Hometown Hearts: Wrexham, North Wales

Hi, I'm Polly and I blog over at Pixie Mama. I live in Wrexham, North Wales. I moved here almost 7 years ago with my husband and daughter. We came for my husband to study and have ended up staying on. Now we have 3  daughters, a bunch of good friends and a love for the Welsh countryside. Here are 5 of my favourite things about living here:

 1. St Giles Church. We live right next door to this church (literally - our house adjoins the parish offices!) St Giles Church was built around 500 years ago and is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. It is also the resting place of Elihu Yale, the founder of Yale College, USA.

 2. Bellevue Park - a beautiful open space, a five minute walk from our house. There are two play parks and lots of grass to picnic on. We spend loads of time here when the weather is nice.
 

 3. Erddig River. Another favourite spot to spend a sunny day. We take a picnic, and fishing nets and spend the day paddling in the river and lazing in the grass.

  4. Wrexham Museum. My girls are fascinated by history, so the museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon (and even better now they've just added a cafe on!) They have the remains of the 'Brymbo Man' there - the skeleton of a 3500 year old man who lived locally.

5. Castell Dinas Brân. It is a medieval castle standing high on a hill. It is also the site of a iron age fort from around 600BC. We love to climb up here and look over all the valley below us - though it gets incredibly windy at the top! My husband camped up there one night with his brother - and we're pretty certain they saw some ghosts!

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Thank you Polly for sharing why you love Wrexham!

If you would like to contribute to Hometown Hearts by writing a guest post about the city or town you love, please email us!

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Hometown Hearts: Indianapolis, IN

 

My name is Sally Marshall. Currently I live in Chicago and I love it here. The cool breeze off of Lake Michigan in April revitalizes the senses. However, I’m a born and bred Hoosier. I grew up in Indianapolis, and it is Indy that I still call my home. I moved to Chi-town a few years ago to teach at an elementary school, but I venture back to the ol’ stompin’ grounds at least once a month to see family and friends. Strap in with me and I’ll show you my side of Indy; a city full of life, love, music and best of all FOOD!

Growing up in the mid-nineties I was a complete punk rocker. At that time Indianapolis was actually one of those cities people would flock to in order to see good punk shows. Places like The Patio, Melody Inn and my favorite, the historic Vollrath Tavern, had great punk shows at least once a month. The Vollrath Tavern has that amazing feel of a bar that has been through the ringer. The copper adorned bar-top takes you back to the days of Indiana infamy. Opening it’s doors in 1926, the Vollrath was once a common hangout to gangsters such as John Dillinger.

My friends often make fun of me, but I love going to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, regardless of it’s “tourist attractions” feel or not. This museum boasts 472,900 square feet and is the largest children’s museum in the world. I just love to roam from exhibit to exhibit and take in the knowledge. No matter how often I return I always feel as though I’ve learned something new and I always have a great time.

Those who know me well know that I love three things: Travel, Music and FOOD. In my early twenties I didn’t think much of the food choices in Indianapolis, but each time I return I am introduced to new eateries, some just new to me and some that are actually new. A couple of my favorites are Boogie Burger and Cooper’s Hawk.

Boogie Burger is an Indianapolis original. Located just off the main drag in the Broad Ripple area, Boogie Burger is THE place to spend a warm summer evening relaxing with friends and chowing down on truly unparalleled burgers. With original creations like the Triple Boogie and their most popular burger the Wild Wild West (which includes cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, onion rings & bbq sauce), Boogie is one of those diamonds among other diamonds. If you plan on sitting down and eating however make sure you get there early as there is limited seating. During the warmer months Boogie opens up patio seating which is a great way to spend a dinner hour.

 

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is not an Indy original, but that does not make it any less unique. I spent a good part of my New Year’s Eve at Cooper’s Hawk this year. The service is unmatched. I was blown away at the response of the hosting team as we walked in the door. Doubling as wine tasting directors, the hosting team immediately welcomes you with a complimentary tasting of the featured wine. On this particular night we were sampling their Almond Sparkling Wine, but it did not end there. Each patron is invited to 2 more complimentary tastings of any of their nearly 100 different wines which are all bottled on site. Add to this the single best Filet Mignon I’ve ever had and I was sold. For the average eater this is not a place you would frequent every week as the prices were a bit more than your average Applebee’s bill, but for celebrations and other special occasions it is my choice of Indy.

Hometown Hearts: Washington, DC

Good morning, Internet! My name is Patchie, and I am a 24 year old who lives in the Washington, DC area. Besides three years in North Carolina to earn my degree in Stage Management and Directing, I have lived here my entire life. For the last two years I have worked with a sword fighting duo at the Maryland Renaissance Festival (only 45 minutes from DC!), and I hit as many faires and festivals as I can in between. I love the accessibility of not only DC but the cities surrounding it and how no matter what, you can always find an event going on. Here are 5 places worth noting!

