I love to travel & explore the world both near and far! I do my best to make the most out of life each and everyday! I have two boys and they are, at the ages of 15 and 21, world travelers and all around go along guys. There isn’t anywhere I can’t take them. It is my hope this blog will be a way to share the fun things I’ve learned while on our many adventures together!
In a few months hilaryStyle will be 4 years old, which is something of a milestone, but a few weeks ago I published my 300th article, that’s 266, 855 words, which absolutely seemed worth mentioning.
When I set out to write this blog I had no idea that I would still be writing it 300+ articles later, nor that I would never miss a single week’s edition. That’s right I’ve never missed a week, which I admit at times feels like a chore, and there are weeks I’m not sure I’ll have something to share, but I always seem to manage and a deadline is a deadline…
In honor of this milestone, I thought I’d share some of the blog’s stats. Although I don’t have the most impressive numbers I do have a steady following. Occasionally I think about throwing in the towel, but then I hear from someone letting me know how much it’s helped them, or made them laugh and I realize it’s still a worthwhile endeavor.
The Numbers
I’ve personally visited 18 countries, and 22 States, which in the world of travel bloggers may not be impressive, but what I do find impressive is that HilaryStyle has been visited by people from 157 different countries. Thinking a blog would be a fun way to share my adventures with friends and family, I had no idea my thoughts, ideas and photos would be shared around the world.
Click on the suitcases for links to related articles.
Where in the World
I’m most popular in the United States, but it’s nice to know that HilaryStyle has reached Greenland, Iran, and Zambia as well.
Ten countries with the most visits:
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
Australia
Moldova
Singapore
France
Mexico
Phillippines
Ten countries who visit the least:
Zambia
Guyanan
Gibraltar
Greenland
Cuba
Mongolia
Congo
Palau
Martinique
Iran
I’m often surprised as to which posts receive the most and least attention.
50 of the 250 travel articles I’ve written are about Los Angeles and surrounding areas, but I’ve got love for other places too. London is in second place with 22 articles, and New Orleans, with 20 articles came in third. France and Scotland are tied for fourth place.
The blog’s tagline is Travel, Fashion & Fun and while there is a heavy emphasis on travel, I have written 60 fun, 26 street art, and 23 fashion related articles. Occasionally I’m even funny, or at least I make myself laugh and I love to give advice. Here are a few of the most popular articles falling into the aforementioned categories:
Whether you’ve been with HilaryStyle since the beginning, or are just joining me, I am so grateful for your interest, and will look forward to continuing the journey. Although I may ease up on that weekly deadline. We shall see…
For many years rain in California was so scarce that the sound of it was almost foreign, and on those rare occasions when we did have a rainy day my kids would look out in confused wonder. Photos of rivers and lakes with noticeable signs of recession were circulating on the internet, having a green lawn was basically a crime, and running out of drinking water seemed a very real possibility.
Walker Canyon California
Then, in 2017, we had a huge amount of rainfall, which went a long way toward alleviating the drought, and rain falling from the sky no longer seemed to cause widespread panic and confusion among native Angelenos. Another positive side effect of all that rainfall was something known as a super bloom.
Walker Canyon California
What is a Super Bloom?
A super bloom is an explosion of wildflowers that exceeds the normal for a given year. A number of conditions must come together to create this phenomenon, with heavy rainfall playing a large part.
Walker Canyon California
As I mentioned California had been experiencing extreme drought conditions, and prior to the super bloom in 2017 it had been more than a decade since anyone had seen a bloom season quite that spectacular.
Walker Canyon
Where Can I see the Super Bloom in 2019
We’ve had a lot of rain in California again this winter, which means that many places are experiencing or will experience a super bloom within the next few weeks and months. There are a number of places known for their flower viewing accessibility, however it’s a good idea to check the flower forecasts before heading out.
Walker Canyon
Did you know that the poppy is the official flower of California?
Walker Canyon
While there are many different species of flowers blooming some areas have greater concentrations of specific flowers.
Walker Canyon
Walker Canyon
Walker Canyon, located 85 miles south east of LA, just outside of Lake Elsinore, is a great and very accessible place to view this year’s poppy super bloom. The trail is considered moderate, but we saw plenty of families, on-leash dogs, and people of all fitness levels. Strollers and wheelchairs can be pushed on the lower main path, however some of the trails further in are quite steep.
