NorCal

California is gorgeous. This is not news, but it still needs to be said. I have traveled to the great state a few times in the past, but this particular trip, I was able to enjoy some new areas. I had to work in a little city called Vacaville, CA, but somehow worked it out that I should stay in American Canyon, which is right on the outer part of Napa Valley. The commute was tedious thanks to the Yukon XL I was given, but the drive was breathtaking, so I really didn't mind, (despite the death stares I was given for driving such a tank).

WHERE I STAYED: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley. American Canyon isn't the most happening city in California, but the sunsets are killer. I kept to myself, but the staff seemed friendly enough, but the best the thing about this hotel was the landscaping. My room overlooked a small man-made lagoon, which beats the parking lots I usually see.

WHAT I DID: My first day in NorCal, I ventured out to Mt. Diablo State Park for a hike, (yes, I hike from time to time). It was a very humbling experience, to say the least, and I would have stayed until sunset, but they closed the park at four. And since I had no camping equipment, I had no choice but to leave earlier than planned. On the third night, I drove about an hour to San Francisco to meet some co-workers for dinner. I arrived early, so I walked around under the Bay Bridge. It had been years since I was in San Francisco, but she was just as majestic as I remembered. That was the only trip into San Fran for me, but I am scheduled to go back in September. My last night in the area, I drove to meet my friends in Sacramento. I'd never been, but I was with a local, so we went to her favorite hang-outs. I was not disappointed; Sacramento is just a slightly bigger Memphis.  We made our way to Der Biergarten and then to The Golden Bear. I definitely want to come back to the area and explore the downtown area more. Before my flight on Friday, I made my way to the tourist trap that is Old Sacramento. It's a cute little thing, and I walked each of the streets, taking it all in, but didn't actually do anything but take pictures and talk myself out of getting a new tattoo.

               


WHAT I ATE: First night, I was starving and decided to eat at Gaia, which is the hotel's restaurant. It was affordable and filling, though not particularly memorable. At the suggestion of a friend, I tried Bugers & Brew in Davis, and I had some delicious turkey avocado sandwich situation. It was worth the 45 minute drive back to my hotel. The following evening was when I went to San Fran, and my coworkers and I met up at Palomino. I had the face-melting asiago-almond crusted scallops that I would give up a kidney to taste again. My final meal took place at Fireside Grill, where I devoured soft-shell crab tacos like it was the last meal I'd ever have. Seafood is life, y'all.

WHAT I DRANK: Rapture Imperial Brown, which is an in-house brew of Burgers & Brew, and let me tell you a thing; this beer is what dreams are made of. Maybe not the best beer I've ever had, but it's top ten material for sure. I also had Schofferhofer Grapefruit, which breaks my "drink local" rule, but I've thirsted for this elusive beer since having a few in EPCOT last December, so I gave in. I have no regrets. I also had Hell or High Watermelon, (21st Amendment). I didn't plan on liking this one, as I hate watermelon, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite refreshing. I also had A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' (Lagunitas), and a Back in Black (21st Amendment). Again, follow me on Untappd--mkmcanin.

TRIP THEME: Seeing it all, even if that meant a lot of drive time, (which it did).

TRIP SONG: Don't Tell 'Em--Jeremih feat. YG

FAVORITE MOMENT: Without a doubt, it was coming up on San Francisco. Even though I'd seen it before, I saw it this time as an adult (using this loosely), and I was just as in awe as I was as a child. I'm living my life in a way I'd always hoped I would some day, and when the city came up on the horizon, my heart exploded. I'm such a sucker for a skyline.

Well, that's it for NorCal, (for a few weeks at least). I have San Diego and LA trips forthcoming, along with some solid weekend trips. Stay tuned.

Wander on,
Melanie

Summertime Chi

My love for Chicago knows no bounds. This was the work trip I had been waiting for, and the windy city did not disappoint. Even the traffic wasn't the hellacious mess that I oft hear about. It was also the first trip in a while that I wasn't counting down the hours until I would be home, (twenty weeks on the road makes you crave being home in a way you never thought you could). I think this was partly because I had friends with me on this trip, but the city itself was a big factor.

WHERE I STAYED: The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites was very clean, had a great view and was incredibly easy to access. My qualms with it all pertain to parking; It was insanely expensive, (to me), and even though I'd call down ahead of time to get my vehicle, it still took >15 minutes to see my car. This resulted in me almost being late to work two mornings, which left a sour taste in my mouth.

WHAT I DID: I purposefully flew in as early as possible, so I could be a tourist for the day. I met up with my friend Tiffany, and we trekked to the Shedd Aquarium. I had been wanting go to the Shedd ever since my first visit in 2008, and I finally had the opportunity. I would be so bold as to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and for me, the Jellies exhibit the most. We then headed to Cloud Gate in Millennium Park for the quintessential Chicago photographs, and then finally to Ceres for a drink before I headed to dinner with my colleagues. Throughout the week, I ended up going to The Signature Room at the 95th and Streeters, (the latter was a mistake).

