U.S. Road Trip Destination 5: San Francisco

Hey everyone! Time for the lowdown on our next destination, San Francisco. Big Sur was gorgeous, but it was time for Chris and I to experience a little city life. I'd never been to San Fran, so I was pumped to check it out. Though we only had 2 days, it gave us enough time to sneak in a good glimpse of what west coast city life has to offer.

As an SPG card member, I'd accumulated quite a few points that we used for two nights at the Westin St. Francis. The Westin was a really beautiful hotel, however I will say that it's in the middle of EVERYTHING and fighting through traffic to valet the car was not the most fun I've ever had. It did offer us a great spot to pivot from, going everywhere from the Golden Gate Bridge to Haight Street to bars and restaurants.

As a first timer, a few touristy things were in order. Chris and I walked from our hotel past Lombard Street (gorgeous!) to Fisherman's Wharf, spent the day looking at sea lions, boats and fellow tourists - and then walked to the Golden Gate Bridge near Presidio.

Let's pause here and let me say that I do not recommend this walk.

As a Chicago native flatlander, my little feet were in shock trekking up the hills to get through Nob Hill to the wharf. But I kept looking at it positively. Since I'd spent so much time sitting in the car, and my ass had become one with the seat, that work out was well overdo. I do recommend strolling through Nob Hill as it is unbelievably charming and rich with beautiful homes and florals to die for. Lombard street was a surprise for me, we didn't mean to walk past it but fortunately we did. Hello Hydrangeas, my most favorite flower and just such a happy place! That night we stopped by Trick Dog, which is a lively happening place and tons of fun. If I was still 25 and could hold my liquor, I probably would've been suckered into a 3am-I'm-on-a-mission-to-get-wasted kinda night. Alas, we had a few and I was all tuckered out and ready for bed. 

The following morning we started out at Blue Bottle coffee in Mint plaza, their cappuccinos are delightful! The most perfect cap I've ever had and the breakfast sandwich was delicious. Since we were in the mood to hunt for treasure, we headed to Haight Street and perused the streets for unique gems. Other than getting ice-cream at Ben and Jerry's (duh, it was national ice cream day, aka the perfect excuse to take down a 2 scoop waffle cone) I wasn't in the mood to blow a bunch of cash. I loved a lot of the stores on the street, particularly X Generation where they had a unique assortment of rings for around $7. 

That night, we were supposed to head to dinner at RN74, but last minute I wasn't feeling well at all (perhaps it was the ice cream overdose), so we didn't make it, and went to a smaller restaurant close by the hotel instead. However, if you do go to San Fran, this place is known for their extensive wine list. I was also eyeing Octavia, because the food looks amazing and the ambiance looks so cozy and heart warming.

Overall a great experience. I generally love the look and feel of San Fran. Bright whites, pale pinks and mint take over this very layered city. It's an adorable place that has far more to offer than we experienced. And now, onward from San Fran to Napa Valley.

Do you guys have any other recommendations for the next time I visit? Would love to hear! Hope your week is going well!

U.S. Road Trip Destination 4: Big Sur and Carmel

Carmel Alley

We left Joshua Tree and continued on to Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-sea. 

Big Sur is one hell of a showstopper. And by showstopper I mean car stopper, because we stopped from every single point we possibly could to soak this baby in. Our favorite and the best spot to stop was Bixby Bridge, you can see a wide view of everything. My photos are a very poor representation of what we saw – the beauty of Big Sur comes from the movement of the waves, the glistening of the light, the nuances that live in the surrounding nature. (Ya, I'm a poet now, what?)  But yes, it's so very magical and something I'll never forget. If you have time, stop at Rocky Point Restaurant and eat outside. Sitting next to the the blue water and having a nice lunch doesn't happen every day.

That night, we camped at Big Sir Campground & Cabins, which was quite lovely.  They had showers, a communal bathroom, and we were surrounded by lots of fun neighbors. It cost us $60 for the night, better than spending more for a hotel room. Plus, the experience was beautiful, peaceful and totally calming. They have numbered spots for the campers and you can rent a spot or a cabin for night. The cabins are pricier, one for the night was $228.