This should go without saying, but please be respectful when visiting the flowers. Stay on marked pathways, take anything you bring in back out again, and pick up after your pets.
The poppies are closed in the early morning and will close up again at dusk, or in extreme cold.
Lots of people want to see these beautiful blooms, so I suggest going early, and be prepared for extreme traffic, or If possible visit on a weekday for less congestion.
There are parking lots, but we chose to park along the road and walk.
Bring water. There were two food trucks selling water and snacks at the trailhead, however there is no guarantee they will be there everyday.
Wear proper shoes and attire. The trail is wide and flat, but it is steep.
Don’t walk on the flowers! I know it looks like we are sitting and standing in the flowers, but this is an illusion we created using camera angles. We are actually sitting on bare dirt between patches of flowers. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.
Sitting or standing on the flowers, or even on areas that once had flowers could damage the flowers and leave bare areas for years to come.
Most people stop almost immediately upon arrival to take photos, so If you don’t like crowds, and believe me there will be crowds, keep walking, it will thin out.
We lost count after seeing 100+ dogs, but thankfully there was no poopie on the trail. Thank you friendly dog owners!
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Let the Good Times Roll!
Along the Parade Route Magazine Street
Even before I ever stepped foot there I knew I would love New Orleans. How could I not? Marching to the beat of its own drum, and moving at an unapologetic pace all its own, NOLA takes great pride in it’s uniqueness. It’s truly a you have to see it, smell it, taste it to believe it kind of a place. Words alone just won’t do it justice, because there simply is no other place like it.
Happy Birthday NOLA
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
I love the title of Louis Armstrong’s song because I absolutely do miss New Orleans. I miss it in the very same way that I miss a dear friend. The easy pace and friendly atmosphere, the glow of the gas lamps and the haze of humid nights, the architecture of the French Quarter and the Garden District, the galleries and, yes even the touristy shops, and of course those beignets I can’t stop talking about.
Bourbon Street
As you walk along, music floats through the air mixing with the chug chug chug of the street cars, the clippity clop of the donkeys and the horn of the riverboats creating the sweet sound of New Orleans.
The Creole Queen
Over the years I’ve taken countless photos in the Crescent City, and written a bit too (ha ha), but because not all the photos relate to a specific post many of them have gone unused. Well, no longer… Here for your viewing enjoyment are just a few of the many NOLA photographs that have been languishing inside my laptop.
You might be surprised to learn that during my many visits to New Orleans, I’ve spent very little time in the pursuit of street art. That’s partly because there isn’t any street art in the French Quarter, nor should there be, and what little there is in other neighborhoods had, until very recently, eluded me.
#onetimeinneworleans Artist:Bmike
The street art/mural movement has started to catch on and I was thrilled to discover, stumble upon, some pretty nice pieces while walking town. I know there is more, and that I’ve missed a number of wonderful pieces, but time was limited and I look forward to seeking them out the next time I’m in town. In the meantime, here’s what I did find…
Faubourg Marigny
Location: Brieux Carré Brewingn Company 2105 Decatur Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 2121 Chartres Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 2121 Chartres Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 1101 Elysian Fields Avenue (in the back)
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: The Art Garage Marigny Street
Artist: MegZany
Artist: MegZany
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Ramiro Diaz
Artist: Ramiro Diaz
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Kate Hanrahan
Artist: Kate Harahan
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Saul
Artist: Saul
Location: Saint Claude Avenue (Across the street from the Art Garage)
Artist: Henry Lipkis
Artist: Henry Lipkis
Location: Elysian Fields Avenue/Saint Claude Avenue Metro Station
Artist: Craig Cundiff
Location: 2200 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist(s): Multiple
Faubourg Marigny New Orleans
Bywater
Location: Studio BE 2910 Royal Street
Artist: BMike
The Bywater is home to Studio BE, a 35,000 square foot exhibition space, which features large scale works by New Orleans artist and filmmaker BMike. Be sure to walk around the entire building.
Bywater New OrleansArtist: BMike
StudioBE Artist: BMike
StudioBE Artist: BMike
Location: 732 Louisa Street
Artist: S & E Hirsh
Artist: S & E Hirsch
Location: 732 Louisa Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 3221 Dauphine Street
Artist: @socialfatigue
Location: 601 Franklin Avenue
Artist: Unknown
Bywater New Orleans
Magazine Street
Location: 2855 Magazine Street
Artist: Unknown (Azwashere?)
