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chicago

Chicago, Destinations, North America, USA

Chicago: My Kind of Town at Christmas

Catherine Sweeney
December 24, 2018
9 Comments
Chicago: My Kind of Town at Christmas

Christmas in Chicago: Favorite holiday things to do

chicago, christmas, christmas markets, illinois, USA
Attractions, Chicago, Destinations, Museums, Memorials & Landmarks, USA

Featured Museum: History, Chicago-style

Catherine Sweeney
August 30, 2012
37 Comments

There are three things that I remember from my 4th grade Chicago history class: Mrs. O’Leary’s cow started the Great Chicago Fire, I got an A+++ on my Fort Dearborn model, and “Chicago” was a Native American word for “bad smell”.

chicago, USA
Chicago, Destinations, Travel Food Tips, USA

Loco for XOCO

Catherine Sweeney
August 21, 2012
61 Comments

Celebrity Chicago chef Rick Bayless’ XOCO attracts food lovers from all over the Chicago area and is conveniently located for downtown workers to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pronounced “Sho-ko”, Xoco is Mexican slang for “little sister”.

chicago, USA
Art and Architecture, Attractions, Chicago, Museums, Memorials & Landmarks, USA

Featured Museum: A Suburban Chicago Gem

Catherine Sweeney
June 12, 2012
31 Comments

I’ve spent much time over the years visiting a close friend in Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb about 16 miles west of downtown Chicago. But until last month, neither of us had ever been to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, an under-the-radar gem — really.

chicago, USA
Chicago, USA

Travel Photo Thursday: A Slice of Chicago

Catherine Sweeney
May 17, 2012
63 Comments

I’ve just returned home from a two week trip to the Midwest that included a few days in the Chicago area to visit family and friends and participate in Walk MS. Here is a slice of Chicago life for Travel Photo Thursday. The First Slice Actually, my individual serving of…

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chicago, USA
Art and Architecture, Attractions, Chicago, USA

Culture Curious in Chicago

Catherine Sweeney
May 10, 2012
42 Comments

As someone who is proud to call Chicago my birthplace and former home for many years, I’ve always known that the city is one of the world’s finest cultural capitals. But as many times as I’ve passed by the old Chicago Public Library building, I never walked through the doors…

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Art and Architecture, chicago, USA
Belgium, California, Europe, Food, Special Feature, USA

Sweeney’s Seven Super Shots

Catherine Sweeney
February 4, 2012
44 Comments

Seven photos that I think are super shots Here’s a photo that …. Takes my breath away The surreal vistas of the Badlands in South Dakota elicit strong reactions. I was struck by the beauty of the vast desolation. The warm wind blowing on that hot summer day intensified the…

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Belgium, california, chicago, Europe, Germany, USA
Attractions, Chicago, Museums, Memorials & Landmarks, USA

Ernest Hemingway: Chapter One

Catherine Sweeney
August 27, 2011
35 Comments

Ernest Hemingway has been a favorite author of mine since I read The Sun Also Rises many years ago.

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chicago
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About Catherine Sweeney

Catherine Sweeney is a travel enthusiast with a lifelong passion for going places. A weekend getaway, an international journey, a cross-country road trip, or a local jaunt — they’re all on her radar. And it’s all made extra special when she’s enjoying the finer things in life with Mr. TWS, her husband and co-blogger. Get inspired as they share photos and stories highlighting the best of destinations, food, wine, history, culture and the arts.

2018 NATJA Silver Award Winner

Recent Posts

  • Romantic Europe: 10 Special Places in My Heart
  • Scary Travel Tales
  • Traveling Sisters — A Sentimental Journey
  • Wonders of Nature at the Desert Botanical Garden
  • I Dream of Going Back to Italy

