U.S. Adventures - 2010

2010 did not hold any international travel for Robbie and I. However, we did manage to go on some fun trips within the States. Our first stop, Chicago.

Chicago
Ok, so we technically went to Chicago at the end of 2009, but I decided to include it in this post. Some of our best friends, Brent and Sarah, moved to Chicago in the summer of 2009 for Brent to attend graduate school. We hadn't seen them for a couple months and we were thrilled with the opportunity to get out there. We traveled with our friends Jon and Sarah (a different one; I have multiple Sarahs in my life). Our original flight was delayed by an hour, then two, then eight! We couldn't believe what we were hearing. We hopped in a cab, drove 60 miles north to the next airport and were able to get a flight out within a reasonable amount of time.

Once there, they showed us around their town, took us to a local park full of changing colors, and guided us on a tour of Chicago. We had so much fun! We walked all over the city, took the L train, and even caught a David Bazan concert in Lincoln Park. Bonus: we ate dinner at a delicious pizza place in the heart of Chicago called Pizzeria Due.

Maui
In January of 2010, my dad was still living on the island of Maui.  We went on an amazing ten day winter trip, which included snorkeling on my birthday! This is one of my favorite trips because I was starting a full-time internship the week after we got back. I was able to truly relax without worrying about work responsibilities.

During our trip, we watched the sunrise on the top of Haleakala, snorkeled with sea turtles, and drove around the entire island. Since my dad lived on the island for almost six years, I stopped doing the "touristy" activities years ago. If you can gain insight from a local, or someone who has family living there, I definitely recommend that. They know where to go for the best food at the best prices (i.e. the Big Wave Cafe in Kihei) and how to avoid large crowds. If you're headed to the island soon, I'd be more than happy to give you my recommendations, just let me know!

Half Moon Bay
In July, Robbie and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary in Half Moon Bay. Neither of us had ever been to Half Moon Bay (HMB), so we were excited to experience a new environment. One of my co-workers, Eliana, has family that owns a restaurant right in the middle of downtown called It's Italia!, and she recommended that we stay at the Half Moon Bay Inn. Both were perfect choices. We stayed there over the Fourth of July weekend and watched the local parade from our hotel room. The weather, the weekend, and the company was fabulous!

Favorites

• Visiting Chicago in Autumn was wonderful. The weather was cool, but not freezing and we were able to be right in the middle of seasons changing. I definitely recommend this time of year.
• In Maui, watching the clouds pass over the ocean and above a volcano; the temperature was 81 degrees in January and I could smell the flowers in the air. It was quiet and peaceful, and it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

Tips

• If you purchase an all day pass to public transportation, make sure to fully utilize it. We really enjoyed walking around the city, but we could have seen so much more if we utilized our passes more effectively.
• If you are on Maui, be sure to check out Big Beach. It is located in South Maui, it never really gets too crowded, and the waves are perfect for either bobbing or body surfing.
• Paia is another great little town to check out on Maui. It is on the Road to Hana, and be sure to check out Milagros Food Co. for some delicious fish tacos!
• The Half Moon Bay Inn allows dogs to stay in the hotel as well, so feel free to bring your pup if you're up for it. 

What are your favorite U.S. cities? Is there a destination you are dying to get to?