Spring in Savannah

June 29, 2021July 10, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

When you hear Savannah it calls to mind mossy oaks trees, scrumptious southern cooking and a sugary sweet southern drawl. Made famous in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil; this is a southern town you don’t want to miss. Especially in the spring when everything is in bloom and the weather is fair.

Savannah is a very easy 2 hour drive from Jacksonville, Fl. We arrived shortly after dinner to our bed & breakfast stay at the Foley House Inn. We were welcomed by a friendly innkeeper and bellhop ready to carry our luggage to our second floor room. There are no elevators, but as you ascend the grand staircase take a closer look. The finial on display was a prop in Gone with the Wind. We found parking around the block but they have a convenient stop right in front to drop off luggage. We were given a door code to come and go as we please, but enjoyed the security that comes with a full time innkeeper sitting at the front desk. Even during Covid they provide afternoon social hours and individual breakfasts in the parlor. You can even take your coffee to one of the back gardens. It’s so peaceful sipping a coffee listening to birds, a bubbling fountain and seeing the sun rise over a grand church steeple.

After getting properly fed and caffeinated we made our way into town to explore the historic district. This B&B is ideally located at Chippewa square (the one famous in Forest Gump) and supremely walkable. First stop, Forsyth park and the lovely Victorian district. If there’s one thing I love is taking in the old architecture and this is where Savannah shines. In a lot of towns these homes would be a museum, but here they’re livable homes. You can feast your eyes on spectacular Georgian, Italianate, and Regency mansions. The Victorian district anchored by the gorgeous Forsyth park and it’s glorious fountain and is lined by colorful homes. The colonial style is on display near the water which was established by early pirates (be sure to try the pirates house of you’d like a haunted meal). If you like old cobblestone streets be sure to stroll through the shops here. The old ballast stones were used to pave the roads. Just be careful if you wear heels! The newest area is the Plant riverside district which has a biergarten, bars, shops and a new Marriott hotel. If you don’t do anything else here, go visit the lobby! Hands down the most museum-esque lobby I’ve ever seen. From various minerals on display, to fossils in the flooring, to a life sized silver dinosaur skeleton you’ll ooh and ahh for at least an hour while you discover the hidden gems.

There’s even a mural or color changing fountain if you’re feeling the need to have your insta worthy photos backdrop.

Moving on we got on our tour of the American prohibition museum. We purchased tickets that included one cocktail in the speakeasy, but the self guided tour through the bloody history of the American prohibition was brought to life in each diorama.

Since the museum is in the center market we visited some stores and again, sampled some great shortbread cookies at Byrd’s cookies.

More architectural wandering left us hungry for lunch at Lady & Sons. Paula Deens family style all you care to eat restaurant that serves down home southern specialties. If you’re extra hungry it’s a great place to stop. If you’re not very hungry or watching your figure I’d definitely skip this one.

Moving away, we headed towards the central cemetery across from an old police station. It is full of old headstones, statues and springtime blooms of you time it right. It’s not as famous as Bonaventure, but it’s walkable.

Let’s talk churches. There are quite a few including the first African Baptist church- look for the red doors, the famous Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and Christ church.

Are museums your thing? There are several to choose from here too! The Telfair art museum, the Owens-Thomas house, a period furnished home complete with slave quarters, as well as the Andrew Gordon Low house, where the founder of the Girl Scouts was raised. Since the Savannah college of Art and design is located in Savannah you can check out their museum as well. If that’s not your thing, check out a horse drawn carriage tour or a ghost tour. But you should take the time to see a few of the 22 squares located throughout the historic area. There are no limits in Savannah for entertainment.

Now let’s talk food. I have a few suggestions. You might want to space them out, you might want to consider a progressive dinner style, or you might be willing to ignore the tummy ache and delve right in. You have all sorts of choices here. I would definitely suggest Ordinary Pub. It’s a casual basement level bar that serves some seriously amazing food with friendly staff. My best piece of advice? Go hungry and split your meals so you can sample as much as possible. We got the fried green tomatoes appetizer and split the short rib & grits entree. My mouth is still watering thinking about this perfect meal.

