How to Spend a Foodie Weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

August 7, 2018 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 2 comments

Philadelphia is steeped in history and there are so many historical sights (Liberty Bell, anyone?) to enjoy when you go. If you’re only there for a weekend, it may be hard to fit everything into your schedule that you’d like to do.

For someone like me who’s been to Philadelphia countless times though – from a road trip with my grandparents when I was little to visiting my sister and cousins who went to university there – the typical tourist trail was not the enticement. Honestly, I had coined my recent trip as a “foodie weekend in Philadelphia” because the principal inspiration for the visit was to check out the local restaurant scene.

Even for someone who likes food as much as I do, eating *all* day long is pretty impossible, so my friend and I had a short list of places to explore in between meals. Between my frequent visits and her having lived there for 6 years, this was really some of the last few things neither of us had done before.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjAeeE3Hkt8/?hl=en&taken-by=travelsavvygal

Although you may be so inspired you check these spots out on your first visit! It depends on what interests you.

And yeah, we ate really well. The “Foodie Weekend in Philadelphia” was a success!

Check out all the spots we visited below:

Things to See and Do

Barnes Foundation

I honestly had never heard of this spot before planning this trip, but it is one of the most unique art museums I’ve ever visited, along with Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which I also loved. The Barnes Foundation art is displayed just as it was when its patron was alive, in room after room with whimsical designs and interspersed with antique utilitarian objects with artistic beauty.

And the collection is filled with more Renaissance masterpieces than you may have ever seen in one location before. The museum used to be in Philadelphia’s suburbs, a subject of controversy when it was moved, but is now easily accessible on the city’s museum row.

TIP! This is a pricey visit, but not only did I think it was completely worth it, you can also get discounts by becoming a Barnes Foundation member or bundling admission with other Philadelphia attractions with either the Philadelphia Pass or the Philadelphia City Pass.

Elfreth’s Alley

Did you know that Philadelphia is home to the oldest, continuously inhabited residential street in America? Despite its historical roots, and my many previous visits to Philly, I actually learned about this spot from Instagram! I probably would have made it here sooner if Instagram had existed during my previous visits to the city, but was so glad to explore this block of houses this time around.

TIP! Various events happen throughout the year and guided tours are available Friday to Sunday and on Thursdays during summer. Options are listed HERE.

Italian Market

An outdoor market covering many blocks, the stands are also interspersed with brick-and-mortar shops selling Italian goodies. Stop by the Italian Market Visitor Center for a map and some helpful guidance as to which spots to check out and come hungry so you can eat your way through. And pick up some goodies to take home with you.

TIP! This was an easy stroll from the Philadelphia Magic Gardens (see below).

TIP! It was accidental that I stumbled upon the annual Italian Market Festival the one weekend I happened to be in town, but it was filled with vendors and music and all sorts of entertainment, including the absolutely insane Grease Pole Climbing competition:

Magic Gardens

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens has only been open to the public since 2008, so this was actually my first visit to the city since it opened. Artist Isaiah Zagar had been beautifying this section of the South Street neighborhood since the 1960s, turning an eclectic combination of objects like tiles and glass bottles into a giant outdoor art installation with winding passageways and stairs linking different sections.

It is quite the experience to stroll through it all, this is definitely one of those places you need to see for yourself!

A post shared by Lana Cohen (@travelsavvygal) on May 22, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

TIP! There are timed tickets that are sold beginning a month ahead of time. I visited on a Sunday in May and was only able to get tickets for about an hour after I waited in line, so if you are on a tight schedule or it is peak tourist season, I’d recommend buying tickets in advance.

TIP! This was an easy stroll from the Italian Market (see above).

Mural Mile

There are beautiful murals all over Philadelphia as part of this revitalization project. If you go to the website linked above, you can download an easy-to-navigate map showing the location of the different artworks. I did not follow the trail, but if you are strolling the city and keeping your eyes open, you’re likely to spot quite a few of these to appreciate as I did.

Where to Eat and Drink

Coffee

Elixr Coffee Roasters

This coffee spot is very fancy about its beans and blends, and although its only been around since 2010, has racked up national accolades for its coffee roasting, barista skills, and cold brew coffee. The blend I sampled was good although not my favorite, but it was a solid sip to go with the definite hipster vibe at the Elixr Center City location, one of three outposts in the city.

La Colombe

This is a Philadelphia chain that is popping up in several American cities, but with good reason – the coffee here is delicious! There are 5 locations across Philadelphia (I visited the one in Dilworth Plaza) and it served my favorite coffee of my visit. There are great espresso-based coffee drinks that are not too acidic, so just the way I like it.

Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch

Dim Sum & Noodle

Chinese food is a must on any foodie weekend in Philadelphia, and this is one of the few highly-rated spots outside of Chinatown, and very close to the Barnes Foundation (see above), which is how I ended up here. Although the space is basic and it’s located on a strip mall stretch, there were some very delicious bites.

For dim sum, there are plenty of options, and if you’re indecisive like I can be, they also offer a dim sum sampler. And you know they’re serious about their food when the waitress patiently explains which dipping sauce goes with which dim sum item, which appealed to the sensibility I developed living in Italy – that there is one best way that food is intended to be consumed for maximum enjoyment.

TIP! All that said, I’ve enjoyed even better dim sum in Philly’s Chinatown, and would only seek out this spot if you’ll be in the area anyway.

Federal Donuts

This spot has fun flavor combinations iced like your typical donut, but what the staff recommended to me was the freshly fried original style dipped into a choice of 3 toppings: cookies and cream, cinnamon brown sugar, and strawberry lavender. It was so good to have the piping hot, yeasty, freshly fried donut that I would probably order this one again on any return visit. I’ve also heard great things about their wings, but I visited earlier in the morning and they weren’t serving them yet.

TIP! Go at or after 11am to sample their fried chicken wings with your donuts.

Green Eggs Caf é

Benedicts here range from more traditional versions with crab cakes or smoked salmon to a short rib benedict, root vegetable benedict, and chicken-and-waffles benedict option. Even more elaborate are the flavored french toasts like pecan pie, salted caramel banana, or the ever-tempting cookie dough stuffed french toast. This wasn’t blow-my-mind amazing, but the food is very good, and it is worth going for the variety and unusual combinations you’ve probably never seen on another brunch menu anywhere else!

TIP! Expect a wait, although the earlier you go after they open, the faster you’ll get seated.

Dinner

Vernick Food and Drink

The food here is both beautiful and delicious and is such a great value for the haute cuisine quality of the dishes coming out of the kitchen, and was a memorable first meal of our foodie weekend in Philadelphia. The signature Amish chicken (or half-chicken) is fantastic, and was a highlight of the evening – and this is from someone who doesn’t usually order chicken out at a restaurant!

Besides the one big dish, my friend and I just divided some small plates, which were really exceptional bites and beautifully plated. The cocktails were well-balanced and delicious, and there was a very good selection of wines by the glass. I thought it would be an older, stuffier crowd, but it turned out to be a mix that included a lot of young professionals and very friendly, approachable, and helpful wait staff to guide us along the way. They definitely earned their many accolades, including a 2017 James Beard award for the chef.

How to Reserve

Option 1: By phone, 90 days in advance

Option 2: On the OpenTable website, 60 days in advance, opens at midnight US Eastern time

Option 3: If you can’t find options you like online, call the restaurant at any point

→ I made plans less than 60 days in advance, so after not finding good options online, I called and was able to get a Friday night reservation at 7:30pm around 45 days ahead of time.

Zahav

One of the first high-end dining destinations featuring Israeli cuisine, this restaurant was THE REASON for my Philadelphia foodie weekend. Zahav has made it to Eater’s list of the “38 Essential Restaurants in America” for all four years the list has been compiled, which is probably a footnote compared to some of its other accolades. Dishes are available a la carte or with the Taste of Zahav offering small plates, salads, and a large fish or meat or vegetable dish from the coals for $48 per person.

But at just a little more pricewise, what you really want to do while you’re here is enjoy the $56 Chef’s tasting with the Chef Solomonov’s signature pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder, one of my best bites of recent memory. Even the rice has detailed touches, and it was all so perfect together. You definitely want to eat here on a foodie weekend in Philadelphia – or any trip to the city, really!

A post shared by Lana Cohen (@travelsavvygal) on Jun 6, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

TIP! I recommend snagging a reservation on the earlier side if you can, otherwise trying your luck in person on the day, as the most popular dishes (the lamb shoulder!) will sell out nightly around 7:15pm – or even earlier – since so many people order it.

TIP! I’ve done plenty of wine tasting in Israel, and while Zahav’s wine list boasts excellent Israeli options, I found the Israeli wines to be a bit over-priced and the lesser-known Lebanese Bekaa Valley selections to be much better value for a delicious bottle.

How to Reserve

Option 1: On the OpenTable website, 60 days in advance, opens at midnight US Eastern time

Option 2: If you can’t find options you like online, call the restaurant to likely be added to a wait list

Option 3: Be a walk-in on the evening you’d like to dine.

→ You can put your name down on the walk-in list around 4:30pm, even though the restaurant does not open until 5pm. One option is to stick around and eat right when they open at 5. The other option (which I took advantage of) is to put your name down, go do other things around town, and come back when most of the seats turn over between 7:00-7:30pm. Since it’s just a running wait list all night, be sure to let the host or hostess know your plans and give them another heads up when you return. My friend and I arrived back a few minutes after 7pm and got seats overlooking the open kitchen within 5 minutes.

TIP! Between 4:40 and 7:00pm, I stopped by Elfreth’s Alley (see above) and then Sassasfras Bar (see below). Another nearby option to enjoy yourself while you wait for a later dinner time is the even closer, historical City Tavern that still brews old time beer recipes from the time of Founding Fathers, so if you’re more of a beer fan (or just curious like I will be when I return to Zahav to eat again!) it’s another convenient option.

Dessert

Capogiro Gelato

I visited in summertime, and Capogiro was definitely recommended to me most often in terms of ice cream or gelato places around Philadelphia. Although it was not quite as good as my Favorite Gelato Places in Italy, Capogiro serves a delicious gelato made in the traditional Italian style and was some of the best I’ve had outside of Europe.

TIP! Some flavors were better than others (the pistachio was great!) so I recommend trying a few before deciding what flavor combination to order.

Drinks

The Franklin Bar

The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company was a front for America’s largest alcohol bootlegging operation during Prohibition, and the space operates these days as a speakeasy. Travel + Leisure even mentions it in their article about Philadelphia being a foodie destination. There’s now an “Upstairs Bar” that is tiki-themed, which is where most people head, although the cocktails there were a bit hit or miss.

The real fun is at the speakeasy downstairs, with pretty interesting drink combinations and the dark, windowless vibe you’d expect from a speakeasy.

TIP! There is one bouncer for both levels, who will point you to the Tiki Bar unless you know to specifically ask about the speakeasy.

TIP! The wait doesn’t tend to be terribly long, and the bouncer can give you a pretty accurate idea of how long to expect.

Sassafras Bar

Close to Zahav (see ‘Dinner’ section above), this was a good place to spend time before dinner, and is a bar worth seeking out in its own right. There are innovative cocktails that change seasonally and the bartenders are very accommodating if you want to order a drink off-menu. It’s a pretty laid back vibe for a bar with great cocktails, with sports showing on the many TVs during my visit.

Where to Stay

AirBNB

You may find that an AirBNB is not as great a deal as you’ll find in other cities, especially if you want to stay near the center of Philadelphia. There are limited spots available, and your options will be priced accordingly. Look early for the best prices, and this can be a way to get more of a local perspective on the city.

If you’ve never tried AirBNB before, click THIS LINK to get a $40 credit after your first AirBNB stay!

Booking.com

This is my go-to website for finding great deals, and there is often a generous cancellation policy with bookings. You can sort options by ratings or price and get a sense of what is available on your dates. Search Booking.com Now

Have you ever planned a trip for the food? What are your favorite foodie cities? Any other destinations I should check out on my next foodie weekend in Philadelphia?

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Best Wineries to Visit in Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California
Best Wineries to Visit in Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California

March 29, 2018 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 4 comments

The word ‘Napa’ for many is synonymous with fine American wine and there is no shortage of excellent wineries to explore in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Of course, the sheer number of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately for you, I’ve done endless hours of research and then spent a lot of hours over several trips tasting my way through many of the wineries across the region, and have compiled my favorite spots.

And in most cases, there’s no fancy knowledge or preparation needed for wine tasting – just stop by a winery and ask to taste some wine!

Most wineries offer a range of white and red wines, but there also those that specialize in sparkling wines or dessert wines. And you’ll see quite a few fortified and dessert wine choices across the list below, because I have a bit of a sweet spot for fortified wines.

While it’s not technically “port” if made outside of Porto, Portugal, plenty of wines of that style can be found in Napa and Sonoma. Traveling and tasting in the region was the first time I learned that port didn’t have to be red, but could also be blonde or from different red grapes.

Over multiple trips, I’ve been to more wineries than made this (alphabetical) list, which focuses just on my favorite spots with the wines I’ve enjoyed most, which span quite a range of prices and styles.

Some are large and commercial, but I like their wine and the tasting experience anyway. Even if you’ve seen one (or several!) of their bottles at your local wine store, I still think it’s worth a visit to some of the large wineries in person – and those are the ones I’ve included in this post.

Others are this list are pretty specialized or so small you may not have heard of them, but they all have something unique to offer to your wine tasting experience.

Wineries to Visit in Napa and Sonoma

Even if you’ve never been wine tasting before, there’s nothing to be intimidated of. In Napa and Sonoma, winery staff is accustomed to introducing first-time winery visitors to how it all works.

Most, if not all, of the wineries also offer a full tour. And if you’ve never toured a winery before, I definitely would book one or two to learn more about production and see the stages first-hand. But all of the wineries have tasting rooms, and it’s perfectly acceptable to come just to taste some wines.

I’ve listed below the official information available about each winery, however a lot of the nuances of your experience will relate to the person who is pouring your wine. Even if there is a tasting fee listed, it is often waived if you make a purchase, even if they don’t mention that explicitly.

And if there’s anything you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask – over the phone, by e-mail, or in person during your tasting.

My favorite spots to enjoy:

Armida

Reservations: Not needed
Tasting: $20, waived with purchase
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

In case you didn’t know, California is known for its red zinfandel production and it is one of my favorite varietals of grape there for its rich, fruity flavor. Affectionately nicknamed “zin” by local winemakers, Armida winery makes a delicious version it’s famous for, called “PoiZin.” The winery is a bit quirky (there’s the option of getting your PoiZin in a wooden coffin-shaped box!) but wines are delicious and there’s also a spectacular view on property, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

TIP! If you visit the grounds, there are great food products available from Oakville Grocery‘s nearby Healdsburg location that make for a great picnic.

BR Cohn

Reservations: Not needed
Tasting: $25-$50 depending on the tasting
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, port-style dessert wine

The winery tasting room is in a quaint house and features several award-winning typical grapes from the area. My favorites here have been their red wines, especially their port-style dessert wine. The port is so popular that the releases often sell out, but new vintages are released around summertime each year. BR Cohn is also an olive oil purveyor, and you can try their different infused-varieties or grab some food at their shop to enjoy with your tasting (and freshen up your taste buds in between all the wine).

Chateau St. Jean

Reservations: Recommended
Tasting: $15
Varietals: Chardonnay, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sparkling, Syrah

This is a larger winery, and definitely one you may have seen represented at your local wine store. But the wines are affordable and delicious, and the staff is friendly and helpful. In addition to the most typical wines you’ll see, Chateau St. Jean also offers other French varietals like Pinot Gris and Syrah. I usually buy the most bottles here of any winery when I visit.

Gloria Ferrer

Reservations: Not needed
Tasting: $7-20 for wines by the glass, $25-33 for flights
Varietals: Albariño, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noir, Brut, Extra Brut, Pinot Noir

Gloria Ferrer offers a wide variety of wines, including some Spanish ones, but by far it is best known for its sparkling wine options. The tasting room and outdoor terrace are equally beautiful, and I’d honestly recommend purchasing a flight of wines or a glass to enjoy outside when the weather is nice.

J Winery

Reservations: Not needed for Signature Tasting, encouraged for higher-end tasting or tour
Tasting: $20+, waived with purchase of $100 or more
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Ratafia dessert wine, Sparkling

First, the wine here is phenomenal. J Winery is known best for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, although I also can’t get enough of their not-too-sweet Ratafia dessert wine. The winery itself is also beautiful, from the scenic grounds to the giant art installations and design of the indoor bar, and definitely worth visiting when you go.

La Crema

Reservations: Not needed for Signature or Vineyard Select tasting, required for other tastings or groups of 7+
Tasting: $15+
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

While there are a few other wines available, the vast majority of the La Crema production is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and they definitely do both well. There is an estate to visit, but also a tasting room in downtown Healdsburg, which is where I enjoyed sampling the wines and purchasing a bunch to enjoy at home.

Morlet

Reservations: Required. Tastings by appointment only, scheduling recommended 1-3 months in advance.
Tasting: $150 per person, waived with purchase of 6 bottles or more
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah

This might be the most high-end Napa/Sonoma area winery I’ve visited. It was worth the effort to reserve ahead of time – which is not my usual style – and the wines really are that good. Their wines are so eminently age-able that I still have some bottles from a Napa trip in 2011 left to savor. Since then one of the Morlet white blends I purchased was even served at the White House for a state dinner with the French president!

Peju

Reservations: Required from groups of 8+
Tasting: $35+
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel

The tasting room here is beautiful and Peju Winery has one of the largest varieties of different types of wine at a single winery, which also makes it a popular destination. But if you’re not sure what you like, this is a great place to start! My absolute favorite is the rosé wine, which comes in a few different styles from dry to sweeter ones, so there is likely a choice you will enjoy.

Prager Winery & Port Works

Reservations: Call to reserve, reservation required
Tasting: $30 (and you get to keep the glass)
Varietals: Blonde port, Petite Sirah port, Tawny port, White port

I haven’t visited Porto, Portugal (yet), so this is the only place I’ve been where I got to taste 5 different port-style wines one right after another. I love the style, and getting to taste so many together really helps you hone in on which one you like best. And yes, I still have my glass!

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Reservations: Not needed, unless 5+ people
Tasting: $45+
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Not to be confused with Stag’s Leap Winery, the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has some serious Cabernet Sauvignon wines. I don’t always like Cabernet from the region, but I really like theirs. And their white wines are also wonderful and at a much more affordable price point.

Trefethen

Reservations: Suggested, especially on weekends
Tasting: $25+
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling

Despite feeling very high-end and having some incredible wines, Trefethen offers a very affordable price point for a tasting flight compared to other wineries of its caliber. Wines are delicious across the board, but the most memorable one for me still (and yes, there’s still one bottle of this left on my wine rack) is the signature O-K-D blend, standing for the Oak Knoll District where the winery resides. A mix of one to five red grapes depending on the year, the result is always a bold, fruity, spicy blend worth savoring.

V. Sattui

Reservations: Only required for parties of 11+
Tasting: $20+
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, dessert wines including port and madeira

The 11-person minimum to require a reservation should tell you a little bit about how many people and groups come through this winery tasting room daily. I don’t usually seek out (or return) to wineries this popular and crowded for a visit, but V. Sattui is an exception because their dessert wines are just so good. They have a vintage port which I like sometimes, but always excellent are their madeira and Angelica fortified wines.

Bringing Wine Home

Now that you’ve visited Napa and Sonoma and stocked up on wine, how do you transport it home? The up side of the popularity of the Napa and Sonoma regions is that there is a lot of wine tourism and the wineries and local wine shops are well-equipped to help you get your wine souvenirs home safely.

Driving

If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance of the Napa and Sonoma regions, you’ll probably be fine with whatever packaging you get at each winery in terms of getting any bottles you purchase home safely.

TIP! Just be cautious of leaving wine in the car in extreme temperatures, which can damage the wine.

Shipping

Pretty much all wineries will offer some type of shipping service, but at a price. However, if it is not practical for you to carry your wine purchases with you, the easiest thing can often be to have wineries ship wine to your home directly, although of course this is more economical from Napa and Sonoma if you live somewhere in the United States.

TIP! Sometimes there are shipping deals if you purchase a minimum number of bottles from a single winery, so be sure to ask about this at your favorite spots.

TIP! If you live in the US, each state has its own rules about shipping wine. The winery should be able to look this up for you if you’re not already familiar with any limitations where you live.

Packing in Your Luggage

If you do this carefully, you should be fine. Trust me, I have a bit of experience with this, from my wine tourism all over the world.

READ MORE: 8 Best Wineries to Visit in Israel

READ MORE: Wineries to Seek Out in Italy’s Piedmont Region

READ MORE: Wineries to Seek Out in Italy’s Valpolicella and Soave Regions

My best advice for packing wine inside of luggage is to purchase some special bubble-wrapped wine transporters in advance and then use your clothes in luggage as additional cushioning. I have been using these Wine Skins for years and cannot recommend them enough:

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00GIX531O” locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Wine Skin Wineskin Bag, 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-Pack[/easyazon_link]

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TIP! Even if you’re using a Wine Skin, wrap in clothes as well for extra cushioning.

TIP! Be sure that your luggage is completely full so nothing shifts in transit.

TIP! Most countries have limits on the amount of alcohol you can import before a duty applies, so if you travel internationally with a lot of bottles inside your luggage, be sure to claim them upon entry.

