oh canada!

In celebration of my husbands 30th birthday I took him to Vancouver, B.C. As we unload off the train from the airport we are immediately engulfed by towering buildings. I instantly am reminded of New York City. We check into our hotel, which is perfectly centralized to Gastown, Granville Street, and Robson Street. Robson Street is the first neighborhood we really get ourselves lost in. The street is lined with designer brands and other fantastic stores. Zara and American Apparel to name a few. We have lunch on the patio of a restaurant named Cactus Club Cafe. We indulge in halibut tacos, delicious, while people watching the afternoon away. After we clean up for the night we head off to Granville Street, known for it's nightlife. They aren't joking. Seeing as it's Saint Patricks Day and we are in Canada we didn't expect much. Boy were we wrong. The street is lined with fantastic pubs with lines building up around the blocks. The locals are covered from head to toe in green. We drink Guinness, that is like chocolate milk gliding down our throats and savor the amazing flavors from our chicken pot pies. Again we sit on the patio and just laugh away at the people walking by.

The second day in Vancouver brings out the tourist with in us. We hop aboard the tour trolley and are loaded with fun facts about the city. Our tour guide points out every main building that played a huge roll in the Olympics, famous hotels where previous presidents have stayed, and every historical building that has helped build Vancouver's character. Our first stop is Stanely Park. I completely under estimated this adventure. We stroll along the coast taking in the skyline and the beautiful fir trees. We embark upon towering totem polls and light houses. Not realizing how gigantic this park is we hop back on the trolley to get a tour of the rest of the green. Our next stop is Granville Island. You could get lost in their farmers market. Isles of fresh meat, poultry, fish, produce, and pastries. This market is permanent and inside (something I did not expect). We decided to purchase a sweet to really experience the "taste" of Granville Island. I have a fresh lemon bar, my husband has a gluten free double chocolate almond cookie. Both are delicious and to die for. We decide to grab lunch on the Island at a place called The Keg. The food is fantastic. Everything is so fresh and full of flavor. As we hop on the trolley to get back to our hotel we decide to jump off at the Gastown District. Which we soon discover is the original town of Vancouver. Founded in the 1800's and named after a man called Gassy Jack (known for his flamboyant personality). This district is amazing. With it's old original structures, gas lamps, and cobblestone streets you get a feeling of Europe. The streets are lined with ubiquitous pubs, boutique clothing stores, and cafes. For dinner we decide to go for a little Mexican. Vallarta Grill. There is a reason there was only two Mexican restaurants we could find in a 5 mile radius....not good. To make up for the bad play we head over to Blenz Coffee. Enjoying chai tea and a freshly made rice crispy treat. Blenz coffee is an amazing chic coffee joint open 24hrs a day. Definitely the late night popular hang out.

Over come by the chains and craziness of downtown Vancouver we opt to head over to South Main (SoMa). A little more our jibe. As we take the number three bus we pass through some of the most dangerous parts of the city. Reminding us of the Tenderloin District in San Francisco. We also pass through Chinatown. The 3rd largest in North America after New York and San Francisco. We get dropped off at Broadway and Main. As we start our trek we instantly are greeted by a vintage store. The first of many to come. The first thing to recognize is the cleanliness of these vintage thread shops. Chalk full of amazing finds. My favorite winds up being a store called "Front and Company". This clothing retail store is a mixture of new & consignment, plus quirky home decor, and accessories. It reminds me of an Urban Outfitters....but way better. Another store we discover in this artist village is "The Regional Assembly of Text." This store is jam packed full of unique stamps, cards, vintage typewriters, books, and other ephemera. There was no leaving empty handed. We decide after the hike and shopping to grab some grub. We find a restaurant called Habit. I instantly fall in love with the outside decor and can hardly wait to be exposed to the inside. We immediately are greeted by a deer head mounted on the wall with retro decor in every corner. I'm in love. They serve brunch till 2:30 so we feel brunch is the way to go. The vibe in this place is retro cool and my husband and I feel more than at home. We decide we will come back the next day for dinner.

