hotel resort (formerly Grove Isle Resort) is one-of-a-kind.

Roses are red, violets are blue, and there are yellow roses too!

4. Miami Botanical Garden

Miami Botanical Garden is a gem find that has a heavenly vibe and the where butterflies live. And all I can say is you may have the rose garden and koi pond all-to-yourself with the fluttering creatures if you go during the week.

And this is where you can find a beautifully fully grown eucalyptus rainbow tree that’ll keep you in awe with its color striped bark that looks like paint, but its natural. Free to visit.

5. Franciscan Monastery Summer Pink Rose Garden

Best place to see a summer pink rose garden in America and get your rosewater peace

The only Franciscan Monastery in America is in the northeast part of Washington DC. And trekking up to the Franciscan monastery is a special trip you can take. As soon as you enter the monastery you’ll see the rose garden in the front. You can walk around the paved path. Inside you’ll be stunned with the massive church where free tours are given. If you’re on a sabbatical, the rose garden is a must-to-see that’ll remind you of the Holy See. Free to visit and park.

Washington DC Franciscan Monastery summer rose garden

6.Boboli Gardens (Florence, Italy)

Boboli Gardens is behind the Pitti Palace that it’s related to. Late spring and early summer is the time you want to visit to see roses in full bloom. You’ll find the beautiful garden arches and Roman structures. And maybe a ‘lil wisteria to keep you in wanderlust. Fee to visit.

You can tie this garden visitinto your grand Florence history tour with the Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli’s Birth of Venus) and Pitti Palace.

And if you want to see a more relaxed vibe and also a beautiful hillside garden in Florence, skip Boboli and visit the Bardini Gardens instead. Fee to visit.

Bardini Gardens from the top – Duomo and Florence views. Boboli Gardens is on another side of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio by the Pitti Palace.

7.Bardini Gardens (Florence, Italy)

Bardini Gardens is another beautiful garden with a summer rose garden, but not-so busy. It’s a nice slightly hilly walk through a neighborhood to get there, and you’ll enjoy the panoramic views and hillside gardens from the top. Enjoy the pergola (lavender wisteria in spring) and a summer popsicle 🍨at the top if you want, so it’s season-proof!

And if this year’s summer bucket list is already planned, something fun you can always do is appreciate the neighborhood summer pink rose scene 💕💐 Put on your walking shoes and cruise around to sniff out roses.

Unless you’re a butterfly, most residential gardens are private but you can still appreciate and sniff out the local community gardens. 🦋 These are always free (as is the Franciscan Monastery and Goteborg Sweden’s garden), so get your nature garden bucket list out.

NY Film Festival at Lincoln Center

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new york film festival is at the lincoln center and the kennedy center is the largest performance arts theater

Are you a film buff who maybe visits the annual NY Film Festival? Someone who love cinema 🎥 and knows everything about diverse films that most people aren’t familiar with.

…If that’s calling you, then you’re probably excited when film festivals crop up around the world with fall’s crisp air… just in time to pack up the outdoor festivals and take them indoors.

The NY Film Festival at the Lincoln Center is one such festival that celebrates by unleashing a New York freedom of international films… a fitting melting pot liberty symbol that she (NYC) is.🗽

And the New York Film Festival has been a tradition since the 1960s when classic black and white films were popular.

The Festival has about double the 38,000 Cannes Film Festival attendees, in case you’re curious or counting.

And you can see the lineup of actor’s films like Bradley Cooper’s Maestro about Composer Leonard Bernstein (as a 2023 highlight).

But, besides the NY Film Festival, another reason to visit the Lincoln Center is it’s home to the New York Philharmonic. People often add “symphony” or “orchestra” to the end as a better reference.

…Which btw, a symphony is actually a music piece or composition, and an orchestra is the group of musicians that can make a composition with their harmonious instruments.

And the Lincoln Center is one place where this can all happen with live performances.

It’s a super unique center that’s worth a visit…

You probaby didn’t know that you can take 75-minute tours of the recently renovated Lincoln Center next time you’re touring in town. The David Geffen Hall is a new architectural masterpiece and amphitheater part of the Lincoln Center project that just opened in October 2022.

And in summertime, keep your eye out for the FREE Summer in the City event where Studio54 disco balls can meet modern Hip Hop dance. And sometimes flamingo (fun and deflatable) floats around minus the real Bird of Paradise and palm trees (well… maybe with climate change?).

When in the Big Apple in the summer, be sure to get some good NYC Restaurant Week eats

And if you’re heading to DC or down south, the busiest performing arts center is the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Close to the Potomac River waterfront in Georgetown, the Kennedy Center is a few hour’s drive from NYC. If or when you’re there, these are some great DC local restaurants and DC hotels to checkout. I met with many DC brunch groups for good eats!

Charlotte International Arts Festival (starts end of Sept.)

Charlotte uptown is home to the Charlotte International Arts Festival

If you’re looking for a travel idea you can drive to and get ideas or create some curiosity, then the Charlotte International Arts Festival is up your alley! The CIAF is worth a visit and it’s running for a few months so you can plan this out.

Stay overnight (and stay within your budget!) to enjoy the NC mountain and festivals in between. And if you’re doing budget travel, you can drive to the western NC mountains and Asheville just a couple hours away.

