A Day In: Koln
In June we road-tripped to Koln (aka Cologne).
Concerned about the need to pit stop along the way, I bought travel johnn like the girl scout I am #alwaysbeprepared. Thankfully, we made it to Cologne without stopping and the very kind garage attendant opened the restroom doors as we approached, saving us from any incidents.
This was Asher's first trip with his car-seat forward facing and his expression for the duration in the car was pure, JOY. After our first visit lock bridge experience we bought (and decorated!) a pack of locks and now keep one tucked in the diaper bag. This time around we even made a wish and threw the key into the water as the fable goes, much to Mark's surprise that I'd allow them to litter. Mark and I were able to have a few moments to chat and stroll (underneath the Kranhaus Buildings) without the pulls of parenthood - this time over an iced cold Kolsch and a sweet treat (giant dark chocolate dipped elephant ear palmier) while the kids napped.
We began our day in the only acceptable way (in my opinion), stopping for a snack at Zimmerman Bakery and let me tell you - I wish we would have circled back before we headed out of town. The pain au chocolate (still warm! gooey center!) is something to write home about.
Our visit NS Documentation Center amidst all the civil unrest of late felt heavier to absorb, though I am grateful for the visit and perspective. Tip: The building is not accessible (no elevators, three floors), so we stashed the stroller in the lobby and toured on foot.
Cologne Cathedral - WOW. The photos pale to express its true size, and is definitely worth a pop by. I'd love to return for a tour of the crypt once they resume.
Imhoff Scholkaladenmuseum - due to COVID protocol, the plethora of sample stations were closed throughout, so upon entry each person was given a full-sized Lindt bar to Asher's glee. As we made our way around he not so discreetly tried to open said chocolate, leaving a tiny paper trail in his wake. Post tour, we grabbed a seat at their cafe on the patio overlooking the water and had chocolate treats that Asher and I were ALL about (pic above).
Heinzelmannchenbrunnen - we played at the fountain and admired the gnomes while Mark stayed at our table waiting for our lunch to arrive (with a pint of Kolsch in hand). And while I was too preoccupied snapping photos to tell the tale of the gnomes, I've purchased the book for us to enjoy.
Food we loved!
Zimmerman Bakery - Pain au chocolate is a, MUST. On a whim I also grabbed a bag of cookies and proceeded to hide them in our pantry (after sharing a cookie with everyone, I'm not a monster) like the snack hoarder I am.
Früh Am Dom - Halve Hahn is what cheese plate dreams are made of. Zero fuss and packed with flavor. Steps from Heinzelmannchenbrunnen.
Points of Interest:
Ehrenstrabe
NS Documentation Center
Cologne Cathedral
Hohenzollern Bridge
Altstadt
Fischmarkt
Imhoff Scholkaladenmuseum
Kranhaus Buildings
