While I do try to eat a relatively healthy diet, there are three little treats I consume every day without fail: tea, cheese and dark chocolate. Whether I’m traveling abroad, eating at my desk at work, or preparing a meal at home, these are the things I always crave.
I’m always intrigued by the cheese boards I see in restaurants, and I sometimes order one to share. My husband and I enjoyed a really nice one at The Clarence, one of our favorite pubs in London.
The Clarence, one of our favorite pubs in London.
Located in Whitehall, not far from Trafalgar Square, this charming pub offered a great selection of beverage and dining options on the main floor, but I prefer the lovely dining room upstairs.
The dining room upstairs at The Clarence.
On a recent trip, we opted to order cheese and charcuterie boards for lunch. Our meal included an assortment of cheese, meat, bread and crackers, as well as olives, grapes, apples and jam.
Upon our return home, I was inspired to host my own cheese tasting for my friends. I decided to include three cheeses, all sourced from Fresh Market and Whole Foods, including Purple Haze, a fresh goat cheese studded with lavender and fennel; Barely Buzzed, a cow’s milk cheese rubbed with espresso and lavender; and Tillamook Extra Sharp White Cheddar.
My cheeseboard, featuring some of my favorite treats.
I assembled the three cheeses on a large cheese board, which I lined with pretty cheese papers. I then added three kinds of berries, Marcona almonds, fig jam and several types of crackers, including olive oil and sea salt crostini and my favorite Fresh Market Fig and Olive Crisps. I finished the board with sprigs of rosemary.
I like to pair my cheeseboards with lots of special bite-sized treats, like chocolate truffles, olives, Marcona almonds, honey and a slice of fig loaf.
I complimented my cheese board with dark chocolate truffles, fig loaf, gourmet potato chips, fresh-bake Madeleines, Savannah Bee Company honey and other special treats. I arranged these items in pretty bowls and on small cake stands.
Pretty flowers from Fresh Market, housed in one of my vintage American art pottery vases, complimented the food.
I placed all of these serving pieces on a pretty linen table runner I purchased at Mercury Design Studio during a recent trip to Austin. I love purchasing useful, beautiful items like this when I travel. Every time I incorporate these little treasures into my decor, or use them when entertaining, I not only get to enjoy something special, I also get a nice reminder of my trip.
My friends really enjoyed trying the different cheeses, and I loved planning this little get-together, one that was inspired by a wonderful trip.
Do you have a favorite cheese? Or a tip for building a cheese board? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
The beautiful library at The George Montclair, a perfect spot for complimentary afternoon tea in front of the fire.
While it’s always great to earn hotel points by staying at a major property, I must admit that I love a good boutique hotel. They tend to be smaller and more charming, with little custom touches that you just can’t find at a chain.
Before I make travel arrangements, particularly when I am planning a trip to a place I don’t know well, I search for my destination on Pinterest to see what comes up. This usually helps me find an assortment of hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and other interesting places to explore.
Last fall, as we prepared to visit family in New Jersey, I stumbled across a real gem: The George Montclair. Located in a historic Georgian Inn in the heart of Montclair, NJ, it is owned by makeup maven Bobbi Brown, who purchased and renovated the property after she sold her makeup brand.
The elegant stairwell leading up from the lobby to the guest rooms and suites located on the second, third and fourth floor.
The hotel offers 32 rooms, each decorated in a style that is unique to the space, yet cohesive with the rest of the hotel. They offered family suites, which was perfect for our needs. We selected a suite on the top floor that included a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom.
The living room featured with a sofa (which folded out into a bed), a coffee table, a television, a desk and desk chair, an open closet and a kitchenette that included a coffee maker, a mini fridge and a sink. Original exposed brick walls were covered in celebrity photographs.
A view of the desk in the living room of our family suite.
The adjoining bedroom was very large, and included two full-size beds with wool plaid headboards, two suede chairs and a large tufted ottoman, as well as a dresser and a television.
The bedroom featured two full size beds (one shown here), plus two chairs anda large ottoman, as well as a dresser and a television.
The space was flooded with natural light, including large windows above each bed. There was also a fun porthole window that our little one enjoyed.
The porthole window in our room was fun for the little guy.
While our room was lovely, the real standout of the property was the wonderful library. Located on the main floor, just off the lobby, the library served complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.
The cozy library was the perfect place to have a cup of tea each afternoon.
We were there in December when it was very cold, so sitting in front of the fire was very appealing. The space included two large seating areas, including one in front of the fire, and another near the windows facing the rear of the property.
