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Prepare to be swept away by the wonders of the Windy City. Home of the deep dish pizza and modern improv theater, you better believe that ‘Chi-town’ doesn’t need to resort to chicanery to impress the ‘white sox’ off you. So, strap on those imagination caps and get ready for a journey to Chicago!

1. More cheese please! In your continuing quest to brie-ng more deliciousness into your life, you’ll want to stop at the Caputo Cheese Market. This cheesy wonderland has an unending selection of imported and domestic dairy goods, all priced for guilt-free consumption. If a sea of cheese makes your stomach rumble, don’t worry, the market’s deli has scrumptious sandwiches to sate the waves of your hunger.

2. Whether or not you’re an architectural maven, you’ll want to skip over to the Oak Park section of Chicago to take in the vicinity’s frankly fabulous Frank Lloyd Wright houses. With twenty-five Wright masterpieces to admire, his own home included, a stroll around these streets will cantilever even the most cantankerous of spirits with unending currents of amazement.  You can find a map of Wright’s Oak Park oeuvres right here.

3. Hosted in the basement of an American Legion hall, word has it that Rory Lake’s Karaoke Dreams is Chicago’s (or possibly the world’s) best karaoke experience. A homestyle-type affair with a wildly good song list and Rory himself fueling the party, these karaoke events have it all. You want pool? Check. You want a diverse crowd? Check. You want part of your expenditures to be donated to charity, and you want to have a heck of a good time doing it? Check and check.

4. Not sure how you might finagle this, but when you’re in Chicago, you’ll definitely want to find the Puppet Bike. Stationed on the back of a huge tricycle, this colorfully painted, six foot, roving puppet theater makes everyone who sees it bubble with delight. With a host of poignantly cute puppets and the tinker of playful music, the Puppet Bike might as well have “Smile” as its middle name.

5. Soon to set its cheerful cogs into motion, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a festive bit of fun no matter what your holiday traditions hold. So what if you can’t make it to Germany for the holidays? This market will make you feel like you’re in Berlin (minus the worry of understanding German, of course). From booths of tsotchkes to mugs of hot, spiced wine to lively musical performances, this market’s warm atmosphere will make you forget the cold.

So, all you Chicagoans, there’s been plenty left unsaid here. Tell us what else to see in your fair city!

Or, have you visited Chicago and have a story about your trip?

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(Outfit Above: The Perth Dress, Butterfly Effect Necklace, Band on the Run Shades in Metallics, The Kidman Boots, The Outback Bag)

It’s time to bring some exposure to one of the most isolated cities on Earth – Perth, Western Australia. If you think that a metropolis whose nearest urban neighbor is over 1,000 miles away is bereft of vibrancy and vitality, guess again. Perth proffers plenty of pleasantries, so let’s dive in for a spin Down Under, and see what on Earth there is to do in Perth!

1. Get in touch with your inner animal at Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park. Whether you’re more of a kangaroo or a potoroo, you’ll have a blast whiling away time with the wildlife at this delightful destination. Feed some ‘roos, become acquainted with the koalas, take a walk in the bush – you can sate all your nature necessities at Caversham. Don’t forget to brown bag a lunch so you can picnic in the surrounding Whiteman Park.

2. Seeing the Quokkas is reason enough to go to Rottnest Island. As one of the sole homes to this odd little critter, Rottnest is only a short boat ride away from Perth. There, you can marvel at the stunning blue of the Indian ocean, or, better yet, go diving in these waters with an eye to spot one of the many shipwrecks scattered on the island’s reefs!

3. How about an eatery where you set the cost of your meal? Hard to believe, but Annalakshmi is such a place. This scrumptious, buffet-style restaurant, with its curries, pilafs, teas, coffees, and more is good for the body and for the soul. Proceeds from this largely volunteer-run restaurant go to a non-profit which aids Asian charities.

4. Dappled with old charm, Fremantle is only a short hop from Perth’s city center. Still a working port, Fremantle boasts plenty of attractions. Spend the morning on one of the lovely beaches. When the sun gets too hot to handle, poke into the Fremantle markets, located in an old Victorian building. Or become acquainted with the area’s history by following one of the many walking trail maps available on Fremantle’s Visitor Center site!

5. Ostensibly, an event for kids and their families, you too will be captivated by the AWESOME festival. Just the name of it makes it sound good. Taking place at the end of November, this arts festival features everything from the nonsensical installation world of Llamaland to performances of Parkour.

So, all you Aussies and Oz-lovers, put in your two cents. Tell us what there is of worth in Perth!

