I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
After too long of an absence, we are headed back to North Carolina for time with family and friends this weekend. Mr. Fleurishing and I are not from there originally, but both lived there (Charlotte) for the same number of years…and it's where we met! It holds a place in our heart for that reason, and for the family and friends that we left behind. We are looking forward to seeing everyone…bon weekend!!
image courtesy of love, california etsy shop
We played tourist in our own city yesterday, as I had been wanting to see Elfreth's Alley for a while, and it was a beautiful sunny day! If you want to tour the museum during the "winter" (it was 75 degress out), go Thursday-Sunday. In my opinion, going when it is closed is best for photos as not many people are around. Thirty-two houses, built between 1728 and 1836, form the alley…one of the last intact early American streetscapes in the nation. What I love most is that not only is it a National Historic Landmark, but one of the first that celebrates the lives of everyday people. They are so beautifully cared for, and the colonial colors are inspirational. The bricks, lampposts, and doors are all a bit wonky, which makes it uber charming. I love anyplace where you can feel the history, and this is one of them!
The sun came out just in time to check out the High Line! This is a view of the Meatpacking District…I love this area. New York is such a vertical city, which I find difficult to digest, and this area is at a scale that I feel more comfortable with. We had just finished lunch at Pastis (which to my dismay was surrounded by scaffolding, so no photo), and walked around the corner to find the lofty promenade. The one mile park is a calming escape from the chaos of the streets, in my opinion…and we would have stayed longer if our itinerary wasn’t looming, or if I had the energy to walk the entire length, ha! Next time we visit we hope to stay in this area, or in the Village…it is much more our speed.
Ever since learning that Ladurée was opening a New York store, I've been dying to get there, even with my mixed feelings. It certainly isn't Paris, but your taste buds won't know the difference! Mr. Fleurishing and I made a beeline there as soon as we got into town, and luckily missed the crowds that often extend outside the store. I actually had a meeting with the store manager regarding an upcoming event (more on that soon), and she sweetly gave us a tour of the tiny shop and explained that they hope to open a tea salon by the end of the year! That is very exciting news for me, as I almost always sit down and enjoy some tea or lunch when at the Paris Ladurée shops with salons. Even though this one is small in comparison, it holds all the magic of any Ladurée, and you simply must experience it!
