CULINARY TRAVEL Road Trip to The North Cafe in North Thailand Posted on March 2, 2024June 9, 2024 Have you ever made a lunch break on a road trip that is almost as memorable as the destination itself? That’s exactly what happened on our road trip to Chiang Dao in northern Thailand. On the way to our hotel in Chiang Dao, we pulled onto a side road in the middle of nowhere. That’s when we discovered the absolutely stunning North Cafe.
CULINARY TRAVEL Neighborhood Cafe: Dessert 39 in Daegu South Korea Posted on February 9, 2024June 28, 2024 After more than five years in Daegu, I finally ventured into Dessert 39 Cafe. The moment I walked in, it genuinely shocked me, realizing it took me this long to discover such a pretty dessert cafe. There are some beautiful cafes in Daegu. It turns out this is yet another one.
CULINARY TRAVEL Flowers and Coffee: VERS Gardenhouse Cafe in Seoul Posted on January 23, 2024September 12, 2024 Located in Yeonnam-dong, a neighborhood in northwestern Seoul saturated with quality coffee shops, Vers distinguishes itself from all others. While strolling down the street, it immediately caught my eye. The entrance, adorned with vibrant greenery, led me into a small cafe that transcended the typical coffee shop experience.
PLACES Weekend in Peoria: Top Things to Do in the Sky and on the River Posted on January 7, 2024July 1, 2024 In Peoria, the Illinois River isn’t merely a waterway; it serves as the central thread weaving together a tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re soaring high in the parks, gazing into the cosmos from an observatory, exploring the city’s rich history in museums, or leisurely drifting along the river on a cruise.
CULINARY TRAVEL Art and Architecture: What to Do in Grand Rapids Posted on December 23, 2023August 21, 2024 Grand Rapids surprises with its mix of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant murals celebrating local women. Perfect for a weekend escape.
CULINARY TRAVEL Seolhwa- Myeonggok: Cafe Hopping to the End of the Red Line in Daegu Posted on December 12, 2023June 28, 2024 Have you ever taken the metro to the end of the red line here in Daegu? Me neither, but I was curious. The red line is one of three metro lines in Daegu and the closest line near my house. So today, we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to go cafe hopping using the metro—taking it to the end of the red line in both directions—Seolhwa/Myeonggok today and Ansim tomorrow—to see if we can find a couple of pretty cafes to visit without getting in the car. This journey along the red line promises not only charming cafes but also a unique exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. As we embark on this adventure, let’s uncover Daegu’s hidden gems and vibrant spots, all conveniently accessible via the red line.
PLACES Driving Solo Across Canada: Rochester to Grand Rapids Posted on December 6, 2023June 27, 2024 We’re finally on the last leg of our drive across America to visit family. And today, I am driving from Rochester to Buffalo and across Canada to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The drive covers most of southern Ontario, and between today and tomorrow, the drive will take me past 4 of the five great lakes. Today, the drive straddles parts of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Lake Superior is the only lake I won’t see on this road trip because it is the northernmost and westernmost of the Great Lakes of North America. The Peace Bridge is located near the center of downtown Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, separated by the Niagara River. It was one of the most scenic bridge crossings I’ve ever done.
CULINARY TRAVEL Baristro Asian Style Cafe Chiang Mai Thailand Posted on December 4, 2023August 18, 2024 Baristro Asian Style is a perfect example of how social media can work wonders. It proves that being creative and having a solid social media presence can make a big difference. Simply put, they can charge more for what other cafes offer at a lower price. Thanks to its popularity on social media, especially IG, the cafe gets many customers who pay 80 Baht just to come in and take pictures for their personal Instagram feeds. These posts spread the word, and the cafe gets even more attention without spending a dime on advertising, effectively turning their customers into unpaid brand ambassadors. Many cafes try to do this, but Baristro Asian Style is the first one I’ve visited with a cover charge.