Another fine choice is Treylor Park. If you’re craving Georgia’s best wings (yes, they voted) order the peanut butter and jelly wings. Feeling a little crazy? The strawberry chicken tacos wrapped in pancakes instead of a tortilla. But the craft cocktails really shine here. Good luck choosing just one.

Now matter where you choose to dine there really only one choice for dessert and that’s Leopolds ice cream! For a tall scoop of ice cold creaminess with a variety of flavors served up in an old fashioned ice cream parlor this is a fan favorite.

Now if you prefer your dessert in the alcoholic version Savannah has that covered too. And I’m not just talking about the bars. There’s a glut of speakeasies and even the savannah bee company offers meads. One speakeasy is a champagne bar located behind the Mint to Be mojito bar. If you head towards the bathrooms and push a bookcase you’ll be transported into the quiet little champagne bar. But don’t skip ordering a mojito. Those suckers are fabulous.

As usual all great weekends must come to an end but if Georgia’s on your mind, set your sights on Savannah for a girls weekend or a romantic getaway, but pack your fat pants because great cooks live in the South.

Discover Tucson

June 28, 2021July 28, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

I’ll be honest. Living in Florida, Tucson was never on my radar. There are a few Arizona cities I’d go out of my way to see, but this just wasn’t one of them. Thanks to a snowstorm derailing our trip to Colorado we added Tucson to our itinerary instead. I didn’t think there was much to do. Now I can’t imagine not adding this city to a must see list of Arizona places. It’s beautiful, diverse and family friendly.

We picked up our car in Phoenix and headed to Tombstone for a few hours. This historic 1870s silver mining town is infamous for shootouts in the street and a general lawlessness that was par for the course in the old west and it plays that part up for visitors from around the world. Go ahead and park your car and spend the next few hours walking… it’s all very close. Start with Boothill Graveyard which is the only thing you’ll need to hit before parking for the day. It sits at the entrance to town. You’ll pay a small fee in cash at the entrance and will be given an information booklet to use for your self guided tour.

Even with a child in tow we spent a solid 45 min wandering through the rows reading off the guidebook imaging what life must have been like back then. Here you can see what must’ve surely been an inspiration to the tombstones at Disney’s Haunted Mansion.

There’s a pretty fantastic view of the Sierra and Dragoon mountain ranges from the hill.

A few miles down the road you’ll find the city center. You can’t miss it. Just listen for the sounds of gunfire. Yes, gunfire! There are several re-enactments of shootouts down the Main Street each day. Each skit is different so watch them all. From the smell of gunpowder in the air to the sight of men dressed in cowboy garb playing cards you’ll get a real sense of being transported back in time.

Here you can souvenir shop to your heart’s delight, you can take a tour of the most haunted building in town , the Bird Cage Theatre, visit a real silver mine, see the OK corral, or have lunch in Big Nose Kate’s saloon.

But wait, there’s more. Have you ever wanted to ride an old horse drawn carriage down a dirt road or see the real house of Wyatt Earp? You can do that here too. If you can swing it, go see the old courthouse as well.

We headed down the road for our final stop of the night in Bisbee, Az; a small copper mining town from the same era that is a quaint town with less drama. They do hold a race each year that involves a whole lot of stairs if you’re so inclined. You will get a workout walking this very hilly town. I’d suggest starting at the visitors center and walking immediately to Bisbee’s table for an astounding bbq bacon cheeseburger. They even offer a chicken tender kids meal that was 100% kid approved. If you’re not looking for lunch or dinner they do have a coffee shop in the same plaza, as well as a handful of shopping stalls.

Now that our bellies were very full we had some energy to tackle the hills looking at the various architectural gems and peeking in a few stores. The old Copper Queen Hotel is beautiful, in fact, everything here harkens to a more genteel time. Do yourself a favor and make reservations ahead of time to do the copper mine tour. We were disappointed to not be able to get in, but as we drove to the other side of town to our Airbnb we caught a glimpse of the massive crater from the mine.