In the morning, we spent a day shopping at the village in Carmel which is about a half hour north of Big Sur. If you've never been to Carmel, you must go. It's so charming! Very European-esque with adorable storefronts and inviting alleyways that lead to coffee houses. I picked up a little treat from Cottage of Sweets, but that was my only souvenir. I'd love to have a vacation home there one day – dream goals! But yes, probably one of the cutest towns I've ever been to.

Last thought, you MUST see the sunset in this area at some point!! We unfortunately had cloudy skies, but it's what everyone raves about. That and the 17 mile drive, another common activity to do in the area.

That's it for now, is there anything else you've done in this area that I missed? Let me know!

U.S. Road Trip Destination 3: Joshua Tree

From Arizona, we made a stop at Joshua Tree in California. At first, I was very apprehensive. It was 100 degrees, the road we drove on to get to the park was extremely windy and made me nauseous, and the insect situation was out of control. Whenever we stopped the car, they bombarded us at full speed in swarms. It wasn't until we arrived at the rocks that Chris and I got out of the car and began to explore.

Guys, Joshua Tree ended up being my favorite so far. You feel like you're roaming around on another planet because that's how interesting and unusual it is. The sky looks like it's photoshopped into the scene because it was perfectly clear and the blue was one solid color. But I promise, no photo editing at all! These come to you non-filtered and it's pretty amazing. 

I don't have much advice for this particular stop other than you should go, and don't be fooled by the dry lands. There's a lot to see and the rocks become an adult jungle gym that you can play on. They also look like huge sugar cookies (see photo below) when shot just right. Enjoy the pics and hope you're having a great week!

U.S. Road Trip Destination 2: Arizona

Arriving in Arizona, Chris and I did what every good tourist does – we headed straight to the Grand Canyon. We were lucky enough to get a beautiful day. It wasn't too sunny and the sky was perfectly clear, allowing us to see the GC in all its glory. Quick story, I never actually wanted to see the Grand Canyon. In my teenage years, I remember my mom always talking about going, which made it seem uncool and mom-like. It wasn't until my friend who had just finished traveling the world for a year said to me: "For everything we saw in the world, the Grand Canyon was truly epic." And that it was. Very grand, very epic. 

We didn't spend a ton of time there, I know you can ride mules around the rim and there are a ton of tours, but we came in from the south rim and drove (gotta love having a car!) to various points starting from the main entrance. Not going to lie, my fear of heights really kicked in when Chris tried to get me to stand on a lone rock overlooking the canyon. Overall, definitely worth it. It's really hard to capture in photos because its depth is so detailed and intricate. I had chills walking up to its grandness. It's something you must do in your lifetime.

From there we arrived at Chris's aunt and uncle's home in Scottsdale. They were kind enough to let us stay for a few days, use the pool, and just veg out. It was 105 and sunny, right up my alley!  We also ate at Flower Child, and I might've loved the decor as much as the food. This place is adorable, has amazing healthy food options, and Chicago needs one asap!

Once we set in, a day trip to Sedona was in order. People rave about Sedona, so it was an absolute must. Here is what we did in Sedona and what you should consider doing:

1. Hike Devil's Bridge Trail. An amazing trail that had me huffing and puffing, but not overly difficult. Plus I needed to burn off all those car snacks. When you arrive, you can either drive your car through a ridiculously bumpy path to get to the trail (which we did) or hike the bumpy path as part of the trail. I will say the trail was harder than I thought it was going to be, so I was pretty happy we drove in. At the end when you arrive at the bridge, you should walk out on it. It looks way scarier than it is! Chris immediately ran out onto it, and then we talked a father and daughter into taking little risks and overcoming their fear. They scored some great pics because of it! When you arrive, head towards the right side. There is a path to it hidden behind plant life, and it takes you right out.

2. Enchantment Resort. We weren't staying here, but we wish we were. However, you are more than welcome to stop in for lunch. Their restaurant, Ti Gavo, was really great and they have beautiful floor to ceiling windows so you can sip on some rosé and gaze out at the mountains. I only had two glasses and tried to plot sneaking into the spa (which I've heard is unbelievably amazing), but I digress.