Magazine Street
Have you found any street art in NOLA? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
Hello from rainy Los Angeles! Yes, I mean rainy. We’ve been having a proper winter this year, with temperatures dropping into the low 30s, and inches and inches of rain. While I wouldn’t want this weather to last months, I have been enjoying the excuse to hibernate at home, and as future travel plans are in the works I’m happily researching. We are considering visiting repeat destinations, and as you’ll see in my post this week, just because you’ve been somewhere before doesn’t mean you won’t discover something new.
Piety Street Bridge
Erin was our host last week, and her favorites were:
Welcome to Faraway Files, the travel link up hosted every Thursday by Erin from Oregon Girl around the World, Corey from Fifi + Hop, Hilary from Hilarystyle and Clare from Suitcases and Sandcastles.Faraway Files is a weekly file of the best travel ideas on the web. We want to dream of faraway places, make new travel plans and share our travel secrets. We hope you’ll link up and inspire us to travel to new places or revisit a place we thought we knew. We know that you can feel faraway even when close to home, so share your experiences of travels near and far wherever you are in the world.
Don’t forget to comment on the hosts’ posts as well as any others that catch your eye. The more links you read and share the more fun and successful our community will be, so please join in.
We’ll try to read and comment on every post and we’ll share them on social media too. Each week we’ll choose our favourites and highlight them on our blogs and social media channels using #FarawayFiles. How it works:
Link up one travel-related post and add the Faraway Files badge onto the post or your blog (code below) or link back to the hosts.
The link up will go live every Thursday at 8am, UK time, until midnight on Friday. It will alternate between Suitcases and Sandcastles, Fifi + Hop, HilaryStyle and Oregon Girl around the World. This week’s link up is right here.
Link ups work best if everyone shares so please comment on all of the marked hosts’ posts and at least one other.
Tweet us your posts (@suitandsand, @oregongirlworld @fifiandhop @hilarystyleme) using the hashtag #FarawayFiles and we’ll retweet to our followers.
Love Instagram? Share your favorite photos from your posts with us, tagging #FarawayFiles and we’ll add our favorites to our Faraway Files Instagram feed.
I’ve written quite a lot about New Orleans, so you might be thinking: What else is there? Believe me there is so much more, 7 visits later I am still discovering new things, not only in NOLA’s more well known neighborhoods like The French Quarter and Garden District, but in other less touristy areas of the Crescent City as well.
Chartres Street French Quarter New Orleans
In recent years, areas outside the French Quarter are being revitalized, and it’s been great to see the transformations taking place. We will always love The Quarter, but we also love branching out to explore other neighborhoods as well.
Piety Street Bridge Bywater
Bywater
Our new favorite area to explore is the Bywater, a neighborhood filled with colorful historic homes, many of which have been fixed up, trendy new restaurants, bars, parks and shops. A new life is being injected into this up and coming neighborhood and we’re excited to discover something different each time we visit.
Bywater
Bywater
Bywater
Bywater Favorites:
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a recreational area, which runs along the Mississippi River for 1.4 miles between Elysian Fields Avenue to Mazant Street. The park includes 20 acres of landscaping with paths for walking, jogging, and biking, picnic areas, and a dog run.
Piety Street Bridge
I was most excited to visit the Piety Street Bridge, otherwise known as the Rusty Rainbow, which crosses the tracks from the Bywater to the Mississippi River. Walk across and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of New Orleans and of course it’s unique shape makes it perfectly Instagrammable.
Piety Street Bridge
Piety Street Bridge
Bywater view
The Piety Street Bridge is located where Chartres Street meet Piety Street in the Bywater. There is no river access from Crescent Park.
Bao & Noodle
We stumbled across Bao & Noodle a few years ago, and loved it so much it’s now on our permanent list. Although it’s not your standard NOLA fare, the food is delicious, and a nice break from the norm.
Bao & Noodle
Bao & Noodle
Bao & Noodle
Bao & Noodle
Bao & Noodle is located at 2700 Chartres Street and is open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am-2:00pm Lunch and 5:00pm-10:00pm Dinner.
Studio BE
The Bywater is home to Studio BE, a 35,000 square foot exhibition space, which features large scale works by New Orleans artist and filmmaker BMike. Our visit didn’t coincide with the studios’s opening hours, but it’s on my list for next year’s visit, and we really enjoyed the brightly colored exterior of the studio buildings.
