Tag Archives: US

What Makes European Hotels Different than US Hotels?

I remember my first experience staying in a European hotel in Venice. It was a cute little boutique hotel perfectly located between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto near Camp Manin.  Checking in, the staff were fantastic and offered great suggestions for restaurants and booked ahead transportation to the hotel when ready to depart.  I collected my belongings and began making my way towards my room on the second floor.

I have to admit that I was surprised to find several differences between European hotels from those in the US.  Here is what you can expect when staying at some of the hotels in Europe, unless you are staying in a luxury hotel or one that is a US chain-based accommodation.

  1. Most of the rooms begin on the next level up from the check-in desk called a 1st  level room.  It is quite possible there are no rooms at the “ground level”.
  2. The rooms can be quite small in comparison as well as the showering facilities.
  3. The beds are smaller than those in the US, similar to a twin size.  When booking a room for two beds, the small space between each (just inches) may surprise you.  Many times the hotel can add a connector between the two beds to convert to a larger size.
  4. Boutique hotels rarely have elevators, so you may find yourself climbing a flight or two of stairs.  If you have heavy luggage, or multiple bags, you may want to consider asking for assistance.
  5. When booking your hotel, you want to make sure that you have a private shower if you do not want to share with other travelers. It is common for some European hotels to have rooms where showering facilities are shared.

Now that you know some of the unique characteristics of European hotels, you can consult the hotel’s website to confirm the amenities and location of your room and contact the hotel directly for special requests.  Happy Hotel Hunting!

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An Amazing Weekend in San Diego

It was a successful conference in San Diego and I stayed a couple of extra days in Southern California to explore this amazing coast. My plans were to snap some photos of the local scenic views, hike the Anza-Borrego, shop Coronado Island and sneak off for a couple of hours in Tijuana.  My home-base hotel would be the Wyndham San Diego Bayside (with amazing views of the bay), the perfect location for enjoying the beach and hanging out on the south side of town.

My friends suggested that I visit the Cabrillo National Monument for its scenic views of the bay and Navy Base.  Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is credited as the first European to step foot on California soil in 1592.  From the Mexican city of Navidad, Cabrillo and his ship, the “San Salvador” reached the west coast, what is known today as San Diego.  At the top of the hill overlooking Point Loma is a statue of the Spanish explorer commemorating his voyage.

In addition to the monument, the New Point Loma Lighthouse is one of the main draws to Cabrillo.  Replacing the original lighthouse where the memorial now stands, the new light shines from the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego.  The tide pools surrounding the cape are home to an amazing number of sea creatures that include starfish, anemones and barnacles.

Only a thirty minute drive to Coronado, I left Point Loma, hopped on Interstate 5 driving south and crossed over the bridge to reach the famous Hotel del Coronado.  Built in 1888 in grand Victorian-style, The Del was once the largest resort in the world.  Its iconic red rotunda provides views of the bay, ocean and city of San Diego.  Hosting numerous United States Presidents and British Royals, the Hotel Del was the place to stay for celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers.    The resort is best known as the backdrop to the movie Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

I enjoyed the rest of my afternoon hanging out at The Del and met up with some friends who were staying at the resort for the weekend.  We enjoyed fruity drinks and light appetizers overlooking the bay.  We booked a reservation at the restaurant and returned to the terrace to watch the extraordinary sunset.

I rose early in the morning to hike Anza-Borrego which was about a two hour drive from San Diego.  The weather was spectacular and I could not wait to spend the morning there until meeting up with friends before they flew back to the east coast.  While I really wanted to hike “The Slot”, I learned that I would need a four wheel drive vehicle, so I opted to explore the 3-mile Palm Canyon trail.  Parking at the campground, it took me nearly 2 hours to complete the hike which included extraordinary palm groves, waterfalls and typical desert plants.

Arriving back at the Hotel del Coronado, we all agreed to make a quick run across the border into Mexico for some fun and margaritas.  We parked on the San Diego side, crossed through border control and grabbed a taxi for Avenida Revolucion.  Stopping by Dandy del Sur, we learned that this is the oldest bar in town.  The drinks were cheap and strong and of course we had the most fun people-watching.  We stayed for a couple of hours, found a taxi and stood in line to wait for border patrol.  Street vendors were selling churros so we bought a few orders while we waited and finally made it across to the US.