Taking a Case of Wine as Checked Luggage

Again, due to the popularity of Napa and Sonoma, all airports in the region even as far away as San Francisco and Sacramento are accustomed to checking in boxes of wine (a case holds 12 bottles). Airlines will even have the special “Fragile” stickers with a picture of a wine glass.

TIP! Be sure to use a case designed for shipping that will keep all bottles from hitting each other and also from directly hitting the outside of the box.

READ MORE: Best Wineries to Seek Out in Charlottesville, Virginia

One other note with all of this wine tasting you’ll be doing over a spread-out area is to be sure you have a safe way to visit all the wineries on your list. Pick a designated driver and know that you are tasting and driving safely.

If there is a wine that you taste and like, there is no need to go overboard at the winery. You can always buy a bottle to enjoy back at your accommodations or to take home and enjoy later.

Happy wine tasting!
Lana

Have you visited any of the wineries on this list? What kinds of wine do you most enjoy tasting at a winery? Are there any Napa and Sonoma wineries I should check out on my next visit? Or other wine regions worth visiting in my travels? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below.

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Yayoi Kusama’s Art: Exhibitions I’ve Seen & Where to Catch Her Next
Yayoi Kusama’s Art: Exhibitions I’ve Seen & Where to Catch Her Next

June 1, 2017 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

Disclaimer: I visited the Moderna Museet in Stockholm as a guest/participant of the TBEX Conference & Visit Stockholm. Opinions are all mine, of course – I always tell it like it is.

How did I go from Kusama being an artist I had never heard of and just happened to stumble upon to waiting almost 3 hours to see an exhibit of hers last month?

Like all great travel experiences, walking through a Kusama exhibition makes me feel like a tiny speck in a giant universe and compels me to look out on the world with a new sense of wonder.

Usually those sensations for me are reserved for being out in nature or standing in the shadow of a great architectural marvel – like hiking through tea plantations in Sri Lanka or ascending the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. In the case of Kusama, she masterfully achieves this effect within the confines of museum walls.

And even though my almost 3-hour wait was just to get tickets, and doesn’t include the time waiting at each of the individual infinity mirror rooms, I thought it was definitely worth it for the experience!

About Kusama

I think the most surprising thing for me about Kusama is her age. She was born in the 1920s, and is pushing 90 years old today (while still creating art)!

Like many artists, she had a rough childhood. Then in her teenage years, she began having hallucinations of dots, which became a fixation throughout her career. According to Kusama, it is the dots that transport you to infinity.

As the friend I made while waiting in line at the recent Washington, DC exhibit observed, “her art feels so modern, I thought everything here was new.”

And that is another thing about Kusama, her edginess is timeless. Her art felt shockingly modern and avant garde back in the 1950s and 60s, and that same art feels equally innovative today.

Kusama: In Infinity @ the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden

Flashback to less than a year ago at the TBEX travel blogging conference in Stockholm, Sweden. I made plans to attend fairly last-minute, so I ended up on a tour that was relatively random for me during the afternoon leading up to the start of the conference: Art & Architecture.

The itinerary was already planned for us, and while I glanced briefly at the list of museums we’d be visiting, I didn’t do any research into what exactly we might be seeing when we arrived.

Our first stop was the Moderna Museet, Stockholm’s modern art museum. We saw a few exhibits there with a guide, but it was the Kusama exhibition that was the most memorable by far.

I’m not a huge art buff, and had never heard of Kusama. And honestly, I probably wouldn’t have sought out the modern art museum there on my own, but it just happened to be included on my tour.

I got a sense of how prominent an artist she is when the museum entrance was plastered with dots and what I now know to be one of her signature pumpkins covered in dots:

Although I didn’t know to call it this at the time, there was also one “infinity mirror room.” This one featured spotted lanterns covered in black dots with lights inside that kept shifting color. Infinity rooms are basically enclosed boxes with every surface a mirror, so the items in the room (and your reflection!) are everywhere you look, multiplied many times:

Maybe it’s just the math teacher in me, but I like geometry and shapes, and the uniformity of the reflections in all directions appeals to me. Especially with the contrast of spherical globes covered in circles, and then inside a square space.

The Stockholm exhibit also had a lot of art displayed in open areas, including the other Kusama work there that struck me the most.

Instead of a surface with dots painted on, this exhibit consisted of highly polished and reflective silver spheres each about the size of a basketball. I definitely was under the impression that this was a new exhibit, although I later read that it had originally been created for the Venice Biennale in 1966!

Kusama is known for being particular about how her art is displayed and experienced, and this display was no exception. When a single ball rolled a bit out of place while I was there, someone from the museum came over wearing white gloves to replace it in its correct spot:

And of course, like many of Kusama works with interesting titles, this one is aptly named – Narcissus Garden. Although I didn’t know that when I captured this shot with my reflection, many times over:

Kusama: Infinity Mirrors @ the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC, USA

After my experience in the infinity mirror room in Stockholm, I had a sense of what to expect in DC. The pleasant surprise is that for the Infinity Mirrors exhibition, it really is a comprehensive retrospective of Kusama’s 65-year career.

Kusama at her core is known for her dots, and you’ll see them throughout the exhibit. They are not only in the rooms but also painted in different configurations on canvas, decorating 3-dimensional figures, and part of mini flashing displays you peer into to get the effect of the full-size infinity room.

The mini infinity mirror room that mesmerized me the most was called Love Forever, and had two square windows on different sides for two people to peer in simultaneously.

But of course, the focus was mostly on the infinity mirror rooms. And waiting to see them was the bulk of your time in the exhibit.

The 5 main infinity mirror rooms:

Phalli’s Field

I liked how bright this room was with the simple color scheme of white and red. It was easy to see all the reflections generated when the room was completely closed.

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity

Entering this infinity room involved a bit of ducking as there are lanterns hanging down at different heights. But they really appear to take up the whole space, so it’s a bit other-worldly to see yourself among the lights.

All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins

At the Hirshhorn this was the only room where a staff member entered with you, and also where cameras were prohibited when I went, due to a previous incident (presumed to be caused by a selfie) in which one of the lit pumpkins was damaged.

This shot of me and a pumpkin painted yellow outside the museum gives an idea of what it was like in the infinity mirror room with the (smaller) lit pumpkins:

Love Transformed into Dots

This was the infinity mirror room that was most similar to the one I saw in Stockholm, except that this room was only with pink spheres with black dots, instead of the multi-color display I had seen previously. Still a lot of fun!

The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away

I perceived this room as two levels of colors standing inside, so it definitely felt as if you were gazing out toward a distant horizon.

Even with the fast-paced nature of the timing, it was really incredible when the staff closed the door behind you and you were completely enclosed by mirrors and light reflections. And it actually turned out to be a plus for many of the rooms to be only 1 person, as even with my new friend with me in line, I got to go in completely alone for several of the rooms.

I also loved the concept of the Obliteration Room, which was the final part of the exhibit before exiting. It was very cool and interactive, and I had actually seen friends’ pictures already before I went.

But what I didn’t realize from the photos was that it wasn’t paint splotches artistically thrown on the walls, but stickers! The room actually started off completely white, including the furniture, and then a staff member handed each person a sheet of 6 different-colored stickers as they left the exhibition:

By the time I got there several months in, it looked like this:

As you can see, it was pretty crowded, but with a little patience and smart camera angling, it wasn’t too hard to get some good shots all on your own:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTpsmzHA1_s/

It was such a fun place for a final frolic, and the best part is that after all the queuing, there is no time limit for the Obliteration Room.

Where You Can See Kusama’s Artwork Next

Even if you missed seeing the Kusama exhibitions in Stockholm and Washington, DC, lucky for you the DC exhibition is now embarking on a North American tour through late 2018. Never traveled for art before? Here’s your chance!

The Kusama Infinity Mirrors exhibition, will be appearing:

June 30, 2017 – September 10, 2017
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle, WA, USA
*As of June 1^st, tickets are completely sold out, but limited same-day tickets will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis

October 21, 2017-January 10, 2018
The Broad
Los Angeles, CA, USA
*Although ticketing details are not yet released for October, between now and September 30^th there is already a Kusama “infinity room” on display at The Broad if you’re able to visit.

March 3, 2018 – May 27 2018
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Canada
*Ticketing details to be announced.

July 7, 2018 – September 30, 2018
Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, OH, USA
*Ticketing details to be announced.

November 18, 2018 – February 17, 2019
The High
Atlanta, GA, USA
*Ticketing details to be announced.

Practical Tips for Visiting

The laid back Kusama exhibit I visited in Stockholm was a bit different from the current Hirshhorn-organized exhibition Infinity Mirrors that is heading around North America over the next eighteen months. Since the exhibit has multiple infinity mirror rooms that only allow a few people in at a time, tickets will likely be extremely limited at all of the museums mentioned above.

First, I would say that while the Seattle exhibition (which starts at the end of this month) is already sold out for advance tickets, exact policies have not been announced for the other 3 cities. If you’re planning to catch Kusama in Los Angeles, Toronto, or Cleveland, definitely get on the respective museum’s mailing list or follow them on social media to be the first to learn about getting tickets.

Even if you try your best to score advance tickets, realize that you may not succeed. When Infinity Mirrors was in DC, I tried multiple times for the advance timed tickets that were released weekly, but was never successful at getting them. Which is not surprising when the Hirshhorn revealed that during one March week, nearly 60,000 people were vying for fewer than 10,000 advance passes!

And even during the week in DC, there were looooong lines to get in, so I definitely debated whether I thought I should go.

For the first several months, getting there 1 hour or so before museum opening time was sufficient to get a timed ticket for later in the day. As the exhibition closing date approached, lines got significantly longer, earlier in the morning.

I went on a Wednesday during last 2 weeks of exhibit. I arrived around 8:30am, with the museum opening at 10:00am. And I was far enough back in the line – several hundred people – that it then took another 1 hour to receive the timed tickets.

I ended up with a 1:00pm ticket, which was the earliest time slot available when I got to the front of the queue. And there were plenty of people who lined up by the 10:00am opening, but were so far back in the line that they got turned away when timed tickets ran out.

So yes, go for same-day tickets, but plan ahead!

TIP! Bring a book. Between my earplugs and Kindle, I had a blissful 90 minutes of reading as I waited outside.

TIP! Prepare to wait, even if you’ve been lucky enough to get advance tickets. Even beyond the waiting to obtain a timed ticket, there is a separate queue for all of the infinity mirror rooms. One of the individual lines I waited on took 45 minutes! Overall, I spent around 2 hours at the exhibit, and about 1.5 hours of that time was waiting in line. Time-wise there is definitely a lot more waiting than reward, although it gives you more time to ponder and discuss the art.

TIP! Bring a friend or be ready to make one. You’ll probably want someone else there to take pictures of you and especially to keep you entertained waiting in line. It was also helpful that I made a friend pretty quickly because then we took turns holding a spot in line while the other one explored the rest of the exhibits. Although for many the infinity mirror rooms are the main attraction, there is a fair bit of Kusama’s art besides the infinity rooms on display.

