Travel Archives - Page 2 of 6 - The Pink Chickadee

The Virginia Tulip Farm that Resembles Holland

Spring has more than sprung by the time this blog post has launched on my site – haha! BUT, one thing reigns for sure, many of us seem to LOVE a good tulip farm or even patch during these warmer months. I used to think that I would have to make the trek allll the way out to Holland to see the best tulips of my life in the Spring time to truly know that Spring has sprung, but that is far from the truth! At the end of this past month aka April as seen on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), my good friend from high school Haley and I went to a gorgeous Virginia tulip farm resembles Holland. This tulip farm is known as none other than Burnside Farms!

Burnside Farms is located in Nokesville, Virginia about an hour South of Washington, DC near Manassas, Virginia in Prince William County. What’s unique about Burnside Farms is that they open for the season when the tulips have fully bloomed for the season. And, in order to prevent crowds and crowds and crowds of people from coming in all at once, Burnside Farms requires a ticketed entry that can be reserved in advance on their website. Haley’s and I’s tickets were about $22.50 each including tax and fees. When visiting, Burnside Farms offers a pick your own option for guests to pick their own tulips, daffodils, and even sunflowers at an extra charge with an adorable and gorgeous straw basket to carry them in (Haley and I chose to just admire them!). Not only does Burnside Farms have a tulip farm, but they also have a sunflower patch in the Summer months and a Christmas tree farm in November and December with similar ticketed entry at least for the sunflower patch. Not to mention, Burnside Farms also has an ADORABLE gift shop filled with local goods, including locally sourced jams aka Papa’s favorite!

Haley and I ended up going to Burnside Farms around 5pm aka the good olde Golden Hour! Burnside Farms has a drop dead gorgeous array of rows and rows and rows of tulips. Many of these rows of tulips are empty, too, making it the PERFECT picture opportunity. You truly feel as if you are in Holland without the hassle and high cost of a trip and plane ticket abroad (BUT, I do wish to travel to see the tulips there someday :)!). Haley and I enjoyed simply catching up with one another as we walked through these gorgeous rows and rows and rows of tulips. We also loved the lack of crowds, especially with the ticketed entry to actually get into visit and see the tulip fields which limited them. Going to Burnside Farms truly felt like I was at a tulip farm that resembles Holland!

My tips for planning your visit to Burnside Farms is to keep an eye on both their website and social media platforms for when their tickets open for each season. Seasons are determined by when the tulips/sunflowers are in peak bloom. Tickets are expected to sell out fast for each season, and they open for each week about a week or two in advance. When I purchased tickets for Haley and I, most of the tickets were already sold out.

For more information on Burnside Farms (which will open in July for sunflowers!) and to plan your own future visit look no further than their website: https://www.burnsidefarms.com

XOXO – Katie <3

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My 23rd Birthday Weekend Recap!

There is a point where you feel a full jackpot of luck when your Birthday lands on a Saturday or Sunday!! In my case, my 23rd Birthday landed on a Sunday. After having been in school and celebrated the majority of my Birthdays while attending school, it was oh so special to be able to have a Birthday Weekend on my actual Birthday – haha!

All across my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!) over this past week, I have been sharing ALLL the fun tea on my Birthday weekend. This past weekend, I celebrated my 23rd Birthday! It ended up being one of the BEST weekends I could’ve asked for – my college best friends Alanna and Hannah flew up from Raleigh, North Carolina for the weekend and my college best friend Shivani who goes to graduate school in the Washington, DC area joined us in on some of the fun. We also enjoyed some time with my Mom, Papa, Step Dad, and brother. Not to mention, I took the Monday afterwards off of work, too, which was great for my mental health and self care.

