A Quick Trip to Maine

Late last week, I snuck up to New England with my Mom. As the weekend began we headed up to Maine, specifically to Mount Desert Island to spend several days with my aunt, grandmother and some of my cousins. 

Though our intentions to visit Acadia National Park were unrealized thanks to the government shutdown, I still enjoyed my time on Maine coast during this gorgeous time of year.

Vacation in Vacationland

Last Sunday, Adam and I headed out for a week-long road trip through New England. We made pit stops in Connecticut (to see my parents) and Boston (to see several friends) before spending a few days with my extended family in Maine. 

A Thanksgiving Jaunt to Maine

Last week was a quiet one here on Meet Me in Philadelphia because Adam and I headed out on Tuesday to make our way to Connecticut to meet up with my parents and then on to Maine to all spend Thanksgiving together with my extended family there. During our trek up north, we stopped in Kittery, Maine to enjoy our usual before-Thanksgiving feast at Bob's Clam Hut.

Final Thoughts on Scandinavia...and What I Bought!

Have you enjoyed vicariously traveling to Norway, Sweden and Denmark this week, friends?

I sure hope you have.  Before we head into the weekend, I wanted to share a few remaining observations I had about our time in Scandinavia. 

1. Well-designed candy was everywhere in Norway. I loved the retro look of Cuba & Hobby bars.

2. Converse hi-tops were on nearly every foot in Scandinavia. Classics like these never go "out".

3. Rarely did I spot a grocery store without an abundant option of flowers. This gal's envious.

4. Almost every Dane was on bike. Mimic their style with this adorable ride from Beloved Cycles.

Now, do you want to see what I bought?
I snapped a few photos of the treasures I found during our Nordic adventure.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

There will be a touch of Scandinavia in my home for years to come.

And, if I can once more, I have to encourage every reader to visit this region at least once in your life. 
Happy weekend, all!

Traveling to Copenhagen

Day 4 of my week-long Scandinavia recap brings us to Denmark--Copenhagen, specifically. My husband and I spent 4 days there, the last stop on our trip. Rather than flying, we took a scenic 5-hour train ride from Stockholm to Copenhagen which allowed us to survey more of Sweden outside that country's largest city. 

I'll admit, I had 3 associations with Denmark before our trip: mid-century modern design, Hamlet, and danishes. Not really a fair representation of a country, I know, but the reason I fess up to these connotations is because Denmark proved to be so much more upon visiting. Copenhagen is an incredibly design-conscious city with stylish, attractive residents who enjoy really wonderful food. Denmark felt welcoming, relatively affordable, and cultured. Like the other cities we visited in Scandinavia, my husband and I purchased the Copenhagen Card for extended access to the best tourist attractions the city had to offer. I loved Copenhagen so much that Adam and I regularly reflected each night how we liked it while there--hopefully you can see why at the end of this post.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 

Dantes Plads 7

www.glyptoteket.dk

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum with pieces from the masters housed in a beautiful interior. The collections include Gauguin, Picasso, Monet, Rodin and Degas, as well as many Nordic artists. An entire wing of the building is dedicated to Greek and Roman antiquities, as well. When you're finished here, you can skip across the street to several other museums and tourist attractions, including Tivoli.

Tivoli

Vesterbrogade 3

www.tivoli.dk

Tivoli, the highest form of an amusement park, is in the heart of downtown Copenhagen. I can confidentally declare that this was the prettiest amusement park I'd ever visited--it treads far closer to an immaculately manicured park than Six Flags stateside. The park is boasts high caliber restaurant choices, too!

Designmuseum Danmark

Bredgade 68

www.designmuseum.dk

One of the best-known facts about Denmark is that it is a global leader in the area of game-changing industrial and applied design. Designmuseum Danmark prominently features the best of Danish design, as well as rotating exhibits from other times and places. At the time of our visit, mid-century modern architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl was the subject of a large exhibit.

Bungalow

Ravnsborggade 17

www.bungalow.dk

Like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn to any store that sells patterned and printed fabrics. Bungalow, Danish purveyor of fairly-priced block-printed fabrics, was on my itinerary after I discovered the company's aesthetic. Filled to the ceiling with vibrant pillows, dish cloths, tablecloths and boxes, this shop is bright and inviting. The prices were incredibly reasonable (think $40 for a pillow you won't be seeing in everyone's home) and the owner was sweet and very friendly. Needless to say, I may have taken home several pieces...

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

To contradict Shakespeare, nothing at all is rotten in the state of Denmark. 
In fact, it was pretty great all around.
Be back tomorrow for the wrap-up of my week-long trip recap!

Traveling to Stockholm, Part II

Ready to hear a bit more about Stockholm, Sweden?

Because I loved the city so much, I had more recaps and travel recommendations to offer in addition to those shared yesterday. So, without further ado, Part II of "Traveling to Stockholm".

Skansen Open-Air Museum (Skansen)

Djurgårdsslätten 49

www.skansen.se

Like the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History that I wrote about on Monday, Skansen is another open-air museum that embodies the most important cultural and environmental aspects of Sweden while also being, in spots, an amusement park of sorts for children. Propped high on a hill, you will get unparalleled views of Stockholm from several points inside Skansen. The park consists of over 75 acres filled with traditional buildings, farms, and park employees in traditional garb.

Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

Galärvarvsvägen 14

www.vasamuseet.se

On her maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa set sail and promptly sunk in the Stockholm harbor. Over two hundred years later, the wreck of the Vasa was found 95% intact, salvaged and placed on permanent display. Head to the Vasa Museum to see this miraculous piece of history yourself. 

National Museum (Nationalmuseum)

Söndra Blasiehomshamnen

www.nationalmuseum.se

Yesterday, I wrote about the Moderna Museet in Stockholm which is a must-visit; just down the street, you will find the National Museum which has in its permanent display a century of Scandinavian design. This exhibition was particularly convincing of the role Sweden has played in the integration of thoughtful design into everyday life.

Restaurang B.A.R. (Blasieholmens Akvarium o Restaurang)

Blasieholmsgatan 4A

www.restaurangbar.se

My husband Adam is a bit of a foodie and thusly, he challenges himself to find great cuisine wherever he visits. Stockholm provided Adam with Restaurang B.A.R. and, specifically, with his first experience with crayfish. Crayfish are traditionally eaten during summertime in Nordic countries, so Adam was pleased to finish our time in Stockholm with this local delicacy. Even if you visit Restaurang B.A.R. outside of crayfish season, I'm confident you'll enjoy the atmosphere, great service and yummy food.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

After two days covering all of the wonderful sites to be seen in Stockholm, do you think you're convinced to visit now? Keep in mind, these two days only represent a sampling of the things to do there...I promise you will not be disappointed by this lovely city.

Up tomorrow: Copenhagen, Denmark!