Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting.com

Logan Square Farmers Market

Mike and I have a new obsession in our neighborhood: The Logan Square Farmers Market.  We’ve been taking the fifteen minute walk from our apartment to the market for the past few weekends to do some grocery shopping and marvel over all the delicious goods.  It’s a wonderland of organic fruits and vegetables, homemade cheeses, candles, and honey, fresh baked breads and pastries, and the prettiest fresh flowers you’ve ever seen.

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

We’ve been setting a budget of $20 and seeing what we can come up with from the lines of stalls.  In case you’re wondering what you can buy with that kind of money, I’ll tell ya: a jalapeno, a zucchini, a pound of baby bella mushrooms, a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers, dog treats and a quart of blackberries.  That’s what we came up with the first weekend, and I made the best pasta and ramen using those fresh vegetables.

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

On the second weekend we weren’t as practical, spending the money on donuts, cheese, an aloe plant and flowers.  We also got the most perfect bulb of garlic and more of those baked dog treats for Brody. He loved them the first time around, so we figured we could spoil him again. The cheese was horseradish chive havarti and it was so dang good.  The vendor let us try it first and we were instantly hooked.  We might have to go back again next week to get more.

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

There’s so many amazing vendors that I think we’re going to have to go every week now so we can try everything.  I’m especially excited to try more baked goods and cheese.  I think next time we go we’ll have to have lunch there too; there’s quite a few vendors selling full on meals that looked so good.

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

The Logan Square Farmers Market is open every Sunday, year-round.  From May to October, the outdoor market is located on Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Boulevard, and in the winter months, the market moves inside just a few blocks away on Milwaukee.  It does get pretty crowded, so I would recommend going early to have your pick of the produce and to avoid the big crowds.

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Logan Square Farmers Market, Chicago | RebeccaWanderlusting

Have you been to the Logan Square Farmers Market? Which vendor is your favorite?

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderluslting

Solo Trip Snapshots

It has officially been a year since my solo trip to Iceland and Copenhagen, Denmark, and I’m still in awe of the scenery in both countries.  This trip meant a lot to me, as it was the longest I had ever taken by myself.  I think it might be cliche to say that I learned a lot about myself on this trip, that it was life changing, but I’ll say it anyways.  It would be hard not to visit two completely new-to-me countries and come back unchanged, especially when the countries are that beautiful.  Plus traveling alone is always such an empowering experience.  I returned from this trip with a little more confidence, perspective and of course the need to book more trips immediately.  Now, a year later, I have some more exciting travels planned for the near future, and I’m feeling nostalgic for one of my favorite trips ever.  So, without further ado, here are my favorite solo trip snapshots from my trip to Iceland and Copenhagen:

I’ll start with Iceland, the most beautiful country I have ever been to.

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Iceland, RebeccaWanderlusting

My favorite things about Iceland were the waterfalls along the South Coast, hiking Mount Esja, the street art, the people, the hot dogs, the whale watching tours, Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Black Sand Beach.  I don’t think I will ever see such amazing, diverse, and breath-taking scenery again (unless I go back).

In Copenhagen, I was in love with the pace of life, the wine and lattes at outdoor tables in beautiful squares with fountains in the middle.  I loved the boat tour along the canal, drinking and reading at Paludan Cafe, playing at Tivoli Gardens, exploring the Norrebro Neighborhood, the museums, the shops… I could go on all day.  It is such a beautiful and unique city, and I’m so happy I chose to visit.

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Solo Trip Snapshots, Copenhagen, RebeccaWanderlusting

Please share your own solo trip snapshots in the comments; I’d love to see them!

Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking

Harvest Time Apple Orchard

Every fall, my family and drive up to Twin Lakes, WI to pick apples, always on a Sunday.  It’s a tradition we’ve kept for as long as I can remember, and it goes hand in hand with our tradition to enjoy the fruits of our labor (heh heh) afterwards, while watching the Bears game.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time/Oriole Springs Orchard is about an hour and twenty-five minutes drive from Chicago.  It’s technically in Twin Lakes, WI (home of Country Thunder, if that’s your thing).  The Orchard has apples, pumpkins, and cherries to pick, as well as a smokehouse, donut shop, cider barn, brat shop, petting zoo and a newly added deck to enjoy all the goodies with an unparalleled view of the orchard.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
We always start with the apple picking.  We enter through the end of the orchard where we are greeted by orchard workers who direct us to the Golden Delicious apples and supply us with the bags to contain them.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking

Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking

Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
The trees are always full of apples, just ready to be plucked and taken home.  They have an ingenious device to pick apples on the top branches scattered throughout the orchard. It’s a something like a broom handle with a wire covered in denim, fashioned to catch the apple as you pull it from the branch.  It’s like hitting the jackpot any time you can find one hidden in the neat rows of trees.

Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking

Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
After we fill our bags with apples, we head over to the smokehouse, paying for the apples as we exit the orchard.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
The smokehouse is full of delicious meats and cheeses, specifically the best deli ham I have ever tasted.  There is also summer sausage, apple butter, honey, pie filling, and all sorts of assorted goodies.  The brat shop is just outside the smokehouse that sells hot dogs and brats to be enjoyed with a cold cup of cider.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
The donut shop is next door, with a line that stretches past the patio and into the grass.  The wait for the delectable fried dough was almost an hour, but oh so worth it.  They make them to order and cover them in cinnamon sugar, coconut, frosting or sprinkles.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple PickingThey patio and small shop next to the smokehouse were dotted with batches of pumpkins, squash and gourds.  I am a sucker for tiny pumpkins, so I bought one for a dollar, such a bargain.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
The petting zoo is off to the side of the main barn, where you can pay a dollar to feed the small ragtag group of animals.  There are goats, a pig (Mike the Pig, to be exact), and a few ugly turkeys.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple PickingBefore leaving, we stopped at the cider barn, for a half gallon of the juice they make from the not so perfect apples.  We couldn’t pass up the cider milkshakes they were selling, they were amazing.  Like creamy apple pie.  I would definitely drive up again solely for another cider shake.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple PickingOnce we had our share of Harvest Time, we went back to my parent’s house to feast on apples, cheese and charcuterie.  We parted ways at the end of the evening, all toting our bags of apples and leftovers home with us.
Harvest Time Orchards, Wisconsin, Apple Picking
Until next time, Harvest Time.

If you’re interested in visiting this beautiful orchard, check out their website for a harvest schedule.

Harvest Time Apple Orchard: A Photo Blog

Harvest Time Apple Orchard: A Photo Blog

Oriole Springs Apple Orchard29

Every fall, my family and drive up to Twin Lakes, WI to pick apples, always on a Sunday.  It’s a tradition we’ve kept for as long as I can remember, and it goes hand in hand with our tradition to enjoy the fruits of our labor (heh heh) afterwards, while watching the Bears game.  Harvest Time/Oriole Springs Orchard is about an hour and twenty-five minutes drive from Chicago.  It’s technically in Twin Lakes, WI (home of Country Thunder, if that’s your thing).  The Orchard has apples, pumpkins, and cherries to pick, as well as a smokehouse, donut shop, cider barn, brat shop, petting zoo and a newly added deck to enjoy all the goodies with an unparalleled view of the orchard.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardWe always start with the apple picking.  We enter through the end of the orchard where we are greeted by orchard workers who direct us to the Golden Delicious apples and supply us with the bags to contain them.
Oriole Springs Apple Orchard A Photo Blog

Oriole Springs Apple Orchard9

Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple Orchard4Oriole Springs Apple OrchardThe trees are always full of apples, just ready to be plucked and taken home.  They have an ingenious device to pick apples on the top branches scattered throughout the orchard. It’s a something like a broom handle with a wire covered in denim, fashioned to catch the apple as you pull it from the branch.  It’s like hitting the jackpot any time you can find one hidden in the neat rows of trees.
Oriole Springs Apple Orchard6Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple Orchard7

