Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. One of my favorite parts of Amsterdam to go shopping for unique items in Amsterdam is the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes). This small Amsterdam neighborhood is home to Amsterdam’s best boutique shopping. I include my favorite shops in this stylish shopping district and some tips for getting lunch.
Local Guides

Releasing Seals into the Wadden Sea & Travel Tips for Friesland
Our weekend trip to Friesland was magical as it included releasing seals back into the wild (technically starting in Groningen, but we sailed into Frisian water), taking a boat tour to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea, enjoying the sandbanks/views of the Frisian islands, and exploring the traditional polder landscape of Friesland as well…

Neighborhood guide to the UES with the best things to do on the Upper East Side
Paging Gossip Girl: I’ll be sharing a guide to the Upper East Side written by a fellow native New Yorker and blogger who has been living on the Upper East Side for a while. This guide will cover the best things to do on the Upper East Side, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive areas, with…
A chocolate lover’s guide to the best chocolate in Turin
Although Belgium is famous the world over for chocolate, Turin is often forgotten despite being its iconic role in chocolate creation. Turin is the birthplace of the chocolate bar and chocolate lovers will be in chocolate heaven in Piedmont, which has a long history of chocolate making. This chocolate lover’s guide to the best chocolate…

A guide to the best Jewish food on the Lower East Side by a New Yorker
As someone who grew up in New York City, one could even say that bagels run in my blood. Although New York is rapidly changing, especially Manhattan, the Lower East Side still has many of the best places to sample Jewish food in New York. This guide to the Lower East Side is set up…

Old Roslyn: A hidden gem on Long Island worth visiting
This guide to Roslyn, New York focuses on the historic parts of Old Roslyn, perfect for a day trip out to this historic Long Island village that has numerous historic buildings. Roslyn is one of my favorite places to visit on Long Island for a relaxing day trip to learn about history and take a…

Secret Malta: A local’s guide to the most beautiful places in Malta
Malta is one of those countries that makes you fall in love with Europe, but how do you avoid all the crowds in Malta? Today, a Maltese local is here to tell you about the off the beaten path side to Malta that most tourists don’t see with some secret places in Malta that you…

Vlaggetjesdag, Hollandse Nieuwe Haring, and herring in the Netherlands
Is there anything more Dutch than herring? This favorite fish is a staple of the Dutch diet, yet many foreigners know little about it. Ever since moving to the Hague, I was lucky enough to experience Vlaggetjesdag, an amazing yearly celebration of herring season in the Netherlands. I’ll be discussing Vlaggetjesdag, Dutch herring, and the amazing cultural…

Where to drink jenever in Amsterdam: 6 authentic genever tasting rooms
There’s nothing like sipping on a fine beverage in a beautiful environment. One of the small pleasures of life is seeking out beautiful places to spend a little time enjoying the quiet atmosphere of where you are. No matter if you’re a tourist in Amsterdam or a long-time resident, there’s a little comfort to be…
The Unisphere: The story behind the most famous attraction in Queens
As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I can tell you that the Unisphere is a point of pride for many New Yorkers. This post will discuss the history of the Unisphere along with some insider tips for your visit to this famous Queens attraction.