Traveling with the Jones

When we are looking for a hotel, we like to look at photos shot by other guests rather than those on the hotel’s website.  To return the favor, we occasionally offer a look inside hotel rooms during our recent stays. 

A Look Inside the Palmer House, Chicago’s Iconic Hotel

We just returned from a quick weekend trip to one of our favorite cities and a stay in its famous Palmer House, the nation’s oldest hotel in continual operation.

Originally a wedding gift from Chicago business leader Potter Palmer to his wife Bertha, the Palmer House opened its doors in 1871, only 13 days before the Great Chicago Fire.   Potter rebuilt the hotel across State Street from the original location with the first guest registering on November 8, 1873, 139 years ago this week.

Today registration is off to the side of the soaring lobby, a magnificent place to sit down and peer up at the ceiling.  As a tribute to her French heritage, Bertha decorated the Palmer House with artistic treasures, including the lobby ceiling of Grecian frescoes by French muralist Louis Pierre Rigal.

In 1996, Lido Lippi — the man who also helped restore the Sistine Chapel – restored the ceiling of the Palmer House lobby.

Since we arrived into downtown Chicago before 10: 30 am,  we were thrilled to get an early check-in.  Room 22-246 is a smallish room on the executive floor, with the nice perk of a separate elevator.

Here’s a look inside Room 22-246, which has traditional furnishings.

Along with modern business conveniences such as wi-fi and a large flat screen television. (Someone had been a little rough with the wall.)

The bathroom is tiny but well appointed.

We loved the double shower head that adjusted for tall heads.

We also appreciate the Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, especially the mouthwash.

Every time we’ve stayed at the Palmer House, our room seems unique in layout and decoration.  Here’s a peek into Room 12-126, which you can see is quite different.

The holidays are a terrific time to visit the Palmer House, whether for a stay or a drink in the lobby bar to drink in the ambiance.

Do you have a favorite iconic hotel?  Please share it in comments.

You also may be interested in these other hotel posts”; 

• A Peek Inside the Four Seasons Hotel-Denver
• A Peek inside the Stanford Court Renaissance Hotel – San Francisco
• A Peek Inside the Hilton New York Fashion District Hotel
• Photo Friday: The Infinity Wedding Chapel
• A Peek Inside the Prague Marriott Hotel

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This is a guest post by Rachel Foxwell, a student at Iowa State University who completed a summer study program in Europe.

Photo of Spaghetti all’ arrabbiata by Giovanni JL

Craving a Taste of Italy?

Four Must-Have Kitchen Utensils for Creating a Genuine Italian Meal at Home. 

 

Have you been to Italy and experienced the splendor of real Italian food?  Or are you just a fan of Italian cuisine?

Here are some gadgets that are guaranteed to make your meal even more authentic (and simpler.)
1. OXO Good Grips 5-Quart Stainless-Steel Colander
Italians always make a lot of pasta, so whether you are cooking for two or 20, you will never regret investing in a large, sturdy colander.

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2. Spaghetti fork – Classic Nylon Pasta Server, Black
If you’re like me, you dread the arduous task of dishing pasta.   Lucky for us all, spaghetti forks do exist, allowing you to plate the perfect amount of pasta.

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3. Winco Self-Cleaning Garlic Press– Italians only use fresh ingredients, so a garlic press is a must-have.  This one is even self-cleaning, which makes it even more of a necessity.

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4. Wine bottle opener – Metrokane Rabbit Lever Style Corkscrew with Foil Cutter
What Italian meal would be complete without wine?  This is a high tech bottle opener with a built-in foil cutter for those of us who haven’t quite mastered the art of classic wine openers.  

Where is your favorite place to eat in Italy?  What kitchen tool do you have to try to re-create Italian food at home?

  

Rachel Foxwell is student at Iowa State University majoring in Hospitality Management, emphasizing on Travel and Tourism. She is currently working as a social media intern for VentureTime Travel.

Read more about her travel adventures – including her summer study in Europe – in her Rachel’s Realities blog.

Other blog posts on Italian destinations that you might enjoy:

• Destination Discovery: Stromboli, Italy
• Destination Discovery: Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
• Naples, Italy – gelato, ancient artifacts and pizza
• Palermo and Cefalu, Sicily (CHEF A LOO )
• Exploring New York City – Eataly

 

This is a guest post by Rachel Foxwell.

To learn more about the activities and attractions in Northern Michigan, I interviewed Stephanie with Holiday Vacation Rentals. Stephanie specializes in helping visitors plans their Northern Michigan vacations, so she’s the perfect source for learning more about this year-round vacation destination.

The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Northern Michigan Any Season of the Year

A gorgeous summer sunset over Lake Michigan

1. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This hidden gem is a must-see for any traveler.  Though it isn’t as well-known as other major national parks, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was voted Most Beautiful Place in America in 2011 by ABC’s Good Morning America viewers.

 A view from the top of a sand dune in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

 

2. Michigan Wine Country and Cherry Capital

Michigan is a state that is fortunate enough to have wineries everywhere you look.  And to make it better, Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the world, making cherry wine a specialty.  No matter where you are, you can never go wrong with winery visits!

3. Lake Michigan and Inland Lakes

Of course, you’ll have to spend time on Lake Michigan itself, but who knew Michigan boasts dozens of inland lakes as well?  If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, try Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix, or any other waterway you see! Whether you prefer to bum on the beach or participate in recreational water activities, you’ll find something to occupy your time in Northern Michigan.

A boat on the harbors of Lake Michigan.

4. Mackinac Island

Yes, the infamous Mackinac Island is a one-of-a-kind experience.  This small island provides a Victorian flair, with pastel houses and horse and carriage rides, making it feel like a step back in time.  Some highlights include visiting historic Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel, tandem biking around the island, touring the shops, and buying some Michigan fudge.

 5. Winter Activities — Snowboarding to Ice Fishing

Northern Michigan offers an abundance of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter zip lining, ice fishing, dog sledding, and over 6,200 miles of snowmobiling trails.  Needless to say, no matter the season, visitors can find something to do in Michigan!

Have you visited Northern Michigan?  What’s your favorite activity?

Rachel Foxwell is student at Iowa State University majoring in Hospitality Management, emphasizing on Travel and Tourism. She is currently working as a social media intern for VentureTime Travel.

Read more about her travel adventures – including her summer study in Europe – in her Rachel’s Realities blog.

 

Other blog posts on North America destinations that you might enjoy”;..

• Destination Discovery: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Destination Discovery: Kimballton, Iowa is home for this “Little Mermaid”Destination Discovery: Peanuts on Parade, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Destination Discovery: Glacier Bay, National Park and Preserve, Southeast Alaska
• Destination Discovery: Dundee Hills AVA, Oregon
• Destination Discovery: Canyon Ranch Spa Experience, Tucson, Arizona

 

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