Alanna and Hannah both arrived by Saturday morning. It is Birthday tradition for me to order Georgetown Cupcake – my favorite bakery EVER – for a Birthday dozen of cupcakes to share with friends. Fun fact: this Birthday tradition of mine started when I started going off to college in North Carolina hours away from my family and wanted a cake to enjoy with friends, however, I prefer cupcakes to cake and ALWAYS have. So, since I now live in the Washington, DC area, why not go to the actual original Georgetown Cupcake storefront ON my Birthday weekend?! I planned a preorder at the Georgetown Cupcake storefront with a 2pm pickup. So, Alanna, Hannah, and I headed out to Georgetown via Metro in the early afternoon. We, then, walked around Georgetown before enjoying the all-inclusive Georgetown Cupcake experience of waiting in the long line outside of the storefront before grabbing out cupcakes to go. We ended up deciding to wait in line, as Hannah and Alanna wanted to walk into the storefront with me. Currently as of April 30, 2022, Georgetown Cupcake only allows two parties in at once within their storefront, due to COVID-19. Tip of the trade though: one can skip the line to pickup a cupcake preorder at their given pickup time at Georgetown Cupcake!!

After picking up my Birthday cupcakes and checking out the Georgetown Cupcake storefront, Hannah, Alanna, and I checked out the brand-new Scout Flagship store, located right across the brand’s headquarters along a gorgeous cobblestone street. The store was drop dead gorgeous – filled with so many gorgeous Scout Bags and even jewelry designed by the brand’s founder, too. While in the Scout Flagship store, we got to meet the brand’s photographer who happened to be at the store then! She showed us the studio (which during the weekdays can sometimes be in use for content shoots!!!!) that was in the window looking out just behind the storefront. The Scout Flagship store is definitely a must-see for any preppy fashion lover and most definitely on my bucket list to go see again and more specifically during the week to hopefully catch a photoshoot within the studio!

Shivani met me, Hannah, and Alanna at the Scout Flagship store. We, then, checked out a pizza shop on M Street – one of the major streets filled with shops and restaurants in Georgetown. Each of us went to Meredith College and we each shared some of our many special memories there, too. After lunch, we went off to the Georgetown Waterfront Park to *finally* indulge in some Georgetown Cupcakes !!!! and admire the waterfront views overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC. We, then, checked out the opening of Washington, DC’s VERY OWN Bitty & Beau’s franchise – a coffee shop that is pivoting the way to hiring primarily those with disabilities of all kinds and making jobs more accessible for EVERYONE – to say hi to my family friends who own the franchise, including 2017 CNN Hero of the Year Amy Wright (Hannah, Alanna, and I went to college with our friend and her daughter Lillie!!).

After a nice afternoon in Georgetown, Alanna, Hannah, and I parted our ways with Shivani and then headed to a local Mexican restaurant for some Margarita’s and Pina Colada’s. But, once we got home, when were in for a treat: WE HAD BEEN FLOCKED!!!! My Mom had treated me to being flocked for my Birthday. Yes, you heard me right – my Mom ordered a BUNCH of plastic flamingoes to be put in my front yard for my Birthday. It was literally a DREAM come true and an amazing way to kick off my Birthday!

As for my actual Birthday, Sunday, Hannah, Alanna, and I decided to stay close to home and visit the nearby town of Occoquan, Virginia. I consistently visit Occoquan, Virginia – a town located about 30 minutes South of Washington, DC (and just a few minutes from my house) that holds a lot of historic charm, including some history involving the Suffragettes in the early 1900’s and a historic flood that burdened the town in the first half of the 20th century. It is a stunning town that has maintained its historic, Virginian charm over the years AND only plays homage to small, local businesses (besides the post office!!). We grabbed brunch at a local restaurant looking over the water at a Tiki Bar – gotta live it up am I right?!?! – and then went to a local consignment shop in town. Then, we admired the waterfront along the Occoquan River (an offshoot of the well-known Potomac River) before our time getting cut short due to the rain. So, in perfect Katie fashion, we went to Starbucks where I got my free Birthday drink!

After my Birthday brunch, we headed for dinner with my Mom, Step Dad, brother Will, and Papa before Hannah headed back home and Alanna and I had a lazy Monday the day after. My Birthday was truly a special weekend for me and my best friends Alanna and Hannah who took the time to come up and make my weekend oh so special. I am truly grateful for our friendships that have lasted since my early college years. Soon enough, we’ll all be back in Raleigh, North Carolina to celebrate Hannah’s Meredith College graduation !!!! in just a few short weeks. But, until then, I will be reminiscing over my amazing Birthday weekend!

XOXO – Katie <3

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When The Sistine Chapel Came to the Washington, DC Area!

