Chasing Waterfalls in Iceland

That's me! In front of Gullfoss.

If you’ve made it all the way to Iceland, I would strongly encourage you to acknowledge TLC’s advice, and then ignore it completely. Do not stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to, you’re in Iceland! Let me tell you, these waterfalls are 100% worth the day trip.

Gullfoss in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland

Speaking of which: we generally prefer renting a car and rocking out our own road trip, but there are plenty of excursion programs and buses to get you to several of these falls!

Gullfoss in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland

Gullfoss in the canyon of the Hvítá river

The first waterfall is an obvious one: Gullfoss. If you’re booking a trip to Iceland, I know you’ve heard of this massive behemoth of a fall! It’s one of the largest to be seen, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. There are three points that you can view the fall from; the very tippy top, right up close and personal with the falls, and a view from a cliff across from the falls. My personal favorite is to take the damp hike down to get right up next to the falls… the rainbows from the mists are truly magical. We drove to see this waterfall on the same trip as the geysers and Þingvellir National Park, which has its own waterfall to see!

`Öxarárfoss at Þingvellir National Park

Öxarárfoss at Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir's waterfall, Öxarárfoss, is kind of the perfect warm-up to get you really jazzed about all of the waterfalls you’ll be chasing! It’s quite easy to get to, as it’s at the first parking area of the park, and it’s a short (beautiful!) walk from the parking area! If you pack a lunch, it’s the perfect place to sit and relax for a bite - just make sure you take your rubbish back out with you. A visit to this park is about $5 (USD) to park, so you might as well check out a bit more of the park… maybe plan a hike!

The other few waterfalls we hit up on our way down to the black sand beaches at Vík. If you plan on taking part of the ring road down towards the south shores, these will be super easy to hit up! All of them are absolutely beautiful places to stop and relax for a bit, have a bite to eat, do some yoga, take a nap; I mean you do you boo.

Seljalandsfoss

Gljúfrafoss

Gljúfrafoss

Gljúfrafoss

The first couple falls are Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi or Gljúfrafoss. They’re in the same vicinity located in the south region of Iceland, right off of route 1 (Ring Road), which leads to Þórsmörk; They’re a short walk from the same parking area. The first of the two, Seljalandsfoss, you can actually get behind!  You’re definitely going to get wet and a bit muddy, so I recommend wearing a rain coat and maybe some water resistant boots. The whole experience is a little bit surreal and truly unique, but one of my favorite falls all-in-all was Gljúfrafoss. This is where that rain coat and those water resistant boots (I wore winter-weather Sperry boots) are going to get one heck of a workout. There’s going to be a bit of a balancing act from rock to rock through a small stream, but the experience of being inside of the cavern at a base of a waterfall is so unbelievably special. You honestly couldn’t have wiped that grin off of my face.

Selfoss

Selfoss

The final falls we visited: Selfoss. This waterfall is massive, very tall. It empties into a gorgeous shallow river. It’s a perfect place to just wade around; the water only rose up to about ankle-to-calf-height. Super relaxing, and right around the corner from the falls at Seljalandsfoss. There’s a restaurant there if you’re hungry and didn’t pack a meal, and if you’re planing to drive all the way to Vík after this stop, you’ll want to get out and stretch your legs for a bit.

Let me know if you hit up any of these falls this summer, I'd love to see more pictures. It really is straight up magic; mother nature at work.

My Second Trip to Iceland

When I told friends and family that I was going back to Iceland (we had been here last March), there were a lot of puzzled looks and questions.

"Back to Iceland? Why?"
"Don't you want to go somewhere new?"
"...but isn't it cold?"

Yes, back to Iceland. Of course I want to go to new places in the future as well. And, cold? I mean, it's like spring in New England, it's in the 50's and 60's right now.

So. Back to Iceland. Why did we go back to Iceland?

I don't know... I mean, we could go to a sandy white beach somewhere.

I mean, I know that the possibilities are endless... we could travel to any number of places, instead of the same foreign country twice.

We did talk about visiting other places, we originally planned on England and Ireland, actually. But, you know, Iceland just seems to have this magnetic pull. And we'd never gotten to see it in the summer, only in the winter; so the 24 hours of sunlight certainly piqued our interest.

I honestly can't really pinpoint specifically what called us back here...

All I can really say for now is, if you want to know why we came back a second time, to Iceland of all places...