I had another great weekend in San Diego and since I booked the red-eye, I packed up my belongings, ordered In-N-Out through the drive through and arrived at the airport in plenty of time. With so many things to do in SoCal, I never tire of visiting whether it’s for work or pleasure.  One day I am going to hike The Slot at Anza and can’t wait to mark this off of my bucket list.

Have you visited San Diego and do you have a favorite place in town you like to visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for catching up with me in one of my favorite US cities on the west coast and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Monument Drive
San Diego, CA  92106
Telephone:  619 557 5450

Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA  92118
Telephone: 619 435 6611

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Hours:  Open daily from dawn to dusk;  The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
  • Amenities:  Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
  • Scenic View:  The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
  • Length of Visit:  Over 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA  92101
Telephone:  619 232 3861

Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA  92118
Telephone: 619 435 6611

Where to Eat:

In-N-Out
3102 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA  92110
Telephone:  800 786 1000

I either order the animal style burger with lettuce, tomato, mustard, pickle, extra spread and grilled onions or the protein style which is wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun.

What to Eat:

  • Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
  • California wood-fired pizza
  • Southeast Asian foods
  • Sushi
  • Seafood
  • Local Wines

What to Read:

  • The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
  • San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
  • I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
  • Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis

Photo Guide for San Diego:

  • The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
  • Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
  • Sunset Cliffs
  • Old Town San Diego
  • Hotel del Coronado

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

Unique in the fact that Niagara Falls straddles two countries (the US and Canada), this lovely New York destination offers a wide range of activities including a state of the art aquarium and nearby wineries. But it is the magnificent waterfalls that have been bringing visitors to the area since the mid-19th century.

Our family added the falls to its east coast vacation agenda as a stop on our way to Maine.  Making a quick visit to the Official Visitor Center, we decided to purchase tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For a closer look at the falls, our voyage would take us around the Niagara River towards the magnificent Hurricane Deck where we could feel the exhilarating spray from the tons of water crashing down over the cliffs.

The thunderous sound of the falls greeted us as we approached the 400-acre state park. In the distance we could see the horse-powered. steel passenger boat ferrying its 600 guests.  We were so excited to start the boarding process and put on our rain ponchos.

We found a spot on the upper deck for the best view and guarantee of becoming drenched by the waterfalls.   The double-decker boat cruised towards the semicircular gorge where over 2.5 gallons of water flows per second.  Flocks of seagulls and vibrant rainbows appeared as we sailed further into the mist.

The Maid pulled up to the stairs leading to the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds.  As we exited the boat, we stood in awe of the spectacular waterfalls with a front row seat of Bridal Veil overwhelmed by its majestic force.

We had only a few moments to experience the whipping winds and back splash from the gorge before returning to the boat and completing our 20 minute ride.  Drenched from head to toe, the sunshine felt amazing as we tried to dry ourselves before finding a restaurant for lunch.  We agreed that a ride on the Maid of the Mist is an epic adventure for travelers to Niagara Falls and wondered why we had not done this before.

Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Did you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my fun family visit to Niagara Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Niagara Falls State Park
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

  • Admission Fee:   There is no entrance fee but parking costs $8 to $10 depending on the parking lot.
  • Hours:  Open all year
  • Amenities:  Niagara shuttle,  Top of the Falls restaurant, hiking, biking, souvenir shop, downloadable map from the app,
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from various vantage points from the park.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours, depending on which activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Download the walking tour app to maximize your experience.  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to explore the falls up close.  Bring water during the summer if hiking.

Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 284 8897

  • Ticket Prices:   $22.25 for adults, $13 for child ages 6 to 12,
  • Hours:  Tours start each day at 9AM and depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Amenities:  Rain poncho, wheelchair accessible, complimentary WiFi
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from the boat and the Hurricane Deck
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Be prepared to get wet on the boat ride.

Where to Stay:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls
643 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 970 4290

Where to Eat:

Top of the Falls Restaurant
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

I couldn’t help myself and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wings as a starter and the Niagara Fish & Chips for my entree.