TIP! Dress the part! Some people wore solid colors like me, while others arrived decked out in polka dotted dresses or outrageous outfits. If you go, you’re probably only going to go once, so dress for the pictures you want. Also consider that you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet.

TIP! Take a nice camera. There are a lot of flashing lights and illuminated sections, so if you have a nice camera, you’ll want to have it with you to capture everything.

TIP! Jump around between the infinity rooms if you can. Fortunately in DC you didn’t need to visit the infinity mirror rooms in order, so I skipped ahead to some shorter lines and then backtracked as the other lines eased. For whatever reason with the exhibit’s layout, one line was always long – that was the one where I waited 45 minutes.

TIP! Be ready when it’s your turn to enter the infinity room. Even if you’ve been waiting a while, as you approach the front of the line, pay attention. At least in DC, you could enter each infinity mirror room for only 20-30 seconds each, so people move through quickly. All of the Hirshhorn staff had timers to track this, and it goes by quicker than you’d think.

Half a minute is not a lot of time to reflect, stare in wonder, gaze into infinity, wonder about the universe, and also capture the perfect selfie inside. But it’s worth the experience of trying.

Have you experienced Kusama’s art before? Would you ever plan a trip around an art exhibition? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the ‘Comments.’

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Books to Read on Vacation: Summer Reading List 2019
Books to Read on Vacation: Summer Reading List 2019

July 7, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 30 comments

Now that summer is here, one of the essential questions I am always thinking about is . . . what books to read on vacation!

Sure, I have a bunch of items that I take with me on pretty much every trip, and they are mostly clothing and accessories. But no airline flight or beach relaxation for me is complete without a good book to keep me company.

Or better yet, a fully loaded e-reader to have a compact way of taking as many summer reading books as I want!

READ MORE: 16 Packing Essentials for Every Kind of Trip

When I travel, I always like to read at least one book that is set in my destination. And since vacation is a time to relax, I also like reading some lighter reads – from romance to thrillers to laugh-out-loud memoirs. Maybe even take the distance from home and a clear mind to devour something interesting that is non-fiction.

Reading my Kindle at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows in Arizona

The list below has a little bit of something for everyone, and is organized into categories, so you can jump ahead to whatever sections speak to you!

Here are my top picks for summer reading this year:

Books to Read on Vacation: Romance

Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

This one sounds absolutely adorable. The son of the US president has a confrontation with the Prince of Wales, and then the fake friendship they portray (for damage control in the media) turns into love. If you like politics, or royals, or just enjoy reading about two people falling for each other despite difficult circumstances, this is the book to bring with you to the beach.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Bride Test

by Helen Hoang

I had so much fun last summer reading the first book in this series, The Kiss Quotient, that I’m excited to have a follow-up novel to read so quickly. The main character in this book was a side character in the previous book, although the story line seems to be similar with unrequited love and family meddling woven together into a single story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler

by Kelly Harms

The plot is simple enough – a single mom escapes to the big city (without her kids) for the summer and finds a love interest that turns her world upside down and makes her reconsider her life choices. Even though it’s a pretty basic premise, good beach reads are always in order for summer – and this is one of my picks because of how hilarious the writing is supposed to be!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Thriller

Her Daughter’s Mother

by Daniela Petrova

I am drawn to this book partly because its premise is interesting – what happens when an infertile woman accidentally meets (and intentionally befriends!) the woman who is her anonymous egg donor to have a baby. Also, I am admittedly drawn to read something with a title character named Lana – just like me! While the initial details of the book make it sound like a human interest story, the thriller aspect comes into play when the egg donor goes missing and Lana might have been the last person to see her before the mysterious disappearance.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

My Lovely Wife

by Samantha Downing

A typical suburban couple with kids gets bored and then somehow decides the secret to keeping their marriage exciting is getting away with murder. Literally. I admittedly know very little about the book since I don’t want to ruin the suspense and surprise of reading it. But it sounds like a fun page-turner not unlike the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith that will definitely entertain.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The River

by Peter Heller

Set in the great outdoors of northern Canada, the peace of the natural surroundings are disturbed when two college friends overhear an argument between a man and a woman and then later see . . . only the man, paddling alone on the river. Again, I’ve prevented myself from reading anything that might spoil the story for me, but it sounds like this one gets pretty real, since descriptions talk about desperate wilderness survival. Don’t read this one on a camping trip!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

When comparisons are made to Agatha Christie, one of my favorite mystery authors, I know this book is for me. A high-powered, seemingly successful marriage ends when the main character shoots and kills her husband one night the moment she sees him. And then goes completely silent. The book details the criminal psychologist who works with this silent patient to try and unravel the mystery of why.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Historical Fiction

Death is Hard Work

by Khaled Khalifa

Although Syria is not featured prominently in the news most days, rebel activity and humanitarian issues continue. So picture the scene set by this Syrian author, imagining a man whose final wish is to be buried in the tumultuous Aleppo region in the family plot. Once the surviving children decide to honor their father’s last request, the story unfolds. I don’t know that I’ve read any books set in Syria, and am looking forward to learning a bit about it through this fictional story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Inland

by Téa Obreht

This book won’t even come out until August 2019, but after devouring the author’s previous novel The Tiger’s Wife, I couldn’t leave this pick off my summer reading list, as I hope to read it while it’s still summer. Obrecht’s novels are part-historical, part-magical in her gorgeous storytelling style, with details unfolding in a way that completely captivates me. I’m also eager to read a historical novel set in Arizona Territory in the late 1800s after my recent Scottsdale trip.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Old Drift

by Namwali Serpell

I am drawn to what sounds like a James Michener style fictional tale spanning three families and several generations in Zambia, and based on a historical autobiography of Percy M. Clark called The Autobiography of An Old Drifter. It’s quite an ambitious scope for a debut novel, and I can’t wait to be transported to another place and time following along.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Vintage 1954

by Antoine Laurain

Like Inland above, this novel is part historical fiction and part fantasy. Drinking a bottle of Beaujolais wine from 1954 transports a bunch of modern day apartment dwellers to Paris of the 1950s, where they soak up the culture of that period while trying to find a way back to 2017. While technically historical, this is exactly the kind of wine-fueled exploration and light reading that is ideal for summer getaways.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

In case you missed them, check out my previous Travel Savvy Gal (TSG) Summer Reading Lists for *even more* summer reading inspiration:

TSG Summer Reading List 2017

TSG Summer Reading List 2018

Books to Read on Vacation: (More) Fiction

Daisy Jones & The Six

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This sounds to me like the book version of a cross between the cult classic movie This is Spinal Tap and Almost Famous. Set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the book is about a journalist seeing the inside workings of a hugely successful band of the era, and I love this idea for what a different type of novel this is. Reid is also the author of the popular The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so if you liked that, this summer reading book may be for you!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Home Remedies

by Xuan Juliana Wang

This debut short story collection explores issues of Chinese youth, in China and America, touching on other serious and cultural themes as well. I always find summertime to be great for short stories, because you can breeze through an entire single narrative in one afternoon.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Queenie

by Candice Carty-Williams

If British humor – or should I say humour – is your thing, this summer read might be up your alley. Centered around a Jamaican British woman who breaks up with her long-time white boyfriend, there are more complex issues of race at play as you follow her string of bad decisions in the wake of the breakup. It sounds like somewhere between total fluff and a serious read.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

The Editor

by Steven Rowley

This one is vaguely historical fiction, but only because Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis features prominently, and is mostly a regular tale with a famous character inserted. Other than Mrs. Onassis serving as one of the two main characters, this book really sounds like it is about the relationship between her as “The Editor” at publishing house and a budding author who is struggling to finish a manuscript about his dysfunctional family. Of course boundaries are blurred, and the editor and writer relationship becomes the story. I want to read this both for the historical aspect and the focus on books – which I obviously love!

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Memoir

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

by Tembi Locke

I’ve been back living in the United States almost as long as I lived in Milan, but I am still feeling like a former expat adjusting and continue to miss Italy. So of course I was drawn to this memoir by the mention of Sicily in the title alone, not to mention the story beginning when the author experiences love at first sight encountering a professional chef on a street in Florence. Of course, nothing is ever simple when an Italian family is involved, and I can’t wait to follow along for this story.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

by Dani Shapiro

I am not one to do any of the genetic tests out there, but plenty of others are. Even just in my circle of friends, I have heard stories of surprise relatives or unexpected paternity. I know just enough to know that this is a not uncommon phenomenon and there are even support groups on the internet for people who are struggling with these unearthed family secrets. What I didn’t realize is that there is a also a book detailing one person’s surprise discovery about her father and how she reconciles it with the person she thought she was.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Books to Read on Vacation: Non-Fiction

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

by Caroline Criado Pérez

I am fascinated by the premise of this one, talking about the inherent design bias of fields as vastly different as medicine and the automotive industry. I’m interested in reading it because it doesn’t sound like just a litany of complaints by women, but instead is a reasoned, intellectual look at the assumptions we take for granted in the everyday world.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War

by Leymah Gbowee and Carol Mithers

Although this account was published in 2011, I only just heard of this book of how women in Liberia of different religious backgrounds banded together to lead a war-torn nation to peace. I love a feel-good story as part of my summer reading, and it’s even better when it’s true.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

by David Epstein

As a blogger, I keep hearing how important it is to have a focused niche where you are *the expert.* Which is all well and good for many people out there, but I really feel equally enamored about so many aspects of travel – adventure, culture, food, wine, expat life – and so I write about them all! I am hoping this book gives me a bit of validation, and am curious to see the flip side of Malcolm Gladwell’s argument in Outliers that 10,000 of hours of focused practice will lead you to mastery and success.

Check book and e-book availability HERE.

In case you missed them, check out my previous Travel Savvy Gal (TSG) Summer Reading Lists for *even more* summer reading inspiration:

TSG Summer Reading List 2017

TSG Summer Reading List 2018

Phew, that was a lot!

Obviously when I started looking into books to read on vacation this summer, I found quite a lot of amazing options to dive into. I can’t wait for summer travel – and summer reading – and hope you’ve found some great reading inspiration for the coming months as well.

Happy travels! And happy reading!

Lana

Any books on this list that you’re already reading and loving? What other books to read on vacation would you recommend for my summer reading? Let me know your summer reading recommendations below!

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Fun Facts About Detroit: Things to Know Before You Visit
Fun Facts About Detroit: Things to Know Before You Visit

November 29, 2017 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 18 comments

“Why are you going to Detroit?”

“For fun.”

A blank stare ensues. Apparently no one goes to Detroit for fun. And my answer is not yet sufficient.

So I continue after the pause, “I have some friends who live there that I’m visiting.”

There it is, suddenly. The knowing, almost imperceptible nod of approval.

And it bothers me. So I interject –

“I hear they have a really great food scene there, I’m excited to check it out. If I didn’t want to go to Detroit, I would have asked my friends to meet me somewhere else. I’m going because I want to go.”

