City Center Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Travel & Experiences at Boutique Hotels and Restaurants Around the World

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. 🛏️

Best Value Las Vegas Hotels

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In my corporate days, I stayed at many value Las Vegas hotels as the largest convention center in the U.S. that’s surrounded by 24-7 food, one-of-a-kind casino entertainment, and never-ending shows… You’ll never forget the ching-ching sound of slot machine coins that is like a ringing in th ear when you walk past and for weeks later.

It’s the amusement park experience times 10. And if you’re visiting for the first time, maybe you take time to get off-the-beaten path, and checkout the nearby wonder of the Hoover Dam just to get away from the glitz and glam for a few. Or if you love roller coasters 🎢, the most unheard-of Sahara Resort has a fast one on The Strip.

While in Vegas, you can expect nothing less than discounted Surf-n-Turf and high-end foodie experiences if you choose. Or Rain Forest Cafe for the kiddos. You won’t be disappointed with all the options. Martha Stewart even made a restaurant debut.

My fave walk-thru hotel is still the Bellagio that’s famous for its outdoor on-the-hour Fountain Show usually narrated by Tony Bennett (Rest In Peace) singing that’ll probably still go on… and the colorful vibes with Chihuly glass flower ceiling.

And if you want to feel like you’ve been whisked to another country or Venice to be exact (one of my fave places on this planet! 🚤), then the Venetian is a luxury hotel with a canal gondolier.

And if you want to be in the middle of it all, Paris, MGM, and Bally’s could be your choice.

But the hidden gem value is this hotel where you’ll get lush for a fraction of the cost of the other luxury hotels on your way to one of the oldest (Caesar’s Palace) and one of the newest (Wynn) hotels on the Strip. You can find a magic show from a previous America’s Got Talent winner and may even catch a free outdoor pirate show nearby on-the-hour in passing.

Don’t miss the value Las Vegas hotels so you have more to spend on entertainment and foodie adventures!

OC Fair Events Beyond The Fair

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oc fair events beyond include agricultural and farming

A fair is a fair and has it’s usual fair stuff with food, rides, contests, and a carnvial atmosphere. Fair? And the OC fair events in Costa Mesa (Orange County) you can count on that lasts for 23 days to be exact.

And while the fun fair may end right at summer’s end or when school starts, 🤔 the fair event remnants last beyond through autumn. You can check out the farm and garden classes, agricultural markets, and make and DIY home contests.

You can also check out the Costa Mesa speedway events as Costa Mesa is home to the motorcycle speedway that the OC fair helped to birth.

When I think of the OC Fair, I think of the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena just minutes from Costa Mesa. And the OC Fair may not be filled with roses, but is full of orange inspo and expos. 🟠

Remember, California has a superior fruity advantage, so don’t be surprised if there are unique citrus conversations even when the yearly theme changes. Orange you glad?

And this fair stands out ’cause it’s super family-friendly with all kinds of young kiddo events like the Centennial Farm.

It’s a great exposure to learning about farming culture if you live in a city or the ‘burbs. In California healthy style, there are 8 nearby certified farmers markets (verified to sell what they make, aka organic.

These fit the bill: Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Tustin, and Costa Mesa (where the OC fair is), Santa Ana, Placentia, Huntington Park, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim. And if you need a central place to stay, this Costa Mesa Avenue of the Arts boutique hotel has a garden oasis inside and the exterior has sleek architectural lines (and reminds me of the National Gallery of Art in DC designed by Architect I.M. Pei).

And instead of traveling all around creation in farmers market-related OC Fair events, you can see all of them at the OC Fairgrounds, so you can compare apples to apples. 😃 And oranges to oranges.

And when the OC Fair events are over, besides farms and speedways, you can think about contests that maybe you want to enter for next year if you’re arts and crafty or like to decorate table settings… that’s more my speed. 💕

If you’re missing the carnival fair atmosphere, the California State Carnival is worth checking out in Sacramento, CA.