Flashback to July 4, 2018. It is a hot and humid day in Rome, Italy. I am wearing a long sleeve white top, tassel earrings, and pink capri pants with lobsters printed on them (courtesy of Crown & Ivy sold at Belk!). The subway is crammed to the max like none of us have ever seen before in our lives. I clutch my then-brand-new pink Italian leather crossbody to my chest. I am walking with my classmates and professors on our group outing to The Vatican (which is a WHOLE other country!!). We, then, get to The Vatican. We get to our tour and, low and behold, it is just as crammed and hot and sweaty and humid as the subway was in Rome. Every single tourist and their sister and brother and Aunt and Uncle times 200 is there. While I feel extremely blessed to have seen The Vatican and the iconic paintings within the Sistine Chapel, I felt miserable and disappointed at the hot and humid environment packed to the rim full of people. So, when I heard that an interactive exhibit of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings was coming to the Tysons Corner Center Mall in Tysons, Virginia, I knew I needed to book a ticket pronto!

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit was held at Tysons Corner Center located in Tysons, Virginia – a Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC notorious for its booming business district and malls (one of which is Tysons Corner Center where it was held!). I happened to find the tickets on Facebook via an advertisement which is typical for me to find EVERYTHING nowadays – haha! – and then went into the Fever app (the same app where one can purchase tickets to an interactive Vincent Van Gogh exhibit, Claude Monet exhibit, or iconic Netflix’s Bridgeton Ball in their own respective cities across the United States) to order my solo ticket. Then, my adventure awaited.

Although this Sistine Chapel exhibit isn’t still on display at the Tysons Corner Center at this exact moment that I am writing this blog post, it still felt like a dream come true. I personally didn’t stay for long, as I have seen many of these works of art either in real life or very similar works of art when I studied abroad in Tuscany, Italy and London, England and traveled to Paris, France to see ALLLL of the extraordinary works of art including the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre. But, it was still super amazing to see the several works of art that I had barely gotten to enjoy while visiting The Vatican amongst the sweltering heat and crowds. While at Tysons Corner Center, I got to view every single painting that I saw at a distance within a sea of people up close. It was a pretty amazing experience if you ask me.

Having studied abroad in Italy, it was so nice to see a touch of Italy here in the United States and especially in my hometown of Washington, DC.

XOXO – Katie <3

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I Went to The Bachelor Live in Washington, DC!

If you know me, then you know I am a major major fan of ABC’s The Bachelor franchise. The Bachelor franchise presents shows related to The Bachelor, including its spinoffs The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise that each air on ABC each year. My Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!) also double as a The Bachelor franchise superfine account in my Instagram Stories on occasion – haha! So, you can most definitely say I am a HUGE The Bachelor Franchise fan!!! Needless to say, when I saw that The Bachelor Live sponsored by Kendra Scott was going on tour with former The Bachelorette lead Becca Kufrin and a rotation of Bachelor leads (Justin Glaze from Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette being The Bachelor lead for the Washington, DC show) and coming to Washington, DC’s Warner Theatre, I KNEW I needed to attend!

*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.*

I was scrolling on Facebook on one magnificent day which is VERY typical for me – LOL! – and happened to see that The Bachelor Live tickets were being sold. So, I went onto the website and happened to find a ticket for under $60 in the center of the Orchestra section at the end of an aisle. I also bought a VIP Lounge add-on to avoid the LOOONGGG bar lines for $30 and of course ticket insurance. I posted about it on my Instagram Stories, intending to go solo, and to my surprise my coworker and friend Katherine booked the seat right next to mine so away we went!

The Bachelor Live was such a blast! Essentially, this show is a mini accelerated season of The Bachelor with roses and ALL with contestants being women from the crowd who also purchased tickets themselves. Very entertaining is an understatement of describing the night. There was a lot of photo opportunities, fun merchandise, and LOTS of entertainment all throughout the night. Not to mention, the fact that I got to see former The Bachelorette Becca Kufrin host it all live with a surprise cameo from her boyfriend and Bachelor Nation alum Thomas who surprised her with a sweet Birthday treat (it was her Birthday the night we went, too!!). All in all, very romantic, entertaining, and a blast!

