Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, drawing over 20 million visitors per year. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this immense commercial complex opened in 1933 and spans 22 acres with 19 high-rise buildings. Known for the famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the iconic Top of the Rock…
Florida is one of the most visited states in the entire United States, with tens of millions of tourists annually. In 2019, Florida attracted a whopping 131 million visitors! But when is the best time to plan your dream trip to Florida? The best time to visit Florida often depends on your preferences and the…
From crunchy Cuban pastelitos to rich and decadent French pastries, Miami is a mecca for delicious baked goods. As a major immigrant crossroads and a melting pot of Latin American and Caribbean cultures, the Magic City offers wonderfully diverse sweets that reflect its dynamic population. I’m going to share my picks for Miami’s top bakeries…
1 Hotel Miami Beach is known as an upscale and eco-friendly hotel located in Miami Beach, Florida. It is renowned for its sustainability initiatives, luxurious accommodations, and beautiful oceanfront setting. The hotel prides itself on sustainability efforts, featuring reclaimed materials, eco-friendly amenities, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Guests love the hotel’s modern, chic,…
Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with vibrant Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American influences all blending together to create a one-of-a-kind food scene. As a major tourist destination and port city, Miami also attracts flavors and dishes from around the world that you can sample side-by-side. I live in Miami part-time so today I’m…
With its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lively arts and culture scene, Miami is a perennially popular vacation destination. But for those traveling on a budget, enjoying all that this sunny Florida city has to offer can quickly become expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation costs. Thankfully, there are still great hotel options to…
As a travel blogger who loves staying in charming, unique boutique hotels, I’m always keen to discover the most design-driven hotel options in top destinations around the world. And Miami Beach offers fabulous boutique stays with as much vibrant culture and style as the Magic City itself! In this blog post, I’ll guide you through…
Nestled 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island beckons visitors with its unspoiled beaches, spectacular bluffs, and quaint New England charm. As soon as the ferry docks or your plane touches down at the tiny Block Island State Airport, you’ll feel yourself relax into island time. I’ll share the ultimate Block Island…
The Moynihan Train Hall is a transportation hub located in New York City, specifically in the Farley Post Office building across from Penn Station. It is an expansion of Penn Station and provides a new concourse for Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak passengers. The hall was named after Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who championed…
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major transportation hub, but getting to the famous beaches of Miami Beach can be confusing for first-time visitors. In this blog post, I’ll provide a helpful guide for navigating from the airport to popular hotels and attractions on Miami Beach using rental cars, taxis, ride shares, public transportation, and…
With its iconic beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural fusion, Miami is a year-round destination that offers endless entertainment. However, the subtropical climate brings dramatic seasonal shifts, from steamy summers to mild winters, that can impact your travel plans and experience. In this blog post, I’ll outline the best times to visit Miami based on…
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar has several locations in Miami. I love this place because it’s one of the few that sells affordable yet delicious sandwiches! Seriously, there are so many upscale restaurants in Miami but there are so few places to just grab a casual bite to eat during the day! Crema solves that problem…
I recently stayed at “Found Miami Beach powered by Sonder” long-term hotel in Florida. I had an overall good experience and wanted to share my thoughts on Sonder and this particular residence. What is Sonder? Sonder is a long-term hotel company that gives customers bigger discounts depending on how long they stay. You can stay…
Miami Beach is known for its luxury accommodations, offering top-notch amenities, service, and location. Some of the best 5-star hotels in Miami Beach are: The Setai, Miami Beach: Known for its Asian-inspired design, The Setai offers oceanfront luxury with multiple pools and world-class dining. Faena Hotel Miami Beach: This hotel features opulent decor, a private…
For the better part of the last century, the American diner has stood as a beacon of comfort, camaraderie, and culinary delight, lighting up street corners and highways across the United States. These iconic establishments, often distinguished by their neon signs, checkerboard tiles, and timeless chrome finishes, have evolved into more than just eateries. They…
If you love fashion, clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and beauty, New York City is one of the best shopping destinations for you to visit. The city has dozens of amazing fashion boutiques, from small independent shops with local designers to major department stores carrying international brands. Here are my top recommendations for the best shopping…
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. The building’s design is considered a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, which was popular in the 1930s. The building’s unique design and intricate details have made it a beloved symbol of New York City. It…
In the city that never sleeps, finding a comfortable, stylish, and affordable place to rest can seem like a daunting task. New York City, renowned for its dazzling lights, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, is also famous for its often pricey accommodations. But don’t let this deter you from experiencing the Big Apple’s exhilarating charm….
