It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!
WOW, where has the time gone? Christmas is a month away and it is already snowing! Maybe we will have a “White Christmas” this year. EEEKK! Let the holiday cheers roll! I am back with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring you some fun holiday activities. These activities can be done with family, friends, or your significant other. Around the holidays everyone likes to do holiday gift guides. This is similar. Think of this as my holiday activity guide ;p What makes this one so fun and special is all of the activities are done right here in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas! As always, grab your family and friends, and this time of year, grab a coat, and get out and celebrate the holidays in Ohio!
Shopping At Home!
Do you like to shop, but want to avoid large crowds? I have just the thing for you, Shop Til You Drop-At Home!Online shopping is a great way to avoid crowds but still purchase what you need hassle free. Plus, online shopping has become the new day and age shopping and is super convenient with what is going on now in the world. Shopping online provides so much ease and less chaos in the comfort of your own home. I love to shop and honestly do a lot of my shopping online. I could online shop for hours! The good thing about online shopping is, there is something quick and easy for everyone just a click away. Some of my favorite places to online shop are Amazon, Zara, Women’s Clothing Boutiques, Designer Shoe Companies (i.e. YSL, Balenciaga, Bottega, Valentino, and more), Candle Stores, and more.
Tree Picking at Findlay Market
Is a real Christmas Tree your thing? Look no further, a Findlay Market has plenty of Christmas Trees to choose from. The tree sale at Findlay Market is a huge fundraiser for them! They have such a great selection with new ones being regularly delivered. Whether you want big or small, they have the perfect fit for your family. The tree/greens sale is located on the west side of the Market, at Jane’s Bar.
Ice Skating like Kristi Yamaguchi
Did you know that you and your friends can skate at an outdoor ice arena in the middle of downtown? Yep, you sure can! Every year from November 7 through February 15, UC Health and Fifth Third Bank present an outdoor ice arena that takes over Fountain Square. It is so much fun to get on the ice and feel like a kid again that must learn how to skate. It is even more fun when you go with a small group of friends, and everyone is out on the ice looking like babies trying to walk. Do not bother with a workout for the day because you will get the perfect leg day workout going around the rink 3 times. LOL! I hit the ice rink like I was Kristi Yamaguchi! HAHA, more like her student in training! Nonetheless, while I have no skills close to Kristi, I had a ball ice skating to celebrate a friend’s birthday! If you are looking for an outdoor activity that is unique and whimsical, ice skating at Fountain Square is for you!
Be a Wax Chandler
If you know anything about me, you know I love candles! I am always trying to find the best candle companies around, plus there is nothing like the holidays with family and nicely scented candles burning! With my love for candles, I had the opportunity to take a candle making class with Manitou Candle Co. (https://www.manitoucandleco.com/). Manitou is located approximately 10 minutes outside of downtown Cincinnati. It is the cutest candle shop that offers candles, stationery, home décor, lifestyle, kitchen and bar, bath and beauty, prints, jewelry, children items, and men’s wear. This is a super cute place to buy that female in your life the perfect gift. They offer 100 scents of premade candles. They also offer candle making classes held right in their studio. The candle class is so much fun and is the perfect holiday activity for yourself or with a friend. I went by myself but there were a few smaller groups of friends (2-3) or mom and daughter duos. The studio and candle making room is super picturesque. The class is 1.5 hours and walks you step-by-step through making two candles. The class is $50. This is a great deal because each 11 oz. candle in the store is $25 therefore you are only paying for the candles themselves, but the experience is free. That is a win in my book because sometimes the best experiences in life are priceless. I choose two scents which were Merry Merry and Vanilla Chai and mixed them together. This was the perfect Christmas candle for me. I name my candle Vanilla Chai Christmas. Shelby was my class teacher, and she was awesome! They also allow you to BYOB! Kind of like paint and sip but be a chandler and sip. What is a chandler you ask? A chandler is someone who handles wax. If you are looking for a fun, more creative holiday activity this one has your name all over it!