...is that maybe you'll just have to come out here and find out for yourself. ;)

Museums Are Super Perfect Date Spots

...and no one can tell me otherwise. Mind you, I've never been in the "dating scene" before, really. Regardless, my partner and I love going to museums together (and he isn't really the artsy-type dude, either).

Museums are one of the best places to get to know each other; from prompting compelling discussion, to the quiet and sometimes cozy atmosphere. 

Does your partner prefer the modern art exhibits, or would they rather see some old-school Flemish paintings? Maybe they're more into sculpture, or maybe you can show them why you love sculpture so much.

It's the perfect place for hand-holding and getting close. There's lots of walking and wandering, pauses to put an arm around one another; there are whole empty sections and rooms filled with nothing but artwork, even in the most popular of museums.

Some have the added benefit of a nearby slice of gold to snag a cocktail or a bite to eat. For example, the Met has their Roof Garden Bar, or the museums in DC have the bonkers lineup of food trucks at the Washington Mall.

There's a museum for everyone: into dinosaurs? Visit the American Museum of Natural History. Love music? Maybe check out the EMP Museum in Seattle. If you're fascinated by serial killers or true crime, there's a Museum of Death in New Orleans and Hollywood. The Field Museum in Chicago is one of the largest museums of natural history in the wold!

Many art schools have student exhibits, sometimes they're even free! Some museums are surrounded by beautiful gardens to take a stroll through.

Museums are everywhere, large and small. Begging for people to come through and see all they have to offer.

Museums can evoke feelings within all of us... we all interpret displays differently. That kind of makes it especially beautiful though, right? Discussing different perspectives really makes the world go 'round! It's a beautiful thing.

United States Botanic Garden | Washington, DC

Let me tell you... on a bitter-cold winter day, this place is a major treat. It's hard to walk into a building full of photosynthesizing goodness and not feel refreshed and amazing.

Whether you prefer a steamy rainforest environment, an arid desert full of cacti, or anything in-between, you can enjoy a guaranteed beautiful sight.

(I should mention that this is a free experience, too...)

On one hand, I feel like the pictures couldn't possibly do this place any justice, but on the other hand, I'm not sure that my words would do any better a job at explaining how much I love this place.

This was not my first visit, but it is the first place I rush to every time I visit DC.

The cacao tree is always a huge hit - OBVIOUSLY! Who doesn't love chocolate? You can see all kinds of edible flora in the main entrance: from the highly recognizable bananas, lemons, oranges; to the less commonly seen cacao fruit and jackfruit!

You can sit and rest your feet for a couple of blissful minutes next to the very relaxing water features, or keep on going to one of the many other exhibits in the conservatory.

Medicinal plants, orchids, rare and endangered plants, and more!

My favorite section is hands-down walking around the canopy walk in the tropics exhibit. There's something so magical about it... the whole room smells incredible, and on a sunny day, you can feel the warmth shining on your face.

I've visited the botanical garden in Montreal as well (Jardin botanique de Montréal), and while it's very grand and impressive (it's huge!!! and it has an insectarium!!!), the DC option is a truly special escape while visiting the miles and miles of Smithsonian museums.

For me, this is a must-visit. I hear that there's even more open to see in the spring and summer, and I definitely need to go back. In August, you can even see a real Corpse Flower in bloom!

I strongly encourage anyone and everyone else to visit as well... because why not?! It's free, it's beautiful, and it's a gem of a find in DC.

Ghostfish Brewery: Seattle, Washington

SO GOOD, WE WENT TWICE.

I've been going to breweries since before I could actually drink anything there. I started learning the beer brewing process at the young age of six or seven when my dad started bringing me to New England breweries, mostly in Vermont.

At the time I can't say I loved it... I found it generally quite boring. Those trips had a bit of an "aaauuughhhhh why am I even here right now" air to it for me. It did instill an early love of beer and breweries in me that would be unearthed like a shiny diamond as an adult.

Visiting breweries post-21st-birthday became one of my favorite things. UNTAPPD was one of my most used apps through most of my twenties, with over 250 unique brews logged.

Then I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease... sayonara beer, breweries, and happiness.

Okay, that's a bit melodramatic; but I do tell everyone, if I could just have ONE thing back, it would be beer. Mostly because I miss visiting the breweries with friends, my partner, and my family. Cideries are cool, but the really good ones are few and far between.

Last week I was in Seattle seeing my sister, and she introduced me to something that has easily made my entire year: Ghostfish Brewing Company. To sum it up: it was SO good, we went twice. Two days in a row. I was only out there for about four days.