The Tidal Basin
Everyone should walk The Tidal Basin once in their life. Along the path you’ll find The Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the George Mason Memorial along with excellent views of all the above mentioned and the Washington Monument. Because FDR and George Mason are only accessible by foot they can be found completely empty of tourists quite often.  This is also the prime location for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually falls in the first two weeks of April.

Fado
This Irish Pub has a few locations in Maryland, but the DC one is located near the Verizon Center. Stop in for a Guinness and some amazing food (I recommend the fish & chips!), and if you’re lucky and plan ahead, you’ll catch one of the many great local bands they bring in.

The National Zoo
While this is a must see, I have a few bits of advice: don’t go on a super hot day (the animals will be really inactive and you’ll be miserable), if you get there via Metro hit Starbucks first for a drink (sadly the zoo is more expensive) and keep in mind that from that angle, the entire zoo is downhill. Which means you’ll have to walk uphill to exit. That being said, the zoo is free and has a wide variety of animals – see our famous pandas (every sign points you in the right direction), check out the houses where the birds can roam free, and don’t miss our seven new lion cubs!

Old Town Alexandria
While not technically in DC (it’s actually in Virginia), Old Town can be reached from DC by Metro (in fact, everything I’ve included can be). Walk King Street, visit the local shops and the Gap Outlet, and eat wherever looks interesting – I have literally never had a bad meal there, and I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten the same place twice. If you hit it on a weekend, visit the Torpedo Factory and watch all the street performers surrounding it. I’ve seen rescue parrot displays where you can actually hold them, magic shows for kids, and sometimes I’ve run into a Renaissance Festival performer or two!

Papa Razzi
Georgetown is gorgeous and while the hardest to get to of anything I listed, worth it. Make sure you explore alleys and little side streets, they lead the greatest treasures. Slightly off the beaten path we found this gem of an Italian restaurant. Not terribly priced and super generous portions, it is my favorite restaurant I’ve been to over there.

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Thank you so much Patchie for showing us what you love about DC!

If you would like to share your hometown with the world, please email us:

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Hometown Hearts: Chicago, IL

 Hello! My name is Hails and I've been living in Chicago for just shy of 6 years. I grew up in the 'burbs but my family has lived in and outside the city since they came over from Europe generations ago. I'm about to turn 26 (eek!) and work for a website because I'm obsessed with all things internet. I have a blog (retrotrash.blogspot.com), a tumblr (retrotrash.tumblr.com) and a twitter (twitter.com/retrotrash), obviously. 
I live in Logan Square with my boyfriend, a male roommate and my diabetic cat. It's a gentrifying neighborhood on the northwest side of the city with the largest and fastest growing collection of hipsters. Chicago is known for being cold and windy but no matter the weather, we always find time to get out and have fun. I still have yet to see so many sides of this city, but here are the places that I like the most and that get most of my hard-earned money.

 Alice's Lounge 

This bar is the BEST place to do karaoke in the entire city. The KJ (that's Karaoke Jockey), Fred, is fair, has a huge song selection, and has a bag full of props at his disposal. He also does some pretty good harmony and backup. There are usually free snacks, drink specials, and did I mention the smoke machine and laser lights? Karaoke is 4 nights a week and I'm usually there for at least one.

Kokorokoko

 This vintage store specializes in 80's/90's/00's fashion and unlike your run of the mill thrift store, they pick and choose only the best and will even fix a garment or accessory if it's broken before selling it. The owners are super friendly and will remember what you like and what to recommend the next time you stop by. I got an amazing vintage Swatch watch and Prada shoes so far, but my collection grows almost weekly. And they always remember my Patrick Nagel obsession.

Rudy's Roundup

 This tiny little store of awesome is a variety shop in every sense of the word. From paper goods, to perfumes, to clothing, to every little knick knack you can think of. They offer many vintage items as well as items from local Etsy sellers. I've found some amazing stationary here as well as all sorts of other things I had no idea I needed. They run their own etsy as well but the store if a real treat if you are in the area.

Small Bar Logan

 This is the closest bar to us that also sells food and we're lucky that it's also really sweet. They have a huge tap list consisting of almost exclusively micro brews, with a few imports thrown in. The kitchen is tiny (hello, it's a "Small Bar") but they consistently pump out tasty bar grub. The boyfriend and I have become regulars and are on a first name basis with at least one bartender so we are always given great service with a smile. 

 

The Whistler

 So you want a fancy drink? This here is the place to go. They have zero tap beers because this dark bar is made for cocktails. They have seasonal menus with different cocktails made with all types of liquor. The price is always $8 a drink and for the amount of booze you get, it's quite a deal. The bar also serves as a music venue and the owners run a record label as well. Just get there early or you'll be waiting outside!

