Exploring Boston During a Work Trip

Last week I started a new job AND was sent to Boston for training. It was quite the whirlwind, but in the best way. While the reason for my visit was to learn about my new job, I was already there, and my favorite thing in the world to do is travel, so naturally I found a way to take in the city when I could.

Training was every day from 8:30am to 5:30pm (even lunch was in the building) so I didn't get to see very much outside of the classroom, but I made it a point to utilize every spare minute I could. I'd been to Beantown before but never seen a New England fall and that was on the top of my list; however, by the time I was done working for the day it was too late to take in the foliage. I had to get creative! I decided to run across the street to a park during a 10-minute break and was able to snap a bunch of pictures and get back in time.

I also woke up an extra hour early to walk around Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden. That gave me the opportunity to see even more fall colors, plus walk along Beacon Hill and get a great view of the Massachusetts State Capitol.


The other thing I took advantage of was the amazing seafood Boston has to offer, including the Union Oyster House located not too far from Faneuil Hall. It's a historical landmark, established in 1826 within an already existing building, and the oldest restaurant in America. So much history! You really feel like you're stepping back in time while dining there. While I didn't think my oysters Rockefeller were special, the lobster ravioli was the best dishes I've ever had. Go there!

Also a must if you like seafood, Neptune Oyster in the North End. It's small and you wait in a line outside before squeezing into a packed bar, but totally worth the wait. While I don't love raw oysters, the selection is extensive, the flavors of each are provided, and you can order individually, so I tried a few. Not too bad! But their main attraction in the lobster roll. I'd seen this place featured on various food shows and knew it was going to be delicious. At $27 it's expensive but SO worth it. Holy cow. The chunks of lobster were huge and tasted amazing. I think it ruined lobster rolls for me. There's no way I'm finding a better one, especially here in Southern California.

I had to leave my last day of training early to catch my flight but on my way home I was lucky enough to walk by the Old Granary Burial Ground, founded in 1660. It's so amazing that some of the headstones are still readable after centuries. This cemetery is the final resting place for many American Revolution Patriots, including Paul Revere.

As far as hotel, I stayed at the Omni Parker House. It's the perfect location, right in the Financial District on the Freedom Trail, and across the street from Old City Hall. Attractions within walking distance include Boston Common, the North End, Quincy Market, and the wharf. It's on the pricier side, and said to be haunted (if that thing scares you), but the staff is friendly and it was build in 1855 so the whole place is really beautiful. Plus the bar serves THE BEST clam chowder I've ever tasted. No joke.

Guest Post: Bourbon Street History

Hi Everyone! Wes coming to you from Life Through Preppy Glasses. Stop over and say hi if you have a minute! I hope Leann is enjoying her time down in NOLA...im pretty jealous!

Every city has the famous street that every one instantly associates with it. Like Madison Avenue and New York, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, or Worth Avenue and Palm Beach. Since Leann is off having fun in  New Orleans, it would only be appropriate to feature the famous New Orleans street.

Bourbon Street

Source: etsy.com via Fiorella on Pinterest

Bourbon street spans the wonderful French quarter of New Orleans, and is one of the go-to spots in the city. Heres a little trivia: what is this street named after? You guessed it, the House of Bourbon which was the ruling French family at the time.

The street is home to many many restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. One of the more well known spots is Galatoire's. Of course this description would not be complete without mentioning the fact that Bourbon Street is home to the wild Mardi Gras fete of New Orleans.

What's your favorite iconic street that you've visited??

Keeping with the French theme, I have to admit that mine is the Avenue des Champs Elysees in Paris. I havent experienced anything quite like it anywhere else.

My Nashville Recap

My trip to Tennessee was amazing/disastrous at the same time. I got to do and see so many things that I am still in awe of; however, the night I landed I got sick and still remain sick today. Worst cold ever! Let's focus on the wonderful aspects though.

My great friend Stephanie recently moved to Nashville and welcomed me with open arms to experience her new city. And because Steph is the best, I got to take it all in first class style. Here's a breakdown of how the first two days of the trip went:

Thursday

Breakfast at Arnold's - an unassuming Nashville staple featuring meat and 3. Great, country food.

After breakfast I headed to Franklin, a suburb, with one of Steph's best friends, Cassie. Franklin is the quintessential small town with a historic town square that we spent lots of time exploring antique shops. I even picked up a cute antique key charm that I plan on finding a necklace chain for.

Fun fact: Justin Bieber recently filmed a Christmas music video in Franklin.

Thursday night we headed to the Americana Music Awards at the famous Ryman Auditorium. It was my first awards show and way cool to be in the presence of so many talented people - some of which included Robert Plant, The Avett Brothers, and the Civil Wars. And at such a respected venue that's housed countless talented acts. To end the night we grabbed some food and drinks at a fun bar with friends.

