Travel – Francois et Moi

Duluth Travel Guide: What to Eat + See + Do with Kids

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:09:33 +0000

Thinking of a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior? Check out where to eat and what to do with our family-friendly Duluth Travel Guide! As a Duluth, MN native, I can say without a doubt, the North Shore of Lake Superior really hits its stride in summer months! There are tons of family-friendly things to do indoors and out, and temps stay a notch cooler than Southern Minnesota which is a welcomed relief from the Minneapolis heat. Last month we headed up to Duluth and the North Shore as a family. And while the trip was family-focused, so many of the things we did with the kids, like hiking + rock-hopping at a waterfall, exploring a lighthouse, biking along the lakeshore, we would spring for even if the kids weren’t in tow. The Duluth area also has several family-friendly dining spots with chef-driven menus parents will love (like the New Scenic Cafe)! My hope is parents will enjoy this Duluth, MN travel guide equally as much, if not more than the kids! Eats & Treats The Portland Malt Shoppe — Originally built in the 1920’s a gas station, and later a couture dress shop, this sweet malt shoppe […]

The post Duluth Travel Guide: What to Eat + See + Do with Kids appeared first on Francois et Moi.

The Ultimate Guide to Flying with a Toddler

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 11:00:04 +0000

Over 50 moms weigh in with their best ideas on how to rock flying with a toddler. Get their top tips with specific toy and snack recommendations! The countdown to our first family trip + Sylvie’s first plane ride is on, and I realized OMG, I have absolutely no idea how these three hours in airplane captivity are going to go with a very active 2.5 yr old. So I reached out to my fellow moms on Instagram for advice on flying with a toddler, and more than 50 moms and grandmothers weighed in. The general consensus seemed to be: Bring LOTS of snacks, compact but interactive toys, and don’t–for one second–feel guilty about iPad screen time! There were such great tips and words of encouragement that I want to share them with all of you. If you have a trip planned in the near future or just hope to travel at some point with your little one, read up and pin this one for later. Below are some of the advice highlights, and you can see the original IG post here. Also, make sure to check out the toy and snack recommendations for flying with a toddler at the […]

The post The Ultimate Guide to Flying with a Toddler appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Our San Francisco Checklist

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 13:29:39 +0000

Back in 2012 as honeymooners, Ken and I had a 3 day layover in San Francisco while en route to Maui. We planned it that way so we could check out the Bay Area and break up the frightening long flight from Minneapolis to Maui. As we jetset over San Francisco at sunset en route to Maui, all I could think was: 3 days in San Francisco was nowhere near enough time–we’ll definitely be back. So 3 years later we decided it was time! Having been once before + doing tons more research before we left, we had a pretty good idea what we wanted to do again, what we could skip, and what we couldn’t miss checking out the 2nd time around. Here was our checklist: Ferry Building + Picnic at Alamo Square: I’d heard great things about the Ferry Building and it’s food offerings, so we decided to spend a few hours perusing and taste-testing our way through the gourmet shops, picking up picnic fixings here and there: fresh goat cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, salame from Boccalone Salumeria, wine and crackers from Village Market, and of course, spring rolls from Out The Door. Then we hopped the cable car up to Alamo Square for a picnic […]

The post Our San Francisco Checklist appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Big Sur Travel Guide: Eat + Stay + Do

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 20:55:43 +0000

Big Sur, California is a place like no other, and I’d highly recommend spending a few nights in the area if you’re making the PCH roadtrip or just need a getaway. It’s a small, welcoming community sprinkled along Highway 1 with a good mix of fine dining, spas, sweeping ocean views, and rustic outdoor activities. Here are Ken and my recommendations for where to stay and eat, and what to do while in Big Sur! Where to Stay: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn For me, the joy of travel is immersing myself in the culture and joie de vivre of that particular place. So after discovering Deetjen’s Inn, which really seems to personify the relaxed, rustic vibe that is Big Sur with their historically sacred, storied cabins, thoughtfully furnished with antiques, and tucked beneath the giant redwoods, I knew this was our kind of place.The Inn was started by a Norwegian couple in the 1930’s as a waystop for weary travelers, and 85 years later their legacy still lives on. In a way, I felt a little like I was at summer camp, as there are no locks on the cabin doors and no TV’s–it’s really a place to unwind, decompress, and connect with the natural […]

The post Big Sur Travel Guide: Eat + Stay + Do appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Our California Coast Roadtrip + Travel Tips!

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:33:32 +0000

If we’re acquainted in Instaland, you’re probably already aware that Ken and I road tripped down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Big Sur for a little summer getaway last week. The plan was to get lost amongst the redwoods, eat our weight in avocados (anyone know where Jason Mraz’s farm is exactly? I couldn’t find it.) and, oh yeah, turn 30!!! Straight off the jetway in San Francisco, we picked up our rental car, a convertible to be exact, slapped on our sunnies, and hopped on Highway 1 southbound. There was no set schedule; we just needed to make it to Big Sur by sundown, so anywhere that beckoned, we pulled over to check it out. In addition to stopping off a ridiculous amount of times just to take in the views, we also hopped out at Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz to explore. Santa Cruz boardwalk was a totally different vibe than the rest of the coast, I felt. The boardwalk basically consists of a big sandy beach and an amusement park. Let me tell you this place is happening and dare I say, a little too happening? a.k.a. crowded. Nonetheless, it was fun to check out. We grabbed ourselves chocolate […]

The post Our California Coast Roadtrip + Travel Tips! appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Big Sur Style