Belly Shack

 This restaurant previous was an amazing brunch spot and I mourned it's disappearance when they lost their lease. But thankfully this latin/asian fusion BYOB popped up in it's place and I've yet to be disappointed. This tiny spot under the loud train offers a rotating menu of dishes of Puerto Rican and Korean influence. Which sounds nasty but is so delicious you will want to try everything. Also, it's BYOB which means it's nice and cheap!

Logan Theater

 My grandma told me that she used to go to this theater when she was a kid. Yeah, it's that old. And it's still awesome. This is a second-run theater, so that means nothing is exactly new but all the movies are only $4, which for Chicago is basically free. I think it's been run by the same family for decades and it's rarely crowded. In fact, usually we show up a mere 10-15 minutes before the movie with time to get snacks and great seats. Go if for no other reason than the "ladies lounge", a total throwback to the bathrooms of yore.

Labrabbit Optics 

I am kind of biased since the owner is a friend of mine but if you wear glasses (or sunglasses), you need to visit this shop. The owner, Coyote, is a certified optician and while he isn't an eye doctor, once you have your prescription he can hook you up with some amazing frames and a variety of lenses. He specializes in vintage frame, deadstock, as well as rare brands that you won't find at your local Lenscrafters. He is quick to cut a deal and will always be honest if those frames make you look totally awesome or like a total tool.

Smart Bike Parts

Before I started dating the equivalent of a free bike parts bin, this was my go to shop. The owner, Eric, is amazingly high energy and most likely has not one, but two bluetooth phones going at the same time. He's honest, fair about prices, and will remember every minute detail (he always asks how my mom is doing because he met her one time!) It's a tiny storefront but they do most of their work online and can order any crazy part you can think of, usually without paying shipping. It's a true service based shop which is rare these days.

Barbara & Barbara 

This hair salon is the newest on my list but has already won a place in my heart. It's a small three chair shop, independently ran, and you usually have to make an appointment. It's pretty no-frills but the prices are right on the money: $20 for cuts, $30 for extra long hair, and bang trims are a mere $7 . That's it. Simple. The music is always great, it's right on the square so the people watching is fantastic, and you are in and out without any pressure to buy product. Oh and the stylists always listen to you and I have only had great cuts since.

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Thank you so much Hails for showing us another side of Chicago!

If you would like to share your hometown with the world, please email us:

windshielddiaries at gmail dot com

Hometown Hearts: Chicago, IL

 

I left New York State last summer after 20-something years -- my entire life -- to go to graduate school in Chicago. I'd only visited the Windy City once before but I'd fallen for its midwestern charms and it's comparatively low rents. Well, and I just needed a fresh start - I'd lost the job I loved, ended a long-term relationship and frankly, I needed to try something new. I've been a reporter for several years now, for the Associated Press and other publications, including www.alloveralbany.com. When I'm not busy with graduate school, I blog about gluten-free living (lifeofmymouth.blogspot.com) and walk my little dachshund-mix Ruby Tuesday Weld along Lake Michigan. I also tweet: @jmpasko96.  Random fact: I've known Capow since high school and we even did a stint as roommates a few years ago.

     Chicago has a really unique feel about it, something that I'm not totally sure I can put into words. It's a big city and it has lots of big city sophistication, but it's also a lot less pretentious than many cities, namely New York City. It's got a far more laid-back feel to it. There isn't as much pressure to look a certain way or be a certain way, and there's a hometown pride among its residents that I've really started to love. Ask a Chicagoan which city makes a better pizza and be prepared for a tirade on the pros of deep-dish versus New York-style.

     There are over 70 neighborhoods and "community areas" in this city so I've only explored a small portion of it after six months of living here, but here are some of my favorite places so far:

(photo credit)

Edgewater

I really love my neighborhood, Edgewater, on the city's north side. One of the major issues in Chicago is that although the city has an incredibly diverse population, it's actually very segregated when it comes down to it. I'm fortunate to live in a vibrant neighborhood that's legitimately diverse and that hasn't quite undergone total gentrification yet. I kind of like the little bit of grittiness - most of the time. Back in the 1950s and 60s, Edgewater was where wealthier folks would come to spend their summers in Chicago, and there are still tons of towering condos and hotels along the beach. These days the elite has left those hotels and condos behind in favor of more exotic locales, but the buildings still stand, resplendent in their vintage quality.

Lake Michigan

 One of the things I love best about where is live is that the beach is right across the street from my apartment. There is little that makes me happier than being able to stroll along Lake Michigan with my dog. I had no idea how big the lake was until I moved here - you can't see to the other side - and on sunny days, the water almost looks turquoise.  It's even beautiful in the winter, when the snow and ice give it this amazing arctic look.

