Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Boston, Massachusetts

Museums are a way to showcase the true character of a city. From natural sciences to arts, all museums hold artifacts that tell a unique tale of the place you're visiting and the people who helped make it possible. 

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is just as unique as it is telling. From the outside this modern art museum fits in well with its Boston surroundings. However as soon as you step foot inside you know you are about to be transported back in time. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner was one of America's leading art collectors at the start of the 20th century. By 1903 she had built a museum designed to look like a Venetian palace right in the heart of Boston. Her goal was for visitors to be immersed in Renaissance art and architecture, making the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum one of a kind. Around every corner you are greeted with some of the greatest pieces from the Renaissance including works by Botticelli, Matisse, and Degas. It is undoubtably one of the greatest collection on the Eastern seaboard. 

The museum has a dark history as well. It is the location of the worlds greatest property theft in history. In 1990 two men stole 13 pieces valuing $500 million. The robbery remains unsolved and the pieces are still missing to this day. The museum keeps the empty frames on the walls in hopes of their return. There is a $10 million reward. 

There is no shortage of history and art in the city of Boston. As one of America's oldest cities, Boston is rich in culture. However, I highly suggest getting lost in the hallways of the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum for an afternoon. You will not be disappointed. 

xoxo

A Solo Weekend in Boston

I developed a strong sense of independence in the two years I was living abroad. I was fearless about exploring the world with nothing but myself and a camera. Once I moved back to the States, I found it difficult to explore places on my own. I always wanted the company of friends and family. As enjoyable as a travel buddy is, sometimes it can limit you to do the things you really want to. I'm not sure why it took me SO long, but I finally went on my first solo trip within the United States. 

Boston, of course, was the most obvious choice for my first solo vacation. A city rich with history and culture, I had only been once before. I was eager to explore this city on my own! I ate where I wanted, visited the museums I wanted to visit, and no one was rolling their eyes at me while I stopped to take the perfect Instagram shots! Although short, my trip was full of adventure. It was just what I needed. 

I know I have been neglecting this blog. The truth is 2017 has not been the year of travel for me. I spent so much time traveling in 2016 that I wasn't paying attention to my own personal success. So, I've put traveling on hold to pursue a career in teaching! While I focus on work, school, family and friends, please bear with me! But for now, I have so much to share from my Boston trip. Stay tuned!

(Also, new camera! About time, right?)

xoxo

Girls Weekend in New Orleans | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Someone once told me to stop thinking of New Orleans as a city in the South and to start thinking of it as a place all on its own. The minute I stopped trying to categorize New Orleans I truly developed an appreciation, and even a love for the city. There are few places in America with as much character or uniqueness. It's not everyones cup of tea, but New Orleans can be a wonderful place for that perfect getaway you need. 

A couple years back I created A Weekend in New Orleans | The Ultimate Travel Guide. Despite the fact that it is now severely outdated, it is STILL my most popular post on this blog. After getting to know the city even more, I thought it was about time to give you an updated travel guide, specifically for a girls weekend!

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone | Central

Airport | Louis Armstrong International (MSY)

Transportation Airport to French Quarter | $33

Transportation Streetcar | $3 day pass

Average Hotel Price Per Night | $90 - $350 

Average Meal Price | $22

French Quarter 

FRIDAY

6PM Fly into Louis Armstrong International Airport. From there take either a taxi or an Uber into the French Quarter. Both will set you back $33, however if you opt for a taxi note that an added rate of $14 is added per additional passenger. 

7PM After checking into your hotel, make your way through the French Quarter to Chartres House for a bite to eat. The French Quarter is notorious for expensive restaurants and bars. Chartres House is a are rare gem that is both tasty and reasonably priced. Try the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, it won't disappoint! 

9PM Enjoy the magic of the French Quarter! Whether you decide to explore Bourbon Street or opt for something a little quieter like one of the many courtyard spaces, theres plenty to do, all you have to do is walk around and explore for yourself!

12AM Need to fuel that late night craving? Don't worry, Cafe Du Monde is open 24/7! Going late at night means you'll miss the crowds! The line is usually out the door during the morning breakfast rush.

Buckner Mansion in the Garden District 

SATURDAY 

9AM Its time for a cup of coffee. Take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District and hop off at Jackson Avenue. Remember, the streetcars only take exact change so have your $3 ready! It'll give you a roundtrip ticket for the day. Walk down Jackson Avenue, stopping to take pictures at Buckner Mansion, before reaching Magazine Street. At the corner of Jackson and Magazine you'll find one of the best places in the world for donuts, and that isn't an exaggeration! District Donuts is a donut lovers dream! Try one of their specialty donuts of the day and pair it with a cup of cold brew. 

District Donuts Sliders and Brew

10AM Head north of Magazine Street and explore the beautiful Garden District. You'll pass several walking tours while exploring the Garden District, but I've found it's easier to walk at your own pace.  Download this Self Guided Walking Tour to make sure you don't miss a thing! Some of my personal favorites include Buckner Mansion (the American Horror Story Coven House) and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

1PM So you're probably a little hungry by this point. End your Garden District trip with lunch at Atchafalaya, a local favorite! Head back to the French Quarter after you've finished exploring the beauty of the Garden District. 

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

7PM Tonight is all about jazz. You are in New Orleans after all! Grab a bite to eat at Paladar 511, a favorite for pizza, before walking over to Frenchman Street for some of the best jazz in New Orleans. The most difficult decision will be choosing with jazz club to step in to! There are dozens! Spend the night listening to the sounds of New Orleans. 

SUNDAY

9AM Sadly, it's your last day in New Orleans. End your trip with a bang by going to a local favorite for breakfast, St. Roch Market. Here, everyone in your party can get what they want. From grits to avocado toast or breakfast burritos, St. Roch Market has been serving up local produce since 2015. Don't forget that cup of coffee either. Coast Roast Coffee at St. Roch Market is some of the best in the city! 

St. Roch Market

If you have any time to spare, head back to your hotel by foot! The journey from St. Roch Market to the French Quarter gives you a taste of real New Orleans, colorful, magical, and always unique! The city of New Orleans is full of history and character. The mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean history makes this city like no other.

What are some of your favorite spots for a Girls getaway? Leave your suggestions below, and make sure to reach out to me if you have any questions. Happy traveling!

xoxo