Let the Light Guide You
Let the lights guide you! Every year, Ohio. Find It Here. celebrates holidays in Ohio with a campaign to support the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. They encourage Ohio’s 88 counties to go all out on holiday themed decorations. From fancy lights to full on displays, this still allows everyone to celebrate and get into the Holiday spirit. One of the festival of lights locations is the Cincinnati Zoo. They host the PNC Festival of Lights. It runs from Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2022. This is the perfect activity for families. I went with my husband and two small daughters. It was the best 2-in-1 combination. You get to experience the zoo as well as see all the lights. My oldest daughter loved being able to see some of the animals. While all of the animals are not out on display, they do have a few. We even saw the city’s favorite, Fiona, the hippo. We went mid-afternoon (4:30 pm) to be able to get the full effects of the lights when it got dark. It was perfect! The zoo was lit in a rainbow of colors. It was a great experience and a fun thing to see. If you have children and are looking for a fun-family activity to brighten up your holiday cheer, this one is for you. We also visited Columbus Zoo Wildlights and Light Up Middletown.
Holiday Lunch Date
One of my favorite things to do is go one lunch dates or mid-afternoon dates with my husband. It is the perfect time for us to bond before picking up the kids from daycare. We usually either go to a wine bar or a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try. I had heard that Jeff Ruby’s was doing a holiday lunch, so we decided to go. It was a super chill afternoon. Jeff Ruby’s is normally only open for dinner, but during the holidays they open for lunch. We started with cocktails. My husband had a glass of wine and I had Keegan’s Egg Nog. This Egg Nog cocktail was perfect. Creamy, smooth, and of course spiked. The perfect start to our lunch date. Next, we shared Ruby’s famous side salad, Freddie. It consists of Roma Tomatoes, Applewood Bacon, and Buttermilk Ranch. This classic is simple but delicious. I’m a salmon girl, so I got the Salmon with Gnocchi and my husband got the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Both meals were tasty. As you can tell, we left full. We also had a great time talking over delicious food and drinks! If you are looking for a lunch date idea, check out Jeff Ruby’s during their holiday lunch hours.
Igloos at Vista Rooftop
Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar? They are fun and cute in the Summer, but in the Fall and Winter they turn into a winter wonderland. The holidays are so magical and heading to a rooftop bar with friends can be such an amazing experience. I know because my girls and I stopped by Vista Rooftop Bar for a fun, holiday festive night out. You may be thinking, “Isn’t it cold?” However, during the colder months, Vista offers 2 igloos that you can rent. The igloos come with heaters and blankets to keep you warm and cozy, and a Bluetooth speaker to help set your musical vibes. You also receive amazing views of the city. The igloos are spacious and can fit up to 10 friends. The Lytle Park had it decorated so pretty, and it felt so festive all night. They even have a cute “snow” machine to help give all the winter vibes. The décor, the igloos, and the “snow” make the perfect picturesque back drop. We even had cute holiday cocktails to sip on while we enjoyed the night. After a few drinks, some snacks, and good laughs, we headed downstairs to the Subito Restaurant for dinner. Talk about a time well spent with the girls!
Details:
* Location: Lytle Park Hotel
* Vista Rooftop Bar at Lytle Park Hotel
* 2 Igloos available for rent
* Can book 2 hours at a time
* Can fit up to 10 people at a time
* Enjoy amazing views of the city
* Has a food and drink minimum
* Monday – Thursday $350 for 2 hrs
* Friday – Saturday $500 for 2 hrs
A Mini Road Trip
I am not sure about you, but my family and I love to take mini road trips to different locations. My husband and I pack up our two daughters and we hit the road. A fun holiday stop is Columbus, OH. Just like Cincinnati, Columbus is also beautiful during the holidays. We love to experience other cities and cultures so taking a road trip is always fun. While my husband and I find things for ourselves to do that are kid friendly we also find a few things that are fun for the girls. During our holiday trip to Columbus, we visited so many places and had a ball. We stopped by Easton’s Grand Illumination, Legoland Discovery Center, Short North Arts District, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and the Columbus Museum of Art. This was a fun weekend getaway not far from Cincinnati. If you want to experience the perfect family getaway, Columbus is the place for you. To find out more about our visit to Columbus click the link here.
Well, this is the end of my holiday activity guide, but now that means it’s time for you to get out and explore the holidays in Ohio! I hope you find something fun for you and your family to do to bring in the holiday cheer. Hopefully, this list of activities brings you so much joy during your holidays! I look forward to seeing what you and your family get out and do. Happy Holidays and Cheers to an amazing New Year!
Exploring Springfield, OH!
