My partner recently came to visit NY and I really wanted to show him around and be a tourist in my own city. I myself, have a huge love for museums and old art, so I decided to schedule a visit to the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art. 
While doing some research for his visit, I found out the Met actually has 3 museum buildings! What? Who knew?! (Probably many people who leave their house every now and then, but that was not me.)

Apparently, there is an old church on the upper west side in Washington Heights that was turned into a gorgeous little museum called The Met Cloisters. That is where we decided to go, and boy am I glad!

​This museum was an absolute marvel! I was very thoroughly impressed! There. we saw many beautiful paintings that were hundreds of years old, yet somehow preserved to keep their wildly vibrant colors! They had various sculptures, altars, tombs, romantic outdoor gardens surrounded by stunning pillars, and my favorite - stained glass. 

The old church building was kept as is with many old school stairways where I imagine secrets were whispered between men of high importance and damsels met their lovers in secret.  

For New York residents the price is donation based and you pay as you like. If you are visiting as a group that contains at least one NY resident, the "pay as you wish" price extends to the whole group. Otherwise it is $25 for those not residing in NY. 
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This place is fantastic for an impromptu photo shoot, so dress nicely when you visit, but watch out, there is a slightly cranky security lady who will not be fond of your extensive photo taking (HA!), but don't worry she's harmless. Brush her off and have your super great time!

Today it is very apparent that it is a man's world in church, and almost everywhere else. However, way back in time, it was the Goddess who was worshiped! Women everywhere were revered, celebrated, and thought of as holy! Very little of that remains today, but we can still witness that old time practice through architecture conserved from the times of the Goddess.

In churches, it can especially be witnessed through every single entryway one passes through. The doorways, are distinctly shaped as the external female reproductive organs. There are MANY variations but they very often have these things in common - there is a triangular design at the top signifying the small portion of the female body designed solely to bring forth pleasure. The tip of this triangle is often 3 dimensional and  sometimes overlaps as if depicting the protective hood of this very sensitive organ. The hollow entry way directly below signifies the holy birth canal through which all life must pass to enter this world. Don't believe me?? Just attend mass on Sunday! 

I probably took photos of every single piece of art they had, but you should still go see it in person for yourself. The museum is marvelous and so much of the old art is so incredibly well preserved. Most definitely worth the visit.

Click here to check out their website and find further information to better plan your visit.

Caravan of dreams is my favorite vegan restaurant in the city so far!
I have been dining there since I was 18 years old and just beginning to study health counseling and nutrition.

While they have a fully vegan and very health conscious menu, they are also equipped with a full bar and serve delicious tequila cocktails.
Equipped with a party room in the back, you can make reservations and host various events like birthday celebrations and so on. 
I have tried many dishes at this restaurant from salads to polenta to falafels to deserts that I didn't think would taste good vegan. I have not yet ever been disappointed! The food is always so good! And the service is super friendly and accommodating!
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I definitely recommend this place for a romantic dinner, a lunch out with friends, or a celebratory party! Though please call in advance to schedule one of those!

If you find yourself up North this Valentine's day season, you absolutely MUST visit the wonder that is the Ice Castles in the white mountains of my favorite place in the entire country - New Hampshire.

​These huge walk through ice structures are anything short of extraordinary! You will walk through giant walls of frozen water lit up with beautiful color lighting, pass by various flowing fountains, watch live performers playing with fire, and hear music played by Lindsey Stirling throughout the visit. They even have an ice slide you can go on over and over to bring out your playful inner child! 

The ice castles are SO romantic, as well as family friendly. You can visit them with you significant other, or take the whole family up for a play date. Either way, you will have a really great time.

Make sure you dress warm (DUH!), and if you still get chilly, you can enjoy delicious hot apple cider sold on the premises.

The ice castle are conveniently located near many fantastic restaurants, such as the Woodstock Brewery Inn, the Gypsy Cafe, One Love Brewery, and the Common Man. I have eaten at all of these restaurants (I brag!), some many more than once, and I highly recommend each one! I also recommend that if you find a new place in the area to eat that you loved, to let me know so I too can visit and partake in the fun.

Here are some photos from my last visit.

​I hope you get to see this wonder and report back. Would love to know what you thought!