Urban Gardens That Will Delight You

Here is a Sunday escape post that hopefully will have you marking your calendar for next year: The Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Annual Tour.  This year, ten gardens and two ribbon gardens (these you could just peek at) were showcased and open to the public with the purchase of a ticket.   A delightful self-led tour that allows you to meander about into the private gardens of this lovely old Boston neighborhood.  Without doing the tour there is no other way that you could experience these hidden gems.  A yellow flag marked each of the homes that awaited your viewing.  This year marked the 90th Anniversary of the tours.  You will forget for a short bit of time that you are in a city.  It is amazing to see how a bit of nature can transform small city spaces into an urban oasis.  Here is a peek at the wonderful charming spaces that were in all their glory!

You see how effortlessly nature folds into the life of Beacon Hill.  The gardens range in size and style but all are functional and inviting.  They all play off each other in the most intimate way.  Modern elements such as a living wall are complimented by the functional qualities of brick and steel backgrounds that make up this landscape.  The old trees with their twisting roots remind you of time.  Small ponds and trickling water create a sense of tranquility.  You wish to have brought a coffee and blanket to just sit and soak in the peacefulness.

The lovely faces along the way.  Such a wonderful afternoon to stroll and march the paths of Beacon Hill.  You should always be a tourist especially in your home town.  This is a charming event that you could easily let years pass without experiencing.  Grab a gal pal, walk the tour, sip coffee, chat, and finish off the afternoon with a tasty lunch on Charles Street.  Beacon Hill Garden Club 

 

Berlin Baby

Berlin!  Where to start?  Berlin, the capital city of Germany is becoming a love of mine.  This city is flat-out cool!  Everyone is young, artistic, stylish, creative, vibrant, and ultra hip. Whatever you are looking for, you will find.  Berlin is full of rich history.  Every step along your journey reminds you of that.  Berlin speaks to me like Amsterdam.  Experiencing this city with local friends makes you feel like a local.  I did no planning and went along for the ride. I wanted the everyday life of a Berliner.  The feeling as if I lived there (Yes! I can live here).  Here is Berlin!

The food scene stretches beyond just food.  The creativity, the environment, and the attention to detail is appreciated.  The awareness of  what you are eating is inspiring .  An absolute stand out for me is Daluma.  I beg for this place to land in my hood.

Urban living at its best! Behind every store front is a garden.  On top of every building is graffiti art.  Every corner has some green.  Look up and you see gems!  Eyes wide open the whole time.

Hotel Oderberger Berlin, a stunning 70 room hotel located in the heart of the city.  I dream of going back and staying here.

Relish in the style of individuals! NO shortage of places to gather, shop, and wander .  Cool hunting all the time! Sammlung Boros, a private art collection of Karen and Christian Boros housed in a renovated bunker is not to be missed.  An absolute must but be sure to book ahead!

Shopping Experiences To Check Out:

Bikini Berlin

The Store Berlin

Always More:

Top 10 Museums from Culture Trip

Copenhagen Is One Stylish City! Part 2

I am a huge fan of the Danes and all the Nordic countries.  For years I have admired their sense of style.  I could easily move to almost any part of Europe especially one of the Nordic countries and not think twice.  Life is too short to think anything has to be permanent.  Maybe it is my wishful thinking.  The Danish aesthetic is one the main reasons I wanted to explore Copenhagen.  I did just that with one of my best gal pals, Donna (the one that makes me laugh like no other:)  We hit the streets blazing!

Copenhagen
Dreaming And Drooling!
Copenhagen
Best Department Store In Copenhagen, Illums Bolighus
Copenhagen
All Under One Roof, Paradise
Copenhagen
One After Another Of Well Crafted Pieces
Copenhagen
Time To Redecorate
Copenhagen
Everything!

Illums Bolighus is the first stop!   Every Danish designer and more under one roof will sweep you off your feet.  It is a place to escape and find inspiration.  Give yourself ample time to wander the floors.  There is so much to grab your attention.  Illums Bolighus is located in the heart of Copenhagen, delivering you a shopping experience that you will not forget!

Copenhagen
One Needs To Refuel
Copenhagen
There Is No Doubt That This Dapper Fellow Will Pour An Outstanding Coffee!
Copenhagen
Perfection!

Coffee Break:

The Coffee Collective has a vibe that will keep you hanging out.  The coffee is creamy, smooth, and served with a smile!  I love the warm moody tones of the space created through the use the dark wood, soft lighting, Nordic blue walls, and lit candles.  A perfect place to take a break!

 Copenhagen

Night At The Museum

Copenhagen
The Background, The Flooring, and The Sculpture Are All Works Of Art And Design
Copenhagen
A Well Curated And Displayed Gift Shop
Copenhagen
Statue Of Beauty And Inspiration
Copenhagen
When There Is An Opportunity To See A Designer In A Different Form, You Must See!
Copenhagen
Human Installation
Copenhagen
Performance by Henrik Vibskov

Evening Activity:

The Ny Carlesberg Glyptotek is a highlight.  An absolute stunning art museum housing an impressive collection of ancient and modern art in a beautiful architectural building.  In the middle of the four winged museum is a Winter Garden that creates an oasis with overflowing tropical plants.  It is an unexpected gem.  On this particular evening was a special one night performance by Danish Designer, Henrik Vibskov.  “Please analyze, volumize, moisturize me” was a human installation that was part of Copenhagen’s Light Festival.  A spectacular performance that gave us the opportunity to wonder the museum.  It was a night at the museum indeed!

Drinks:

Vinbodegaen is a charming wine bar offering an extensive selection of wines by the glass listed on a chalk board.  It is a locals place to linger and sip in a traditional cafe setting.

Dinner:

Tight serves up local Danish cuisine in a wonderful old charming space with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and candle lit tables. One might walk by this restaurant do to its casual entrance.  Lovely meal, lovely service, and word of advice, always carry a bit of the local currency so you can tip!