Las Vegas, fake it till you make it!
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Las Vegas...the place where you can get rid of your money ;-).

The Las Vegas Strip : It is the brightest place on Earth when looked at from outer space. Known officially as Las Vegas Boulevard, the Strip is the most recognizable street in Las Vegas. It is home to the most famous hotels and casinos in the city. It is one of the most photographed and visited avenues in the world. You can visit Venice, New York, Paris and Egypt in nearly one hour. If you are high sensitive...avoid all of this ;-).

The Venetian Las Vegas: Experience the Italian vibe by surrounding yourself with stunning frescos and sculptures, authentic gondolas and casinos in the Venetian. Have a delicious pasta at Mercato della Pecheria on the St. Mark's Square under the Italian sky...

The Sphere: Worth a visit is the imposant building the Sphere. The venue, which seats 17,600 people and has total capacity of 20,000, is being marketed for its immersive video and audio capabilities. It include a 16K resolution wraparound interior LED screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. Feel the breeze on your skin, smell the fragrance of nature and scream like hell if.... Oh no we don't spoil this detail: So experience it yourself ;-)!

The fountains of Bellagio: It's a free attraction at the Bellagio resort, located on the Las Vegas Strip. The Bellagio Fountains are actually choreographed and designed by Wet Design, a water features design firm that's also responsible for the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest performing fountain. Stay front row and enjoy!

The big bang theory: At the Candy Martini Bar they offer a various of cocktails that are as visually stunning with dry ice and candy garnishes. The 'big bang theory' is the one DDTS experienced. Please, don't tell your dentist ;-). Next to the bar is the I love Sugar store where you can buy the most giant gummy bears we've ever seen. In Las Vegas everything is possible!

 

Chicago, blow your mind in the windy city!
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Chicago is blowing you away with this great interactive experience!

The WNDR: The WNDR is an interactive art museum. It's a multi-sensory interactive art and technology experience that is designed to ignite the curiosity within each of us. DDTS was really excited to experience all of this. So grab your curiosity and go go go!

You are an artist: We are all artists. And as artist, you as a visitor are more than a passive onlooker. Just follow your inner artist like DDTS did ;-)!

More than ones: No two visits to WNDR Museum are the same. WNDR Museum will consistently curate its experience by leaning in to cutting edge technologies to welcome new installations year-round. So every visit will make you happy, no matter how often you go!

Cape Town; hop on, hop off: the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
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Capetown; what a combination: traveling by bus and tram, drinking wine, exploring a lot of vineyards!

The Franschhoek Wine Tram: The Franschhoek Wine Tram is an fantastic option to explore a lot of vineyards. This Wine Tram is a combination of a bus and tram ride that allows you to hop on and off at the vineyards on your chosen line. Grab a seat on the top deck of the double-decker tram for double the viewing potential! All you have to do is pick your preferred wine route, sit back and enjoy sweeping vineyard and mountain views!

A colorful world: There are eight lines in total – Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Red, Grey, Pink, and Yellow – each of which visits between seven and nine wine estates and showcases a different part of the Franschhoek Valley. Choose your battles ;-)!

What DDTS choose: We did the red and grey line and visited the following wine estates by bus and tram:

Bubble tasting at Haute Cabriere: Haute Cabriere is a beautiful wine estate where we had a bubbling experience ;-). The cellar is amazingly beautiful and worth a visit. Don't forget to buy some bubbly stuff.

Another bubble tasting at Le Lude: You can never have enough bubbles in your life! So take a stop at Le Lude. The view is fantastic and the interior is absolutely French. Feel 'Emily in Paris' in Franschhoek.

Lunch at Grande Provence: If you are in for a nice lunch with a spectaculair view...then visit Grande Provence. This wine estate is well known. Here, the estate encapsulates the essence of heritage, seamlessly blending the charm of Cape Dutch architecture with the precision and clarity of contemporary design. That sounds like a perfect blend!

A glass of wine at Franschhoek Cellar: Jump of the tram at Franschhoek Cellar for a zip before you continue your road trip. On their website are these magical words what subscribe the essence of this house: To share the gift of Joie de vivre - a moment of exuberant enjoyment, with the world.

