Charleston, South Carolina is quite possibly one of the most charming cities in the US. This coastal hamlet has unparalleled appeal, historical value, and probably one of the highest ratios of award winning restaurants to actual citizens within its small limits. No wonder it’s a popular destination for tourism and living alike. It’s also the location for a Bravo reality TV show, so you know they’ve gotta be doing something right.
Charleston chew…
Budapest is probably my favorite European city…well, maybe within the top 3. It is different than anywhere else you’ve been. You don’t feel like you’re in Europe, you feel like you’re in the old world. It’s got this dark magic, and I love it.
It’s a little more subdued, but yet very distinct from its other former Eastern Bloc neighbors, but don’t let that fool you. There’s so much history from the Ottoman Empire and Turks and Romans to the Soviet influence, everyone has crossed through this area, including the Roma people, who give Hungarians their gypsy culture. All of this historic interchange has led to Hungary (and Hungarians) to be a melting pot of mixed ethnicities.
Heroes’ Square is one of the landmark plazas on the Pest side, featuring Magyar and other prominent Hungarian leaders. The central column is topped by Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian crown. It is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and Hall of Art.
One of the most memorable places I’ve been is the Central Market Hall. This grand indoor market is full of colors and sounds and smells, it’s sensory way overload. Marketplaces seem ubiquitous in America these days, but this feels so original.
getting hungary just looking at this
There’s giant sausages and other encased meats everywhere (literally so many kinds of sausage), cheeses, pickles of all types. Hungarian food is one of my all time favorite cuisines. Put a plate of chicken paprikash or goulash in front of me and you’re golden. You must (read: MUST) buy paprika from Hungary. So closely associated with this country, their paprika is the smoky and rich and perfect. They sell it everywhere.
On the Buda side of town sits the Castle Hill complex, made up of Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. Fisherman’s Bastion is a Gothic style viewpoint that looks like something out of a fairy tale. This very popular tourist attraction provides sweeping views of the river and the Pest side from high above.
The Danube river runs right through the center of town, splitting it into the two sides, Buda and Pest. The gorgeous bridges that span the river are spectacles in and of themselves, and are lovely at night.
chain, chain, chain…
Along the Pest side of the river is a long promenade dotted with cafes and riverfront restaurants. This is a wonderful way to wind down and watch as the lights transform this city into something even more fantastical. Budapest at night is something else.
Venhajo-Etterem restaurant is located on a converted steamboat and has direct views of the castle. Dubarry is also an amazing dining experience, if the weather permits you must sit outside in the white linen bistro tables. Both restaurants serve traditional Hungarian fare of which I cannot get enough.
Walking along the river front will afford you the most spectacular views, the low light of early evening is the perfect time to snap a photo of the Buda Castle.
Unfortunately, I only spent a very limited amount of time in this wonderful city, and a lot of it was spent with family (yes, unexpectedly have family here), so I didn’t have a chance to visit the thermal hot springs. This is a must when you visit. The Romans were originally drawn to this area for the touted benefits of these mineral water pools. Of course, the Turks came through and built Turkish baths, some of which are still in use. The Szécheny Baths are a grand structure on the Pest side of town that has many baths. Guess I know where I’m headed next time…
have a great weekend!
As I spent a lot of this Labor Day weekend watching the US Open, I got serious green tennis ball colored envy. I need to go to Flushing, NY stat (my friend goes every year, I have no excuse). I mean, what a perfect way to spend a long weekend, exploring the last few days of summer in the city and then enjoying Primetime tennis! Until I make it there, all I can do is dream of past New York adventures.
concrete jungle where dreams are made.
Off to enjoy some family time for the holidays! Sometimes the best travel is heading home (sometimes it’s also the most stressful ;). Hope everyone has safe travels with no delays, lines or airport aggravation. Will be back next week!
There are not enough adjectives to describe the wonder of Paris. No one needs a guide to this city, there are a million ways to enjoy it, and the little discoveries down every alleyway are what makes this place special. You don’t need a ton of money, you don’t even need to see any of the popular tourist attractions. You could walk around for days and not spend one cent and be content. It’s all splendor. The air is different when you arrive in this city of light and magic. You feel different, you get a new lease on life– nouvelle joie de vivre.
I’ve been all over the world, and there is no city that causes my heart to take flight like Paris. No city that comes close in terms of architecture and art and food. It’s the ultimate muse for any travel fantasy, it puts the lust in wanderlust. There’s a romanticism that cannot be recreated anywhere else; it’s no wonder that Paris salons attracted the best in art and literature to a bohemian lifestyle in the capital city.
To get a true sense of the city, you have to at least spend 4-5 days here. My first visit more than a decade ago lasted for almost two weeks. I saw the entire city as a 16 year old, and even though we did not have smart phones back in the dark ages (le horreur), I’ll never forget the moments during that trip. It started my love affair with France and gets reignited every time I come back. C’est magnifique.
la vie en rose
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…
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
Traveling docs 