Studio BE Artist: BMikeArtist: BMike
We found this unique lending library while wandering around the Bywater.
Lending library Nola style!
Bywater
Bywater Neighborhood NOLA
Elliot made a friend!
Architect Place
Faubourg Marigny
The Faubourg Marigny, or the Marigny as it’s often referred to, is within easy walking distance from the French Quarter. It is somewhat less touristy, but hurry because it’s catching on quick, this lively neighborhood is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Marigny Mardi Gras House New Orleans
The Marigny’s main street is Frenchmen, and you’ll find plenty of food, an art market, and fun shops, but the biggest draw is the music. There are Jazz clubs aplenty on Frenchmen Street, and I highly recommend spending at least part of one evening taking in the local sound and culture.
Dat Dog Frenchmen Street
Marigny Favorites:
The Palace Art Market (formerly the Frenchmen Art Market)
We love visiting the family friendly Palace Art Market. The Market takes place in evenings and features over 80 local artisans. If you have younger kids, they’ll love the opportunity to draw on the “floor” of the market’s outdoor living room while you stroll around that admire the art.
The Palace Art Market
The Palace Art Market is located on Frenchmen Street, and is open 7 nights a week Sunday – Wednesday 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, Thursday – Saturday 7:00 pm – 1:00 am and Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Dat Dog
Dat Dog is a fun casual place to grab a bite. It’s always on our list as the food is great, and so is the service. If you’re not a beef eater, don’t worry they have lots of other options, including alligator and duck. Some of the more unusual toppings are: blackberry sauce, andouille sausage, and crawfish Étouffée.
Even the hamburgers are hot dog shaped at Dat Dog
Dat Dog is located on Frenchmen Street. The hours are Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 am – midnight, Thursday: 11:00 am – 1:00 am, and Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:00 am.
The Spotted Cat
No trip to NOLA would be complete without music. You’ll find locals and tourists alike at The Spotted Cat a quintessential NOLA music venue. Check the website for a listing of what’s on, but if traveling with your family do keep in mind that this is a cash only 21 and over venue.
The Spotted Cat is located at 623 Frenchmen Street and is open Monday to Friday: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am and Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am.
Magazine Street
Not exactly off the Beaten Path, Magazine Street is the path. Running for six miles between Canal Street and Leake Avenue, it is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and bars. Many of the establishments are one of a kind. You’re guaranteed to find something of interest, along the way.
Magazine Street
Because of its length many people choose to take a cab directly to specific locations, but if you have the time and inclination to walk you’ll have the opportunity to experience many of NOLA’s great neighborhoods including, the Central Business District, the Warehouse District, the Garden District, and Uptown. We chose to split our time and walked different sections of the street over the course of a few days.
Magazine Street
Magazine Street Favorites:
Derby Pottery & Tile
If you’ve been to NOLA before you may have noticed that embedded into every street corner there are tiles spelling out the street’s name. They’ve become an icon of the city and we were delighted to visit the shop where they’re made.
We found out you can order your own custom NOLA tiles spelling out whatever your heart may desire.
Derby Pottery & Tile is located at 2029 Magazine Street check the website for opening hours.
Dirty Coast
A t-shirt shop of a different sort. Dirty Coast is where the locals shop, but visitors are definitely welcome. If you’re looking for something to bring home that feels more authentic this is the place.
Dirty Coast T-shirt
District Donuts
We discovered District: Donuts, sliders and Brew while walking on Magazine Street a few years ago. They’re not beignets, but its become a tradition all the same. These guys really know how to make a donut, and their sliders and brew (coffee) are pretty great too.
King Cake Donut
District Donuts
Holiday King Cake Donut
District Donuts
District Donuts is located at 2209 Magazine Street and is open everyday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Sucre
We love to stop and get a sweet treat at Sucré where they have everything from giant ice cream sundaes to petite French macarons.
Sucre is located at 3025 Magazine Street and is open Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm and Friday – Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.
You may have heard of Cochon, which is a fine dining restaurant, but did you know they have a casual restaurant and wine bar just next door? The food is delicious, affordable and no reservations are required.
Cochon Butcher
Cochon Butcher
Cochon is located at 930 Tchoupitoulas Street and is open Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 10 :00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Cochon Butcher does NOT except reservations.
