For reasons unknown to me, I’ve always wanted to visit Pennsylvania. It had been on my travel to-do list since moving to America so many years ago. Yet it wasn’t until this summer that I was finally able to visit. And when I did, I unexpectedly fell madly in-love and decided to move here just a few months later.

Having lived in a lot of places in in the U.S. (Nashville TN, Bowling Green KY, Seattle WA, Santa Monica CA, Carmel by the Sea CA, San Francisco CA, Austin TX) and having driven across it twice, I can honestly say Pennsylvania is one of my favourite states and Philadelphia one of my favourite cities for a myriad of reasons:

1. It’s very, very clean. The highways, the towns, the cities, the yards, the people. You hardly see litter and hardly see really rundown towns. There’s a lot of pride, which is so nice to see.
2. The people are amazing; sincere, friendly, smart, personable, do their jobs with knowledge and service. So many people, even in the small of small towns, seem to have travelled or have knowledge of places.
3. Scenery. I love stone homes and country landscapes. The seasons, particularly fall, are incredible. Rivers are clean and beautiful. Philadelphia has amazing and historic architecture.
4. History. It all begins here. Everywhere you turn there’s a historic building, monument, moment. I am a history nut and freak out over it all.
5. Lots of great things to do and most of them are affordable. There is a great art and music scene. Lots of pubs, local restaurants (gluten free eating everywhere), outdoor activities and shopping. It’s all here.
6. Cost of living. Amazing coming from Santa Monica/Los Angeles or New York as a lot of my friends have.
7. Access to great places – an hour by train to New York, a few more to Boston and cheap, quick flights to Europe. Heaven!

I’m fully aware that I haven’t been through a winter yet and that I have only summer clothes – something I have to rectify but a price I’m willing to pay because for now, Philadelphia is my home and I’m surprisingly content and happy here.

And if you find yourself curious about the city of Brotherly Love here are a few of my personal favourite to do’s:

Sightseeing:

1. Drive out along the Schuylkill River/76 or take the train from City Center to Chestnut Hill ( on any day but a Sunday). Germantown Avenue is the main street and has really charming shops, cafe’s and historic cobblestone streets. Take a walk down the side streets and around the train station to see historical Mansions from the 1800’s using Chestnut Hill Stone. My favourite florist is there and it runs the restaurant “Cake” which is a really pretty and great experience.

2. Drive/bike/hike along Lincoln Drive and Wissahickon Park. I have done this so often and always think of Walt Whitman poems when I do. Historic Rittenhouse Town (created in the 1600’s) has original buildings you can go in, stables as well as the oldest restaurant, The Valley Green Inn.

3. Drive along Kelly Drive which connects Lincoln Drive to the city center and goes along the river, past the row clubs and comes up behind The Art Museum. This is a beautiful area, rich in history, views, and things to do including an incredible above ground cemetery, Laurel Hill.

4. The Art museum is worth seeing as is walking down Benjamin Franklin Parkway into city center. So many museums around here including the Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Moore College of Art, and the Please Touch Museum for Children. Plus, it’s just really pretty and reminds me of a cross between London and Paris.

5. Love nature? Bartram’s Garden, the first botanical garden in the US and is beautiful, historical, and well worth a visit. During the warmer months, you can take a boat trip up.

6. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. See where independence began.

6. Rittenhouse Square Park in the city center is great for dining, sightseeing, resting and the Farmers Market every Saturday Morning is not to be missed (it’s where I get my weekly Gluten Free cupcake that even gluten lovers will love). And I am biased but, right across on the square is Anthropologie which is housed in a 4 story 1800’s mansion with glass ceilings, spiral staircases and in one room , the ceiling has all the saints painted on it. It’s architecturally amazing!

7. From Rittenhouse Square Park, walk down Spruce street to view beautiful, historic brownstones and churches. You can walk straight down to the river and the beginning of the beautiful Fairmont Park.

