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My Loganberry Clingy and I went to visit my best friend from High School who moved to Prescott from Vermont. Big move!! She loves it. It is a great town with lots of shops and a thriving heartbeat of classy big city culture alongside noisy cowboy and biker bars.
The first thing we did was go to the Grand Canyon. It was a quick 2-hour drive north through gorgeous Northern Arizona forests. Upon arrival at the Canyon, we were able to hop on a shuttle and get to the rim right away. Even though I’d seen photos all my life, I wasn’t prepared for the real thing – a fantastic sight!! It took our breath away.
Then we hopped on the shuttle again and toured around to the 9 different view spots around the south rim. Every stop had beauty galore. Along the way, a storm rolled into the canyon and we caught a glimpse of rain in the background. That was a big weather show compliments of mom nature.
Another spot was along a long curving walk out to the edge. Along the way, we found a wonderful deadwood tree that caught the interest of my Clingy. 
Then we saw some perfectly white rocks that made the most gorgeous backdrop to show off my beautifully aging Loganberry Clingy.
Here’s a shot of Clingy at one of the old telescopes available to tourists for getting a close up look at the canyon. It was pouring down rain at this stop. The canyon almost disappeared.
The next day, we drove to Sedona to gawk at the stunning red sandstone formations known as the Red Rocks of Sedona. This is a great shopping town. The exclusive Enchantment Resort carries 49 Square Miles bags. If you ever have a chance to visit, you can shop for 49 while you are there. We stopped for photos near some cool cactus plants and found a perfect spot for a Clingy shot.
Then just to be sure we had a great record of the Clingy in Sedona, we caught her in front of some red rocks.
On my last day, we visited Jerome. A long-ago copper mining town that was a virtual ghost town for many years until the 50 artistic people who lived there decided to build it back up. It is set on a steep mountain side and is full of great little shops and art galleries. The town dates back to 1899 and was once a notorious wild west town. Here is my pretty little clingy at the post office.
and another shot of an old building that had never been restored.
Thanks so much for sending in a post about your Clingy Adventure, Mary! We love the photos and it looked like you had a ton of fun!
I’m so lucky to live in a town where tons of new restaurants are constantly opening. It’s one of the best things about living in Chicago. I subscribe to a few local food blogs that help keep me in the loop. Often I’m driving and end up spotting a cool looking place and make a mental noet and then add it to my never ending list of restaurants to visit. This very thing happened recently when I was driving down Milwaukee Avenue and I noticed Antique Taco on the corner. When I was home I googled Antique Taco, read the reviews and knew Clingy and I needed to get there ASAP. I love eating out and Clingy does too!
Discovering a new restaurant is so fun. I’m a big fan of food, ambiance and the whole experience. Antique Taco is adorable and did not disappoint!! Clingy and I loved the vintage vibe—it made us feel right at home. The owners are husband and wife and we could tell they put their love of food and antiques into this new hot spot.
You walk up and order your meal and they quickly bring it right to your table. Clingy and I had fun watching all the tasty food being served.
The guacamole was so good and we loved that the chips were served in those cardboard berry baskets you see at the farmers market. Another fun touch were the old fashion paper straws. I ordered a cucumber agua fresca and it was the perfect drink on a hot summer day. I was tempted by the vodka agua fresca but, Clingy reminded me it was lunch so I ordered it sans vodka:).
Another really nice touch—cloth napkins. Great for a messy meal and better for the earth!
Antique Taco was loaded with fun surprises and we enjoyed every second of our lunch. Clingy and I grabbed a pack of gum from the big glass jar and were on our way. Antique Taco definitely goes on my “keeper list.”
Cynthia (Chicago)
Bang Bang Pie Shop opened last May. It has been on my “must go” list for months. Well, Clingy and I finally made it there this week. It’s located in the Logan Square neighborhood and is a husband and wife team who went from food truck to pie shop. It smells amazing and has a special charm that makes you feel like you are in your Grandmother’s kitchen. They sell homemade pies, biscuits, bacon and coffee. They even sell dough balls, allowing you to take and bake!
Peach and raspberry pie…Clingy could not resist the seasonal pie!
Candied bacon for a quick grab and go…my husband was all over this!
Coffee and Clingy…I can’t think of a better combination!
It’s pretty amazing to have a super cool place to go and eat a buttery, delicious buttermilk biscuit in the middle of the afternoon. Super soft inside and crunchy outside and totally buttery!!
Clingy was impressed with the butter/spread bar. So hard to pick just one topping!!
The inside was adorable and loaded with interesting people chatting over coffee and pie. So I grabbed Clingy and we headed outside. It was filled with tables, trees and a super cool fence made out of salvaged wood doors. What an great place to catch up with friends!
If you ever find youself in Logan Square and see the “OPEN” sign in front of Bang Bang Pie Shop be sure to stop. Go for the pie/biscuit and stay for the coffee!!
Clingy and I can’t wait to go back. It was bangin’ good:)
Cynthia (Chicago)
The month of August is often a very busy time for our family. We try to squeeze in so many activities before the kids go back to school. Yesterday we took Clingy to Navy Pier. Clingy enjoyed the rides, restaurants, exhibits, shopping, boat, theater and more. Navy Pier has it all—and is surrounded by beautiful Lake Michigan!!!