Happy New Year everyone!!! We are so excited for all that 2022 has in store. To start the year, we are here with a fresh new blog post for you! At the end of 2021, Tiff D. and the hubby partnered with Greater Springfield in Ohio for a full day and a half of activities. Lucky for us, we visited during “Holidays in the City” which is a 5 week celebration with tons of fun activities. And for you holiday lovers, Christmas and New Year’s Eve may have passed, but it continues through 1/7/22! Let me just say, we had a blast!! But before we get to the deets on what all we did, let me share a bit about Springfield.
Springfield, also known as “Champion City” is a smaller city located in between the suburbs of greater Dayton and Columbus. It was founded in 1801 with the original growth stimulated by the construction of the national railroad which went through the area. There is deep cultural history here that comes from the booming businesses in the 1900s, financial industries and racial development. Right now, the area continues to be revitalized, which is exciting to see!
Fun fact: My brother is an alum of Wittenberg University which is a Liberal Arts college located in the city.
Ok…now to the activities!
We arrived early in the day and kicked things off by visiting Champion City Guide & Supply – This is a cool shop that has great apparel. They have sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, mugs, hats, and much more. If you want to ‘rep your city’ with heritage apparel or buy local artisan goods, this is the place to visit first. They are also a Visitor’s Center, as they are partnered with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. It gave us a feel for everyone’s true love for Springfield, which was apparent throughout the entire store.
Time to fuel up! Our next step was Winans Chocolates + Coffee. What I love about this Ohio based company is they have a nice appreciation for great quality and community. As their website says, they “develop products that are authentic to our history and relevant to the national culinary fabric and its continued development” and they “maintain appealing spaces where all members of the community can gather and feel at home”. I certainly felt this comfort from the moment I walked in and tasted the quality right away. We opted for chai lattes with a shot of espresso (dirty chai) and a pump of caramel. Deliciousss! It was exactly what we needed to get our day jumpstarted. If it weren’t so early, we would’ve dove right into all of their handcrafted chocolates because as they say, coffee and chocolate fit together like a glove! Having had their chocolates at another location before, we opted for their blueberry muffin which is just as tasty. Next time, I plan to leave with a huge bag to snack on later
Now that our energy was at a high, it was time for our tour of the Westcott House. The Westcott house was designed in 1906 and built in 1908 by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright. If you’re unfamiliar with him, take a moment to do a bit of research on him, as he is one of the top architects of that time. This house was a site to see in the community! It’s horizontal lines and openness were far above its time. After the passing of the Westcotts, the house was converted to a multi-unit apartment building. This changed the original design so after many years and millions of dollars funded, the house was revitalized to honor the original design and is now open for tours to the public. We truly enjoyed being able to see the uniqueness and preservation of furniture. It was as if we walked back in time but were still viewing items that were modern. Quite a different and fun activity!
Now after all that learning, it was time to EAT! We were on our way to one of the best- and well-known restaurants in Springfield- Speakeasy Ramen. They’ve only been open for a few years but have already received numerous awards for their taste and quality. This was my second time visiting and it was just as delicious as the first. Yummmyyy! You can taste the freshness of the ingredients in every bite. This time around, we ordered:
One Holiday Special Cocktail- The Merry Martini & The Lemon Lavender Martini
Appetizer Wings- These are spicyyyy! Get the sauce on the side if you don’t like them hot!
JFC Taco- The most original taco I’ve probably ever had!
Japanese Curry Ramen with Shrimp- They’re known for their ramen!
All the items were flavored perfectly and filled us up with just the right amount of food. Great stuff! Be sure to check out the menu before you go. It changes frequently.
Now, if we were going to make it out anywhere else, we needed to get to the hotel for some rest! We checked in at the Courtyard Marriott, downtown Springfield for a bit of quiet time before getting back to things. The first thing we noticed was how friendly the staff were. They were super helpful with any question we asked and made general conversation, which is not always likely at hotels. If you’re picking a place to stay, I would encourage you to book this one because it’s updated, clean, modern and right in the heart of downtown. You can leave your car parked and walk to a great deal of options nearby. They also have all the major streaming services already set up on your tv so depending on the time that you have, you can sit, and binge watch your favorite shows before bed or before you head back out (which is exactly what we did).
It’s amazing how good rest causes you to work up an appetite! LOL Yes, it was time to eat again! For dinner, we walked down to Stella Bleu. Our walk was lovely because of the Christmas displays (including the HUGE Christmas tree in the center of downtown), and the holiday music playing in the air. Super romantic! We loved being able to visit during Holidays in the City. It made it extra special!