WHAT I ATE: We ate at Hub 51, Tree House at Tavern at the Park, (solid patio with a fantastic view), The Gage, and we finished up at Yolk for breakfast before heading out on Friday. My friend Stephanie was the best; she was up for any and everything, no matter how long her day had been. I don't think the trip would have been quite as fun without her, and I'm so glad we were both in the city at the same time.

WHAT I DRANK: Again, tried to keep my brews local, so they included: Anti-Hero IPA (Revolution Brewing Company), Mad Hatter (New Holland), Tank 7 Farmhouse (Boulevard), Edmund Fitzgerald (Great Lakes), Juke 'N' Luke (Goose Island), and Lagunitas IPA. For full thoughts on the beers I had, add me on Untappd (mkmcanin)!

TRIP THEME: I am in love with the city of Chicago and I don't care who knows it.

TRIP SONG: "Tear You Down"- RAC (feat. Alex Ebert)

FAVORITE MOMENT: Sitting on the roof at the Tavern, sun setting, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I fell in love with Chicago all over again in that evening. I've been trying to figure out to which city I'd like to move once this gig is up, and every city I've visited thus far, I can see myself in. But Chicago, Chicago was different. I spoke to me in a way that no other city has, and I could feel it in my bones. I will live in Chicago one day, mark my words.

Alright, so I'm west coasting for most of the coming months, so look out for posts from Sacramento, San Diego, LA, and the great state of Washington.

Wander on,
Melanie

DFW-JAN-OKC

I had a nice two week excursion recently, and I got seriously behind on posting. Apologies to my six readers. This trip consisted of a work week to Dallas, then a weekend, (and a wedding), in Jackson, and I finished it all up in Oklahoma City.

WHERE I STAYED: I stayed at the Doubletree at Dallas Market Center, which was nice inside, (though the outside was a little aged). The staff was really nice, and it was in an excellent location. I stayed in a lovely house in Fondren while in Jackson, and other than my aunt's house, my lodgings in OKC were unremarkable. 

WHAT I DID: While in Dallas, I hung out with other FIT team members-threw around the idea of going to karaoke, but to no avail. I didn't really do any sightseeing, as this was my third trip to Dallas within the year. In Jackson I met up with my best friend, Nikki, and we went to Fondren Public, Finnian's. Then on Saturday we went to my friend Jasmine's wedding on Lake Caroline (with karaoke!). It was gorgeous and I was able to catch up with so many friends from pharmacy school, which was a plus. Sunday was a lazy day, hanging out by The Reservoir and ending the night on a boat excursion with friends. 

OKC- My aunt took me to Guthrie to see the drive-in they filmed Twister at, then Pop's for different flavored sodas, then we went to Bricktown--took a water tour. Last night--went to the drive in and saw XMen: Days of Future Past 

WHAT I ATE: On the first night in Dallas, my coworkers and I hit up appetizers at Tate's, then headed to Hopdoddy's. Hopdoddy's was a good as the hype I was hearing about in Austin, and lucky for us, this particular one had opened just in time for our trip. The next was British Beverage Company (BBC). The food was good, atmosphere was better, (though we lost disgustingly at trivia), but if we're being honest, I went there for the beer. Our final night we ventured to the Flying Saucer, (yes, this breaks my only going to local places deal, but the majority always rules).

In Jackson we went to Pig & Pint for dinner on Friday, and while it was tasty, it just was not Germantown Commissary, nor Central BBQ. I fear Memphis may have ruined me on BBQ from any other place. Saturday brunch was at Julep, (hello 2 for 1 mimosas)! Nikki made me homemade biscuits on Sunday; they were amazing.

The only notable place I really in OKC was Ted's Cafe Escondido. I stayed in the 'burbs for the rest of my trip, and I was so tired after work, I didn't really search for the local eateries.

TRIP THEME: Reunited and it feels so good. 

TRIP SONG: "Recover"-CHVRCHES

FAVORITE MOMENT: In Dallas, definitely hanging out with FIT team members at Flying Saucer. All of us were glad the week was over, so it made for a nice hangout after work. In Jackson, while I was so ecstatic about seeing all of my old pharmacy school friends, I have to say that cruising on the boat at sunset takes the cake. I'm just meant for the water. In OKC, the best part, by far, was being able to spend a whole day with just my aunt; something I don't know that she and I have ever done. Plus, ice cream.

WHAT I DRANK: It's been too long for me to remember all of these, so I just have to direct you to my Untappd profile, (mkmcanin). I do know that I had some phenomenal local brews in Dallas, including a flight at the Saucer, but the names have now eluded me. I know you're weeping. 

Well, that wraps up that particular trip, now to immediately write about the next trip!

Wander on,
Melanie