Hamburg, Germany is a vastly underrated city. Historic and modern it meets all of your traveling needs and then some. Maybe I was just in love because it feels so much like fall there and England is just kind of getting dreary without all of the wonderful things fall has to offer. Suffice it to say that Hamburg is a perfect fall get away with beautiful trees, old warehouses, tall churches, good food, and great shopping. Here are 6 things I loved about Hamburg that you'll love too! 

Food! 
You have to try the food. Just pick something, even if you don’t know what it is. This is the best way to get to know a local culture. I suggest a warm bretzel (pretzel) or the Rhabarberschorle (rhubarb soda, trust me, it’s good and I don’t like soda). Sternschanze has great eateries where you can get falafels, curry or baked potatoes. I suggest Kumpir König for all those vegetarians. This baked potato bar will meet all of your needs and warm you up on a brisk fall day. 

St. Michaelis Church
Stop by the St. Michaelis Church and climb the stairs to the top. You could take the elevator, but you probably need to burn some calories from the chocolate croissant you ate for breakfast so opt for the stairs. You also get to see the bells up close in person when you take this route. While you’re there go down into the crypt where over 100 people are said to be buried. 

Alter Elbtunnel
Stroll down the harbor of this historic and modern port city to the Alter Elbtunnel where you can walk beneath the Elbe River. Take the stairs a few flights down, through the river, back up, and turn around to see the skyline. A helpful guide will point out all of the important spires and statues that are scattered throughout the city. 

Warehouse District
Walk by the canals in the warehouse district (which is the largest in the world might I add). Lined with red brick buildings that date back to the late 1800s and plenty of bridges this is a beautiful walk in the early evening. This is also where you will find the Hamburg Dungeons, Miniature Wonderland, and tickets to the theatre (if you have money to spend on those things). 

Bike Ride Around Alster Lake 
If you have a little bit of free time and some energy rent a Stadtrad bike (they’re the red ones dotted throughout the city) and take a ride around the lake. Be on the lookout for rowers, extravagant houses, and stunning views. There is no better way to see this city than biking. There are dedicated bike lanes on sidewalks so you can feel safe without riding beside cars. Hamburg is also quite big and a bike is a much more efficient means of transportation than walking or trying to figure out the buses. 

Rathaus (City Hall) 
Grab a coffee and pretzel from Nur Heir and then check out the City Hall starting from the back. It’s right by Alster Lake and you can take a free(!) self-guided tour of the ornately decorated rooms. Check out the front plaza as well and then shop till you drop at the countless stores in the surrounding area. I suggest stopping by  the Neuhaus Chocolate store for a few sweet treats. It looks more expensive than it is and the chocolates (and the service) are some of the best I’ve ever had.


How do you like Hamburg? Any suggestions on other places I should visit? 

Is there anything that makes you love America more than good friends, sand in your hair, salt on your sunburned skin, and a good fireworks show on July 4th? 

One of the greatest things about the Fourth is that it is one of the few holidays in which you are allowed, no EXPECTED, 
 to spend it with your friends. Yes, families have cookouts, but you don’t have to see all of your crazy aunts and uncles or slave for hours over a hot stove. Grab a Bojangles tailgate special or grill up some hotdogs and invite ALL of your friends over. The more the merrier. Friends from all walks of life get together and simply enjoy being in this great country calling ourselves “Americans.” Because that is what we all are, Americans, no matter your race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and we all get to experience the epitome of summer on this one day in July. 

My Fourth was spent with my work family in Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a small town down on the coast. Wilmington and its adjacent beach, Wrightsville, are not super touristy. There is maybe one high rise hotel on the island and very few commercial beach shops. We spent our fair share of time lounging by the pool, hanging out at the beach, dancing downtown, and, as all good Americans do, drinking beer. I might have also spent a solid twenty minutes laying on my back and staring at a star in my friend's front yard. Needless to say, that was a good night. 

If you’re ever in Wilmington you MUST got to Kilwin’s Chocolate & Ice Cream. I religiously go there whenever I’m in town. I suggest the Toasted Coconut Ice Cream (Cappuccino Chocolate Chip and Georgia Peach are also delicious). It only has a hint of coconut in it if you’re not a big coconut person. If summer had a taste it would be a double scoop of this ice cream in a homemade waffle cone. With ice cream in tow it is almost obligatory to sit or walk by the riverfront. On Saturdays there is a farmer’s market by the river with beautiful fruits and handmade jewelry and earthenware. 

I couldn’t be more blessed to have spent several days with my Spirit Xpress family and see some college friends too. Summer time is here and the living is easy. 

How did you spend your Fourth?