There are plenty of free event opportunities at this festival. And one of the event halls is connected to the tallest and most recognizable building in Charlotte, the Bank of America Building on N. Tryon Street. And S. Tryon Street just down the street, you’ll find the Bechtler Museum of Art that stands out year round with bright red ornament balls that’s easy to find and remember. And is a good photo opp. 🤳

And more city event photo opps include the Sky of Bubbles that has an ephemeral light and sound show. During the day, the bubbles have a blue, purple, white, pink, green, and yellow glow.

Think of those soap bubbles you blow that create fun and wonder. 🫧 And at night, anything can happen! So if you missed the natural Super Moon 🌑, this could be your chance to look up and be in wonder.

The emphasis on international carries across the cultural bazaar fair with Indian and Latin American performances. 💃🏻 You can find the new events between Uptown and Ballantyne. Diversity themes are trending.

The luxury Ballantyne Center boutique hotel and spa is swanky and spacious in the ‘burbs. Have you seen the luxury pools? It’s also a hotel home to a gingerbread competition if that spices up your life or if you want to walk into a grand staircase lobby feel with a can’t-miss child-high colorful floral centerpiece.

…That thought reminds me of 💭 when I worked in one specific luxury hotel early in my hotel catering days, that had a fab waterfall glass feature that ran from the hotel lobby to the mezzanine level. You don’t hear about those much these days! 😅

And in Charlotte, if you would like to be closer to Uptown (city center downtown), check out this roof top view hotel. The Charlotte International Arts Festival events are just steps or minutes away, so very convenient.

And what should you expect to find? For ticketed events, think jazz, Bier Garten, creative media artists, cultural dancers, mixed- media painters, and so much more! I guess you’ll have to go to find out 🎉

US Open Tennis NYC

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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. 😅

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. 🏆 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 ♕, this is a Flushing boutique hotel or a cool Brooklyn boutique with a stair-stepping building that fits in the NYC skyscraper skyline 🗽

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

Minnesota State Fair Weekend Things To Do

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minnesota state fair has birthday funfetti cupcakes

The Minnesota State Fair is a great fun event to visit over a warm weekend, especially if you’re a foodie or if you have other Minnesota local agendas.

For foodies, there are 34 new official foods and 7 new food vendors participating. Of course, there’s funfetti Birthday Cake sprinkled 🧁 and long hot dogs 🌭 everything…

But there are also foods I would serve and add to the gourmet menu at parties and catering events I planned. Like creative flavor pairing eats: hummus with basil at Holy Land in the International Bazaar. That by the way is gluten-free.

…And fried green tomato sandwich, fried egg hole, or Halloumi cheese on toast. Plus, local unusual red-wine infused pizza sauce, huckleberry and lavender lemonades, St. Paul pickle kettle fudge, and churros with cinnamon ice cream. I mean c’mon 😋 this is so fitting for post-2020… (and I thought I was cutting-edge with gourmet popcorn jelly beans 🤣).

To win you back, this was my home contribution to angel food cake and ice cream (not bad, huh?)

angel food cake and ice cream are served at Minnesota State Fair

At the Minnesota State Fair, you’ll also see the purist Angel Food Cake competition (no strawberries 🍓 or glaze on top).

…Maybe you’re visiting family or checking out a Minnesota Vikings game at the U.S. Bank Stadium (Quarterback Kirk Cousins who used to be the QB for my hometown Washington Commanders).

…Or you’re in for a girls-only weekend checking out Mall of America (the mall on your bucket list of mega malls)… like East Coast Tysons Corner I and Galleria II that I grew up with.

Once in a while, a Cirque du Soleil 🎪 would come through on the limited real estate greens… but nothing like the entertainment scene at The Minnesota Mall.

But in Minnesota’s Mall of America, there’s more of a year-round fair feeling with the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and water animals at the Sea Life public aquarium.

And for me, Minnesota hit the map when I learned about specialty scrapbooking. Some ladies were doing this in my office and I’m all about sharing photos and memories (…can you tell?). Creative Memories is from St. Cloud, Minnesota, and the whole scrapbook phenomenon.

I used to throw scrapbook parties for my creative outlet and go to the Scrapbook Expo Fairs in Chantilly, VA, and A Shopping Spree! in Raleigh, NC.

Some chase concerts, I chased scrapbooking events back then… and today concerts and fairs too!

And if creative is up your alley, the Minnesota State Fair has an agenda for creatives! 👩‍🎨

The creative activities include stamps, postcards, and baked product competitions with chocolate chip cookies, Bundt cakes, sourdough, and banana bread as a few categories. 🍞

And the Minnesota State Fair has tranquil artistic gardens (not your usual fair features). So take a looksy around 👀

The State Liberty Bell from 1921 is all green and dolled up as a dense topiary (I have a great sticker for that but no emoji 😊) with moss roses and 6,000 succulents 🌵that btw, we need for zen garden sustainability as cactus-like plants are very efficient and need little water!

And see the waterfall and herb features that you can easily miss around the regular greenery!

While gardens are the quiet areas of the fair, they are doing the community a world of good. And you can see the pop of color and pink roses everywhere if that’s your thing like it is mine.

And from there, you can do a small city trip…

You could stay close by in Saint Paul (the capital) and get a feel for the city. Some places have a very fairytale vibe with blue and gold silky fabrics bedding with frills and tassels. 🛏️