Seattle is generally a super gluten-free-friendly city. This gem of an option took the cake, though. I recommend both gluten free and non-gluten free individuals alike visit this one. Our non-GF significant others both raved about the beer, saying how delicious it really is.

AS IF GOOD BEER WASN'T ENOUGH... it's a brew pub. PUB. Know what that means? Gluten free beer-battered food. Amazing fish and chips, beer-battered butternut squash planks, NACHOS.

Let's just say I'm a little in love, and I'm hoping and praying that they will someday distribute to the east coast.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

One of my favorite parts from my visit to Louisiana was my stroll through the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District of New Orleans.

It's so spooky and beautiful and haunting and lovely and real.

The mixture of stonework throughout the small city of dead is a mix of very, very old and very, very new.

This particular cemetery is actually the oldest of the city-operated in New Orleans.

Reading all of the names and years on the above-ground tombs is just fascinating. Generations of families are buried at the same site, some dating back so far. I found this one especially fascinating, reading "SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DESTITUTE ORPHAN BOYS".

The true groundskeepers are most definitely the lizards and the plant-life. The flora and fauna is just busting out of the seams of the place.

You might have a feeling of familiarity while walking through here, with good reason... this cemetery is very popular for filming. Double Jeopardy, Dracula, and more.

In honor of Halloween and the spooky holiday season, I thought that sharing these photos would be très approprié.

Love and Prosecco in New Orleans

When you're traveling with a significant other, things can get a little bit tense at times.

I have a friend who insists that surviving your first major trip together is a huge milestone.

While I stand by the theory that New Orleans is easily one of the most romantic and charming cities in the United States, timelines and itineraries can add tension to any scenario. With gas-lit street lamps, gorgeous and intricate wrought-ironwork, and some super dreamy smooth jazz, it's easy to feel like you're on cloud nine.

BUT. With a bustling Bourbon Street, a swingin' Frenchmen Street, crazy sites to see and happening places to be, it's easy to feel rushed. See the galleries, go to this place for this music, go that place for that band, try the rich and heavy food here and there and everywhere. Things can get overwhelming and, quite frankly, exhausting.

Here's something to add to your itinerary: a blocked-out section of time to do nothing. 

Spend part of an afternoon lounging around in bed. Put on that super comfy legging-sweater combo that you packed but didn't think you'd have time to wear. Invest in some quiet reading time, or just time to sit and talk for a while.

Make yourself feel a little fancy, look a little stylish... whatever that means to you. Take your time getting ready. Maybe no one else will see your makeup or your skirt that night, but there's something kind of refreshing about getting dressed up for your significant other and no one else.

Pick up a bottle of Prosecco; or maybe red wine if the weather is chilly enough. Find a comfy place to sit on a patio in a courtyard, or by a fireplace; wherever you're staying. Enjoy each others company.

Goodness knows you've spent the last two or three days enjoying the company of the other hundreds-to-thousands of people you've crossed glances, accidentally bumped shoulders, and exchanged small-talk with.

Maybe you'll have a lot to talk about, maybe you'll have nothing to talk about... but having nowhere to be and nothing to do, is so necessary sometimes.

While I might be the least qualified person to give legitimate relationship advice (is anyone legitimately qualified to give relationship advice, though? like... everybody is different...), I think that the quieter times on vacation together make everything seem a whole lot sweeter, significant more serene, and definitely more memorable.

(Plus... doesn't mean you can't go out later; especially while in New Orleans, after all.)

Williamsburg Smorgasburg: East River State Park

Imagine over 100 food vendors in one place: grilling, frying, smoking, freezing, wrapping... the world is your oyster.

As a matter of fact, oysters are an option there, too! I should note, it is EXTREMELY crowded, understandably so. Tents as far as the eye can see.

Smorgasburg is like a foodie's dream. All of those cult-following edible creations over the years - like nori wraps, ramen burgers, raindrop cakes, etc. - can be found in one massive place... and it's on the water!

My favorite thing to eat there (preferably in mass quantities, the sauce is majorly addicting) are the summer rolls from Lonestar Empire.

As a vegetarian, I like to get their tofu and mushroom option, however, my boyfriend raves about their slow-roasted brisket. The veggies are crisp and refreshing, the sauce is sweet and salty, and the mushroom and tofu add some great body to the easy finger food.