What to Eat: 

  • Street cart Hot dogs
  • NY-style Pizza
  • NY-style Cheesecake
  • Baked Pretzels
  • Buffalo Chicken Wings

What to Read:

  • The Day the Falls Stood Still, by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
  • The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Photo Guide for Niagara Falls:

    • “Journey Behind Niagara Falls” platform
    • The falls from the Maid of the Mist
    • Horseshoe Falls tunnels
    • Views of American Falls from the Canadian Side

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Scouting Out Chicago, 1998, 2012: A Photo Journal

Over my few trips to the Windy City, I fell in love with Chicago’s bustling downtown and laid-back lakeside.  For a short time, I had even lived in its suburbs, riding the Metra with its frequently scheduled stops at some of the most charming little towns in Illinois.  I depended on the EL to get around and grew to fall in love with the city’s diverse neighborhoods.  I absolutely adore Chicago and since moving away,  always look for an opportunity to return.

One of Chicago’s iconic landmarks is the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain at Grant Park.  I found myself gravitating towards this beautiful fount in the evening to watch its entertaining light show.  Built in 1927, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest in the world.  Operating from May to October, this extraordinary water feature lures in visitors with its scheduled water shows every 20 minutes, drawing large crowds from 9 to 10PM.

Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago’s most visited streets, most likely for its shopping, but  also home to Tribune Tower, the headquarters of the city’s local newspaper.  Built between 1923 and 1925, its neo-Gothic architecture with its flying  buttresses displays treasures from all over the world.  Several historic reliefs are embedded into the stone to include fragments from some of my favorite travel spots such as the Taj Mahal, Hagia Sophia, The Alamo and The Great Wall of China.

In 2016, plans were underway to convert this famous 36-floor skyscraper into 162 luxury residences in Chicago’s most sought after real estate.  The project is expected to be completed in 2020.

Gino’s or Giordano’s?  I love making a pilgrimage to Gino’s East, famous for its Chicago-style pizza.  A deep dish crust piled high with toppings has been a favorite of locals for over 50 years.  My go-to orders are either Gino’s Supreme or the Spinach Margarita, but the Buffalo Chicken is high on my list to try on my next visit.  I never pass up the opportunity to sign Gino’s wall before leaving the restaurant.

Early  morning strolls along Chicago’s Harbor is at the top of my list for things to do in the city.   With nearly 14-miles of shoreline along the lake, Chicago has 10 harbors where one can enjoy the view of Lake Michigan.  My favorite place to unwind is near the Belmont Harbor with its fabulous yachts parked in over 800 slips.  The coast is also home to the Navy Pier, Chicago’s most visited attraction with fifty acres of entertainment, parks, shops and restaurants.  Riding the Ferris wheel is a great experience for spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan.

Crown Fountain is one of Chicago’s most recent additions in its initiative to expand the city’s public art enterprise.  Erected in 2004, this large tower-like fountain is located in Millennium Park.  Two 50 foot glass towers stand at opposite ends of the reflection pool located between Michigan and Columbus Avenues.    It is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch and to be entertained with its three-dimensional show.  With the magic of technology, watch faces appear on the buildings as they spit out water onto the sidewalk.

Drawn towards the regal lions at the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, I picked up my tickets on a Thursday afternoon.  The perfect place to enjoy lunch, I also browsed the artwork by some of my favorite artists to include Georges Seurat, Edward Hopper, Grant Wood and Georgia O’Keefe.

One of the oldest art museums in the United States, the AIC hosts over 1 million visitors annually at its Grant Park location.  The website provides the perfect itinerary for enjoying its highlights in an hour and allows visitors to enjoy its artwork by virtual tour.

My first visit to a Cheesecake Factory was in Michigan, and although a chain restaurant, I could not get enough of its made-from-scratch recipes.  With over 250 menu items, this was a great excuse to dine at  Chicago’s Michigan Avenue location (John Hancock Center).  Outdoor seating makes it the perfect stop on our day of shopping and one of the best downtown locations for people watching.

From the Adler Planetarium to the Field Museum of Natural History or the Shedd Aquarium, I could not decide where to start as I entered the Museum Campus.   I decided to begin my day at the Field Museum which was first built to house a large collection of exhibits during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.  Today there are over 40 million artifacts and items of natural history.  My favorite exhibits included the large collection of fossils, the animal halls, the Egyptian display and of course, Sue, the Tyrannosaurus rex.

