Parchment

With summer winding down and Labor Day imminent, we thought we would share with you some of our favorite destinations from this summer and vacations past. From the lively to the serene, the domestic to the exotic, our staff has no shortage of imagination when choosing the locales for their getaways.

Raised Center Hall House in the Garden District of New Orleans

New Orleans (Submitted by Intern Architect Will Seath, and seconded by many others)
I love visiting New Orleans because there aren’t many other places in America that enjoy – and have preserved – a way of life that is tied to the colorful history and traditions of their place. A perfect day there would be waking up in a raised center hall in the Garden District, riding the streetcar on St. Charles Ave., having chicory coffee and beignets at Café du Monde, and winding up at Preservation Hall.

Sunset at Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, SC (Submitted by Marketing Assistant Alexa Oswald)
My all time favorite vacation spot is Huntington Beach State Park, about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, SC. The beaches are wide and practically empty, even in peak season. We drag the whole family camping, dog included. The fresh local food is also a plus, who can argue with fresh Creek Shimp?!

From the River in Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos (Submitted by Principal Gregory Hoss)
A world heritage site – awesome!

Walking through Yosemite National Park

Northern California (Submitted by Associate Steve Knight)
Northern California is a great destination. I love San Francisco and the neighboring countryside. Great food and wine, interesting architecture and memorable landscapes. San Francisco is a city I became interested in from several great movies: “Bullitt”, “Dark Passage” and “Vertigo”, to name just a few. Actually visiting the place only strengthened that interest. Seeing the great trees in Yosemite and Sequoia National parks was also very special.

Harbor of Lopud island, outside Dubrovnik, Croatia

Coast of Croatia and Montenegro (Submitted by Marketing Director Katie Garrett)
I love just about any location on the Adriatic, but southern Croatia and Montenegro have a special magic about them. The combination of the gorgeous, historic cities, welcoming people and fresh, blue waters is intoxicating. The relative calm of their beaches, as compared to other European seasides, adds to the allure and overall idyllic character of the area.

Cortona, Italy

Cortona, AR, Tuscano, Italia (Submitted by Principal Craig Williams)
Arte & historia, food and wine, panoramic views, charming streetscapes, hiking, Italian cars, active plazas, snappy clothes and shopping; what’s not to like. See picture, our bungalow is to the left at the base of the church.

Delaware Water Gap State Park

Delaware Water Gap State Park (Submitted by Associate Jon Zubiller)
Canoeing down the river and camping within one of the most peaceful and scenic parks you can find is a great way to recharge out of the city. I’ve attached an image of the scene I woke up to yesterday morning.

We would love to hear about your favorite getaway spots! Please share them with us in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.