And how amazing is that view? You can see the Empire State building in the distance, and if you could see to the left (beyond the edge of the picture) you would see One World Trade Center.

After a walk down by the water, and a few savory snacks, the dessert options are limitless. I already mentioned the raindrop cakes, but there are all kinds of craft ice creams and baked goods available.

If you're anything like me, you might be pretty full by the time you get to "dessert"... but don't you worry, I have a solution to that problem!

People's pops. Let me tell you, if I could purchase boxes of these from the grocery store to keep around for all the days of the week, I would.

People's pops makes shave ices right before your eyes as well.

What makes them particularly special, though? I mean, you can get a popsicle anywhere... but can you get a raspberry basil popsicle anywhere? Probably not. How about melon mojito, rhubarb tarragon, ginger pear riesling, peach jasmine...

Ok. Now I really want popsicles. 

If you're ever staying in the city, I don't think that it's possible for me to emphasize how strongly I recommend visiting Smorgasburg. As a matter of fact, it's probably the best place you could possibly eat on a visit in the city, since you get to try so many from the list of the-best-of, all in one stop.

Happy eating!

Brooklyn Flea, Part 2: Fort Green

You may or may not recall my first visit to The Flea... it was doughnut filled and lovely. Well, I went back, but this time to a different location. The Brooklyn Flea in Fort Green is significantly larger!

I spotted these really lovely, authentic African style textiles. Along with the piles of beautifully dyed heavy-duty fabrics were books with details about traditional patterns and colors. I was torn between at least five of them, but decided on a black, heavy tapestry with white geometric design. It happens to be at the top of that black pile!

Up and down the aisles of tents were plenty of shiny, beautiful knick knacks and treasures. 

When I found these gorgeous Vivenne Westwood shoes mixed in amongst re-purposed dinosaur toys, my heart skipped a beat... no pun intended! They're the kind of shoes that I used to look at pictures and admire, but had never seen in person.

There was no shortage of stylish, colorful vintage and antique styles...

Or new, stylish hand-crafted goods!

Just like at the first flea market, there was some pretty amazing ephemera and vintage paper goods.

I particularly loved these old glasses! These were the cartoons my parents showed me as a kid, and it was amazing seeing them immortalized on glassware, similar to the Welch's jelly jars of my own childhood!

If you're anywhere around New York and trying to find the right flea market, this is a great option! It's not the largest necessarily, but it's definitely one of the most fine-tuned and nicely curated.

Daydreaming about Washington...

As I mentally gear up for my trip to Washington in late July/August, I'm revisiting old photos and writings on my past visits.

My older sister lives outside of Seattle and I pack up and fly out once or twice a year to visit!

I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments out west!

First up: Orcas Island.

Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington and Canada. The water is rich in blues and greens, the sky is beautiful and vast, and the trees tower like giants.

Last year on my 25th birthday trip out there, we spent a full four or five days... I honestly can't think of any other word than "paradise" to describe it. Orcas Island was like the perfect balance between what I imagine the island-life of Hawaii to be, mixed and mashed with what I know  Vermont to be.

A must-visit on the island is the incredible Orcas Island Pottery. My absolute favorite mug and bowl came from there! Not to mention some adorable bumble bee and lady bug friends for my plants.

While I won't be heading back on this trip, I have such fond memories of my time there. I can't wait to revisit again someday!

Next up: Snoqualmie, Washington's Salish Lodge And Spa... specifically their brunch with coffee service.

...and one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had!

The food was so delicious, I dug right in without taking a single picture. You know that's something special.

Finally (for now) is Issaquah Brew House. Owned by Rogue Ales (headquartered in Oregon), they offer a real Rogue brewery experience without the hike down to Ashland. Amazing beers, delicious rum, and tasty barfood makes for a delightful evening with friends and family!

If you're interested in Washington adventures, I'll have more memories to share soon enough, and new stories to tell in the late summer!

Have you visited/do you live in Washington? If so, what would you consider a few of the must-sees?

Something to do in... Burlington, VT

If you're hanging around Burlington, VT on a Saturday morning in the summertime, you should swing by the farmer's market! You might be thinking to yourself, 'why would I go to a farmer's market on vacation? It's not like I'll be purchasing any fresh produce or anything...' but, oh, there's so much more.

First thing's first, juice. I kicked off my wander through the massive sea of tents with an extra-gingery green juice by The Juice Bar.