As the sun was waning we found our 1906 Callumet & Arizona guest house we found on Airbnb. This was an extremely last minute find, but if I’m ever in the area again I’ll definitely book again. The owner, Joy, is very personable, the home has more character and detail than nearly any other place I’ve stayed and the breakfast in the morning was delicious and filling. It was fun to wander the rooms checking out every detail from the copper plated fireplace, to the tin roof ceilings, to a phone from the 1800s. Even the outdoor gardens with koi fish and tucked away patio areas were fun to explore. Our room was the entire top floor with a king sized bed and Murphy bed. It was not lacking in the same charm found throughout the home. There is a link to the Airbnb in Courtyard image.

After our home cooked breakfast we packed our suitcases and drove back towards Tucson proper for our next few nights. I had booked a very special treat, but first, donuts! I have a thing for trying to find a great donut place wherever I visit and it was on this fateful day I realized the problem with this. If it’s somewhere far away you could have a donut you’ll dream about for ages and never be able to have it again. And such is the case with this nondescript pink donut shop Benson Donuts, in the town of the same name. These things were so fresh they tasted perfect even by the next morning. The twist was so tender it nearly fell apart when I held it up like a trophy fish for a photo, the fritter was the size my daughters face, and the coconut buttermilk donut that I have only ever had in Arizona was crispy and perfect. My daughter loved her filled donuts as well. Yes, we saved some for another day. No, I didn’t want to be a responsible adult. The whole box cost us a whopping $9. If you’re prone to drooling scroll quickly past these next photos. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Arriving to our next stay at Rincon Creek Ranch we checked in at the main desk and were driven out to our casita for the next few days. That’s right. We had our very own casita that backed up to Saguaro National park. In fact, it had its own private entrance to the park. We spent a few hours on the patio using the provided binoculars birdwatching over the fields of cacti.

The real star of the show here is the ENORMOUS copper bathtub. I had to fight my daughter for a turn to soak in a bubble bath that fully encompassed my entire 6’ tall frame. Finally, I had found a real soaking tub and the copper held heat for hours!!!

This fully furnished casita had a fireplace with provided firewood, a Dutch door so we could open the top and watch the sun set from our dining table, a full kitchen including a basket of eggs from the owners chickens, as well as a washer and dryer. There is a community center that has a shuffleboard table, bigger TVs, a bar set up as well as movies and games to take back to your casita. We woke in the morning and drove into Saguaro National Park.

I adore the National Parks. I have been to so many and all of them are so different. When someone asks my favorite it’s like choosing which of my children I like best. It is not possible to choose. Saguaro is different than most parks since it is divided in and east and a west side by the town of Tucson. The found the east side is more amenable to a driving tour and the west side is better for hiking. Both are breathtaking taking and both have some opportunities to get out of the car and gawk wide eyed at a forest is cacti. We explored the East side the first day enjoying a stop at the visitors center which is not open everyday, so check hours first. At the end of the loop is Javelina rocks, perfect for a short easy hike with a nice view.

After a few hours in the park we had to drive just a few miles down the road to our reservation at Colossal Caves mountain park. We went into the cave as a small group of six. Our guide showed us many formations and at one point allowed my daughter to use a black light to watch how it retained the light. We were also shown how scorpions glow blue in black lights. This cave has been dry since the ice ages and due to early practices there has been irreversible damage, but it is still beautiful.

When we emerged from our cave tour we were able to catch a glimpse of the local coati family. There are also hiking trails to indulge your inner hiker within the park so if you have time before or after the cave tour go ahead and plan to do a short hike here as well.

Moving from here to the west side of the park we were able to hike to the petroglyphs where we posed with some really old, tall saguaro cacti, some cute little button cacti and got an expansive view of the rolling desert terrain.

On our last full day in Tucson we woke to snow. Yes. My daughter was so excited she threw on her shoes and ran out the door to chase snowflakes with her tongue.

We let the snow ease off and we drove up to Mt. Lemmon to get some real snow. In the Coronado national forest there are several hikes and multiple jaw dropping vistas along the drive to the top.

