Your Guide To A Philadelphia City Hall Tour

***Please note that this Guide To A Philadelphia City Hall Tour will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the historic district’s most up-to-date dining scene. This guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

I have been traveling to Philadelphia (see my recaps of previous visits here and here) ever since I was a kid and have fallen in love with the utter beauty and Baroque architecture of City Hall. Over the years of walking by, through, and all around Philadelphia’s City Hall whether it be via a simple walk-by or to visit the city’s Christmas Village, I had always wondered if there were opportunities for a Philadelphia City Hall Tour. So, on one of my recent visits to the City of Brotherly Love, I stumbled upon City Hall’s Visitor Center and learned that, yes, there are opportunities for a Philadelphia City Hall tour.

In this blog post, I will outline Philadelphia City Hall tour options and what it all entails!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

City Hall Christmas tree

Find Accommodations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia City Hall Tours Guide

Table of Contents

About Philadelphia’s City Hall

Getting There

Admission 

Know Before You Go

Points of Interest

Fun Facts About Philadelphia

About Philadelphia’s City Hall:

City hall - 5

Philadelphia City Hall is the seat of the municipal government of the city of Philadelphia in the U.S. State of Pennsylvania, which means that it houses the chambers of city’s council as well as the office of the city Mayor. Essentially, Philadelphia City Hall is where all-things government in the City of Philadelphia happens. In addition to being a place where a lot of city-policy, governance, and events happen on a regular basis, City Hall has a neat history surrounding its construction, architecture, and stories, which includes it being the tallest building in the world from 1894-1908!

City Hall was constructed in 1871 and took 3 decades to complete with its completion in 1901. Just like the Eisenhower Building in Washington, DC, Philadelphia’s City Hall is built in the unique and ornate French Second Empire style. Architects John MacArthur Jr. and Thomas Ustick Walter led the design of this vast, 548-foot tall, 7-story building consisting of 88 million bricks, 14.5 acres of space, 250 sculptures, and approximately 700 rooms. Within the 30 years that it took to construct and finish City Hall and even post-construction, elevators were installed and light bulbs as well as electricity became widely used in public spaces which meant that the building’s architecture and design had to be adapted to meet the technological advances of the times. Throughout its entire construction, MacArthur Jr. and Walter worked in the basement of what is now Philadelphia City Hall to help make it into what it is today: a beautiful City Hall that people travel from all across the world to see.

Getting There:

Chandelier

Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Noting the address up above, there are several ways to get to City Hall, including:

  • Uber/Lyft – Be sure to confirm/enter in the address up above as your destination.
  • Public Transportation – Septa (Philadelphia’s main transit system) has a 15th/City Hall station which is a stop on the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line. For more information on navigating public transportation in Philadelphia, then look no further than this resource from the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
  • Bike – There are several bicycle racks available outside of City Hall.
  • Car – While there is no onsite parking at Philadelphia City Hall for visitors, there are nearby parking garages in the area. Please note that rates may vary depending on the parking garage that you choose. 

For more information on the most up-to-date ways to get to City Hall, then look no further than this resource from the Philadelphia City Council’s website.

Admission:

Admission to Philadelphia’s City Hall is free and all visitors must go through security upon entrance inside, however, there are two tours offered:

  • City Hall Tower Tour – Provides visitors with an opportunity see the City of Brotherly Love from the clouds via its panoramic observation deck. See more information and book your tickets here. Tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10am-2:45pm. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
  • City Hall Building Tour – Provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history, architecture, artwork, and government of the City of Philadelphia as well as City Hall – the heart of Philadelphia. See more information and book your tickets here. Tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.

Please note that both tours depart from the City Hall Visitor Center located in Room 121 in the East Portal. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Visitor Center in-person.

Know Before You Go:

Press room pose

Here are a few things to keep in mind upon touring City Hall:

  • As previously mentioned, there is a required security checkpoint upon entry into City Hall.
  • City Hall is a working building. There will be working professionals within City Hall during your visit, including the Mayor’s office. Please keep that in mind and show respect to those who may be busy working.
  • Since City Hall is a working building and home to the city’s government, there may be official government events, including press conferences, meetings, and celebrations taking place while you are there. It is worth noting that some parts of City Hall may be closed when you visit due to these events. Please always be mindful, show respect, and ask one of the many security guards onsite before entering any section of City Hall.
  • Photography is allowed but without flash.
  • Public restrooms are available inside City Hall.