Sunday morning we wake up bright and early heading out to the Capilano Bridge. On the North side of Vancouver we cross over to the more suburb part of the city. The bridge is gorgeous and well worth seeing at least once. After being there for a couple hours we head back and walk towards Granville Street were they are holding a Saint Patricks Day Parade. The streets are lined with bands, street performers, and authentic Irish food. We decide to eat at a pub called Donnally's. Munching on fresh garlic fries and kicking back a beer or two we people watch the afternoon away...again. We head over to Habit for dinner. The retro cool restaurant in the SoMa District. We have an amazing server who shares our love of art, food, and a love for physical photography (a.k.a Polaroid pictures). We chow down on trout sandwiches and apple cobbler. Then kick it back with some Wiser's Canadian Whiskey. It is the perfect ending to a fantastic trip. The Canadian people treated us well and shared with us their culture. I look forward to our return in the future and hope to venture out to places like Victoria, Whistler, and Vancouver Island. Thanks Canada, it has been swell.

Back to the Ace

Dear Ace, you have yet to fail me. Filled with your Hipsters and Gypsies from around the world, your eclectic music, and your fantastic cuisine there is nothing I can find wrong with you. Having the pleasure to stay in your suite room was an amazing experience, and one I would like to endure again. You are like my home away from home. Yours truly, C.

williams, sedona, and the grand canyon.

As I may of mentioned before I had already explored Arizona as a child. Amazing as it was to a nine year old girl, I can honestly say it took my breath away as a 25 year old woman. Our first stop was in Williams. A very very small town tucked up in the forests of Arizona. Seeing as it was New Years Day, we did not get to experience all the town had in store. However a small diner we discovered filled our stomachs just fine and sent us on our way. We happened to choose the scenic route by chance on our way to Sedona. Approaching the amazing mountains covered in snow, we stopped mid conversation in awe of the site. This brilliant drive was almost too much to take in. In some parts of the gigantic cliffs snow was beginning to melt and you could catch a quick glimpse of stunning red rock. We soon discovered from a local the route we took was Oak Creek Canyon, and the worlds 8th most amazing scenic drive. Who knew!! As we approach our hotel (Sky Ranch Lodge) we discover it is perfectly placed on the mesas of Sedona with views we cant quite appreciate yet because the sun has set. The rooms are small and modest but cozy with fireplaces and private decks. Word to the wise. Sedona is not a city of night life. You will find no bars, no live music, hell you wont even find a restaurant open past 9 on the weekends. Luckily enough we brought plenty of wine and games! Now traveling to the Grand Canyon you have a couple of options. You can drive, which takes around 2 hours, or you can take the train from Williams. Now taking the train to Williams is well worth it during the summer, when there is more the enough to do at the National Park. However, during the winter most hiking trails are shut down due to the snow. Now saying this I fully believe everyone should see the Grand Canyon during summer and winter! The colors of the canyon completely change during this two drastically different seasons. Bring gloves and lots of socks! It will be below freezing! Now, when you are in Sedona there are a couple of things to see. First there is the Church of the Holy Cross. Tucked beautifully in the cliffs you can experience serenity and breath taking views. Another stop is Slide Rock hidden in the Oak Creek Canyon, which is a drive that needs to be experienced. Another option is simply following the signs to scenic hiking trails, best viewed at sunset with the sun blazes through the clouds and looks as though God is shinning upon us. This trip is one to take! Perfect for a long weekend getaway.

