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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 🧇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. 🧀
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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 Hotelthat’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.
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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.
Covent Garden tree around Christmas
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.
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Magnolia Bakery reminds me of the buttery frosting cupcakes I grew up with.
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). ❣️
One World Trade Center viewDavid Burke Tavern is still participating in RW over the years!
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!
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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.💅
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Walking steps to the famous Chelsea Market, this is a cool navy blue NYC boutique hotel that has cruise ship 🛟 or NAVY nautical blue vibes without having to step foot off land or leave the City… NYC that is.
The Maritime Hotel is landmark with its large round circle windows imitating a cruise ship room where you’re onboard in the heart of the Big Apple. 🍎
The look reminds me of the “Connect Four” game board. It’s cute on the outside and the inside (…now that’s my cup o’ tea!).
The designer was an apprentice under Architect Frank Lloyd Wright inspired by its former roots as the National Maritime Union headquarters. Now with all the puzzle pieces together, it makes sense as to why this is a super mod-cheeky sleek hotel, and one you wanna try out especially if you’re into navy blue. 🛋️
And throughout the hotel, you’ll see all kinds of mod-design “dress to the nine” features that could inspire your own DIY design projects when you get back home. Just sayin’!
They have all the convenient amenities like Marvis Minty fresh toothpaste, onsite steak and Pan-Asian restaurants, and a cool mood lounge that make a great stay to appreciate where you are. And of course, reminded when you step out the doors to explore.
You’ll find this boutique hotel located in the Meatpacking District, which I think is an underrated area and close to everything next to Greenwich Village and FlatIron District (near Eataly and outdoor Farmer’s Markets in case you’re on a foodie exploration 🍱). And the Empire State Building is within walking distance in case you’ve never checked out its timeless views or want to be reminded.
The Flat Iron Building next to the Meat Packing District… the summer visit when I didn’t know Barbie colors would come back in! 👚
In West Chelsea, the Chelsea Market stands where you can get a bite and taste of everything from lobster to sushi, and decadent desserts. I first heard about it on the Martha Stewart Show (in Chelsea) I was lucky to have been on set waaay back during retro times. I remember so vividly because that was Eataly’s opening weekend..
I also remember this classic navy blue NYC boutique hotel color palette is soothing and luxurious at the same time. Perfect for a summer getaway… and during NYC Restaurant Week (happening now, btw!).
Take your girlfriends or your partner and have a BON VOYAGE! 🚢
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Ready for your summer Ocean City, MD adventure? Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and you’re there! It’s still under $5 for cars after all these inflation years.
Ocean City MD gem is the beach I grew up giddy over. 🤸♀️
It was a summer teen getaway from suburban life malls (…rough life, I know).
The landmarks are an amusement park, beach, and Fun Island hangout spots where caramel popcorn, funnel cake, and malt-vinegar french fries mixed scents linger in the boardwalk air. 🍿It’s an easy drive past the Bay Bridge on 50 East… and then you’re there! From Northern Virginia, it’s a 4-hour drive.
And as I grew older, I discovered there are much nicer beaches with seashells (aka blue-green water and sugar-fine sand 😊)…
But Ocean City MD is still one of the most happening beaches on the East Coast… and still always in my heart. ⛱️
It’s a great affordable vacation place to create memories… like I did where the older ones are in fuzzy memory photos (not like these). 😊
Meet Boots and all his fuzzy friends 🧸
Ocean City, MD is a great choice ⛱️ if you’re on a limited budget because you can drive to the beach without hassle AND there’s so much innocent putt-putt arcade entertainment for everyone… that’s retro-cheesy suitable for the beach setting, but maybe not back home. 😁 …and it’s still a great place to fly a kite. 🪁We got the same rainbow octopus tentacle kite each year or tossed a frisbee for no-frills fun.
People flock there from all-over the northeast even though there’s a closer Ocean City, NJ beach to them… so there must be something special about the fun Maryland beach and nearby Delaware beaches.
There’s something enjoyable for everyone. You can simply marvel over the outdoor sand art scene or on the iconic white wooden benches you can flip the back around to timelessly enjoy the ocean or people watch.