The Shedd Aquarium was my next stop with its 32,000 animals.  The aquarium first opened in 1930 and was the largest indoor aquarium of its time.  The permanent exhibits are spectacular covering various underwater ecologies from all over the world.

Finally, I had arrived at the Adler Planetarium.  I was pleasantly surprised when I learned of the amazing exhibits which included Our Solar System, the Doane Observatory and the historic Atwood Sphere.

Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is probably one of the most unique sculptures I have ever seen.  I’ve heard that you either love it or you hate it.  Nicknamed, “The Bean” this public sculpture was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and completed in 2004.  I always enjoy a stop to photograph myself and friends in its stainless steel reflection and to watch ourselves at different angles become somewhat distorted.

The Riverwalk in Chicago has become one of the city’s best loved attractions.  With restaurants, wine bars, shopping and boat tours, its rejuvenation in 2015 has expanded Chicago’s list of things to do.  My most favorite activity is to rent kayaks and venture out onto the network of waterways for a relaxing afternoon.

Located on South Wacker in downtown Chicago, Willis Tower is a 110-story skyscraper which provides spectacular views spanning up to four states.  Formerly known as Sears Tower, I was pleasantly surprised when I learned I could walk out onto a glass ledge and see the city below me.  I was a bit weak in the knees (and stomach), but I managed to accomplish conquering my fear of suspending in mid-air. This attraction is definitely an adrenaline rush.

Chicago’s skyline displays four of the USA’s tallest buildings and is the third largest city in the country.  After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city was rebuilt by some of the top architects in the country with the addition of the former Sears Tower, the Mather Tower, the Tribune Tower and the Chicago Board of Trade.   I have promised myself that during my next visit I will take a boat ride on Lake Michigan so I can enjoy the view of Chicago’s skyline from the water.

I have so much more to explore in Chicago and each time I visit, its offerings are new and never ending.  My plans will be to visit during the Christmas holiday and I look forward to sharing my adventure and photos in the near future.

Are you from Chicago or have you visited this spectacular city?  What are some of the attractions, and restaurants you would suggest on a return visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my experience in Chicago and wishing you many Happy Travels!

NOTE:  Visit each attraction/location’s website for the most recent, up-to-date information.

What to See and What to Do:

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Telephone: 312 443 3600

  • Admission Fee:   Adult $25 or $35 for the fast pass; Seniors (65+), Students and Teens (14 – 17): $19 or $29 for the fast pass.  Children and members are free.  Some exhibitions may require an additional charge.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10:30AM to 5PM and select evenings until 8PM. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Amenities:  Fast pass for an additional charge, three cafes,  three garages close by for parking (Millennium Park Garage, East Monroe Street Garage, Grant Park North Garage), wheelchair accessible, map of museum (download online), service animals permitted, coat check services,  tours and events
  • Length of Time for Your Visit:  A minimum of three hours
  • Transportation:  Subway/El: Green, Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange Line to Adams, or Red Line to the Jackson/State or Monroe/State stations. Blue Line to Monroe. Buses: Take Bus 3, 4, 6, 145, 147, or 151 to Michigan Avenue and Jackson Street.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the website for several resources to make the visit more enjoyable.  For example, download the app for a variety of self-guided tour options, check out the list of current and permanent exhibits and review a list of prohibited items which are not permitted in the museum.    The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week.

Museum Campus
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: 312 409 9696

The Field Museum:  

  • Admission Fee:  Adults, $22;  Seniors, $19 (ages 65+); Students (with ID), $19; Children (ages 4-11), $15. (includes museum entry, SUE, Evolving Planet, and Inside Ancient Egypt);  Discovery Pass (general + one special exhibit): adults, $31; seniors, students, $26; children, $22; All Access Pass (general + all special exhibits): adults, $40; seniors, students, $35; Children, $29
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM—5PM.  Last admission is at 4PM.  Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Amenities:  There are two restaurants (Explorer Cafe and Fields Bistro) and a seasonal outdoor grill, a gift shop, coat check, wheelchair accessibility and restrooms.  Free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, and lost and found are also offered.
  • Length of Time for Your Visit:  A minimum of three hours
  • Transportation:  South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12.   Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Park at Soldier Field for $15.  The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week.  Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting.