It’s a Shopaholic’s Dream: Navigating the Retail Wonderland of New York City! Welcome fellow travelers and shopping fanatics! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning a trip to the inimitable New York City, or you’re just daydreaming about the retail paradise that awaits within its bustling streets. Either way, you’re in for a treat!…
On a Sunday morning, I decided to visit the famous “Edge” in Hudson Yards, western Manhattan. This NYC attraction draws thousands of people who want to catch a view of the New York skyline from the highest open observatory deck. The Edge observation deck is a public viewing area situated on the 100th floor of…
Either you love it or you hate it. Times Square in New York City is famous for its bright lights, large billboards, and annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Times Square has become a symbol of New York City and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. History Times Square was originally…
Wondering what to do in New York on a rainy day? The average annual rainfall in New York City is 49 inches. This amounts to about 4 inches of rain per month on average. What are the best things to do in NYC when it rains? Here are several New York rainy day activities to…
The Vessel is a public art structure located in Hudson Yards in Manhattan, New York City. It is a 16-story interactive landmark consisting of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs made of a honeycomb of steel and glass that visitors can climb and explore. The structure was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, and it opened to the…
Many people pass by the historic New York Public Library (NYPL) every day. Its cultural references are numerous; for example, the NYTL was featured in the finale of the famous New York TV series Sex and the City. Do you know the history behind this storied New York library? The New York Public Library was founded…
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it has been a symbol of the city of New York since it was completed in 1931. The Empire State Building was initially proposed in 1929 by John Jakob Raskob, a prominent financier and…
Boston is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for many reasons! The city of Boston has a rich history, and many tourists come to visit sites such as the Freedom Trail, which takes visitors on a walking tour of the city’s most significant historical landmarks, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul…
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and dates back to 1630 when it was founded by Puritan settlers from England. It played a major role in the American Revolution and was the site of several major battles. Today, it is a vibrant and modern city, with a wealth of historical…
From design-driven interiors to luxury icons and amenities, old-school New York City boutique hotels are undoubtedly some of the best hotels for many of us. Apart from their aesthetic abode and next-level elegance, old-school boutique hotels are also bustling with character, providing people with a taste of what life was like during the Jazz Age…
The Bowery Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel in the East Village of New York City. It’s always been a favorite place of mine since I first moved to New York over a decade ago. The leather sofas and velvet chairs in the dimly lit lobby are the perfect place to convene over cocktails in…
Looking for unique activities and hidden gems in Miami to explore on your next trip? While everybody knows about the best things to do in Miami, Florida, not everyone is aware that this sprawling city has so many hidden spots. From roaring 1920s pools to beautiful gardens, there are so many hidden gems in Miami…
Miami is a vibrant city that seems to expand with every passing year. As more and more people make the move to South Florida, many are wondering what are the best Neighborhoods in Miami? Whether you are looking to become a Miami resident, or you just want to know where to explore during your next…
South Florida around Miami has a bunch of interesting and noteworthy spots to check out. One of the best parts about vacationing in Miami is that if you drive even an hour or two north or south, you can be in a completely different area with a ton of gems to explore. Below you will…
When it comes to travel, the United States of America offers a lot of variety. Not only are there 50 states to choose from, but within those states, there are almost 20,000 cities, towns, and villages of all sizes. While there are characteristics that hold true for the US in general, each region and city…
In Miami, there is a unique and classic restaurant you must experience: the Cuban favorite Versailles Restaurant. This place is frequently called just “Versailles” by locals. This is an incredible place with a full restaurant, a bakery, and a cafeteria that are located in all one building. Versailles Restaurant is considered a landmark when it…
Escape the city with our ideas for cultural day trips from New York City. While the hustle and bustle of New York City is exciting, we all need a break at times. Luckily, there are lots of places that you can go to spend some time away from it all. A day trip is a…
Miami is a bustling, metropolitan city that is constantly evolving. There are amazing restaurants to meet all of your cravings, beautiful art collections and architecture all throughout the city and the people are diverse, fun and will always keep you on your toes. Below you will find a round up of some of the best…
I recently found myself in a strange situation. I needed a cheap cell phone plan with data in the United States, but I couldn’t sign up for a contract. I’m officially moving to France at the end of August, but in the meantime, I find myself as a sort of “tourist” in my own country!…
As you may have noticed, I just got back from a whirlwind 10-day road trip through Texas and couldn’t wait to share the itinerary I planned for the trip! My mother and I originally planned to go to Texas to visit her father in Corpus Christi, and I thought, why not make a road trip…
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the Kennedy family and the sixties culture as a whole. The mod style, pillbox hats, changing gender roles in America, and other shifts in culture made the sixties a pivotal decade in American history. When an unplanned trip to Dallas meant I could…
By chance, we happened to receive a free one-week subscription to HGTV last year and discovered the television show Fixer Upper. I had heard of the immensely popular show before and knew Joanna Gaines was well-known in the world of farmhouse style American decor but it was lovely to see the show that made her…
Both our first and last days in Waco were spent at Magnolia Table – a charming modern farmhouse-style American restaurant opened by the famous Texas design & renovation duo Chip and Joanna Gaines. I originally didn’t have plans to visit the restaurant (we were more interested in the shop), but I am so glad that…
When I first started watching Fixer Upper, the cult classic Farmhouse decor reality TV show starring Chip and Joanna Gaines, I meticulously wrote down every furniture and home decor shop they visited to source unique pieces for their clients, in hopes that one day I could visit Waco and find a charming addition to my…
Joanna Gaines has made herself a household name with the success of her TV show Fixer Upper – an HGTV reality TV show where she and her husband Chip take on clients in the Waco, Texas area, help them purchase a new home, and renovate it according to their needs and style. Of course, Joanna…
Austin is the famous capital city of Texas, a state that used to be its own country. Austin’s identity may be described differently by just about any Austinite you come across. Historically it’s a city with a southern soul, deeply rooted in Western culture – from barbecue joints to cowboy boots. It morphed into a…
Austin is known for many things: BBQ, food trucks and… art murals. It’s hard to not notice the many colorful murals that line the streets of Austin in neighborhoods from Downtown to South Congress to East Austin. Perhaps the most famous is the “Greetings from Austin” mural located on the corner of S 1st and…
On our last day in Austin, we wanted to grab breakfast nearby and opted for the elegant 1886 Café and Bakery nearby to our hotel, the Westin. The 1886 is a Victorian-style tearoom restaurant located in the lobby of the historic Driskill Hotel, on the corner of Sixth and Brazos Streets. The American-style menu offers…
Eating barbecue in Austin is kind of like eating a croissant in Paris – you can’t not do it while you’re there! Indeed BBQ culture is strong in Austin – perhaps more than any other city in America. Ironically, there aren’t a ton of BBQ joints in Austin and that’s probably because there’s only a…
Voodoo Doughnuts has a national reputation for serving some of the most delicious donuts in the country. Originating in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo has been serving its yummy donuts in pink boxes since 2003. Spending the majority of my time in the northeast, I haven’t had the chance to try these famous donuts – until I…
Austin is the home of all things “weird” in Texas, so it’s no surprise the city has drawn quite a few specialty coffee shops to its neighborhoods. From trendy South Congress to Downtown Austin, there are several specialty coffee joints worth stopping by should you find yourself in the capital of Texas! Austin has a…
After visiting a cute vintage store around the corner, it was time for lunch and so we popped into Café No-Sé in South Congress neighborhood of Austin. Café No-Sé is located inside the trendy South Congress Hotel and offers a bright open space with an all-day café American menu. We didn’t have reservations, and luckily…
On our first full day in Austin, I decided to head to the popular neighborhood of South Congress, which takes its name from lying on the southern portion of Congress Avenue. I knew this small but trendy neighborhood would become quite busy on weekends so I figured Friday was our best bet to explore the…
As part of my Texas road trip this month, I was very much looking forward to visiting Austin for a long weekend. I decided to stay in the Westin Austin Downtown Hotel due to its central location in the city of Austin. It wasn’t far at all from the many things I wanted to do…
Corpus Christi has a special place in my heart because it’s where I have some of my earliest travel memories. I was traveling to Corpus Christi this February to visit my grandfather and opted to stay in the Aloft Hotel of Corpus Christi because of its central location just off the SPID (South Padre Island…
While Manhattan is arguably the center of the art world, it’s harder than you might think to find the best contemporary art galleries in New York. There are over 300 contemporary art galleries in Chelsea alone! As someone formerly employed in the art industry, I had a running list of top art galleries I wanted…
New York City is arguably the best city to visit if you love looking at art. One of the best ways to stay on the pulse of the NYC art scene is to visit the top galleries in the area. I love visiting art galleries while I’m in town because they’re free to visit, often…
Are you looking for things to do in New York City? I dreamed of living in New York City ever since I was little. When I was in high school I used to study the maps and neighborhoods of NYC so I would know my way around when I visited. I knew all the names…
There’s nothing like a nice cold iced coffee on a hot day in Miami. After touring the city’s Miami private art collections, there’s nothing like relaxing in a Wynwood coffee joint for some of Miami’s best brew. Here are twelve of my favorite places to grab some artisanal coffee in Miami, Wynwood and Miami Beach!…
The Line is a minimal chic hotel in the heart of Koreatown in Los Angeles. I stayed here for two nights in February during my work trip to LA! Here are my thoughts and review. I loved the floor-to-ceiling windows which offered bright views of LA buildings, however, I was disappointed I didn’t get a…
If you’re heading to New York City and wondering which neighborhoods you should stay in or visit, then check out this list of the best NYC neighborhoods to visit for first-timers. NYC is a diverse American city, and the 10 neighborhoods below will give you a great taste of the coolest places to see in…
Miami is a world-class art destination in and of itself, in part due to the many art collectors located in this southern city of the Sunshine State. It’s why the famed European art fair Art Basel chose Miami as their first destination for a United States art fair. Alongside the beautiful museums and cutting-edge art…
Boerum Hill is probably my favorite neighborhood in all of Brooklyn, if not New York City! Come explore with me.
While “beach” and New York are not exactly synonymous, there are some great shorelines to discover nearby the largest metropolis in the United States (Pro tip: Coney Island is not one of them). I woke up early on a sweltering summer day in August to visit Rockaway Beach and Fort Tilden, two of the best…
On the north side of Prospect Park lies the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, an oasis of colorful tulips and cherry blossom trees in the heart of Brooklyn. I decided to visit the grounds on a Tuesday, when admission was free. The garden opens at 8am so I got up early to hop on the 4/5 train…
I’ve only visited the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival once in my life, but I can say it’s one of my most cherished memories in nature. The cherry blossom trees attract more than 1.5 million visitors to Washington D.C. each year. The festival includes a parade, cultural performances, a kite festival, and a variety of…
Dia Beacon is an independent contemporary art museum resting between the quaint town of Beacon, NY and the banks of the Hudson River. This former Nabisco factory is now filled with everything minimal and conceptual art thanks to the Dia Art Foundation! The museum has an open layout allowing visitors to effortlessly float through the…
Are you planning to explore Nolita in NYC? In case you didn’t know, Nolita stands for North of Little Italy. This adorable neighborhood is lined with brick-walled walk-ups behind black iron fire escapes. Don’t expect any super large stores around here, because there are mostly unique restaurants and small shops for fashion, jewelry, and fragrance……
Every time I go to Soho, I have to visit the block where I used to live, near Crosby and Howard because for me, it’s one the most beautiful places in the world. On Sunday, I decided to walk straight down Crosby Street and shoot along the way. I shoot with a Nikon D5300. What…
After the messy piles of slush finally melted (thanks Blizzard Jonas), it seems we only had a few days of dry streets before another snowfall arrived in New York on Friday morning. Thankfully, this one was the kind of dream made of gently falling snowflakes and crisp windless air. About an inch of snow evenly covered…
Spending Christmas in New York City can be a magical experience. Here’s a concise guide to enjoying the holiday season in the city: Remember, the weather in NYC during Christmas can be quite cold, so pack warm clothing and be prepared for potential snow. It’s also wise to book tickets and make reservations in advance,…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in New York City! The Big Apple really knows how to deck the halls, with gorgeous Christmas trees sparkling all throughout the city. If you’re looking for the prettiest trees to check out this holiday season, here are some of the best: Wondering where to…
Known for its hipster vibe, art scene, and culinary delights, Williamsburg has become one of the top destinations in Brooklyn for both locals and visitors. Foodies flock to this neighborhood to check out some of the best bakeries in New York City, which churn out creative confections, classic breads, and Instagram-worthy sweets. I’ll share my…
Tribeca is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York City because it shares the architectural beauty of Soho without the crazy tourist crowds. It’s also considerably cleaner. Here’s a quick Tribeca travel guide with some things you can do in this upscale district. What Does Tribeca Stand For? TriBeCa stands for Triangle Below Canal,…
The Flatiron district is named after the iconic Flatiron Building, which has become a symbol of New York City. This neighborhood sits south of Midtown Manhattan and north of Union Square. It offers a more low-key vibe compared to busier Midtown but still packs in plenty of attractions. Madison Square Park is always a nice…
The Wynwood Walls are a public collection of mural art by professional artists in the Wynwood district of Miami, Florida. The public park was developed by community consultant Tony Goldman in 2009. Many of the world’s greatest street and graffiti artists have contributed work in the park such as Kenny Scharf, Futura, Retna and Shepard…
With its alluring Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful white sand beaches, Miami Beach is one of Florida’s top vacation destinations. As a travel blogger always on the hunt for the most stylish and luxurious accommodations, I’m excited to share my picks for the top hotels in Miami Beach. Today I’ll reveal my top…
Design Miami is a global design fair that brings together the world’s top galleries, designers, collectors, and critics. Design Miami was founded in 2005 by real estate developer Craig Robins and design consultant Ambra Medda. It was originally established as a sister fair to Art Basel Miami Beach, with the aim of promoting and cultivating…