And that statement basically covers it, I went because I wanted to. And I had a blast because it’s a great city. Oh yeah, my friends are pretty wonderful and amazing, too =)

Most people know the city of Detroit, Michigan as an industrial giant (which it is), but these days there is oh-so-much-more to experience when you go, and my head was swimming with fun facts about Detroit within minutes of my arrival.

I had the benefit of being hosted by two friends when I went – a native and a recent transplant – and getting some great local perspectives. Plus, I had a day of exploring on my own to get yet another view of Detroit, getting even more answers to the question, “What is Detroit known for?

Some fun facts about Detroit that I picked up along the way

Detroit sure is known for a lot of things . . .

It is ‘Motor City.’

Detroit is probably best known for the American car industry giants that call the city home. Many skyscrapers downtown are named for the big three: Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. And despite the financial struggles of the last decade, they are all still a strong presence in the city.

But Quicken Loans is catching up quick.

It’s not the only large financial company based in Detroit (Ally Bank also has its headquarters there), but in Detroit these days, Quicken is larger than life. The company has been expanding its footprint, and famous founder Dan Gilbert now owns a whopping amount of downtown Detroit.

Detroit is equally well-known for its music.

Sure, I knew about the legacy of Motown and rapper Eminem. And that there’s even a Motown Museum in town. So I wasn’t surprised to hear plenty of tunes from that era playing at the Food Bank Fundraiser/wine tasting event I went to my first night in town.

Less expected ‘Detroit music’ heard that night? San Francisco area band Journey’s ballad “Don’t Stop Believin’,” when everyone in the room belted out the line “born and raised in south Detroit.” Ah yes (that was the moment I realized Detroit was in that song). Except that there is no such thing as south Detroit.

Detroit-area local Kid Rock gets some pretty good air time on local radio stations still. And The White Stripes are also hometown sweethearts, further cemented by the now local Jack White-owned Third Man Records, which was a blast to visit.

Detroit has a Zero Mile (Point of Origin), but it’s not as easy to find as you’d think.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Baebblgn-ZC/

Rapper Eminem’s movie 8 Mile brought Detroit into the public consciousness, and given that there are many mile roads throughout the city, I thought finding the marker of the zero mile spot would be a breeze. Not as famous as I think it should be, you’ll find it if you look hard enough in the right place!

READ MORE: My experience Finding Zero Mile in Detroit

There’s a vibrant craft beer scene.

Perhaps its the sheer number of breweries that hail from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but I definitely associate the American Midwest with beer. Detroit doesn’t disappoint on this front, with many craft breweries in the city and surrounding areas. I made it to two on my recent weekend trip – Axle Brewing Company & Batch Brewing Company – and both not only had great beer selections but some gourmet food options to give you every reason to linger.

And a cocktail scene, too.

Less expected for me was the Detroit cocktail scene, with expertly crafted cocktails that rival the best bars in London and New York. We’re talking crazy flavor combinations, house-infused spirits, and expert mixologists making your taste buds swoon. Sugar House and Standby have some great cocktails. Sit at the bar for a front row seat to the action.

Plus, it’s the only American city with all 4 major sports arenas downtown.

It may not seem like a big deal to have the major arenas all downtown, but professional sports are a huge draw, and represents an influx of money into a downtown that needs the investment. Plus, it’s an easy stroll to the various Detroit arenas. Fun fact: not intentionally, but I passed them all just strolling around!

Lots of immigrants have left their mark.

Without even seeking out ethnic neighborhoods, I encountered quite a few during my weekend in Detroit. Centrally located downtown is Greektown, which you’ll spot almost instantly by the blocks of restaurants serving up Greek cuisine. Corktown, the Irish part of the city, has plenty of restaurants and bars alongside buildings showcasing the neighborhood heritage, like the Gaelic League.

And while I didn’t make it to Dearborn, known for its Arab population and the largest mosque in North America, I knew of its prominence. You’ll also see plenty of British influence around town, from the layout of the Grand Circus to the ‘upper peninsula pasty’ on offer at local spots.

Joe Louis.

Known for being a boxing heavyweight champion for over a decade in the 1930s and most of the 1940s, Joe Louis is considered by many to be America’s first black hero, seen as a national hero and not just for the color of his skin. His physical prowess also came at a time of national unity aimed at fighting the Nazis during World War II. It is in this context that you visit the sculpture of Joe Louis’s fist in the heart of downtown, as a show of strength for the man who moved to Detroit at the start of his teenage years and achieved his successes from his time in the city.

Street art is everywhere – even parking garages have crazy artwork!

There is a lot of street art all over Detroit, but in a parking lot?!? Yes, that’s where you’ll find some of the best stuff! Head to the Gallery for the Z Project to check out winding walls of creation after creation. And keep your eyes open around town, too 😉

Canada is right there.

Before my trip I spent some time poring over the Detroit map to get acclimated, and that’s when I realized just how close Canada is – a short distance just across the river. Walking the waterfront, the expanse definitely seemed swim-able, although with boats and the bridge going across, a dip in the water wouldn’t have been necessary.

Detroit was a major outpost on the Underground Railroad.

Thanks to its proximity to Canada, Detroit was a huge part of the Underground Railroad, serving as many slaves’ final stop before freedom on the far side of the river. Surprisingly, this fact didn’t come up in any of my reading about Detroit, and was only something I noticed in my wanderings on foot. There is a large memorial on the RiverWalk and museum exhibits as well as churches that served as safe houses. You’ll also see smaller plaques at various buildings strolling around downtown if you’re paying attention:

Pewabic Pottery should be decorating your house.

Another item I had never heard of before this trip, Pewabic Pottery has been around for over a century and is Michigan’s only historic pottery. It’s signature glaze gives it a unique sheen, and Pewabic tiles are used locally in fireplaces, kitchen counters, and anything else you can imagine. Even if you’re not planning on a purchase, visiting the National Historic Landmark is free and you can peruse various artists’ take on the style. I couldn’t resist the appeal, and took home some Pewabic art of my own:

They sure love their Art Deco in Detroit.

A lot of historic buildings in Detroit have stood the test of time, so there are plenty of Art Deco gems lurking in easy walking distance of one another downtown, with a few further afield. Most famous are the Guardian and Penobscot Buildings, which you can see in all their fabulous glory:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ9XSrjHLPk/

Watch out for those Michigan lefts.

I had never heard of this, but if you’re driving around Michigan, taking a Michigan left at some point is probably inevitable. It’s sort of like a u-turn, sort of like an on ramp going from the left lane of the road to the left lane heading the opposite direction. Definitely proceed with caution.

Coney dogs are a thing.

As a native Brooklynite, anything named ‘Coney’ conjures up the sights and smells of iconic New York destination Coney Island. In Detroit, ‘coney dogs’ were recommended to me again and again as a local specialty that is consumed at all times of day, and especially late night on a weekend. And depending on who you ask, hot dogs originated at New York’s Coney Island, while the ‘coney dog’ is a Michigan original, consisting of a hot dog topped with beanless chili, mustard, and chopped raw onion. Eater has a thorough take on the history and controversy of the ‘coney dog.’

Cider Mills are an autumn must do!

These weren’t on my radar before my trip, but that’s the benefit of visiting a city with locals – it was on the itinerary to go to a cider mill even before I arrived. They’ve been in Michigan since the mid-1800s and there are dozens around, many offering pony rides, petting zoos, and carnival games to entertain families with children. But the main attraction is the locally made apple cider – whether chilled, piping hot, or in slushee form – and the incredibly fresh donuts that come in original and cinnamon sugar varieties. Even if you don’t stay long, it’s worth a wait in the long line to score these goodies!

As you can tell, I ate and drank well in Detroit, while taking in some beautiful scenery and sights. There is definitely more than meets the eye, and certainly more than I expected. It felt like I was almost constantly recording brief notes with all of the fun facts about Detroit. And I didn’t even get to explore everything.

Yet another reason to get out there and explore places for yourself!

Happy Travels!
Lana

What’s the most interesting thing you learned about a place while visiting? Anything fun facts about Detroit you’ve discovered? Or anything else you’d like to know before you go? Share in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Top Travel Destinations of 2019
Top Travel Destinations of 2019

January 8, 2019 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 2 comments

Happy new year!

This year is starting off in an unusual way for me – it’s January and other than a weekend trip by train to New York City, I don’t have a single trip planned yet.

Which means I’m in as much a need of some travel direction as everyone else who hasn’t made any big travel plans for the year ahead.

For my top travel destinations to recommend for 2019, I’ve included a mix of locations hosting special events worth seeking out and also some new, not-too-overrun spots to check out. My past lists have mostly focused on countries, but this year’s list has a few specific cities and sites as well.

And for the first time, it’s divided into sections: New Recommendations for 2019 & Previous Recommendations I’m Highlighting. With some great spots I’ve never featured before and also some previous destinations that are especially great to consider this year.

Without further ado, I present – in alphabetical order – this year’s top 6 new travel picks:

Berlin (Germany)

If you’ve never been to Berlin, the first image of the city that may come to mind is a view of the wall coming down. Which is exactly what the city commemorates this year – the 30^th anniversary of reunification. The Berlin Wall did not fall until November of 1989, however there will be a lot of special exhibits and events throughout the entirety of 2019.

Even separate from the historical significance this year, Berlin is such a cosmopolitan city that it is a great destination anytime.

While plenty of museums focus on the Wall, there is a wealth of other museums like you’d find in any other capital. Excellent food options abound, including many ethnic restaurants, and like any good German city, there is a great beer. Oh, and as you’ll see in the Cheat Sheet below, no shortage of beautiful rooftop views of the metropolis.

READ MORE: Berlin Cheat Sheet

READ MORE: Photo Journey through Berlin’s East Side Gallery

Cambodia

Cambodia is best known for the Angkor Wat temple complexes, which was the main draw when I visited. For me it was one of those places (like Petra in Jordan) that really exceeded expectations. Don’t shortchange yourself and plan to spend at least 2-3 days there exploring, including areas outside of town and closer to nature like Kbal Spean. Plus, the town of Siem Reap keeps developing, with more options every year for exploring local culture and sampling traditional Cambodian cuisine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ3aRGHHG2l/

Of course, Cambodia has a lot more to offer beyond its most famous attraction, with plenty of notable cities, beaches, nature, and wildlife areas throughout the country. As most of the tourism centers on Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, you’ll have more relaxed experiences in capital Phnom Penh, in smaller towns, and along most of its coastline.

Chile

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Did you miss the total solar eclipse in the US in 2017? I saw the partial eclipse from the roof of my office building, but after hearing others’ accounts of witnessing the complete darkness (or totality), I definitely want to see that for myself. In July of 2019, there is another total solar eclipse coming this time to South America, and many consider Chile to be the best viewing spot. If you’d like to go, now is the time to plan for it.