Points of Interest:

While touring Philadelphia’s City Hall via the Building Tour, I discovered several points of interest:

  • Sculptures – Go sculpture hunting! There are approximately 250 sculptures designed by Alexander Milne Calder whether it be grand figures to intimate animal details on tables.
  • Architecture – Take in all of the vast ornate, Baroque architecture including chandeliers, tile work, grand staircases, and columns.
  • Government Buildings – Walk by the Office of the Mayor, see where City Council and the courts operate, and potentially take a peak inside the press room where all of the news is reported from.
  • Clock Tower – While not a part of the Building Tour, the City Hall Clock Tower Tour takes visitors up to the Clock Tower to take in panoramic views of Philadelphia from the clouds!
  • Community-focused artwork displays – Look out for displays of artwork made by those living in the Philadelphia community! Artwork is changed every few months. 

Fun Facts About Philadelphia:

Philly skyline

While on my City Hall Building Tour, I learned several fun facts about the city of Philadelphia including:

  • When William Penn started the Colony of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia was the start of what makes the present day state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania was colonized from East-West starting with Philadelphia which is on the eastern end of the state.
  • Philadelphia was the United States capital before the present-day Washington, D.C. When George Washington was President, he and Martha Washington lived there.
  • Philadelphia has the most murals out of any city in the world!
  • The city of Philadelphia’s history makes its tourism and hospitality industry one of its biggest industries.
  • With universities such as Drexel and Temple offering well-known art programs, Philadelphia is a very proud supporter of the arts and strives to preserve and promote arts education.

Wrap-Up:

Columns

Touring Philadelphia’s City Hall was something on my bucket list for a few years now! I’ve grown up very fortunate to have visited Philadelphia on multiple occasions and have admired City Hall each time. I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to learn more about the incredible history, arts, and culture that makes Philadelphia, Philadelphia during my City Hall Building Tour. In the future, I hope to do the City Hall Tower Tour, too! Til next time, Philadelphia!

XOXO – Katie <3 

thepinkchickadee1 Comment
Royal Palace of Madrid

Your Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid

***Please note that this Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This travel guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

During our bestie European adventure to Spain and Portugal Shivani and I spent our first leg of it in Madrid, Spain (which I outline our full experiences on more here and where we stayed here!). While there, we visited the well-known and largest royal palace in all of Europe: The Royal Palace of Madrid. Truly, visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid was such an incredible experience and a fun one, too! As someone who proudly calls herself a grand millennial, visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid was a worthy choice for our time in Madrid. 

In this blog post, I will outline how to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, so that your dreams of being in the same place as many Spanish royals in the past do come true. 

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Your Guide To Visiting The Royal Palace of Madrid 

Royal Palace of Madrid entry

Table of Contents

About The Royal Palace of Madrid

Getting There

Opening Hours & Admission

Know Before You Go

Points of Interest

About The Royal Palace of Madrid:

Constructed in 1735, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. Today, it is primarily used for state ceremonies, official receptions, and state dinners but not for royal living quarters. With over 1,450,000 square footage and 3,418 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the largest royal palaces in the world. Annually, the Royal Palace of Madrid receives over 2 million visitors from all across the world who take in its royal baroque and classical architecture style. 

Getting There:

Walking at Royal Palace of Madrid

Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

Although Shivani and I walked due to our hotel’s close proximity to the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is worth noting that there are a few options that visitors have to get there besides walking. Although I won’t outline in-depth the ways in which you can navigate public transportation and getting around Madrid, this excellent resource from the Royal Palace of Madrid’s website has the most up-to-date information on doing so. 

  • Bus 
  • Metro
  • Train 
  • Taxi 
  • Driving 

Opening Hours & Admission:

The Royal Palace of Madrid’s opening hours are as follows:

  • Monday-Saturday (access until 5pm): 10am-6pm
  • Sunday (access until 3pm): 10am-4pm
  • Free entry to the palace is offered Monday-Thursday: 4pm-6pm

**Note: While free entry to the palace is an excellent option for any visitor, it is worth noting that you must get in a line for free entry and arrive 1 hour-90 minutes before free entry begins to ensure you are able to get in and fully enjoy it before it closes. Although we did not do the free entry option for visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, we did do free entry for another museum in Madrid on a free entry day and have learned from other fellow visitors’ experiences that this is typically the case. 

The Royal Palace of Madrid’s adjacent garden’s opening hours are as follows:

  • Daily: 10am-6pm

In addition to free entry Monday-Thursday, there are also multiple ways to get admission to the Royal Palace of Madrid through Get Your Guide which offers skip the line tickets, guided tours, and entry tickets valid throughout the day in which visitors choose to go. In addition to pre-reserved tickets, visitors can purchase tickets onsite upon arrival at the Royal Palace. I do recommend, if traveling during a peak season, to pre-book your tickets in advance to ensure you are able to go. 