Friday

I did more in this day than I have ever done in my entire life! Before anything I got myself some biscuits and gravy and savored every minute of the meal. First real stop of the day, The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home and burial place. I have an American Studies degree so I eat this kind of stuff up. Next was Belle Meade Plantation, an incredible estate that was home to the most successful horse breeding/racing family in American history. Every major race horse that you have ever heard of descends from the horses that were once at Belle Meade. There's even a winery on the estate so I indulged in some really tasty vino.

After the tourist events we cleaned up and prepared for the most exciting part of my trip - a night at the Grand Ole Opry. Because Stephanie is ahmaaaazing and has a kick ass job, she got us backstage passes so we got to take in the concerts on stage. Yup, we were those cool people. The reason we were there was to see Josh Turner and he did not disappoint. He has a fantastic voice, is HOT, and super nice. After he performed we went to his dressing room and I got a picture with Josh.

No night in Nashville is complete without hitting up the honky tonks on Lower Broadway. Door to door bars, live music, dancing, and a great time. Because I was so sick, we only hung out for a few hours and in that time I partook in my first whiskey shots (I'm more of a clear alcohol kinda gal) and managed to lose my driver's license. Nice way to end the night right? :(

Sorry for such a long recap, I actually tried keeping it short. And please excuse the pictures - I know i look like death.

Come back Thursday to hear about the rest of my trip!

Jackie O.

Did anyone else watch The Kennedys? It's been a great series so far and all of the actors are doing a fantastic job. JFK was a great president, despite his many personal flaws. And Katie Holmes looks so much like the First Lady!

As I watch I can't help but lust after the clothing worn by Jackie. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, better known as Jackie O. after her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis, was not only an amazingly strong woman but was also well known for incredible fashion sense.

Perfectly tailored, Chanel dresses, a string of pearls, and short wavy hair is how she was seen in her early days.

As she aged her signature look was still simple, chic but more patterns were introduced. Her big, over sized glasses are probably what she's best know for as far as fashion goes.

What do you prefer, Jackie's style as First Lady, or in her later years?

Photos courtesy of: Popsugar, HerCafe.net, Celebrity Royale, phillipphiles, The Fashion Cult

Happy 101

I was recently given the Happy 101 award by Mimi of What Mimi Writes. If you haven't discovered her blog, do eeeeet! It's really entertaining :)

The Rules:
1) Thank the person(s) who gave you this award
2) Copy the icon on to your profile
3) State 10 things you like
4) Give this award to other bloggers and notify them with a comment

So here it goes...

311! For more info, check out my previous post.

Softball! Still play and been playing for 20 years.

TV! My top favs are The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, Fringe, Life Unexpected...I could go on and on but at some point it just gets sad.

History! Especially that of the colonial period. One day live in New England.

Architecture! If it's an old building, like circa 1920s or older, I'm in love.

Traveling! Although I don't do it as much as I'd like. Excited for my trip to the Dominican Republic in December!!

Animals! I love them so much I gave up eating them lol! I'm weak though. I now eat chicken and fish :(

Black and white! Not sure why but if it's black and white I'm drawn to it.

Rain! We don't get much in LA so when it's gloomy I get excited. I'm only happy when it rains ;) I miss the band Garbage.

Fall! Leaves, Starbucks, Halloween. Too bad I have never seen a real fall.

I hate picking blogs for awards. I never know if people want to participate. Therefore, if anyone doesn't want to play I won't be offended. And if anyone wants to play along, please do!

Chic & Pink

In Staley's Atmosphere

KDC Event Planning

Moonstruck

Ms. Charm's Chic

Style My Happiness

This Free Bird

Thoughts From Cali

Photos courtesy of: Google Images

Beantown, Baby!

"...She said I think I'll go to Boston,

I think I'll start a new life,

I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,

I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather..."

When I flew to Boston back in the late summer of 2006 I was playing "Boston" by Augustana. Yeah, I know. But I can't help but associate the city with the song.

Boston was only my second trip to the East Coast. My first was the DC/Alexandria, VA area. I loved both regions. I am a huge history lover and there is something so special about that part of the country. It's so rich with monumental moments. To stand on a cobblestone street that someone else stood on 200 years ago makes me feel so incredible and thankful to be an American.

I actually wanted to move to Boston--and I still do but am unsure my Southern California body could handle the Massachusetts winter. I applied to grad school in the City. UMASS Boston. Unfortunately I applied to a masters program that I didn't have enough credits for. My problem was that I was going to defer and make up the classes but didn't explain that in my letter. I was told to take some courses and reapply...

Ahh, I digress haha!

Here are some of my favorite pics from my trip to Boston. There are also a few Salem pictures in there. Another amazing, quaint seaside village. As you can see from the first picture, there is a highway named after my family, so really I am meant to live in that region ;)

"...I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset."