Weekend Recap: The Ledges State Park

Summer means getting out and exploring old stomping grounds. This past weekend, I was able to visit one of my favorite relaxation spots in Iowa, Ledges State Park. With the stream running through the high sandstone walls, nature trails winding through the hills and a cool breeze floating through the air, I couldn’t help but snap a few pictures to share and inspire others to get out and explore.

This spur of the moment trip started with a picnic under a shady tree and good ol’ Jimmy Johns (yay for convenience).

After eating our sandwiches and relaxing we decided to take a quick little hike through some of the nature trails.

If you have never been to the Ledges, I would recommend packing up your significant other, the family or some of your closest friends and checking it out. Walk through the water and see the high sandstone walls or venture on to the nature trails and see the beautiful views from above. Either way you will not be disappointed. Pack your water proof shoes and don’t be afraid to get splashed by passing cars for a refreshing cool off.

On our way home we saw stormy looking clouds but still had time to stop and pick fresh strawberries at the Iowa Orchard. I can’t remember the last time I had actually picked strawberries and while they were a little ripe, they were still really good!

Leave me a comment with your favorite summer activity!

 

A Weekend in Kansas City, Missouri

I love a good weekend trip and this one was unlike any other. Venturing down to Kansas City, Missouri for my best friends shop opening (Sex + Ice Cream) led to one of the best trips ever. Not only did I get to spend time with my boyfriend, but I got to celebrate a huge accomplishment with my best friends!

 First let me start off by recommending the Sheraton Hotel at Crowne Plaza, I fell in love with the hotel the minute I walked through the door. I don’t know what they use to freshen up the lobby, but it smelled amazing and that was one of the first things I loved about the hotel. Fast forward to checking in, when we had the opportunity to pick which floor we would be staying on, we picked as high up as we could (of course). Staying on the 36th floor definitely had it’s perks; like this amazing view we could see from the elevator area and our room.

Mujo and I have traveled to Kansas City a couple of times, so we have our favorite places we like to hang out, eat and shop. One of those places being the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Walking through the museum is the perfect way to spend a few hours of your trip. I love capturing snapshots of the art and find it really inspiring to look at when I get home and get stuck in an art rut.

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 If you really are not in to the idea of walking through a gallery and would prefer to spend some time outdoors, I recommend having a little picnic on the lawn of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. This has been on my Kansas City Bucket list and hopefully we can cross this off on our next visit.

One of the best places to dine for breakfast or a late lunch is Chez Elle Creperie and Coffee House. We stumbled upon this gem one of the first times we visited Kansas City and have been hooked ever since. Located in a hilly neighborhood just southwest of the city, Chez Elle offers an assortment of savory and sweet crepes, a full coffee bar and a cute little patio that gives off the perfect Parisian vibe. If you get the chance to stop by I recommend the Pollo Verde with a mocha or a mimosa, but I feel like you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (especially the classic Paris Crepe).

The whole reason we ventured down to Kansas City in the first place was because one of my best friends, Nicole Leth, opened her very own shop in the heart of downtown. Located at 1515 Walnut St. Sex + Ice Cream is stocked full of girl power items that appeal to everyone. From Nicole’s own clothing to a few other makers work, it is (in my opinion) a shop unlike anything I’ve seen before. With it’s neon signs hanging in the window and it’s crazy fun patterns all over the walls. I feel like even if you don’t buy anything (which it’s impossible not to buy something amazing) you can still admire the time and effort put into making the shop completely it’s own.

 While that sums up my weekend in Kansas City, I am always open to suggestions for where to stop next. Plus I would love to hear about your time in Kansas City and what you think of my recommendations.