Oriole Springs Apple Orchard3Oriole Springs Apple OrchardAfter we fill our bags with apples, we head over to the smokehouse, paying for the apples as we exit the orchard.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardThe smokehouse is full of delicious meats and cheeses, specifically the best deli ham I have ever tasted.  There is also summer sausage, apple butter, honey, pie filling, and all sorts of assorted goodies.  The brat shop is just outside the smokehouse that sells hot dogs and brats to be enjoyed with a cold cup of cider.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardThe donut shop is next door, with a line that stretches past the patio and into the grass.  The wait for the delectable fried dough was almost an hour, but oh so worth it.  They make them to order and cover them in cinnamon sugar, coconut, frosting or sprinkles.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple Orchard

They patio and small shop next to the smokehouse were dotted with batches of pumpkins, squash and gourds.  I am a sucker for tiny pumpkins, so I bought one for a dollar, such a bargain.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple Orchard
The petting zoo is off to the side of the main barn, where you can pay a dollar to feed the small ragtag group of animals.  There are goats, a pig (Mike the Pig, to be exact), and a few ugly turkeys.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple Orchard

Before leaving, we stopped at the cider barn, for a half gallon of the juice they make from the not so perfect apples.  We couldn’t pass up the cider milkshakes they were selling, they were amazing.  Like creamy apple pie.  I would definitely drive up again solely for another cider shake.
Oriole Springs Apple OrchardOriole Springs Apple OrchardOnce we had our share of Harvest Time, we went back to my parent’s house to feast on apples, cheese and charcuterie.  We parted ways at the end of the evening, all toting our bags of apples and leftovers home with us.
Oriole Springs Apple Orchard Until next time, Harvest Time.

If you’re interested in visiting this beautiful orchard, check out their website for a harvest schedule.

Lollapalooza: A Photo Blog

Lollapalooza: A Photo Blog

I have a confession to make: I’m 25 years old and I’ve never been to a music festival.  So when the time came around to buy tickets for Lollapalooza this year, I, along with some friends, bought a Saturday one day pass.  That was a few months ago, and after yesterday, I can finally say I am no longer a music festival virgin.  I had a perfect first time, arriving early and seeing 12 bands including: Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, Beat Connection, Raury, Travi$ Scott, Django Django, Death From Above 1979, The Tallest Man on Earth, Tame Impala, Chet Faker, Brand New, Metallica and Sam Smith.  The bands were great, the crowd was jolly (until about 4pm, and then the crowd was drunk), the food was delicious and it was a perfect hot, sunny day.  Rather than tell you more myself, I’ll let the photos do the rest:

Lollapalooza 2015
Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

Buckingham Fountain, Chicago, IL

The first band we saw was Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas, from Detroit.  AMAZING.Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas, Lollapalooza 2015
The next was Beat Connection, who I’ve seen before, and they were just as good this time.
Beat Connection, Lollapalooza 2015
Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

We saw Raury on The Pepsi Stage, tucked into the trees.

Raury, Lollapalooza 2015We walked by the Perry’s Stage, which features exclusively DJs, and dropped by long enough to feel too old to be there.

Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

Then, we saw Django Django, a fantastic act from Ireland.

Django Django, Lollapalooza 2015

Lollapalooza 2015

Lollapalooza 2015

Then came Death From Above 1979.

DFA, Lollapalooza 2015

Lollapalooza 2015

After that, we saw The Tallest Man on Earth for a few songs and a chance to sit in the shade.

Lollapalooza 2015Then Tame Impala, who were so, so good.  Their crowd was up and dancing and full of good vibes.

Tame Impala, Lollapalooza 2015
Lollapalooza 2015We walked through the Green Street Market, The Farmers Market, and Chow Town and past Kidzapalooza.

Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

Lollapalooza 2015
Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

The bars at the festival featured a whole bottle of wine poured into a sport bottle, which was quick to become my new favorite thing.

Lollapalooza 2015We heard there were metallic temporary tattoos at the XRT tent, and that’s just not something I could turn down.

Lollapalooza 2015Lollapalooza 2015

We stopped by Chet Faker for the end of his set, and caught my favorite of his songs “Gold”, before passing by some of Chicago’s Finest on our way to the next act.

Lollapalooza 2015We headed to the Sprint Stage for Brand New, making my 16 year old self’s dreams come true.

Brand New, Lollapalooza 2015It was nearing the last few acts, so we ran over to the bar in preparation to see Metallica, a band I never thought I would enjoy as much as I did.

Lollapalooza 2015
Metallica, Lollapalooza 2015

Last but not least, Sam Smith.  We couldn’t get very close to the stage, but the music was still beautiful. All around, it was a fantastic day.

Lollapalooza 2015

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago: A Photo Blog

Randolph Street Market, Chicago:
A Photo Blog

                If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in Chicago the same weekend as Randolph Street Market, take it as a sign and high tail it over to Randolph and Ada Streets.  This festival happens one weekend a month, every month, and is a modge-podge of vintage, hand-made and curated goods.  Though there is a $10 fee to enter the market, the browsing alone is well worth it (check www.livingsocial.com for discounts!).  We saw everything from bowling pins to records to dinosaur succulent planters (no, I’m not kidding, and yes, they were amazing. Website: www.nestchicago.com ) and much more in-between.  The market occupied a large outdoor parking lot, as well as the Chicago Plumber’s Hall building.  There’s plenty of food stands of all tastes to keep you nourished for many hours of perusing, and adult beverages if boozy buying is your thing.  I particularly enjoyed the large selection of vintage jewels and was on the look-out for the PERFECT cameo necklace the entire time, which I did not find but had tons of fun looking through everything in my search.  I would love to go on and on about how amazing everything at Randolph Street Market was, but I think I can let the pictures do the work for me.  For upcoming markets and more information see: www.randolphstreetmarket.com .

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, Chicago
Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago
Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, Chicago

Until next time, Randolph Street Market; I will definitely be back.

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market Photo Blog

If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in Chicago the same weekend as Randolph Street Market, take it as a sign and high tail it over to Randolph and Ada Streets.  This market/food extravaganza happens one weekend a month, every month, all year, and is a modge-podge of vintage, hand-made and curated goods.  Though there is a $10 fee to enter the market ($8 on the market website), the browsing alone is well worth it (check livingsocial for discount tickets!).  We saw everything from full sets of bowling pins to used records to dinosaur succulent planters (no, I’m not kidding, and yes, they were amazing.) and much more in-between.  The market occupies the Chicago Plumber’s Hall Building, as well as the large outdoor parking lot next to it.  There’s plenty of food stands of all tastes to keep you nourished for many hours of perusing, and adult beverages if boozy buying is your thing.  I particularly enjoyed the large selection of vintage jewels and was on the look-out for the PERFECT cameo necklace the entire time, which I did not find but had tons of fun looking through everything in my search.  There were vintage board games, vintage Chanel, typewriters, and so much more.  It took about three hours for me to get my fill of browsing these goodies, so plan on spending an afternoon at the market if/when you go.  I would love to go on and on about how amazing everything at Randolph Street Market was, but I think I can let the pictures do the work for me.  For upcoming market dates and more information, click here.

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market Chicago
Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago

Randolph Street Market Chicago

Randolph Street Market, Chicago
Randolph Street Market, ChicagoRandolph Street Market, Chicago

Until next time, Randolph Street Market; I will definitely be back.  Perhaps every month until I find that coveted cameo necklace!

Have you been to this market before?  Which vendor is your favorite?