The French Quarter
While its true that we’ve wandered the streets of the French Quarter for hours on end there are still many places we have yet to visit to discover.
Rainy afternoon on Royal Street
French Truck Coffee
Self proclaimed coffee snobs, who are never content with the coffee in our hotel, we were delighted to find that French Truck Coffee has a location in The Quarter, and we found ourselves there multiple times throughout the visit.
French Truck Coffee
French Truck Coffee
French Truck Coffee is located at 217 Chartres Street and is open Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Red Truck Clubhouse & Red Truck Gallery
I’m not going to lie, it was the sight of this sparkling ceiling (this photo does not do it justice), peeking out from the partially opened doorway that drew us into the Red Truck Clubhouse, but it was the mouthwatering smell of the pizza that persuaded us to stay, and we were not disappointed.
Red Truck Clubhouse
While we were eating we discovered that the Red Truck Clubhouse is part of the Red Truck Art Gallery, which is located over on Royal Street. The gallery was closed for the evening, but these tiny replicas of everyday objects were in the window. What is about tiny things that makes them so cute? Have you ever seen an adorable dumpster before? Well, now you have!
Red Truck Clubhouse
Red Truck Gallery
The Red Truck Clubhouse is located at 740 North Rampart Street and is open 12:00 pm – 2:00 am everyday. The restaurant/art bar is located just across the Armstrong Park Arch, which is in itself is worth a visit. The Red Truck Gallery is located at 940 Royal Street and is open everyday.
Armstrong Park is located in the Treme, a neighborhood we have yet to explore, which means we will just have to go back…
Have you visited New Orleans? Do you have some off the beaten path favorites? If so, I’d love to hear about them.
Pin for later:
Take me with you!
Would you like directions to all these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! You can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!
As much as I love to be on the road exploring, and contrary to how it might look if you follow me on Instagram, I’m not always traveling, in fact more often than not, I’m home, which if you don’t already know is beautiful sunny Los Angeles, California.
I love you California
However, I do have other non-travel related interests, and thought it might be fun to share some of them with all of you, after all this blog is about travel, fashion and FUN.
I LA
So, what, beyond all things travel related, constitutes fun Hilary style? I’ve got many irons in the fire, so to speak, but currently I’ve been spending a lot of time creating in the kitchen (mainly cookies and cakes), and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems like the perfect time to share some of my sweeter creations.
Lunar New Year
Cookies
I’ve always loved to bake, but my newest baking obsession is cookies. Mainly French macarons and sugar cookies decorated with royal icing. The later being a nice mix of baking and art.
POP!
I’m enjoying this so much, that I admit to being a bit behind in some other areas, as I can’t seem to stop decorating. Though I haven’t heard any complaints from the family.
Lunar New Year Cookies
These cute little sweeties seemed like the perfect treats to bring to the Lunar New Year party we attended.
Lunar New Year
Birthday Cookies
Baking the cookies onto lollypop sticks seemed like a fun idea, and thankfully it worked out beautifully. I will definitely be doing this again. Not to mention eating them off the stick was particularly satisfying.
Cookie Pops
Thinking it would be fun to “dress” the cookies as their recipients I had no idea that they would actually be wearing matching outfits. A photo was absolutely in order, as I couldn’t have planned this better if I tried.
Cookie Bouquet
The happy cookie recipients
Destination Cookies
I love travel and I love cookies, so baking cookies related to some of my favorite travel destinations makes sense. Here’s an attempt at some USA/California themed treats. I think I still need some work here, but thankfully my brother-in-law has volunteered to eat all my practice cookies. He lives in Seattle, so I’ll be shipping these his way just in time for…
California Dreaming
Valentine’s Day Cookies
This is my younger son’s last year of elementary school, and also our last year exchanging class Valentine’s. This is a bittersweet milestone, as moving on and up is a positive, but we’ll miss these fun elementary traditions and are going to go all out with heart cookies for everyone!
Rainbow Heart Cookies
Rainbow Heart Cookies
Love Love Love
We had friends over for a cookie decorating party and everyone loved the speech bubble cookie. I’ve seen a lot of fun Valentine pun cookies around, but I’m going with “I love you soy much”, which I thought up on my own!
I Love Cookies
Donut Love
I love you soy much
French Macarons
Learning to make French Macarons was a fun and delicious challenge. I don’t know that I’ve mastered it quite yet, but I have learned that they are delicious whether they look pretty or not!
