Pennsylvania

Vows, Scenic Drives, and Cheesesteaks

As I mentioned, Nate & I spent Memorial Day weekend in Pennsylvania for his brother’s wedding. The ceremony took place in a little town called New Hope. It’s a cute, quaint riverfront town with an artsy appeal.  Picture beautiful winding roads, upscale boutiques, and a lovely historical presence.

1740 House

Delaware River Bridge

Delaware River

We spent Friday and Saturday at the 1740 House, a Bed and Breakfast in neighboring Lumberville.  It was a gorgeous property located right on the Delaware River.  Although it was cold and rainy Friday, Saturday it cleared up and ended up being beautiful for the wedding.

Groomsmen  Bridesmaids

Wedding at Holly Hedge Estate

Bride & Father

Holly Hedge

The wedding was held at the nearby Holly Hedge Estate.  Gorgeous landscape, wonderful service, amazing food – I would recommend it to anyone looking for a venue in that area!!  The reception was a blast, it was so great to hang out with family and make new friends too!

Us

Hubby & I

wedding

On our way out-of-town on Sunday, I saw a sign for Bowman’s Hill Tower.  I had no clue what that was, but hey, I like hills and I like towers, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong.  So after taking a one lane road up the hill, we came to a stone tower nestled at the top.    Come to find out the Tower was built in 1931 and commemorates the spot where George Washington and his soldiers crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War, and then went on to fight the Battle of Trenton.  I’m not huge into history, but it was really cool.   And the view from the top was phenomenal.

Bowman's Hill Tower in PA

View from Bowman's Tower

Our next stop: Philadelphia.

philly

Our hotel there was awesome.  We stayed downtown at the Hotel Palomar.  It’s actually LEED certified at the Gold level, so of course this is a freakin big deal to me and I had to document it!

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Hotel Palomar Bedding

Never thought of mixing the 3×6 tiles with the 6×6 like this.  Really pretty!

tile pattern

The view from our window.

Philadelphia

We walked around near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.  Historical Philadelphia

Independence Hall - Philadelphia, PA

And stole a kiss in the park nearby.  😉

us on a park bench

We also had the chance to meet up with some of our good friends who live in nearby Jersey and we got to explore South Street with them.

South Street - Philadelphia

Fat Tuesday's

Since we had 1 day in Philly, I made it my sole mission to get an authentic Philly Cheese Steak.  We went to famous rival sandwich shops Geno’s and Pat’s.    Yes, I had to try both to see which one was better.  The verdict: Pat’s was my fave!  Both were great though.  Soooo good!

Pat's King of Steaks

They take this stuff very seriously.  There is a whole process for ordering, no joke.  I got “Provolone with”.

How to Order a Cheese Steak

Geno’s looks like it belongs in Vegas!Geno's Steaks Philadelphia

Before we knew it, we were on a flight back to SA.  I kinda have a fear of flying, but I always have to take pictures while up in the air.  There’s something so serene and heavenly about being above the clouds.

Clouds - Image by Vim & Vintage

I think our little weekend getaway was just what I needed to get inspired and re-motivate myself.   Memorial Day Weekend means summer has arrived – this is always my favorite time of the year. 🙂

50’s inspired hillside home

Tomorrow is the day that I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time now.  We get to hop a plane and escape to Philadelphia for Nate’s bro’s wedding! I can’t believe Memorial Day weekend is already here.  (Time just flies when you are remodeling and unpacking.)

In honor of our getaway to the East Coast, I’ll leave you with this dreamy hillside home tucked in Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountains .  Featured in AD, this home was designed by Peter Bohlin of the Pennsylvania-based architectural firm, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. (I’ll have you know that Peter was a graduate of Michigan’s Cranbrook School of Art. REPRESENT!!)

exterior of hillside 50's revival home

50s style home

rustic modern living area

In the article, Peter described the client’s desire for a timeless space.  I think I fall in love with the idea of something being “timeless”…that time can pass and it remains just as true, believable, and fabulous as day one.  It’s such a hard concept to achieve with all of the trends in the design world.  It really makes you think hard about what will withstand the test of time vs. what is a fad.

rustic modern fireplace and dining

For me, what makes this home so special is the use of materials and furniture pieces that aren’t fussy or easily dated.  This must be why mid-century furniture holds a special place in my heart :).

modern living room

bedroom

exterior of home

rustic home with modern doors

 

Bon Voyage! I gotta go get ready for this trip!  You will hear more from me when I return. 🙂 Happy Memorial Day weekend!

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(all images link back to their original source)