3. Take a helicopter tour on the fly, literally. Chris and I decided to take a helicopter tour after strolling down the shopping strip. It was $89/per person for a 17 minute ride. I'd never been in a helicopter before, so it was worth the experience. We signed up in a small storefront on the shopping strip, and then simply drove to the Sedona Airport (you'll see the Airport Tours), hop in a copter and then look like a total badass. They distribute passengers by weight, and I was somehow lucky enough to get the front seat and some awesome pics. Our Pilot, Lewis, a veteran of the coastguard and our armed forces, was a funny guy who made us laugh. They video tape the whole ride, you just don't know it till the end. But since I gave you the heads up you can prepare for your closeup. 

4. Tlaquepaque. We didn't make it here, mostly because we wanted to end on a high note (you know, flying in a helicopter) but Chris's cousin said it was worth it. More of a place to browse, unless you're in the market to buy some good art.

5. Take a pink jeep tour. Something else we didn't get around to, but highly recommended from everyone we talked to. 

A different trail we found when driving around. Didn't hike this one, but walked a bit for the view!

View from the helicopter

That's it for now! We're heading to Big Sur and then Carmel, CA which I hear is absolutely gorgeous. Updates to come!

U.S. Road Trip Destination 1: Colorado

Rainbow Lakes

For the past couple of days, Chris and I have been on the road traversing America from Chicago to California. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about the whole driving for hours...and hours....and hours.....thing. And when I told people, they looked at me like I'd just about lost my mind – which made me second guess it all over again. However, I can now say that it's well worth it and I would have flown over some of the most beautiful natural works of art I've ever seen. Not to mention the little adventures we've been able to take on the fly while driving. It's the stuff movies are made of, guys. Plus, we packed a ton of really good snacks and listened to Serial the podcast the whole way, which took up an entire 10 hour drive. 

Since then, we've checked out the Grand Canyon (which I will post next). We're currently in Scottsdale, Arizona staying with family and getting in some good pool time, but I wanted to share some photos from our adventures in Colorado. To kick it off we camped at Rainbow Lakes in Nederland, Colorado near Boulder. It was absolutely beautiful and the first taste of camping I've had in a very long time. From there, we stayed with a friend in Grand Junction and explored The Colorado National Monument which is pretty much a mini Grand Canyon, and I couldn't get over the beauty of all of it, particularly how the different hues of blues and greens formed from sky, mountains and land created abstract stripes. Just gorgeous. A few tips so far:

1. If you're looking for adventure and can manage riding in a car for a long time, there's really no better way to see the U.S. It's truly mind blowing – and the options for what you do along the way are endless. You'll be seeing wall paper backgrounds for your computer in real life.
2. Take your time packing. We forgot a few necessities that we had to make a Target run for (wine bottle opener, cups, plastic bags for garbage, paper towels and most importantly toilet paper) that we had at home and simply forgot! Do your best to get everything right the first time so you don't have to spend extra cash for things you already have.
3. Hike-ish. If you plan on visiting The Monument and want some quality site seeing without hiking for miles and miles, just drive it! You can explore numerous points, take pictures and pretend you hiked the whole thing. Our favorite look out (the one in the photos) was at Cold Shivers Point.
4. Wear sunscreen while driving in the car. Yes, those UV rays shine through, and before you know it you will have one tan arm and one super pale arm. It's funny for a while, but then you have to go back to work and everyone will laugh at you. Plus, sunscreen should be worn daily to protect your pretty faces.
5. Get a good night of sleep. Driving wears you out, which is weird because you are sitting in a car basically doing nothing. But it does. When you get the opportunity to sink into a cozy bed, or even in a tent - take those extra hours to rest your eyes because time on the road can get tiresome.

We'll be doing a day trip to Sedona tomorrow, and then onward to San Francisco. We're still trying to figure out where to Hike in Sedona so if anyone has any recommendations, let us know! Hope you're having a great week.

The Colorado National Monument