Travel List: Chicago

I've been wanting to go to Chicago for a long weekend for a few years now and I'm hoping to make it there this fall. The birthplace of skyscrapers and Second City, the city also boasts some serious options for culture.

A few stops on my list are The Loop, Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill, The Art Institute of Chicago, and John Hancock's Signature Lounge for a drink and incredible views...

Do you have any can't miss spots in Chicago?

(Packing List: Chicago)

Currently No. 2

Counting down the days until warmer weather and trying to find some versatile pieces for a late spring trip to Europe! I just booked a G Adventures YOLO tour from London to Rome for May. As an added bonus, I'll also be able to go to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia for a couple days after the tour. (Well, I might have timed it that way, but still an added bonus.)

Here are a few pieces on my radar...

(1) Nixon Watch (2) Boden Breton Tunic
(3) Scotch & Soda Top (4) Pons Avarcas

Colonial Williamsburg

I hadn't thought of visiting Colonial Williamsburg until I saw the gorgeous pictures from Jenny Komenda's weekend trip. The living-history museum is a 301-acre Historic Area including buildings dating from 1699 to 1780, showcasing and preserving Colonial and Colonial Revival architecture. The vibrant colors, stunning wallpapers, and bold combinations are highlighted by the high ceilings and decorative moldings. The rich, authentic paint palette is currently available through Benjamin Moore's Williamsburg Color Collection. I think a little classic Americana is ideal for inspiration.

via Little Green Notebook and Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Color Collection

Travel List: Zurich

Nothing beats exploring a city that manages to maintain its historical architecture while melding with the contemporary world.  The picturesque river, lovely churches, and modern amenities make Zurich an ideal spot for anyone to visit.

Zurich, Switzerland

Day: Zoe Karssen Oh La La Sweatshirt, Citizens of Humanity 'Dani' Rolled Cuff Jeans, 

Madewell Basket Weave Sandal

Night: Topshop Strappy Jersey Mini Dress, Madewell Two-Tone Platform

Travel List: Lisbon

Spain may get all the hype, but Portugal is a real gem on the Iberian peninsula.  There are gorgeous cities, amazing food, gorgeous beaches, and smaller crowds.  Lisbon is a great place to start, other places to explore might include Porto, Faro, and the Azores Islands, a chain of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Lisbon, Portugal
Karen Walker Sunglasses, Old Navy Shirt, J.Crew Toothpick Jeans, Madewell Skimmer

NARS Heatwave Lipstick, Madewell Tank, J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt, 

Mahogany Muse Bag, Madewell Sandals

Travel List: San Miguel de Allende

I've been thinking about San Miguel de Allende since I caught an episode of Rachael Ray visiting the city on her show.  It's a lovely city 4 hours north of Mexico City, famous for colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and incredible food.  It's no wonder expatriates have found their way to San Miguel since the 1930's.  It definitely looks like a city to explore and get delightfully lost.

Tucker Blouse, MiH Jeans Denim Shorts, Madewell Mailbag, Soludos Espadrilles
Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Old Navy Lace Chiffon Shirt, Madewell Bangles,
Aubin & Wills Skirt, J.Crew Audra Sandals

Travel List: Lisbon

Portugal is oft overlooked when considering travel in Europe.  Lisbon has a laid-back charm and a Mediterranean atmosphere.  You can go sightseeing on the tram, relax at a cafe, take the Elevador de Santa Justa, and see both historic and modern architecture.
  
I can't imagine a better mix of a modern city, rustic countryside, and great food.  

(polyvore)

Travel List: Belize

Can you believe it's already Christmas this Sunday?  I love spending a white Christmas with family in Utah, but just one year I want to spend Christmas somewhere warm.  I'm thinking Belize...

Belize has all the perks of Costa Rica at half the cost and with half the tourist: zip lining, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and beautiful beaches.

Have a Merry Christmas!

(polyvore)

Travel List: Prague

The Czech Republic capital of Prague (Praha in Czech) has a thrilling history and gorgeous architecture. There is a definite European romance to the city and I could even check off trying absinthe from my Mighty Life List while in Prague.

(polyvore)

Travel List: London

I am so excited for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals next week.  I wish I could be in London to experience it, but I'll have to settle for ESPN3 coverage this year...

November isn't ideal weather for London, but it is a good excuse for wellies and cozy knits.

(polyvore)

Travel List: Machu Picchu

I am amazed by Machu Picchu and since my architectural history teacher in college described his experiences there I have wanted to go even more.  He spoke about the magic of seeing the sunrise and suggested staying in a hotel overnight at the top of the mountain to avoid the afternoon tourists.

This incredible Incan site is on my Mighty Life List for sure...

(polyvore)

Travel List: Tuscany Bike Tour

I'm a bit stressed out trying to figure out an internship for next semester and dreaming of relaxing in Tuscany.  Incredible architecture, beautiful countryside, mopeds, wine tasting, gelato, and pizza... What more could a girl ask for?

(polyvore)

Travel List: Yosemite National Park

I love visiting national parks: Arches, Glacier, Yellowstone, Acadia...  But I haven't been to one of the oldest in the country, Yosemite National Park in California.  El Capitan, waterfalls, hiking, and rock climbing; what else could you want in a national park?
 

(packing list)

Travel List: Melbourne

I've had this idea in my head for a week or so, trying to figure out the best program to use for formatting.  The execution is still a work in progress, but this is my ideal packing list for a trip to the Australian Open and surrounding Melbourne... 

Travel List: Cape Town

There is something so unique about South Africa and Cape Town.  It not only has an incredibly beautiful coastline, but Table Mountain is also smack in the middle.  The history of the country is astounding and the mix of architecture, from the brightly painted façades of the Bo-Kaap to the Victorian bathing chalets, make Cape Town an eye-catching city that I want to experience.

(images via Lonely Planet)

Travel List: Barcelona

Barcelona has held a top spot in my travel list several times and consistently stays in my top 5.  The fantastical Gaudi architecture and the avant-garde nature of the city make it an experience I don't want to miss.  It's also the home to one of the oldest clay court tennis tournaments, so I might just have to go during clay court season...

(images via Lonely Planet)

Travel List: Istanbul

I have a long list of places that I want to go and because this blog is an ongoing wish list, I thought it would be fun to catalog them.

Istanbul has been on my list since my Architecture 1010 class and learning about Hagia Sofia: first a basilica, then a mosque, and now a museum.  I always found the stories of it's collapsing dome fascinating and would love to see this incredible history-changing building.

(images via Lonely Planet)