Lexi Applebach

By: Lexi Applebach

Usually, the first thing people ask when they hear my accent is: “How did you end up here? You’re from Nevada? You’re a far away from home, aren’t you?”

If you had told me five years ago that she’d fall in love with a city in the North of England, move across the world for a Master’s, work towards finishing her second master’s, fall in love, and play semi-pro volleyball for the Newcastle Knights, she wouldn’t have believed you. The high desert of Reno is a far cry from the historic, rain-kissed streets of Newcastle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Architecture with Grit

Moving from the West Coast, the architecture here in the Northeast became my first obsession. Walking down Grey Street, which has actually been voted one of the most beautiful streets in the UK, honestly feels like stepping onto a high-end editorial set.

But as I touched on in my last blog, looking good is only half the battle. These heritage spots—places like Newcastle Castle or The Angel of the North—have a certain soul and character you just don’t find in the States. They definitely take a bit more grit to handle behind the scenes, but the tradeoff is a wedding backdrop that feels totally timeless.

The Coastal Escape

What really sealed the deal for me was being so close to the coast. Back home, I’m used to the high desert and having Lake Tahoe right in my backyard, but there’s something different about being 20 minutes away from the North Sea.

The salt air at Tynemouth Longsands is exactly what I need to clear my head after a week of the usual grind. It’s that mix of industrial city energy and wild, cinematic nature that makes this area such a “hidden gem” for a wedding.

The Real Value: Geordie Hospitality

Beyond the buildings and the beaches, it’s the people. Geordie hospitality is a real thing. It’s a warmth that feels genuine and heartfelt. Living here, I’ve realized this is a community that values hard work and celebration in equal measure. Moving across the world to build a life and career has taught me that you need a global perspective to get things moving, but you need a local heart to really make it work.

I want to hear from you! Whether you’ve lived in the Northeast your whole life or you’re a fellow expat navigating the “beautiful chaos” of a move, what is the one thing about this city that makes you feel at home? Leave a comment below and let’s toast to new beginnings and the beautiful chaos of finding home in a new city across the pond!