I wore my floral one-shoulder ruffled dress that I got on clearance while in college from Altar’d State. I, then, paired it with my black sparkly Kate Spade crossbody, black Kendra Scott dangling drop earrings, black with gold chain Kendra Scott necklace, and my black rock stud Valentino Rock Stud dupe flats from the Mix No6 brand sold at DSW (however, I got these for $1 at the Philly Aids Thrift Shop when in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this past September). Since The Bachelor Live was sponsored by Kendra Scott, I HAD to wear my favorite Kendra Scott jewelry pieces! Last but not least, I pulled off a classic Taylor Swift and did a cat eyeliner look and paired it with red lipstick. Needless to say, my outfit was ALL from my closet and I didn’t shop for any of it before the performance.

Now, I am very very very excited to be able to hopefully go to The Bachelor Live again next year. But, in the meantime, I will link some pieces from my outfit for your shopping pleasure!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Historic Hidden Northern Virginia Gem

The other week, Papa and I went back in time to the 18th century to visit George Mason’s Gunston Hall, located in Lorton, Virginia along the Potomac River just outside of Washington, DC. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!), I have shared a bit about my adventures at Gunston Hall already. A few months ago, I found a Groupon for two tickets/$8.00 to tour a historic Virginia mansion. Best part?! It was located about 15 minutes from my house! It turned out to be the home of George Mason – a Founding Father. BUT, today, I am here to share a bit more about this magnificent historical experience of mine and Papa’s.

So, George Mason was an influential player in the creation of the Bill of Rights. He was also at the Constitutional Convention and fought in the American Revolutionary War. Although he may not be as notable as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, or James Monroe to us all today, he made a major impact on our country and with providing equal rights to ALL humans. In fact, within the museum at Gunston Hall, there’s an exhibit placing an emphasis on ALL of the rights that George Mason helped grant fellow Americans, including women, BIPOC Americans, Americans with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ Americans. George Mason may just have been the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of his time. Indeed, George Mason paved the way for Ruth Bader Ginsburg to pave the way, herself. That exhibit within Gunston Hall’s museum, to me, showcased the importance of the impact that he made and helped create on all Americans, despite his name not being as prominent as others’ within our history textbooks.

Gunston Hall is located about a 25 minute drive from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Both mansions are located along the Potomac River, which runs through Washington, DC. Historically speaking, ships could come directly to both George Mason’s and George Washington’s homes, bringing in goods from abroad after most likely arriving from abroad in Alexandria, Virginia. Fun fact: Alexandria, Virginia is a Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC with the CUTEST Old Town Alexandria in its heart and also located along the Potomac River. Alexandria, Virginia ALSO used to be the United States capital way way way back in the day aka centuries ago! Mount Vernon is located in Mount Vernon, Virginia just South of and around Alexandria, Virginia while Lorton, Virginia is South of Alexandria, Virginia. Lorton, Virginia is right by where I grew up and reside so it’s crazy to think that such a historic gem is nearby!

Unlike George Washington’s Mount Vernon, George Mason’s Gunston Hall is not as well-known. Y’all, I am from the Lorton, Virginia area and hadn’t had been to Gunston Hall in the decades that I have lived here. CRAZY!! Gunston Hall is definitely not as big of a property as Mount Vernon, but it does have some beautiful trails to explore along the Potomac River nearby and a complimentary tour offered every hour or half hour – I forget which since we signed up when we arrived for a tour – HAHA! The mansion was definitely a Grand Millienial like myself’s paradise!!! Not to mention, Gunston Hall has a museum featuring historical significances of George Mason’s time period and emphasizing his pioneering of providing all humans with equal rights here in the United States.

For $8.00 total, I got two tickets to tour a historic mansion, walk its gorgeous grounds overlooking the Potomac River, and visit a museum. While a lot smaller than other historic mansions, George Mason’s Gunston Hall is definitely worth the $8.00 for you and a guest to enjoy a historic afternoon along the Potomac River, admire the gorgeous historical mansion, and learn a few fun facts. It’s a hidden gem for sure that I wish I knew about sooner. My biggest piece of advice is to check Groupon for tickets and get a 3 month voucher, so you can pick a date that works for you or plan ahead on their website. Do whatever suits you fancy, but be sure to have a great time!