the ACE hotel portland

If i can say one thing...the Oregonians have it right. With the big city feel and the small town mentality they have the best of both worlds. However, I dont just have one thing to say. I have many. Upon arrival it is a completely clear sky and crisp air. Hands down my favorite weather. The trees are a mixture of brilliant greens, reds, and yellows. Driving across the Burnside Bridge you instantly see the "Made in Oregon" sign. This sign could not speak more of the truth. Everything is "home grown". The art, food, beer, wine, coffee, and people. I would say there are four main parts to this city and they are very different yet have the same feel flowing through them. Laid back. I almost felt a sense of uneasiness....not being in a rush. With-in the first 30 minutes of being in the city we walk 1/2 a block from our hotel and find...a bar...a coffee shop...and a breakfast joint. We choose "Kenny and Zukes". Holy moly. Latkes and french toast. Just order them, trust me. We found ourselves wondering on to Powell's books after breakfast. Needless to say you could get lost here. It's nickname is the house of books. Our next stop is a vintage store named Fringe. You are greeted instantly by a friendly face...who shockingly enough WANTS to talk to you (they jam in the back on lunch breaks). The plethera of threads and gems is over-whelming. Our first dinner in Portland is at Le Happy. Recommended by pretty much everyone I know. Known for their crepes....and pretty much only selling crepes. It is to die for. Sweet or salty you will get your french cuisine fix. Not to mention an excellent ale on tap (most likely brewed in Oregon). Saturday morning you will find their flea market located right on the waterfront. Dont bother getting there too early I feel as though the Oregonians are in no rush to get up. An hour earlier and we would of found no market. Here you can find local artists crafts, clothing, food, and beer. Hawthorne street is where you will find an abundance of vintage stores, cafes, and restaurants. The vibe most definitely changes on this side of the bridge. You no longer see sky rises but homes, and everyone is walking their dogs or riding their bikes. A great place to eat is Jam. They are known for their breakfast cocktails (ex. strawberry mimosa) and their pear chai jam (to die for). The streets are lined with vintage stores. House of Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Rock n' Rose, and Rad Summer to name just a few. On East Burnside Street you will find an amazing coffee shop named Heart. The coffee is delicious, the pastries even better, and the decor is indy meets industrial. Along the same street you will come across an awesome restaurant/bar/lounge/music venue. Fantastic food. Fantastic beer. Fantastic jams. The place is named Doug Fir. It's like the 1950's had a baby with a ski lodge and an indy rocker. Needless to say it's....fantastic. Our hotel was located more in the Pearl District, and what the Portland natives tell us is "up and coming". The Ace Hotel is a hipster's dream. The hotel is connected to a Stumptown cafe and a restaurant/bar called Clyde Common. Come hungry because you will stuff yourself silly. Clyde Common is a European influenced restaurant. With common table areas and bar it is most than easy to make friends. Especially since the Oregonians are some of the nicest people you will ever come to meet. The Ace Hotel has a friendly staff who dress fantastically. Black pants, saddle shoes, white collar shirt, and suspenders. Whats not to love? In the lobby there is a grouping of couches filled with people from all walks of life. Some are visitors, some are locals having meetings for art projects. There is a photobooth in the lobby as well. And though it is 4 dollars. It is TOTALLY worth it. Like in Palm Springs you can also rent bikes for the day! Portland hands down has become one of my favorite cities. You will fall in love with every aspect Portland has to offer. 

the ACE hotel palm springs

Just this past July my friends and I took a trip to Palm Springs. The hotel was so beyond amazing I had to book a trip with my husband. The design of the Ace is a bohemian, organic feel with mid-century modern, and hip tendencies. Some rooms have patios, and gardens. If you are booked in a more simplistic room you can find communal fireplaces through out the property. At this hotel you feel like you have stepped into a retro cool black and white 1950's movie filmed at a pool. The restaurant, although deceiving, has excellent and rare meals to offer. Including french pressed coffee in the morning, which I personally believe is to die for. As you walk through the hotel exploring you will find many personal touches and quirky objects. Including a vintage photo booth! The hotel also offers vespa and bicycle rentals. You may even find yourself on the tandem bicycle! The hotel is also dog friendly, with a pet friendly lobby, pool, rooms, and dog park. But BEWARE, they will charge you if a neighbor complains about barking. Palm Springs has always been a chic place to visit but this hotel is the creme de la creme of hotels!