In terms of accessibility and accommodations for everyone who visits the Royal Palace of Madrid, feel free refer to this resource from their website to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Know Before You Go:

In front of Royal Palace of Madrid

Before visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best visit possible (from my own personal experience visiting):

  • If you have any larger bags (including Longchamp Le Pilage totes) and/or a backpack, you will be asked to check it into a secure locker onsite.
  • All visitors must go through security before entering into the palace’s interiors.
  • Cameras and phones for pictures are allowed, however, there is no flash photography permitted.
  • Be sure to keep in mind that there may be groups of visitors on guided tours while visiting the interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid alongside visitors who are choosing a self—paced option. There will likely be multiple occasions in which there are a high volume of people. Hence, you must be prepared for the crowds!

Points of Interest:

Grand Staircase

There are several points of interest throughout the beautiful, opulent interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid:

  • Main Staircase – The grand place that greets all who enter its doors! A two-level staircase with a statue of King Charles 111.
  • Throne Room – Features historic tapestries, red velvet, and sculptures from centuries’ past.
  • Royal Chapel – A baroque masterpiece that features religiously artwork.
  • Stradivarius Hall – Showcases opulent and exquisite musical instruments by Stradivari.
  • Gala Dining Room – Shows off opulent decor and is used for state banquets.

For more information on all of the highlights and rooms when visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, then look no further than this resource from the Royal Palace of Madrid’s website. Truly, this Spanish royal palace is one-of-a-kind!

Wrap-Up:

Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid

Having the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid was truly a dream come true! As someone who was lucky enough to be able to tour Buckingham Palace in London in July 2018 during Queen Elizabeth 11’s reign, I have found myself falling in love with touring royal palaces all across Europe. And, one thing that reigns true about visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is that it is, indeed, a bit more underrated than other European palaces, yet it is just as if not even more magnificent than them! If you are in Madrid, Spain, then I highly suggest adding a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid to your itinerary. You will not regret it!

XOXO – Katie <3 

thepinkchickadee2 Comments

How To Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car

***Please note that this Guide To Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This travel guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

When my bestie Shivani and I went on our two-week long trip through Spain and Portugal, the final leg of it was in Lisbon, Portugal. We spent 2 days in Lisbon (which I share more about here!) and knew that we wanted to live out our fairytale dreams by visiting Pena Palace in the nearby town of Sintra, Portugal. That all being said, we found ourselves planning a Lisbon to Sintra day trip without a car, as we navigated our trip via planes and trains and *a few* Ubers!

In this blog post, I will outline how to plan a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, given the options you have as a visitor without a rental car and which option we chose!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Your Guide To Planning The Perfect Lisbon To Sintra Day Trip Without A Car

This guide to planning a Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip Without A Car is split up into the following sections: About Sintra, Portugal, Options for a Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip, and My Personal Verdict.

Friends at Pena Palace

About Sintra, Portugal:

A princess moment at Pena Palace

Sintra is a fairytale-like town home to castles, including the well-known Pena Palace, located on the foothills of the Sintra Mountains within close proximity to Lisbon, Portugal. Sintra has been a long-time sanctuary and retreat for the Portuguese Royals and Nobles, hence the multiple castles – including Pena Palace, The Castle of the Moors, and the National Palace of Sintra – that call it home. Alongside its Lucious terrain and palaces to visit, downtown Sintra is known for its beautiful pastel-colored homes that look as if they’ve been taken out of a painting and brought to life. When in Sintra, not only are the multiple palaces and terrain worthwhile taking all in, but the town is also a wonderful place to enjoy a picturesque stroll, a coffee/glass of wine, and perhaps grab a souvenir for the road home.

For more information on visiting Sintra, Portugal and all that it has to offer, look no further than here.


 

How To Get From Lisbon To Sintra (Car-Free Options):

***It is worth noting that this blog post will focus on car-free options for your Sintra day trip! If renting a car though, Sintra is an excellent stop to add to your Portugal road trip experience. 