For more information on George Mason’s Gunston Hall, check out their website: https://gunstonhall.org

XOXO – Katie <3

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My First Washington DC National Cherry Blossom Festival as a Local

If you live in Washington, DC or perhaps the United States, then you know that late March-late April is the 3 week long National Cherry Blossom in the nation’s capital. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!), I have been sharing ALLL the cherry blossom content on my page, whether it be in my Northern Virginia neighborhood or in Washington, DC on my several weekend day trips there. This year (2022), the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 22-April 17 (website linked here), and I am going to share my experiences with my best friend Shivani at this almost-month long festival so far (hence why this is Part 1 of 2!) in this post!

Part 1 – The Opening Ceremony at Warner Theatre

Every year, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony, which this year was held at the historic and drop dead gorgeous Warner Theatre. Shivani and I arrived at Warner Theatre early and *of course* stocked up on ALL of the merchandise that the Cherry Blossom Festival sells each year. This event is FREE and features performers and prominent figures in making the National Cherry Blossom Festival happen from both the United States and Japan. Fun fact: Japan is the home base of the cherry blossom trees, as they were planted by First Lady Helen Taft and prominent Japanese figures, in order to represent and honor the United States’ and Japan’s friendship back in the 1910’s-1920’s. First Lady Helen Taft also founded my favorite-ever museum exhibit – the First Lady Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. We got to see Japanese performers, the United States Ambassador to Japan, a video message from United States First Lady Jill Biden, an Amazon Executive (Amazon is a MAJOR sponsor in the makings of the National Cherry Blossom Festival), and even Washington, DC-based meteorologist Veronica Johnson who was a co-host. It was such a cool and historic experience and very very very special!

Before heading over to Warner Theatre for the National Cherry Blossom Opening Ceremony, Shivani and I met at the National Mall. We walked over to explore the gorgeous cherry blossoms along the National Mall, right by the Washington National Monument. The cherry blossoms were just gorgeous and we were able to get some great photo opportunities in as well. Despite the weather being freezing for this time of year, it was still a pretty great time!

Part 2 – The Tidal Basin

The second part of my National Cherry Blossom Festival Experience was visiting the Tidal Basin aka the BEST place to go to view the cherry blossoms at their peak. In ALL its glory, even on an extremely cloudy and gloomy day, the cherry blossom trees were still quite gorgeous to see. Shivani and I got off at the Smithsonian Metro Station (the closest station to the Tidal Basin), where we walked to the Tidal Basin via passing by the Washington National Monument yet again. The walk to the Tidal Basin from the Washington National Monument is lined with gorgeous cherry blossom trees and is a scenic route in its self with many many many photo opportunities. Once we reached the Tidal Basin, we lucked out to be able to get a spot to enjoy the scenery without crowds interrupting our photos (a normalcy during this time of year at the Tidal Basin!!). People were leaving the Tidal Basin for lunch when we arrived, which made our time there a bit less crowded yet still crowded. BUT, it did sleet and rain quite a bit on and off but luckily we didn’t get too pampered by it as it was on and off. I always like to say that it’s all about the journey and not the destination and that rings true to Shivani and I’s memories made at the Tidal Basin!

I am in love with Washington, DC in full bloom. There’s so much free things to do, even when it’s crowded with tourists and locals alike. I am oh so blessed to be able to live in the nation’s capital and enjoy this extraordinary city too AND with my best friend Shivani! In the meantime, I will be admiring the cherry blossoms locally until I go back into Washington, DC for the Hello Kitty Truck’s visit to the Tidal Basin in just a short week.

XOXO – Katie <3

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The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit that Empowers Women

If you follow me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), then you know that I am a newly proud Woman in STEM. Being a Woman in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is all about empowering younger women to be the BEST versions of themselves – it’s about teaching younger girls to explore their passions within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, rather than shy away from them simply because of their gender. It’s ALL about going after a dream and goals that empower us to be a minority within a field that has a male majority, whether that mean being the only woman within a science/technology/engineering/mathematics class, or the only woman in a meeting of all men at work. That being said, women in STEM make up under 30% of the STEM workforce to this day. So, when I heard that the #IfThenSheCan exhibit was coming to Washington, DC’s Smithsonian, I KNEW I had to visit!

