Trip to Annapolis: Donuts, Smithsonian, Crab Dip...oh my!

I went to Annapolis this summer for my cousin's wedding, which was absolutely beautiful, seriously be-a-u-tiful. While there, I got to visit the Smithsonian, eat my weight in seafood, and avoid knocking over the wedding cake (one of my greatest fears). But most importantly, I discovered "Carlson's Donut's & Thai Kitchen." This was a yelp find and oh my goodness, what a find it is. This restaurant serves both Thai food & donuts. It's like finding the hidden dream I never knew I had. This place is insane and my dear, sweet, kind father went with me at 7 am (4 am Pacific time) to go pick up a dozen of the world's best donuts.

In case you can't tell, I don't think I'm even conscious in this photo. That's how early it is. But, I am smiling because when I wake there will be donuts! Apparently, they use sour cream in them and don't ask me how I know, but every single type of donut they serve is sensational.

Being from the West Coast, the land of wide open spaces, it's always shocking to go back East and drive through like 5 states in like an hour :) So, we were actually able to make a quick stop by Washington, D.C., on our second day there. First off was the Smithsonian: Air and Space Museum

Can you believe this early airline brochure?! Oh, yeah, it's always super easy to sleep on air plane & personally I find it very easy to carry on my conversations with "ordinary Boston modulations." Next, we went to the National Museum of American History. 

The gentleman with the glasses standing next to one of the earliest Kermits actually goes by the name of "Hipster." I can see it. And now for the gorgeous wedding...

You will notice that I am standing a good distance from the cake... this is because one of my biggest fears in the world is that I will topple a wedding cake, that I will be the crazy spinster relative who takes out the pastry love tower. If you're familiar with this blog at all, you are probably saying, "Say huh?! This gal loves cake." And I do. I seriously do, but it's this same love that is layered with potential doom. I am completely terrified that I will get too close to the cake, forget myself, and tip it over. Because I want to hug the cake. Because any space between me and a cake is too much space. 

And now time for the party to begin! Hayley (sis) and I only have two dance moves- the robot (hers) & the Gandalf (mine)...

My adorable rents.

We had an amazing time. Here we are enjoying the day.

And then I got too close to the cake...just kidding...

We couldn't leave Annapolis without enjoying some seafood & there really is just one place you've got to try- Cantler's Riverside Inn. Two words: crab dip! Let me say it again, crab dip. Crab dip with warm baguettes. Crab dip. 

 

Crab time! Yay Annapolis!

Time to Roadtrip

 For the last five years, each October, my mom and I hit the road to L.A. for a weekend of roller coasters, museums, and carbs. This year was no exception. Yes, I realize that October was a while ago (don't count how many months), but in the spirit of a belated Mother's Day, I wanted to share with you why my mom is the ultimate travel companion. 

Now, for the food portion of the trip. We have our favorite stand-bys: Europane in Pasadena, Julienne in San Marino, and of course, room service.

How adorable is she? I completely blame her for my addiction to room service. Seriously though, thanks, Sarah Jean. There is no one that I would rather laugh or travel with :)

An Ashland Addiction, Part I

On the road to Ashland...

In the past few months, frice have I been to Ashland, Oregon. 

Frice = Four times. 

I know. I really lucked out what with my skill for making up silly words and my love for travel. So, the next few posts you will see from me will be Ashland centered because I really love this place and it gives me the chance to use the word frice more than frice times. Oh, also, I did not go alone (because that would be sad). I got to go to Ashland with my wonderful friends the Callaghan/Rhoads family (trip #2). Plus, I got to go to Ashland with my equally delightful friends Jackie of Bread Butter & Jam(trip #1, 4) and Matt(trip #4).

Why you should love Ashland, Oregon:

It is beautiful, like fairyland beautiful, all year round. When you get to Ashland, which you will, take a hike through Lithia Park. You can't miss it, just follow the creek into the crotch of the hillside (my mother's description, not mine). The park was designed by the same man who designed Golden Gate Park. Lithia is not so much a park as a magical meeting place for trees and deer.

It is a cultural mecca. Each year, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers 8 and-a-half months of some of the best theatre you will ever see. There are three theaters total (including a huge outdoor Elizabethan stage). I got to see several shows that were amazing (and yes, one or two that I wasn't so pleased with...turns out, dream sequences really freak me out). But, honestly, at OSF, you will laugh, you will cry, you will leave a better person. GO.

It's a breakfast town. You know what I mean. Have you ever been to a place and thought to yourself, "It's nice, but where could a girl get her pancake on around here?" I totally judge towns based on their breakfast/brunch possibilities. Ashland has tons of great places to break your fast: Morning Glory's, The Breadboard, Brothers. They are all scrumptious.

A Bear Totally Ate This Pancake @ Morning Glory's

I tried to convince my sister Hayley that we should do one shot where we were staring with adoration at each other, but she said that would be creepy...typical

Morning Conversation: My mom had just told Jackie how as a child (my mother) had a friend who was allergic to green beens and so for entertainment, they used to pay this girl to eat green beans and then they would watch her face sweat.

Shopping. You know I love it and there are so many delightful shops in this town. The total winner though: Prize. Every time I take a friend up to Ashland, I tell them, "There is a shop. It is a place where you will forever be happy and you will fantasize about being locked here over night. In that night, you will eat candy, read wonderful books, and sleep on the softest of blankets. This place is called Prize and it is a gift from the shopping gods. Go there, my friend. Find your prize."

The Interior of the Magical Place known as "Prize"

Did I mention they sell vintage flashcards? Cuz they do.

They also have "the best gummi bears" and Prize don't lie!

There are other nice shops too. For example:

PAPAYA LIVING

Yes, I bought this dress because I love it and it makes me feel like a beautiful fruit salad. So there!

I did not buy this scarf, although it did remind me of the final scene in Auntie Mame...

How cute is Jackie during her shopping break? She's just a photo shoot waiting to happen!

There are so many fun activities. Time to segway (ahem) to activities in the surrounding areas. For example, you can go to the little town of Jacksonville and ride...wait for it...segways. How do I put this? It was the most fun ever. Segways will totally fulfill your lifelong hopes of riding on a broomstick (hey, some of us saw Hocus Pocus at a critical age). Oh, and you get to wear some very chic helmets. Thanks Segway of Jacksonville. We had a whirly-gig of a good time!

Dad & I with our matching helmets

Time to train in the art of segway. Loving the quiet determination on the faces of John, Dad, and Matt. 

Adorable Rhoads couple (Matt + Claire) all ready to get on the road! Make sure to check out openrhoads.com :)