Sidenote: They are offering carriage rides through downtown through the 7th as well. The weather was not on our side for this but try it out if you’re in the area during this time!
Back to Stella Bleu…. They are a casual, fine dining experience in a newly renovated space. Their menu has quite a bit of variety to it so there’s likely going to be something for everyone you visit with. What we really enjoyed about this restaurant is they had great menu options that were nicer than your typical dining place, but they were also reasonably priced. So, if you want to have a date night or night out with your friends and family, this is your place! We ordered:
Stella Frites (superrrr good!)
Salmon Entrée
Butter Chicken Entrée
All entrees came with a side salad and complimentary biscuits. The biscuits were so good that we asked for more lol The service is also FAST! If you want to take your time a bit more, ask them to space out your options and they gladly will!
Who’s ready for cocktails?!!! We are!!! After finishing our meal, we walked down the street to CoHatch, which is a coworking space that also has restaurants and events. There are several throughout the state and other regions, so it was nice to also see one in the transitioning area of Springfield! This night, we went specifically for Market Bar. They are a cool, hip bar that offers up a huge variety of fun drinks. It happened to be a Tuesday night when we went which meant Tequila specials!! Woop! The bartender made us THE BEST margaritas that I’ve had in a long time. And they have a ton of flavor options that you can mix and match to make a custom one. What was cool about this area is one of the rooms nearby had public salsa dancing available for everyone. They looked like they were having a ball! And every so often, they’d come to the bar, grab and finish a drink, then go back to dancing! It was a fun vibe that I would keep coming back for!
And now….it was time to head back to the Marriott for a good night’s sleep because we still had a few more things to get into in the morning!
Alrighty! It was now morning and the first thing I always want to do when I wake up is EAT! Lucky for us, Ironworks Waffle Cafe, which is located inside of CoHatch, was waiting on us. A bit about them: They were founded on the goal of restoring vitality and passion to the rich historic downtown of Springfield. They also name every waffle after a notable Springfield icon. Let’s get into these waffles though! They have sweet and savory selections to fit whatever your taste buds are calling for. We ordered one of each:
Savory- The Johnny Lytle which had fried chicken and bourbon syrup. This one comes with a side. I recommend the waffle fries
Sweet- The National Road- which was a traditional waffle that we topped with fruit and whipped cream
I loveeee traditional Belgian waffles so these were right up my alley. They were the perfect way to start our day.
Oh, don’t forget to get coffee from Ironworks. We ordered our regular Dirty Chai with caramel. Veryyy good! We also were able to see more of the CoHatch space and all that it has to offer. It’s pretty cool!
Ok, last, but certainly not least was our stop at the Gammon House for a tour. For those that don’t know, the Gammon House was built in 1850 and is one of only three existing Ohio stops on the Underground Railroad owned by a free person of color. George and Sarah Gammon were extremely courageous in helping slaves get to freedom. They risked paying a huge fine or jail time if caught. Over the years, the house has been revitalized and is now like a mini museum, displaying many historical facts about slavery in general, Springfield happenings related to race, and Ohio news related to race. I learned so many new, and very important things visiting. It sent me through a wave of emotions primarily because it’s hard to continue to hear about the treatment of my people, but it’s also encouraging and motivating to see how far we have come and hear about the heroic people who paved the way! I encourage all people to visit this historic house. And in great news, we learned that they just purchased the land across the street to expand the space for more facts and additional events! Kudos to them!
Well ya’ll, that wraps up our time in Springfield. We loved learning more about the area and enjoyed visiting some of the top spots the city offers! We look forward to visiting again in the future. We hope this encourages you all to visit as well!
Cheers!
The Peace of Asheville
Well, as you all can see, travel is starting to pick back up for me (Yayyyy). And it will be a bit more now that I’m fully vaccinated (Yayyy again)!!! In my last post , I mentioned personal tips to consider prior to traveling. If you haven’t reviewed that, definitely start there first. After reading it, if you now know you are ready to travel and are looking for something low key to get back into the groove, consider ASHEVILLE, NC. I visited Asheville a few years back, but it was only for a day. I’ve always wanted to go back for a longer period of time and was thankfully able to for a quick girl’s trip with my mom and her best friend. Considering how much we all needed relaxation and rejuvenation, this was the perfect location for us.