Another view of the library.
We loved this space so much that we gathered here in the late afternoon for tea, and again each night before heading out for dinner. There was even a fun candy closet located behind a hidden panel.
A second sitting area near the windows in the library.
In addition to the lovely library, the hotel included a special treat in the basement: a fun breakfast room that offered a complimentary breakfast each morning.
The daily breakfast spread at The George Montclair.
The buffet offered something for everyone, including an assortment of pastries, cereals, fruit, eggs, meats, cheeses and more, plus coffee, tea, milk and juice.
I love creating a fun drawing that represents the activities we enjoyed during our stay on a piece of the hotel stationery. I did this one while we relaxed in our suite one rainy afternoon.
It was a great stay, and we will definitely return the next time we visit our family there in New Jersey.
New Orleans is home to some of the coolest bars in the country, but its so much more than great cocktails.
Many people associate New Orleans with Bourbon Street, but there is more to New Orleans than boozy cocktails. New Orleans is also home to an amazing food scene, charming architecture, lovely antiques and plenty of culture, all of which makes it the perfect destination for a quick get-away.
Recently, my husband and I flew in on Saturday morning for a long weekend stay. We checked in to The Roosevelt Hotel, a historic beauty currently managed by the Waldorf Astoria. We’ve stayed there many times in the past, and as always, we were welcomed with top-notch service.
After checkin, we decided to grab lunch at Cochon Butcher, a lovely spot in the Warehouse District featuring a variety of small plates. There, we sampled several options, including standouts like the chargrilled oysters, gator bites and corn cakes with crawfish.
Enjoying a stroll through the Garden District, my favorite NOLA neighborhood.
Next, we toured Garden District, my favorite NOLA neighborhood. You can access it via the charming St. Charles streetcar. The ride affords you a fantastic view of the historic mansions lining this wide boulevard.
Once there, we made our way to Magazine Street, which is home to a variety of boutiques, upscale bars and elegant casual restaurants. We made several stops at some of my favorite shops, including Perch, an antique shop full of French imports, Pied Nu, a clothing boutique offering a well-curated sampling of some of my favorite housewares brands, and Sunday Shop, a lovely boutique offering a well-curated mix of antiques and elevated housewares.
A well-curated mix at Sunday Shop, one of my favorite boutiques on Magazine Street.
That evening, we had drinks at the Sazerac Bar in our hotel. It is said that Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong performed here, which only adds to the allure of this elegant, buzzy bar. I love the beautiful murals lining the walls, and the cocktails are excellent.
Cocktails at The Sazerac Bar. This elegant space is lined with beautiful murals.
After drinks, we had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Mr. B’s Bistro, and then we decided to visit the lobby bar at The Eliza Jane, a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a series of linked 19th-century warehouses. I’d love to stay here in the future, or at least have dinner at their hotel restaurant, Couvant.
The very elegant bar at The Eliza Jane Hotel.
Sunday morning means one thing in New Orleans–it’s time for an epic brunch! We started our day with a really special one at Salon by Sucre; I enjoyed the “afternoon” tea, which included multiple courses featuring beautiful, delicious treats. On our way out, I purchased four candied violet-studded dark chocolate bars to take home. They are amazing, and I never leave New Orleans without them.
The first course of the tea menu at Salon by Sucre, featuring Earl Grey honey scones, Kouign-amann bites and Chai tea madeleines with honey comb and butter, all sprinkled with powered sugar and flower petals.
After brunch, we walked through the French Quarter, stopping to admire Jackson Square and the surrounding buildings. We then opted for drinks at one of our old favorites, the Napoleon House, where they make an excellent Pimm’s Cup.
The elegant Napoleon House, a New Orleans institution.
After drinks, we did a little window shopping along Royal Street, home to several excellent antiques shops, many featuring items imported from France. My favorite is Antiques de Provence. It is made up of several connected buildings, and features a secret terrace in the back. Here you can find a wide assortment of vintage Chanel costume jewelry, giltwood Louis Philippe mirrors, ornate chandeliers and an incredible collection of olive jars, urns and other garden pottery.
Elegant imported French antiques at Antiques de Provence.
In the late afternoon, we headed to another Café Amelie, where I had incredible shrimp and grits. The restaurant is located in the former home of an American heiress, a woman who went on to become the Princess of Monaco, long before Grace Kelly did the same.
Shrimp and grits at Cafe Amelie.
After lunch, we visited some other favorites, such as Keil’s Antiques and Krewe Eyewear, a newer local brand carrying a great assortment of eyeglasses and sunglasses.
