Riga the hip

Lots of fun things going on in my neighbourhood.  Firstly, two wonderful small businesses just opened, which I promise to blog about in June: Veltin, a wine bar specializing in wines of the countries who were part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and a bubble tea shop called Tea 2 Go (I think that’s the name) that I just checked out this afternoon for a small taste test- yes it’s good.

There is also a movie being filmed the next block over so the street is rammed with camera crews, lights, trucks, special roped off areas and actors.  Fun to watch.

My post today is on Riga (the city in Latvia) and how I almost booked a last minute flight, prompted by a 50% off seat sale for next weekend.  Riga has been floating around my travel radar since I landed in Prague last year.  The initial hook was an article I read about the city’s Jewish baked goods and particular style of rye bread which I am dying to go try.  The second hook is its seemingly blossomed design scene.  In a panicked consideration whether to book the 50% off flight or not (the decision ended up being not- but I will get there), I did some quick research on hotels.  Low and behold, there are some impressive looking boutique hotels that have opened or were renovated/reconstructed in the past five years not to mention interesting design stores and restaurants- I’m sold.

One hotel in particular which caught my attention was, Hotel Bergs, located in an area called Berg Bazars.

Hotel Bergs

Hotel Bergs

Photo Sources: 1-3

Hotel Neiburgs also looks great.  The hotel is housed in an Art Nouveau building in old town and is owned and operated by members of the Neiburgs family who were involved in the construction of the building 1903.

Hotel Neiburgs

Hotel Neiburgs

Hotel Neiburgs

Photo Sources: 1-3

Then there is the very cool concept store, Riija where customers can experience the Latvian design and craftsmanship under one roof.  It looks like country, minimalist chic to me.

Photo Sources: 1-3

And of course the hip eatry, Cydonia Gastropub (cydonia is Latin for quince) that recently opened.

Photo Sources: 1, 2

While my trip to Riga won’t be happening this month, I will visit the city sometime this year (I hope) and happily report back to you, my design inspired travel readers/followers of this blog!

 

 

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