The Foot Bridge in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

One of my favorite things that I LOVE about visiting my Aunt April in New Hope, Pennsylvania is enjoying the views of the nearby Delaware River and town of Lamberville, New Jersey on the other side of it. On my Instagram recently (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I shared some photos of the foot bridge, the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The only thing separating the two states is the Delaware River – a monumental river and historical landmark in George Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware on December 25-26, 1776. Its beauty and historical significance reigns true to this day.

Most people on my blogger side of things don’t know that I was born and raised in New Jersey for about 5 years of my life. I lived in New Jersey for a few months after I was born, moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas to live until I was 3, and then moved back to New Jersey until I was 8. The second time that I lived in New Jersey my family and I lived in Pennington, New Jersey – a small town located about 20 minutes from Princeton in one direction and 20 minutes from New Hope and Lamberville in the other. However, even when I lived in Pennington and the many many many years that followed, I never realized the historical significance of the places just minutes away from my pre-8 years of age childhood hometown.

The historical significance of the Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware River is that it was the first move in a surprise attack led by George Washington against the British during the American Revolutionary War. Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware River occurred on the night of December 25-26, 1776. The nearby-to-New Hope and Lamberville is the town of Washington’s Crossing, Pennsylvania which plays homage to a historical downtown village, Washington’s Crossing Inn (where my Aunt Sherri got married!!), and a historical park open to ALL visitors to enjoy the Delaware River, historical sites, and the beauty in between it all. Each year around Christmas time, Washington’s Crossing, Pennsylvania hosts a reenactment of George Washington’s revolutionary crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War. The Delaware River in all of its glory and beauty plays a big role in the making of our country, today.

I grew up going to both New Hope and Lambertville as a kid. We would go to New Hope for ice cream. One cool thing is that New Hope has its own Bucks County Playhouse, which showcases several performances, including Kinky Boots which is on tour this summer! Meanwhile, Lambertville had a gorgeous train station that turned into a pizza shop with a nearby duck pond, which my Dad would always take my brother and I to back in the day! Each time we went, we would walk across the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge where there’s even a marker to mark the borders, where *YES* you can stand in both states at once!

Nowadays, I LOVE getting to go visit my family and friends who still live in and around Pennington, New Jersey and enjoy the gorgeous footbridge separating both New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lamberville, New Jersey from one another. Each town offers a plethora of small businesses, historical beauty, great restaurants and cafes, and *of course* drop dead gorgeous waterfront views. I feel extremely lucky to be able to enjoy the waterfront views along the Delaware River, especially knowing that this bridge that I love to admire connecting the two states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey was once not that AND that it played a major major major role in the eventual making of the United States of America.

Personally, I really really really LOVE going to visit New Hope and Lamberville and admiring that gorgeous bridge between the two states and will continue to for YEARS to come!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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48 Hours of Philadelphia Christmas Cheer

Merry in Philly! This past weekend, I visited my best friend Amanda who lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey (right outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) for a Christmas weekend of fun away! Personally, I have always LOVED the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area. I grew up about an hour North of Philadelphia in Pennington, New Jersey (read on to see my weekend in Pennington last weekend here!) and this area of the mid-Atlantic most definitely feels like home, despite me not actually living there. While in Philadelphia, Amanda and I did ALL the Christmas things that the city has to offer!

Haddonfield, New Jersey

Haddonfield, New Jersey is one of the most precious little towns about 15-20 minutes outside of Philadelphia. It’s an older town that has maintained its charm throughout its modernization that’s centuries long and ever-evolving. There are some stunning churches that resemble those of an old English cathedral courtesy of my study abroad experiences in London, England. At the same time, Haddonfield offers a plethora of small businesses, whether it be restaurants, cafes, shops, and ice cream/gelato parlors. The town gets ALL decked out for Christmas in the most extra and beautiful way possible. It’s a great town to live in and let alone visit!

