Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls -
Here you have it! My list of the top 5 places you didn't know you wanted to visit!
**disclaimer - These are my top 5 based on personal taste and experience. However, LOOK HOW PRETTY.
Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the most popular site in Cambodia (also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The temple and surrounding area of Angkor, date back to 9-15 centuries - having served as the capital for the Khmer Empire. From a historical, archaeological and architectural standpoint, the temple is the epitome of excellence. The ancient waterways and hydraulic systems still exist today.
In other words, it's stunning, historic and there are so many areas to explore!
Cambodia is also where Lara Croft went in the first Tomb Raider film -
Switzerland
This is a personal favorite. I never wanted to go to Switzerland. When I found out I was visiting the neutral country that's exactly how I felt - Neutral.
Ok, Mom. It's Switzerland. There's mountains and chocolate and banks. I get it.
Boy was I surprised.
Mountains. Mountains. MORE MOUNTAINS!
I was absolutely stunned. So much green - like an untouched piece of the world. The architecture is very old world and the homes are a reflection of the strong German culture present in many areas.
Switzerland looks like a land straight out of a story book. The moral of this story?
Go to Switzerland!
Door County
Door County is a little slice of paradise. Located in the peninsula of Wisconsin, this area is beautiful year round. Winter - Ice fishing. Spring - farmers markets and flowers. Summer - camping, hiking, pies, cherries and fishing. Fall - THE LEAVES.
If you're 23 going on 87 like me, you'll love all the little tchotchke (knick-knack) shops and antique stores. If you're not nearly 87, you'll love everything else just as much - lovely boutiques, ice cream shops and if you don't stop at Sweetie Pies for a slice of pie you are outside your mind.
Go to Door County - where you can eat, shop, and have the ultimate fall adventure.
Charleston
Oh Charleston. My home away from home. My low country oasis. My perfect glass of sweet tea. I could write an entire article on Charleston. Probably will.
Everything in Charleston is just slower. People mosy around, drinking lemon ices from food cards and fancy ice cream from the shop just off the park.
While it's blazing hot every summer, there are plenty of indoor cultural museums and shops. If you don't mind the heat, just park at Battery Park and walk around. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and stare at the southern homes with those huge porches.
Summers are scorching, but nothing beats the heat like a cold sweet tea on the patio of Fleet Landing with a side of lowcountry seafood pasta.
Sequim
Sequim, Washington, is a national treasure. The town is nestled in the Olympic Mountain range, just east of Port Angeles.
You can browse farmers and craft markets in the summer or sit in a chair and take in the smell of the nearby lavender farm. Sequim is the Stars Hollow of the Pacific Northwest. Small, quaint, full of character and good company.
I've also had the absolute best french dip ever in Sequim.
Even better, you're a short drive and a boat ride away from Seattle. You really get the best of both worlds here in Sequim, Washington.