If you are looking for fine European antiques, you can’t go wrong with a visit to New Orleans.
That evening, we walked to dinner at Justine, a French brasserie high on design. I enjoyed a crudité bowl, a croque monsieur, and an incredible gateau basque. I could write an entire post about this sophisticated restaurant, which featured beautiful seating areas, original murals, excellent service and great food.
One of several cool murals at Justine.
On our final morning, we had beignets at Cafe du Monde, another must-do. It’s touristy, but these treats are so good I can’t help but recommend them. We walked around the French Quarter once more before heading back to our hotel to gather our things and go.
Have you been to New Orleans? If so, what are your favorite places? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
The charming exterior of The Hoxton Amsterdam, a boutique hotel located on the Herengracht Canal, one of Amsterdam’s three original canals.
One of the coolest and most unique hotels I’ve ever visited is The Hoxton Amsterdam, a charming boutique hotel located in a historic building along the Herengracht Canal, one of Amsterdam’s three original canals, and now a designated Unesco World Heritage Site.
One of several buzzy common areas at The Hoxton Amsterdam.
According to their website, The Hoxton Amsterdam is home to 111 rooms in a historic building that used to be home to the city’s mayor. It is located in a prime location near Amsterdam’s popular Little Nine Streets shopping district. The main floor features several comfortable seating areas where guests and locals alike meet for craft cocktails and casual dining.
The lobby bar at The Hoxton Amsterdam.
The lobby bar features original brick walls complimented by reclaimed wood floors, leather bar stools, faded Oriental rugs and an array of comfortable seating.
Bicycles abound at The Hoxton Amsterdam.
As you head upstairs to your room, you’ll walk through hallways lined with modern black subway tile and cheeky black and white enamel signage. There are bicycles everywhere in Amsterdam, and here is no exception.
A canal-side room at The Hoxton Amsterdam.
We opted for a canal-side room, which afforded us views of the Herengracht Canal. Our room featured beautiful dark wood floors laid in a classic herringbone pattern, as well as a comfortable bed with a leather upholstered headboard installed on a wood-paneled wall. Other furniture included a Mid-Century Modern sofa, a desk and chair, and a free-standing closet.
Roomy bathrooms featuring lots of hot water and house-branded toiletries.
Our roomy bathroom came with all the standard amenities, including fluffy towels, great-smelling toiletries and plenty of hot water. Every inch was perfectly on brand, from the logo-embossed hairdryer bags to the cute custom-made maps on the nightstand.
Every little thing is on-brand at The Hoxton Amsterdam.
The room’s low ceilings, coupled with the natural light streaming in from the large vintage windows, gave the impression of standing in the hull of an old luxury liner. It was a unique experience, far different from any hotel I’d ever visited.
Checking out the view of the canal.
One of the great things about the hotel is its close proximity to great locations, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Vondelpark and great shopping. There are also plenty of charming cafes nearby, like Pluk Amsterdam, Ree7 and Jansz.
I highly recommend this as an option if you plan to visit Amsterdam–even if you just stop by for cocktails.
Amsterdam is one of the coolest and most interesting destinations I’ve ever been. It was a unique blend of youthful irreverence and classic antiquity, and visiting there really made me feel as if I’d been transported to another time and place.
The exterior of our charming hotel, The Hoxton.
Upon arrival, we checked in to our hotel, The Hoxton, which was a really cool spot. It was definitely a hipster hangout. Our room offered a great view of the Herengracht Canal, one of the three original canals of Amsterdam, all of which have been classified a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Our lovely room at The Hoxton.
It featured dark hardwood floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with Mid-Century Modern furniture and a really pretty bathroom. The lobby area featured a restaurant and bar, with lots of common seating areas to relax.
One of several cool common areas at our hotel, The Hoxton.
Our central location was perfect, making it easy for us to walk to every destination we hoped to visit during our stay. Everywhere we turned, we were charmed by centuries-old buildings from Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
A typical scene along the canals.
After taking a stroll around our neighborhood, we got ready for dinner at The French Connection. We followed that with drinks at The Pulitzer Bar, which was located at what quickly became my favorite spot, The Pulitzer Hotel. It was very sophisticated and elegant, with an excellent bar, a really nice restaurant and beautiful common areas.
The sophisticated bar at The Pulitzer Hotel.