I don't know what kind of ginger they use, but I cannot get my juices to be that perfectly spicy. It's so incredibly delicious.

Although you may not be looking to purchase any plants or veggies on this trip, it's worth noting that their flats are really impressive and lovely just to look at.

The market is chock-full of an impressive variety of vendors; from bread and pastries, to flowers and eggs.

I stopped by to pick out a doughnut, of course I didn't think to photograph it until it was already gone... I think that's a true sign of irresistibly delicious food.

When I say they had a great variety of vendors, I mean it. Jewelry, vintage and hand-silk-screened clothing and tee-shirts, even a couple of woodworking and home-goods related tents. 

If you came to Vermont with a desire for maple goods, you're in the right place; candy, syrup, and more!

I purchased a print to hang in our dining-room area that I will write about on another post soon, I can't wait to frame it!

You can hear the street musicians playing and children getting excited in line for artisanal popsicles... basically the most cheerful Saturday morning you can dream of, all in one massive pavilion.

The Archives: Burlington, VT

When I was a kid, my mother got a pretty magnificent gift for my father: an arcade machine. Not just any arcade machine, she bought him Asteroids. Vintage, Atari, buzzing and beeping in all its glory. Truth be told, I think it turned out to be a bigger deal for eight-year-old Jenna, her little brother, and all of her neighbors... we definitely maybe spent more time playing that than anyone else ever did.

The arcade machine has since moved on to a new home, but the memories remain.

While visiting some friends in Burlington, VT a few weeks ago, I was introduced to one of my new favorite adult things: good drinks and arcade games.

So, to start with the drinks; there were pages and pages of both local and non-local brews. The Vermont specialties being some of my favorites, I went with one from Lost Nation: their Gose. They also had a stylish bar, fully equipped for some seriously tempting cocktails and a cheese platter that I'm sure would have been worth every penny.

Side note: if you're in Vermont and in the mood for some cheese, you're in luck... they've got all kinds of incredible and delicious locally-made cheese.

I then moved on to check out the games. In true arcade fashion, they have custom tokens to use their machines.

Most arcade machines require one token (per player) to play, the pinball machines require two. The first machine to stand out to me was, of course, Asteroids... soon followed by Street Fighter II and Dig Dug.

You'd better believe I played all three... several times. I'm proud to add that I earned top scores on Asteroids and Street Fighter.

To make it significantly easier to enjoy your drink and keep an eye on it while playing your games, there are small counters in the slim spaces between machines; just the right width to hold your glass, can, or bottle.

Once you've run through all of your game tokens and just want to enjoy a drink, they have seats next to big, open, garage-style windows that are so perfect for people watching. It's located just off of Church Street, so you know that you'll see plenty of comings-and-goings.

If you're in the area and looking for some light-hearted fun and refreshing, delicious, local brews, I highly recommend The Archives.

Camping Is In-tents: Ten Things I've Learned About Camping

Because the weather is super gorgeous and it's that time o' the year... I wanted to bring back something I wrote a long time ago on an older blog that I still consider to be a useful bit of info. Ten things that I've learned about camping over the years!

I should mention, I am not a backpacking camper... I usually park and camp. I will always stay in a tent, though!

1. If you're traveling late into the night (ie: you got out of work and are now traveling to your campsite like four or more hours away from where you live), know how to pitch your tent ahead of time.
    
2. Remember to pack soap, not only for yourself, but for your dishes as well.
    
3. On that note, remember to pack spare socks, underwear, bug spray, and sunscreen, too... all of these are notably listed here based on experience. They seem trivial, but seriously, don't forget this stuff.
    
4. Air mattresses are underrated, but double check how they are to be filled before you're on your merry way. I've been camped out on some very hard ground without an air mattress, and it's 3000x better with one.
    
5. Remember to bring actual cash to buy firewood at the campsite. This may not apply to all campsites, but it does to everyplace I've camped in Vermont so far. 
    
6. You really don't need to pack extra shoes. I usually wear my Birkinstocks and bring my running sneakers (for walking some trails, running...) and rubber flip flops (for showering).
    
7. Everything tastes better cooked on a campfire. Seriously, though... breakfast potatoes, eggs, stuffed peppers, everything.
    
8. Don't just pack a lighter; pack a box of matches, too. Keep 'em in your car or somewhere they'll stay dry, but they're amazing to keep on hand. You'll thank me when you accidentally step on the lighter and it cracks and breaks.
    
