Day Tripping in Style
Day Tripping in NYC, Annapolis Maryland and the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia
Whewwww!!! This week has been the first week in quite a while that I have been able to just putter around the house without a long list of things to get done, an event to prepare for, or pack for a trip. It feels kind of nice. When I started blogging, I had many days at home all comfy and online at my desk or my worktable creating projects. I never imagined that travel would become a regular part of my job.
Over the past few weeks, I have been traveling for the blog and on the weekends with family and friends. I have become quite an expert at packing fast and light, fitting only what I need into a small suitcase when I travel so I don’t look like a bag lady trudging through airports, train stations, or hotel lobbies.
Two weeks ago I went to NYC to attend the BHG Stylemaker event. After parking my car, I walked hands-free to meet up with with my blogging buddy Jenna of SAS Interiors in front of Penn Station.
All I took for my two night stay was a backpack and my new Lifetime Leather Convertible Messenger bag from Duluth Trading. You may remember the Lifetime Leather Large Tote I wrote about back in the Spring. I had never owned a real leather bag before and fell in love not only with the quality of that tote, but the styling of it.
I wanted to find a cross-body bag to coordinate with it so that I looked pulled together with bags that look like a set when I travel. I wanted one that was not too big, but big enough to hold all I need for a day of sightseeing…and sightseeing is what I have been doing a lot of lately.
Once Jenna and I checked into our hotel in Chelsea, we headed out for an afternoon of sightseeing. It was a beautiful day and we headed straight for the High Line. If you have never been up on it – you can read all about it here: Visit the High Line
I think it is urban renewal at its best. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.
I have walked along it a few times. I only wish it was in place when I was a college student at the Fashion Institute of Technology on 7th Ave and 27th St. I would have run along it every morning and gone up to watch the sun set in the evenings.
You get a great view of all that is happening on the streets below.
No matter where you are in NYC- every way you look there is something to see. The ornate building in the photo is Grand Central Station. It may not be a tall building, but it is big and wide – it takes up quite a bit of real estate around 42nd and Park Ave.
Did you notice my bag? Presto Chango! – It converts from a cross-body or shoulder bag into a backpack in seconds. It is one smart and stylish bag that went around the city with me.
The hotel we stayed at was right in the middle of the flower district. We had to get up early on the second day of the trip and stopped to take a few photos with the pretty flowers that lined the street on our way to the Stylemaker event. They were inexpensive and both Jenna and I wanted to take some home with us. I get a lot of questions about where I bought my leopard flats. They are from Lands End.
We had a great time at the event, BHG never disappoints, but it was soon over and time to go home. I walked with Jenna back to Penn Station the next morning and then I went to the Port Authority to get my car for the 2 hour drive home.
I stated earlier that I have been traveling a lot. This past weekend, my bag and I went to Annapolis, Maryland..
…for a memorial for Ed’s mom who passed away this past spring. Annapolis is one quaint town along the Severn river. It is also the home of the Naval Academy where Ed went to school and we were married. The town holds lots of meaning and memories for us.
Ed’s mom loved the town and ended up living there for a few years after he graduated. They were some of the favorite years of her life so we thought it fitting to have her memorial there.
On Friday we hung out around the city dock…
…shopped…went to dinner, and enjoyed…
…one beautiful evening. We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend weather wise. We tailgated at the Navy football game on Sat (they lost) :-(
On Sunday we had the memorial and brunch at the Chart House. Lots of family and friends around to celebrate and remember Ed’s mom.
Along with lots of time with my girls. I am not as short as I look in this photo. :-) I have flats on and my daughters are wearing heels.
Two weekends before going to Annapolis and NYC, Ed and I headed to Virginia.
It was the first time my Lifetime Leather Convertible Messenger bag and I went on a trip together. It was to the Barren Ridge Vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
Another weekend where the weather was perfect.
Perfect to sit outside and enjoy a bottle of red along with some cheese and crackers for a relaxing afternoon gazing out at the vineyard. If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember me saying that it felt like we were in Tuscany. We liked this chillable red so much that we bought a few bottles to bring home. I wish I could have brought the view home, too.
Through all of my travels – my trusty tote bag has been at my side keeping everything I need organized and handy – and best of all…my hands are free.
Even though I loved all the places I have been the past month, I am looking forward to this weekend at home. I think it is going to get chilly and rain. Time to nest, snuggle, enjoy curling up with a good book, and waking up in my own comfy bed.