Locals and tourists in Florida alike visit Plant the Future in Miami to learn about sustainable landscaping and urban gardening. Plant the Future is a unique organization that focuses on promoting and creating greenery in urban areas, while also educating the public on the importance of sustainability and green living. Paloma Teppa is the founder…
There’s a long stretch of Ocean Drive along southern Miami Beach that I absolutely love walking through because of the pastel candy-colored hotels that line it. It starts at around 5th street and goes to about 15th street. There are a lot of examples of the wonderful Art Deco-style architecture you can see in Miami…
After walking through the massive Art Basel Miami Beach art fair, it seemed almost impossible to have the ability to view any more art in this town. Yet, off I went to the most celebrated satellite art fairs in Miami, each of which had its own unique charms and gems for artwork. Untitled & Scope…
The opulent, waterfront Pérez Museum stands right at the edge of the bridge to South Beach, making it an easy trip for anyone who wants to visit. Long strands of beautiful greenery dangle from the ceiling of the surrounding museum terraces, making it quite the stunning entrance! Here are some of the most intriguing works…
I was hoping to catch some sun during my trip to Miami Beach this year, but instead, I was met with torrential downpours almost every day during my 5-night stay in the seaside city. Ironically, it also poured during my first days at Art Basel in Switzerland, this past June too! In any case, the…
Nestled in the mid-Atlantic region of the US lies Glenstone, a private art museum founded by two Maryland-based art collectors. Driving through the idyllic suburbs of the greater Washington DC metro area, one would never expect to find an expansive outdoor sculpture park, but that’s exactly why Glenstone is so special! More than just an…
The Elizabeth Street Garden is a hidden gem in the middle of lower Manhattan. The garden is located just north of Little Italy, with entrances on Elizabeth and Mott Streets, between Prince and Spring Streets. The Elizabeth Street Garden was founded in 1991 by a local resident, Allan Reiver, as a community garden. The land…
NoHo, short for North of Houston Street, is an artsy enclave with a hip vibe and charming historic architecture. While Soho is known for its big brand-name shops, hordes of tourists, and lofted buildings, Noho is perhaps Soho’s cooler little sister. I love exploring this fashionable NYC area to find more off-beat spots, yet still…
Coming home to New York was one of the happiest days of my year. I arrived on an absolutely beautiful afternoon, dropped my suitcase and headed straight to the office. On my way, I had to admire the lush trees that flourished in Madison Square Park, each a different autumn hue of orange, yellow or…
Mana Contemporary is one of those up-and-coming hidden gems for contemporary art just outside of New York City. In case you are not familiar with Mana, it is actually a private art collection, exhibition space, art storage facility, and multiple-artist residency all in one! Located in Jersey City, visiting the former tobacco warehouse can be…
Hey fellow fashionistas! I’m so excited to share my insider tips for the top shops and boutiques in Soho, one of my favorite areas to stroll around during a New York City shopping spree. With its charming cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century cast-iron buildings housing chic designer stores, Soho offers a fabulous mix of big-name…
During summer, New York State offers so many cool activities beyond spending time in the city. The combination of natural beauty, urban excitement, cultural richness, and historical significance makes New York State a compelling summer destination with something for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the Adirondack Mountains, hike the extensive trails or kayak on serene…
The 2015 New York edition of London’s famed Frieze Art Fair is unlike any other art fair I’ve been to. While most art fairs take place inside a poorly lit convention center with dark steel beams traversing the ceilings, Frieze was quite the opposite. Stepping into the translucent tent instantly relaxes the mind. The sunlight is…
The New York City skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, and there are several remarkable vantage points to view it. One of the top spots is the Empire State Building’s observatory, offering an unparalleled view of the city. The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center provides a unique perspective, including…