CHEERS!

 

Salt Lake City, an explosion of nature and religion!
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Salt Lake City, a city with an interesting background and a gorgeous backyard!

The mormons: The city was founded in 1847 by a group of Mormon pioneers led by the prophet Brigham Young, who fled hostility from the midwest. Salt Lake City is now the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you visit the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City you can learn a lot about it.

The backyard: Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city of Utah. Salt Lake City is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including its backyard. Just a short distance from the city, you can find a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. No need to travel hours and hours before finding some beautiful views, mountains and lakes! So Bryce Canyon can be denied this time ;-).

A nice suggestion from DDTS: If you'r not in for a long day in the car, go to the mountains close by. DDTS rented a SUV and drove through Brighton and Solitude. In wintertime Brighton and Solitude are perfect for skiing. In summer it is deserted so better to go to the hip town of Park City immediately.

Park City: For many years, Park City has attracted a glamorous crowd, drawn here by terrific skiing, the Sundance Film Festival, and the mountain views. It is a must-visit destination. Historic Main Street has been Park City’s prime shopping district since the 1800s when merchants began catering to the town’s founding miners. The area hosts more than 70 stores, ranging from souvenir shops to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Park City is also known because of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Breath in the wonderful mountain air while you are having a drink at on outdoor terrace and watch the rich and famous!

Jordanelle State Park: Jordanelle State Park is a water recreation mecca. You have to pay to enter this Park. It offers fishing, boating & water-skiing on Jordanelle Reservoir, along with hiking trails & campgrounds. It is nice for an in between pit stop.

Midway: Midway is known as “Little Switzerland”. Both for its dramatic mountain location along the Wasatch Back mountain range and for its Germanic heritage. Whether you’re a local or visiting from another town, Midway makes the perfect getaway for those wishing to breathe the crisp alpine air and enjoy scenic tranquility. Don't be surprised if you hear a typical Swiss melody out of the Tower Clock every hour. Jodelahietieeeeeeeeee...;-)! And visit sweet Cactus & Pine Boutique.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: If you are back in Salt Lake City after your short road trip, you have to visit the fantastic Mormon Tabernacle Choir. All 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and all 110 members of the Orchestra at Temple Square are unpaid volunteers who practice and perform weekly. Choir members rehearse Thursday nights for two hours and Sunday mornings for more than three hours. You can visit for free and there is no formal dress code. It is a must see!

 

Minneapolis, a city with a tradition.
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Minneapolis, the famous Minnesota State Fair and some in between tips and tops!

Explore by water: lf it's hot and you want to cool down, take a boat trip on the river. The MPLS watertaxi will cruise along the Mississippi river with captain Cory. The company is offering mostly one-hour pleasure cruises in which passengers are allowed to bring their own drinks and snacks onboard. If you are in a hurry...don't take a ride ;-). But hey...we're on the Mississippi! So slow down and enjoy. DDTS immediately took over the pace.

Searching for little shops and a nice restaurant: Minneapolis is a city whithout a real center. Everything is far apart. But DDTS found a nice little shop and restaurant.  Vivir. Packed with freshly made Mexican small plates, house-baked pastries, breads and grab-and-go deli items. And a little shop to buy something with a Mexican touch. If you prefer Asian cuisine you can have a look at Gai Noi. It is near Loring Park.

A tradition: Every summer, nearly 2 million people visit the Minnesota State Fair. Twelve days of fun ending at Labor Day. The Minnesota State Fair is the state fair of the U.S. state of Minnesota. Also known by its slogan, "The Great Minnesota Get-Together". It is one of the largest state fairs in the United States by average. Since the first official fair in 1859, Minnesotans and other Midwesterners visit the Minnesota State Fairgrounds each year to celebrate the history of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. And DDTS from Europe visited this great event as well!

What to do at the Minnesota State Fair: One of the main attractions is FOOD;-)! Try the famous Fried Pickles, Sweet Martha's cookies or the delicious Mouth Trap Cheese Curds. There is beer, wine tasting, fairground attractions, cows, sheep and horses. But you can also jump on the Sky Ride! And if you are lucky...you will see fantastic performances on stage. DDTS saw the Bacon Brothers. How lucky you can be! One of the sheeps get really excited about Kevin Bacon and had to cool down under the water spray installation ;-)!