But as I entered my 30s, my tastes had refined… so I found this hidden gem hotel, Coconut Malorie’s, that’s on the quieter bay side (away from the busy lights and sounds, and riff-raff boardwalk areas of the beach town).
With age, you get wisdom and can easily switch standards back and forth from good ‘ol American beach fun, and adventurous Agadir or Cinque Terre azure blue ocean and mountainous beach terrains. It’s like neon-lit Vegas versus demure Paris. It’s all good in the contentment of life! 🥂
At any beach, everyone is more carefree and has sand in their toes that helps to make life lighter. 🩴 You forgive the wet bathing suits and flip flops eating outside enjoying crabs and lobster bites that bond our experience with other vacation-goers.
When you had enough beach entertainment, you get to drive back to your relaxing hotel. And at the Malorie, you drive back to the cute outlined cut-out windows that BTW have made a comeback in HGTV home trends. You reflect on how far you’ve come staying in a cute modern doll house.
And at the Malorie, you can enjoy a lovely Juliette balcony with French Doors and a cool view of the bay to appreciate even more how far you’ve come.
If you want to feel grown up or in your own tropical oasis with bay views, a nice pool, and your own refrigerator (critical for beach living!)… plus, warm beachy sand pastel vibes, then this could be your place at least for a temporary stay.
One of the best times to visit Ocean City MD is over Labor Day weekend when you catch the last few days (but not the last rays ☀️)of summer and enjoy the tail-end of famous Maryland crabs doused with Old Bay. 🦀
And if you’re with the kiddos (or someone else’s kiddos), take them to the Carousel Hotel that’s kid-friendly. The hotel is a local tradition (where weddings still take place) and overnight offers include breakfast, free cancellation and built-in entertainment options.
I remember the days when we would go by in the winter and this hotel was one of the still-open spots with a year-round public ice skating rink! ⛸️… plus outdoor/indoor pools, table tennis, and game room.
And having worked in restaurants in the summer Ocean City MD gem during college summer breaks as a getaway from the city (Washington DC), I got a new appreciation for fresh see-food year-round.
And on bayside up Coastal Highway (the main drag) is a hidden food-ier experience. 🍽️ : The Hobbit Restaurant… yes, named after The Hobbit (pre-Lord of the Rings) fantastical trilogy by Peter Jackson. This could be your new destination.
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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
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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 😉).
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Shoe fetish anyone? 👠 Get ’em tax free while you can. Everyone needs a good occasion shoe that won’t break your neck, and so you can appreciate your everyday tennis shoes.
It’s almost back-to-school time and IT’S South Carolina back-to-school tax-free shopping this weekend in South Carolina. I grew up in Virginia that paused the annual tax-free weekend… and North Carolina ended.
So now’s a good time to head further south to South Carolina that’s the east coast hospitality 🍍 state. There, it’s a good time to buy your computer, school supplies, and clothing (including shoes in case you have a fetish!). And bed and bath items in case you’re going to back a school door room. Who came up with this creative list??
And remember South Carolina has a couple hot spots and close to the ocean water! ⛱️
Both Myrtle Beach and Charleston (the capital) are in the Palmetto State. Either would be great to fill the rest of your August Dog Day calendar and provide a last-summer effort travel escape.📆
…Myrtle Beach has hotels with lazy river pools that’s heat relief entertainment. You can go to The Breakers for one.
…And Charleston is known for the quaint city that goes back to horse drawn carriages. The Charleston Place hotel is the Ritz. And Charleston Grill in the hotel is fine dining at its best with scrumptious fare.
Now I know you’re tempted and if you can’t make it via travel, the South Carolina back-to-school tax-free can be done online! You can shop where you are… tax-free items include flip-flops 🩴, inline and ice skates ⛸️, boots 👢, and this tax-free holiday long list. I’m sure you’ll find something from these common everyday shopping lists.
And if August isn’t your time to visit, Charleston Restaurant Week is in September. You can check out the Summer New York Restaurant Week and DC Restaurants I love.
They’re an up and comin’ food destination town to come back and checkout 😉
