I think I’m going to Boston, I think I’ll start a new life. So are the lyrics of the Augustana hit from the early 2000s that fill my head every time I go here. It’s a great city for new starts and rejuvenations, being both young and vibrant whilst steeped in history and tradition.
One if by land, two if by sea…
Inexplicably, I’ve been to San Antonio several times for work. Texas’s second largest city, it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country. There’s a huge US armed forces contingent there and is probably best known for being home to the Alamo and previously, Tim Duncan.
Beyond that, the food and drink scene in San Antonio is fantastic. Not only do you have spectacular Tex Mex regional cuisine, but every restaurant has it’s own unique look and feel. The decor in some of these restaurants–especially the ones in repurposed spaces is something to behold. It’s a multicultural city with so many identities, and that’s what makes it a great place to create some memories.
Remember the Alamo…
Sacramento may seem like a random place to visit, but thanks to Greta Gerwig’s stunning (read: STUNNING) ode to cinema and her hometown, Lady Bird, California’s capital city is taking its turn to bask in its own deserved spotlight.
I think the best way to describe this city is that when you’re here, you feel like you’re in a vintage Instagram filter, a bygone era of Americana with modern splashes. It is simply an easy place to be. There’s that old school charm, from the architectural gems of the Fabulous Forties to the neighborhoods dotted with old neon signage (featured prominently in the movie and as you know if you’ve read this blog, are one of my favorite things) and the proximity of farms and citrus tree groves.
Beyond the capital, it is one of the top destinations for locavore cuisine, earning it the nickname of “America’s farm to fork capital.” For a city of its size, there’s every type of food you could imagine, and ingredients are so fresh due to its proximity to California’s central agriculture industry. People forget California is one of the largest farming states in the country–next time you eat those strawberries and avocados, think of us.
Eureka, I’ve found it!
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the country’s financial centers which draws in a lot of young professionals and individuals with money. With a growing population, the demand for restaurants, attractions and entertainment rises, and the city has stepped up. It honestly does not feel like much of a Southern city, other than its hospitality, the downtown feels like mini Wall Street with its city of skyscrapers.
The cool thing about this city is that there’s a real sense of humor about it. There’s quotes all around town, and whimsical public art displays. Not what you might expect from a city that boasts the Nascar Hall of Fame. The unexpected it what makes this city so special, and a great place to spend a short weekend.
As far as bucket lists go, Niagara Falls is typically a popular featured destination, for good reason. I can’t believe I’d never been until now! It’s one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, and it’s right in our own backyard. *Whispers: the Canadian side is better. Sore-y, not sore-y.
Of all of the places I’ve been in our great neighbor to the north, Canada, I had never made it to the eastern side of the country. But, with all of my immediate family out of the country for Thanksgiving, no time was better to seize the moment and head across the border to Toronto. I traded turkey for Tim Hortons, and I regret nothing.
Oh Canada…
Growing up in Southern California, I spent some time in Los Angeles, but never actually lived there. So, that makes me a total tourist whenever I come to town, and I love it.
It’s sun-kissed, starry-eyed and there’s literally everything you could ever want. There’s beaches, top education, sports, movie stars, museums, shopping, innovative food and technology. There’s perfect weather and beautiful bodies, it’s the epitome of the glamorous life.
I love LA. (we love it).
Prague is probably the most popular destination in Central Europe. It’s a great city filled with spectacular vistas and bridges and churches. It’s the city of a hundred spires, packed to the brim with Medieval churches, a castle, cobblestone paths. It’s very walkable, and the beer is cheaper than water (it basically is water?) . It’s a european city, so there’s also a thriving red light district and sex museums–fun for everyone, question mark. What do you expect, it was the capital of Bohemia at one point.
Praha is a classic destination, with art, culture and architecture abound. I spent a much too short 24 hours here, and while there are other cities I prefer, this is certain a must see for anyone traipsing around Europe looking for a good time.
The devil wears praha
One of the first items I ever put on my bucket list when I was a kid was Mount Rushmore. Growing up, it was ultimate symbol of our country, even more so than the individual monuments in Washington DC. Even now to me as an adult, after seeing it in person, it still very stirring, very American, a grand memorial to our stalwart forefathers. It’s certainly worth seeing once in your life, it’s beautiful country out there, with wide open spaces and plains as far as one can see.
Omaha is not just something Peyton Manning yelled a lot while he quarterbacked for the Broncos. It’s also a lovely metropolitan area in the corniest state the Midwest–literally, not figuratively. It is comfortable, young, hip, and up and coming. So up and coming that Facebook is going to open some sort of offshoot HQ there in the next few years.
I had briefly traveled to the Cornhusker state for a weekend years ago, but one of my favorite friend couples lives there, so I visited Nebraska’s most populous city again to hang out with their family. It’s a very family friendly place, and you can see why it’s becoming more and more popular amongst young couples. The pace of life is decent, there’s a lot of industry and tech moving into the area, and proud Nebraskans are opening up cool restaurants and shops all over the city.
Omaha, Omaha set hut!
Arguably some of the most beautiful spots in California, the coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-sea near Big Sur have long been upscale havens for the jet set. It’s definitely high end, with its ocean view cottages, European ivy wrapped cafes and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Club. Clint Eastwood is the former mayor of Carmel for pete’s sake! With its million dollar (baby) homes overlooking the picturesque Central Californian coast, you can see why this area is the background for many novels (notably those of native son John Steinbeck), movies and television shows, most recently Big Little Lies.
It does seem like a place to where a person with secrets would escape (just picture yourself out on a balcony, wrapped in a cashmere shawl, wind whipping through your hair, gazing wistfully over the turbulent surf–channel your inner Nicole Kidman for this). You can see it, can’t you?
you CAN see it (photo credit: hbo)
I made my escape there for a weekend wedding, making a mini-road trip of it, Joad family style. It is definitely doable in a weekend, but obviously the more time, the better to experience the serenity and calm of this seaside retreat.
Traveling docs 