Now I did enjoy all the sweet tea, fried chicken and considerate drivers but I was excited to move north to see what the yankee states had to offer. I found cider donuts, rhubarb sauce(like apple sauce) and old friends that gave me customized tours of their cities. Felt like fall in some towns but the weather didn’t hold me back from walking miles, while enjoying all the north has to offer.
Some people might travel to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell or tour Independence Hall. All I was concerned about was tasting the Philly Cheesesteak. I had heard horror stories how you got yelled at if you didn’t order correctly but I must have done it right because in minutes I was tasting the wonder of Pat’s Philly Cheesesteak. Worth the drive!
I have said before you never know where the road is going to lead you but when I got distracted by some bright buildings, I didn’t know I would find myself on South street. I wasn’t prepared for such a funky punk vibe so close to the historical neighborhoods.
I am sure people think I am a stalker when I take photos of their homes but I couldn’t pass up this great flower box. Instead of filling it with seasonal flowers, they filled it with stones, driftwood, succulents and a touch of flowers. Inspirational!
You can’t hit all the festivals and events in every town but sometimes you can happen upon one or two. Surprise surprise, while I was in NYC fleet week was underway. No smart girl passes up seeing men in uniform.
Wanting to say I took my car on a ferry on this trip, I decided to drive through Long Island on my way to Ipswich, MA. Didn’t know I would get three ferry rides out of the journey. Just made my last ferry. Stressful!
During this trip there have been many moments when I stare blankly at people when I have no idea what “local” or “regional” thing they are talking about. Learning about “Motif No. 1″ in Rockport, MA was one of those moments. Apparently, this fisherman’s shack is one of the most painted and photographed buildings.
Just loved this colorful collection. Made the day of rain worth it!
After only traveling to Boston when the weather was crummy, I was excited that we finally got a beautiful day. To take advantage of it, I found a company that was giving free sailing lessons. Day couldn’t get much better. What a way to see the city.
My first time by Mike’s Pastery, I didn’t have any cash. I didn’t make that mistake twice. The cannoli was wonderful but the whoppie pie was to die for. 
On the suggestion of friends, I decided to take a bike tour of cape cod. In Falmouth, you can bike along the water and end up at Pie in the Sky. My type of exercise.
After biking 14 miles, I walked 6 miles to tour mansions in Newport, RI. Very different scenery but very inspiring. This is the Breakers, which is also a Vanderbilt home like the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.
While trying to find an art gallery, I happened upon some fish tanks. I guess when they say it is fresh, you know it is in Newport.
Loved the colorful organization of this spice store in Ann Arbor, MI. I can’t wait to throw a dinner party once I am home, so I can show off all the food I have been inspired by.
Found a couple great antique stores in Grand Rapids, MI. Couldn’t believe this find. Matching sofa and loveseat in this amazing crewel fabric. So hard not to buy.
Another obsession of mine is these seltzer bottles. I am constantly passing them up in antique stores but I think I will have to succumb to my obsession next time I run into them. I really want a bright blue one
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