Georgia

The country of Georgia is probably the item that has been highest on my bucket list for the longest, without me actually having visited yet. So, why go? Like many former Soviet republics, a lot of its wonders were hidden from most of the world during the second half of the twentieth century, but there is so much to entice tourists to this nation bordering the Black Sea.

Georgia has an 8,000 year (!!) history of winemaking, the longest of any country. Once known as the “Tuscany of the Soviet Union,” for decades Russia was Georgia’s main wine consumer, but in recent decades since the break up of the Soviet Union, its wine is more readily available to everyone else. There are incredible monasteries to check out, many of which also produce wine. And like any good wine culture, the food is also amazing.

Enjoying Georgian specialties at Supra restaurant in Washington, DC

I recently enjoyed Georgian food and wine at a local restaurant, and I’m even more obsessed than before!

Norway

Even if you’ve never been to Norway, you’ve probably heard about its dramatic fjords and natural beauty. Sure, you can be a tourist and stick to the cities, but this really is a destination suited to a traveler who enjoys the great outdoors. In summer, boat cruises in the fjords abound. On land, whether its taking a funicular up to enjoy some sweeping views, or hiking up to the same spot, it is stunningly beautiful to take in. In winter, there is snowy exploring, from seeing polar bears in the wild to a chance at viewing the Northern Lights.

Like the rest of Scandinavia, Norway is probably a bit pricey compared to where you currently live, however if you’re planning on a lot of hiking your costs can be kept pretty reasonable. Plus, there are many discount air carriers that go, so transport costs can be quite affordable as well.

The up side of Norway for tourists – like any Scandinavian destination – is that the country is quite safe and English is widely spoken.

The biggest surprise for me on my recent visit was the food. There are the fun, heart-shaped Norwegian waffles and some upscale, Michelin-starred options in the major cities, especially the nature-adjacent oil city of Stavanger.

READ MORE: Where to Eat in Stavanger, Norway: Surprise Foodie Destination

TIP! Just be conscious of the seasons when you plan your trip, as the warm period is pretty limited to June-August, depending on where exactly in Norway you’re headed.

(Any City) USA

It used to be that America’s smaller cities did not have much to offer the well-traveled visitor, but I’ve noticed quite a change in recent years. With restaurant trends toward locally-inspired products and more and more people identifying as “foodies,” even off-the-beaten-path cities can be excellent travel destinations with ample delicious dining options for a weekend of exploring.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised myself in places like…

Boise, Idaho

Charlottesville, Virginia

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVQmk07grgO/

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ9XSrjHLPk/

I hear great things about…

Asheville, North Carolina
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

And there are plenty of other American cities out there with increasingly more to offer any tourist, and I always find it fun to explore places before they become too popular with other travelers.

READ MORE: How to Spend a Weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia

READ MORE: Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia

READ MORE: Fun Facts: Things to Know about Detroit Before You Visit

This year’s list of new spots is shorter than in previous years, but that’s because so many of my past recommendations are still so timely.

Here are 5 of the destinations I’ve featured previously that are also excellent choices for 2019 travel:

Australia

This country/continent has been a great value destination recently and is even more so for the coming year. There has been a recent further dip in currency, which is bad for my bank account, but great value for travelers who’ve been hesitant about visiting due to cost.

READ MORE: 10 Things to Know about Kangaroos Before You Visit Australia

READ MORE: The Best Tour of the Sydney Opera House

READ MORE: 12 Things to Expect on a Visit to Perth

READ MORE: Best Eating While Camping in WA’s Southern Forests

Belize

This Central American gem from the 2018 list continues to be one of the safest and easiest (English-speaking!) travel options in that part of the world.

READ MORE: 9 Reasons to Make Belize Your Next Travel Destination

READ MORE: Exploring Belize’s ATM Cave

READ MORE: Fun Facts: Things to Know about Belize Before You Visit

READ MORE: How to Eat Like a Local in Belize

Liechtenstein

This micro-nation (from the 2017 list) is celebrating its tricentennial – its 300^th anniversary! – this year and will also have a host of special events taking place like some of the other destinations above. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already planning to visit Innsbruck (Austria), Munich (Germany), or Zurich (Switzerland).

READ MORE: Visiting Liechtenstein: A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Oman

This is another 2017 list pick that is already popping up on many other travel lists this year and continues to be a hot spot for discovering an authentic slice of the Middle East.

READ MORE: Top 12 Things to Do in Oman

READ MORE: Ways Hospitality in Oman Will Wow You

READ MORE: 9 Reasons Why a Road Trip Is The Best Way to See Oman

Plovdiv (Bulgaria)

Bulgaria made my 2017 list of Top Travel Destinations, and it’s making a return appearance because my favorite city there, Plovdiv, has been designated a 2019 European Capital of Culture. Not only is it an ancient Roman city with plenty of ruins to explore, food in Plovdiv is delicious, and some of Bulgaria’s excellent wine country is nearby. Take advantage of the area especially catering to tourists and providing countless special events by visiting this year.

READ MORE: 11 Incredible Reasons to Visit Plovdiv, Bulgaria

READ MORE: Best Light Shows Around the World

Certainly there is no shortage of amazing destinations to seek out, regardless of what kind of trip you’re after. What I find to be the most important thing is to make a plan for a year of travel early on, so the months don’t slip by without taking a trip.

Get inspired. And then get out there!

See all of my past annual travel destination recommendations here:

READ MORE: Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

READ MORE: Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2017

I still stand by them all.

Happy travels in the new year, everyone!!

What destinations are inspiring you for 2019 travel? Anywhere I missed that would be a great destination this year? What travel do you already have planned for 2019? Let me know more in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon: Day Trip from Las Vegas, Nevada
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon: Day Trip from Las Vegas, Nevada

March 7, 2018 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 14 comments

Perfectly situated for an ideal city escape, Las Vegas has the casinos, restaurants, & attractions you’d expect, but even standing among the bright lights of the Strip you can still see the desert beyond. And fortunately, natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon are just a short drive away.

How do you escape the tourist hordes that flock from the city to Red Rock Canyon? By going rock climbing of course!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbjskCEntkN/?hl=en&taken-by=travelsavvygal

There are so many climbing spots that you can escape the main paths and get up close and personal with the red rock formations all around, and there are climbing routes for every ability level – even if you’ve never climbed before.

I knew before I even booked my trip to Vegas that I wanted to rock climb in Red Rock Canyon while I was there (I’ve been climbing over 20 years & climb whenever I can in my travels!) so sought out a guide for the day who knows the area and could provide equipment for the day.

In the end I went rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon with Mountain Skills, a small company accustomed to providing a personalized experience. They connect you with a local, knowledgeable guide whose goal is for YOU to have an incredible time.

After my rewarding full day out on the rock with guide Taylor, I can definitely say, “mission accomplished.”

Rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon

Rock climbing was the first thing I knew I wanted to do on a trip to Las Vegas – and yes, this is even before any of the casinos, restaurants, or shows on the Strip! Red Rock Canyon is stunningly beautiful, and my day rock climbing there was a definite highlight of my time in Vegas.

Of course I knew the canyon was named after the red-colored rock you find there, but I was still taken aback by how the rocks and dirt are just so red. If you’ve ever been to Australia’s ‘Red Centre,’ you know what I’m talking about. Plus, throughout Red Rock Canyon there are really interesting rock formations that extend for miles – a rock climbing dream!

It was just me and the guide rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, so I had a completely personalized experience tailored to what I had discussed with Mountain Skills when booking the day and also with guide Taylor that morning. I did a bunch of easier long climbs, then after warming up moved on to some challenging sections.

Even though I’ve been rock climbing a long time, it’s always exhilarating when I reach the top of a climb – muscles pumped, heart racing, the satisfaction of hitting my target – and then taking a pause at the end of the climb to let my body and breathing catch up. The whole experience is magnified being outdoors in beautiful surroundings, soaking up a breathtaking view from the top.

The satisfaction of rock climbing outdoors is just as good if it’s your 1^st climb or your 1,000^th climb.

Of course, what goes up must come down, and I also had a blast rappelling down several of the climbs.

Usually when there is someone belaying you on the rope, that person would just lower you down. My guide, Taylor, was great about asking about whether I wanted to rappel and setting up the ropes so I could lower myself – which meant going at a speed of my choosing and also being able to stop at various points and just take in the amazing views.

Sure, it’s nice to hike around Red Rock Canyon (which plenty of visitors were doing) but there is just a different, satisfying perspective that you get hanging off the edge of a giant rock face.

When my hands were tired and my muscles were sore, I also had a chance to explore some of the red rocks on foot, and take in some pretty incredible landscapes.

And the road that runs through Red Rock Canyon is a 13-mile one-way loop, so there’s a scenic drive through the entire area on the way out at the end of the climbing day.

Why I seek out a rock climbing guide when I travel

If you were reading closely up until now, you may have caught the fact that I have been rock climbing for over two decades. Even though I started many years ago, I still enjoy it so much that I go several times a week when I’m at home.

I also seek out rock climbing when I travel as much as I can, and so far have rock climbed outside in 7 countries! (Australia, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, & the US for those of you keeping track.)

You might be thinking at this point – “Lana, you sure sound experienced, so why do you rock climb with a guide on the road?”

For me, there are a few factors that tip the scales. Unless I am rock climbing close to where I live with climbing buddies I trust, I always seek out a guide.

If you’re not already familiar with rock climbing, unless you engage in the nail-bitingly dangerous (and often lethal) sport of free climbing with no safety gear, you tend to climb with another person.

If you are ascending with a rope, you’ll want a skilled person on the other end of the rope to serve as your “belayer,” holding onto the rope and ready to catch you if you fall at a moment’s notice. Even if you’re “bouldering” – doing shorter sections that don’t go as high off the ground – you’ll want someone to spot you and help break your fall if needed.

My travel these days is about half solo travel and half traveling with someone else or a group. Even on those trips where I have a traveling companion, it’s very rare though that I am traveling with a fellow rock climber.

Which means I’ll need someone else to rock climb anyway. A guide.

Benefits of a guide

For me, there are a few key benefits of having a guide for outdoor rock climbing, which is why I seek out guided rock climbing in my travels again and again.

Access to the rock climbing route.

Depending on where you are in the world, it’s not always so obvious or accessible to get to the area with rock climbing routes. For climbing on an island in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam or far away from the tourist hubs in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt or inside a cave in northern Thailand, going with a guide typically means they will transport you to what may be a hard-to-find or hard-to-access climbing locale. And you don’t have to worry about getting lost on the way!

Knowledge of rock climbing areas.

When I’ve climbed outdoors without a guide it’s only been in countries I was living in (the US and Italy) because I went often enough to be familiar with the routes or had a guidebook or went with a local friend who knew the climbing areas – or all three!

If you have a thorough guidebook with reliable information, you may be able to find climbing areas on your own, but in the end nothing beats local knowledge of climbing areas from the people who rock climb there regularly. Books can be out of date and storms can rearrange landscapes, so even with a good source, a person to serve as a guide is still the best bet.

