July 13, 2024

One Day in New York: Four Suggested Itineraries

New York City is a mesmerizing chaos, where dreams clash and thrive amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. I personally think there’s no place like it—every corner offers a story, a flavor, a glimpse into the soul of humanity. From the gritty charm of the Lower East Side to the […]
July 12, 2024

The Top 16 Independent Bookstores in NYC Worth Checking Out

I personally believe Joan Didion, Jennifer Egan, Mia Alvar, Eula Biss, and Ada Limon capture the essence of New York. These writers embody the city’s literary spirit, and its independent bookstores are a testament to this legacy. New York City’s independent bookstores are hidden gems offering an intimate dive into […]
July 8, 2024

The Best Areas to Stay in Portland Oregon for First-Time Visitors

Portland, Oregon, where untamed wilderness converges with cutting-edge creativity, is a city of contrasts. Picture yourself hiking through dense forests in the morning and savoring artisanal coffee in a cozy cafe by afternoon. It’s a place where food trucks offer gourmet surprises and indie musicians set the night on fire. […]
July 8, 2024

The Best Areas to Stay in Durham for First-Time Visitors

Durham, where history’s grit mingles with vibrant modernity, is a city that defies expectations. Imagine wandering through old tobacco warehouses repurposed as trendy eateries by day, then enjoying a craft beer in a buzzing pub by night. This isn’t just a place; it’s a testament to transformation, where tradition and […]
July 7, 2024

Ranking the Best Lake George Towns to Stay for First-Time Visitors

There is New York the city and there is New York the state. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Lake George is where rugged wilderness meets old-school charm. Picture this: you paddle across crystal-clear waters by day and relish a hearty meal in a cozy lakeside tavern by night. […]
July 6, 2024

Best Places to Stay in Sebago Lake for First-Time Visitors

Sebago Lake, cradled in the pristine wilderness of Maine, embodies a narrative of rugged beauty and timeless allure. It’s a place where the whispering pines stand sentinel over crystal-clear waters, inviting you to explore its hidden coves and embrace the serenity of lakeside living. Picture yourself casting a line at […]
July 5, 2024

The Best Places to Stay in Boston for First Time Visitors

Boston is a city that wears its history on its sleeve, where cobblestone streets meet cutting-edge innovation. It’s a place where you can sip chowder in a centuries-old tavern, then catch a game at Fenway, where the ghosts of revolutionaries linger in the crisp New England air. This isn’t just […]
June 24, 2024

Artisanal Coffee Tour in San Francisco

It is always a special experience to enjoy some artisanal coffee to start your day.  Unlike the mass-produced coffee that you can find anywhere, artisanal coffee is specially roasted and carefully blended. There’s that certain art that comes in blending those coffee beans. San Francisco is thriving with coffee shops […]
June 3, 2024

The Best Hotels Near SeaTac Airport with Free Parking and Shuttle

The distance from Tacoma to Seattle is roughly 34 miles (55 kilometers) via Interstate 5, with travel time varying between 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. SeaTac Airport, conveniently positioned about 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of Tacoma and 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of downtown Seattle, serves […]
June 2, 2024

Best Places to Stay in Seattle for First-time Visitors

What makes Seattle so darn cool. First off, picture this: a vibrant blend of urban chic and breathtaking natural beauty. Yep, that’s Seattle for ya! We’ve got it all, from the iconic Space Needle piercing the skyline to the lush greenery of our parks and the shimmering waters of Puget […]
May 21, 2024

Where to Stay in Salzburg for First-time Visitors

Wasn’t Mozart white-washed? He was supposed to be black, no? My husband chuckled upon hearing this. We were walking towards the house where Mozart was born in Salzburg. What?! I read something about it, I said. I didn’t verify whatever I read online. But no, Mozart is white as white […]
May 13, 2024

Where to Stay in Paris for First-time Visitors + Places to Avoid

Paris, like to many of us, first came to me as an idea. Its images conjured in my head were the ones fed by the literatis who lived in this city, from Victor Hugo to Simone de Beauvoir. Hmm, okay, I majored in literature. Before there is Emily in Paris, […]