Reverberations

Valley Forge Park Travel Guide & Dog Friendly Tips

October 18, 2017
Travel

The City of Brotherly Love gets much of the attention when it comes to the history of the United States’ founding. True, Philly did serve as the capital and the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And today, you can get up close to the Liberty Bell or visit the Museum of the American Revolution. But the surrounding suburbs of Philadelphia played an important role, too. Crucial battles were fought in some of these areas. But it was the battle of a different kind that makes Valley Forge Park worth visiting.

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Washington, DC Dog Friendly Day Trip

October 11, 2017
Travel

In many respects, Washington, DC is a traveler’s paradise. The city is full of world class museums, many of which are free to visit. There’s a large park full of notable monuments to explore. And the architecture and history in the city is difficult to fathom. But traveling to Washington, DC with a dog offers lots of possibilities! Traveling can be difficult but it shouldn’t be because your best friend can’t come along. My husband and I recently took a day trip to DC with George, our mini schnauzer. And all members of the pack had a lot of fun. Here are some ideas for a Washington, DC dog friendly day trip!

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Brauhaus Schmitz Brings Oktoberfest to Philadelphia

October 5, 2017
Food, Travel

Earlier this week, after 18 days of rowdiness, revelry and more beer than you can shake a stick at, the original Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany came to a close. But most of us can’t make it over to Bavaria to celebrate. Philadelphia‘s Brauhaus Schmitz has come up with the next best thing: an Oktoberfest celebration to entice partiers from around the region. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest, which runs Friday, October 6th through Sunday, October 8th, 2017.

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10 Munich Biergarten & Wirtshaus for Bavarian Food

October 2, 2017
Food, Travel

As soon as there is the slightest hint of warm or nice weather, Biergarten across Bavaria will start popping up. Those long wooden tables and large umbrellas will begin to be set up. But even in the colder months or bad weather you can always turn to your favorite Wirtshaus, or pub. Many of these restaurants serve local Bavarian food in addition to the friendly, joyful and fun atmosphere. I want to share some of my favorite Munich Biergarten and Wirtshaus. Plus I want to make sure you know all the ins and outs you’ll need to know for your next meal!

Here are 10 great Munich Biergarten and Wirtshaus for Bavarian food!

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6 Delicious Munich Bakeries & Pastry Shops

September 27, 2017
Food, Travel

The Austrians might have invented the croissant, the French are considered masters of pastry and the Italians are the gods of gelato. But German baked goods shouldn’t be overlooked — or underestimated. And I’m not talking about bread. Well, not just bread. The Germans do cakes and pastries to make your mouth water. Munich, in particular, has some delicious specialties that you shouldn’t pass up. On your next visit to the Bavarian capital city check out these favorite Munich bakeries and pastry shops! They’ll have you saying “Mmm, lecker!”

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Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies Light Up Philly Parkway

September 25, 2017
Travel

As Philadelphia‘s Benjamin Franklin Parkway kicks off its 100th anniversary, the city is spending the next year celebrating. And right now Fireflies are pedaling up and down the boulevard that is home to so many fantastic museums: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, Barnes Museum, Franklin Institute and more. That’s right — pedaling. Each Firefly is a pedicab covered in cheery Chinese-style lanterns. It’s all part of an art installation by artist Cai Guo-Qiang. And until October 8th, visitors can get involved by taking a free Fireflies ride!

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Smith Island: The Epitome of Slow Travel

September 20, 2017
Travel

Admittedly it was The Cake that lured me to Smith Island. But the prospect of visiting Maryland’s only inhabited island seemed like the ideal day trip. And there would be fresh crab cakes. I mean, 8-layer cake and crab cakes: what more could you want?

While Smith Island is only about twelve miles off the coast of Maryland, once there, it’s easy to feel even more isolated. If you’re looking to escape our hectic always-on society, then a trip to Smith Island is in order.

What I ended up finding on Smith Island was a fiercely loyal and welcoming community just looking to sustain their way of life. And if that means sharing some seafood and a slice of cake, well then the more the merrier. My husband and I recently made the trip to get to know Smith Island.

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