5 Best DC Convention Hotels to Checkout (and Check-In)

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The Watergate Hotel is walking distance to the Georgetown Waterfront

The best Washington DC convention hotels and neighborhood areas are just minutes from free museums, the downtown mall, and some of the best restaurants in the nation. I grew up in the area and worked in local DC area hotels. As an insider, I have watched the DC area revitalize. And some areas in the past that weren’t all that safe are now walkable. 🎉

The northwest area where the White House is, is one of the nicest (the Capitol is on the east side as many get confused). Both the east and northeast areas and growing. And Adams Morgan/U Street areas and surrounding are still hoppin’ busy.

Some hotels have changed names and some are built in the middle of the city where there seemed to be no additional space available to erect another hotel building (like the newest Marriott mega hotel – more below).

Depending on where you want to spend your time in DC most, here are some of my favorites based on long-standing reputation, trying their restaurants, and just being in the area (I don’t usually have to stay in a hotel but I have because I love hotels).

These are the Best 5 Washington DC hotel areas (I wouldn’t mind staying in or visiting again as a local guest getaway 😊):

Georgetown and Virginia border (4 miles from Ronald Reagan National Airport). One of the coolest hotels after it got its facelift before 2019, is the Watergate Hotel near the Kennedy Center and just minutes walking into Georgetown (mega outdoor shopping streets) that runs along Rock Creek Parkway (nice drive). The name may sound familiar as that’s where the Watergate Nixon scandal occurred in the early 70s. They’ve remodeled the hotel since. The hotel now has a really neat vibe inside that you’ll feel right away.

…And I’m told this renovation comes with a Mid-Century vibe in hotel personnel uniforms, but I was too busy admiring the lobby architecture, restroom design (check it out!), and food in my face in the restaurant to notice! 😅 Oh, and if you take an Uber or cab to the airport, be sure they drive across Arlington Memorial Bridge so you can catch a glimpse of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery that you definitely don’t wanna miss!

White House and 14^th Street. In the heart of DC, you can stay at the beautiful established Willard Hotel near 14^th Street (that has a bridge named after it). The Willard serves a nice afternoon tea comparable to the Ritz Carlton that is known for its tea and scones. The W is one of the best Washington DC convention hotels with views of the Washington DC “mall” on the rooftop bar terrace (POV Lounge). If you take a Segway tour you’ll be able to see the best view of the Capitol from Pennsylvania Ave. even during rush hour!

Convention Center. One of the newest hotels built after 2010 is the Marriott Marquis. It has an open lobby and a covered connector to enter the Convention Center as one of the most convenient, best Washington DC convention hotels. I stayed there for a convention I was actually working at. It’s just minutes from DC City Center, a newly revitalized area that has luxury, high-end shopping, and great restaurants… and just minutes from more great restaurants in DC Gallery Place or Chinatown. During Cherry Blossom season, this is where you want to be.

These are happening spots now, but both were areas you did not want to walk around in late at night prior to the 90s.

Dupont Circle area. The Omni Shoreham in Adams Morgan/Woodley Park area is also a grand hotel closer to the Smithsonian National Zoo. The area is great if you want to be a little bit further from all the hustle and bustle of the downtown mall area. I planned parties for a few years at one of the popular restaurants across the street, so I know the scene. 🎉

It’s in the downtown heart of many events, and I remember enjoying working at Zoofari (where all the foodie restaurants come together and display a tasting or tapas), Zoolights (great for kids!), and all the fun Embassy events. You get your cultural fill! 🌎

Southwest Watefront (Wharf). And if you want a really nice lounge area, visit the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It’s close to the L’Enfant Plaza metro stop and the popular re-vitalized Southwest Waterfront (The Wharf) area. It’s funny because most of these areas have changed so much… if only you were there! 💭

The Wharf used to be where you bought crabs from the boats on the water to take home, but people didn’t go there as a destination place or to dine at restaurants.. you can now take the water taxi (the bright yellow color of the original taxi cabs) run by The Potomac River Boat Company. They run regularly by the Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

You can even then take the boat from Alexandria to a Nationals baseball game at Navy Yards. And you can check out one of the many restaurants and maybe even a DC restaurant week.

baseball is a great downtime pastime away from washington dc convention hotels and conventions

2019 DC Restaurant Week: 15 Favorite Insider Picks

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2019 DC Restaurant Week sushi — DC Restaurant Week

Summer 2019 DC Restaurant Week is happening now in August! Some of my favorite restaurants were discovered through Restaurant Week. Around Washington DC , as a well known mega “foodie” city, I’ve eaten (and worked) in hundreds of amazing restaurants . It’s always a great experience when you’re an Insider to be able to make recommendations.

