Something Fun About Boulder

In 2011 National Geographic titled Boulder as one of America’s Best Adventure Towns and Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index called it the Happiest City in America. For more information on the city of Boulder click here. For more information on downtown Boulder click here.

A College Town

When you get to Boulder it is an unforgettable college town. This year The Atlantic Cities called it America’s Most Economically Vibrant College Town. When I visited last this meant that I had to go to a football game! I cheered on the Buffs and loved watching their mascot Ralphie take center stage at half time. Sitting in the stands I couldn’t help but to look around and take in the mountains that surrounds the city of Boulder, how magical.

Pearl Street

In the brick-covered mall you will find an extensive collection of shops Boulder has to offer; everything from great little art galleries to clothes shops. I personally enjoyed the candy store. On Pearl Street you will also find many nice and casual restaurants and local bars.

Three Things I Love About Aspen

1.    The Skiing

Aspen Mountain is linked with three other mountains: Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk. My personal favorite is Snowmass. Snowmass is great for a family with a wide variety of skiers. If you are advanced there are great back bowls and sensational tree skiing. If you like the park, Snowmass has a pipe, tons of rails, and wicked jumps. If you are a beginner, Snowmass has an amazing ski school and plenty of green trails. The great thing about the Four Mountains is that if you are looking for something specific you will be sure to find it at one of these mountains. If you are new on skis Buttermilk is a good fit. Aspen is fabulous for advanced skiers looking for a challenging day on the slopes. Ever watch the X Games? They take place at Highlands.

2.    The Food

All of the food in Aspen is exquisite and you really cannot go wrong unless you decide to swing by McDonalds. Here are some of my favorites:

Matsuhisa

Montagna

L’Hostaria

(And the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory never hurt anyone)

3.    The Shopping

Ahh, Shopping! You could spend week’s just shopping Aspen. If you are on a tight schedule make sure to check out P.E. 101 and Boogies. Be sure to ask about P.E. 101’s basement sale, the deals are incredible, you will walk out with over five very nice items for the price of one. Boogies is an all time favorite of mine. You could find an outfit, head-to-toe, in there to do anything from bowling to clubbing. Boogies also has a delicious diner upstairs. I highly recommend any milk shake on the menu! My latest Aspen discovery is a shop called two old Hippies. I was walking down the street when I saw this crazy van and had to stop and take some pictures. When I realized it belonged to the store I had to go inside. I found great little gifts for my friends and lots of cute clothes. They are also known for guitar shop.

What's Not to Love About The Rockies?

Now that I have taken you from coast to coast, let me tell you a little bit about Colorado, where I have spent most of my November.

The Skiing in Vail is great. I was actually in Vail with my alpine race team training for this upcoming season. Ski & Snowboard Club Vail actually own their own part of the mountain, which opens earlier than the rest. In past trips to Vail I have found the skiable area to be extensive. You could probably go a full season without even skiing it all!

The accommodations at Manor Vail are great. At the base of Golden Peak you cannot go wrong staying in any of the condos rented out by the hotel.

 Also, the doggies are adorable!

Hot Cakes vs. French Toast

Du-par’s is known for having the best hot cakes. What they menu doesn’t amp up is their heavenly French Toast. To decide what the best breakfast is I decided to try both. Check it out at du-pars.com.

I would argue that Du-par’s has the BEST French toast I have ever had. Order it with blueberry compote and you will be floating all day.

The Pancakes were also delightful, light and fluffy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What happened when the turkey got into a fight?

He got the stuffing knocked out of him... ba doom che

I hope yo all have a Happy Thanksgiving, where ever the holidays may take you!

Go Nuts For Nuts

Do you like nuts? How about peanut butter? Magee’s in Farmers Market LA has a wide variety of nuts and nutty foods.

Personally, I was drawn to the variety of nut butters and walked away with two bottles of Macadamia Butter and freshly churned Almond Butter.

They churn it right in front of you!

Fresh!

Known as the best grocery store in Los Angeles you can find just about any type of food around Farmers Market. As far as grocery shopping goes you can’t go wrong at Farm Fresh Produce, Farmers Market Poultry, Magee’s House of Nuts, or T & Y Bakery. 