I have visited Amanda many times in the past, so I have been able to see and admire the downtown streets of Haddonfield many many times before. However, I have had less of an opportunity to do just that at Christmas. Amanda and I walked the streets of Haddonfield during the day, getting coffee at Saxby’s – a New Jersey/Pennsylvania chain that I actually found once in Georgetown, Washington DC last month, and checking out some of the adorable small businesses. One of my favorites that is literally Instagrammable and just drop dead gorgeous on every shelve you turn when it comes to small businesses is Home On Haddon – a home goods boutique that I recently discovered when writing this blog post – HAHA – has an online shop, too. Another small business that I LOVE is a consignment store with an online section – carrying several designers and name brands known as Raks Thrift Avenue. There’s a cute little restaurant there that serves diner-like food called The Bistro on Haddonfield, which Amanda and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch at before I headed back to the nation’s capital. After brunch at The Bistro on Haddonfield, I discovered a newly opened town gem – Downtown Cookies. Downtown Cookies had an adorable balloon arch for ALL of your photo and social media posting needs. Not to mention, their cookies are literally to die for good! Haddonfield most definitely has some sweet gems within its main downtown area that I know anyone can enjoy!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

On Saturday, Amanda and I spent the afternoon and early evening in Philadelphia. From Haddonfield, downtown Philadelphia is just a few direct stops away on the PATCO line – easy as that! Once we got into the downtown, we went to the Christmas Village that the city has to offer. The Christmas Village of Philadelphia is located in the downtown area right in front of and around City Hall and LOVE Park. Christmas Village offered ice skating, a Ferris wheel, a mini train for children, a carousel, and had several shops and food places along the rows and rows of the Christmas Market. We both didn’t really shop or eat at the Christmas market since it was expensive. Rather, we went to two of the many super fun and Instagrammable pop up bars nearby! I have been fortunate enough to see ALL of the sites in the City of Brotherly Love over the years that enjoying a few drinks can definitely be the focus for me when visiting this magical city.

As for the Christmas bars, I forget the name of the first one we went to but it was right beside City Hall and LOVE Park and in the center of ALLL the action. It had adorable little Christmas houses to sit in and enjoy drinks outdoors with space heaters all around. Meanwhile, the second bar that we went to was Tinsel – a pop up bar that only comes during both Halloween and Christmas time. Tinsel is located on 12th Street South and is next to an adorable Black-owned Popcorn shop with online ordering – Go Popcorn – where we got to meet the sons/cousins of the owners. Tinsel is in a rather small venue, but they have a line to get in – it moves FAST do not worry – in order to keep down on crowds and be sure that all guests pay their $5 cash cover and are of age and is decked out into the 9’s. Tinsel is most definitely a grab a drink, take a picture, and go type of place but it’s still super fun for that allotted time. Amanda and I split a hot chocolate that came with a souvenir Santa cup/mug to take home. After about 20-30 minutes of admiring the gorgeously decked halls of Tinsel, we headed back for Haddonfield.

Philadelphia is one of my all-time favorite cities. I love it and am so glad I finally got to experience it as a 21+ woman, as I was a lot younger the last times that I went! It’s always a blessing to see friends like Amanda, whether near or far.

XOXO – Katie <3

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48 Hours of a New Jersey Christmas

New Jersey is known as the “Garden State” and many people never get to truly see why. New Jersey is a magnificent state and it’s filled with a vast array of beauty. My Aunts, Uncles, cousins, Grandpa, and some of my best friends currently live in New Jersey, giving me plenty of opportunities to go back and visit. In fact, I was actually born in New Jersey and lived there for 5 years of my life! Needless to say, I love love love New Jersey and some of the many things that it has to offer – history, beaches, beautiful countryside, pizza and bagels, and its close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. This past weekend, I visited one of my childhood best friends Chris in our hometown where I used to live of Pennington, New Jersey in the Central part of the state.

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

Day 1 – Pennington Holiday Walk

Coffee with a View Part 1 – in front of Twirl Toy Shop!