The famous cow: The parade with cheerleaders and young musicians drop by if you're lucky. It starts with a huge big fake cow on a car. And it ends with that same fake cow;-). That's the sign the parade is over and you can jump into the fantastic craziness of the famous fair again.

Foodnote: Mind your stomach. The food is delicious but full of carbs!

New York, ground zero, free kayaking and a luxury bathroom.
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New York...all emotions are passing by!

The 9/11 museum: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a memorial and museum in New York City. It is commemorating the September 11 attacks of 2001, which killed 2,977 people. Make a reservation in advance to be sure you can visit the Museum. Be aware that this visit will be very emotional!

Ground Zero: The World Trade Center site, often referred to as "Ground Zero" or "the Pile" immediately after the September 11 attacks, is a 14.6-acre area in Lower Manhattan in New York City. The site where the Twin Towers stood until two planes crashed into them on Sept. 11, 2001, sending them tumbling to the ground, looks quite different from how it did two decades ago. It provides history, education, and a quiet place of reflection. There is no cost to visit Ground Zero.

A stunning subway experience: Showing the true spirit of New York is the new and improved transportation hub in the lower Manhattan. Built on the site of the fallen World Trade Centre: The Oculus NYC Transportation Hub.

Free kayaking and wine and dine at the Hudson: One of the most happening of piers along the river is Pier 26 at Hudson River Park. The pier offers visitors a City Vineyard restaurant, lounge areas, a Tide Deck, sports field, free kayaking, and some of the best views of the NYC skyline. So take your paddle!

High society public bathroom for free in Bryant Park: The 310 square foot luxury bathroom is worth a visit! It is plated in Spanish and Italian tiles and houses fresh flowers. Lets you listen to classical music and gaze at museum-worthy artwork while you do your business. It also has attendants stationed in the facility, who will be cleaning it each day. Even the toilets are fancy. Each is installed with electronic seat covers that change with every flush. Enjoy ;-).

Chicago, a city that blows your mind!
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Chicago...it will blow your hair and mind! The windy city explored by boat or high in the sky!

Chicago's love boat: This is a must do! Shoreline Sightseeing's award-winning Architecture Tours are led by knowledgeable, entertaining guides. And that are the ones you have to jump on. This tour showcase the city's rich architectural heritage and see the Chicago skyline in her fullest. DDTS did this tour during sunset...we highly recommend this time of the day for this lovely boat tour.

Having fun: Sipping a glass of wine and meanwhile enjoying all the incredible imposant buildings who are passing by... There is no better way! You can buy drinks at the bar on the boat.

A shot of culture: You can hardly miss the entertaining guide who is giving you a shot of culture during the boat trip. Nice to know information will blow into your mind.

Up and coming: Fulton Market is an up and coming district. The former warehouse district of Fulton Market is now a hip corporate and entertainment area known for creative global and modern American restaurants around West Fulton Market Street.

High in the sky: Found on top of the modern and urban Hoxton in the Fulton Market District, Cabra is a spirited rooftop dining and drinking destination inspired by the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Colorful and lively in setting, the rooftop holds a bright and airy year-round interior restaurant, complemented with an outdoor patio, perfect for the warmer days. Inside and out, you are surrounded with amazing panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. And try the Peruvian Avocado Dip!

Cape Town, a special hidden gem, art & grain, esma’s, athletic moves and plants!
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Cape town has so much to offer. Travel with us to all this fantastic places and experiences!

Cape Town's hidden gem: Tinswalo Atlantic, Cape Town's hidden gem is located at the foothill of the majestic Chapman's Peak. It's offering fantastic panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The place is magic! The food is excellent! The wine is delicious! And do you not want to go home? No worries. You can sleep in one of the luxury cottages at Tinswalo Atlantic. Liam Tomlin and chef Braam Beyers are the brains behind this concept.

Having a delicious Esma in an old grain silo: Have you ever had an Esma in an old grain silo? I bet not. At the Silo Rooftop Bar it will become true.