Besties at Pena palace

I will note that for Shivani and I’s Lisbon to Sintra day trip, we opted to use a tour group as we didn’t want to have to worry about navigating the public transportation system in Portugal. Full transparency: we were pretty tired on our final leg of our Spanish and Portuguese adventure and wanted to simply show up someplace hassle-free and have them show us around (I realized that I enjoy tour groups on occasion when abroad during my solo trip to Ireland!). I will share more on our tour group experience alongside other outlined options that are at your disposal for your Sintra day trip: 

Option 1: Taking the Train from Rossio or Oriente Stations

About: Starting at 3 Euros one-way, there are direct train options for your Lisbon to Sintra day trip via public transportation. The train ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and departs from either Rossio Station or Oriente Station in downtown Lisbon. This resource from the Portugal Tourism Guide outlines the timetables, schedule, and train ride experience from Lisbon to Sintra in more depth.

Keep in Mind: Like when using public transit in any other city, you will be getting your steps in when you take the train to Sintra. I say this as someone who lives in the Washington, DC area and finds myself navigating the public transportation system back at home on a regular basis! At the same time, the train tickets to/from Sintra are extremely cost-effective and will save you a lot of money. Just be sure to book all tickets to any palaces, including Pena Palace, with a reserved time slot that you want to visit before going or upon arrival and prepare to do LOTS of uphill walking all around Sintra. If you do decide to take the train to Sintra, then be sure to use the 434 Tourist Bus to get from Sintra’s train station to all of the palaces.

Option 2: Taking an Uber or Bolt

About: When I got in my Uber from the Lisbon airport, I had the friendliest Uber driver who shared with me his words of wisdom on Ubering to/from Sintra from Lisbon. He said that he had enjoyed taking visitors around Sintra from Lisbon on many occasions and said it was a wonderful option, too. He also mentioned that visitors can request that their Uber drivers wait X amount of time as they sightsee around Sintra and some of the palaces there. 

Keep in Mind: The drive from Lisbon to Sintra is approximately 30 minutes. Ubers are extremely cheap compared to the United States in both Porto and Lisbon in Portugal. Ubers cost approximately 20-25 Euros one-way from Lisbon to Sintra. Like with taking the train, be sure to book all tickets to any palaces, including Pena Palace, with a reserved time slot that you want to visit before going or upon arrival and prepare to do LOTS of uphill walking all around Sintra. 

Option 3: Joining a Small-Group Tour

About: Several tour groups offer Sintra small group tour day trips from Lisbon. The best part?!?! These small group tours will typically take care of the purchasing of admission tickets to palaces such as Pena Palace and will chauffeur you with a guide throughout the day. We opted to go with a tour through Modern Tours small group tour that offered admission to tour the interiors of Pena Palace, visit downtown Sintra, the coast of Portugal, and have a brief amount of time in Cascais, Portugal. Many tour groups from Lisbon to Sintra offer the option of seeing the coastline of Portugal a bit, including the well-known coastal town of Cascais. 

Keep in Mind: While tour groups will typically take care of the purchasing of admission tickets to palaces such as Pena Palace and other points of interest around Sintra, each tour offered by a tour group will have their own unique itinerary so be sure to look at the different options available to you before making your decision. Unlike taking a train or an Uber, a tour group will run on a schedule and will not be self-paced which if you prefer that, then a train or uber is probably the better option for your Sintra day trip. 

My Personal Verdict:

A royal moment at Pena palace

If I were to take another day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, I would opt to take the train and Uber if needed from downtown Sintra to some of the many palaces that call it home. While I did enjoy the opportunity to show up to Pena Palace and stroll around Sintra briefly before visiting Cascais and some scenic views alongside the Portuguese coastline without any hassle, I’d rather spend my time more self-paced in Sintra and explore more of what the town has to offer. While my first time to Sintra was via a wonderful tour group, I found it to be the perfect first time of hopefully many to Sintra. I definitely got a taste of what Portugal has to offer beyond Lisbon hassle-free. 

At the same time, every person is different. All of us have unique travel preferences that factor into which option we’d choose for our day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. Luckily for all of us, there are multiple options to choose from that can suit us. 

Wrap-Up:

Pena palace in the clouds

Above all else, I truly adored my brief time in Sintra, Portugal. I LOVED getting to live out my fairytale dreams at Pena Palace and take in the beautiful views of the Sintra mountains alongside admire the gorgeous town of Sintra. What I LOVE about Sintra is that there’s so many great ways to get there from Lisbon without needing to rent a car, which can be so daunting. Would I go again?!?! Most definitely!! 