Andersonville

 Andersonville is the ying to Edgewater's yang. Or something. Technically Andersonville is part of my neighborhood, Edgewater, but it's really it's own little place. It's far more gentrified but none the less, very cute, chockful of cool houseware and vintage stores, cafes and great little restaurants. It's a short walk from my place and it's just such a charming little neighborhood. I love spending an afternoon here window-shopping, browsing and sipping coffee from the Coffee Studio. It was originally established by Swedish immigrants so many of the businesses still have that Scandinavian charm and the 'hood is even home to the small Swedish-American Museum.

The Chicago River Riverwalk 

This is one of those places I really like but don't go to enough. Hopefully that will change with the warmer weather. This photo shows the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day, when it was temporarily dyed green in celebration. I'm standing below on the riverwalk, the promenade that goes along the river. You have to walk down a big set of stairs to get to it and it's just so pretty down there. It's a great place to spend a little time strolling along and watching the hub-bub of the city up above.

Millennium Park 

Okay, it's a little bit cliche to include one of Chicago's most well-known landmarks on this list, but I can't help myself. I love Millennium Park. It's no Central Park by any means, but it's awesome in its own way. Outgoing Mayor Richard Daley helped establish the park next to Grant Park and it contains some amazing installation pieces. One of those most popular pieces is this large silver kidney bean-shaped sculpture that everyone takes their picture in front of. Technically it's called the Cloud Gate, but everyone knows it as just "The Bean." In the summer there are also sprinklers to run in and concerts on the lawn in the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion.

Pilsen

 Pilsen is a great neighborhood that I never go to enough because it's quite a long trip on the L from where I live. Originally it was established by Czech immigrants but it's now home to a thriving Mexican population, serving as something of a central spot for the city's large Hispanic community. I love the taquerias here, the plenitude of beautiful murals and other street art, and the wonderful little array of shops. I love that when I go into a business here, more likely than not I will be greeted in Spanish. I love that I can buy fresh tortillas at the grocery store from a number of tortilla factories located in Pilsen. But more than anything else here, I love the National Museum of Mexican Art,  which was the first of its kind in the entire nation. It's free and their Dia de Los Muertos exhibit each fall is not to be missed.

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Thank you so much Jess for showing us your side of Chicago!

If you would like to share your hometown with the world, please email us:

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Hometown Hearts: Santa Cruz, CA

My name is Melisande, and I'm 21 years old. These days, I call Santa Cruz, California home. I moved here nearly 3 years ago, 18 and fresh out of high school. After graduating, I made a pit stop in San Francisco, and ended up moving to Santa Cruz. I'm studying to be a kindergarten teacher, and I wait tables on the Santa Cruz wharf. I live on the Westside of town, known for it's gorgeous, sprawling coast line and ridiculously close proximity to the ocean (I'm talking 200 feet from the end of my driveway!) I love that I have the best of both worlds here- the ocean and the mountains. I love so much about this city, but here are 5 places close to heart.


 

1. Wilder Ranch. This is the state park where my boyfriend and I had our first date, and first kiss, so it's very special to me. There are nearly 40 miles of hiking and bike riding trails, all along the bluffs and cliffs overlooking the ocean. 

2. Gilda's on the Wharf. Gilda's is my personal favorite breakfast spot in all of Santa Cruz, and that's saying something because the food in this town is amazing! It's "our" place to get breakfast, and we like to sit by the window and watch the waves. I always get scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon- SO GOOD!

 

3. Planet Fresh Burrito. Hands down, the best Mexican food in town. Also, the healthiest! I always get a veggie burrito or just rice and beans because their Spanish rice is the best! It's causual, fun, and within walking distance of my favorite ice cream shop (Penny Ice Creamery) and downtown. I probably eat here once a week, atleast.

 

4. Westcliff Drive. Westcliff is the stretch of road and sidewalks connecting the wharf to Natural Bridges Beach. The most beautiful houses line the road on one side, the ocean on the other. It's the perfect place to clear your head, go for a run, or take gorgeous photos. I like to climb down to the small beaches or sit on the rocks and watch sunsets. This is also the road I "commute" on to get to work - it's a rough life! ;)

 

5. Kelly's Bakery. This French bakery is less than a mile from my house! Over the summer, my boyfriend and I would bike there for breakfast- they have the best pastries in town. We later discovered their delicious burgers. I love Kelly's because it's so friendly, welcoming, delicious, and there is nothing better than sitting outside on the patio enjoying a pain au chocolat.

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Thank you so much Melisande for being the inaugural Hometown Hearts post!

If you would like to share your hometown with the world, please email us:

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