Wharf 2019 DC Restaurant Week — Officina’s Open Kitchen (Waterfront District)

15 Favority 2019 DC Restaurant Week Insider Picks:

Washington DC:

-1789 Restaurant– American (Georgetown), 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007

-Acqua Al 2 – Italian (Capitol Hill), 212 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

-America Eats Tavern (Chef Jose Andres)– American (Georgetown), 3139 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

-Birch and Barley – American (14^th Street), 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

-BlackSalt – Seafood (Palisades/near Georgtown), 4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20007

-DBGB – Modern French (City Center – in between 14^th Street and Gallery Place), 931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

-Officina – Italian (Waterfront District), 1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

-The Hamilton – Sushi and American, Happy Hour and Downstairs Ticketed Live Music Venue (14^th Street/near White House), 600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Alexandria and Vicinity (south of DC):

-Bastille – French American and Bar Mixologist (Old Town North neighborhood), 606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314

-Brabo – American (Old Town in Lorien Hotel), 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

-Rosa Mexicano – Mexican (National Harbor, MD), 153 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

-A La Lucia – Italian (North Old Town neighborhood), 315 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314

-Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron Street, Alexandria (waterfront views and weekend live music!)

Tysons Corner and Vicinity (heart of Northern Virginia):

-Eddie V’s – Seafood/Steakhouse and Live Music & Happy Hour (Tysons Corner Mall on the outdoor Plaza), 7900 Tysons One Pl, McLean, VA 22102

-2941 – French American (Fairview Park – business park), 2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042

-Earls Kitchen + Bar, 7901 Tysons One Plaza

Reston (suburb west of DC):

-Passion Fish – Seafood/Sushi (Reston Town Center), 11960 Democracy Dr, Reston, VA 20190

Coming to Washington DC, and need a good recommendation as to where to stay in DC?

These are some one-of-a-kind memorable ones:

This hotel got a massive facelift and has killer sunset water views by the Kennedy Center. This is a hop to Georgetown and the famous “M Street” where you may remember the old warm Brat Pack movie, “St. Elmo’s Fire” that had a pub scene and now a major shopping scene.

Georgetown: Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

This is around the corner from The White House on 14th Street: Willard International Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Old Town Alexandria is a historic town that has cobblestone charm. A romantic hotel is the Lorien Hotel, 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Blackwall & Hitch Alexandria, VA sign

30 Best 2023 DC Metro Restaurants For Groups and Brunch

DC Metro brunch groups and restaurants — Blue Duck Tavern – a Michelin star hotel restaurant that was one of over 30 brunch places I tried with DC Metro groups.

Since 2020, many DC Metro brunch restaurants said their goodbyes. But some have weathered the storms and withstood the test of time. Which ones?

All 30 of the ones below that I enjoyed.

All were memorable (company more than food), but one Michelin-star restaurant in the Park Hyatt in Georgetown stood out.

My DC Metro brunch group made brunch a weekend event for almost a decade and this one was a highlight (although most of the food served and service was great!).

Growing up in the area, Georgetown was an area full of bars, and you maybe remember… “The Brat Pack” movies. A scene from St. Elmo’s Fire was from a restaurant group that I worked for in the way-back machine, mentioned further below.

Let me back up a little and fill in some details…

From 2010 to 2020, I was booking groups in my foodie restaurants where I managed parties and events (one location mentioned below).

And, on my free weekends and with my DC metro brunch group of friends, we were trying out brunch-friendly neighborhood restaurants. These are some of our favorite tasting place finds I’m sharing with you… that are still around!

(Even the ones that weren’t historical are now captured in history.)

1. Blue Duck Tavern (L’Enfant) – 1201 24th St NW, Washington DC, 20037

2. Le Diplomate – 1601 14th St NW, Washington DC, 20009

3. DBGB (City Center) – retired but you can still dig into the to-die-for Baked Alaska in the Big Apple.

4. Bastille (Parker Gray) – 606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314

5. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC – 600 Mass Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

For a buffet, I was impressed with the spread. I’m not a buffet fan as I don’t think they’re all that hygienic (pre-pandemic included), but this one was one I would recommend. They even had classy bruleed grapefruit halves. The other Founding Farmers have a mix of buffet or plated options.