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Catherine Sweeney
Romance on the Rhine ... It’s easy to see why th Romance on the Rhine ... It’s easy to see why the Middle Rhine River Valley of Germany was inspiration for the 19th-century writers and artists, including Goethe and Byron, and why it was one of Germany’s first tourist destinations with famous visitors, such as Mark Twain. This beautiful romantic palace shines white high on the west bank of the Rhine — one of many majestic castles we saw on our @vikingcruises Rhine Getaway. Originally built as a fortress in the 13th century, Stolzenfels Palace was later used as a toll station. Destroyed in 1689 in the Palatinate War of Succession (also known as the Nine Years’ War), it was rebuilt by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV as a palace in 1823 and appears much the same today. #myvikingstory #germany #europe #rhinevalleygermany #wewilltravelagain . . . #rivercruising #romantictravel #europeantravel #travelmemories #beautifuldestinations #whenwetravelagain
Budapest — a city that has always had an aura of Budapest — a city that has always had an aura of international intrigue and romance for me. On my third visit, I was no less captivated than I was at first sight. This view of the Pest side of the city and the Chain Bridge across the Danube with @fsbudapest and St. Stephen's Basilica beyond the bridge is from Castle Hill on the Buda side. Budapest is breathtakingly beautiful with stunning landmarks on both sides accessed by the city’s eight bridges. #budapest #Hungary #europe . . . #budapesthungary #budapesttravel #youmustsee #thisisbudapest #romanticplaces #europeandestinations #iwilltravelagain #romantictravel #budapestgram #chainbridge #danube #pestsideofbudapest #viewofthecity
Next up in my February romantic places series... L Next up in my February romantic places series... Lisbon, Portugal exceeded my expectations in many ways and it felt totally romantic. Shortly after arriving in Lisbon for a two night stay prior to our @vikingcruises cruise on the Douro River in northern Portugal, we relaxed here at Rossio Square. From my article about our prelude to a cruise: “Surrounded by restaurants and shops, Praça Dom Pedro IV, commonly known as Rossio Square, is the main square of the city and one of its transportation hubs. It was bustling whenever we were there. ... . The wavy-patterned pavement as seen in the photo was mesmerizing.” #Lisbon #portugal #myvikingstory #traveldreaming #iwilltravelagain . . . #romantictravel #romanticcities #rossiosquare #praçadompedroiv #travelblogger #europeantravel #visitportugal #iloveportugal #lisboa #bestcitiesofeurope #visitlisboa @visitportugal #visitportugal #portugal_passion
This goes way back in my romantic places memories. This goes way back in my romantic places memories. This was our first view of the Mediterranean in Roses, Spain along the beautiful Costa Brava in Catalonia. Our balcony at the Hotel & Spa Terraza overlooked palm trees gently blowing on a breezy day, wide expanses of sandy beach and boats sailing on Roses Bay. #costabrava #rosesspain #catalonia #travelmemories❤️ . . . #incostabrava #spain #iwilltravelagain #romantictravel #visitspain #visitcatalonia #travelblogger #mediterranean #roomwithaview #alongthecoast #beachdreams #beautifuldestinations
Romantic Places ... Part Deux. Musée d’Orsay a Romantic Places ... Part Deux. Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Sigh ... Seeing Paris for the first time is a dream come true for many travelers, particularly those, like me, who have been inspired by a lifetime of enticements from movies, books and travelogues. But the excitement doesn’t diminish with follow up trips to the City of Lights. #iwilltravelagain #romantictravel #paris #france🇫🇷 . . . . #museedorsay #eiffeltower #sunsetinparis #travellater #france #tourismefrance #romance #travelmemories❤️ #jaimelafrance #jaimeparis #parismemories
My memories of favorite romantic places include th My memories of favorite romantic places include the village of Cassis on the Mediterranean coast of France. . This seaside village of 8,000 residents was one of the highlights of our Provence trip. In the summer, especially during August, the population of Cassis jumps to over 40,000 as it’s an extremely popular summer resort, particularly for French and other European vacationers. It’s the kind of place where you feel you belong when you first arrive. The beautiful location in the Parc National des Calanques, the picturesque waterfront, and the Mediterranean ambiance are captivating. Although spring and summer would bring many for the sunshine and beaches, even this cool, overcast winter day in December had a rather balmy feeling. #cassis #france🇫🇷 #provence @otcassis @francefr . . . #cassisfrance #explorefrance #jeredecouvrelafrance #southernfrance #boatsonthewater #charmingvillage #coastalvillage #visitfrance #romanticvillage #jaimelafrance #francetourisme #winterinprovence #travelblogger #travelgram #visitprovence #amazingfrance #hellofrance #romancetravel
We had a wild weather day here in @scottsdaleariz We had a wild weather day here in @scottsdaleariz — some thunder and lightning, lots of rain (which we really needed), and two downpours of hail. Mr. TWS captured this beautiful end of day photo looking toward the McDowell Mountains. #sonorandesert #arizona #myphx . . . #arizona🌵 #visitarizona #mcdowellmountains #mcdowellsonoranpreserve #mcdowellmountainranch #naturephotography #naturalbeauty #mountains #southwestusa #afterthestorm #beautifulskies #igersphx
Happy New Year 2021! New Year’s Eve at @dbgphx D Happy New Year 2021! New Year’s Eve at @dbgphx Desert Botanical Garden was appropriate for the times with safety measures in place and without live entertainment. It was a great place to enjoy peacefulness and beautiful lights while looking forward to a brighter year ahead. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2021 for all! #newyearseve #newyears2021 #phoenix #arizona #desertbotanicalgarden . . . #luminaries #lasnochesdelasluminarias #desert #myphx #visitphoenix #igersphoenix #holidayseason #desertlife