XOXO – Katie <3 

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

8 Chic Storage Solutions That Keep Your Home Organized and Stylish

***This blog post on 8 chic storage solutions is a guest post by home decor blogger Emily of https://lifoholic.com/. Thank you so much, Emily, for contributing to The Pink Chickadee and for providing some words of wisdom on chic storage solutions!***

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Every home moves to its own pace, shaped quietly by the belongings we keep close. The role of storage has expanded steadily, shifting from a hidden necessity to a topic designers treat with purpose. With the growing desire for serene interiors, people search for options that refine a room rather than mute it.

The result is a thoughtful approach that manages clutter while giving each room a sense of ease. These pieces do more than hide the mess.

They add presence and quiet sophistication, turning simple organization into a subtle expression of style.

1. Built-In Shelving With Clean Lines

Built-ins continue to offer strong value in any room. They calm the space, direct movement
through the eye, and leave a refined impression. With slim lines and open spacing, the shelving blends into the architecture instead of looking added on.

Books, framed art, and collected objects rest naturally within the grid. The key is restraint. Too many items compete for attention and reduce the effect.

But a curated display creates the calm that modern homes increasingly pursue, where storage
supports clarity rather than noise.

“Order gives a room its character,” said designer Mara Ellison. “It turns simple shelving into a quiet act of beauty.”

2. Decorative Baskets That Double As Design

Baskets occupy a rare category in the home. They add texture, warmth, and quiet storage without crowding the room. Natural woven fibers soften sharp lines, especially beside sleek furniture or even paired with pieces inspired by outdoor furniture Malaysia.

They work well for loose items like throws, children’s toys, or daily essentials that need a temporary home. The appeal lies in their informality. A basket can be lifted, moved, or
repurposed in seconds.

It invites flexibility and keeps clutter from gaining momentum while still complementing a
room’s style.

3. Sideboards With Hidden Compartments

Sideboards once lived mostly in dining rooms, yet the modern version fits comfortably in nearly any room. Clean fronts keep storage hidden and create a smooth, uninterrupted profile.

Inside, the drawers and shelves sort tableware, papers, and everyday items with ease. The smooth top offers space for art or a lamp that grounds the room.

The best sideboards balance visual weight with subtle craftsmanship, turning a basic storage need into a quiet feature. They tidy a room without appearing utilitarian, which is why designers keep returning to them.

4. Floating Cabinets That Free Up Floor Space

Floating cabinets remain popular for one simple reason. They change the way a room feels.
When storage leaves the floor, the atmosphere immediately opens up. These wall-mounted units create a sense of lightness while still offering structure and capacity.

They perform best in hallways, bedrooms, and tight living spaces where efficiency matters. The smooth surfaces simplify daily order, and their raised position keeps the room feeling open.
The result is a storage piece with the presence of furniture and the attitude of architecture.

“Lift the storage and you lift the room,” said designer Clara Wynn. “Lightness is often the most powerful form of order.”

5. Multifunctional Benches With Interior Storage

Benches that lift open have become a quiet favorite among homeowners who want comfort and
clarity in the same place.

A bench can settle an entryway, stretch a window nook, or frame a dining area. Inside, the roomy compartment stores shoes, extra linens, pet items, or gear that typically ends up scattered.

The appeal is not just the storage but the feeling of order that comes from sitting with purpose. In smaller homes, these benches serve two roles at once and introduce a sense of thoughtful planning.

6. Ladder Shelves With an Airy Profile

Ladder shelves draw steady interest for their balanced mix of simplicity and display. Their
angled frame rests gently against the wall, adding height without weight. Each rung holds plants, books, or decor while the open sides keep the look light.

They bring height-based storage to tight spaces and prompt residents to curate more carefully. Their style feels both easy and deliberate. That mix helps them belong in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

7. Storage Ottomans With Soft Structure

A storage ottoman offers an uncommon mix of practicality and softness. These pieces add
comfort to a seating area while quietly hiding items that rarely find a home. Extra cushions, magazines, games, and living room essentials fit easily inside.

The exterior can match or contrast with existing furniture, giving the room either cohesion or a note of surprise. What makes Ottomans valuable is their ease.

Clutter vanishes with a simple move, and the room relaxes. The comfort makes their function
easy to forget.

8. Modular Units That Grow With Your Needs

Modular storage systems adapt to the changing life of a home. A set of units can begin as a
simple arrangement and expand as priorities shift.

Modular design welcomes experimentation, giving users freedom to change dimensions and
arrangement. It creates an organizing system that grows rather than locks into one form.

By pairing function with freedom, modular pieces reflect how people live today with routines that shift and spaces that must keep up.

“Good design moves with you,” said interior planner Lena Hart. “Flexibility is the new measure of a well lived home.”