Every year, the town of Pennington puts on a Holiday Walk. At the Holiday Walk, they light the town tree, the streets are closed, and many of its local businesses – which fill the streets rather than well-known chains – distribute hot chocolate to attendees for free. All of the local businesses also stay open later so that Holiday Walk goers can shop and support locally. Some of my favorite shops are The Front Porch, Twirl Toy Shop, and 2nd Time Around (a secondhand store that I sadly closing come January 1, 2022). The Front Porch happens to have an online store, too, so I can luckily shop my favorite finds from the DMV! Chris and I also went to Vito’s Pizza – our favorite New York or what I like to call New Jersey style pizza shop that has been around for YEARS – with his girlfriend Kim and our mutual good friend Andrew.

Throughout the night, we all walked the carless main streets of Pennington. Snowflakes that light up twinkle throughout the streets as they line the poles along the Main Street. Pennington is filled with so much historic charm that has remained in tact throughout the years. Its churches that reminisce those of cathedrals straight from the streets of London with their hand-painted stained glass windows, the homes that have been around for centuries and still maintain their unique, historical charm, and its small businesses – some of which have been there for decades, including The Pennington Market and the Pennington Apothecary. Whether its daytime or nighttime, Pennington’s historic charm shines through, especially during the holiday season filled with holiday cheer at every turn you make.

Coffee with a View Part 2 – in front of Poppy Boutique!
Coffee with a View Part 3 – in front of a dazzling Snowflake!

Day 2 – Titusville

On my second day here in beautiful New Jersey, Chris showed me one of his favorite places to walk – Titusville, New Jersey. Titusville, New Jersey is conveniently located along the Delaware River across from Washington’s Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania which lays on the other side. There are many riverside views that we were able to take in, even in the Wintertime! The trail along the Delaware River takes you through to a mystical, Victorian style magical wonderland. There are homes, a Titusville church, a cemetery, and several waterfront views that line it. All of the houses were decked out in their best Christmas way to spread some holiday cheer. Needless to say, despite the cold and the less than picturesque than Fall, Spring, and Summer Winter trees, I loved Chris’s regular walk and am so glad I got to do it with him. I was immersed into learning about the historic Titusville, New Jersey from just a simple walk!

Chris and I had an amazing weekend together. Chris is extremely well-versed with his knowledge of Pennington and its surrounding areas, including Titusville. He LOVES New Jersey and is so proud to be a born and raised resident there that it makes anyone want to be proud of their own heritage and hometowns, too. We had such a beautiful weekend getting in friend time and some sightseeing, too. All in all, a true blessing!

XOXO – Katie <3

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48 Hours in Philadelphia Area + My Favorite Philly Sights!

Like others say, weekends away are ALWAYS good for the soul. This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend it in Philadelphia. Personally, I am ALL about saving money especially when I travel and doing it with those that I love. That being said, I stayed with my good friend Amanda and her family, who I grew up knowing as a kid, and spent the first day with my friend Violet who goes to school in the city. All in all, it was an amazing weekend and great for the soul!

I spent my first day, Friday, in the city of Philadelphia. I took Amtrak in bright and early and hung out in the city. Tip of the trade: major Amtrak stations, including Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, allow for visitors with an Amtrak ticket to store their baggage at $10/bag of any and all sizes to be stored at the station for the day as they go out and explore. So, I stored my bags at the station and went out to the city streets. My first stop of the day was Independence Hall – the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both written and signed. It was so so so exciting, as I actually toured Independence Hall on Constitution Day – the day that the Constitution was coincidentally signed! My tour of Independence Hall only costed me $1 to reserve online and tour. Tours lasted approximately 20 minutes and were super neat and empowering, too.