Asheville is great for those who are looking for variety. If you want to just chill, it’s great. If you want to engage in activities such as hiking, going to museums, etc, it’s great. If you want to celebrate your bachelor/bachelorette and/or honeymoon, it’s great. There is so much to choose from in this area and it also provides you with the benefit of not being in a congested, large city.
Let’s start with where to stay:
I HIGHLY recommend the Omni Grove Park Inn. Why?
- First off, it’s BEAUTIFUL. There are incredible, panorama views from pretty much any part of the back end. Looking out at the trees and mountains is so peaceful and truly helps you appreciate all of God’s creations.
- The amount of options you have on site is awesome! This is a resort that provides you with multiple restaurants, shopping, a spa (I’ll get to that in a minute), live music in the lobby on the weekends, bars, luxury fitness center, and more; right at your fingertips. You don’t have to leave unless you really want to. This is important for those who want to travel, but still aren’t comfortable moving from place to place. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the resort ALLLL you want!
- On Site Restaurants – As I mentioned, The Omni Grove Park Inn has different restaurants to choose from. These range from grab and go markets, smoothie bars near the spa, lunch/dinner, and more. If it’s mid-day, they have first come, first serve tables outside at the Sunset Cocktail Terrace that are great for sipping a cocktail and having a quick bite while you stare out into the view. My absolute favorite for dinner is Sunset Terrace. We ate here two different nights and could’ve done so again and again. The food is delicious and the sunset (if you get there early enough) is breathtaking. Whether you are staying at the hotel or not, make sure you make reservations! This is a hot spot for many Asheville visitors and residents.
- The Spa- Ya’ll! This spa is the best spa I have EVER been to. I really wish I could show you all of the details in pictures, but you aren’t able to use our phones past the check in area. The spa treatment itself was so good and so thorough. I never felt like she was rushing or not giving her best effort. They offer you a mimosa after, which I gladly accepted :) Now, the best perk that comes with your treatment is your access to the spa grounds for the full day of your service. This comes with thermal pools, hot tubs, lounge areas, steam rooms, and so much more. I was blown away by all of it. My suggestions: Be sure to bring your swimsuit, dedicate the full morning and afternoon to the treatment and area, and make reservation WELL in advance. They book up sometimes 4-6 weeks out so this is critical. Pro-Tip that worked for me: I went down on a Saturday morning right when they opened and asked if there were any cancelations over the next few days. Luckily there were!! Don’t just call. Go downstairs! *** They normally would accept reservations from anyone, but due to limited capacity, they are only accepting reservations from hotel guests at this time.
*Disclaimer: The rooms aren’t super high end, but that fits with the vibe of the resort. They preserve the character, look and feel throughout, which includes the rooms. However, they are well maintained and still high quality.
Additional things to do outside of the Omni:
Explore Downtown- Their downtown is very small, but has a really artsy vibe to it. It reminds me of a baby Portland with a mix of vintage shops, rocks/crystals, restaurants, and more. They also have newer hotels with rooftop bars if that is more of what you are looking for. We took a few hours and just walked around for a bit and really enjoyed the area!
Visit the Biltmore– This is one of the attractions Asheville is most known for. It is America’s largest home (800 acres), built by George Vanderbilt. You can either take a guided tour or opt for the self-guided option. There are lots of fun facts you’ll learn in your experience. They’ve done quite well to preserve the space so give it a try- even if it’s not your typical thing to do. Be sure to visit the flower garden as well!
Go Hiking– I did NOT go hiking (lol), but with these mountains and views, I would’ve certainly been open to it! There are guided tours for this or you can gather your group and go to one of the popular trails and go about it on your own!
Dive into the Restaurant Scene– Asheville has many great restaurants to explore. My list quickly grew from deep diving yelp, asking the waitresses at the hotel and overhearing conversations. Two of the restaurants I was able to visit were:
- Hole Doughnuts– This place came highly recommended by so many people. OMG they were so warm, so simple and so delish! They typically have standard flavors, but add in a special that day. The great thing about these is you can order them in advance for a scheduled pick up time. Woop- skip the line! It might’ve been the best decision I made all day lol Even if you can’t eat a whole doughnut at that moment, at least take a bite of it while it’s warm.