Bottom Line

The search for order inside the home has never been purely practical. Storage shapes the daily experience of a room, revealing or concealing what we value. The most compelling solutions offer tidiness without sacrificing character. They let the home breathe, giving residents a sense of control and ease. Chosen with intention, storage becomes less about hiding things.

A home feels calm, warm, and quietly refined once order takes hold.

Author – Emily is a renowned home decor expert and blogger who has contributed to several interior design websites and publications as a guest author. With her vast knowledge and experience in the world of home styling, she has become an authority on timeless interiors and sustainable living.

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

What I Wore To Work – November 2025

I feel like every November I start wearing more sweats and lounge wear as it starts to get colder outside. And, hence, my work wear becomes filled with lots of cozy lounge wear looks and less dressy looks, as it’s usually freezing and I just want to be cozy!! Clearly, November 2025 was NO different than any other November – LOL!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

***Forgot to link***

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

What I Wore Out Of Office – November 2025

From two weekends away to Charlotte (see my guide on Charlotte here) and Raleigh (see my guide on Raleigh’s North Hills here), a wonderful family and Christmas-filled Thanksgiving weekend, another Friendsgiving hosted (see my tablescape here), and a visit to the Southern Living Idea House (more to come on that *very* soon!), SO much has happened during November 2025. In fact, November has been one of my favorite months of 2025!! I know a lot of us have found this year to be a bit chaotic nevertheless, so I was so grateful to have a really great month in 2025!! At the same time, I am also psyched to share what I wore as I had TONS of fun putting together my outfits throughout this ultra-fun month. Now, let’s get into what I wore out of office in November 2025!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

***Forgot to link***

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

***Forgot to Link***

***Forgot to link***

Shop it here!

Shop it here!

***Forgot to link***

***Forgot to link***

***Forgot to link***

Shop it here!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

The Life of Katie – November 2025

From two weekends away in North Carolina, two day trips in Virginia, and several moments spent with loved ones, November 2025 was probably my favorite month so far this year! 2025 has been a tough year for me, like it has been sadly for so many of y’all too. However, I feel extremely grateful, thankful, and blessed to have had such a wonderful month in 2025!!

The Life of Katie – November 2025

Moving forward with The Life of Katie content, I plan to share it monthly in a more concise format. The posts will be formatted by Week Recaps, Highs/Lows, and On the Blog.

Week Recaps

  • November 1-7 – November 2025 started with a post-Halloween weekend post-a looonggg flight delay to Charlotte, North Carolina. I got to see some of my favorite humans while in the Queen City and had an amazing (but brief!) time catching up with some of my close friends and checking out some new-to-me spots (more to come in my Charlotte, North Carolina Travel Guide). I was SOOOO grateful after a long flight delay to Charlotte that my flight had NO delays coming home! When I got home from the Queen City, I put up my Christmas tree and decorations and went to a book signing where I got to meet Chelsea Fagan of The Financial Diet – a favorite channel of mine!! Red cups debuted at Starbucks and I enjoyed a cosmopolitan after what felt like a looonggg work week.

  • November 8-14 – I visited the Old Lucketts Store’s Holiday House 2025 and Casanel Vineyards & Winery to kick off the weekend – both of which were such a wonderful time! I broke out my Christmas Spode champagne flutes, which y’all have LOVED seeing my use over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee). Mid-week, I went to Lowery’s Dial’s Holiday Open House to do some shopping and mingling and *of course* enjoying some champagne as well as visiting Boxwood – an adorable hostess shop on King Street. Friday, I found myself back at Dulles Airport for a spontaneous weekend away to Raleigh, North Carolina to visit some of my closest friends! Upon arrival, my bestie Alanna and I grabbed martinis and dinner at Firebirds in Raleigh’s North Hills!!
  • November 15-21 – I enjoyed LOTS of Starbucks, Aperol Spritz, wine, retail therapy (mostly browsing though!!) and friend time in Raleigh!! After a wonderful weekend which was very brief in the City of Oaks primarily in North Hills, my flight was delayed on the tarmac at Raleigh Airport due to winds. However, I am grateful that 40 minutes later, my flight safely made it to Dulles Airport. Papa and I ordered pizza when I got home and I broke out a Pink coaster that my bestie Shivani crocheted for me and gifted me over the weekend. On Tuesday, I dressed up for a night on the town for the Northern Virginia Content Creator Network’s first-ever event: a Happy hour at Inca Social!! It was LOVELY to get to mingle with fellow Northern Virginia based-creators and learn more about all that Inca Social has to offer, including table-side ceviche. Lots of Fall walks to enjoy the last of the Foliage were enjoyed with Rosie! And, Thursday, DC Preppies had a small gathering for our first-ever outing to The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC’s Third Thursdays event with free admission. Afterwards, I strolled through the DC Holiday Market and grabbed an amazing burger + cocktail at Doyle in DuPont. Friday night, I enjoyed a great dinner at Ozzie’s Good Eats – our favorite! – with my Papa, Aunt Amy, and her girlfriend Barbara. Before dinner, I checked out Creative Collective’s Small Business pop-up and was in AWE at all of the adorable finds that support local businesses! At the same time, I also got to style my gorgeous Lucy Jane Zoey bag which was graciously gifted to me by owner Cassie!! Thank YOU Cassie <3