We started the next morning with a visit Rijksmuseum, where we had breakfast and viewed lots of Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch masters. We walked to the adjacent Van Gogh Museum, featuring the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art, plus a special exhibit of the French Belle Epoque, which included amazing posters advertising cafes, burlesques and more. I loved it!
Oh hey, Rembrandt.
After, we toured the gorgeous Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous park. It was incredibly beautiful, and featured several acres of cultivated green spaces. It was also a great place for people-watching, with locals picnicking, bike riding and strolling.
The beautiful grounds of the Vondelpark.
We spent the afternoon touring two more museums. The first was the Museum Van Loon, a house museum previously owned by the family that started the Dutch East India Company. The interior has been perfectly preserved, and provides you with a unique view into the city’s past.
An interior shot of the Van Loon House Museum.
Next, we made our way to the nearby Hermitage Amsterdam, an outpost of Russia’s Hermitage Museum, where we viewed more Dutch masterworks, as well as a special exhibit about the fall of the Tsar of Russia.
Outside the Hermitage Amsterdam, located on the banks of the Amstel River, shown here in the background.
In the afternoon, we did a little shopping in the Nine Streets area, which was filled with cute little hipster boutiques full of clothing, original art and adorable cafes. We then stopped for fresh juice and matcha tea bread at Pluk, which was a real treat.
A view from the balcony at Pluk, the perfect spot for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
That evening, we walked around the city, including a stop in the Red Light District, which was busy and much tamer than I expected. Instead of dinner in a restaurant, we stopped by one of the city’s many cheese shops and purchased excellent aged Gouda, along with crackers, ginger jam and mini strop waffles, which were so good.
Breakfast at Ree7, one of countless adorable little cafes located throughout the city.
The next morning, we had tea and lemon poppyseed cake at Ree7, a cute Nine Streets cafe.
After, we had a canal-side picnic featuring amazing Lebanese wraps from The Lebanese Sajeria, which the chef prepared in front of us. Mine featured delicious spicy ground beef, hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes and mint. It was truly one of our best meals.
Awesome Lebanese wraps were perfect for eating during a canal-side picnic.
After lunch, we walked through the flower market, then took a canal cruise, which was too hot, crowded and touristy for our taste. I feel certain we would have enjoyed it much more if we had arranged for a private boat tour. We followed with dinner at Jansz, the beautiful restaurant inside The Pulitzer Hotel.
Dinner at the beautiful Jansz, the restaurant inside The Pulitzer Hotel.
On our final morning, we sat outside our hotel and watched the canal as we ate stroop waffles and drank tea. We toured the neighborhood one final time before heading to the airport to come home.
I ended up falling in love with Amsterdam, and it is now one of my husband’s favorite places. We can’t wait to return.
Have you been to Amsterdam? What were some of your favorite sites? I’d love to hear your recommendations.
The incredible colors of the sunrise at the Secrets Los Cabos Resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The pristine property features a luxurious spa, multiple restaurants, and a golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
My husband and I had an opportunity to visit Los Cabos, Mexico, a beautiful resort area located on the southern tip of the Baha California Peninsula. We spent six days at the Secrets Los Cabos Resort, located in San Jose del Cabo, where we had a room with a patio, a private swim-up pool and a view of the Pacific Ocean.
The view from our private patio and swim-up pool, overlooking the resort’s golf course.
Neither of us had ever been to the west coast of Mexico before, and we were surprised by how different it was from our experiences in Cancun and Cozumel. The terrain was more like the American Southwest, with lots of red clay and cactuses, along with bougainvillea and hibiscus.
The all-inclusive Secrets Los Cabos Resort was pristine, and featured convenient amenities and excellent service.
The resort was very clean and well appointed, with a luxurious spa, a golf course with views of the ocean, and spacious rooms. The food was better than most all-inclusive resorts we’ve visited, and the service was excellent.
While we enjoyed hanging out by the resort pool with our friends, we also took several field trips off site. On our second day, we visited downtown San Jose del Cabo, where we had breakfast at a little French restaurant and took photos of the local architecture.
Charming Downtown San Jose del Cabo, a quick cab ride away from our resort.
One of the highlights of our stay was a day trip to Cabo San Lucas, where we enjoyed a fantastic meal at The Office on the Beach, a popular Mexican restaurant overlooking the ocean. We had a table directly on the beach–toes in the sand!–with an overhead canopy that provided shade. The atmosphere was festive, with live musicians serenading diners and interacting with children.
Scenes from our lunch at The Office on the Beach, a Mexican restaurant located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Diners enjoy tables in the sand shaded by an overhead canopy, with incredible views of the ocean.
