A Glass of Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Before we even arrived in Scotland I had made it clear that I wanted to get a glass of scotch at the whisky bar in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. It just seemed like an iconic thing to do. If you're unfamiliar, the Balmoral has been a fixture along Princes Street in Scotland's capital since opening in 1902, and to this day is one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks.

What I hadn't anticipated over our stay in Scotland, however, was just how much whisky / scotch I would end up sampling. By our final night, not only had I had my fair share of variety already, but I had collected a mini-bars worth of small bottles to bring back home. The reason this is noteworthy is because looking back at this now, I can't remember exactly what kind of scotch I ended up having on that final night when I finally sat down in the Balmoral bar. 

I know I wrote it down, but have yet to find where I hid the note.

Memory loss seems a fitting end when making a point of sampling a lot of scotch in Scotland, I suppose. What I do remember is that the whisky I chose was aged 18 years, the Balmoral itself was incredibly beautiful, and the drink I had was by far the most expensive pour of all the variations I tried that trip. I may not remember the brand, but there's no denying I felt like a king in the castle that night in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Spiritmuseum: Alcohol Samplers in Stockholm

When in Sweden how can you not take a moment to sample some of the most popular local beers and Absolut vodka varieties? A few images from our samplers at the Spiritmuseum in Stockholm.

Tail O' the Pup in Los Angeles, California

Few landmarks in Los Angeles capture the city’s playful spirit quite like Tail o’ the Pup, a giant hot dog-shaped stand that’s been part of the city’s cultural DNA since 1946. With its smiling bun and mustard-yellow details, it’s both a restaurant and a roadside monument to an era when architecture wasn’t afraid to be both literal and silly.

Tail o’ the Pup first opened its bun-shaped doors at the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, commissioned by ballroom dance stars Frank Veloz and Yolanda Casazza (known professionally as Veloz & Yolanda). They wanted something eye-catching and fun and architect Milton J. Black delivered. The result was a perfect example of what’s called “programmatic architecture”: buildings shaped like the things they sell. In the postwar boom of car culture, when every roadside stand competed for attention, Tail o’ the Pup became an instant hit.

Opening night in 1946 was pure Hollywood spectacle - spotlights, celebrities, and curious Angelenos lining up for hot dogs. Over the years, it became a go-to snack stop for movie stars, locals, and tourists alike. It even appeared in film and TV, from Columbo to countless photo shoots, solidifying its place in pop culture.

Like many icons of mid-century Los Angeles, Tail O' the Pup wasn’t immune to progress. After decades of service, it closed in 2005 when its site was slated for redevelopment. The structure was carefully dismantled and placed in storage, sparking fears that it might become another lost piece of L.A. nostalgia - and for years that was actually the case.

In 2018, the Pup was rescued and restored down to its original paint colors and neon details. Relocated to its new home at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, when it reopened in 2022, the city celebrated as if an old friend had come back to life.

Now, Tail o’ the Pup feels both retro and refreshed. The menu honors its roots with classic hot dogs and shakes, but adds modern twists. The setting is playful yet polished, with indoor and outdoor seating that nods to the old roadside stand vibe.

More than just a place to eat, the Pup stands as a symbol of L.A.’s eccentric creativity. In a city known for reinvention, its survival proves that even a giant hot dog can become timeless. 

Hogsmeade: Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida is a magical themed area located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. As part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade brings to life the snow-covered rooftops, crooked chimneys, and charming shops seen in the films, offering visitors an immersive journey into J.K. Rowling’s world.

At the heart of Hogsmeade is the majestic Hogwarts Castle, home to the thrilling ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This groundbreaking attraction takes guests on a flying adventure through familiar locations like the Forbidden Forest, the Quidditch pitch, and the castle itself, blending motion simulation and real sets with stunning visuals.

Hogsmeade also features Flight of the Hippogriff, a family-friendly coaster that simulates a training flight over Hagrid’s hut, and the exciting roller coaster Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which takes guests on a high-speed journey through the Forbidden Forest alongside magical creatures.

Shops in Hogsmeade sell authentic wizarding merchandise, including wands at Ollivanders, sweets at Honeydukes, and wizard robes at Dervish and Banges. The interactive wand spots let guests cast spells throughout the village, making windows animate and objects move.

Dining options include the rustic Three Broomsticks tavern, where guests can enjoy traditional British dishes and try the famous Butterbeer, served cold, frozen, or hot.

With its snow-covered charm, thrilling attractions, and rich attention to detail, Hogsmeade delivers an unforgettable experience for Harry Potter fans and theme park visitors alike.