- Benne on Eagle – This was another one that came highly recommended. Although their entire menu looked great, I was all for their brunch (because brunch is LIFE). It took me a little while to decide on what to get but I landed on the grouper and grits (fantastic!!) and the biscuit on the side. This was probably one of the best brunch meals I’ve had in a long time. I would go back just for this and also for those doughnuts :)
Well that’s it for now folks. I’m so happy I get to share travel details with you all again! Hopefully it helped add another location to your list. If you’ve been to Asheville or have been traveling, let me know where in the comments!
Know Before You Go/ Exploring Naples
How many of you said 2020 was supposed to be your year of travel? *Raises hand* As you all know, I have always traveled a lot, but 2020 was going to be extra special with incredible trips. Then..Covid. I canceled so many trips for myself and for others (I’m a travel agent on the side if you didn’t know). After taking over a year off from getting on a plane, I finally made my way to Naples, FL with my mom. I can’t tell you how excited, and nervous I was to get back out there. So before I get to Naples and how that was, I’ll share a few bits of info on what to be aware of/what to know before you go.
- Flying– No matter where you fly out of, masks are mandatory the entire time. This may be uncomfortable for you so wear one that is fitting and breathable to protect yourself and others. I flew out of a major airport for a different trip and had different experiences based on who I flew with. With Delta, they still keep the middle seats open, which felt comfortable and safe for me. On American, they filled every seat. This pretty much gave me anxiety the whole time, although I’m sure everything was fine.
- Covid Tests– I highly encourage anyone who is flying (and doesn’t have the vaccine) to get a Covid test at least a few days before you go. Of course, you can pick up Covid anywhere, but it’s still a good thing to do. For extra precaution, get a test when you return as well.
- Restrictions- Know the Covid restrictions and guidelines before you book. Each state is different. For instance, Florida doesn’t have a mask mandate, while Ohio does. However, the cities may be different. In Naples, most businesses required it and most people wore a mask outside, but they technically weren’t mandated to.
- Don’t get too comfortable– It’s easy to get comfortable and want to just take off your mask and be in crowded spaces, but the pandemic is far from over. Keep this in mind when planning out your day.
Overall, be mindful and be safe!
If you’re looking for a place to ease into traveling again, I’d suggest Naples, FL. First off, it is beautiful! Although there are many people who travel and live there for retirement or extended breaks, it is not nearly as crowded as some of the other areas of Florida. This was perfect for me considering I was not used to traveling and didn’t want to be around an abundance of people.
A misconception about Naples is that it is only for people who are retired (65 and up). It’s certainly not a big city with clubs and parties every night (not my style anyway), but there are plenty of calmer options for you such as:
Visit the beach– There are hotels all throughout Naples, but if you want the best experience, stay within walking distance or 5-minute driving distance from the beach. Not only will you be able to experience an incredible sunset, you’ll also put your toes in the sand whenever you’re ready. The water isn’t too cold and certainly is not choppy.
Visit the Farmer’s Market- Each Saturday, downtown streets are closed off to host vendors from all over the local area. This was one of my favorite moments. There were so many delicious food items such as bourbon syrup, freshly made conch, guacamole, ice cream, pasta and so much more. The amount of choices can be a bit overwhelming, so my best advice is to pace yourself and come hungry 😊
Rent a bike & explore the town– I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to do this, but it looked so fun! There’s not a ton of traffic in this area so riding a rented bike along the streets is very safe. You’ll also see many residents doing the same thing, which made me feel comfortable with the though of it. This is a great way to do something slightly active with lots of fun.
Shop – There are many shops in and around downtown with something for everyone. Our hotel was right on 5th street with shopping and restaurants in walking distance of it. The downtown shops were about a 4-5 minute drive with lots of jewelry and clothing options. I love a unique boutique and there were plenty of them here!
Eat! (Of course)- I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of REALLY good restaurants to choose from. Naturally with it being on the coast, there was an abundance of seafood. All of them have outdoor/patio options as well as having distanced tables. Here are a few of the places I loved:
Jane’s Café on 3rd– They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch (same menu). The menu is huge and the food is delish so no shame if you go back more than once 😊 I recommend the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant, the French Toast, and the Jumbo Mimosa!
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Pazzo! – Ok, the fresh Ricotta White Truffle Garlic Bread….OMGGGGG. Incredible! Also try the Linguini Alla Vongole and the Agliatelle Pisane. This is one to for sure come with an empty stomach because the portions are massive!
Verginia– We went here randomly one night when we couldn’t think of what to have. I highly recommend the Prosciutto Pizza and Bolognese. Rich and delightful!
