Being back outside for events again feels amazing! Florida is known for the good weather and vacation life. The other weekend was the Palm Beach International Boat Show and vendors came from all over to enjoy this event. From the yachts to the entertainment nothing was disappointing. Locals were out and about enjoying the fresh air because yes it is officially summer time in Florida! The best part of Florida is being able to be outside and with this past year outside events are in full swing here!
Living my best life and taking every chance I can to experience new things. If you want to see more from the boat show, check out my TikTok!
If you love wine this is definitely one restaurant you need to try! The idea is to let guests taste and try as many wines as they like, at an affordable rate. Same restaurant but different experiences! Also best night to go, Wednesday! Their Wednesday special will match what you pre-load on your wine card. (More of that below)
Delray
Located right on Atlantic Ave, this location being a lot larger is perfect for dinner. If you want a whole dinner experience, seated meals, and still taste wine- this one is your location. You are seated and handed menus but when your server comes by you can opt into the wine tasting.
How the wine tasting works: you buy a pre-paid wine card and then can walk up to the different wine taps. Once you find one you want you insert the card and then can select from three wine glass sizes; from a tasting to full glass.
Also their food is incredible and you really can’t go wrong. They have tons of charcuterie board options but also try their entrees!
Winter Park
Located in such a cute area in Winter Park, you can make a whole day experience here and then go for wine! This location is more of a bar/happy hour feel. With not many tables and small bar sections throughout this is perfect for a super small group. They have a ton of wine as well and you can walk throughout to find different types.
How the wine tasting works: Essentially it’s the same with the wine card, but you would purchase it as you walk into the retail shop. You would purchase it there and walk around. There is no hostess to seat you, so first come first serve set up.
Here we got a ton of appetizers to split. I would definitely recommend that especially if you aren’t seated at one of the couple tables they have. Appetizers were perfect because there were only four of us and we were able to stand close and share.
If it’s nice out on a Saturday I suggest heading up to Fort Pierce to their green market. Located right on the intercostal; there is everything from art stands to full cooked food stations. This also makes for a fun breakfast spot!
After you enjoy your breakfast and the green market, you can take a short walk over to the Manatee Center. An area which is known to have manatees but never guaranteed. There is a cute bridge you can walk on that goes directly over the water for spectators.
Behind the Manatee Center is some great photo locations and views. They have a couple art pieces along the water you can see. The rocks going into the water also make for a fun photo shoot!
Nashville is truly a city like no other. It is so special that there are neighborhoods for everyones tastes. With different restaurants, shops, and activities in each neighborhood to make you feel right at home.
So Bro
Located South of Broadway (So Bro), is where you can find some of the best restaurants, walking distance from the bars. This is also where my all-time favorite restaurant is located, Martin’s BBQ.
In Germantown you will find a sporty atmosphere around the Nashville Sounds Stadium. Game tickets are normally about $10 and the stadium is filled with many additional activities. Besides the great ball park food and drinks you can also find corn hole and mini golf! Outside the stadium you will find Von Elrods with all the beer selections you desire.
This is also a great area to walk around in especially in the fall; trees have turned and the small neighbor feels make for a great outdoor day. You can also find the cutest chocolate shop, Tempered Fine Chocolates. Stop in and try so many unique flavors of small chocolate candies and fun drinks!
12 South is the perfect located for a weekend outdoor stroll in the sunshine. With many coffee shops, restaurants, and brunch places to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Along 12 South you will also find some of the cutest Boutiques, to shop for the perfect Nashville inspired gifts. Most of the time this is also where Amelia’s Flower Truck hangs out for the weekend, makes for cute photos and a fun take away.
Speaking of cute photos, 12 South is home to some of the most popular murals you see on Instagram. “I believe in Nashville”, “Nashville looks good on you”, and the pretty blue and white stripe wall on the outside of Draper James.
East Nashville is located right over the famous walking bridge, pass Nissan Stadium. You can find axe throwing and get great Mexican food on this side of the river. My favorite place to visit here is RosePepper, their queso is on another level. They also has a sign that they change a couple times a week and sell shirts with those sayings on them.
There are a couple sculptures located on Music Row that can make for fun photos ops. The large guitars by CMA is my personal favorite.
If you are a Tin Roof fan, you will love this location. Why? Because this is the original and where it all started. So much history and culture all in one building.
If you are looking for a local coffee joint in this area, try Just Love Coffee. It has a very Nashville feel as you walk in.
The Gulch has quite a few boutiques, here you can walk from shop to shop without getting tired. If you have heard of the angel wings mural this is where you’ll find it.
The Pub and Burger Republic are just two of the restaurants in this area. The London inspired restaurant let’s you step across the pond and makes you feel like you aren’t in Nashville anymore. This is a great option if you’ve been in Nashville for a while and looking for something other then southern cooking. Burger Republic is the best burger joint I found in Nashville. Their tattor tot cheese fondue appetizer is hands down the best and definitely unique. They are also known for their milkshakes which you can get non-alocolic or with alcohol.