The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit (learn more about it here!) is here to change that by showcasing 3-D printed statues 120 real-life women in the STEM industry, honoring their accomplishments within the industry as they pave the way for other women and younger girls to do the same themselves someday, too. The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit was on display at Washington, DC’s Smithsonian from March 5-27, 2022. One of the interesting insights that the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit’s website brings up is that the majority of statues around the United States’ major cities are of men. Indeed, the majority of statues are of men around the world, too. Us women are just starting to make our way in this world in ways that are beyond the household, including within STEM fields, executive leadership, and politics.

I happened to visit the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit twice – once with my good friend Shivani who is also a fellow Women in STEM and a second time with my coworker Katherine whose another fellow Woman in STEM and Shivani. The first time around, Shivani and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon at the Smithsonian Gardens, where a good portion of the 120 statues were placed around the Smithsonian. Before Shivani arrived, I ended up talking to a fellow Woman in STEM who worked with all men about the empowerment of being a women in STEM. Both of us agreed that there needs to be more representation of women of color, women apart of the LGBTQ+ community, women of all abilities, and those who are gender non-binary. Once Shivani arrived, we went inside the Smithsonian Castle and into the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, which had many of the statues placed around the museum’s exhibits. The coolest part of the statues within the Museum of Natural History was that the statues were coordinated to the women’s specialties throughout the exhibits! For example, a woman who works in oceanography would be placed somewhere within the oceanography exhibits. The same concept went for archaeologists and biologists. And, the second time around, Katherine, Shivani, and I all admired the Smithsonian Gardens’ #IfThenSheCan Exhibit statues before heading to the Cherry Blossoms along the Washington Monument. Cool stuff all around!!

As a woman, it is extremely empowering to be able to succeed in a STEM field. I have been able to meet several women who are also in STEM fields, simply through viewing the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit. It is beyond extraordinary to see and learn and grow and blossom into this magnificent network of fellow Women in STEM. Here’s to strong women: may we raise them, may we empower them, and may we be them. Nevertheless, may we be the women that encourage another woman to pursue a career in STEM, too. Cheers!

XOXO – Katie <3

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24 Hours in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia is located in the heart of the Virginia Wine Country, just over 2 hours from Washington, DC. It is home to the University of Virginia, our Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, and a plethora of wineries and history. A road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia is perfect, for everyone and all kinds of trips, whether celebratory, family, friends, or solo. I chose the latter and went on a solo road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend to see family for a work conference. Going to Charlottesville, Virginia on a road trip was nothing short of a blast!

What I Did

To start my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, I drove through the beautiful Virginia countryside on Route 29. Living in the Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, I drove through Virginia’s counties of Prince William County, Fauquier County, Culpeper County, Madison County, and Greene County to get to Charlottesville. Each of these counties are located in the heart of the Virginia countryside and Virginia Wine Country, filled with small businesses lining Route 29 and farms at every corner. True and utter beauty – so much that I wanted to stop at each and every single local business along the way as I jammed out to the 80’s channel on SiriusXM the entire way.

My first stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia: the University of Virginia. I parked my car right by the bookstore in the parking garage (they’re everywhere along the University of Virginia’s campus and parking lots, too) and set out to explore the campus. The University of Virginia was the first-ever public university in the state of Virginia and potentially the United States (I can’t remember – haha!!). This college was founded by former President Thomas Jefferson after his presidency as he was a resident of Charlottesville and wanted others to have an education like his own. I walked around the breathtaking Rotunda – the main draw to the University of Virginia and asked a student to show me where it was (students are SUPER helpful here!) – which had a statue honoring Thomas Jefferson, himself. After admiring the University of Virginia’s gorgeous and huge campus, I set sail for my conference networking event which was on the campus!

My second stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to see my Aunt Lisa, Uncle John, and cousins Mary, Joey, and Matthew who live in Charlottesville. We enjoyed some much-needed and enjoyable family time that we hadn’t had for years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My third stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to check out Grace Estate Winery with my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary – a vineyard located along the Monticello Wine Trail in Crozet, Virginia which is a nearby-to-Charlottesville town located in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Grace Estate Winery is also a participating Virginia Wine Pass vineyard. The Virginia Wine Pass – which I am a pass holder of – allows for its pass holders to get discounts at its participating vineyards. This excursion to Grace Estate Winery was my first-EVER usage of my Virginia Wine Pass and it was great to treat my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary to some discounted wine flights, too! Grace Estate Winery was a super duper adorable winery with gorgeous scenic views. It has a precious little selection of merchandise, including wine barrel planters. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the wine there, the owner was the sweetest and the views were even more beautiful!

