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Reading Terminal Market – Philadelphia, PA

Eating Out

I spent a day in Philadelphia last summer with a friend and one of the things to do on our list was to have lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. It has so many options much like the Milwaukee Public Market that I told you all about last week. I like going to places like these because there are tons of options for you to choose from all in one place. The only negative about it is that there’s too many that you get confused! However, I did know that we obviously had to have a Philly Cheesesteak! We decided to get it from Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks. There was another place we wanted to try them from but they ran out of hoagies! So, while my friend waited in line for the cheesesteaks, I, of course had to go to another restaurant too. I went to Valley Shepherd Creamery and Meltkraft Grilled Cheese and got a grilled cheese…

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A Day in Philadelphia, PA

Tay Explores

If you’ve been following my posts, you will notice I had a very eventful summer last year. Continuing with that awesome time in my life, this post is about a day that I spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I had been to Philly a few times before too, but this time it was to show a friend around. Luckily, because of my previous few visits I had been acquainted enough with the city to be somewhat of a tour guide. We were staying at my sister’s in Harrisburg which is 2 hours away (not bad for a day trip) from Philly. If you click on this link, you will be directed to a google map guide of the route we took on foot to see the city. I usually use the Park-Me app on my phone to find the cheapest parking in and around cities I visit. So far, it’s been really helpful…

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Milwaukee Public Market – Milwaukee, WI

Eating Out

While in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last summer, I went to the Milwaukee Public Market. On my internet search, it came up as one of the top places to visit there. It’s basically a foodie’s heaven because there are multiple food vendors in one building and so you have all these options to pick from to have your meal. We arrived at lunch time so it was a bit crowded and we had to wait some time to get food. But let me tell you, the wait was well worth it! As excited as I was, I was also freaking out because I wanted to try everything but obviously my stomach wouldn’t allow that. Which reminds me of the time when one of my friends asked me if I could have any super power what would it be? She’s actually asked me this a few times on different occasions. And my usual answer was to be…

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Portage, Indiana

Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk, IN

Tay Explores

I posted about the Indiana Dunes State Park last week and decided I wanted to share just how I decided I wanted to explore this area. When I first moved to Chicago, I met someone who lived in Valparaiso, Indiana (which is about an hour and a half from Chicago). She told me she also moved here pretty recently, from Canada (about four months before me). Another person who just moved here from a different place? YAY! We can connect and talk about how much we miss where we used to live and hate on the Chicago winters! (These are the first thoughts I had when meeting her…lol) Well, she is from Canada so the whole winter thing doesn’t really bother her as much. Moving is something that I’ve done a lot and each time it’s not easier than the previous time. If anything, it gets harder. For some people, it isn’t the biggest deal in…

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Mindy’s Hot Chocolate – Chicago, IL

Eating Out

In my last post I was remembering the warmth. However, since I have no control over the weather, I embrace winter by drinking lots and lots of hot chocolate. And lucky for me, there are several places in Chicago dedicated to just that much like Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. One of my friend’s had been wanting to try this place after reading so many great reviews. So a couple of weeks ago we finally got the chance! It’s located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood in the middle of shops and restaurants. As soon as I walked in, I loved the interior. And the very first thing that I noticed when I walked in was a beautiful brick wall that was painted white and embellished with wall planters made from glass bottles. So simple, yet so eye catching too. I was happy when they seated us right by it. We both ordered the Medium Hot Chocolate made…

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Indiana Dunes State Park, IN – Flashback to Warmth

Beaches

As a lover of warm weather, I can’t help but think about warmer days. It’s now the end of January and I am so ready for the summer even though it will still be a while before it’s here. But, I do have to say that I am thankful that winter here in Chicago has been relatively mild this season compared to previous years. This post is a flashback to my first summer in Chicago (last year) and I guess I couldn’t stay away from a beach post for long. My four year old niece, much like me, adores the beach. So I had to make sure I gave her that experience here as well. I know there are beaches in Chicago by Lake Michigan but I wanted to get away from the city which is why we ended up at the Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s about an hour and a half from where…

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The Millworks – Harrisburg, PA

Eating Out

I am so excited to share this post with you! The last time I went to Harrisburg was in November, on the birth of my niece. That is when I discovered The Millworks. Well, technically I didn’t discover it on my own. My friend suggested we go here (I love it when my friends know exactly the kinds of things I would like and appreciate). So basically this place is for anyone who enjoys art and food. As you walk in, you are immediately greeted by artwork on the walls. Inside, there is a shop which features prints, jewelry, pottery etc. from local artists. They have several art studios on the main floor as well as the upstairs. I fell in love with the architecture and the interior design immediately. The lumber utilized inside was re purposed from whatever was left inside when the building was originally purchased. The design up…

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Susquehanna River – Harrisburg, PA

Tay Explores

If you randomly find yourself in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, don’t panic! It may seem like a place with not much happening but you will be surprised once you decide to give it a chance. I go here a lot because my sister lives here. And if I’m honest, staying here for more than a weekend sometimes could have felt like torture if it wasn’t for my awesome family and friends. However, I did eventually learn to appreciate it. There are some hidden gems to be discovered and I try to find new ones whenever I go. I will start off with the Susquehanna River (I guess this one’s not that hidden). I remember several years ago before my sister moved there, I went to visit friends. They asked what I wanted to do and in response I immediately asked “Where is that place with those cool steps by some body of water?” I remembered seeing pictures of it on someone’s Facebook…

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Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL

Indoor Activities

I have this random obsession with conservatories (as you will notice while following along my blog). When my friend was visiting me last March, I wanted to find some things to do that were different than just going into the city. I was on Instagram and found some beautiful posts of the Garfield Park Conservatory and kept reading that it was FREE so that was a no-brainer. I think one of the reasons why I love going to them is because especially in the winter months when all you see are dead trees everywhere, all the colorful flowers and greenery is refreshing for the eyes. Plus it’s indoors so you won’t be freezing your butt off! The room with the umbrellas was my favorite. This was the spring installation from last year called “Sun Showers”. The art installations change seasonally and I’m pretty sure they have a new piece now which I am going…

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Blackberry Market, Glen Ellyn, IL

Eating Out

One thing that I’ve liked about the Chicago suburbs is that they all have downtown areas that are unique. And Glen Ellyn is no exception. I really enjoy walking through it and going to all the small boutiques, restaurants and cafes. A place that I go to often is Blackberry Market. They make things fresh in house and try to get most of their ingredients locally. I come here and do my work, drink hot chocolate and occasionally have lunch. I love the colors used in the interior as well as the art all over the walls. I’ve tried three of their sandwiches (Grilled Cheese, Grilled Gouda and Caramelized Onions and Braised Beef Brisket). Everything has been delicious so far. There is a tomato chutney that is inside the grilled cheese which is phenomenal! In addition, you can find a variety of fresh salads that are changing throughout the year. My favorites are the Southwest Salad and the…

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