Green Hills area is definitely more laid back and where you will find the most locals on the weekends. With Green Hills Mall located in the heart of it, you can find all your favorite shops. There is also a great deal of restaurants in this area if you are looking for a quick bite.
This is also where the famous The Bluebird Cafe is located. Not to ruin the magic but if you don’t know, it is located in a strip mall and if you don’t have it in the GPS you might miss it! Check out their calendar online to see when their shows are. Tickets can be extremely hard to get, start looking months in advance for which night you want to go. You won’t be able to purchase tickets till week of but at least you would have done your research.
Jasper is a quaint little town in the north Georgia mountains. If you are looking for a low-key, hometown feel to run away to for the weekend, this area is for you. With so much outdoor stuff to do and a quick drive to major towns and mountains, it can be fun anytime of the year. If you happen to own a Jeep look into Jeepfest, which is a weekend hosted in Jasper doing all things Jeep related.
Fainting Goat Winery
I’ve been to Jasper a couple times and had been dying to go to Fainting Goat Winery, this last trip I finally made it there. I went on a Friday and was the only person there, with a lodge vibe it made it feel cozy. The manger took her time and told me all about the different wine options they had. I opted in for a wine tasting and then picked my favorite, Jackie O, for a glass. Out off the balcony you can see the goat pen and on nice days they roam around. I happened to be there on a snow day, which meant they stayed inside.
I popped into 61 Main after my winery experience, and was definitely impressed. It had a great lunch menu with half and half to be able to try a couple things. The service was great and you could tell everyone in there new each other and were locals.
If you are looking for a non-chain dinner option in this town, your options are limited. Not to say thats a bad thing, though! Ole Mule House was extremely delicious and I would eat there again. It is inside an old car shop so you have a rustic, metal vibe with live music. Definitely a cute spot to enjoy a good meal and be in a fun atmosphere. Also take a walk to the bathroom to see the mountain view from the windows. If you’re there for sunset definitely take a peak! (Pun intended!)
This is one of my favorite spots in all of Boston, Fanniuel Hall. With endless food vendors, restaurants, and shops you can’t go wrong. During the holiday season this is where you can find the extra large Christmas tree and carriage rides.
Christmas in Boston
Christmas in Boston is indeed my favorite time to visit, but there is also a store called “Christmas in Boston”! If you love ornaments, Christmas trees, and life size nutcrackers this store is for you. With two floors of decor and each room has a different theme, you can find something for everyone.
Mike’s Pastry
The big debate in the North end is Mike’s vs Modern…. since I have family on both sides I will not give an opinion! But you truly can’t go wrong with pastry from the north end.
Bencotto
When visiting Boston I love to get my seafood in and let me tell you, this lobster ravioli was incredible! We went for lunch and the portions were perfect.
While everyone’s travel bug is starting to come back, let me share some helpful deals/tools to have the best travel experiences. Some to save you money but some to make your travels easier and more organized.
Hopper (App)
If you haven’t heard of Hopper, it’s an app that will tell you the best time of the year to travel for the best price. Plug in your two airports and let hopper do the work! This is a great tool if you are close to multiple airports to check if it’s cheaper out of one of them. It is also helpful for planning a trip far out, if you have flexibility with dates you can compare and choose the best for you. You can also compare hotels, house rentals, and rent-a-cars.
Liist (App)
Have you seen amazing places on Instagram and always wanted to visit? What about a coffee shop or store you wish you could save for later? Liist lets you DM a photo to them on Instagram and adds it to a world map specified to you. If you are traveling soon and want to pin some favorite restaurants, murals, land marks, or even a store to shop; you can see it all in one place.
Specific Airlines
Everyone has a favorite airline they like to travel, mine personally is JetBlue. I have been on a number of different ones though. The best part of being loyal to any airline is the deals! Check and compare a couple and stick to that one when you can. This will give you flyer miles, first to know emails, specific deals for loyal members, credit card incentives, and even on board perks. This is a great way to earn free trips, upgrades, and find the best deals.
Luggage
If you are a minimalist or solo traveler like myself, I highly suggest investing in a great, durable carry-on and personal item. Get the largest sizes possible for those two items. This is going to help you keep the items longer instead of replacing them every couple of years or even buying a bunch of different size options. Which all in all you spend less money! I personally always travel with just those two options, I strategically pack and cram all I can inside. If your choice of airline has free checked luggage, then score! I know South West does it and a ton of my friends use them regularly. I will share my finds below!
Gatlinburg is the best to visit in the fall/winter time. You can see the foliage turn for miles. There is a lot to do from hiking, to site seeing, and eating; something for everyone. Highly recommend staying right on Parkway with a balcony view, you’ll be able too see the activity below and take in the fall scenery.