My fourth and final stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to nothing short of the Belk – yes, Belk!!! – in Charlottesville on Route 29! They do not have Belk’s in my home base of the Washington, DC area.

What To Do

There is A TON to do on a road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia! This past Fall, I visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – his former homestead for the day and LOVED it. On the same token, there is SO MUCH that I want to do just in and around Charlottesville, Virginia!!

Tour James Madison’s Montpelier
Walk around the University of Virginia *yet again*
Explore downtown Charlottesville
Go on a Monticello Wine Trail crawl and visit 3-4 wineries in a day! (some of the wineries/vineyards include: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Afton Mountain Vineyards, and Veritas Vineyards and Winery)
Visit and enjoy local goods at Carter Mountain Orchard
Tour James Monroe’s Highland
Re-visit and tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

All in all, I had an amazing time on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia and cannot wait to go again!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Updated Washington, DC Area Bucket List!

If you know me or perhaps follow me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), then you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE where I live! Living in the Washington, DC area has been nothing but a blessing to me ever since I moved here back in May 2021. When I first moved here, I made my own Washington, DC Area Bucket List (read it here!) and haven’t looked at it since then. SO, I figured I would provide an updated bucket list based off of the one I made back in May and some new things that I want to do in the area.

Washington, DC

Have a picnic at The National Mall
See a show at The Kennedy Center
See a show at Warner Theatre
Eat dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill
Attend a blogger meet up downtown
Walk along Dupont Circle and U Street Northwest
Try Baked & Wired’s Cupcakes in Georgetown – DID IT!
Admire the aisles and enjoy some delights at Eastern Market
Watch the sunrise from the Jefferson Memorial
Take blog photos in Georgetown – DID IT!
Hike at Aldie Historic Park
Try Urban Roast for brunch – DID IT!
Walk around Capitol Hill
Go to a Nationals baseball game – DID IT!
Tour the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court Building, and the Library of Congress
Take photos along the cobblestone streets of Georgetown – DID IT!
Walk around the Sculpture Garden
Tour the National Cathedral – DID IT!
Walk along the Tidal Basin when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at sunrise
Tour the Tudor Place – DID IT!
Enjoy cocktails at The Wharf
Watch the sunset from the Lincoln Memorial
Have a high tea at Lady Camellia
See The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center
Take a stroll along Georgetown Waterfront Park – DID IT!
Go to the Renwick Gallery
Have a picnic at the United States National Arboretum
Admire the flora of the United States Botanical Garden
Visit Ford’s Theatre
Learn ways to not repeat history ever again at the Holocaust Museum
Ice skate at the Sculpture Garden (probably won’t do this – haha!)
Enjoy doing work at a local cafe
Visit Enchante at Nationals Park at Christmas time – DID IT!
Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting
Shop in Georgetown – DID IT!
Walk through the Freer Gallery of Art *yet again*
Get a Washington, DC library card

Virginia

Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate at Christmas time
Explore downtown Fairfax
Enjoy dinner at a local Irish pub in Arlington
Get a Virginia library card
Go back to Carlyle Grand for dinner in Shirlington
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria *yet again*
Take a day trip to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – DID IT!
Go back to Busboys & Poets for dinner in Shirlington
Visit the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Hike yet again at Great Falls Park
Spend an evening at the outdoor picnic areas in Reston Town Center
Visit James Madison’s Montpelier for a day trip near Charlottesville
Make it to all of the Charlottesville vineyards on the Monticello Wine Trail
Drive through the countryside of Loudon County, specifically Middleburg and Leesburg
Admire the sunflowers and/or tulips at Burnside Farms
Explore downtown Vienna – DID IT!
Sip some wine at one of the many Middleburg vineyards
Enjoy dinner and strolling along the streets of Shirlington
Take a hike at Occoquan Regional Park
Shop at the Leesburg Premium Outlets
Enjoy a meal out and shopping at the Mosaic District – DID IT!
Go iceskating at Reston Town Center (probably not doing this anytime soon!)
Spend an evening at the outdoor picnic areas in Fairfax Corner
Explore downtown Washington
Hike along Shenandoah National Park and drive along Skyline Drive – DID IT!
Explore Fredericksburg
Shop at the Potomac Mills Tanger Outlets
Enjoy the nightlife and food scene in Arlington – DID IT!
Walk along Clifton and take blogger photos there – DID IT!