Yabba Island Grill– This one was my actual favorite because of one specific dish- the crab stuffed grouper. My goodness! The grouper had the perfect crust and was topped with berries and pineapple. Everything about it was incredible.
Lastly, as mentioned, traveling certainly can be done at this time. Just remember the tips and remember to protect yourself, your family, and everyone else! Safe travels!!
Austin: Let’s Talk Food!!
When I told friends I was traveling to Austin for a short period of time, everyone raved about how great the food is and threw out multiple locations to try. I knew Austin was known for good food, but I wasn’t sure of what besides tacos and BBQ. I mean, the full state of Texas is known for those specialties. What I was pleasantly surprised with were the many restaurants that fell out of this scope that were also delicious. I was only there for a short period of time but am proud to say I conquered a lot. Here is the list I’ve gathered of great places to visit next time you’re in the city (judge me not if I left a few top places out… my belly is only so big ).
Torchy’s Tacos
This restaurant came highly recommended by a friend of mine who used to live in Texas. I was told I MUST get the queso. Now I completely understand why. What I love about it was the topping of guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro, and diablo sauce. If you’re like me, you’re one that has a hard time deciding between guac and queso. With this, it all comes in one. For. The. Win!! It also was seasoned perfectly and comes with a generous amount of chips.
Now for the tacos… I would suggest looking at the menu in advance. They offer such a large variety of unique combinations that it’ll have you staring at the menu for a while- in a good way (unless you’re getting hangry). Luckily the waiter working the bar counter helped me with a few suggestions:
The Fried Avocado- Topped with refried pinto beans, pico, lettuce, cheddar jack cheese, and poblano sauce- unique and perfect for vegetarians
The Crossroads- Topped with smoked beef brisket, grilled onions, jalapenos, cilantro, avocado, jack cheese, and tomatillo sauce
The Trailer Park- Topped with fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico, cheddar jack cheese, and poblano sauce
All of them were VERY tasty, but my favorite, hands down, was the Crossroads, which I was told was also one of the most popular.
Torchy’s is such a quick and easy place to dine in with great Tex-Mex food. For sure give them a try!
Suerte
If you’re looking for a slightly upscale, hip Mexican restaurant, Suerte is the place to be. They are fairly new and have already won quite a few awards. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and has a nice patio should weather permit you to sit outdoors. What I loved about Suerte was how friendly the staff was and how everyone helped each other. It appeared as if there was no single waiter assigned to a table because they all pitched in.
I will say the food is a bit pricey, but it is also delish! It’s one of those restaurants where, along with the quality of food, you are paying for the experience as well. Their menu comes in small plates so keep this in mind. If you’re looking to get full, you are looking to spend a pretty good amount of money. However, you will not be disappointed if you do. I ordered the Huarache with smoked chicken, salsa verde, and manchego cheese + another item that has now been taken off of the menu! Forgive me, I forgot the name, but trust me, it was great!
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Gus’s fried chicken is not only in Austin, but since it was my first and only time having it, I want to take a moment to talk about it. Ya’ll… fried chicken speaks to my soul! And Gus’s Fried Chicken got it RIGHT! Their chicken was crispy, but not with a hard crunch (major bonus) and had a slight spice to it, but not enough for someone who doesn’t like spicy food to dislike it (another major bonus). You can eat inside or take it to go. It’s a great place to take the family for a quick bite. The sides are also pretty good. I went for the mac n cheese and greens which you really can’t go wrong with when pairing with fried chicken. If I had more time I would have absolutely gone back. If you have a Gus’s near you, GO! You’re in for a real treat!
Ciclo
First off, if you know anything about Four Seasons hotels, you know they all have amazing restaurants. The Four Seasons in downtown Austin was no exception. Their restaurant is called Ciclo and was fantastic! Ciclo is a modern Texas kitchen featuring locally inspired flavors and ingredients with a Latin influence (umm… YUMM!) Between the patio, the live music, the perfect plating, and incredible food, I was in heaven! They also have great drinks. I would highly suggest one of craft cocktails such as the Music City Blues (rosemary-infused waterloo #9 gin + blueberry-honey water + lemon). Ok… I know you’re reading this for the food, so let me get to it.