Rock climbing equipment.

First off, if you’ve never rock climbed before or have only tried it a few times, you probably don’t have any rock climbing equipment of your own. Which is fine, because your guide can provide this!

For any frequent rock climbers out there with their own gear like me may encounter some of the other challenges I’ve faced. Several of the trips when I’ve gone rock climbing have been part of 2-4 week journeys of me backpacking around, meaning that luggage space was tight. It is both bulky and heavy to bring climbing equipment with you on the road if you’re not traveling by car. You may not want to lug it around for your whole trip.

On my most recent trip to Vegas when I climbed in Red Rock Canyon, I flew a discount carrier that only allowed one small bag of luggage. And just imagine how bulky and heavy 70 meters (over 200 feet) of rope can be!

Usually I’ll bring my own climbing shoes that I’ve already broken in – and sometimes my own harness – but leave it up to the guide to provide the majority of the gear needed for a rock climbing excursion outside.

Arranging rock climbing with Mountain Skills

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve done a fair bit of guided rock climbing in many countries, and Mountain Skills was one of my all-time easiest experiences from start to finish. It was easy to arrange through the website, the team was communicative and clear about what was needed and included, and the day itself went smoothly.

The model of Mountain Skills is to have a bunch of potential guides in all their locations, including by Red Rock Canyon, so they were able to accommodate my first choice of date. I received detailed instructions to the meeting point and about what was needed as well as prompt communication when the original guide was sick and someone else came in her place.

My office contact discussed my ability level beforehand so that my ultimate guide Taylor knew in advance which areas would be best for the day. This is the time to communicate what you’re comfortable with or interested in doing for the day, so don’t be shy!

Even if you’re not going to Las Vegas any time soon, Mountain Skills also has experienced guides in other parts of the US, like upstate New York and New Mexico, as well as international rock climbing opportunities in Mexico and Thailand.

There is the option for half-day or full-day climbing, as well as multi-pitch for more advanced climbers, with the price per person depending on the number of people in your group. Groups are kept deliberately small to give you personalized attention and keep everyone safe.

In Las Vegas, summers can get very hot, so peak rock climbing season is during the spring and fall.

For insurance reasons you need a vehicle to access Red Rock Canyon from the city, but I found it quite reasonable to rent a car for the day – and I even got a free upgrade from my basic economy option to a blue Mustang convertible.

TIP! Many hotels have car rental places inside, so even if you’re staying on the Las Vegas Strip, you may have some good nearby options for this.

TIP! If you can’t find what you’re looking for at your hotel or a nearby one, it’s a quick ride to the airport to rent a car from the wider selection there.

I had a wonderful experience and would definitely climb with Mountain Skills again, and hope to make it make to the dramatic landscapes of Red Rock Canyon for some more rock climbing!

What activities do you seek out in your travels? Have you every tried rock climbing? What gets you into the great outdoors when you’re visiting a city? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Note: I received a discount in exchange for sharing my rock climbing experience with Mountain Skills on my blog. My opinions, as always, are entirely my own.

Travel Bucket List: Best Light Shows Around the World
Travel Bucket List: Best Light Shows Around the World

February 7, 2018 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 8 comments

I didn’t necessarily set out to see some of the most renowned light shows around the world, it just sort of happened.

I first knew that I’d write this blog post when I was visiting Dubai late in 2016 not long after a visit to Singapore, two of the more famous places to see light shows on a grand scale. And that was after another memorable light show I took in earlier that year.

But something was missing.

VEGAS.

Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the more famous places in the world to catch a light and fountain show on a grand scale, and is well visited by Americans and foreigners alike. I just hadn’t been. Yet.

With my recent trip to Las Vegas late last year, I feel like I’ve now completed the main places you can enjoy the collective entertainment of the outdoor spectacle that is the light show.

And the best part?

All of these are FREE and open to the public.

Many of them even have fountains putting on a show with colored lights and music. And all are worth seeking out when you’re on the road!

Best Light Shows Around the World

Barcelona, Spain

Image via Pixabay

I was debating including this one on the list, but it is beloved by so many and the only spot on this list in Western Europe, so here it is – the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This is a comprehensive light display with a wide range of colors and fun, themed medleys to go along with the show, that both children and adults can appreciate. Showtimes can be found HERE.

TIP! The Magic Fountain only runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (Wednesday – Sunday in summer), so plan your visit accordingly!

READ MORE: How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Barcelona

Dubai, UAE

If you’re visiting the Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, you’ll already be up close and personal for the record-breaking show at the Dubai Fountain that you can view with the looming skyscraper as the backdrop. The nuance of the choreography of the fountains is mesmerizing and the shapes and light are quite the spectacle. Most shows take place during the evening hours, every 30 minutes. Details about the relatively new paid viewing platform and exact showtimes are HERE.

TIP! Viewing spots fill up quickly so get there early to stake out a good vantage point on the show.

READ MORE: Top 10 Things to See & Do at the Dubai Mall (That Aren’t Shopping!)

Hong Kong

Image via Pixabay

The Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong only runs once a night at 8:00pm, but it is worth seeking out because it involves over 40 buildings across Victoria Harbour! There is also music to accompany the show, which you can hear live at two designated spots or you know, listen on your phone because there’s an app for that. I enjoyed catching it outdoors with the live music at the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) waterfront, which has the same communal feel you’ll get at the other light shows around the world.

TIP! You can also watch the show in all directions by taking a ride on the Star Ferry across the Harbour during the show.

READ MORE: How to Make the Most of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

You’ll have plenty of chances to see the Fountain Show at the Bellagio, which repeats multiple times every afternoon and evening, with different choreography and musical accompaniment. Although the Bellagio Fountains perform more often than the other light shows on this list, the length of each show is shorter – typically under 5 minutes for the length of a single song. But there is nothing like the rush of being close to the power and force of the fountains during the show, which can impressively shoot jets of water nearly 500 feet (over 150 meters) into the air!

TIP! If you want to see the show more than once, aim for an evening time when it repeats every 15 minutes.

TIP! Stand a bit to one of the sides for the best angle on the show and if you’re close be wary of the spray when the wind catches.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is probably the least well-known town on this list, but one with an incredibly impressive and lengthy light and fountain show that kept me mesmerized for a good part of the evening. Known as the Singing Fountains, the water and light show that ensues does not disappoint. Plovdiv has also been named a European Capital of Culture for 2019 and CNN thinks it will be the next big European destination, so get there soon before the rest of the crowds do!

TIP! The Fountains only run on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, so plan your visit accordingly!

READ MORE: 11 Incredible Reasons to Visit Plovdiv, Bulgaria – in pictures!

Singapore (Gardens by the Bay)

The ‘trees’ of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay have solar cells to gather power during the day to fuel each night’s light and music spectacular. Showing twice nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, I only caught this my last night in town – had I been earlier, I would have come back every night of my trip! The musical theme rotates every two months, and as someone admittedly obsessed with live theater and musicals, I was lucky enough to visit when the show was Broadway-themed:

Singapore (Marina Bay Sands)

Image via Pixabay

You may know the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore more for its iconic rooftop infinity pool, but the light show there is just as impressive – and open for all. There is some serious technology involved in creating the Spectra Light and Water Show here nightly, and it is so massive it can be seen from high vantage points all over the city. It is also one of the longest shows on this list, providing 15 minutes of color and wonder.

READ MORE: 11 Ways Singapore is Like Hong Kong – And Why You Should Visit Both!

Light Shows to Check Out Next

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and now that I’ve enjoyed so many, more light shows are definitely on the horizon for me. Also on my radar for future travel:

Haifa, Israel

Okay, so this one doesn’t even exist yet, but a light show is coming soon to this city on the Mediterranean. I was less than impressed with the nightlife options in Haifa when I first visited nearly 20 years ago, and this latest investment is in part to extend the evening entertainment options in the city. This is planning to launch in late 2018, so stay tuned!

READ MORE: Insider Bucket List – Top 20 Experiences to Seek Out in Israel

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I didn’t even know this one existed until I recently saw a photo on Instagram! Another Asian metropolis joins the ranks of Hong Kong and Singapore in the race to outdo one another when it comes to their city light spectaculars. I’ll definitely seek this one out the next time I’m in Asia.

What light shows have you seen around the world? Which ones stand out most? Any that are missing from this list? Share away in the ‘Comments’ below!

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Finding Zero Mile in Detroit
Finding Zero Mile in Detroit

October 20, 2017 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 13 comments

“You’re going to Detroit? Why? Isn’t in dangerous there?”

It’s a question I received again and again leading up to my long weekend in Detroit, Michigan, to spend time with friends from Milan, Italy (random, I know). Not only was I looking forward to catching up with them, but also to exploring an American city I had never visited for the first time.

And then, the inevitable follow-up question in the conversation would come: “Isn’t that where the movie 8 Mile was filmed?”

It seems that most Americans’ (and foreigners’) ideas of Detroit come from the movie 8 Mile, based in large part on rapper Eminem’s upbringing and struggles growing up in the rough neighborhoods around the road ‘8 Mile’ in Detroit, a de facto dividing line between black and white, and poor and rich communities still.

Given that the Detroit reference point for most people was a road counting out 8 miles from the center of town – and that there are lots of other “mile” roads counting out from the city before and after it – I expected the central point, or zero mile marker, to be obvious.

But let’s back up a little bit.

Kilometer Zeros Around the World

As most of the world is on the metric system, it is far more typical to see a ‘kilometer zero’ than a ‘zero mile’ marker, but there are plenty of both to be found all over (thanks, British Empire).

For anyone who’s visited the famous Cathedral Notre-Dame in Paris, France, you may have come across this marker perched in the cobblestones out front like I did:

It was a bit of a ritual for me to seek out the point from which all roads in France are measured, especially in such a lovely locale in Paris’s center.

Although I haven’t been to Madrid, Spain yet (I know, I know), there is also a quite prominent zero kilometer marker there as well:

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Like in France, it marks the highway kilometer counts and is also the central point for the numbered roads within the city of Madrid.

While most of the ‘kilometer zero’ markers are still used and prominent today within the specific city or country where they’re located, few I expected to be as iconic and visible as the ‘zero mile’ in a city known for roads like Six Mile, Seven Mile, Eight Mile, Nine Mile, and so on.

The Quest

Surely, I thought that finding the ‘zero mile’ marker of Detroit to be a quick stop on my first day in town. I was mistaken.

I don’t know how this is possible, but no one knew where it was!

Not my friend who was born and raised in Detroit.
Not my friend who moved there recently and lives right downtown.
Not the guard at the nearby courthouse in the Penobscot Building.
Not even park patrol at Campus Martius, the supposed site itself, while standing with a dozen steps of the actual spot.

I finally located the ‘Zero Mile’ in Detroit on my third try, my final day in town, only realizing then that I had actually been standing right next to it my first day exploring.