Eating:

1. For fancy but organic, the Four Seasons Swan Cafe is absolutely amazing. Sometimes all I get iscoffee and dessert just to soak in the atmosphere!
2. In 1889 the Reading Railroad built a beautiful terminal that is now the Reading Terminal Market that has amazing and inexpensive eats.
3. Parc is right on Rittenhouse Square and I love it because their French food is incredible, the atmosphere always bustling and the service superb. It’s good to even just stop for a glass of wine int he afternoon.
4. Cafe Luticia is a family run cafe on 23rd and Lombard Street that has the best coffee, amazing brunch and lunch. You can sit outside when weather is good and it’s a nice, easy, 20min walk from Rittenhouse.
5. Rouge has a great tasting menu and wines. Very relaxing, comfortable.

More sites with more information:

• Philly From The Inside Out
• Girls Guide to City Life (I run this and haven’t had it updated so some images are broken. Working on that).
• Official Philadelphia Tourism Site
• I asked about Pennsylvania/Philadelphia on Hygge House & great people left great advice.

Although my mother celebrates her birthday on the 15th of February and I on the 17th, it wasn’t until two years ago that we celebrated our birthdays together. And oh, how we celebrated.

I first flew to New York where I had twenty-four hours on my own except for a leisurely bunch with friends on the lower east side followed by coffee in the afternoon in the Village. My mum came the next day where we had a whirlwind twelve hours before flying off to Denmark for a week. We still talk about that birthday and with big numbers this year, we wanted to something just as special.

This year as she turns 65 and I 35, we decided we had to do another trip. There were only a couple of glitches; first I couldn’t travel outside of the US because I had to send my passport away for renewal and second she couldn’t travel very far or very long because of recent surgery.

The solution? Meet in Seattle on her birthday for twenty-four hours before I flew off alone to New York to celebrate my birthday. Perfect!

Although I lived in Seattle for the first five years I lived in the US, it feels like a stranger to me now, especially since it’s been a few years since I’ve been back. It wasn’t one of my favourite places to live but I’m hoping that time and being a visitor will change my views.

And New York? Well, that’s definitely a stranger to me since I had such a quick trip before but I did manage to see Grand Central Station, Soho, the Village, Rockefeller Center, take the subway, go to the Lower East Side, and shop 5th Avenue (I stayed at 70th Park Avenue which made a great base). This time around I’m staying across Central Park and hoping to see a museum or two and of course, head back down to Babycakes to pick up some birthday treats – a girl needs a cupcake, afterall!

If you had twenty-four hours in either city, what would you see, what would you do, how would you stay warm?! I’m consulting Girls Guide to City Life, New York and Seattle but as we all know, friends are always the best for advice.

If anyone has any stories, favourite places, or lives in Pennsylvania, please share them with me. I’ve thought and thought about this place for so long that I need to take a trip there. I especially want to see the mountains, nature, learn the history and also to see Terrain. Seasons wouldn’t be so bad, either.

I’m asked a lot about staying in Carmel since I lived there for several months this past winter/spring and have stayed in several hotels there over the years. So I’ve decided to share my favourite Carmel by the Sea/Big Sur area hotels with a focus on those best for a romantic or indulgent trip (since that’s the number one question I’m asked!):

The Cypress Hotel: This hotel is famous; it’s hard to read any article on Carmel and not read about this one. But I think it’s lazy journalism and the fact that it is half owned by Doris Day who makes the place very dog friendly and not because of service, amenities or rooms. Now, for Carmel it’s one of the luxurious properties and the location is fabulous but don’t set really high expectations if you’re used to 4 star deluxe properties. The front staff is generally useless and the front office manager is scary (if you see her, you will know who I am talking about!). I have stayed here 4 times as the owners also owned my flat complex when I lived in Carmel. And when my flat was destroyed I was able to stay here (though I stayed here on my own before I moved). The rooms tend to be small but my favourites were the 1 bedroom suites that faced Lincoln street. It had a fireplace, a love updated washroom, a really nice sitting room and faced a courtyard on one end. It’s great if you have dogs because you can just open your door and you’re on the street. I stayed in a corner suite again with a fireplace and a massive amazing tub that I would recommend for a rendez vous. The downside is that it’s overpriced and loud – you’ll hear your neighbour, you’ll hear street traffic, you’ll hear the maids hoovering at 6AM. But the beds/linens are lovely and it’s a nice place to sit for coffee in the evening. But it’s always crowded which, if you want privacy, might not be for you. And if you don’t like dogs, do not stay here.