Maryland

Stroll through Annapolis at Christmas time – DID IT!
Enjoy dinner at National Harbor – DID IT!
Take a day trip or weekend excursion to St. Michael’s Island
Enjoy a night at MGM in National Harbor
Have a high tea with family in Annapolis
Admire the Christmas lights at the Gaylord National Hotel – DID IT!
Shop at the Tanger Outlets at National Harbor
Admire the downtown Annapolis area and enjoy ice cream there in the summer time – DID IT!
Visit Baltimore, Maryland
Walking around Fells Point in Baltimore
Tour downtown Frederick
BONUS: Visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia at Christmas time
BONUS: Visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia yet again

Now, onward to many more Washington, DC area adventures!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

The Life of Katie!

Most recently, I have been living out the hustle and bustle. Personally, I love love love the hustle! And, lately my life has been FILLED with nothing but the hustle and bustle. Life has been crazy, but it’s been good too. Here’s a peak into my life. And, if you want more updates into my life on the daily, then follow me on Instagram (@_thepinkchickadee).

Getting a work desk! – The most exciting highlight of these recent times have been getting a work desk!!! It’s the little things, y’all! I got assigned a work desk earlier this past week, since I got onboarded into the company in the heart of COVID-19, specifically citing the Delta variant times in the Summer of 2021 which extended my work from home times. Although I will be working from home for most likely the majority of my working days moving forward, I will be going into the office a few days a week, give or take, too. The other day, I went into the office and brought a HUGE Scout bag packed to the rim with stuff that I had gotten the day before via a shopping spree to both Walmart and Target to my desk that to my splendid surprise was actually much larger than I expected! It’s in a great location on my team’s floor, too. Let me tell y’all, I felt so so so welcome by simply coming into the office and having a desk that is my own. Luckily, I will be going in more often than I have in the past!
Car shopping – Recently, I have started the car shopping process. Last Fall, I car shopped a bit, BUT took a pause due to my busy work life and adjusting to working full time. Similarly speaking, y’all, the CAR MARKET SUCKS at this moment. Y’all, shopping for a car sucks during this trying times with inflation and all. It’s NOT easy! But, I am super excited to get back on the bandwagon of shopping for a car that I will have as my own for the next few years and perhaps beyond. The car that I have been driving now I have a very special bond with to say the least. I am sad to stop driving that sweet car that I have loved so so so much, BUT I am also excited for many more memories in my new future car. Through it all, I feel very very lucky that I am in a financial situation where I can afford a new car and actually make the car shopping experience something that is attainable for me and a good investment in the long run.
Blue Light Glasses – A few weeks ago, I put in my order for my FabFitFun Spring 2022 box. And, I ordered some blue light glasses as apart of my Add-On’s. Let’s just say that since I put these glasses on, I have NOT wanted to take them off! Y’all, I do not know how I didn’t make the effort to buy them sooner, especially with my work from home life.
FabFitFun Spring 2022 Box – Last week, my FabFitFun Spring 2022 box arrived in the mail! Funny story – it arrived JUST as I was heading out the door to catch my flight for my Girl’s weekend to Raleigh, North Carolina for my best friend Alanna’s 25th Birthday (read more about the Lilly Pulitzer-themed Birthday Party that me and my friend Hannah threw for her here!). Personally, I like to go *just* a bit crazy with my FabFitFun boxes and my Spring 2022 box was NO exception. I got A TON of new and exciting goodies to ring in the Spring 2022 season that feels SO close yet SO far away – we’ve enjoyed some warm weather here in the Washington, DC area for a few days before reverting back to some cold rain and wind the next day. Needless to say, I am excited to enjoy my Spring 2022 FabFitFun goodies in the coming weeks!!

*Some* of my many FabFitFun Spring 2022 Box picks PLUS my Ipsy February 2022 pouch!

Now, I want to know what’s going on in y’all’s lives! Comment here – I’d LOVE to know 🙂

XOXO – Katie <3

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