9. Packing extra bottles/jugs/whatever of water is infinitely helpful. It reduces the number of trips you have to take to the drinking water pump to re-fill.
    
10. Just let loose and enjoy... life's too short to take every single little thing seriously. Especially when you're trying to enjoy the great outdoors!

Happy camping season everyone!

Reykjavik, Iceland: The Golden Circle

...or at least half of it.

By the time we made it to our trip around The Golden Circle - a popular path for tourists to see some of the incredible landmarks Iceland has to osffer - we had already visited The Blue Lagoon. So we saved the bottom half of the journey, as it can be somewhat treacherous in the winter months.

To be honest, there were several points throughout our journey that are thinking may have been better (not to mention safer) had we explored it in the summer. The majority of the trip looked like a frozen tundra; it was such a surreal experience.

I know that I've already mentioned that our trip to Blue Lagoon was totally one of my favorite parts of the trip, but I would probably classify this as my second favorite. FUZZY. HORSES.

Fuzzy, friendly, sweet little babies.

We found these friends on the side of the road. We just pulled over and they came right on over! As it turns out, they love being pet and they give nice, friendly little gummy kisses on your jacket sleeves.

Talk about some warm fuzzies in a frozen tundra!

We now continue our journey... to the geyser! As soon as we arrived to the great Geysir, the snow started a'blowin'. The icy and rough walk with the steamy atmosphere was an interesting juxtaposition. This site was another great example of why they call Iceland the land of fire and ice.

I tried my hardest to get a good picture of the geyser mid-explosion, but it happens quick and evaporates pretty much immediately in the freezing temperatures.

The site that I was especially excited for on our journey was the great waterfall, Gullfoss! I spent actual months looking forward to this waterfall.

If we thought that it was blustery and stormy at the geyser, the storm at Gullfoss was made that one look like a sprinkle of flakes!

As such, it was pretty hard to get a good picture. Believe me when I say, though, that it was a breathtaking view.

We do love the snow! I am, however, hoping that someday I can return to Iceland in warmer, sunnier weather to see the same sites.

Blue lagoon aside, this adventure was one of the most memorable events of my life that I will be taking from Iceland!

Something to do in... Brooklyn, NY

The weather is getting nicer and we all want to get outside! So I'm going to interrupt my Iceland stories for a bit of New York in the springtime. -brief pause-

So if you're in the New York/New Jersey area and you're looking for a way to enjoy the absolutely positively fabulous weather we've been having, why not take a quick trip out to Brooklyn?

I mean, for starters, if you like doughnuts half as much as I do...

On a nice, sunny Sunday, we swung by the Brooklyn Flea by the Manhattan Bridge Archway.

Treasures and treats everywhere you look, we found some super cool vintage prints that I plan on having framed.

Having come from the medical sciences and biology in school, I found the antique and vintage diagrams particularly awesome. One labels different common species of bugs and insects, the other details the most basic level of the nervous system.

There's a little something for everyone! Knick knacks, furniture, hand-made crafts, some really beautiful jewelry...

Or maybe photography is your thing? I thought these were super cool.

After you've had your fill of doughnuts and made your special finds, maybe take a walk around the park! You'll find plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sunshine, or wander through if you're in need of the walk. After that doughnut, you know I went opted for the latter of the two.

Beautiful views everywhere you look; there's nothing quite like New York City in the spring. Living so close by, I'm in and out of the city all year 'round, but this is by far my favorite time of the year here.

We wound up crossing the bridge to TriBeCa after the flea market to grab a drink and some super-seriously-monstrous nachos from South's. That'll be another post for another day, though!

Iceland: Blue Lagoon

I have to say, this was probably my absolute favorite part of our trip to Iceland.

No contest.

If I could have just spent the whole trip to Iceland bouncing from geothermal spa to geothermal spa, I probably would have been an exceptionally happy and relaxed Jenna.

As you're driving from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon, be sure to take some time to look at the landscape. The mossy lava fields look like dark, puffy clouds, billowing far and wide.

We've arrived! First of all, it's quite the unusual sensation to take a dip in steamy, toasty-toasty mineral-rich water with freezing atmospheric temperatures. After getting in the water, I never felt cold; there was, however, little ice crystals freezing to my nose and eyelashes.

Despite the fact that you were sharing this geothermal pool with so many other people, it never felt crowded - even at peak hours. Everyone was very friendly and respectful of each others' space.