L’auberge Carmel: Opened in 1929, this hotel has recently been redefined with old school elegance and charm with new school pricing. The location is hard to beat – it’s right in town, blocks from the beach and a block from the main drag, Ocean Avenue. With only 20 rooms, it’s very private and intimate with luxury details you’d expect to find in every room. It can sometimes feel a little too “done” and you’ll see a lot of suits from San Francisco here but there’s no denying that it is beautiful, architecturally stunning and cosy.

La Playa Hotel: I haven’t stayed here but I would walk past it almost every day on my way to the beach. It looks like one of those old grand beach hotels and from walking the halls on the inside, seems to live up to it’s old world sophisticated appearance. It’s only a few short blocks from the beach and from any ocean view room you’ll certainly be able to hear the waves crashing upon shore. The cottages – which are set just off from the main hotel, look amazing, private and very Carmel.

Post Ranch Inn: If you have money, stay here. It is undeniably one of the best hotels not just in the area, but ever. The details, the linens, the privacy, the luxury – it’s all here and understated which is something I love. It brings nature inside in a delicate, beautiful way that really makes you feel peaceful. The views are just some of the most amazing I’ve ever seen, especially from the infinity pool. This place spells romance with in-room massage to Prix Fixe dinners that allow to organically dine for hours. The hotel has even won several green lodging awards. The only downside if you can call it one, is that it is not in Carmel or in walking distance. But if you need a getaway, this is where to go. Drive into crowded Carmel instead!

Bernardus Lodge: Located in Carmel Valley, this luxury hotel spells romance and quiet. Featherbeds, tubs for two, roaring fireplaces and a winery to boot, this place is worth the drive (it’s about 10 minutes to downtown Carmel). There’s also a spa which I haven’t been to but the menu looks amazing and eating here does too (the restaurant is always highly rated).

Tree Bones Resort: What it lacks in luxury (no TV, phones, or private restroom) it makes up in views and simple pleasures (heated ocean-view pool, access to coast line, privacy and quiet). The rates are steep for something basic but this is Big Sur and nothing is ever really cheap. This is more luxury wilderness sleeping but it’s lovely.

Carmel River Inn: Just off Highway one and not in walking distance to town, this is a great value property if you stay in the recently renovated Cottages. I really loved the one I stayed in as it has a gorgeous fireplace, the fluffiest, comfiest bed, a two person tub and a private garden which was great since I brought my dog, Jack. You’ll be nestled amongst trees and birds so you’ll have quiet and privacy and be reasonably close to downtown Carmel. The best parts? You don’t pay the usual area rates!

Since I travel a lot and own both a cat and a dog, I’m often asked what happens to them. Do they travel, too?

Why yes they do!

I’m a huge believer that both pets and children can be great travellers if exposed early enough and done the right way. When I first got my cat Grace, I lived in a studio flat on a beautiful tree-lined street next door to a park. So I put her on a leash and took her out for daily walks just to expose her to different sounds and situations. And since I didn’t have a car, I’d have to take her to the vet on foot which I did by putting her in a large cage that I carried through the city streets – again so she could see everything and get used to noises. She actually seemed to enjoy the outings, especially since she is 100% an indoor cat. She can do long car trips and actually loves being in hotel rooms (she explores then cuddles in).

My dog Jack, however, was different. Spending the first 10 months of his life in a shelter, he had no idea about the outside world, being a dog, or how to walk (his back leg was gimped at first from sitting so much). The day I brought him home, he had no idea how to get into the car and I had no idea how to coax him in! I tried for about half an hour until one of the shelter people came over and helped me literally push him in. He was terrified of the car (sat curled up and panted heavily), terrified of people, terrified of going anywhere. And since I travelled a lot and wanted a walking companion, that would have to change.

I took him to AKC’s Canine Good Citizen classes at the Dog Boys Ranch in Austin TX. I also boarded him there a lot and had him do a lot of day visits just to get used to being social and having the training reinforced since the trainers also worked the ranch. I also took him on lots of day trips in the car to get him used to driving and I took him to shops (he has spent a great amount of time at Anthropologie!) and places that allowed pets to get him used to being around people. All of that along with a lot of patience, Jack has become an amazing traveller – a fabulous walker, happily gets into the car and even sticks his head out the window to boot!