Every August the Tall Ship “WINDY” sails back into Navy Pier where visitors are able to ride/tour these historic sailboats. Clingy was impressed by this 148-foot, 4 mastered sailing ship.
Clingy even met a few “real pirates” of the Great Lakes. Every pirate needs a Clingy wallet on board to hold their stolen treasures!!
Clingy has become a big fan of the Chicago Theater scene. The Chicago Shakespear Theater is running “Beauty and the Beast” and it kept us on the edge of our seat the entire show. I think Clingy enjoyed it just as much as the kids!
The Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay arrived in Chicago on August 14th. They are here to kick off events commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The Royal Canadian Navy is arriving this week as well. They put on a pretty impressive rifle routine that we were lucky enough to enjoy.
Clingy was thrilled to meet a real US Coast Guard. We were all very impressed by her confidence and dedication. What a cool gal:).
As were were leaving the pier we enjoyed a little dixieland music which had everyones toes tapping! Navy Pier is an exciting place for both locals and tourist. Next time we go back Clingy insists were ride the 15-story tall Ferris wheel. Um…we’ll see about that.
Cynthia (Chicago)
Living near the Golden Gate Bridge is a privilege. I am very lucky to be near the water and the mountains. And I am lucky that when its 90-100° inland, its usually in the 60’s in my neighborhood. I like the cool weather…but tomatoes like the hot weather…
This year my husband and I planted tomatoes, herbs and lettuces. Its been our first semi-aggressive foray into growing food. Our house came with a mature lemon tree and we’ve never had to buy a lemon since we bought the place. But cold weather and (sorry!) roof rats, made growing tomatoes frustrating. We got smarter this year with plant placement and having 2 dogs (and peanut butter in the traps) has kept the critters at bay. The tomatoes still have a couple of weeks, but the luxury of stepping out my back door and picking a salad and some herby goodness for my cooking has been a joy. Do you have one of those friends who was pregnant and acted like she was the first person to EVER give birth? Well, that is me and my husband with our garden. Each time I come in with a bowl of greens and herbs I show it to him. We photograph the tender lettuces. Its disgusting! But I have not bought any lettuce or herbs since we did this!
All you need are some nice pots, a bag of organic potting mix and some starter lettuces and herbs:
Above is a pot of Basil, Mache (lamb’s lettuce) and baby arugola.
We picked this sunny corner, and the corrugated aluminum siding does a great job reflecting the heat!
Butter Crunch lettuce and Green Oak in terracotta!
Lemon Basil, Opal Basil, and Japanese Shiso.
Just don’t forget to water it a lot!
More pictures to come when the tomatoes are up. And in the words of Julia Child:
“Bon Appetit!”
Born and raised in Sonoma County (just north of San Francisco), Hallie has recently relocated to Washington, DC for a journalism fellowship (read: dream job). There’s no telling where you’ll find her on a day off - she’s equally at home meeting friends for brunch, curling up with a good book (or movie), or playing tourist in our nation’s beautiful capital. She’s ecstatic to have fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving tot he east coast and is looking forward to exploring the city, taking weekend trips, and having a legitimate excuse to invest in fall fashions. Where will the year take her? Nobody knows. But one thing’s for sure: Clingy will be along for the ride.
This weekend my kids were in Wisconsin visiting my sister. It’s very rare that my husband and I are sans kids for more than 24 hours so we decided to take advantage of our freedom and hit the city. We spent a few hours in Wicker Park a neighborhood of Chicago. I lived in Wicker Park years ago so it’s always fun to visit my favorites and even try a few new hot spots. WP is loaded with awesome restaurants and funky shops.
We began our day by showing Clingy the “6 corners” intersection where Damen, North Ave and Milwaukee all meet. If you head south it’s Wicker Park and north it’s Bucktown. Our home is exactly 8 miles west of this intersection so when Clingy and I want to visit this vibrant, hip scene we just have a short ride.
Clingy insisted we stop at the Glazed & Infused new walk up window and grab a doughnut. This new shop had the brilliant idea to open a window under the Blue Line “L” stop. Perfect for all the communters riding the train into the Loop.
Graffiti, graffiti, and more graffiti! It is all over Wicker Park and Clingy thought it was super cool.
BIGSTAR is a great place to stop and enjoy salsa, chips, tacos and a margarita. Clingy agreed it’s the perfect place to hang out and people watch on a gorgeous day. The outdoor dining should not be missed!
If you ever visit Chicago make sure to check out Wicker Park. It’s such a cool neighborhood with tons of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Cynthia (Chicago)
Clingy was shocked when we entered the front door and saw all the water pipes. The Water Works Pumping Station was built in 1869, and is one of the few structures that remained in tact after the Chicago fire in 1871 and is now a live theater space for well known Lookingglass.
Clingy was excited to learn one of the co-founders of this intimate and casual theater is famous. Recognize anyone?
It’s David Schwimmer (aka Ross from Friends). Schwimmer acts and directs many of the Lookingglass productions. He will be back in Chicago next season to direct the world premiere of Big Lake Big City. I’ll be sure to bring Clingy with me to see that show!
The current production is Eastland. It is based on a true and tragic story from Chicago history. It was a top-notch production and I love to support local theater. Clingy can’t wait to go back!
Cynthia (Chicago)