The package we purchased included their classic mineral mask, a special algae mask, and a lip balm treatment. All of which made my skin feel amazing. Honestly, I don't think my skin had ever felt so smooth, nor has it remained blemish free for so long.

Closing your eyes and lounging in the "hot spots" throughout the spa was one of the most relaxing feelings ever; and it certainly didn't hurt to have a glass of wine from the swim-up bar.

For me, it was really one of those life-changing experiences that I'm probably going to look back on as a "best day ever" type thing.

Someday I would definitely want to come back for my honeymoon or something, hands down.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Nightlife

If New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, then Reykjavik should be known as the city that comes alive. The week was so quiet, relaxed, cool. We never seemed to need a reservation, and I was beginning to think that we were staying in one of the quietest, hippest cities; I was beginning to think that Iceland might truly be the most low-key, mellow place on Earth.

Suddenly it was Friday, our last night before heading home, and we assumed an experience that was more of the same. A few drinks, some dinner, a quiet walk around the near-empty city, and eventually bed. Plot twist: not even close! It was like a totally different city! Restaurants and bars quickly filled up with more people than I could imagine. It felt as if the entire city turned into one massive dance club, and everyone was invited. The skirts became shorter, the lines forming in front of once quiet establishments grew long and wild, and cups were scattered throughout the streets and sidewalks. Reykjavik was busting at the seams.

Food trucks, a new spectacle we’d seen very little of at that point, seemed to spring up everywhere. Belgian waffles, hot dogs (of course), and my personal favorite, donuts. As a few of us were perusing our options, a man holds up a cardboard clamshell of a dozen hot and sweet mini donuts. Bingo. Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla frosting? Are you more of a caramel sauce fan? They’ve got you covered. I went with the classic vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles, and they immediately joined my list of favorite donuts around the world.

Walking down the street, deciding where we would go next, I couldn’t help but notice that

We popped in to The Lebowski Bar, where we found a total rager going on in the back. People were busting out their best dance moves, drinks in hand, DJ spinning mixes. It was pointed out to me that much of the music would be considered a "throwback" by our standards... I didn't mind that; I thought it added to the atmosphere.

After meeting up with a local ex-pat who was friendly enough to show us around, we hit up a couple more great dance spots and kept shaking our butts until about 3 am. Just because we called it quits, though, doesn't mean the rest of the city did!

Reykjavik, Iceland: Hallgrímskirkja and Local Artwork

It took me less than a day in Reykjavik to truly take notice of the incredible artistic details throughout the city. Some are small - a little note carved into a brick, for example. So many are big, beautiful, and in your face.

This, for example, stopped me in my tracks. The sculpture against the incredible backdrop of still water and massive, snowy mountains was positively breathtaking. Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, an ode to the sun, symbolic of hope, progress, and freedom. The message really speaks to me, and I found it extra ironic that the statue was unveiled and opened to the public the summer of 1990, when I happened to be born!

Examples of the creative and artistic population could be seen everywhere you turned around. I saw the most beautiful and intricate graffiti around every corner. Rather than deter their artists from leaving their mark on the city, it seems to be wholeheartedly encouraged.

Despite the chilly weather throughout most of the year, I noticed plenty of creative gardens and patios throughout the city as well.

As someone who generally finds time spent outdoors to be especially recharging and inspiring, I had a real appreciation for the details - big and small - within these local gardens.

Speaking of big...

Hallgrímskirkja was quite the site to see. It is a Lutheran church in Reykjavik and, wow, it's massive. Before arriving I had read a bit about it, but I couldn't have prepared myself for the immense size and gorgeous architecture; it's grand, and sooo impressive.

It was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland's landscape. After walking into the church and taking in the incredibly tall ceilings and windows, you turn around to see what was easily the largest pipe organ I have ever encountered. I think that I literally gasped in complete and total awe when I saw it. 

In front of the church is a statue featuring Leif Erikson, founder of Iceland. The folklore behind Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, and Freydís Eiríksdóttir (Leif's sister), is a story that is very near and dear to my heart. Coming from a Scandinavian father, with our family name being Ericson, my mother used to call me Frida (shortened from Freydís) and my brother has been widely known throughout his life under the nickname of Leif.

After exploring the lower level, you can take an elevator to the top of the church. It's 73 meters - or 244 feet - high, making it one of the tallest buildings in Reykjavik, providing one of the best views ever.

his was the first view I had, and I was completely and totally speechless. I think after about thirty seconds I managed a "wow", and excitedly rushed from window to window to see the full view of Reykjavik and beyond.

