Ah Paree, the City of Lights, the City of Romance. What can I offer that hasn't already been said? When I was a student, I spent one summer and one spring semester studying in Paris. Last time I set foot there was in 2009.
Read moreHow to Explore Savannah like a Local
Oh enchanting Savannah! What can I say about this place? First of all, it's hot. Gosh dang it, it IS HAWT down there. Second of all, the food! THE FOOD, you guys! I'm still losing the 10 lbs I managed to gain there in 4 days. Third of all, the ambiance of the place was just so relaxing. Although I didn't plan this specific trip down there, and our amazing host (who just had a baby) planned the whole weekend for 6 people, I'm gonna go ahead and steal her itinerary. Here's my quick n dirty guide to spend your weekend Down South.
To see:
- Allegedly, Savannah is one of the most haunted places. Ghost tours are quite popular in this town. If you're into that stuff (and even if you're not), it's fun to stroll around this city at night, getting those goosepimples, as they say down there.
- Visit Forsyth Park - unlike Central Park, which is full to the brim at the whisper of warm weather, this park had ample room to roam and/or have a nice picnic.
- Historic District - with slew of bars and restaurants along amazing colonial style homes, it was a sight to see. Just wear comfortable shoes.
- Wormsloe Historic Site - this place was very reminiscent of Gone with the Wind, at least for me. Gorgeous Spanish moss draping down years' old oaks was a sight to see.
- Bonaventure Cemetery - as it is one of the most haunted places out there, Savannah has a slew of cemeteries, Bonaventure being one of their more popular ones. As I'm a scaredy cat, a day stroll was just fine for me.
To eat:
Guys, the food in Savannah is truly worth talking about. The abundance of really good restaurants was overwhelming, wishing I had more time to eat my way through.
- Cotton and Rye - a Southern gastropub is not for the faint of heart. Also, you might get a heart attack, a delicious one.
- The Olde Pink House - built in 1771 for one of Savannah early cotton factors, who ended up hanging himself in the basement. Haunted? Probably. The restaurant itself is HUGE (unlike most NYC cramped spaces) offering very buttery and delicious varieties of good Southern food.
- The Blue Door Coffee - when I think of waffles and egg sandwich, generally I wouldn't put them together, but this place makes it happen and it's a match made in culinary heaven.
- Bomber Betty - this place serves simple All-American food. As a rule of thumb, I like to eat a cheeseburger once a month, a little treat for myself (or when I'm hungover). This place made it worth it. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, vinegary pickle and delicious meat patty. Simple and to the point.
- Leopold's Ice-cream - when it comes to ice-cream, I don't dick around. I love ice-cream as much as Joe Biden loves ice-cream. My boyfriend always makes fun of me that I want "artisanal ice cream", so what? If I'm going to spend money, why not get something you'd truly enjoy? This place was everything and more, creamy, not too sweet and hit the right notes. P.S. Pistachio and cookies n cream is my jam.
*Worth a visit - Elizabeth on 37th and Collins Quarter. From what we heard, these 2 places were also amazing, we just didn't have enough time or room in our stomachs. Time to book another trip!
How to Explore Cuba like a Local
Oh what can I tell you about this place. It was nothing short of shocking at first, then slowly transitioning into wonder and delight then to food poisoning and having "the runs." Still though. This place was unlike any other place I visited.
Read moreHow to Explore Tulum like a Local
After reading about Tulum everywhere, I convinced B to book a vacation there. Since the weather in NYC has been so mild, the temperature there wasn't much of a shock, but upon getting to the beach, we were in heaven.
Read moreHow to Explore Tuthilltown Spirits
New York State is quite large, I mean, it's huge. NYC is only a tiny part of the big state and Brooklyn artisans comprise such a small percentage. So we decided to venture to Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, NY. In fact, there is a growth of local (i.e. NY) made spirits and wines that rival those from overseas.
Read moreHow to Explore LA Like a Local
You always read these stories about LA, its traffic and vapid culture. I wanted to see it first hand for myself when I embarked on that journey last February. Although there is some truth to it all, I truly enjoyed my time there.
Read more5 Day Trips Worth Taking
One of the best things about Europe is their amazing train system. I mean, it's amazing. Did I say it was amazing? As such, getting around makes it so much easier. Although our friends had a cute Fiat, which got us around pretty well, but we did take a train to Monte Carlo under €10. Here's my recommendations on side trips in South of France.
Read moreHow to Explore Nice like a Local
I was enchanted by Nice as soon as we were driving down the Promenade des Anglais on the way to my friends' apartment. The sheer laissez-faire attitude of the place was enough to get us hooked. We had our wonderful hosts show us around and take us out for day trips, but if you get a chance to rent a car and drive around or take a train to come of the less traveled places, you'd be beyond yourself.
Read moreHow to Explore San Francisco Like a Local
If I ever decide to live anywhere else in the world, it would definitely be San Francisco. I knew that the Golden State was different than the Empire State and I was pleasantly surprised when I was there. Between the food, the sights and just their general quality of life, I was swept off my feet, like a teenage girl falling in love for the first time.
Read moreHow to Explore Brazil Like a Local
Although my law school isn’t the best, it did offer an awesome class and the only reason anyone takes it is to go to Brazil. Initially I was skeptical, but my friend convinced me otherwise. After painstaking 6 weeks in class, we embarked on our journey to beautiful Rio, and oh my god was it awesome.
Read moreA Quick Guide to Warwick, NY
Living in NYC, I often forget that there is the rest of the state. And it’s huge. I’m lucky enough to have friends who live in those places and have an opportunity to visit them. For my birthday weekend, which I celebrate with my friend Clayton (his is on the 9th and mine is on the 10th), we decided to go to the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.
Read more