Detroit’s Zero Mile Marker

So how long had that thing been around anyway, that nobody seems to know about it?

It took quite a bit of searching on the internet across my multiple searches to even find enough information to locate the spot in the end. And was hard to find even when I knew what to look for. Although Detroit has numbered mile roads that led me to seek a ‘Zero Mile,’ the central spot where counting began is actually known primarily as the ‘Point of Origin.’

Historically, Detroit’s current road system was laid out after an 1805 fire that decimated the city despite causing no fatalities. A local judge created a wheel-and-spoke system modeled after Washington DC’s street layout, designating where the mile count would start.

A 6-foot tall square granite pillar was erected to literally mark the spot where the surveying began, although over time it became buried and hidden, only visible at ground level by the accompanying marker, the ‘Point of Origin.’ The Detroit ‘Point of Origin’ marker used to be easier to find, looking like this:

Image: Waymarking

The Campus Martius park had an overhaul as part of downtown renovations and revitalization, with the park being rededicated in 2004, and according to my research was the location of Detroit’s ‘Point of Origin,’

Despite having seen a picture online of what I now know to be the old ‘Zero Mile’ marker, and knowing the narrow park area contained it, I saw nothing even approaching this photo in my strolling.

So what does it look like today?

As you can see, the marker is quite unobtrusive, with the year after the fire only vaguely visible. You’re only likely to find it if you’re specifically seeking it out!

To get there, go to Campus Martius, a prominent oval-shaped park in central Detroit. Go to the side of the fountain facing the restaurant, and there it is, in the ground, right by the entrance:

I’m not sure why Detroit hasn’t kept the old lettering that boldly announced the presence of the ‘zero mile’ marker, Detroit’s ‘Point of Origin.’ But if you’d like, you too can visit the spot where it all began!

Have you visited any ‘zero mile’ or ‘kilometer zero’ markers either in your hometown or in your travels? Or managed to find Detroit’s ‘Point of Origin’ like I did? Tell me all about it in the Comments, I’d love to visit more!

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How to Spend a Weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia
How to Spend a Weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia

September 13, 2017 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

Charlottesville may be a college town, but it is much more than a destination for the University of Virginia.

There are several US presidential estates in the area, most famously Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate, but not only. Charlottesville is nestled in some of the greenest areas of Virginia, offering many opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. And the reason I keep coming back again and again? All of the delicious food and wine all nestled into a small, beautiful area.

It is definitely useful to have a car for a weekend in Charlottesville, because many of the sights you’ll want to see will be out of town. Also, if you’re like me and planning to do a bunch of wine tasting (and purchasing), it is handy to have the trunk of a car to transport it all. And of course, road tripping gives you the ultimate flexibility of how to spend your day.

Read on for all my top recommendations on ‘Things to Do’ and ‘Best Bites & Sips’ for when you visit.

Things To Do

Monticello

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Former presidential estate of Thomas Jefferson, this is probably the most well-known landmark in the area and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tours are required, but you can get a ticket to do this at your own pace, or one that focuses on a specific aspect of the estate, like the lives of slaves on the plantation or Jefferson’s gardening interest and research. In the years since my last trip there, Monticello tourism has exploded, especially in summertime. Definitely try to time your visit for spring or fall, and plan to get an early start to beat the crowds.

TIP! You can get tickets online in advance at a discount, and this will save you waiting in line when you arrive. These are available until midnight the day before your visit.

TIP! There are quite a few quite easy walking trails across the property, so leave additional time if you’d like to explore more on foot beyond the estate and its buildings. A trail map is here.

Highland

Although James Monroe’s Highland Estate was (deliberately) close to Monticello, it attracts far fewer visitors. Certainly it is a smaller estate, but it also limited since the original house burned down at one point. The up side for visitors to the area is that even at the peak of summer travel when other spots are quite busy, you can still stroll in and enjoy the relaxing and quite informative tour of the grounds. A lot is still being discovered on the property, so even if you’ve visited before, it’s worth another look on your next Charlottesville trip.

TIP! Highland is so close to Monticello that it is quite easy to visit both together in a single morning or afternoon.

Explore Nature

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There are a ton of nearby green spaces to explore, most famously Shenandoah National Park and its scenic Skyline Drive. There are also a lot of nearby hikes that you can research through the national park website. There are also trails on the Monticello Estate, see more in the above TIP!

Historic Downtown Mall

This pedestrian area is the social center of Charlottesville and has a great variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants to enjoy over the course of an afternoon or evening (see ‘Best Bites & Sips’ below). Envisioned as an ‘urban park’ there are a ton of outdoor events scheduled here, especially in summer. Plus, there is an ongoing schedule of concerts and festivals at the adjacent Sprint Pavilion.

University of Virginia (UVA) Campus

Even if you’re not a prospective student or the family of one, you might want to explore the campus of the University of Virginia. It was founded by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s and is the only college campus in America that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the campus on your own, or join UVA University Guide Service for one of the historical tours that take place most days at 10am, 11am, and 2pm. There are also tours about the ‘History of Women’ and ‘History of African Americans’ at the University by request.

Alcohol Alley

Nearby Route 151 is not the only place to find great wineries, breweries, and cideries in the Charlottesville area, but it sure has a lot of them – hence how it got nicknamed by locals. Certainly even if you do no research and have no plan for tasting the local libations, you can explore along this road and follow the excellent signage to pop into a few random spots. Silverback Distillery below was an impulse stop along this stretch of road, and there is lots more to explore.

Monticello Wine Trail

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Honestly, the wineries (and the delicious food – see below) are the main reason I keep recommending Charlottesville as a great weekend getaway. You visit one or two of the 30+ local wineries over the course of the weekend or can set an ambitious schedule – like I *might* have done – hitting up 4-5 wineries in a day. It’s definitely possible to do that without feeling rushed, but of course it all depends on how early you start 😉

TIP! Most local wineries are open from 10 or 11am until 5 or 6pm.

My top 2 picks are DelFosse Vineyards & Winery and King Family Vineyards, but for more on the best local wineries – including which ones have the best lunch options and picnic grounds – head to my post all about Charlottesville Wineries.

READ MORE: Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia

Silverback Distillery

This was an impulse stop on a day of hitting up multiple wineries and a great find. Although the Distillery is only a few years old, it offers rye and honey rye, plus boasts several award winning alcohols including a very uniquely aromatic gin that I just loved. They also craft some pretty creative cocktails on the weekend, and I might have been just a little mesmerized by them setting a chunk of bark on fire to infuse their smoky Old Fashioned.

Best Bites & Sips

I have not had a bad meal in Charlottesville. There is a definite foodie culture in this university town and many outstanding options to choose from, from low-key dishes done well to high-end experimental cuisine. I certainly have not sampled them all (yet!) but I have done quite a bit of research into the spots where I did land on my trips, and have only included the spots of my most outstanding meals here.

A lot of the best spots are clustered in the downtown pedestrian area that extends for many blocks, and I’d definitely recommend staying walking distance from this part of town. There are several coffee and breakfast places to hit up in the morning, and dozens of exceptional restaurants to explore each evening.

Breakfast

Bluegrass Grill & Bakery

This place has a bit of something for everyone, kind of like a diner with more flavor combinations for each dish. And they might be just a wee bit obsessed with bacon, based on all of the signs and puns scattered around. No reservations, so be prepared for a wait, especially if you’re in a larger party.

TIP! It’s usually easier to snag a seat at one of the bar stools, which lets you leapfrog the list if you see a spot open up. I was seated in about 2 minutes on a crowded Sunday this way, and got the added entertainment of being able to see into the kitchen.

TIP! There are lots of vegetarian and vegan options here, in all sorts of delectable combinations.

Bodo’s Bagels

First off, let me say that I am a native New Yorker. Saturday memories of my childhood are filled with the aroma of steaming bagels piled high in a paper bag that my dad would go out and get fresh early in the morning. Any time I’ve lived outside of the New York City metro area, I usually transport bagels by the dozen to freeze and defrost one at a time for eating, because I’ve found that frozen and reheated NY bagels are still usually better than what I can find locally.

Bodo’s serves up a very respectable and delicious bagel, and it’s definitely worth seeking out on your visit, especially if you don’t have access to great bagels back at home. You’ll find each location packed with locals when you go!

Dinner

Brasserie Saison

It’s French cuisine with a twist, and easily accessible right on the downtown pedestrian mall. While I wish that the steak frites had been more traditional, their daily specials that you see were out of this world and there was a comprehensive wine and beer (and cocktail) list to accompany all these delicious bites. An outstanding spot – the only thing missing is to have some bread at the table to sop up all their amazing sauces!

TIP! The Brasserie is the only place in this section of the list that also serves lunch, if you’re looking for an upscale midday meal.

C&O Restaurant

This restaurant, named after the old Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) train station across the street, may also be a local classic from many years ago, but you’ll get a delightfully modern and local take on food when you dine here. It is a bit upscale, although if you are visiting from a major US city, you may just see the prices as what you’d find at a neighborhood spot back home. The food is so delicious and beautifully presented in a great atmosphere with excellent service, that you’ll blissfully enjoy your time dining here. Added bonus? It’s right off the downtown pedestrian mall.

Ivy Inn

First of all, this is the one spot that is a bit far from the central pedestrian area I keep talking about, close to the UVA campus. But trust me, it’s worth the trek. The décor is a bit old school, but the innovative takes on dishes and flavor combinations are divine and every bite here was one to savor with just the right balance of textures as well. Plus, everything was beautifully presented, and they added some extra special touches for my birthday as you can see in the photos.

Zocalo

Zocalo is a Latin-inspired restaurant on the downtown pedestrian mall that was relatively new to the scene when I first visited a decade ago, and it is still just as good as it ever was. Their flavors are bold, execution flawless, and it is just really delicious food. Now a Charlottesville mainstay, it is a great spot for exploring all that the local food scene has to offer.

To Drink

Commonwealth Restaurant and Skybar

I can’t speak to their food although as you can tell from the name it is also a proper restaurant. I can vouch for their great beer selection and solid cocktails, though. My favorite part was sitting outside at the Skybar doing some people-watching, since it overlooks the central pedestrian area below.

TIP! Seating in this upstairs section is first-come, first-served.

Some Final Thoughts

Admittedly, my first forays into Charlottesville were to watch college lacrosse games. The University of Virginia (UVA) usually has a solid team, and sometimes I even did day trips from Washington, DC to see them play my alma mater.

The reason I’ve returned to Charlottesville time and again is not just the variety of things to do and great places to eat, but that there is such a high quality and friendliness everywhere you go.

This really is a superlative spot to spend a few days, and after recent events, Charlottesville is definitely in need of some tourist love. Get to it!

Have you been to Charlottesville? Are there any places that didn’t make my list but should have? Share away in the ‘Comments’ – I’ll definitely be back!

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