Tips & Advice Archives | The Open Suitcase

Jan 8

Got a local holiday attraction that’s still open

Got a local holiday attraction that’s still open near you?
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Plan a visit this weekend. It’ll revive your jolly and there are no crowds to deal with. I toured the annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden and was really able to appreciate the craftsmanship.
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Each of New York’s boroughs are represented by modern and historical buildings. Architectural features are created from natural elements like acorns, leaves and bark by a team of artisans in Kentucky.
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Although it’s hard to pick a favorite, I really love this representation of Coney Island. The show closes on January 26!
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#nybg #trainshow #newyorkbotanicalgarden #holidaytrainshow #appliedimagination #bronx #botanicalgardens #thingstodoinnyc #timeoutnewyork #seeyourcity #nyclandmarks #htsnybg #plantlove ...

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Jan 1

Have you tried to make pretzels at home? I’ve n

Have you tried to make pretzels at home?

I’ve never tried to bake anything with yeast, but my daughter was a willing partner, so... We found a recipe from the always engaging @altonbrown and got busy... Wish you could smell the kitchen right now. We topped them with Everything Bagel seasoning from @aldiusa
So happy to have this tasty treat to add to our 🏈 tailgate parties!

#pretzels #salty #saltysnacks #dietstartstomorrow #snacks #buffetgourmet #tastyrecipes ...

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Dec 28

Alligator limbs and ice glass. . . . Spring weathe

Alligator limbs and ice glass.
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Spring weather in December produces unusual elements, making my lake stroll a bit more interesting today.
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Did you get out today? What’d you see?
#sunnystroll #getoutside #walking #outdoors #explore #bythelake #naturelovers #liveoutdoors #stayandwander #exploremore ...

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Dec 15

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... .

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
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Include a visit to Longwood Gardens near Philly to get your ho ho ho on. The Conservatory features 20 oh my gosh holiday themed rooms.
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Plus the food and drink are awesome. Check out the stew made with famous Kennett Square mushrooms and drafts brewed with hothouse fruits. Try the Cherry Oatmeal Stout! Trust me.
#christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmasmood #ornaments #holidayseason #visitphilly #christmasinphilly #ribbon #Longwoodchristmas #merryandbright #holidaydecor #tmom ...

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Nov 18

Room with a view... . @HawksCayResort lanai rooms

Room with a view...
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@HawksCayResort lanai rooms overlook serene water features like the (heated!) pool and lagoon.
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Best of all, they have large decks with loungers. One’s calling my name.
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The resort’s looking good after a $50 million post-Irma renovation. Same friendly service I enjoyed on two prior visits. You can go home again.
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#HawksCayRises #hosted #thepreferredlife #tmom #luxuryfamilytravel #floridakeys #visitflorida #conchlife #marathonflorida ...

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Nov 5

It’s all relative.... . . . I’ll never complai

It’s all relative....
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I’ll never complain about my weight again. I’d be nearly 2 TRILLION pounds if home was a neutron star.
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So many fun facts learned at the American Museum of Natural History today. Did you know that the lyrics are true? We really are stardust...created out of a nebula cloud. Thank you, @jonimitchell_official .
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What I didn’t learn? What’s a neutron star? Calling @neildegrassetyson #sciencerocks #dayatthemuseum #citypass #nyc #inthecity #dayoff #naturalhistory ...

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Oct 27

Mirror fence . . . That’s the name of this sculp

Mirror fence
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That’s the name of this sculpture, one of more than 100 that dot the 500 acres at Storm King Art Center.
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Fall’s the perfect time to visit, but go early. They expect 6,000 guests on beautiful autumn days, like today. Did you get outside? #hudsonvalley #hudsonriver #nylovesfall #autumncolors #fallcolors #fallfoliage #outdoorart #naturesbeauty #greatoutdoors #artscene ...

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Oct 22

So very serene. . . . I was a nervous wreck during

So very serene.
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I was a nervous wreck during the hours leading up to my daughter’s wedding. But watching her glide through the getting ready, put me at ease. .
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Big thank you to @beautybycherise for helping the bridal party put on the pretty. First time for me wearing false eyelashes - such fun!
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#effortlesschic #bridalhair #romantic #bridalmakeup #theknot #hairinspo #weddinghair #weddingday #hairfashion #weddingphoto ...

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Oct 16