  • November 22-30 – Saturday, I did some early Black Friday shopping + received some of my finds in the mail including Rosie’s brand-new monogrammed collar (!!!!) and hosted Friendsgiving 2025 where my two close friends Haley and Sarah and I enjoyed a nice meal together. Sunday afternoon, I went to the Southern Living Idea House 2025 at Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia and to my Aunt Amy’s Housewarming Party with kitty snuggles from Morty! Monday night, Papa, and Rosie, and I embarked on our annual tradition to Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights hosted by NOVA Parks. It was ADORABLE when Rosie was looking out the window at all of the lights!! All week long, we enjoyed some delicious slow cooker Ham and Bean soup. Thanksgiving week, my brother Will came to stay with me and Papa, which called for tons of relaxation, family time, and holiday cheer. Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful and held at my Mom’s house!! Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we went to my Aunt Alice’s on Saturday for wreath making and I went on a solo outing to visit the Christmas tree at the St. Regis and the Season’s Greenings Exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.

Highs/Lows

Highs

  • ALL of the holiday cheer!!!! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas <3 <3 <3
  • I LOVED getting to go on more solo day trips across Virginia. I am proud to call this state my home <3
  • Rosie’s new Pink + green and monogrammed collar looks ADORABLE on her and (I think!) she loves it too!!
  • As previously mentioned, November 2025 has been my favorite month so far this year! 2025, like for many of us, has been a pretty hectic one for me. That all being said, it was so so so amazing to have such a great month to end a rather tough and crazy year for me.
  • It was such a treat to see many of my closest friends and family members this past month. Seriously, it was such a huge and unexpected blessing!

Lows

  • My allergies have been bugging me around the end of Thanksgiving weekend with the changes in the colder weather.
  • I’m already struggling a bit with end of year burnout, so I’m trying to prioritize self care during this time.
  • I wish I read more than I did in November.

On The Blog

What’s New

The Life of Katie – October 2025

What I Wore To Work – October 2025

What I Wore Out Of Office – October 2025

The Old Lucketts Store Holiday House 2025

Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide

Katie’s Gift Guides 2025!

Friendsgiving 2025 Tablescape

When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC?

What’s Trending

I’ve Tried 4 RH Restaurants: Here’s My Take!

Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide

Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Review

ICE! At Gaylord National Harbor Guide

20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

Wrap-Up

Nevertheless, I feel extremely lucky to have had such a wonderful November 2025! Thankful, grateful, and blessed is truly an UNDERSTATEMENT to how I feel about this past month.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

As a wine lover, I feel sooo grateful to call Virginia my home due to the many vineyards and wineries that also call my state home. One of the biggest things about many of Virginia’s vineyards is that they are proudly family-owned. Casanel Vineyards & Winery is truly no exception — family is at the heart of everything there which makes it such a special spot to add to your Virginia winery bucket list. This blog post will dive into all of what makes Casanel Vineyards & Winery, such a special and inclusive spot to visit for everyone in your crew.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

While there, I had the opportunity to use my Reserve Pass – a Wine Pass app that gives pass holders varying discounts at participating wineries across the state of Virginia and *even* beyond. Its geographical interface allows wine lovers to locate wineries near them and get the best deals *literally* at their fingertips. At Casanel Vineyards & Winery, I was able to enjoy 10% off wine bottle purchases! If you’re like me and you LOVE visiting local wineries, then you must check out Reserve Pass and get your own today, which I write about more in-depth about the specifics of here. If you’re interested in purchasing a Reserve Pass to save on your winery and vineyard visits, then use my discount code “ktloveswine” for 50% off your Reserve Pass today! Purchase here!!

Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

This Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review will be split into 3 sections: Getting There, About Casanel Vineyards & Winery + Plan Your Visit, and My Experience.