Now that Jack is Canine Good Citizen certified and has had a lot of exposure, having him stay in hotels hasn’t been a problem. At first, he’d do quiet woofs when he heard people walking past the door but through training and lots of hotel rooms, he no longer does this. Bringing in his certificate to check in desks, I’ve had a lot of hotels forgo the “nightly pet charge” they sometimes give. Although I tend to stay either at Kimpton Hotels or Four Seasons – both of which are very pet friendly, have no surcharge and provide treats. But having him certified and knowing he’s a great traveller, I can stay at B&B’s or house rentals with ease.

Now, both pets have driven across country several times, have done lots of day trips, and have stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels around. So here’s what I take and do whilst travelling with them:

The trick with cats is to give them space and not make them feel confined. Cats are curious and if they can’t see what’s going on, they get even more nervous. I bought the most fantastic cat carrier – the Fold Away Pet Carrier. It’s huge, spacious, has a top and side door and folds down for easy storage. Grace can see out and she can stand up in it (she’s 15lbs!). When I stop, I open the top part of the cage so she can stretch and I can pet her. Makes us both happy.

Also, I always have The Mysterious Purr Pads on hand. I don’t know a cat yet that can resist them; they give a cat comfort. They fit nicely into the carrier (I put layer of paper towel under them in the carrier in case Grace has an accident whilst travelling. Easy clean up, then I just put in a new purr pad). Use them especially at a vet on the table as cats hate cold and those vet tables are always freezing and slippery. One of these (or a towel) will keep cats mellow. They also provide consistency, so when travelling Grace knows where to sleep when we get to a hotel (and it keeps hotel room furniture/bedding fur free).

For food, I use two Pet Travel Tainers from the Container Store. It’s an easy way to carry their food and comes with two dishes for food and water.

In the car, I use a blanket on the back seat for Jack and then when in the hotel, I bring it in. Again this helps with the consistency of him feeling at home but also protects bedding at hotels.

When on the road, I really monitor temperature. I’ve been doing a lot of driving between Los Angeles and San Francisco since September (six hours) where the average road temperate is over 100F. If the sun hits the window directly onto the pet, no amount of AC is really going to help. So I make sure to block windows with blankets or keep the cage out of the sun. I also try to leave early in the morning or late in the day to avoid mid day heat/sun.

I make sure pets have lots of water. The Gulpy is my favourite thing for Jack because he overheats so quickly and this provides me with an easy way to quickly give him water. I keep his in the fridge so it’s always cold (and helps cool him down).

Stopping at every rest stop is crucial not just for the pets, but also for me. It allows us all a chance to stretch, chill out, get water – even if it’s just a 5 minute stop. If your pet is prone to car sickness, this can really help. Also finding the straightest route will too. I once drove with Jack along Big Sur Highway 1 in California and two hours of twists and turns was just too much for this otherwise perfect traveller. I learned to avoid that stretch of road with him.

The Dog Lover’s Companion to California: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog has been a huge life saver for travelling. You can find these books for your city or area but the California one was been my go to since I have been travelling it heaps. It has been accurate in describing dog parks (especially in finding off-leash parks whilst on the road), helping me find fun activities to do with my Jack (from riding trains to ferries) and has helped a lot with hotels in small places. I was doing a road trip in Northern California on a hot day and wanted to stop at a lake, which the book said had no dog friendly areas. A quick stop into Visitor Information and I discovered a newly opened dog beach so that Jack and I could take a swim. Since dog laws change quickly (dogs get banned from parks and then a new park opens up), local Visitor centres can be helpful as well.

And most important, I keep both pets tagged. I have my phone, email and city on both their tags plus with Jack, he has his shots tag so there’s never hesitation when he’s staying somewhere about him being vaccinated. Both pets are electronically tagged (Grace has a tattoo, Jack has a micro chip). Keep this info up to date so on the off chance your pet goes missing, you can get them home safe and sound.