The tippy top of Mt. Lemmon is 9,159 feet elevation. Plan to take your time getting there. You will want to stop many, many times along the way to explore, play in snow or take a quick snapshot. This day we had plenty of snow on the ground and due to fog the views were hidden until our drive back down.

All that driving left us ready for lunch. When in Arizona, Mexican food is a must. We decided to eat lunch at a place that known for creating the infamous chimichanga. El Charro Cafe has been run by the same family for over 100 years. I had the mini chimichanga appetizer as my meal so I could enjoy birria, chicken, cheese and beef flavors. We ordered flan for dessert. I had to wrestle the flan away from my daughter. It was that good. The kids meal was a nice quesadilla and a few sides. The chicken had a good wood fired grill flavor.

After lunch we had our reservations at the American Sonoran Desert Museum. I wasn’t sure this would be that interesting, but figured it was something to do and why not? Wrong again. And thank goodness because it was a solid hour drive from lunch. Luckily, the running theme of this trip has been my underestimation of how awesome Tucson really is.

This place is part zoo, part botanical garden, part zoo, part geology museum. Really. It is HOURS worth of entertainment. We started off looking at different rocks, even being able to pick one to take home.

Then we moved on the see coyotes, beavers, bighorn sheep, hummingbirds, stingrays and several other animals. The snakes are kept in a different area.

I never knew there were so many varieties of cacti or that they could be so beautiful.

Well, that’s it. A whirlwind 4 days in the southern part of Arizona did not disappoint. As we made our way north for the other half of our vacation we left Tucson behind with some pretty great memories. While there is still more to discover I think we did a pretty good job of filling our vacation days.

If you’d like to see more photos from our trip (oh I know I spammed this blog with a ton anyway) feel free to follow me on Instagram at @jtofjax

A weekend in Charleston

June 17, 2021June 17, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

Charleston is a pretty easy drive from Jacksonville so we were able leave after work and arrive just after the dinner hour. Since we wanted to focus our budget on dining and activities over lodging we stayed about 30 min outside of town at base lodging. It’s doable if you have your own transportation and are willing to arrive into town early to find parking and stay all day. Nothing beats getting to walk out your door without having to deal with the hassle of parking, without having to drive a lot of you decided a midday nap is in order, but sometimes it’s just not doable when prices soar. Charleston has numerous options located within a reasonable drive.

Being the avid runner that I am, I started my day with an 18 mile tour of the Joint Airbase Charleston. This left me plenty ready to stuff my face when we got downtown. Luckily, we had breakfast reservations for Husk.

We had a little wait but the outside porch is so beautiful you just don’t mind hanging out on the swing chatting you other customers. I ordered the chocolate French toast and it was sublime. The inside is a mix of modern and classic southern decor. It’s almost like eating at someone’s upscale home. Breakfast done we set off to explore what makes Charleston haven for visitors. The cobblestone streets, the flower boxes bursting with blooms, the unique architecture. All of it is right here.

Our first stop along the way was to the Old Charleston Jail on Magazine street. Operation from 1892 to 1939 meant it was used to house everyone from pirates to POWS. You can even see the old turrets for cannons. The tour is led by informative staff dressed in traditional garb that lead you from room to room describing each of the different phases the old jail has gone though including it’s use as a post office.

Lunch time brought us to SNOB, slightly north of broad. If you come to Charleston it is practically law to get a shrimp and grits entree. Order a craft cocktail and you’ve got the most southern of lunches.

Walking down the main historic district to the farmers market along cobblestone streets, you catch a glimpse of old graveyards and numerous churches.

Take your time to peek down alleyways here. There’s usually a pleasant surprise of a hidden garden, ivy covered brick walls or other architectural gems.

Once in the farmers market, an open air maze of various stalls surrounded by brick and mortar boutiques, we perused the wares for sale, dipped into some stores in search of souvenirs and tried some tasty samples from vendors. Byrd’s famous cookies is a must stop. The crispy, sweet peach cookies are heavenly.

Dotted along these historic streets are various murals begging to be captured by your camera.

Don’t let the murals be the only photographs you take, however, because even the brick walls here have so much character.