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 01:11:18 +0000

Somehow the first half of June has snuck by us, and Ken and I are already hopping a plane to Big Sur on Saturday. Whoa. #wherehasjunegone !? I’m feeling a little unprepared so I’ve been doing a bunch of research on what to pack. Something I’ve come to realize about myself is that just about the only time I typically buy new pieces (wardrobe-wise) is when I’m preparing for a trip. Is that strange? Anyone else? I’m much more focused on the style of my home than my personal style (But that’s a story for another time!) During our time in Big Sur we plan to totally unplug (no cell service!) and hike up a storm in the Redwoods/along the coast, so I’ll be packing casual, comfy (but still put together!) pieces that can go from cool mornings, to warm hike-filled afternoons, to happy hour overlooking the sea. These are a few pieces I’ve got my eye on for the trip! Jacket | Sunnies | White Top | Backpack | Scarf | Shorts | Dress | Camera

The post Big Sur Style appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Summer Road Trip: The Pacific Coast Highway

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:04:41 +0000

Happy Friday! I have been dreaming about a Pacific Coast roadtrip for about a year now. Remember this post? And with my 30th birthday in sight, Ken and I decided to actually make it a happen. (YAHOO!!!) We’ve booked flights out to San Francisco (one of our fave cities ever!) for the end of June with the plan of renting a car and driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur. Does anyone have a favorite lookout point, town or beach along the Pacific Coast Highway? We’ll also spend a few days in San Francisco, so if you have a favorite restaurant or shop out that way, puh-leeze share. We’d LOVE recommendations! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

The post Summer Road Trip: The Pacific Coast Highway appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Escape to Moose Mountain

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:14:14 +0000

Every year we pick a winter weekend to hit the slopes with friends in Lutsen, MN. Caribou Highlands Resort has awesome ski-in/ski-out townhomes (with wood-burning fireplaces!) on the mountain that serve as our home base for the weekend. This year, we snow-suited up for two full days of skiing on Lutsen’s 90+ alpine runs, followed by necessary après-ski cocktails, and hot tub lounging of course. A cozy up-north getaway that satisfied both our need for adventure and relaxation!

The post Escape to Moose Mountain appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Anna Maria Island

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:13:00 +0000

Rolling turquoise surf. Sailboats adrift on the Gulf. Ultra fine flour-like sand underfoot. Beach umbrellas in every color of the spectrum. These are the elements that make up the view on Anna Maria Island. And here are some shots of those elements at work captured during our time there. My blood pressure drops a few points just thinking about it!

The post Anna Maria Island appeared first on Francois et Moi.

With Love from Tampa

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:48:26 +0000

Over New Years Ken and I traded in our Minnesota long underwears for a little Floridian sun down in Tampa. Why, you might ask? Well you see, my older and only sister, Sarah, recently relocated there for a post doc position at The University of South Florida, so naturally we couldn’t wait to visit! We began the trip on Anna Maria Island, a small island just southwest of Tampa, that offers up a rare view into “old Florida.” No high rise chains here, just mom and pop establishments with quaint pastel painted facades. We spent our time combing the beach for seashells, indulging in the catch-of-the-day, reminiscing about our childhood and sharing goals for the future (cheesy, but true). I had my big daddy camera with me as we explored the island, so check back tomorrow for more on our island discovery. Then we headed back to Tampa to explore the Bay Area (in lazy, vacationer fashion of course). Sarah showed us around her neighborhood, Hyde Park, and brought us to her favorite local restaurants. We slept late, ate brunch at noon, moseyed the neighborhood ogling the storied historic homes, and browsed thrift shops for treasures. The blue and white […]

The post With Love from Tampa appeared first on Francois et Moi.

Travel Files: Salt House Inn

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 13:41:01 +0000

Whenever I think of ‘getting away’ my mind subconsciously leaps across the globe to foreign far away places . And while I’d love to get to every continent at least once, I sometimes forget how many fantastic vacation destinations and diverse cultural experiences there are to be had right here in the good ol’ U. S. of A. I came across the Salt House Inn in my most recent Travel and Leisure Mag, and was super inspired by their clean, coastal aesthetic, and the curiosity clusters carefully curated (say that 5 times fast!) above each guest bed. Love. Located on the northern most tip of Cape Cod, Salt House Inn is perfectly positioned for exploring Provincetown, Massachusettes’ famous beaches, galleries and local seafood. As P-town’s first boutique inn, SHI redefines the traditional (and sometimes stuffy and old-fashioned) B&B, offering New England Charm in a refreshing, new way. Salt House Inn. 6 Conwell Street, Provincetown, MA Photos via Salt House Inn.

The post Travel Files: Salt House Inn appeared first on Francois et Moi.

European Travel on a Budget

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 12:47:01 +0000

My brother-in-law, Josh, is preparing for a study abroad semester in Italy, and he asked if I’d share some insight into traveling Europe on a limited budget. Whether you’re studying abroad like Josh, or simply working with a tight budget, there are tons of ways to see Europe while making the most of your greenbacks! Low Season Travel. If possible try to plan your trip during your destination’s low season as not only will your lodging be more affordable, but you’ll bypass the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience. Europe’s low season is usually October-March, but there are a few exceptions, so do some research. Free with student ID! If you’re studying abroad or taking a trip abroad while in college, don’t forget your college ID. Most State Museums are free to students in Paris & London, and I bet they’re free in other cities as well. Many national landmarks are free for everyone (for example the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Borghese Gardens, etc. in Rome are all free), so stick to the free landmarks, and you can get by pretty inexpensively exploring your chosen city, leaving your major costs to be lodging and transportation. Eat cheaply by buying food from street vendors (rather than eating at sit-down restaurants). Baguette […]

The post European Travel on a Budget appeared first on Francois et Moi.