Whether it’s planned or spontaneous, here’s my travel favs.
Map
Sections
5
Must Haves
NYC
Boston
Portsmouth
Edinburgh
Must Haves
I’ve had my Herschel since 2014 and it’s been my ride or die. Until recently, I had done all of my traveling out of this back back - planes, trains, cars & hikes. Considering its age, my backpack is still in excellent t condition, but the updates...
Little America Backpack Mid-Volume 21L
These were the best purchase of my traveling career. I got the set on sale prior to my first out-of-state anime convention - I needed hard-side suitcases to protect my wigs during transit. These are sturdy and easily wieldable on public transit &...
Skyline 3-Piece Spinner Luggage Set
I always bring a Baggu during travel , especially for events, concerts, or just shopping. The reason I love their bags over a standard reusable is the fact that it folds into itself - it fits in a coat pocket or in my fanny pack with no extra bulk. C...
Standard Baggu
My wife always carries some sort of facial spray when we travel - whether it’s for hot days in the city or long, dry hours in a car or train, having some kind of spritz always is a great pick me up. Heritage Store’s Rosewater is a current favorite, b...
Rosewater | Rose Water Spray
I love a fanny pack because of it’s size and versatility. This Miffy bag from Baggu is durable, roomy, and is perfect for wearing around the waist, as a purse or cross-body. Keeping my essentials nearby during travel has never been easier. ✨
Fanny Pack Embroidered Miffy
These were life savers on and after our 6 hour flight to Edinburgh. If you get sick or just experience a dry, sore throat after long travel, these are must haves!
Propolis Throat Soothing Lollipops
NYC
Probably my favorite place we’ve stayed in NYC, Pod 51 is a modern mix between a hotel and a hostel. With cheap rates, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location, I really enjoyed our stay here more than some of the expensive hotels we’ve been to. ...
Pod 51
Kinokuniya is a must visit for folks that love anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Outside of their standard selection of books, this store also has a huge collection of magazines, art books, CDs, manga, anime merch (including prize & scale figur...
Kinokuniya New York
This was a new stop for me and I regret nothing. Excellent prices and fascinating finds - treasure hunting at BookOff is a great way to spend an afternoon.
BOOKOFF New York
A cozy hole-in-the wall serving up delicious ramen. Need I say more?
Ivan Ramen
Brunch is my favorite meal of the day and Mom’s is one of my top favorites ever. Their Bedrock Pancakes are over-the-top delicious and I am always a sucker for a crazy, themed milkshake. The vibe is the 90s cool your dreams have nostalgia for.
Mom's Kitchen and Bar
Give me a good French toast and we’ll be having a great time. Peaches was comfort food and brunch rolled into a down-home gift box of perfection.
Peaches
Ending up at Chick Chick was a happy accident - a great variety of chicken dishes with an even better atmosphere.
Chick Chick
Right next to our home base @ Pod 51, Tensai was the highlight of my most recent trip. The kaarage and udon were to die for.
Tensai
The Met is stunning. You need a whole day to see everything for sure, but even if you can get in a little peek during your trip, it will be well worth it. Their fashion exhibits always leave me breathless.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A beautiful way to get a break from the hustle and bub of the city. Stunningly curated and cared for. The restaurant also has a delicious French toast.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Boston
I rarely stay overnight in Boston outside conventions, but spent three days in Beantown for my 30th. Hotel AKA was a great home base for us - walkable and close to the T made it convenient for all the things we wanted to do. Shoutout to the staff for...
AKA Boston Common
I have had the pleasure of staying here for two events at the Armory in Sommerville and I have throughly enjoyed each of my stays. Centrally located, excellent staff, and cozy accommodations make this a spot I love revisiting.
Cambria Somerville
Visited Silver Dove for my 30th birthday and it was such a magical experience! The staff is incredibly friendly and is willing to discuss allergen friendly options for their pre-fixe offerings. The amount of food and drink you get for the afternoon t...
Silver Dove Afternoon Tea
Terra made me realize you can use short rib for a meat sauce. Stunning presentation, delicious pasta.
Terra
Attached to AKA, I loved being able to just swing by for some good drinks and a perfect steak & frites after a really exhausting day of travel. Super chill, lowkey classy vibes.
The Bosworth Restaurant + Bar
For sure a bit overwhelming, Sugar Factory is a you gotta try it once kinda place. If you are indecisive like me and want to try every drink on their menu, maybe go four or five times. The decor is so cute I can’t stand it. The vibe is fun and playfu...
Sugar Factory
My all time favorite museum, I could talk for days about everything I love about the Isabella Stewart Gardener. A must see for all art, history, and architecture buffs.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of my favorite places to visit in Boston. I was so chuffed to get a great video of their rare blue lobster and their sneaky octopus during my last visit. The penguins are always such a delight - shout out to my favorite boy Roast Beef! Such a mag...
New England Aquarium
Portsmouth
I DREAM about the food I had at Bao 155. We went out of our way on our last Portsmouth trip to eat here a second time.
Bao 155
Sister to the Pickwick & Deadwicks locations, Fezziwig’s is just fun. I love getting a spot of breakfast and a milkshake while enjoying the vintage vibe. The staff is always so sweet.
Fezziwig's Food & Fountain
The best steak I’ve had in my life was at Library Restaurant. Nestled in this beautiful historic building, this dinner spot is perfect for special occasions. The price tag is a little on the hefty side, but the quality & portions (plus the servic...
Library Restaurant
French pastries at their best. A great place for a quick sweets break while shopping!
La Maison Navarre - Pastry, Bistro, Wine Bar
Incredibly cute store with cuter merchandise. We were fortunate enough to visit during the opening of their Chris Firger gallery - I love the way that Nahcotta blends the art gallery experience with the vibe of a boutique paper & homegoods store.
Nahcotta
Edinburgh
A complete gem! Located in the heart of Edinburgh, with a tram stop and two shopping centers right outside your door, it’s hard to go wrong here. Add in a complimentary breakfast and an incredibly helpful staff, I would stay here again in a heartbeat...
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre Hotel by IHG
The strawberry latte here is something I think about daily. 10/10 would board a plane just to get breakfast here again.
Ante
Brunch is my favorite time of the day and Brunswick Book Club is my favorite thing that has ever come out of a spur of the moment decision. The waffles and streaky bacon were to die for.