The decor was colorful and fun, with lots of handprinted tiles and decorative tequila bottles. Our food was authentic and perfectly executed. We started with an appetizer of fresh shrimp, guacamole, tortilla chips and vegetables, and followed with a combination platter featuring grilled chicken, beans and rice.
Enjoying an excellent lunch at The Office on the Beach, featuring freshseafood and authentic Mexican cuisine.
After lunch, we walked around the marina and checked out some local shops, then had drinks at Cabo Wabo Cantina, a popular bar and live music venue owned by musician Sammy Hagar.
Cabo Wabo, a fun spot for drinks and live music.
All of our adventures were fun, but my favorite part of our entire trip was the half-day we spent at Flora Farms, a gorgeous property located up in the mountains in San Jose del Cabo.
Flora Farms, a unique destination located in the mountains in San Jose del Cabo.
Flora Farms is a unique destination that includes private residences, each with their own organic gardens, as well as a farmers market, several cute shops, a wine bar, a spa and a farm-to-table restaurant serving the freshest food I’ve ever eaten.
Scenes from Flora Farm Grocery.
Our meal was amazing, and included a caprese salad with homemade grilled bread, fresh juice, a chilled soup with pickled vegetables and delicious pasta. After lunch, we visited the little boutiques on site, and spent hours relaxing on the beautiful property. I highly recommend a visit to Flora Farms if you are ever in Los Cabos.
We enjoyed an amazing meal at Flora’s Field Kitchen, made from fresh, organic ingredients grown on the farm.
We rounded out our trip with lots of relaxation and fun at the resort. I got a massage at the resort spa, while Brian played golf with friends, and we spent hours hanging out by the pool. It was the perfect relaxing get-away for spring, one that was very different from the tropical paradise we call home.
What are your favorite beach destinations? I’d love to hear your recommendations.
A trip to Quebec City gave us a chance to visit beautiful Montmorency Falls,one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.
Last year, we decided to spend a week in Montreal and Quebec City, and it ended up being a really fun trip for our family. We enjoyed the first half of our trip in Montreal, but I’m so glad we decided to take the train to Quebec City for the second half of the week.
We arrived in Quebec City on Thursday morning, then checked in to a suite at the Quebec City Marriott Hotel facing Place D’Youville for one night. It was a great location, within easy walking distance to all the things we wanted to see. From there, walked through the Place D’Youville, past the Porte Saint Louis, the famous city gate, and through the charming streets lined with lovely, quaint buildings.
Charming storefronts abound in Quebec City.
We stopped in several of the charming little shops near our hotel on our way to the Terrasse Dufferin, the boardwalk linking the famous Le Chateau Frontenac, a resort hotel, with the St. Lawrence River.
The famous Le Chateau Frontenac, a classic resort hotel, located on the boardwalk facing the St. Lawrence River.
From there, we walked to the Place Royale, one of the prettiest squares I’ve ever seen, where we viewed the Quebec City Mural and visited the Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, a quaint old church with a large ship’s model hanging from the ceiling.
Visiting Place Royale, one of the most charming public squares I’ve ever seen.
We continued around the corner and took the funiculaire back up to the Terrasse Dufferin. This was helpful, as Quebec City requires you to walk up and down steep steps all day. We then visited La Citadelle, a very old fort overlooking the river. While there, we toured the Musee Royal 22e Regiment, a military museum with interesting displays of military regalia.
A beautiful display of umbrellas offered shade from the sun on a side street near the funicular, an elevator that offered visitors a ride back up to the Terrasse Dufferin.
After, we walked past Les Jardins du Parlement, a small, lovely garden in front of the Parliament building, and past the Fontaine de Tourny on our way back to the hotel. On our way to dinner, we watched street performers perform, then we had poutine and gourmet cheeseburgers at Les Trois Garcons.
Murals documenting the history of Quebec City can be found in several locations.
After dinner, I walked by myself back to the Place Royale, then went down the Escalier Casse Cou (the breakneck steps) and descended into the Quartier Petit Champlain, a charming area full of quaint shops. While there, I found a lovely little Provencal shop featuring items imported from France, where I purchased a set of amazing Laguoile steak knives from France, along with Provencal napkins and a cute Champagne kitchen towel.
The next morning, we had croissants and tea at Paillard, then let Cameron play in the water feature in the Jardins de l’Hotel-de-Ville. We then joined our private driver for a trip to beautiful Montmorency Falls, an incredible waterfall that is one and half times higher than Niagara. While there, we took a cable car up to the top, then walked across a bridge over the falls. The view from there was incredible. This was definitely another one of the highlights of our trip.