A shot of art: In the same building where you had your delicious Esma, is the Zeitz MOCCAA. It's a museum of contemporary art of African artists. Beside that it's an interesting kind of architecture. It gives visitors an insight into the industrial past of the Grain Silo Building.

Dancing all night long: The Athletic Club & Social is a must do when you want to stretch your legs and DANCE, DANCE, DANCE! This classy venue is set over three floors. Choose your floor based on the music they are playing. DDTS danced all night long and recommend this place highly ;-)!

Lunch with the locals: If you want a relaxed vintage atmosphere for having your lunch like the locals, go to Our Local. This quirky place is full of plants, vintage furniture and a fountain. Big yellow doors open off Kloof Street into a light, airy space. Trees and plants in pots, clusters of collectibles and old books on shelves. Plants as dividers on the long central table, and price tags on some of the furniture result in a constantly changing décor. And most of the stuff is for sale. How sounds that?!

San Francisco and Petaluma
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Petaluma has it all: Airstreams, a French hotel, palmtrees, shops, architecture and chickens...but where are the chickens?

Where are we talking about: The little town Petaluma. Petaluma's well-preserved city center is filled with an engaging mix of boutiques, antiques shops, and specialty stores, many in historic buildings. It's a 45 minute drive from San Francisco by car.

French style sleeping: DDTS spend the night at the Metro Hotel & Cafe. Not in the hotel itself, but in one of the three Airstreams they are offering as well. Our Airstream had a jeu de boules field in front. One of the owners is from Paris...so you will see and feel the French vibe everywhere. The small eclectic self-serve style Boutique Hotel 'Metro Hotel & Cafe' with French charm is in a 140 year-old building restored in 2010. Located near historic downtown Petaluma. They offer bikes with (a French) basket for rent. And that basket you need when wandering around downtown Petaluma...we already warned you ;-)!

A must: The Metro Hotel & Cafe offers you fresh made crepes for breakfast. Don't miss it! You can make your own cup of filter coffee. Decorate your fresh crepes with Nutella, whipped cream or healthy strawberries, mango and banana. Bon appétit!

Where to bike: Petaluma offers all levels of cycling routes, whether it's just running errands around town, enjoying an easy recreational cycle on a dedicated trail, or more challenging hillside treks. The DDTS-team decided to use the bikes to wander around downtown.

Pitstop: Visit Wild Goat Bistro for a nice break during the day. They have delicious food and nice wine. Try the polenta fries...they are really worth the kilo's ;-)!

Little tiny beautiful shops: Explore the walkable shopping area where the architectural gems of the 1800s house many one-of-a-kind specialty stores including retro to fashion forward clothing and fabulous finds for your home and garden. And don't blame DDTS on this, but you won't leave empty handed (Our wooden bike baskets were packed with a lot of shopping bags ;-).

Something with chickens. A little history: By 1918, Petaluma was considered a world leader in the chicken and egg industry. A Chamber of Commerce campaign gave the city the title, “Egg Basket of the World,” and started the Egg Days Parade to celebrate the burgeoning industry. But nowadays it's not that industry anymore. In fact: DDTS saw none single chicken on their way downtown Petaluma!

Small detail: Petaluma played a roll in the famous movie Basic Instinct! The modest little home at 26 Liberty Street has been used in the movie. So that little town in California is not only famous for their chickens ;-)!

Watch our Tiktok video of San Francisco!

New York in Wonderland!
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New York...feeling like Alice in the big Apple!

The place to be: Wonderland Dreams, located at 529 Fifth Avenue, just steps from Bryant Park.

GOOD TO KNOW: Wonderland Dreams New York will be open through April 2023. But maybe it inspires you anyway to take a look at this post even if the exhibition is no longer available in NYC.

What to do: Wonderland Dreams brings the story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to life through 26,000 square feet of mind-bending, immersive art installations in artist Alexa Meade's signature style. So wonder around, fall down the rabbit hole and feel free to be a kid! The living gallery catapulting you into a whimsical scene that blurs the lines between our perspective of art and reality.