6. Medium Rare – Capitol Hill/Barracks Row location closed, but Arlington is open – 3601 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201

Unforgettable steak frites (…need I say more!)

7. Virtue Feed and Grain – Alexandria on the Potomac River – 106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

The view of the Potomac River is worth the visit! If you book an event, upstairs is the way to go!

8. Oyamel -401 Seventh St NW, Washington, DC 20004

More mole? This is a Tex-Mex institution. And it’s one of a few Chef Andres’ famous restaurants in the exciting Chinatown/Gallery Place block. It’s just around the corner from the Theater District (think DC’s version of Time Square).

8. China Chilcano – 418 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004

This Jose Andres’ newest restaurant addition, that’s just as the exotic name implies… it’s a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisines. It’s a great place to stop in before a concert across the street at the Capitol One Arena. You can choose from ceviches, dim sum, and noodles. Yes, please!

9. Tabard Inn – 1739 N Street, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle)

This is the oldest running hotel. You’ll feel it when you realize you’re sitting on modern antique furniture and floors. Don’t let that intimidate you as they serve traditional DC metro brunch foods like their version of chicken and waffles and Eggs Benedict.

10. Birch & Barley – 1337 14th St NW, 2nd Floor, Washington DC, DC 20005 (Logan Circle)

11. Columbia Firehouse – 109 S Saint Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314

12. Hen Quarter (Old Town) – 801 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

13. Del Ray Cafe – 205 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 (Del Ray in between Alexandria and Arlington)

14. Vermillion – 1120 King Street, Alexandria, VA

15. Blackwell Hitch – 5 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Your choice of sitting outside or inside makes this a great DC metro brunch place.

16. Rosa Mexicano – National Harbor location is the busiest- 153 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745 – fresh guacamole made tableside

17. Fiola – 601 Pennsylvania Ave. DC 20004

Best restaurant week experience and Italian food 🇮🇹

18. Officina – 1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington DC, DC 20024-2417

When I was a kid, this used to be where we bought live crabs. This under developed area is now the popular Wharf area with concerts, restaurants, and the outdoor seafood-fish market spruced up.

19. Sequoia – 3000 K Street, Washington DC 20007 (Georgetown Harbor waterfront)

20. Mia’s – 100 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Busy corner of south King Street (Old Town Alexandria) where Mia’s sits (formerly Carluccio’s)

21. Al Dente – Chef Roberto Donna used to run this restaurant. He was the one who put foodie restaurants on the map.

22. Chop Shop Taco – 1008 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314 – tex mex

23. Clyde’s Gallery Place/– 707 7th St NW – related to the bar from the St. Elmo’s Fire movie reference I made above, Clyde’s is a DC metro eating institution. Old Ebbitt Grill is one of their well-known restaurants in the country just a few steps from the White House. If you don’t know what to order, you can’t go wrong with the fresh crabcakes or Eggs Benedict.

24. Aqua al 2 – 212 Seventh St SE, Washington, DC 20003

25. Lebanese Taverna (Westover location) – 5900 Washington Blvd., Arlington – this one is neighborhood-friendly. The other locations you can find in big shopping areas like Tysons II Galleria, Adams Morgan, and Pentagon Row. So this quieter neighborhood location (you’ll probably never heard of unless you’ve lived in the area) is a great place to start a meal.

Of course I’m a ‘lil biased because I planned all the parties for these restaurants for a few years when I wasn’t brunching. I don’t mind the adventurous eating once in a while when I’ve tried everything else…

Westover Lebanese Taverna

26. Nat’l Press Club/Fourth Estate Restaurant – 529 14th St. NW, 13th Fl., Washington, DC 20045

This was a fun DC metro brunch place to find once you’re in the building. But after sat, we’re happy and see that they do serve good food!