The boys at the top of Montmorency Falls, one of the highlights of our trip.
After, our driver took us to Saint-Jean-de-‘Ile-d-Orleans, an agricultural island in the center of the river. While there, we visited a maple farm where we sampled maple products, then had amazing pizza at La Boulange, a cute bakery, and chocolate at Sainte-Petronille, a chocolatier.
Hiring a driver to give us a tour of the falls and the island was definitely worth it. Not only did she take us exactly where we wanted to go, but she shared the region’s history and answered all our questions. The hotel was able to help us arrange this with short notice, but I’d advise you to make arrangements in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. Both boys enjoyed the day, and slept on the train all the way back to Montreal.
Overall, our trip to Montreal and Quebec City was a fun adventure. It allowed us all to experience something very different from our home state of Florida, without leaving our time zone, or spending too much time getting there and back.
Where are your favorite places to travel with your family? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Beautiful Montreal is a great place for summer vacation with the kids.
Last summer, we wanted to take our boys on an international trip, but we were concerned about how our younger son, Cameron, would handle it. He was only seven at the time, and we worried that he would have trouble making a long trip and adjusting to a different time zone.
We decided to look at locations located on the eastern side of Canada, as they’d allow us to experience a very different culture, climate and topography, while minimizing travel time, and staying in the same time zone. We decided to spend a week in Montreal and Quebec City, and it ended up being the perfect choice for our family.
We arrived in Montreal around 3 p.m. on a Monday and checked in to the Renaissance Downtown Montreal, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel featuring Mid-Century Modern furnishings and cool art. We booked two adjoining rooms, one of which was a suite, so that we had a common area and two bedrooms. The space was colorful and fun, and the boys loved it.
We stayed at the Rensaissance Downtown Montreal. The common areas and rooms featured Mid-Century Modern furnishings and cool art.
After checking in, we had a little time to explore before getting ready for dinner, so we took a stroll down Rue Saint Paul to the Place d’Armes, one of the city’s most famous squares.
After, we rested at our hotel in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner at the Bistro le Modavie, a charming French bistro in the Old Port neighborhood offering great service and food. My roast chicken and vegetables was excellent, and as usual, Cameron wanted to eat everyone else’s food.
Dinner at the Bistro le Modavie, a charming French bistro.
After dinner, we walked around the lovely Place Jacques-Cartier, where Cameron watched the balloon lady. There, we saw the exterior of the beautiful Hotel de Ville and the Chateau Ramezay, a charming museum and historic site that give visitors a glimpse into the history of Montreal.
An after dinner stroll around the Place Jacques-Cartier, a popularsquare filled with shops and street performers.
The next morning, we had breakfast and tea at Olive et Gourmando, a charming café near the hotel. They offered an amazing array of fresh-baked croissants, scones and muffins. My almond croissant was perfect, and my tea was served in a pretty stoneware tea pot for one.
An assortment of baked goods at Olive et Gourmando.
We then visited Le Petit Dep, an adorable little shop featuring snacks and treats, including candy, ice cream and beverages. It was a good place to pick up snacks to take back to our room.
Le Petit Dep, an adorable little shop featuring all kinds of treats.
While Brian and Cameron road the ferris wheel near the St. Lawrence River, I visited Notre-Dame Basilica with my older son, Jack. The ornate interior was stunning. It featured expertly-carved dark wood, along with elegant, hand-painted panels done in rich shades of blue and green.
The interior of Montreal’s famed Notre-Dame Basilica.
Before the day grew too warm, the boys enjoyed Voiles en Voiles, a ropes course near the beautiful St. Lawrence River. The extensive course included a wide variety of pirate-themed obstacles, which perfectly suited our little daredevil and his big brother.
Enjoying a sunny day on the ropes course.
That night, we enjoyed dinner at Brasserie 701, another French bistro on Place d’Armes, followed by a stroll down Rue Saint Paul and around the exterior of the Old Customs House. The restaurant was very elegant and offered an elevated menu, but the service was warm and welcoming to our family. Cameron’s favorite part was the fabulous dessert, which featured chocolate three ways–as an ice cream bar, a candy bar and a cupcake.
Dinner at Brasserie 701, an elegant bistro.
The following morning, we took a taxi to Downtown Montreal to enjoy breakfast at Café Myriade, a beautiful little café in the basement of Club Monaco. They offered excellent carrot muffins, croissants and other baked goods, along with coffee and hot tea in an elegant setting.