Shedd Aquarium:

  • Admission Fee:  Adults (Age 12+): $39.95 (Chicago Residents $19.95);  Children (Ages 3-11): $29.95 (Chicago Residents $14.95);  Infants: Free;  Member Adults (18+) and Member Children (3 – 17): Free
  • Hours:  Open weekends from 9AM—6PM  and 9AM – 5PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9AM – 3PM on Wednesday (fall and winter hours).  Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Amenities:  There are two restaurants (Explorer Cafe and Fields Bistro) and a seasonal outdoor grill, a gift shop, coat check, wheelchair accessibility and restrooms.  Free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, and lost and found are also offered.
  • Length of Time for Your Visit:  A minimum of three hours
  • Transportation:  South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12.   Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Park at Soldier Field for $15.  The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week.  Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting.  Download the maps and guide from the website.

Adler Planetarium:  

  • Admission Fee:   Adults: $19;  Children (ages 3-11): $8. (includes all exhibitions but does not include individually ticketed sky shows or experiences;  Museum Entry +1: (general + one special exhibit): Adults: $28; Children: $17; Museum Entry +2:  (general + two sky shows and Atwood sphere experience):  Adults: $35; Children: $24;  Unlimited (general + unlimited shows and Atwood sphere experience):  Adults: $50; Children: $39
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM—4PM;  Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; Visit the website for the most recent hours prior to arriving.
  • Amenities:  Galileo’s Cafe, vending machines, museum store, restrooms, wheelchair accessible, coat check, free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, ATM elevators, water fountains, Doane observatory, and lost and found.
  • Length of Time for Your Visit:  A minimum of three hours
  • Transportation:  South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12.   Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Park at Soldier Field for $15.  The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week.  Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting.  Download the maps and guides from the website.

Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606

  • Admission Fee:   Adults (12+): $25;  Children (ages 3-12): $17
  • Hours:   March – September: Sunday – Saturday 9AM-10PM;   October – February: Sunday – Friday 10AM-8PM, Saturday 9:30AM-9PM;  The Skydeck is open 365 days a year including Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
  • Amenities:  Gift store, restrooms, elevator, child entertainment, dining and shopping, The Ledge Experience
  • Length of Time for Your Visit:  Less than an hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The best time to visit is when it opens or after 5PM.  For sunset photos, arrive 30 – 45 minutes ahead of time.  Use the backlight function when taking photos toward the windows and turn off the flash.  There are time limits on the ledge (for under 3, maximum of 60 seconds and for 3+, maximum of 90 seconds).
  • Chicago Harbor
  • Chicago Skyline
  • Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain at Grant Park
  • The Cloud Gate
  • Crown Tower
  • The Riverwalk
  • Tribune Tower

Where to Stay:

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL  60611
Telephone: 312 944 4100

Where to Eat: 

Eno Wine Bar
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL  60611
Telephone: 312 944 4100

Gino’s East
162 E. Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Telephone: 312 266 3337

I could not resist ordering the deep dish Spinach Margarita Pizza.

The Cheesecake Factory
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312 337 1101

Herb Crusted Filet of Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus

What to Eat:

Books to Read: 

  • Sister Carrie, by Theodore Drieser
  • The Man with the Golden Arm, by Nelson Algren
  • The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair
  • Years of Grace, by Margaret Ayer Barnes
  • Prairie Avenue, by Arthur Meeker
  • The Old Bunch, by Meyer Levin
  • I Sailed with Magellen, by Stuart Dybek
  • Windy McPherson’s Son, by Sherwood Anderson

Photo Guide to Chicago: 

  • Buckingham Fountain at night when it is lit up in brilliant colors
  • Chicago Signs at the Chicago Theater
  • Federal Plaza‘s Calder’s Flamingo
  • North Avenue Beach for a phenomenal view of Chicago’s skyline
  • Overlook Metro Trains at Wells Kinzie Garage 
  • Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate is fabulous for taking photos of your reflection
  • Check out the Rookery Building to photograph the beautiful staircase
  • Skydeck at Willis Tower for 360 degree views of the city
  • The Wabash Arts Corridor displays amazing murals
  • The Wood Pavilion at Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best places to photograph the city’s skyline.  Frame the cityscape at the Wood Pavilion location.
  • Wrigley Field for historical photos of the ball park

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Key West? The gorgeous sunsets at Mallory Square?  The tenacious pub crawlers along Duval Street or the eclectic festivities that give the island its signature flair?

I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit to Key West.  I was only 19 years old working on a cruise ship and it was the first stop on our itinerary before traveling to Cozumel.   My fellow pursers guaranteed that I would love Key West, but I could not have imagined how many memories I would make here.  This magical place seemed more like a Caribbean island than a Florida port of call.

There was so much to learn about Key West that summer.  I booked a lobster dive, visited the Treasures of the Atocha museum and watched Jimmy Buffett perform at a local bar.  Rich with history and a unique culture unto its own, it is no doubt,  Key West is unlike any other place I have ever visited in the US.

Originally given the Spanish name Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay), Key West was once a settlement of the Calusa people, an Indian tribe known for their fierce, war-like disposition.   The English, mispronouncing the name, would later call it “Key West”.

The island was also a popular hideout for pirates who attacked Spanish treasure ships sailing from the Caribbean to Spain.

By 1912, the coral islands of the Keys would become accessible by rail with the completion of Henry Flagler’s railroad. Damaged by hurricane winds in 1935, the rail line was abandoned and replaced by the 123-mile Overseas Highway.
000 Key West - Most Southern PointTouring the island by trolley was my favorite way to explore the island.  The open-air tram made its way through town, stopping at several historical landmarks.

I remember how excited I was to reach one of Key West’s most popular sites, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.   Standing at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, I was surprised to learn I was closer to Cuba than Miami.  This cute little bouy-like structure attracted visitors from all over the world and the line for a photo was worth the wait.

At the top of the monument, there is a reference to Key West as “The Conch Republic.” The trolley guide explained that on April 23rd, 1982, the island seceded from the mainland with the desire to establish itself as its own country.  The events leading to this decision began when US border patrol set up a checkpoint at the entrance to Key West.  This border stop infuriated residents when a 17-mile traffic jam occurred and began to interrupt Key West’s tourism industry.  When the government refused to listen, Mayor Wardlow decided to declare war on the United States.  Within one minute, he quickly surrendered and applied for foreign aid in the amount of one billion dollars.   This publicity stunt resulted in the US government agreeing to remove the inspection station and life in Key West went back to normal.

For the conchs of Key West, the 1982 Conch Republic secession is celebrated each year with a ten-day festival taking place around April 23rd. Among the festivities are a Pirate’s Ball, the Conch Crawl and a Musical that reenacts the events of the secession.

Hemingway House, Key West

I caught the next trolley from the Southernmost Point and disembarked at the Ernest Hemingway Home.   The beautifully restored two-story home is located at 907 Whitehead, across from the Key West Lighthouse.  Hemingway wrote many of his great novels here from 1931 to 1939 including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”, “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, “Green Hills of Africa” and “To Have and Have Not”.

I enjoyed a tour of Hemingway’s home, the property and his inspirational studio overlooking the pool.  Following the guided tour, I opted to take a second stroll of the home to explore the gardens of hibiscus, jasmine and gardenias.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching the Hemingway’s cats lounging among the lush tropical plants outside.  Descendants of Hemingway’s beloved polydactyl (many toes) cat Snowball, the nearly fifty felines have taken up residence in this luxurious estate.

The Bull - Key West

My final ride on the trolley returned me to Duval Street.  A popular hub of restaurants, bars, shops and museums, cruise ship passengers could participate in the “Duval Pub Crawl” with a stop at the Bull and Whistle.  Known as the “oldest Open Air Bar in Old Town Key West”, it is located on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street.  The Bull, located on the ground level, showcases a beautifully hand-painted mural, paying homage to a number of the island’s influencers.   Yankee Jack has been entertaining patrons of the Bull with his performance of “On the Walls of the Bull”.

The Whistle is the bar upstairs providing great views of Duval Street and the opportunity to shoot a few games of pool.  The Garden of Eden is the bar located on the third floor for visitors interested in a clothes optional environment.