We enjoyed wandering through the art exhibits and galleries throughout downtown Reykjavik as well. We wound up bringing back a very strong painting of an explosive volcanic landscape for a friend. I'm personally a really big fan of pottery wherever I go... upon learning about the ceramic artist Bjarni Sigurdsson's Ash Cloud pottery, I was in love. I came back with one of my favorite pieces thus far, and I hope to collect more in the future.

The awe-inspiring art installations, the stunning scenery, the gorgeous graffiti... it's easy to become inspired in such an interesting and creative city!

I have so much more to share from my trip to Iceland coming up soon... stay tuned!

Something to do in... Philadelphia, PA

Ah, Philly... what a beautiful city! It's most definitely one of the cleanest cities I've ever visited, not to mention it's rich with art, history, and phenomenal food.

If you want to see some incredible architecture, say hello to William Tell atop City Hall.

There's something very cozy and sweet about the city. Most of its buildings are on the shorter, older side. Most of the renovations throughout the city showcase its original details.

Greened copper, artistic carvings and sculptures... not to mention the cathedrals and incredible fountains!

And if you have time, swing by some of the art galleries of the many art schools in the area. We took a wander through the exhibit at Moore College of Art And Design. It's totally free and totally delightful.

If you're feeling peckish, take a wander through Reading Terminal Market! While there, I found MeltKraft Grilled Cheese to be aaaaaboslutely delicious.

If your sweet tooth is calling and you could use a cup of coffee, swing by Beiler's Donuts for one of the best glazed donuts I've ever had in my life. I actually went back on a second day to bring home a dozen!

The Happiest Place On Earth

Today I'm going to share a bit about Disney World's Magic Kingdom. After seeing it in person for the first time in my life (as an adult), I have two important things to put out there:

1. I now understand what people mean when they say it's important to experience Disney as an adult.
2. I also understand what people mean when they question why anyone would go to Disney without having children of their own.

Magic Kingdom is really one of those especially kid-friendly parks for sure. The only way you'll have a drop of alcohol in this park is at a select few restaurants.

(By a select few restaurants, I mean that the only place I saw any alcohol was at The Beast's 'Be Our Guest' restaurant.)

I definitely had a select few favorites from this park, though. As far as rides go, I'm not one for rollercoasters... I did find it fun standing on the bridge next to Splash Mountain to get a bit soaked while watching others scream at the drop.

I think that the three rides I spent the most time on would hands down be The Haunted Mansion (soooooo cool), The Mad Tea Party (aka: spinning teacups, my long-time fave), and The PeopleMover.

I'm not sure if The Tomorrowland Transit Authority's PeopleMover really counts as a ride per se, but I absolutely loved it. This one will give you a grand tour of Tomorrowland from up above. It's super awesome for people watching and, for someone who's much to weak-stomached and scared to go on Space Mountain, it gives you a small glimpse into the ride without actually going on it.

I loved seeing Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch) all over Tomorrowland, but throughout the rest of the park, I found myself a smidge disappointed.

Most of my favorite movies and princesses were a bit underrepresented. Rapunzel, from Tangled, is one of my absolute favorite Disney movies.

Looks pretty magical, right? The kingdom from Tangled is actually relegated to... wait for it... bathrooms. Yep. With thoughts of dancing around the lantern-strung pavilion in my head, you can imagine how much of a disappointment that was.

The only tribute to Brave with Merida was the little alcove designed for her to take photos and meet young fans, and I saw little-to-no evidence of an homage to Pocahontas in any of the parks, and definitely not within The Magic Kingdom.

Speaking of which, other must-sees in the park? Definitely the Wishes Nighttime Spectacuar firework show... I think it may have been one of my number-one favorites from the park! The Main Street Electrical Parade was an awesome sight as well. My favorite float from that parade was hands-down Tinker Bell on top of the dragon.

Honorable mentions for favorite floats would be the Peter Pan float with Princess Tigerlily, The Seven Dwarfs mining away for gems, and Pan fighting Hook on the illuminated ship. Oh, and all of the Alice In Wonderland floats! Maaassive mushrooms and a hookah smoking caterpillar... gliding through Main Street USA in Disney.

The last, and possibly most important, highlight would be the Dole Whip in Adventureland. I enjoyed every last bite of my Dole Whip while waiting in line for the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride not far from the stand!).