There’s something magical about the Canadian Rockies, and our recent trip to Calgary, Banff, and beyond was nothing short of spectacular. From cityscapes to towering peaks, fine dining to alpine lakes, every moment felt like a postcard-worthy adventure.

A Taste of Calgary

We kicked off our journey in Calgary, a city that blends modern vibrancy with western charm. Walking the downtown streets, we soaked in the sights of the iconic Calgary Tower and the bustling energy of Stephen Avenue. The crisp air and clear blue skies set the perfect backdrop for exploring before our much-anticipated dinner at Major Tom.

Perched high above the city, Major Tom offers not just incredible views but an unforgettable dining experience. Their steaks and cocktails were top-notch, and the atmosphere was the perfect sendoff before heading toward the mountains.

The Road to Banff & Canmore

With full stomachs and eager spirits, we set off west toward Banff, choosing to stay in the nearby town of Canmore. Nestled among jagged peaks, Canmore offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to Banff while still being just minutes away from all the action.

Banff Adventures: Gondola Views & Iconic Landmarks

No trip to Banff is complete without taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. As we ascended, the views became more and more breathtaking, revealing panoramic scenes of Banff and the Bow Valley below. At the top, we walked along the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, where the air was crisp and the vistas stretched endlessly.

Back in town, we made our way to the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Walking through the grand halls of this “Castle in the Rockies,” we couldn’t help but feel transported to another era. The combination of history, luxury, and mountain scenery makes it a must-see, even if you’re not staying overnight.

Lake Louise & Peyto Lake: Nature at Its Best

Continuing our adventure, we visited the turquoise gem of the Rockies—Lake Louise. Even with the crowds, its beauty never ceases to amaze. After a peaceful stroll along the lake, we pressed on to Peyto Lake, known for its striking wolf-head shape when viewed from above. The short hike to the viewpoint was well worth it, offering one of the most spectacular sights of the entire trip.

Sky-High Thrills & Lunch in Golden

One of the highlights of our journey was walking the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge. Suspended high above the canyon, it delivered a thrilling experience with sweeping views of waterfalls and rugged landscapes.

After working up an appetite, we stopped for lunch in Golden, BC—a charming mountain town with a relaxed vibe. A hearty meal and warm hospitality were the perfect way to wrap up our adventure before heading back to Canmore for one last cozy evening in the Rockies.

Final Thoughts

From the city energy of Calgary to the jaw-dropping beauty of Banff and beyond, this trip was everything we hoped for and more. Whether it was the views, the food, or the sheer wonder of the mountains, every moment reminded us why the Canadian Rockies are a destination like no other.

Would we do it all over again? In a heartbeat.

Our recent trip to Washington, DC, and Philadelphia was a whirlwind of history, culture, and amazing food. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we packed our itinerary with unforgettable experiences. Here’s a recap of our journey!

Day 1: Arrival in DC

We landed at Dulles Airport in the late afternoon and took an Uber to our Airbnb in the heart of Washington, DC. After picking up some essentials at Whole Foods, we kicked off the trip with a delicious dinner at Il Canale, a cozy Italian spot in Georgetown.

Day 2: Monument-Hopping and Art Appreciation

We started the day with a refreshing walk along the National Mall before visiting the towering Washington Monument. From there, we admired the White House and grabbed lunch at Fogo. The afternoon was spent exploring the National Gallery of Art, where we marveled at masterpieces, followed by a relaxing coffee break at Tryst in Dupont Circle.

Day 3: Museums and a Night of Irish Dance

The morning was dedicated to the Holocaust Museum, a powerful and moving experience. After lunch, we visited the Museum of Natural History and took a guided tour of the stunning Library of Congress. The evening ended on a high note with a spectacular Riverdance performance.

Day 4: A Day Trip to Philadelphia

An early start took us to Philadelphia via Amtrak. We wandered through Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the U.S., paid our respects at Ben Franklin’s Grave, and explored Liberty Center. After a delicious lunch at Reading Terminal Market, we checked out the immersive exhibits at Wonderspace Philadelphia and, of course, posed with the iconic Rocky Statue before heading back to DC.

Day 5: More Smithsonian Museums and National Archives

The day began at the Museum of American History, where we saw everything from the Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy’s ruby slippers. After a relaxing lunch at Pavilion Café, we explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture, followed by the National Air and Space Museum. Before wrapping up, we visited the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dinner at China Chilcano was the perfect way to end the day!

Day 6: Arlington, Georgetown, and the Zoo

We picked up our rental car and visited Arlington Cemetery, where we witnessed the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, we strolled through Georgetown, grabbed lunch at Clyde’s, and spent the afternoon at the National Zoo. The day ended with an entertaining performance of Spamalot at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.

Day 7: Farewell, DC!

After a final breakfast, we made our way to the airport, reflecting on an incredible week filled with history, culture, and great memories.

This trip reminded us of how rich and diverse America’s past and present are. We can’t wait for our next adventure! 🚀✨

This past Christmas, we spent an unforgettable time in Utah, enjoying everything from winter adventures to incredible food and quality time with family. From the snowy hills of Soldier Hollow to the vibrant food scene in Salt Lake City, every moment was filled with fun, laughter, and a bit of holiday magic.

Snowy Thrills at Soldier Hollow

One of the highlights of our trip was tubing at Soldier Hollow, where we raced down the snowy slopes and embraced the thrill of winter. With stunning mountain views and perfectly groomed lanes, it was the ultimate way to enjoy the fresh Utah air and get into the holiday spirit.

Tennis and Staying Active

Despite the holiday indulgences, we stayed active by playing tennis at both the Cottonwood Tennis Club and the Park City Rec Center. The combination of indoor courts and crisp mountain air made for some great matches and even better memories.

A Foodie’s Holiday Dream

Utah’s food scene did not disappoint! We revisited some of our favorite spots and tried some new ones:

• Hires Big H – Classic burgers, fries, and that signature fry sauce—always a must when in Salt Lake.
• Red Iguana – The mole is legendary, and this visit was no exception.
• Aker Restaurant – A fantastic dinner experience with incredible flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
• Top Pot – Enjoying hot pot on a cold winter night was both delicious and comforting.
• Rubi’s Peruvian Restaurant – A hidden gem where we savored authentic Peruvian dishes.
• Asher Adams – The perfect spot for drinks and winding down after busy days of exploring.

Cheering on the Utah Utes

We caught a University of Utah women’s basketball game, soaking in the energy and excitement of the crowd. It was great to see the team in action and experience the passion of Utah sports fans.

Family Time in Sugarhouse & Holladay

The best part of the trip, of course, was spending time with family. Whether it was hanging out in Sugarhouse, Holladay, or other areas in Salt Lake, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, or simply enjoying each other’s company, it was a holiday to remember.

Looking Forward to the Next Trip

As we wrapped up our time in Utah, we left with full hearts (and full stomachs!). Between the winter fun, amazing food, and quality family time, it was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Until next time, Utah!