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than taking a break from city life, getting in your car, and driving off into the countryside. If you’re in need of a destination during this impromptu journey, set your sights on Assateague Island. Home to a herd of wild horses enthralling enough to drag anyone away from their house–The Rolling Stones included–Assateague Island is a great place to spend a few relaxed days without having to pony up piles of money. And since, in the words of Dan Eldon, “The Journey is the Destination,” this week’s Travel Bug has a slight “road trip” twist. So, settle in to the passenger seat, and see where these words take you.

1. En route, satisfy your midday hunger at the Wildflower Cafe in Easton, Maryland. Choose from a tantalizing list of fresh, healthy, hands-down-delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads on this lunch’s cafe’s ever-changing menu. If the weather’s nice, nab a seat at their airy patio, full of verdant plants and rustic red brick. After lunch, wander the town’s historic center, and admire the quaint architecture of the adorable old houses.

2. When you arrive in Assateague, pitch a tent in the State Park Campgrounds. (Reservations are available online.) Camping doesn’t get cozier than a plot of sand in this little Eden. The bathhouses have flush toilets and hot showers, and the sand makes for a comfy camping ground. When you’re all set up, walk over the neighboring dunes, and spend some time on the beach!

3. Up in the morning with the golden sun, there’s nothing better to do than take a walk. Head out of the campground’s entrance, and take the short trek out to the island’s entryway bridge. Assateague’s famed wild horses are easy to spot in the marshlands you’ll pass, and the footpath alongside the high bridge offers a breathtaking view of the landscape.

4. After you’ve got your breath of fresh air, hop in the car and follow the bucolically beautiful drive to Chincoteague. Poke around the picturesque town’s small shops before heading over the bridge to Assateague’s nature reserve, accessible only from Chincoteague. Climb the candy-striped lighthouse if it’s open, or just enjoy a stroll through one of the park’s pretty paths.

5. Once you’ve got your fill of the outdoors, motor on over to Ocean City. Full of beachy Americana and kitsch, a stroll on the ‘OC’ boardwalk will provide a great daytime diversion, whether you’re hoping to fly kites on the shore or snack on scads of saltwater taffy.

Been to any of these places yourself? Share your experience!

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For a trip that will let you grab life by the golden horns, why not go to Istanbul? The world’s fifth largest city proper, Istanbul straddles the Asia-Europe border, a bevy of spices and sights and shops. With a river that tenaciously remains a spectacular shade of teal and a host of hills to give the cityscape intrigue, this city is pretty and sure to pique everyone’s interest.

1. Step off the beaten path and catch a ferry to the Buyukada. A popular summertime destination for Turks, this island boasts a wonderful display of romantically dejected, ever-beautiful architecture. No cars are allowed on the island, so you can explore this region’s roads in peace. Most stunning perhaps, are the island’s trees, which blown about by the wind, seem to have stepped out of a VanGogh painting.

2. Often overlooked, Rüstem Paşa Camii is one of Istanbul’s most impressive mosques. Often less crowded due to its slightly hidden entrance, Rüstem Paşa is brimming with incredible examples of Iznik tiling. Almost completely covered in the ornate blue arabesques of this type of tile, Rüstem Paşa is dazzling, even after a day full of touring more famous mosques.

3. One of the best places to go for traditional Turkish fare, Çiya Sofrasi in the Kadiköy district is just what food should be – inexpensive and delicious! With a huge variety of dishes to choose from, this cafeteria-style eatery is a find. Whether you’re hungry for some karniyarik or some kofte, Çiya Sofrasi has delights to satisfy every type of taste.

4. You’ll read about the Grand Bazaar in any guidebook you pick up, but despite its touristic associations, this marketplace is a great place to wander. If you’re not bargaining for souvenirs, make sure you take the time to admire the covered bazaar’s architecture. A bizarre juxtaposition of history and materialism, the Grand Bazaar will dazzle your eyes for hours.

5. Try to catch a performance of the whirling dervishes at the Mevlevi Monastery. You’ll be enchanted by the wide circles of the dervishes’ garments as they float, borne upon the currents of movement. On your way out, make sure to take a look at the nearby cemetery. Each tombstone is unique, scrolled with Ottoman inscriptions, and certain gravestones are topped by a hat to demarcate the rank of the deceased.

Have you ever been to Istanbul? Share your thoughts!