Doesn’t this fruit just make your mouth water?

Interested? Check out Farmers Markets’ homepage.

The Grove

Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, The Grove has it all. You most commonly recognize it as the live set of extra coast to coast.

If you want to do some shopping at The Grove you will find stores for everyone in the family such as, Anthropologie, Gap, Barneys New York CO-OP, Forever 21, J. Crew, Kiehl’s Since 1851, MAC Cosmetics, Nike, Pottery Barn Kids, Splendid, Tommy Bahama, to name a few. Also! If you have a little girl don’t let them miss out on the wonderful experience that is American Girl. Growing up near Chicago, American Girl holds a lot of my favorite childhood memories.

As far as entertainment goes, there was certainly not a lack of activity buzzing around The Grove in the short time I spent there. There was a giant home built for children to go in and meet Santa as well as a trolley that drove through the grove on a track. In The Grove, there is also a theatre called Pacific Theatres showing a large variety of new films. Please note it is reserved seating.

You will also find a variety of restaurants at the Grove, anything from Maggiano’s Little Italy to The Cheesecake Factory. P.S. This is also a picture of the outside of the theatre. 

Want to know more about The Grove? Check it out here! 

Sam’s Bagels

Located in Mid Wilshire, Sam’s Bagels is absolutely delicious! If you are looking for a quick and tasty bite around LA you will find a variety of bagels and sandwiches. Want more details? Clicky Clicky

A Day in Los Angeles

Today, I am writing to you from Los Angeles. I have probably been here a trillion times and the possibilities of what to do are endless. Let me walk you through the fun day I spent here last. But please! Don’t think the adventures of La La Land end here!

First Stop: Universal Studios

Looking for a cool place to eat? Hard Rock Café is the definition. Not only do they have a giant guitar outside, when you walk in you will be greeted by a revolving 60’s convertible.

Second Stop: Sunset Boulevard

Something you should probably know about me, I am in love, yes people, in love, with Superman. So, this was a bit of a dream come true for me!

Third Stop: Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Forth Stop: The Hollywood Sign

Fifth Stop: Hanging out with Jon Landau

Sixth Stop: The Office of James Cameron

Yes, that is in fact the steering wheel from Titanic. I wonder if Leo’s hand was there?!

My Weekend In The City

At the beginning of this month I enjoyed a weekend in New York City. I stayed at the Lowell Hotel. I highly recommend it. I can truthfully say that it is as nice and enjoyable to stay in as The Peninsula. Also, it has a location that you cannot beat at 28 East 63^rd Street.

If only have a few hours to spend in the city, I would recommend checking out Macy’s and Spider Man on Broadway.

 My sister and I were very excited at the end of the show. It was absolutely superb!

Macy’s is the largest iconic Department Stores in the world! Still need to go Christmas Shopping? Macy’s will have gifts for all your family and friends. Maybe, NYC is a little far, that’s okay you can still check out the wonder by tuning in for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Enjoy the fine cuisine of Daniel Boulud at one of his eight restaurants in New York City. Appetizers as well as entrées were absolutely delicious at BDGB Kitchen & Bar. Looking for something more elegant? Try Daniel on 60 East 65^th Street. Not only is it just one of five Manhattan restaurants to have the New York Times’ four-star rating, it also has three Michelin stars.

So, whether you have a long journey home or just have a sweet tooth like me, don’t skip out on Dylan’s Candy Shop. The two stories of candy themed goodness will not be an experience you will regret!

Welcome!

Standing 151 feet tall, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and of the United States. It acts as a sign of welcome to foreigners. Designed by Frédéric Bartholdi the statue was a gift from the French people to the United States. It is fitting that the Statue of Liberty be my launching post on A.D. Travels as it and my blog have a lot in common. Not only is it a unique place to travel to, it is a work of art.  Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty were the starting point for those who wished to start a life in America. A.D. Travels will show you unique and hidden corners of the world: The best places to visit and stay, great deals, and people to meet up with along your journey.