SkyBridge
Take a walk out on the SkyBridge to see the true beauty of Gatlinburg. From here you can see the smokies and many peaks. You’ll take a lift to the top and then can walk out onto the bridge. About halfway you’ll see the glass part where you can look down, onto the trees.
If you are a fan of Ole Smoky Moonshine you’ll want to pop into the store for a tasting. Try the many flavors of moonshine and then purchase what you’d like to take home.
Country music fans you’ll want to check out Ole Red, owned by no other then Blake Shelton. As one of the only 4 locations you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Blake Shelton’s world. Listen to some live music and enjoy some good food inside. You can always check the website for who’s playing and if you are lucky you could be there on a night Blake Shelton facetimes the bar.
Looking for a steak dinner, try Cherokee Grill. They have delicious sides to pair with your entree. If the wait is on the longer side grab a seat at the bar and order from the full menu.
Do you ever see posts from Walt Disney World with fun snacks and wonder where to get them? Here are a couple of my all time favorites and where to get them throughout property.
Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream (Disney Springs)
This amazing treat is my father’s favorite, we can’t go to Disney Springs without stopping in. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Ghirardelli Chocolate has an icecream shop located in the heart of Disney Springs.
Mickey Pretzel (All 4 Parks)
Do you want the cutest Mickey treat when you arrive to the park? Try a Mickey pretzel that is found at push carts throughout any park. It makes a great photo op and tastes delicious! You can also get a side of cheese dip to go with it.
Germany Pretzel (Epcot)
If you are going to Epcot and a fan of pretzels, you’ll want to head over to Germany to get an oversized one! It is truly bigger then your head and tastes amazing. You can get a side of mustard to dip and a German beer to wash it down!
M & M Chocolate Covered Marshmallow (Magic Kingdom)
This is a fun treat! If you are in the Magic Kingdom, head over to Big Top Circus where they have a whole bakery section. There you will find a M & M chocolate covered marshmallow to curve your cravings!
Popcorn (Magic Kingdom and all 4 parks)
If you love popcorn you know Walt Disney World’s traditional popcorn is like no other. You can buy the reusable bucket and refill throughout your trip for only a $2.00 refill charge.
If you like salty and sweet, the caramel popcorn in Big Top Circus in the Magic Kingdom is the treat for you! Packaged with a cute Dumbo sticker and popped to perfection.
Mickey Ice-cream Sandwich (All 4 parks)
More ice-cream, can anyone really be upset about that? The Mickey shaped ice-cream sandwich is the perfect size for children and adults. If you find yourself in the park during the summer enjoying this treat, definitely grab extra napkins though!
Mini Cakes (Disney Springs)
Amorette’s Patisserie is a hidden French bakery at Disney Springs. They have many desserts but their themed mini-cakes are my favorite. Each one is filled with different flavors to satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
Loaded Cheese Fries (Disney Springs)
This hands down is my favorite snack in all of Walt Disney World. Located at Splitsville in Disney Springs, yes a bowling alley, you can order loaded fries for the table to share. If I am being honest though, you can pile one off by yourself if necessary! Also if you want a smaller portion you can order a side of fries with your meal, loaded.
If you are looking for a short trip in the winter time, Asheville might just be it! With so much art, culture, and great food you really can’t go wrong. This is a city I would recommend a car though, there is a lot to do but it is all spread out. We stayed right in down town and walked to a good amount of things but also needed the car. I definitely recommend this city in the winter because of the snow. It had snowed a couple days prior to us arriving and it was perfect; not to cold where you felt like you had to stay inside.
Art
If I had to describe Asheville it would be artsy and hippy. Almost every window downtown had a display of some kind for the holiday. They also have murals everywhere to find, some with even fun stories behind them. My personal favorite was the Dolly Parton mural because who doesn’t love Dolly?!
Coffee
High Five Coffee is located downtown, it’s a small coffee shop that is kinda hidden if you don’t look up directions.
Double D’s Coffee and Desserts was our favorite coffee stop of the trip. They serve out of a double decker bus that was decked out for Christmas. They have a patio where you can enjoy your coffee or sometimes they open the 2nd level of the bus for you to sit up there and enjoy.
Going to Asheville we heard it was known for the breweries. I looked at a couple before selecting this one for our stop. Whistle Hop Brewing Company is located so that you get the best views of the mountains. Also the building itself are old trains that they serve out of. This spot is very kid friendly as well, here you’ll find a mini golf course, slides, and fire pits.
Hands down the favorite meal all around. We looked up the best places to eat and this spot was number 1 or 2 on every list. The wait was long but well worth it. They are known for their biscuits and even make them into french toast. I tried the biscuits and gravy with ham and egg, delicious. They also have mimosas!
You can’t go to North Carolina in the winter and not see snow. We booked a snow tubbing excursion in Mars Hill. But before doing that we went up the mountain to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort to see more snow, take some photos, and enjoy the sun set. This spot was the most beautiful with the amount of snow and the sun setting behind it.
Traveling Tips(y) 