Breakfast at Café Myriade in downtown Montreal.
Then we walked to the Redpath Museum, a small natural history museum on the lovely grounds of McGill University. It was charming, but hot, as there was no air conditioning. In any case, Cameron loved exploring the old-school displays featuring all manner of flora and fauna.
The Redpath Natural History Museum at McGill University.
We then walked to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Our visit included a really nice Picasso special exhibit, along with a great permanent collection that included Dutch Masterworks, architectural models, furniture, antiquities and more. I could post countless photos of the incredible art we saw there.
One of the many beautiful displays at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art. Not only was this space filled with incredible artwork, but the beautiful forrest scene shown here was actually a video of swaying trees projected onto the wall, complimented by the soothing sounds of the forrest at night.
After the museum, we had a great lunch at Colette Grand Café at Holt Renfrew, a high-end department store. My cucumber cooler and club salad with chicken breast was great. After, we took a long walk and a steep climb up to the lookout at Mount Royal Park, a Frederick Law Olmstead-designed park, where the view was really beautiful.
Enjoying the view from the lookout at Mount Royal Park.
That night, Jackson babysat this little brother so that my husband and I could enjoy a romantic dinner at Bar George at Le Mount Stephen Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel that used to be the home of a railroad magnate. The incredible interiors were beautiful, and the food was a lofty take on classic comfort food.
Bar George at Le Mount Stephen Hotel, a romantic spot for dinner.
On our last morning, we enjoyed almond croissants at Tommy Café before catching a train to Quebec City for the second half of our trip. During our three hour ride, we relaxed and talked about all the fun things we’d done so far. The kids agreed the ropes course was a hit, and the museums were more fun than they’d expected.
So I’d say Montreal was a great pick for our family. I’d love to hear your ideas for international destinations with your kids.
Every since I was a child, I’ve wanted to visit Scotland. My father’s family is from the Isle of Lewis, an island on Scotland’s west coast, and I often dreamed of visiting our homeland. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Edinburgh for a few days as part of a larger trip to Europe, and I was not disappointed.
An authentic bagpiper playing on The Royal Mile.
We started our trip by checking in to our hotel, The Balmoral, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city known as the place where J.K. Rowling stayed while she finished the final Harry Potter novel. We were greeted by friendly staff in the cozy lobby, and provided a tour of the common areas on the main floor.
The beautiful Balmoral Hotel, a classic Georgian structure located in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The hotel included a restaurant and small whiskey bar, as well as The Palm Court, a beautiful oval room where they served afternoon tea. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and included a lovely bathroom with lots of marble, a huge bathtub, and cool photos of a young Sean Connery on the beach.
The spacious bathrooms at the Balmoral Hotel feature vintage photos of Sean Connery.
After checking in, we decided to walk up the steep incline to Calton Hill, which afforded us a great view of Edinburgh, including both Old Town, the medieval part of the city, and New Town, featuring structures from the Georgian Era. Both are certified UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From there , we proceeded to walk down the Royal Mile, the main road that connects Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, with Edinburgh Castle, a medieval castle sitting atop a volcanic rock.
The exterior of Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.
Afterward, we decided to check out several locations that connected to the Harry Potter novels. We started with a tour of the National Museum of Scotland, where we viewed the Lewis Chessman, a beautiful set of ancient ivory chess pieces found on the Isle of Lewis. These iconic figurines served as the model for the chess set that Ron and Harry use to play wizards’ chess in the second Harry Potter film.
We also walked through Greyfriar’s Kirk Cemetery, where J.K. Rowling got ideas for character names. From there, we could see the school that inspired her idea of Hogwarts. We finished by visiting The Elephant House, the cafe where she started the novels. On the way back to our room, we saw bagpipers on the Royal Mile, and stopped to tour the beautiful St. Giles Cathedral.
The gorgeous ceiling of St. Giles Cathedral, located on the Royal Mile.
That evening, we enjoyed cocktails at The Dome, a gorgeous space located at a lovely hotel in New Town, followed by one of the best meals of our trip at The Printing Press. The mushroom lasagna was amazing. After dinner, we sampled a flight of whiskey at the whiskey bar in our hotel.
The Dome is the perfect place for cocktails before dinner.
The next morning we set out in a light, drizzling rain to enjoy the highlight of our trip: a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The grounds include multiple buildings dating from the 12thcentury, including a great hall, a chapel, prisons and more.
One of many structures that make up Edinburgh Castle, a medieval complex dating from the 12th century.