Time frame: Buy a ticket in advance on the website of Wonderland Dreamland.

Gadget: You can grab a 3-D pair of glasses for free at one of the experiences, make selfies on every corner of the exhibition, jump into a nice painted jacket or kiss a giant mushroom if you feel the need for that ;-).

 

Austin…I love you so much.
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Austin, a city full of history, music and retro!

Where: Austin, the capital city of the United States of Texas.

Historical place: One of the most iconic buildings in the state, and a crown jewel in every Texans’ heart, is the Texas State Capital. Visit the upper house of the state government and discover the Senate chamber. Basically the capitol building is almost 15 feet taller than the nation's Capitol in Washington D.C.

Vintage hotspots: Pavement, the expansive modern and recycled clothing retailer and the upcoming true vintage store Leopard Lounge have a collaboration called Guad Vintage Market. Located right outside the two shops at the corner of Guadalupe and 30th Streets. Open every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. DDTS found some great pieces. So where are you waiting for?!

Music everywhere: Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. It became official in 1991. It was discovered that Austin had more live music venues per capital than anywhere else in the nation. Buy a nice guitar and a booklet of Dolly Parton and dive into the great music vibe Austin has to offer;-).

Cowboy's: Allens Boots and Tecovas on Congress Avenue are THE shops. You can choose between hundreds of cowboy boots in all colors and designs. Experience rows of cowboy boots on shelves in Allen's Boots or wander around in the beautifully styled store of Tecovas. Undoubtedly you won't have trouble finding a cowboy hat as well ;-). So go the Texan way...all the way!

Aba: After shopping on Congress Avenue you can take a seat at Aba. Aba, means father in Hebrew. The style of cooking is influenced from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. Enjoy lunch, dinner or weekend brunch on their outdoor patio or indoor dining room. (And put on your new shopped cowboy boots)!

Retro: The best way to see the skyline of Austin is to go by boat. Meanwhile you can enjoy music from the retro radio. It's a unique experience to cruise through downtown Austin on Lady Bird Lake in vintage fiberglass boats. These boats have been restored to their original jet-age beauty, with mid-century retro colors, fins and chrome details. DDTS had the pleasure to cruise with the lady in red! We rented red Alice at Retro Boat Rental.

Instagram spot: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Thanks to Instagram, this is now officially the most famous street corner in Austin. Located on buzzing South Congress Avenue, on one side of the popular Jo's Coffee. It's a green painted wall bearing a simple message in elegant red text: "I love you so much". You don't need tickets, but you will almost certainly need to wait your turn in line for a few minutes to have a photograph taken.

Watch our Tiktok video of Austin!

Houston and the islands!
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Houston, it's all about the islands ;-)!

Houston differently: Do you want to escape the city? The beach will be a good option. Before you are heading to the coast of Galveston Island, we advise you to drive to San Leon in Galveston County.

Hotspot: Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House is worth the drive from Houston. It is a chef-driven, waterfront seafood and oyster bar located directly on Galveston Bay in San Leon. San Leon is something of a well-kept secret to most Houstonians. Tucked away just north of Galveston island and out of sight of the surrounding bustling metropolis and small industrial towns. And do you have a boat? No problem, you can park your yacht in front of the restaurant...how posh sounds that ;-)!

Luxury living in a bungalow: The owners of Pier 6 have a couple of beautifully designed waterfront condos with gorgeous bay views and private fishing piers next to their restaurant. Guests of the eatery can spend an entire weekend in San Leon. Relaxing, fishing, dining and watching the sunset over your own private slice of Galveston Bay. How does that sound?! Your own private 'island'.

Entertainment: Galveston is an island city, with plenty of access to sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico! You will find plenty to enjoy at the Pleasure Pier. Explore the promenade, buy souvenirs, and be within easy reach of tourist attractions and amusement rides. But wear a hat because it can be bloody hot near the beaches.

Tiki Islands: You really need to visit Tiki Islands on your way to Galveston Island. On their website they describe Tiki Islands as a place to enjoy life to the fullest. The lifestyle on Tiki is one of relaxation with family, friends, and neighbors. One happy (expensive) place. Each house has their own private jetty!

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