To start, I ordered the sweet corn empanadas. They were the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Empanadas are one of my menu go-tos so to find that it was perfectly buttery and flaky was awesome! For my entrée, I ordered the Lomo Saltado which was seared beef tenderloin + creamy jasmine rice + tomato + onion + cilantro + crispy potato + soy sauce jus. Super tasty! This restaurant was also pricey (to be expected at a Four Seasons), but it is so well worth the money. I could have sat on their patio and ate their food every day of the trip and been perfectly ok with it.
Next up.. Soursop
Soursop is a Pan-Asian food truck that has been open for 2 years and they are crazyyy good! If you’ve noticed, it’s rare for me to get just one item, even if it’s just me, because I like to get a true feel for the food vibe and their taste patterns. It was no different here. I ordered the riblets with sweet chili, honey, lime, toasted rice powder, cilantro and the waterburger with melted cheese, thai basil ranch, waterfal slaw. I was soooo satisfied. I literally could not stop eating the riblets, which made it hard to finish the burger, but I sure gave it my best effort. The Asian flavors were spot on!
Although they are a food truck, they have plenty of picnic tables outside. They are also connected to a brewery that welcomes you to come in and use their tables to eat- even if you aren’t ordering beer. Soursop is definitely a palette pleaser!
Here Nor There
Here Nor There is a Speakeasy that was recommended to me by one of my friends. If you’re in town, you must jump on the opportunity to go quickly. The first thing to do is download their app. From there, you sign up as a guest by linking your account to LinkedIn (yes… real official) then request a reservation. They will then contact you to confirm your reservation. They get very busy – especially on the weekends- so try to do so in advance.
Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures or videos because they are not allowed! I really appreciated this because it almost forced everyone to keep their phones away. Use your imagination with me for a second…. Imagine walking down a private street that you can’t get into unless you enter a private code. Then imagine walking down stairs that make you feel like you’re going into a dungeon (a little freaky but keep going…) Now imagine walking into a dim room that is GORGEOUS and filled with soft, elegant décor with comfy couches, private booth space, a bar, and the best cocktails you will probably ever have in your life. This entire experience was like no other. Any time I am in Austin in the future, Here Nor There will absolutely be on the list. The secrecy of it made it even better!
Franklin Barbecue
Last but not least… Franklin Barbecue! Because did you really go to Austin if you didn’t eat the BBQ??? I don’t think so! I was warned about the long lines and was referred to other BBQ restaurants in the area if I didn’t want to wait, but Franklin showed up on just about every list of top places to eat so I felt like I had to try it out. I thought if I just got there right around when it opened, the line wouldn’t be that long. WRONG! I arrived 30 minutes after they opened and the wait was almost 2 hours. Thank GOODNESS I met the best people in line, Alex and Joe who saved my spot while I checked out of my hotel and prepared for my flight home. Yay for new friends! If it weren’t for them, I would have either missed my flight or not gotten to try them out (The food was so good that I just might have been ok with missing the flight). I ordered the brisket, ribs, sausage and potato salad and Whew! It was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. Especially the ribs!!!!! If I had to wait 2 hours again just for them, I would! In the heat! Pro tips for this place: 1. Get there before they open. Like, way before. 2. Get comfy and grab a lawn chair. They have plenty of them waiting for you. 3. Be patient. We all want the good food, but good food takes time!
Considering I was only in Austin for 3.5 days, I’d say I did pretty darn good exploring the food. With as good as I ate, I would hop at the chance to go back and dive even deeper. If you’ve been, leave a comment with your favorite locations! Hopefully you were as stuffed and satisfied as I was!
Happy Austin Eating!
A Weekend of Unique Chicago Dining
I’ve been to Chicago many times and can offer suggestions on the traditional, delicious restaurants to dine in. You would surely leave satisfied with a full belly from each. On our recent trip to the Windy City, we were set out to experience something different than your typical Chicago Dog and Deep-Dish Pizza. Our mission was quite successful, which makes me happy to share it with you. Whether you live in Chicago or are visiting for a short while, below are 3 dining experiences that will leave your mouth watering for more! Read more
There’s no Debatin’… here’s our top eats in Dayton!
You know what I love about smaller cities? They always seem to have so many hidden gems of great food in pockets across town. Dayton is the perfect example of this! For many years, I worked in a suburb of this area while living in Cincinnati, which allowed me to experience deliciousness in both cities. Dayton is known for many things, but who knew great food was up there on the list?! If you haven’t been or are unfamiliar with the area, no problem. Sit back and relax while I navigate you to my top 7 Dayton restaurants!
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