The medieval architecture was incredibly beautiful, even in the rain. My husband loved touring the dungeons, which were both creepy and interesting. Due to the castle’s setting high above the city, the view from the courtyard was even better than the one we enjoyed on Calton Hill.
Edinburgh Castle includes multiple buildings, including a great hall, military barracks, a chapel and dungeons.
After our visit to the castle, we toured the National Gallery of Scotland before returning to our hotel to get ready for afternoon tea in The Palm Court. Our service included savories, traditional tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and our choice of teas. The setting was beautiful and the service was excellent. I highly recommend it.
Afternoon tea at The Palm Court.
The next morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we walked through Princes Street Gardens, a lovely green space located on the divide between Old Town and New Town. We then strolled through the charming mews at Silvermills on the way to see the Water of Leith, which was really cool. On the way back to our hotel, we walked through New Town, stopping to shop at luxury department store Harvey Nichols.
The charming mews featured cobblestone streets and blooming wisteria.
Before catching the train to London for the next leg of our journey, we visited a lovely antiquarian print shop on the Royal Mile, where I purchased some vintage prints of Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to commemorate our trip.
I’m always on the hunt for meaningful souvenirs, like this lovely vintage print of Holyrood Palace. It now hangs in my home, along with other treasures from Scotland.
Three days in Edinburgh was just enough time to see the highlights. If I returned, I would definitely add day trips to visit the beautiful ruins and castles throughout the nearby countryside. Have you visited Scotland? Do you have any recommendations?
The beautiful lobby of The Beekman New York welcomes visitors from around the globe.
A lot of people will tell you that they do not like to spend money on a fancy hotel—it’s just a place to sleep, they’ll say. I don’t need anything special.
I am not one of those people.
The space I am in has a deep impact on my mood, so I put a lot of thought into selecting a hotel that is beautiful, comfortable and functional, with a convenient location close to the things I plan to see. I’ve stayed in a few great boutique hotels in New York City, and The Beekman is one of my favorites. It is located in Lower Manhattan near City Hall Park, close to Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many of Manhattan’s best boutiques.
A view from the balcony outside my room, overlooking the nine-story atrium.
According to Business Insider, The Beekman is housed in a historic structure built in the 1883. At nine stories, it was one of Manhattan’s oldest skyscrapers, and it housed many things through the years. It sat dormant for decades before someone finally purchased it and renovated it, opening for business as The Beekman Hotel in 2014.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at The Beekman several times, and I keep coming back because there is so much to love. The service is excellent, and the rooms are very spacious by New York standards. Each room is decorated with original artwork, and features comfortable beds with soft linens, a desk and chair, a bar, a television and super-fast wifi.
Rooms at The Beekman are spacious and comfortable, and offer practical amenities like complimentary robes and slippers.
The bathrooms are equally spacious, and feature beautiful gray and white marble, large mirrors, chrome fixtures and plenty of fluffy white towels. Complimentary robes and slippers are available for all guests, and the delicious house scent is encapsulated in the luxurious toiletries.
The Beekman offers one of the prettiest hotel bathrooms I’ve ever seen.
If the rooms are lovely, the common areas are truly spectacular. The centerpiece of the hotel is its nine-story atrium, which features a buzzy bar, one that’s usually filled with well-heeled patrons enjoying ritzy cocktails. It offers a variety of a cozy, comfortable seating areas, each with its own personality.
The Beekman features gorgeous common areas, including the atrium bar, where guests can enjoy breakfast in the morning and cocktails in the evening.
The atrium is flanked by two excellent restaurants: The Temple Court, helmed by uber-chef Tom Colicchio, and Augustine, run by Keith McNally. Both restaurants offer great dining options in a beautiful setting, making them a destination not only for hotel patrons, but for locals as well. You’ll need reservations for both.
The Temple Court, one of two on-site restaurants, features a wall of colorful stained glass.
After dinner, I like to visit the wonderful little speakeasy accessible from the alley, known as the Alley Cat Amateur Theatre. It’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail before heading out for the night.
While the location may seem further south than you might like, it’s actually the perfect location for visiting some of my favorite shops, including John Derian, Roman and Williams Guild, Marche Maman and Sezane. There are also other amazing restaurants nearby, like Le Coucou and Balthazar.
All of this makes it the perfect location for a long weekend in the city, and well worth the price. Even if you don’t choose to stay here, I recommend you stop by The Beekman for dinner or drinks on your next trip to NYC.
The World at Home 