After the tour, I channeled my inner pumpkin spice-loving basic white girl and ate a Trader Joe’s pumpkin bar while admiring Independence Hall at the outdoor park while I waited for my friend Violet. Once Violet arrived, we went to the world’s largest Wawa. Wawa is a gas station similar to Sheetz that sells sandwiches, soups, coffee, etc. made to order and it’s so so so cool! Indeed, going to the world’s largest Wawa was an experience for the books – it did not feel like I was in a traditional gas station marketplace. Rather, I felt as if I was in a city station – filled with opulence and sheer city charm. After our Wawa lunch and excursion, Violet and I went to a super cool part of Philadelphia that has a ton a murals, small businesses, and thrift stores. We went into 3 super cool thrift stores that also double as vintage shops, too. While shopping, I scored some extraordinary deals – a Michael Kors jacket, Gal Meets Glam jumpsuit, Banana Republic Blazer, Valentino Rock Stud dupes flats that are sold to this day at DSW, and a J Crew dress. I paid only $25 for everything which was pretty incredible!

Since my hangout with Violet, I then headed off to New Jersey to go to my crib for the weekend in her nearby town of Haddonfield, New Jersey. A fun fact about Haddonfield is that it is the hometown of 2020’s Bachelorette winner and fiancé to former Bachelorette and Bachelorette hostess Tayshia Adams Zac Clark. In fact, a family friend of Amanda’s actually knows Zac – my Bachelor Nation fangirl heart gleamed way way way too much. While there, Amanda and I walked around the town – Haddonfield is indeed a gorgeous town – and went to a Wine Festival in the nearby town of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. I had never been to Haddon Heights before this past weekend, but it was such an adorable little town right by the train station. Y’all, New Jersey was named the Garden State for a reason!

Through it all, I had an amazing time in Philadelphia and New Jersey this past weekend. But, before I go, I have listed a few of my favorite sights to see in the area from my trip this past weekend and from trips previously taken!

  • Independence Hall
  • Liberty Bell
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art & its steps
  • Magic Gardens
  • Franklin’s Square
  • Rittenhouse Square
  • LOVE Park
  • Penn’s Landing
  • One Liberty Observation Deck
  • South Street

Here’s to a great weekend with even greater adventures!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Welcome!

Hello friend! My name is Katie, and I am SO glad you stopped by The Pink Chickadee. Creating this blog has been something that I have aspired to do for a while now, and I am SO happy to be able to showcase it with you. For someone who spends the majority of her days doing all-things STEM-related, it’s really nice to have an outlet where I can present my positively pink persona. If you’re someone who enjoys all things fashion, travel, cooking (especially recipes on the go), and of course pink, then The Pink Chickadee is your place to be! Now, let’s throw some confetti in the air as I share a bit about myself!

  • I am definitely a Yankee at heart! I was born in New Jersey and then moved to the Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia where I have lived since. I also lived in Arkansas for three years as a kid; however, I barely remember anything about my time there. My family primarily lives in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania/New Jersey which always makes visiting family a fun time, as I typically get to visit old and current hometowns.
  • Currently, I am a Junior at an all-women’s college, Meredith College, in Raleigh, North Carolina where I am studying Mathematics with minors in Web Development and Statistics. I have loved attending Meredith, as it is basically its own massive sisterhood with its own sweet and unique traditions, such as Ring Dinner where we get our class rings and our annual Homecoming known as Cornhuskin’, and weekly t-shirt and sticker fundraisers/sales that makes my college experience all that more special.
  • I LOVE traveling! As of right now, I have traveled to 13 countries and 25 states and have studied abroad in Italy, England, and Belize. My bucket list is consistently growing, as there are SO many places both in and out of the United States that I would love to visit.
  • I start each of my mornings with a cup of tea; it’s the only way I can get out of bed in the morning’s! My favorite flavors of tea are definitely Chamomile and Blueberry. I also have a massive collection of mugs from places I’ve traveled to as well as mugs that reflect my college experiences and my pink personality. I try to use a different mug each day of the week!
  • I have a (major) obsession with the Yorkie dog breed! My family has a 14 year-old Yorkie named Butters that has become an important part of our family over the years. I love the breed SO MUCH that I hope to become a Yorkie Mama to my own little fur baby in the next few years!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! I am ecstatic to start this journey with y’all! I cannot wait to leave even more confetti in your trails very soon.

XOXO – Katie

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