The sun never made an appearance during our three days in Moscow, but nothing could dim my excitement at discovering this remarkable city. There is so much more to the Russian capital than I had ever imagined. This is the first of several posts sharing our sights and experiences. Continue reading “Moscow | Red Square and the Kremlin”
Helsinki may be the most-bike friendly city on earth (or in the universe as far as we know)! This was my second visit there and while it was brief (not even 24 hours), it was action packed. We arrived from Tallinn (36 Hours in Tallinn, Estonia) via hdyrofoil in a quick 90 minutes. After rolling our suitcases to the elegant Hotel Kamp (where Justin Bieber was also staying that night – cue screaming teeny boppers outside our windows), we jumped on bikes for a five hour tour with our Finnish friend Tuire (photo credit Jim Hunt). Continue reading “Helsinki Hello”
Tallinn has been on my radar for over a decade, ever since I first read about this beautifully preserved medieval city. Founded in the mid-13th century, and located on the Gulf of Finland, it is a great place to spend a weekend if you happen to be in the neighborhood on a tour of the Baltic States, or on your way to or from Russia (our case). Fun fact: Skype was founded here which is one example of how this medieval city is most modern as well! Continue reading “36 Hours in Tallinn, Estonia”
I grew up with a mom who packed for a trip over days, even weeks, depositing potential pieces on the guest room bed as she selected them. Once departure was imminent, the culling began. Traveling today is easier in many ways (long security lines notwithstanding), but the days of checking suitcases are gone (see Pack Light and Carry On), so I now implement a modified version of her process. Continue reading “Travel Tips | Leaving Tomorrow, Packing Today”
From time to time, I read interviews with famous chefs or others with the question: what would you like for your final meal? Morbidness aside, I couldn’t begin to choose. Moreover, what meal would it be? What time of day? As I was compiling photos for 100 Posts of People and Places, I realized it was only fair to do a separate post of favorite foods and meals as well. What follows is my ideal day of eating (assuming I could transport myself magically and never get full). Continue reading “Foodie Friday | A Few Favorites”
Travel Magnolia is a little more than one year and 100 posts “old.” In celebration, I would like to share a few of my favorite photos and moments (not including food – which must wait for a Friday…). Continue reading “100 Posts of People and Places”
Packing my bags and getting ready to put back on my traveling shoes after an entire summer spent in one location. Lucky me — it was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. For those who may be a bit confused: Jackson Hole comprises the communities of Jackson, Wilson, Teton Village, Moran, Kelly and Hoback Junction (hole was the fur trappers’ term for valley). Rather than write thousands of words, here are some favorite moments to share. Continue reading “Jackson Hole Summer”
Favorite eating establishments, that is! In addition to having world class recreation across every season and stunning scenery, Jackson Hole has a vibrant food scene. If there is an underlying theme to my go to places it is “Good Things Come in Small Packages.” The places I return to time and again are not too small but not too big – they are just right. They are not fancy and some are really just food trucks that don’t move.
Here are my current picks in alphabetical order (there is no other way I could rank them):
A local favorite that features small plates including house made fresh mozzarella, Bin22 has a wide variety of dishes with something to please everyone. Continue reading “Foodie Friday | Jackson (Hole) Five”
On a bit of a travel hiatus right now and actually staying put in Jackson Hole (no hardship there) for the summer! This gives me plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor wonderland in my backyard. Two national parks (Grand Teton and Yellowstone), the Bridger Teton National Forest , 65 miles of multi-use paved pathways, and the Snake River provide endless opportunities for recreation. Continue reading “Wyoming | Wildflowers and Wilderness”
When jet lag keeps me from falling asleep, I think of the old Bing Crosby tune that advises “count your blessings instead of sheep.” My personal variation involves counting the visits to the current location (works best in Paris, London and other frequented places). If memory serves me, this most recent trip was my 15th visit to London! I am always on the look out for new adventures which become harder to find over the years
Continue reading “London | Rolling on the River”
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