Portsmouth Restaurant Week

portsmouth

The seacoast town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a must-see destination in New England.  Historic buildings, quaint shops, and charming galleries are around every corner.  With over 100 locally owned businesses, it is the perfect town to enjoy a stroll during any season.  Portsmouth is only an hour north of Boston and just over the bridge from Maine.  Every night of the week you can find live music and there are several theaters in town. 

However, many people come to Portsmouth for one main reason…the food!  This port town has become a culinary destination for people searching for trendy dishes and creative cocktails.   With so many places to choose from, your only dilemma will be deciding which to try first. Restaurant Week has become an experience every foodie awaits, and 2016 will not disappoint.

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Pink House, Sanotrini, Greece

mytravelingkids.com

When I dreamed of traveling to Santorini, Greece, I knew I wanted to wake up in Oia, look out my window, and see the traditional postcard view of white cave houses blanketing the hillside.  We decided to live in a traditional cave house to feel immersed into the community during our week-long stay. 

We arrived at midnight, but the walk through town to our home for the week woke us right up.  After seeing our view, we decided to skip the bars and instead grab a beer and sit on our veranda to enjoy our first glimpse of Santorini. I had been dreaming of that moment for years.

 The next morning, I opened the door to our room and my jaw dropped when I saw what was in front of me.

Click here to read all about it… 

10 Best Apps to Use While Traveling

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Since I’m not lucky enough to have my own personal assistant, I rely on certain apps to help me out while I’m traveling.  Some get me where I need to go and others make it more fun while I’m there.  The following are my top 10 apps I use while traveling:

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10 Best Apps for Planning Your Trip

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Since so much goes into planning a trip, it is wonderful to get some help. Luckily, help is right at your fingertips.  The following are the top 10 apps that I use when I am planning a trip.

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New Huffington Post article!

dolche

My latest piece on Huffington Post!!!

It’s all about the Italian phrase “Dolche far niente” …the sweetness in doing nothing.  I crave that gift of pleasant idleness that happens on vacation and would love to bring it home with me.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-johnson/embrace-the-sweetness-in-_b_12575008.html

Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk- Boston

mytravelingkids.com

(In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month…)

When I was 5 and my brother 7, we lost our mother to ovarian cancer.  That changed my life forever.  Three years ago my daughters were just about to turn 5 and 7 and I knew I had to contribute some way to raising awareness about cancer (all cancers) and help with fundraising for research.  When I decided to do the Susan G Komen 3 -Day walk in Boston I never knew how much it would change me. 

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Castle in the Clouds

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New Hampshire has many special places to view the colorful change of foliage.  At Castle in the Clouds, in Moultonborough, you will be transported back to the early 1900’s to the home of Thomas Plant.  However, do not rush straight up to the castle, take your time and make a few stops along the way. 

What is the first stop? Well…

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My First Night Away…ALONE!

Bass Rocks Ocean Inn mytravelingkids.com

The day is finally here and I’m all packed up to go away all by myself for the first time.  No husband and no kiddos.  I’ve put my bags in the car and grabbed the wine I’ve been chilling in the fridge.  When suddenly…Ring Ring Ring.  “Hi Mrs. Johnson.  This is the school nurse.  Would you mind coming in to pick up your daughter?  She seems to have a bit of a bellyache.” You’ve got to be kidding me!  I can’t make this stuff up.  With a sigh, the wine goes back in the fridge and I’m on my way to pick up my little cherub from school.   

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Itinerary for a Day in Kennebunkport Maine

 

Kennebunkport, Maine 

Kennebunkport is one of the prettiest towns in Maine.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a relaxing getaway, or a fun-filled family adventure, this is the town to look at.  Here is an Itinerary for a Day in Kennebunkport Maine:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is  Portland (PWM) Airport (21.6 miles away)

Manchester (MHT) (57.3 miles), Boston (BOS) (74.4 miles)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Stop #1: Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery

The town of Kennebunkport, Maine, is a peaceful coastal town and Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery is a wonderful way to begin your day.  The grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and the Friars welcome visitors. The grounds are tranquil and is a beautiful place to start your day in a calm way.  Children are welcome, however you will want to discuss with them that using quiet voices is expected here so you do not disturb other visitors.  The grounds have two lovely outdoor chapels.  We are not especially religious but I do love visiting churches.  I did not realize how little knowledge of religion my youngest daughter had until I saw her bow at the altar and whisper, “May the force be with you.”  Oh boy!!!

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Bass Rocks Ocean Inn, Gloucester MA

Bass Rocks Ocean Inn mytravelingkids.com

After being a mom for over a decade I did something I’ve dreamed about on stressful days… a night ALONE!!   No husband and no kids! I could not imagine a better place to enjoy some solitude than Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. Not only did I feel safe, but there was so much to do in the area that I was never bored or lonely.  It was also a very romantic inn and I’m so glad my husband joined me there for my second night.  It is a gorgeous inn and I felt I had to share it with someone.  Click below to read my full review of the inn.

Click HERE…

Also, I can’t wait to share all about my night away.  Look for it next week!!