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a year in travel stories and photos
I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our travels this year. We are so unbelievably grateful for every opportunity we get to pack up and go somewhere. Here are a few of my favorite memories from 2013 –
In February we took an impromptu weekend trip to New York City. We explored different neighborhoods, got caught in the rain, browsed markets and wandered through museums. We ate New York style pizza, strolled across the Brooklyn Bridge and pretended to be locals for a few days. It was a quick trip with new friends that felt like old friends.
In the spring we celebrated our second anniversary in Lowcountry. In Charleston we ate incredible food, sipped on sweet tea and swooned over breathtaking sunsets. We rented bikes and rode around for hours exploring south of Broad and the Battery. We spent a whole day wandering around Savannah totally in awe. Returning home my heart felt full.
In July we set off to Galena with a group of friends. We ate bbq and drank wine slushies and played frisbee sticks. We taste tested hot sauces and then immediately regretted that decision. We spent hours at the pool. We stayed up into the wee hours of the night and made a pact that we would all come back next year.
We spent the last of our summer days in Diamond Lake, Michigan. We stayed with my family in a cozy little cottage. There were boat rides and night swims, walks along the water and late afternoon naps on the porch. I spent lots of time drooling over my sister’s cooking. We ended each day with a sunset cruise and a bottle of red wine.
In September, after a crazy few weeks, we headed south to Nashville. We spent a lot of time eating and drinking. We devoured the spicy fried chicken at Hot Hattie B’s and soaked up the cool vibes at the speakeasy style bar The Patterson House. We shared a hotel room with our friends and laughed a lot. I took note of things I’d like to see the next time we visit.
I’m so happy to have these photos to refer back to as reminders of such beautiful moments. Twenty thirteen was truly an amazing year. I feel so very grateful. Thank you for following along and for your constant love and support. I used to think I would grow out of my restless, adventure seeking soul, but I’m starting to think it’s here to stay. I can’t wait to see what we get ourselves into in 2014!
photo credit kate zitzer | see where we went in 2012 here
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This one’s for the jet setter in your life. How about that overnight canvas bag or that funky cosmetic case? I know I would dig that jacket in the cool cobalt blue color! What would you pick?
Find these items – 1 a pouch that protects your sunglasses in style – Rebecca Minkoff sunnies sunglass case from Shopbop ($75) 2 a notebook great for jotting down observations, reminders and inspirations of all kinds – field notes from Wandawega Camp Store ($12) 3 a bag begging for adventures near and far – canvas overnight bag from J. Crew ($36.50) 4 a four seasons favorite with a removable quilted inner layer – technical parka by Scotch & Soda ($203) 5 a travel guide with an insider’s feel – Field Guide 02 Austin Texas from Wildsam Field Guides ($17.95) 6 a large cosmetic bag with a beautifully vibrant floral design – hibiscus large cosmetic bag from Country Road ($39.95) 7 protecting your delicates and designed to stash in a suitcase – go clean lingerie bag by Flight 001 ($18)
exploring chicago
Marc and I have lived in Chicago for five years now and have really loved it here. Lately we’ve realized that no matter how big (or small) a place may seem or how well you think you know it, there is always more to see and do and learn. So we’ve been spending a lot of time lately seeking out the new and soaking up our old favorites.
We had coffee from Big Shoulders and breakfast sandwiches from Windy City Cafe. We spent an afternoon walking around the Chicago History Museum and had drinks at Matchbox. We tried checking out the new exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center but it was closed so we went and saw Laura Berger’s mural instead. We went shopping on State Street and heard stories told at Powell’s North Bookstore. We had pies from Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, tacos at Big Star and BBQ sandwiches from Smoke Daddy – everything lived up to the hype. We strolled around Wicker Park and Bucktown and stopped in some of my favorite shops – Brooklyn Industries and Stitch. There really are so many cool parts of this city, and I recommend checking out some of these places if you’re ever in Chicago.
photo credit kate zitzer
starved rock
On Sunday we escaped the city for the day. We walked and wandered for hours and hours in awe of such natural beauty. We snacked on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and got a little lost. It was quiet and calming. I needed this day.
photo credit kate zitzer
let’s eat and drink | chicago
I wrote about a few of my favorite Chicago restaurants in this post, but there’s more! Make sure to check them out if you’re ever in the city –
Takito Kitchen – excellent and super fresh Mexican food focusing on artisanal tacos. The space is industrial and modern with an open bar and kitchen. There’s a little outside patio too. A fun spot to go with a group – try the pork belly tacos, try ’em all!
Siena Tavern – excellent small plates and really delicious mixed specialty cocktails. They also have interesting salads and a pizza bar. If you go here, you have to try the squid ink linguini with grilled lobster tail and spicy lobster cream sauce, its heavenly!
Jam ‘n Honey – I loved this tiny spot. Ranks high on my list of favorite brunch and breakfast places in Chicago. Top notch coffee and the old fashioned French toast was delicious – made with brioche bread and served with honey butter.
Old 5th – a West Loop staple, affordable and laid back. Sit at one of the sidewalk tables with your pizza and whiskey – try one of their seven whiskey flights.
Cantina Laredo – modern Mexican dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere. A great spot for dinner in the heart of River North. The chicken tacos are my thing. Order the top shelf guacamole, it’s amazing and made fresh at your table.
Piccolo Sogno – fresh, seasonal rustic Italian cuisine and an amazing atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with the antipasto as an appetizer. If it’s a nice evening, sit outside – it has the best outdoor patio in the city! It’s a pretty fantastic date spot too.
Let me know if you try out any of these spots and fill me in on any of your favorite Chicago restaurants!
photo credit kate zitzer