Cranberry Orange Macaron
If you’re a beginner macaron baker, consider flavoring the filling as opposed to the shells, which can be finicky even when using the most basic recipe. Displayed here are pumpkin shells with a cheesecake pumpkin butter filling, chocolate with chocolate hazelnut ganache, vanilla peppermint with crushed peppermint, orange cranberry, orange chocolate and vanilla with a vanilla and chocolate ganache center.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Chocolate Ganache
Vanilla Peppermint
Cranberry Orange Macaron
Orange Chocolate
Vanilla Chocolate Ganache
Did you know that macarons can be frozen for up to 5 months? Pre-baked shells can be thawed and then filled with buttercream, chocolate or curd as needed. I got this cute little stand/carry case for $11 on Amazon, which comes in handy if you want to bring your creations with you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet detour from my usual musings about art and travel, and if so you might like to follow my cookie adventures on my new cookiestagram @cookiesareeverything, which is just getting started.
I’ll be back to travel next week sharing some off the beaten path fun from our most recent visit to New Orleans, and stay tuned for more baking fun…
My family spends a lot of time at the beach, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting more, and in fact when considering travel destinations coastal or waterside places are usually higher on the list. My personal favorite beach activity is sunset viewing, I love watching as the last moments of the day slip under the sea, often in a vibrant explosion of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows.
Santa Monica Beach
Of course when visiting destinations to the East the process is reversed, which is how I found myself on the beach in Fort Lauderdale at literally the crack of dawn. Watching as the sun rose up out of the ocean…
Harbor Beach Fort Lauderdale
These peaceful mornings at the beach were a great way to start my days during my time in South Florida where the majority of my time was spent pursing and viewing as much art as I could fit into three short days.
Fort Lauderdale FloridaFort Lauderdale FloridaHarbor Beach Fort Lauderdale
Lifeguard towers are a favorite photo subject of mine, so the next morning I ventured a little further in the hopes of finding some…
South Beach ParkSouth Beach Park
Do you have a happy place? A favorite subject you seek out to photograph when traveling? What are your favorite ways to find peaceful moments when life gets busy?
Harbor Beach
You might be interested in reading about some of my other South Florida adventures:
Whether you want it to or not, time flies… January is coming to a close, and I’m still trying to work out where 2019s travel destinations will be. Thankfully I have Faraway Files for inspiration, and I’m beginning to narrow it down… But, with a tween and a teen in the house our freedom to travel isn’t what it once was and with our teen heading off to college in just two years, I can hear the clock ticking on our family holidays.
While the rest of the family can’t always join me I have found time here and there to escape on my own, and this week I’ll be sharing my adventures at Art Basel Miami.
Corey was our host last week and her favorites were:
Faraway Files is a weekly file of the best travel ideas on the web. We want to dream of faraway places, make new travel plans and share our travel secrets. We hope you’ll link up and inspire us to travel to new places or revisit a place we thought we knew. We know that you can feel faraway even when close to home, so share your experiences of travels near and far wherever you are in the world.
Don’t forget to comment on the hosts’ posts as well as any others that catch your eye. The more links you read and share the more fun and successful our community will be, so please join in.
We’ll try to read and comment on every post and we’ll share them on social media too. Each week we’ll choose our favourites and highlight them on our blogs and social media channels using #FarawayFiles.
How it works:
Link up one travel-related post and add the Faraway Files badge onto the post or your blog (code below) or link back to the hosts.
The link up will go live every Thursday at 8am, UK time, until midnight on Friday. It will alternate between Suitcases and Sandcastles, Fifi + Hop, HilaryStyle and Oregon Girl around the World. This week’s link up is right here.
Link ups work best if everyone shares so please comment on all of the marked hosts’ posts and at least one other.
Tweet us your posts (@suitandsand, @oregongirlworld @fifiandhop @hilarystyleme) using the hashtag #FarawayFiles and we’ll retweet to our followers.
Love Instagram? Share your favorite photos from your posts with us, tagging #FarawayFiles and we’ll add our favorites to our Faraway Files Instagram feed.
Every December art lovers and collectors from around the world descend on South Florida for America’s biggest art show, Art Basel Miami. Officially Art Basel takes place over the course of four days, but with independent satellite shows and parties taking place all week long its become part of a larger happening known as Miami Art Week.