27. Compass Rose – 1346 T Street, Washington, DC 20009 (U Street Corridor)

28. Commissary DC – 1443 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

29. Carlyle Grand Cafe – 4000 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 – this is a well-known DC metro brunch in Shiriington Village, a quaint shopping center. You’ll also find some boutique-y places like Cheesetique that has its own brunch menu with charcuterie and mac-n-cheese.

30. Brabo – 1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 – inside the Lorien Hotel and Spa in the north end of Old Town’s King Street

If you’re coming to town for leisure, brunch or a convention, the best time to come is fall when you can appreciate the fall leaves or spring when you catch the cherry blossom display.

2023 National Ice Cream Day Is Universal – Best Hot Sports

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ice cream day at Jeni's ice cream — Rewards and Deals definitely perfectly timed HOT weather for National Ice Cream Day. 🍦

National Ice Cream Day is a favorite for young and old alike, and everywhere around the world.

Every day in summer.

Some of my favorite memories are below. They’re not your typical Baskin Robbins, Friendly’s, Ben & Jerry’s or Dippin’ Dots. They’re the international ice cream flavors.

My earliest favorite memory was spumoni ice cream (cherry, pistachio, and chocolate) 🍧 that was so different than even Neapolitan (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate). Except for the similar ingredient… chocolate!

Those were the days when the Ice Cream Man used to drive by the neighborhood with its famous truck jingle 🎶

And these 2023 ice cream days we have every kind of ice cream imaginable 💭…

2023 national ice cream day with Stroopwafel in front of the Pitti Palance, Florence 🧇

ice cream day in Oslo — Rock candy bits on ice cream, Aker Brygge Boardwalk (Oslo, Norway) 🇳🇴

And hazelnut sauce for 2023 ice cream in Italy 🇮🇹 is as common as ketchup for burgers and fries in the States.

And if you’re like me you like vanilla too as a good base to start with in Bologna🍦. Like this one that never melts ⛔️ And along those lines, I like ice cream in a cup so you’re not playing the lick faster than you get a chance to enjoy game.

And of course… the famous Gelato mounds… is it ice cream worthy? For me, you bet… Yes, please. 🙋🏻‍♀️ But, you and your inner child or critic decide.

And spin the wheel of gelato fortune at the chic seen-and-be-seen Fountainbleau Hotel (Miami, Florida 🌴). Anywhere the scoop lands is a win! Nice how they even added a few sorbet selections, especially if you’re overheated… raspberry, mango, and coconut pina colada.

Variety is the spice of life at Foutainbleau’s Bon Bon and the grocery store.

Mascarpone is an Italian flavor. I think it’s repuprosed from a tiramisu dessert because some cheeses are the new dessert. 🧀

Thermal Spa Bath Experience in Bath

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Bath’s Christmas Market near the thermal spa bath steps away 🐾

If you’re looking for a heavenly thermal spa mineral-rich experience, then Bath could be your place. It’s a wonderful hidden gem town that has many year-round events.

If you go during the Christmas season, you’ll get to experience the outdoor Christmas Market that’s not crowded like other ones that are more known. You can sometimes find good holiday deals.

But a must-do anytime is the Thermae Spa that the town is known for and has an outdoor rooftop thermal pool and indoor pools. If you’ve ever wanted to try mineral spa waters like the Romans did 2,000 years ago, but in a controlled environment, then this is the place to visit. And the 2-hour body therapeutic experience is affordable.

With the savings of going to this spa over one in a larger city, you’ll comfortably be able to have a nice stay at the Abbey Hotel that’s just a 4-minute walk to the Thermae Spa and Christmas Market in the City Centre (and less than 2 hour drive from London).

Bath City Centre tree around Christmas 🎄

The hotel is convenient and the rooms are unique. You can stay in the Cinematography Room with a modern design or the Gallery Room with a soothing green color wall.

And the hotel has one of the best afternoon teas you don’t wanna miss! 💕 When you’re ready for brunch and art-deco inspiration, head over to The Ivy Bath Brasserie for a unique Bath dining experience, the foodie kitchen sink with anything from Shepherd’s Pie to Lobster Prawn Free-Range Eggs Benedict.

And if you want a ‘lil history you can visit the Roman Baths and appreciate your modern spa bath even more in this quaint town and what it has to offer.

roman bath thermal spa — The Roman Baths in Bath, UK

London Anyone? For Great British Baking Show Fans

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Great British Baking Show contestants made Chelsea buns — Chelsea bun anyone?