Getting There:

Located just about 10 minutes outside of downtown Leesburg, Virginia, Casanel Vineyards truly feels as if it’s in another world away! It is worth noting that Casanel Vineyards is located off of gravel roads. To spend less time on the gravel roads, then it is suggested to plan your travel via Business 7/East Colonial Highway as opposed to Routes 15 and 704. At the same time, it is highly suggested that you drive to reach the vineyard. Luckily, Northern Virginia has several rental car options to choose from. If coming from Washington, DC without a car, the nearest Metro stop is Ashburn Metro Station which is the last stop on the Silver Line and about a 25+ minute drive away.

Address: 17952 and 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg, VA 20175

About Casanel Vineyards & Winery + Plan Your Visit:

Shaped in their three core values of people, passion, and a sense of place, owners Casey and Nelson DeSouza planted their roots at what is now Casanel Vineyards & Winery in 2006. With a lot of hard work, authenticity, and a  whole lot of celebration, the DeSouza’s have created a place where everyone can come together no matter who they are for a glass of wine (or a mocktail) and leave having a great time. Today, the values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true at Casanel as the winery has several offerings to enjoy whether it be enjoying a glass or flight in their tasting room or outside at their patio or balcony, or a stroll around the grounds’ gazebo, everyone will be sure to have a great time!

Casanel Vineyards & Winery has PLENTY of offerings for you to enjoy upon planning your visit! These offerings include:

  • Self-Guided Wine Tastings – including glasses, bottles, and wine flights
  • Guided Wine Tastings – A staff member in the tasting room will walk you through not only the story of the family behind Casanel, but also give you a 1oz pour of 7 different wines.
  • Mocktails – you heard me right! A variety of mocktails are offered on the tasting room’s menu, to ensure everyone has a great winery experience!!
  • Tours – Tours of the grounds and winemaking experience at Casanel are available for parties of 6+ to enjoy. Tours cost $25/person and sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • Events – Whether on their website or social media pages, I was truly amazed at Casanel’s presence in the Northern Virginia region and strong partnerships with our local businesses. Casanel hosts several events both on their grounds and beyond that appeal to a variety of interests and hobbies. See more on events here.

When planning your visit to Casanel Vineyards & Winery, it is advised to check their website to ensure that they are open when you plan to visit and to ensure if a reservation is required for your party that you do so in advance. At the same time, children are welcome inside the tasting room and beyond at Casanel. Whereas, pets are welcome outside only and they must be well-behaved and on a leash. Truly, everyone is welcome at Casanel but all visitors must be sure to plan their visit in advance. See more on planning your visit here.

My Experience:

While at Casanel, I took part in a guided wine tasting, which as previously mentioned, includes a 1oz pour of 7 different wines. As someone who personally prefers dry wines, I was in luck as most of Casanel’s wines are for those with a dryer wine palette. It is also important to note that taste of the wines at Casanel (as well as other vineyards!) is determined by the weather conditions year-after-year which affects wine harvest and the taste of the wines. During my guided tasting I tried the following wines – some of which pay tribute to the owners and family members that make Casanel, Casanel:

  • 2024 Ellianna – Estate Pinot Gris
  • 2024 Chardonnay – 100% Estate Chardonnay
  • 2024 Jose Rose – A rose made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Petit Verdot, and Norton
  • 2021 Casey’s Agape – A red wine blend Nnmed in honor of owner Casey
  • 2020 C4 Cullen’s Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2021 Petit Verdot – Full bodied with Lucious acidity and expressive flavors of black and blue fruits, savory, umami notes, and a lengthy finish
  • 2021 N2 (Nelson’s Norton) – 100% Estate Norton grapes

Learn more about the wines at Casanel here.

At the same time, I LOVED getting the chance to talk with those who work at Casanel throughout my guided tasting experience. One of the most beautiful aspects of visiting Casanel is that the DeSouza’s embrace and value everyone who walks through their doors, whether it be somebody who works in the tasting room or winemakers or visitors. Everyone is truly celebrated and loved as they are at Casanel which is something that I noticed right away!

Wrap-Up:

Casanel Vineyards & Winery is such a special place. While there, I truly saw how those who work there and regularly visit love it so dearly. From the heart that goes into making their wines to the experience as a visitor tasting their wines and having a good time (regardless of if you drink or not!), the DeSouza’s values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true to this day. Til next time!!

A special thank you to Reserve Pass and Casanel Vineyards & Winery for coordinating my visit and sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment