Top Five Friday #7: Trips

Hi everyone!  How was your week?  Did it fly by for anyone else, or is that just me?  It seems like when the weather gets nicer the days go by faster!  It was a bit rainy and dreary out in Pittsburgh, but I'll take that over below-freezing with snow/ice any day!

Today's topic for the Friday Five Linkup (with Mar, Cynthia and Courtney) is five trips!  I decided to talk about my top five trips within driving distance of Pittsburgh.  There are so many fun places to explore that are close by.  I think I may have to re-visit this topic soon and write about my five favorite trips of all time.  For today, though, we're staying local.  All the places I'm mentioning are a 5 hour or less drive from Pittsburgh. 

Cleveland, Ohio - 2 hours

 

Cleveland may have a bad reputation in Pittsburgh, but I actually lived here for a summer internship, and it's a fun city! There's a lot to do for a weekend, and it's really close to Pittsburgh.

What to do:
-Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
-Professional sports (Indians, Browns, Cavaliers)
-Great Lakes Brewery

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland - 2:15

I visited this lake years ago with my sister and mom, and have always wanted to go back to visit!  It's so close to Pittsburgh, and the lake is absolutely beautiful.  There are a lot of resorts in the area and fun things to do, so I have to make it back some time!
What to do:
-Relax on the lake
-Horseback riding
-Resort activities

Niagara Falls, Canada - 3:45

I have been to both sides  (American and Canadian), and I have to say that the Canadian side is much better!  The views of the falls are incredible, and there is a lot more to visit and do for the weekend.  I would suggest getting a package on Groupon- the rooms usually come with vouchers for wine tasting in the Niagara region, and the rooms are much cheaper (the views are usually not the best, unless you order a Falls view room, so beware of that).

What to do:
-Visit the falls
-Wine tasting
-Tim Hortons!!! (My favorite coffee, but it's not sold in Pittsburgh!)

Washington, DC - 4 hours

Visiting the nation's capital is an obvious trip!  Pittsburgh is fairly close to D.C., and it's perfect to visit on a long, holiday weekend.  There's so much to see and do, and most some of it is free!

What to do:
-Free museums
-Run around the Tidal Basin
-Visit all the monuments and the White House

Finger Lakes, NY - 5 hours

This might be too long of a trip for some people, but luckily Dan loves road trips!  We had so much fun when we visited the Finger Lakes region and went wine tasting.  Most of the wineries even allow dogs, so Selma got to join us.  The entire region is so beautiful even if you're not interested in wine, so I would highly recommend a visit!  Watkins Glen Park (below) is worth the trip alone!

What to do:
-Drink around the wine trail
-Watkins Glen State Park
-Lake-side dining

Now let's get into some other favorites of the week!

Five Shows:

Dancing with the Stars

This was one of the most emotional weeks the show does every season: Most Memorable Year.  My favorite performance (of the entire season!) was Nastia's Argentine Tango.  So beautiful!  I can't believe how in control she was while Derek just threw her around like a rag doll. 

American Idol

I'm 100% Jax Pack all the way!  She always has such a unique spin on every song she performs, and I loved her version of Poker Face.  I've also been falling for Quentin!  He's also really unique, and I love his voice and emotion in every performance.  I also love Rayvon's performance and wish he would quit being in the bottom 2!  I've loved him from the beginning!

The Voice

We're finally in the live shows- my favorite part of the show!  There are a lot of great singers this season, but I'll narrow it down to my favorite on each team:
Team Christina - This one is really hard to pick!  Christina has some incredible powerhouses this season and I think she could get her first win.  I'll figure out my favorite after they sing next week: it's too close to call now!
Team Pharrell - Mia Z.  Got to go with the local girl!  She has a great voice and I loved her rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine". 
Team Blake - Meghan Linsey.  I think this is a given.  She's amazing, although I didn't really like this performance.  She will forever be my favorite after her amazing "Natural Woman" performance in the knock-out round.  Wow, she can sing!
Team Adam - Deanna Johnson.  Honestly, I'm not crazy about any of Adam's singers, but Deanna is the one I'd have to root for on his team. 

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

I started watching this show on Netflix last weekend, and I'm obsessed!  The premise is really interesting (women were abducted and kept underground while they were told everything in the world was destroyed) and it's so hilarious.  I love this kind of over-the-top humor, and I didn't expect any less from Tina Fey!

Younger

This might be a weird one to talk about, but I saw it pop up on Hulu and watched the pilot and fell in love!  It has Hilary Duff and was created and produced by Darren Star (Sex and the City anyone??).  It's not exactly quality TV, but I love it anyway!

Five Songs:

Lampshades on Fire - Modest Mouse

I've never listened to Modest Mouse before, but decided to listen when their newest CD came on Amazon Prime.  This is such a great song and I've been loving listening to it while I'm running!

Kusanagi - ODESZA

I've been loving this entire album, especially at work.  It's so beautiful and relaxing (and I'm also in love with the album cover)!  This is one of my favorites, as well as Say My Name. 

See You Again - Wiz Khalifa and Chris Jamison

More Pittsburgh love!  Chris was my favorite singer on last year's The Voice, so I have to support this song!  Even though Wiz originally recorded the song with Charlie Puth, I loved Chris's version.  The whole Furious 7 soundtrack is great- would be perfect for working out.

Bonfire Hearts - James Blunt

This song came on during one of my workouts, and I loved it!  It's really soothing and beautiful.  I love the line "You light the spark in my bonfire heart".&nbsp

Let the Music Play - Barry White

I heard this song at a spin class last week, and I can't stop listening to it!  It's an oldie, but definitely a goodie.  Does anyone have a better voice than Barry?  I don't think so.

What are some of your favorite trips?
Anyone else watching these shows?  Who are your favorites?

Check out the other bloggers I'm linking up with- Clare,  Heather and Katie.