Merry Christmas from the Traveling With Sweeney du Merry Christmas from the Traveling With Sweeney duo! New York City provided a perfect holiday getaway for us a few years ago and we look forward to joyful Christmas seasons there again. This pic was taken in Bryant Park, one of my favorite places in the city during any season. Have a happy, safe, and healthy Christmas! #christmasespast #stayhome #stayhomethischristmas #maskupamerica #brighterdaysahead . . . #newyorkcity #bryantpark #christmasgreetings #travellater #holidaydecorations #ilovenyc❤️
I still say that @fsgeorgevparis is one of my top I still say that @fsgeorgevparis is one of my top hotels for Christmas decor. Artistic Director @jeffleatham is amazing. Don’t you love this gorgeous shiny red bear? It was just a part of holiday decor I enjoyed there during a stay several years ago at Christmas. Here’s to seeing holiday magic at the @fourseasons George V, Paris again! #paris #France #europe . . . #christmasdecorations #hotellobbydecor #parisatchristmas #traveleurope #france🇫🇷 #tophotelsoftheworld #travelblogger #gorgeousdecorations #christmasespast #travellater #artisticexpression #happytraveler
Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin — As I neared th Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin — As I neared the palace, I could hear the sounds of laughter and music. My mouth started watering from the aromas of grilling sausages. The lights and the festive sights were tantalizing. This was my first ever European Christmas market and I was forever hooked. I later went to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market and continued the enjoyment of food, drink, and holiday spirit. #christmasespast #europe #germany #berlin . . . #iwilltravelagain #travelspast #europeatchristmas #germanytravel #christmastravel #charlottenburgpalace #christmasmarket #europetravel #visitgermany #visitberlin #visitberlinlater #berlingermany #travelblogger
Budapest, Hungary — a Christmas memory. A lone s Budapest, Hungary — a Christmas memory. A lone skater enjoys having the small ice rink to herself — even for just a short while before it becomes full of holiday season revelers. The location is in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica at one of the largest Christmas markets on the Pest side of Budapest. #budapest #hungary #christmaspast @visit.budapest @budapest_hungary
It was a quiet morning of a past December when I w It was a quiet morning of a past December when I walked along the picturesque streets of Arles, France. Passing Café Van Gogh, I thought about what it was like back in the day when Vincent Van Gogh painted his vision of this place — then known as Café Terrace — in 1888. It is just one of many sights in Arles that provide an immersion into the world of Van Gogh. #provence #arlesfrance🇫🇷 #france #vangogh . . . #vangoghinspiration #cafevangogh #cafeinarles #visitfrance #atoutfrance #provencefrance #provenceguide #traveleurope #imagineart #famousartists #instaarles #europeanteavel #vincentvangogh
I love my old hometown of Chicago and visiting at I love my old hometown of Chicago and visiting at Christmas is a real treat. We can’t be there this year, but hope to see the sights and lights of the holidays again in the future. This was at Lincoln Park for their annual Zoo Lights. A beautiful way to get in the spirit in the city. #chicago #illinois #lincolnparkzoolights #christmas #holidaydecorations #holidaylights #lincolnparkzoo #iwilltravelagain #hometownchicago @lincolnparkzoo @visit.chicago
It’s that time of year! Shopping for our Christm It’s that time of year! Shopping for our Christmas tree attired in my lumberjack shirt. 😊I know a lot of people started their decorating early this year, but for us this is the start of our season and I can listen to holiday songs now. #christmastree #phoenixarizona #holidays2020
I was watching the lighting of the Christmas tree I was watching the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York tonight (on television). It brought back great memories of being there during the holidays a few years ago. I loved these giant red ornaments on Sixth Avenue near Rockefeller Center. I ❤️NYC #newyorkcity #nycatchristmas #usa
Do you believe in Santa Claus? 🎅 I do — he wa Do you believe in Santa Claus? 🎅 I do — he was right there on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Memories of Christmases past. I’m reminiscing about the dazzling markets and rich traditions of Christmas in Europe on the blog. What would you like to ask Santa to bring you this year? #paris #france #christmas
If only in my dreams ... #budapest #hungary #chris If only in my dreams ... #budapest #hungary #christmaspast Mr. TWS and I have been fortunate to visit many European cities and Christmas markets during the holiday season over the years. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed much about our lives and plans, but we are optimistic that we will experience the magic of holidays in Europe in the future — perhaps in 2021. In 2020, many European Christmas markets will not be open or it is still unknown if they will be operating at least in some modified fashion due to the pandemic. Please visit city government and tourist office websites of each location to find out which particular markets are open, cancelled for 2020, or have a status still unknown. #europe #europetravel #travellater
Grazie, Italia! Thank you, Italy, for always makin Grazie, Italia! Thank you, Italy, for always making me feel at home. From the magical cities like Venice to the hilltops of Tuscany to the white cities of Puglia, I’ve discovered something new to love every time I visit. Can you say “thank you” in the language of the countries you’ve visited? The people you meet will be very grateful if you do. The link to our post about saying “thank you” in 16 languages is in the bio. #venice #italy
Happy Sunday from the Sonoran Desert! We don’t g Happy Sunday from the Sonoran Desert! We don’t get tired of the beauty of this part of Arizona that is our home. We feel fortunate to be able to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. #arizona #stayinghealthy #absolutelyscottsdale #myphx
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