Chicago Instagram Spot: Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park

Hello, hello! How are we today? 

I am excited to talk about another one of the amazing places I have been exploring since moving to Chicago. I think the coolest thing about this move is how much Instagram has been a part of it. Instead of buying guidebooks or using Google or Tripadvisor, my main source of info has come from Instagram. Thank goodness for geo-tagging!! 

To keep track of the places I want to visit, I have begun to use Yelp and Pinterest too. I feel like the possibilities are endless exploring with these as my resources. Plus, the info I find won't really go out of date since I can look at the geo-tags in live-time. 

First up, the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park! It is a great little spot to walk, run, and explore nature. It isn't too long but a nice change of scenery, plus it leads you right to the (free) Lincoln Park Zoo! 

The boardwalk was built in 2010 and has become a well-known site in Chicago. If you look hard enough, you can find 17 different species of butterflies...I only saw two so I guess I have to go back to find the rest! 

I first saw this spot on the account of Rach.esq on Instagram and knew I had to go check it out! I knew it would look a little different from her shot because of the change of season, but I was surprised at how small it was. There wasn't a good of a view to the city as I had expected but it was still pretty awesome! 

Keep checking back to see the other spots I found on Instagram that are must-sees in Chicago! 

The streets of Columbus!

Probably my favourite building in the Short North area of the city

It was beautiful from every angle! 

I loved all of the street on the sides of the restaurants.

Sophia and I wore our favourite shoes! 

Italy is gorgeous!

Blue London Skies

London in the Spring.

Lovely Spaces: Kensington and Chelsea.

Since attending the amazing mobile photography workshop a few weeks ago, I have been using my iPhone more and more (sorry Nikon!). It's just crazy to see the quality of photos our phones can take with a little extra thought and some editing apps!

One day after class, my friend and I decided to walk straight past the tube station and keep walking until we were tired. We ended up exploring parts of Kensington, Chelsea, and then Battersea Park! It was an awesome spur the moment walk and reminded me just how much I like having no reservations :)

**I have started an "iphone photos" tag to make it easier to see which posts include photos taken on my iPhone 5 and which were taken on my Nikon 

My gorgeous city.

Lovely Spaces: Notting Hill

Lovely Spaces: Camden Town

Lovely Spaces: Notting Hill

The Borough Market!!

Recently, some friends and I headed south of the river to explore the Borough Markets! Before I left for London, it seemed like every travel site I went to suggested going here! So, I was very curious to see what all the fuss was about. 

SAMPLES! So many samples...'the Costco of London' as I have been referring to it! Almost every booth was giving out a little taste of what they were serving and/or selling. Some of the best were sheep's cheese, mash, and a lemon curd! 

There were booths selling everything! Meat, fish, fruit, cheese, jams, nuts, pastries, bread...I mean everything!! Plus, you could buy take-away food too! Indian, Asian, Italian, British, etc. 

Honestly, I now understand why everyone loves it here! The relaxed feel was a very cool change of pace and atmosphere compared to the rest of London. It was crowded but didn't seemed as cramped as the Camden Markets. Plus, the vendors were extremely friendly and happy to give you suggestions on what to buy! 

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

I did it...I went to Chelsea and it was only two tube stops from school! If you know me then you know that I love the reality show Made in Chelsea. For some reason in my head I thought that if I went to Chelsea that I was for sure going to see some of the cast walking around...I was wrong and a bit disappointed but then realized I have four months here! Although I didn't see any of the stars from the show, it was still fantastic to walk around King's Road. The houses on the side streets were absolutely breathtaking.

We didn't have much time to explore because we had to get back to school for another meeting, but Brittany and I plan to go back on Monday! I drew a blank on the location of the Bluebird (a restaurant I really want visit) so next time we are going to start there.  

 Sloane Square 

 Sloane Square  

A side street off of King's Road

My favourite street in London so far! 

Side note: We walked by a real estate office and there wasn't one house under 4 million pounds...I knew the area was expensive but I was so shocked by these prices! 

Lovely spaces

During my art history class, we walked around the Jewish Ghetto this week! It was amazing/weird to see how different this space looked before the Fascist party came to power and then how it looks today. 

Walks along the Tiber

I love walking along the beautiful Tiber river…at least when it isn't raining :) 

Lovely Spaces

Lovely Spaces: Georgetown, D.C.

Lovely Spaces: Schenley Park

Beautiful Fall Trees

My new comfy shoes perfect for walking!