Dinner time found us ordering a traditional fried green tomatoes appetizer along with the fried chicken from Poogan’s Porch.

After dinner we took a stroll to the famous Pineapple Fountain to enjoy the waterfront. It’s only a few hundred years from the farmers market and worth the small deviation. Careful jumping into the fountain without the ever important lifeguard on duty. I wonder why this even needs to be posted, but regardless. Don’t go diving in.

Walking around in all that heat sure worked up an appetite so we stop into Carmelas bakery for the best cannoli cake I’ve ever tested. Yes, buy the whole cake. It’s miniature in size, but big in flavor.

When we woke up on Sunday morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and drove to Beaufort, SC to catch a glimpse of the Angel Oak.

Beaufort is located a half hour outside of Charleston, but not far off of I-95 so it’s a pretty easy side trip. The oak tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old and stands 65 feet tall. This was a great way to say goodbye to this delightful southern city.

Chattanooga family getaway

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

Known as the Scenic city due to its close proximity to mountains, rivers and lush landscape, Chattanooga has so many outdoor and indoor activities that a long weekend won’t be enough. That said, I wasn’t going to lose out on the opportunity to explore this smaller Tennessee city when a long weekend opened up for me. It’s an 8 hour drive so we got into town pretty late on a Thursday night and found parking at the Courtyard by Marriott, our home for the weekend. Located just a block from the Aquarium and easy walking distance to everything. We barely needed our vehicle for most of our time here. It was really convenient to be able to walk to our breakfast reservation at Puckett’s.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant serves upgraded down home style southern breakfast (along with other meals) just down the street from our room. If you come in time for breakfast you can also snag a paid parking space in a premium location if you are staying out of town. Parking goes quickly during popular times.

My fondness for hash is well documented so it was a no brainer when the smoked brisket hash was offered. My sweet tooth was satisfied with the cinnamon apple pancakes.

Downtown Chattanooga has so many statues one could spend the day feeling like they are wandering an outdoor museum.

But we were off to adventure after breakfast and drove up the mountain to “See Rock City” if you’ve driven anywhere in the south you’re likely to have seen these advertisements on roofs, barns and billboards. They are everywhere! I had always avoided this touristy area thinking it just couldn’t live up to the hype. I’m glad to say I was wrong. Located on Lookout Mountain, you could go solely for the views.

Let’s start with Lovers Leap which features a 140 foot waterfall. You have ample opportunity to squeeze through and around rock outcropping, take some Instagram drool worthy photo ops and even see Seven states from the top.

And bridges? Yes, there are twin bridges spanning a canyon directly across from each other. One is a swinging style, one is better id you enjoy your feet planted on solid ground. Both are wonderful is you want a picture on a bridge as long as you have a willing photographer. There’s a 1000 ton rock where you can pretend to be the worlds stronger man -or woman and “hold” it above your head.

Not everything here is on the surface though. There’s a rainbow tunnel where light streams through colored glass casting a beautiful arc of vibrant light on the rock wall.

And if you’re willing to head underground there’s a Fairyland caverns where all of the fairytales of our youth come to life in all of their glow in the dark glory. Even if this doesn’t interest you, it’s a great respite from the heat of the day.

If you’re hungry there’s a great little cafe located at the top. If not, be sure get head next door to Ruby Falls and explore a 145 foot indoor waterfall and the cave tour. An hiker accidentally discovered the cave in 1928 and opened this attraction a year later; naming it for his wife. It’s always a beautiful 60 degrees when you’re underground.

The cave tour is a wonder in itself and in the heat of summer an excellent family activity. You’re led through various formations and the history of the cave is explained by wonderful tour guides. If this was the entirety of your ticket it would still be a worthwhile visit, but the end of the tour includes a view of Ruby Falls.

As you work your way back out of the cave you can visit the gift shop for those coveted take home souvenirs and then proceed up to the rooftop. They offer a zipline for a fee or a simple and free rooftop area that’s perfect for taking in a view of Chattanooga with a shimmering river flowing through it.