Move over James Bond, if you’re a fan of The Great British Baking Show (aka Great British Bake Off or GBBO for Brits) like I AM 🙋🏻‍♀️, then you’ve probably taken an even stronger liking to London recently.

The Paul Hollywood show actually takes place in the outdoor big white tent off the beaten path in the country, but the baking adventure definitely has brought modern appeal to the historic city. And it’s a massive one at that! If you like sweets, you’re definitely in for a treat.

If you’re in London to take a ride on the London Eye to check out the city views, come for Wimbledon tennis, to museum hop, and check out the Rosetta Stone or portraits of famous Brits, you will not be bored!

…OH, and expect a huge shopping or window shopping selection (…have you heard of the 8-floor Harrod’s Department Store?). Plus, the foodie scene. It’s not just Fish & Chips anymore if you check out Insta photos. And one boutique-y area with tasty foodie food and free outdoor entertainment I’d recommend is Covent Garden.

London can actually be very overwhelming if you’re coming and going for the first time even if you do speak English. You’ll quickly learn to speak Brit with afternoon tea and get from place to place taking the Tube or London cabs. 💂‍♂️

And this Park Plaza Westminster Hotel is central modern to your visit. Not only does it have amazing views of the London Eye wheel 🎡that you can eye throughout the hotel and maybe even your room, you can see the other iconic architectural wonders London is known for like Westminster Abbey … And you can try to keep track of time looking out at Big Ben. Now that’s a Wow-za and a one-of-a-kind city view you don’t want to miss. 🇬🇧

Plus… the hotel has its own onsite restaurants that serve French cuisine… and sushi anyone? Having worked in the hotel foodie scene (I’m a former hospitality catering sales manager) I know the inside scoop behind-the-scenes. It’s not easy to run a hotel kitchen with all the moving parts and departments. Just sayin’ you won’t be disappointed with these efforts.

Don’t forget to fit in your Great British Baking Show dessert time and afternoon tea… and a visit to Fortnum & Mason before you leave. Cheers! 🫖

Fortnum & Mason is a great place to tea shop or get your fancy scones to give as gifts back home.

2023 NYC Restaurant Week Pick (and Sunday Hotel Deal)

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2023 NYC Restaurant Week trip planning — Magnolia Bakery reminds me of the buttery frosting cupcakes I grew up with.

2023 NYC Restaurant Week is July 24 through August 20.

And if you want a break from trip planning, something to get excited about are Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. That was just one of the stops on the “Sex In the City” tour that a highschool friend and I went on that gave us great nostalgic laughs. Not the reboot, but the original storyline (aka when they were in their 30s and you and I can relate 💕). This may not be the reason for your visit, but it can be the cherry on top. 🍒

BTW, this was Carrie Bradshaw’s (Actor Sarah Jessica Parker’s) “SITC” apartment where she was a Vogue writer and before she married “Big” (Actor Chris Noth). This of course is in other than the quaint West Village neighborhood where the cupcakes are. 🧁

One very chic cute (boutique) hotel you can stay at with amazing skyline views of the One World Trade Center Tower is in the Bowery in lower Manhattan. Stay over a Sunday night during summer 2023 New York City restaurant week and get a real deal. Share a room stay with a girlfriend and it’s way less than a cost of a spa visit! Or you can check out a more central hotel (e.g. if Central Park or the Upper East Side is on your main agenda).

Especially if you want to check out a great Restaurant Week restaurant, still kicking it is David Burke Tavern by Chef David Burke (famous entrepreneur chef who also makes cookware ). Get a rooftop reservation in one of the draped tented tables and you’ll be with terrific backdrop views of the tallest U.S. building, One World Trade Center that’s unforgettable and reminds us never to forget (9-11). ❣️

They even made us a chocolate lollipop tree treat (to add to our sweet cupcakes)! 🍭 Check out 2023 NYC restaurant week ($30 for lunch and $45 for a 3-course prix fixed dinner with seafood, steak, fish, and chicken choices… and of course, dessert!). And if that’s enough, take a look at the DC restaurant week picks!