Anne Frank House

Travel Post #5: Anne Frank House

For those of you who are not familiar with Anne Frank, here is a bit of background knowledge: Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who had to go into hiding during the Second World War to escape the Nazis and later became one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust. During her stint in hiding, she lived in the "Secret Annex" located in Amsterdam. Upon initial glance, you would not notice the Anne Frank Haus/Museum as it blends in with other buildings in the middle of town. The only indication is the absurdly long line that encircles the building during business hours. In order to explore the building in March of 2010, we waited in line roughly an hour before it opened. Photos were not allowed inside. I can tell you, though, the inside looked just like I envisioned. The stories mention a moving bookcase and cramped rooms filled with Anne Frank’ magazine clippings, all of which were still present during our visit. A journey through the building included longing stares, solemn faces, and silent voices.

Check Out Their Website:

http://www.annefrank.org/en/

Eiffel Tower

Travel Post #4: Eiffel Tower

You couldn’t possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure up close and personal, you will see its top from all over Paris. We went to Paris i

n March of 2010 for a whirlwind weekend. The best way to see the entire city was to take a walking tour which is what led us to the base of the Eiffel Tower. Our tour guide informed us that the tower was built for the 1889 World Exhibition and was part of the celebration of the French Revolution in 1789. An additional fact that the tour guide mentioned was that the tower has three graded tones of paint that are applied every seven years to protect it from rust. The colors change from dark to light from top to bottom, but it looks the same because of the background. If you step inside the first floor, you will find a poll that asks

for input regarding future colors. The Eiffel Tower is truly the symbol of the City of Lights.

Check Out Their Website:

http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Monuments-Paris/Eiffel.shtml

EverBank Field

Travel Post #3: EverBank Field

Not only does EverBank Field (former Alltel Stadium) house the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Super Bowl XXXIX game was also played there on February 6, 2005. The game ended with the New England Patriots beating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21. This city has battled heartache after heartache with each season having more blackout games than the previous, but this year the Jags have made a comeback. The Jacksonville Jaguars are ranked number two in their division. Teal and black cover the parking lots of tailgaters before kick-off. If you are lucky, Jaxon-de-Ville and the Roar Cheerleaders will make an appearance as well.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.jaguars.com/stadium/

Kleinfeld Bridal / J.Crew Bridal

Travel Post #2: J.Crew Bridal / Kleinfeld Bridal

J.Crew Bridal:

Brand new on Madison Avenue was J. Crew Bridal. We were fortunate enough to snag an appointment in the bustling bridal salon. The rooms were gigantic and much to our surprise, pictures were permitted. I can admit that I fell in love over and over again with each gown that I slipped into. J. Crew Bridal gowns are ideal for adding brightly colored accessories and extra touches of glitz and glam. The store also offered a plethora of bridesmaids' dress options and not far down the road was the men's store with suits galore for groomsmen.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp

Kleinfeld Bridal:

Every girl's dream, well at least this girl's dream, is to go to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City to find her wedding gown. I visited Kleinfeld Bridal during the gorgeous month of September for the ideal girls weekend. If you plan to visit Kleinfeld Bridal, keep in mind two things: make an appointment and know that you will more than likely not be on Say Yes to the Dress. Although I did not make it on the show, I was able to watch the filming of an upcoming episode and I was surely treated like a star. The employees at Kleinfeld were more than accommodating. As soon as I found a dress we all loved, they rushed me out to the middle of the store to add jewelry, a veil, etc. Principal owners, Mara Urshel and Ronnie Rothstein were not out of sight during that portion of my visit. Documenting our visit was the tricky part! Photos are not permitted in the salon, but as my mother can tell you--my sister and I don't follow directions well. Each time the attendant would bounce out of the room to pull another gown or ten, we would snap photos like crazy including pictures of me in the famous purple satin robe.

Check Out Their Website: http://kleinfeldbridal.com/

Arrington Vineyards

Travel Post #1: Arrington Vineyards

This vineyard is located in Nashville, Tennessee and was founded by Kix Brooks (Brooks and Dunn). Upon arrival to the vineyard, you will see a beautiful cabin that welcomes you to taste samples of their fabulous wines. During my visit I sampled a sweet raspberry and blueberry dessert wine. Popular opinion amongst the group voted that Red Fox Red was the best wine at the vineyard. The wine tasting experience was personalized and certainly an experience for the senses. After taste testing the wine, we purchased a bottle and some cheese to nibble on by the fire overlooking the vineyard. I would recommend visiting Arrington Vineyards during any stay in Nashville.

Check out their website: http://www.arringtonvineyards.com/