Miami Beach Convention Center
There are over 250+ galleries representing over 4000 artists from around the world on display inside Art Basel. It can seem overwhelming, especially when you factor in related exhibitions taking place everywhere from the sandy shores of Miami Beach and trendy hotel lobbies and rooftops, to the Wynwood Art District.
Art Basel Showroom
As this was my first visit, I decided to use it as a learning and fact finding expedition. I missed out on quite a bit, I knew this would happen, but my expectations were more than met, and now that I have an idea of how to navigate I’m convinced that a return visit is definitely in order.
Research available events prior to your arrival and plan an itinerary. Many events are free, but for those that aren’t purchasing tickets in advance will help you to avoid waiting in long queues.
There is something for everyone. From paintings, sculpture and drawings to photography, films, video clips, digital art, and installations, you’ll find a feast for the senses that will appeal to all interests.
Ruinart Champagne
Pace yourself. Take you time, and enjoy all that art, discover a new artist, pose with something, and don’t worry if you can’t see it all, remember I mentioned there are over 4000 artists represented. Grab a glass of champagne, they have carts that come right to you, or other refreshment of your choosing and take your time.
Art Basel Refreshment Stop
We spent one full day exploring inside the convention center, another exploring the hotel exhibitions, and yet another in the Wynwood Art District, and still came nowhere near seeing everything on our wish list. Had I just one more day I would have loved to visit the emerging artists exhibition located directly on the sand and only steps from the crashing waves.
Thousands of amazing art pieces were on display at Art Basel Miami. Here are just a few of my favorites:
We Play Endlessly 2018
Artist: Jeffrey Gibson
Stained Glass and Light – 32 inches x 4 inches deep – Edition of 3
Artist:Jeffrey Gibson Title: We Play Endlessly
White Narcissus in Orange (Colour Wonder 2018)
Artist: Valerie Belin
Archival Pigment Print – 51 5/8 x 41 3/8 – Edition of 25
Artist: Valerie Berlin Title: Narcissus in Orange
Before Transparency 2018
Artist: Emil Lucas
Thread over Painted Wooden Frame – with Nails – 60 x 30 x 3
Artist: Emil Lucas Title Before Transparency 2018
Artist: Emil Lucas Title Before Transparency 2018
Forest Companions 2017
Artist: Takashi Murakami
Acrylic on Canvas Mounted on Board
Title: Forest Companions Artist: Murakami
Life is A Killer 2018 & Leave It As Is 2018
Artist: John Girono
Acrylic on Canvas – 56 inches x 56 inches
Artist: John Girono Title: Life is A Killer 2018 & Leave It As Is 2018
Artist: John Girono Title: Life is A Killer 2018 & Leave It As Is 2018
Studies for Lemon Tart 2011
Artist: Kim Dingle
Oil on Polyester – 14 x 11 inches each
Artist: Kim Dingle Title: Studies for Lemon Tart 2011
Untitled_0114, 2018
Artist: Davide Balliano
Plaster Gesso & varnish on wood – 60 x 60
Artist: Davide Balliano Untitled_0114, 2018
$#!+/Say No More
Artist: Mel Bochner
Oil on Velvet in Two Parts – 29 1/2 x 89 5/8
Artist: Mel Bochner Title: $#!+/Say No More
Rich Kid Blues
Artist: Jack Pierson
Metal, plastic, wood and Enamel – 62.5 x 64.25 x 4.13 Inches
Artist: Jack Pierson Title: Rich Kid Blues
Womxn – Women 2018
Artist: Andrea Bowers
Lightbox and Neon – 60 1/2 x 79 inches – Edition 1/3
Title: Womxn – Women 2018 Artist: Andrea Bowers
Title: Womxn – Women 2018 Artist: Andrea Bowers
Siebterjunizweitausenndundzehn
Artist: Ugo Rondinone
Acrylic Airbrush on Cavnas, Silkscreen one Plexiglass Plaque 8 Parts
More Justice More Peace 2018
Artist: Sam Durant
Electric Sign with Vinyl – Text 45 x 80 inches – Edition 2 of 3
Artist: Sam Durant Title: More Justice More Peace
Rirkrit Tiravanija
Untitled 2018 (black hole) 2018
Black Chalkboard Paint
Artists Unknown:
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
If you’re interested in modern and contemporary art including both established and emerging artists consider a visit to Miami, Florida during Art Week. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
