Louisiana

Home of amazing Cajun food and some of the nicest people I've ever met! I've only been to New Orleans for a half marathon but I really want to see Baton Rouge and Shreveport!


New Orleans
Home of Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street and nicknamed the "Big Easy", you can easily see how it got it's name. An amazing blend of French, African and American cultures makes this city a must see for an traveler.

Jackson Square - is a National Historical Landmark since it was the place where the Louisiana Purchase was made. It is one of the most photographed places in the world and it's easy to see why. It is called Jackson Square for Andrew Jackson, when he won the 1815 Battle of New Orleans in the war of 1812 with the British. All around the square is adorable shops to stroll through. When I was there the entire outside of the park had artists showing off their work.
Cafe du Monde - is right on the corner off of Jackson Square and is world famous for their beignets.

Saint Louis Cathedral with Andrew Jackson Statue in front

Bourbon Street - I'm going to be honest here, I barely remember Bourbon street. I left my dignity and all of my stomach contents here. There is a 5-6 bars at least on every block and I only remember 2 (I'm a light weight). Be prepared here, since there are A) a lot of drunks B) it smells (with good reason) and C) pickpockets. 

One thing I will say is to get your taro cards read. I'm not exactly a believer, however the guy who did mine was exactly on the money with everything. He said I would go back to school (I'm almost done with my MBA now), I would find the man I was going to marry within 6 months (it was 3 months and I found him), and I would own a farm with chickens (I do now). 

Bourbon Street

Airboat/Alligator Tour - This was probably the highlight of my trip. I used Airboat Adventures in Lafitte and it was amazing. My guide was named T-Earl (I was a little in love with him. It was the accent.) He was extremely professional fun and knowledgable even if he wouldn't let me drive the boat. I highly recommend them! And you can even hold a baby alligator!! 

The Boat

They bring Alligators right to the boat with marshmellows

The beautiful bayou

Holding the baby alligator! 

Food

We ate at Huck Finn's. I had the jambalya and it was fabulous! 

That is all I have right now! Any questions let me know!
graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Illinois

I have been to Illinois twice, the first time to visit Chicago and the second to run the half marathon in Chicago as well. I wasn't a huge fan of Chicago. Mainly because I could go to NYC for the same drive to Chicago, but that doesn't mean Chicago doesn't have its perks!


Chicago
Allow me to give you a little perspective. There is a river that runs right through the middle of Chicago, the Chicago River. On the south side of the river are the parks and the majority of the museums. The north side of the river is the Magnificent Mile which holds all the shopping!

Let's start with the south side of the river. There are a few things that you must see!
The Bean - its actually called Cloud Gate, however, no one really calls it that. It is beautiful and truly a work of art.

Chicago Theater - an absolute beauty and would have loved to see a Broadway show here one day!

Shedd Aquarium - a wonderful place to spend the afternoon! Especially if it's cold!
Adler Planetarium - another wonderful place to spend the afternoon.
Art Institute - a perfect way to see the newest art around!

Sears Tower - it is now called Willis Tower but everyone knows it as Sears Tower. You can go up to the 103rd floor and go out on the Skydeck. It is a glass deck that overhangs the top deck. It is glass on all sides and for the brave ones who step out on the ledge good luck because it's glass bottom as well.

View from the Top

The North Side

This is mostly all the shops, however, there is the Navy Pier that is a great place with lots of food and amusement for the children.

Tribune Tower - the beautiful Gothic tower with stones from various famous landmarks. Definitely worth seeing for sure!

Historic Water Tower - Towards the very end of the Magnificent Mile is the historic Water Tower which currently holds the city gallery.

Springfield

I don't have too much to say about Springfield. I made the trip here for Abraham Lincoln's Home. The National Park took up a whole block portraying how life and houses were during his time. We also took a drive to the capital building which was truly impressive.

Abraham Lincoln's House

Some of the block of the National Park

Capital Building with a statue of Ab in front

any questions let me know!
graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Massachusetts

I first came to this state on a road trip with some friends! We came right after Halloween so the leaves were absolutely beautiful and still on the trees! Then last year Jason and I came to Boston to see his beloved Red Sox and sit on the Green Monster (must do so awesome!).


Boston
Ok, the main city in Massachusetts! It is a perfect blend of old and new with the right amount of sass. Yes, you heard me sass! Let's be real most of the people that live in this area are/were from Ireland aka the king country of sass.


Fenway Park - you have to go at least once, and if you have the means, go sit on the Green Monster and try to catch a home run (good luck they are flying up there).

On top of the Green Monster!

Sitting on Top of the Green Monster

Freedom Trail - a 2.5-mile long trail marked by bricks that hit a bunch of historical sites! 16 sites to be exact. Most of the sites are free or ask for donations, but the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and Paul Revere House require tickets. Old North Church is included in this walking tour. You know "1 if by land 2 if by sea"! 

Old North Church

The Freedom Trail does omit the Liberty Tree (the gathering place for Revolutionists) and the Boston Tea Party (which you really should go throw some tea into the Harbor -- do not say I told you to!!)

Harvard - at least go and take a walk around the commons! It is a beautiful campus! I was lucky enough that I had a friend going to school here and he gave me a tour! Also, try out Insomnia Cookies for all your late night sweet fixes! (SO GOOD) 

Harvard

Harvard

Harvard

 Finally, the Smoke Shop in Cambridge (by Harvard) is one of the best BBQ joints I have ever eaten at!!!


Gloucester 
Easily my favorite town in Massachusetts. I will have to say when my friend begged to go, I was against it. I didn't think we had time/wasn't anything of interest here. Boy was I wrong! It is the oldest seaport in America and is quite possibly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. It's settled in the little bay like area. If you are looking out towards the Harbor on your right is Stage Fort Park and on your left is a lighthouse. There is a little boulevard like area right up on the water, where you can walk from end to end.

Map of Gloucester

Memorial on the Boulevard 

Stage Fort Park is beautiful and such a fun place to bring children! It has a little beach area for swimming in the summer as well as several paths for picnicking and exploring. 

Eastern Point Lighthouse is the name of the lighthouse you can see on your left! It was featured in the movie Perfect Storm. You are not permitted on the grounds since it is an active lighthouse, but there is a walkway out to the middle of the harbor that gives amazing views! 

Walkway in the Harbor

Pondering life in the middle of the Harbor

Salem

If you love Halloween like me, then you definitely have seen/love Hocus Pocus. The entire reason why we went to Salem was to do our own version of the Hocus Pocus movie tour. Salem also has various witch museums along with a maritime museum. 

Town Hall - where they Danced til they die! 

Memorial

Old Salem Graveyard

The Hocus Pocus house! 

The pilgrim museum where the Sanderson Sisters live 

Plymouth

I'm putting this in here for completeness. But this is not worth anyone's time. Literally, Plymouth rock is a rock in the sand with a date on it. You can't even touch it! There are some replicas of the ships Christopher Columbus came over here in, but you have to pay to see them. 

Plymouth Rock

The Replica ship

Cape Cod and Provincetown

The beaches are amazing at Cape Cod and Provincetown is an adorable little community! We drove through here and stopped to play on the beaches and then ended our day in Provincetown for dinner! There are a lot of shops and food places in Provincetown that makes it definitely worth spending your summer week on vacation here! 

One of the roads to the Cape Cod Coast

Delicious food!! 

Ok, that is all I have for now on Massachusetts!! 

any questions let me know! graceparsons2023@gmail.com