Joe at The Bull in Key West

Before leaving the Bull and Whistle, I begged one of my colleagues to pose next to “The Bull” on Caroline Street.

000 Duval Walk, Key West

Duval Street is just over a mile long running north and south of the island.  The most well-known bars of Key West include Sloppy Joe’s, Rick’s Bar Key West, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe, Irish Kevin’s,  Captain Tony’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon.

Each year, Sloppy Joe’s pays homage to famous author Ernest Hemingway by staging its annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest.

000, Beautiful Sunset in Key West

My day in Key West had come to a close but I had one more attraction to experience.  I had arrived at Mallory Square with plenty of time to enjoy the live entertainment and secure a pier-side seat to watch the spectacular sunset.  The plaza was bustling with arts and crafts stands, food carts and street performers.  I waited in anticipation as sailboats glided by and catamarans drifted off into the horizon.  I took several photos of this unforgettable moment and looked forward to experiencing it again on my return.

What is one of the most memorable sunsets that you have seen in your travels?   I would love to hear about it!   Tell me about your experience or recommendations for places to visit in the comments section below!   Many thanks for reading my post about Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Southernmost Point
At the corner of South and Whitehead Streets
Key West, FL 33040

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Tips for Your Visit: The trolleys drive by The Southernmost Point and a drop off location for the shuttle is nearby. There may be a line to wait to take your photo at the buoy.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305 294 1136

  • Admission Fee:  Adults, $13 and Children, $6,  group rates may apply (12 or more)
  • Guided Tour:  Admission includes a 30-minute guided tour
  • Hours:  9AM to 5PM, 365 days per year, including ALL holidays
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is home to many cats and may affect those with cat allergies.

Mallory Square
Address:
400 Wall Street
Key West, FL  33040

  • Cost:  Free
  • Hours:  Open 24/7;  best time to visit is during sunset
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early because the square fills up with spectators who are visiting to watch the sunset.  Festivities begin 2 hours before sunset.

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Toll Free Number:  800 294 1644

I absolutely loved this property with the accommodations surrounding the pool.  The plants and foliage are thick and provided much appreciated privacy during our visit!  The rooms were spacious and there was a complimentary breakfast provided each morning!

Where to Eat:

There are so many colorful restaurants with a variety of cuisine in Key West that selecting one place is incredibly difficult.  Because I have a love for Cuban Sandwiches and Oysters, here are my two recommendations:

Half Shell Raw Bar
Waterfront dining
231 Margaret Street – 305 294 7496

Oysters, oysters and more oysters!  Food & Wine Magazine voted the restaurant “Best Local Oysters.”  I ordered a half dozen lightly steamed oysters with hot sauce and crackers along with an order of the conch fritters appetizer which included six fritters served with cocktail sauce.

What to Eat:

  • Key West pink shrimp – said to be sweeter than other shrimp
  • Conch – a tough, hardy mollusk usually cooked as fritters
  • Seafood  – snapper, grouper and lobster
  • Key Lime Pie – a tangy, creamy dessert made from key limes

Where to Drink:

The Bull and Whistle
On the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305.296.4545

  • Hours:  10AM to 4PM, daily
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Note that the rooftop bar, the Garden of Eden is clothing optional.  Check out the website for coupons before you visit.

Cuban Coffee Queen (two locations)
284 Margaret Street – 305 292 4747
5 Key Lime Square – 305 294 7787

I started with a Cafe con Leche, the strong Bucci coffee with steamed milk.  I loved the Cuban Mix sandwich because it was the closest to an authentic Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans.  Save room for Key West’s famous Key Lime pie!

What to Read:  

  • Ernest Hemingway books
  • Jimmy Buffet:  The Key West Years, by Tom Corcoran
  • Hemingway’s Girl, by Erica Robuck
  • The Best Key West Trivia Book Ever! by David L. Sloan

Photo Guide for Key West: 

  • 801 Bourbon Bar (cabaret and karaoke) for interesting characters
  • Duval Street for the drinking crowds and colorful shops
  • Higgs Beach Pier, for amazing sunrises
  • Mallory Square, especially at sunset
  • San Carlos Institute for Cuban history
  • Smather’s Beach for long exposures during the day
  • The Strand, after dark for the neon lights
  • The Tropic Cinema, at night for the neon lights

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