Fall Trip #7: Baltimore, Maryland

The day after we got back from the spa, I hopped a plane to Baltimore, where I was having some planning meetings for the June convention we have there.

Here are my three favorite things:

1. The descent into Baltimore - This one's weird, I know. I usually go for the aisle seat, but since this was a short flight I didn't mind my second row window (second row = not bad for being A44). There was a breathtaking view as I stared out my little window. Lots of trees. Lots of colors. I love fall. I had the pleasure of seeing fall in lots of different states this month - and I think this may have been my favorite.

2. The view from my hotel room - We stayed at the new Hilton, across the street from Camden Yards, and here's what I saw:

3. La Scala - We asked a few different people for restaurant recommendations in Little Italy, and this one got the most enthusiastic review. It had indoor bocce! I had a grilled caesar salad and spaghetti carbonara. Double yum!

Now I am home for a bit - and pretty excited about it. I declare the month of crazy: OVER. Next trip - Thanksgiving!

Fall Trip #6: French Lick, Indiana

While French Lick may seem like an odd destination, it was where we chose to do our 2009 spa weekend. Lori and Jenny got into town on Friday, Oct. 23, and we headed down to the spa on Saturday.

Here are my three favorite things about spa weekend:

1. Lori, Jenny and Liz - These are three of my favorite girls from college, and we don't get to see each other too often. Liz is in Louisville, Lori's in Baltimore, and Jenny is in Gallup, New Mexico. When the four of us get together, fun times [and libations] are sure to be had!

I failed. I did not get a photo of all four of us before Liz left.

2. The hot tub - We decided to go swimming on Saturday night, but the [indoor] pool was quite chilly. But then we discovered the [outdoor] hot tub. There was a chill in the air, and the water was all steamy. Perfect hot tub weather, and we could even see some stars.

3. Spa treatments! - While this was admittedly not my favorite spa we've visited, my spa treatments were still very enjoyable. I started with a bath in the special healing water of the Pluto Spring (aka, water that smells like sulphur), then I had a pomegranate scrub and a massage. I'm pretty sure I escaped into some alternate state of awareness during the massage. Bliss.

We're thinking about Vegas for spa weekend 2010!

Fall Trip #5: New York City

Shortly after returning from Rhode Island, I unpacked, repacked, and took a short trip to New York City, Oct. 20-21. This one was for school - as part of one of my classes, I had to attend a conference for professional development this semester. I chose the BizBash show because 1) it was one day and 2) it had very cheap registration.

Here are my three favorite things about NYC:

1. BizBash - This was a really fun meeting/trade show for me to attend. I generally am working with a very small budget on educational meetings, and this show allowed me a glimpse into how the other half does it- the people who get to spend lots of money on things like strolling tables. I met up with two GW friends to spend the day attending educational sessions and perusing some pretty cool products and services on the trade show floor. Alanna and I had our photo taken with the Screaming Queens:

2. Christopher! - It's always a NY fave when I get to catch up with him. While we didn't have a ton of time together, we made the most of it, reminiscing about our high school days and beginning way too many sentences with, "I saw on Facebook that..."

3. Serendipity - I've been trying to make it to this place for a couple years and it's just never worked out. So I was excited when Christopher and I got to go there for dessert. And not just any dessert... the Forbidden Broadway Sundae:

All in all - a quick, but fun and worthwhile trip.

Fall Trip #4: Connecticut and Rhode Island

Then... I went to Connecticut and Rhode Island, October 14-17. Some work with the boxing docs, and some fun, too! Faves:

1. New states! This was my first trip to New England. We flew into Providence, then drove to the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for the meeting. I must say, I'm a fan of the northeast, especially during fall. It's definitely a gorgeous place to be. And as a bonus, I accidentally went to Massachusetts. I'd never been there, either, so I am coloring a total of three states in on my map!

My house after I get my fancy Master's degree? haha

I think I could sit in that chair for days.

2. Mystic Pizza. We all know I am a big fan of pop culture, so I was excited to stop at the famed Mystic Pizza. The food there is actually really good. Mystic, CT, is a neat place, in general. Plenty of - you guessed it - cute little shops.

3. People I don't see too often. Mom came along with me on this trip, so it was fun to spend some time together. I also got to see Arleen, a school friend who usually lives inside the computer.

This is on the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI. Ahh... ocean.

Next: NYC!

Fall Trip #3: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Next up was Gatlinburg, October 8-11. Strictly a fun trip!

Favorites:

1. Super awesome traveling companions. There were nine of us this year, on what I've deemed our "Second Annual" Gatlinburg trip. I have some pretty darn fun friends. From just sitting on our porch chatting to outlet shopping to sharing disappointment that the salt and pepper shaker museum was closed, we pretty much have a good time no matter what we're doing.

2. Fannie Farkle's. You know, this may be my passion in life. Perhaps I should move to Gatlinburg and work there? Ok, not really. But I do enjoy visiting. Sauerkraut and skee ball. What a fantastic combination. With this year's winnings, I got a deck of cards AND a yo-yo.

3. Ashley! Just like last year, I got to meet up with Ashley and we went to the yummy Mexican place. She was a good sport and wandered around with us despite her back injury.

Fall Trip #2: Austin, Texas

[Wow, I am seriously behind. I shall try to catch up! First I have to remember where I've been...]

September 28 - October 2 I visited Austin, Texas. It was a combined work/fun trip. Hey, if I'm already there, why not have a little fun, right?

These were my three favorite things:

1. The Jordans! I had some time to visit this fantastic family of Texans who fled Indiana for their homeland nearly two years ago. During my time with them, we went to IKEA, I learned all the crazy ins and outs of the school carpool, and there were some crazy shenanigans involving Elias's tooth:

2. Some pretty darn good food. Not only does Austin know how to barbeque, but they can also make a mean cupcake. My favorite spots were The Iron Cactus, County Line Barbeque, Rudy's, and Hey Cupcake. Yum!

3. The people I'll be working with in April. We have a big meeting in Austin coming up in the spring. I met with several hotel staff and vendors we'll be working with, and they were all pretty fantastic. These are the people who can make or break the meeting. And I'm sure they're going to make it.