Hilary Barnett

We are back home, and life is anything but normal. We have been on vacation from reality since the end of July, and although it is tugging at us, we are quite relentless at pushing it aside. We have had houseguests, been tourists in our own city, and gone out of town again. I thought it would be fun to mention some trip highlights, as well as sharing some wonderful places that you must visit if you are ever nearby.

Trip highlights:

Watching the sunset in New Mexico.

Putting up a tent for the first time with my wonderful husband.

Waking up in a tent and actually realizing that I got a decent night’s sleep.

Driving around the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset in the rain.

Singing loud with the windows down.

Watching the water show at the Bellagio and remembering how much I love Frank Sinatra.

Two words: Bellagio buffet.

Riding bikes along the Santa Monica boardwalk.

Fabulous conversation over an impeccable meal with my cousin and hubby.

Seeing and catching up with so many wonderful and inspiring friends in California.

Going to Neverland Ranch. *sigh*

Getting lost in Sausalito and being totally okay with it.

Marveling at San Francisco Bay from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Jamba Juice. Every day.

Swimming in Jenny Lake in Desolation Wilderness with Matt and Phillip.

Napa. Ahhh Napa, you are a shrewd and enchanting siren indeed.

Getting lost on an Oregon logging road- not such a highlight, but an unforgettable memory nonetheless.

Enjoying Portland with Matt’s cousin’s, their beautiful children and their scrumptious dog Morsel.

Spending a weekend with my besties on Bainbridge Island/Seattle. The ferry rides will never be forgotten.

Celebrating the love and marriage of two wonderful people in the most scenic place imaginable.

Babies. (other people’s of course)

Wyoming: the most breathtaking and rugged place I’ve ever seen.

Matt pointing out the constellations to me at night in the Tetons.

Feeling like I could stare at the Tetons for a lifetime and never be tired of their beauty.

Driving through a South Dakota lightning storm (again, not such a highlight, but…)

Chicago. My kind of town.

Seeing Anna and her totally amazingly hip city apartment!

Spending time with my awesome family and celebrating love and marriage once again!

It’s crazy all of the memories that were made. I hope that I can hold them all for years, and draw on them when I’m having a bad moment. Thanks for sharing in it with me by reading! And now, for your pleasure, I will share with you some FABULOUS places to visit for food, and other various and sundry items. (Okay, mostly food.)

First of all, for any camping adventure you must have a Klean Kanteen. No questions asked. We loved them so much that when mine got stolen out of the car in L.A. (along with our iPods, AWESOME. Matt promptly drove us to the Santa Monica REI to replace it. Replacing the iPods will have to wait…)

Oklahoma City: Cattlemen’s Restaurant. For you beefeaters, there is no better burger in the west. Or midwest, whatever.

Las Vegas: Bellagio Buffet. Just trust me, there are many buffets in Vegas. This is it.

Los Angeles: LOTS of Jamba Juice.

San Francisco: Pompei’s Grotto in Fisherman’s Wharf. Amazing Crab Salad Sandwich and Clam Chowder.

Napa Valley: Rutherford Grill. Simply delectable. Try the French Dip. Fred, our vintner at Sullivan Vineyards, told us it is where all the locals eat. We actually saw him there.

Portland: Portland City Grill. Lovely views of the city and the mountains, excellent service, gourmet cuisine.

Seattle/ Bainbridge Island: Le Panier Bakery in Pike Place Market. I thought I was in France, and I never wanted to leave.

Edna’s Beach Cafe on Bainbridge Island. Wonderful atmosphere, great for large parties. Try the Mango Tango dessert!

Idaho: Moon Time in Couer d’ Alene. Great pub grub with flair.

Grand Tetons: Jackson Lake Lodge. Watch the sun set over the mountains, enjoy the ambience and a fun cocktail!

Jenny Lake Lodge. Order the nachos. You might pay for it later, but it is most definitely worth it.

Chicago: Blue Line Club Car in Wicker Park. Love it- awesome cocktails with a super trendy, city vibe. Try the Sangria!

Grand Lux Cafe. Feels like Cheesecake Factory, but better.

The Signature Room at the Ninety-Fifth in the Hancock Building. Go to the ladies bathroom. (Ladies only of course. Best view in town!)

There you have it my friends! The adventure is now wrapped up, and it lives in my memory and my iPhoto stockpile. Here’s to life after big adventures!