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(Outfit Above: How To Make An American Dress, Happy Feet T-Straps In Waverly, Deco To Go Bag, Sw-ean Pin, Sail Away Earrings)

If you’ve never been to Beantown, you’re missing out! Replete with universities, full of culture and monuments, Boston is revered as one of the United States’ most historic cities. So, next time you’re getting in your ‘cahr’ and taking the ‘pahrkway’ to some vacation destination, make it the Boston/Cambridge metropolis! And if you’re short on ideas of what to do, here’s a solution…

1. Like thrifting? Like Vintage? Like clothes? Then you can’t miss the Garment District. Despite its name, the Garment District is only a store. Oh, but what a store it is! Located in a funky pink and grey building, this two story establishment is a great place to find unique secondhand swag. The top floor is loaded with vintage and consignment, and the bottom floor is home to the store’s famous $1.50 a pound clothing emporium. Wade through the mountains of clothes, and see if you can’t find a fabulous bargain!

2. You enter a run-down-looking general store, filled with random knickknacks and bags of chips. You go to the Snapple machine in the corner. It magically slides aside to reveal, gasp, a swanky-looking shop! Affectionately called the “secret shoe store,” Bodega is a sight to see. Though you might not find anything among the menswear and Nike Dunks, you might find something for a friend. At the very least, you won’t want to miss seeing this surreal store!

3. Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe the Flour Bakery. Filled with buttery croissants, moist muffins, and savory sandwiches, the Flour Bakery is one of Boston’s best casual eateries. Go to the Farnsworth Street location so that you can get a great view of the harbor as you walk over the bridge from the South Station T stop.

4. Connecting Cambridge to Boston proper, the Mass Ave Bridge is a fun landmark. Crossing this bridge, you’ll be able to marvel at a noteworthy panorama of the city. If it’s nice out, you might even see a few sailboats out on the Charles. Be sure to look down when you walk, so you can measure your steps in Smoots, a measurement created when some MIT frat boys decided to use their friend as a ruler.

5. Far enough down River Street that you might think you’ve missed it, River Gods is a funky little local bar worth venturing to. Decorated with high-backed Gothic chairs, religious regalia, and hanging, colorful butterflies, River Gods is a mix of Renaissance meets 80s Madonna meets fairies. Be sure to look at their calendar to see if you can catch one of their nights of Guitar Hero or Wii competitions!

So, Bostonites and visitors, don’t keep us all in suspense; what are your favorite places in Boston?

Next up? Here’s a clue from They Might Be Giants: “Istanbul was Constantinople/Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople.” Was that clue to obvious?

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In a sprawling city with so much to do, you might have to do some Sherlock-Holmes-style investigation to find cool places that aren’t over-run with tourists. If you’re not ‘f-Ealing’ up to such arduous sleuthing, this week’s Travel Bug is here save the day. Not to be ‘Tooting’ our own horns, but one read of this blog post will help you discover parts of London that will have you ‘Clap-ham-ing’ your hands in delight.

Take the following recommendations to heart, and your next trip to London won’t go down the tube.

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Sweet and Sassy Style in Paris

(Image Above: Picnic In Paris Dress, Marie Antoinette Ring, French Vanilla Tights, Cocoa Beach Wedges, Deauville Leisure Journal)

Hyper-mega-top! That may be one way to describe Paris, a city so pretty it will make even the hardest heart melt like the inside of a fondant au chocolat. Though the best thing to do in Paris is fuel up with as many pastries as you can afford and spend every waking hour wandering on foot, discovering the unknown delights cached around every corner, there are a few sights you probably won’t want to miss. Let’s see what “to do’s” might make a dif-france during your journey!

Suivez-moi!

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(Image above courtesy of  Zaida Montañana on Wikipedia)

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Did you know that Toyko and its environs compose the world’s most populous metropolitan region? Ōme, oh my! Pretty nifty, huh? Though you might get lost in translation when visiting, don’t let this deter you; Toyko has tons of terrific things up its sleeves. Let’s hop over to Honshū and see what’s cooking! (Or what’s raw if you prefer sushi).

Keep reading to find out what’s in store!

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You shouldn’t need an ex-scouse to visit Liverpool, but in the happenstance that you do, this Travel Bug will have you marching on the Merseyside in no time.  The home of the first school for the blind, Merseybeat music, and the first lending library, modern day Liverpool is swimming with things to do.

Read on for ModCloth’s fab five suggestions! Read the rest of this entry »

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By Guest Blogger ModCloth gal Jen Giarrusso
Edited by Hannah

Since Prague opened its doors to the world after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, it has become the perfect mix of cosmopolitan and traditional elements.  Due to its large expatriate population, Prague a.k.a the City of a Hundred Spires (from whence comes the name of our  Hundred Spires Earrings) is infused with culture from all over the world.  Despite this worldly attitude, however, the city still holds fast to its charming heritage.  Here’s short list of what to do while browsing about Bohemia.

Read on to discover what Prague has to offer! Read the rest of this entry »