All that walking around sure works up an appetite and we had already freed the car from its garage parking spot so we chose a restaurant across the river from our hotel. Food works is in a renovated urban warehouse style building. They have a nice outdoor patio, bar seating and comfortable tables. I ordered a mimosa and the shrimp n’ grits which with a twist that the grits are a giant fried grit cake.

Arrive a few minutes early and as you step out of the parking lot you’ll have time to photograph some of the most vibrant blooming hydrangeas you’ll ever see standing out against a worn brick wall.

Renaissance park is directly across the street from the restaurant and there are paths that lead to the river on the other side allowing you to stroll through lush trees and over bridges catching sight of various birds along the way.

Summer in the south tends to be pretty warm and quite humid so having the option to take a siesta midday is always welcome. After a brief nap it was golden hour and a perfect time to hike up to the pedestrian bridge for photos and watch the sun sink beyond the horizon.

But not before taking a bite of our cupcakes from The Cupcake Kitchen. The key lime pie was delightful. Sweet but not overpowering with a light crumb.

Sunday morning I was awake and ready to do a sunrise run. On foot is one of my favorite ways to explore new places and it’s so tranquil while the world sleeps. I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise over the pedestrian bridge, a chance to dance the two step on the north side of town (there are golden feet teaching various dances imbedded in the sidewalks), and an opportunity to explore the statues outside of the art museum.

Upon waking my husband, we, again crossed the river for breakfast in search of a particular pancake house, unfortunately due to Covid it was closed. While driving around for the next option, we found a perfectly manicured outdoor dining experience with a lovely brunch menu. The Daily Ration exceeded our expectations! I opted for an avocado toast that could make the most stoic person cry and my husband went with the chicken and grits breakfast. Always a good choice are homemade biscuits and the Daily Ration’s biscuits coupled with blackberry jam were delightful accompaniment.

We did have a little time left before our aquarium reservation so we found the umbrella alley I’d had my eyes on for a quick photo op.

Then we drove back to the Tennessee Aquarium located in the heart of Chattanooga. This glass beauty has two separate buildings. One housing river dwellers, the other salt water life. We spent a solid 2 hours exploring both buildings and didn’t barely touched the fun stuff outside. They have a splash pad in front as well as a large bridge and behind the building sits a waterfall staircase begging for someone to play. The dragonfly statues behind the building cast beautiful shadows onto the sidewalk.

The view from our hotel at the Marriott Courtyard

At lunch we walked just up the hill to the overlook and found the local Bluff View Bakery where we ordered grilled cheese sandwiches, a chocolate profiterole and a slice of coconut cake. We dined al fresco under a cupola of greenery.

It was hard to say goodbye to Chattanooga. There are so many wonderful activities we had yet to explore. We knew we were saying see you soon.

Murals and munchies in Nashville

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

Nashville is for lovers… mural lovers that is. Who doesn’t love an opportunity to get dolled up and take photos in front of larger than life art?! On a long weekend we made our way up north and my friend Sam made her way down south. It was the perfect spot for a girls weekend. We rented an Airbnb right in the heart of downtown that included a parking garage. It was a cute, comfy little place that also allowed us to do laundry and keep leftovers if necessary.

We arrived just in time for lunch near Centennial park. Donut + dog is in a restored little house with a walkway painted up with colorful donuts. You can’t miss it! The menu is both sweet and savory. We ordered the Nashville hot chicken on a donut, the Korean hot dog and pretzel bites with cheesy dip. If I can offer one piece of advice…GET THE PRETZELS! Oh, and if you want donuts go early.

Since we were already in the area we took a stroll around centennial park. You can take as long as you’d like since parking is free. This is a duck filled lake with a nice 1 mile path, lots of flowers and loads of beautiful green space. But the highlight is the Parthenon building.

Now for the real reason we came to Nashville. The murals. It had begun to rain so we donned our rain jackets and made a splash at the Drippy Lips wall. Then we ran around the town snapping up photos. From the Kindness is mural to a colorful mosaic block located across from Legendairy milkshake. Of course, we made a bee line for the shakes. The don’t just bring all the boys to the yard.

The milkshakes here are over the top, but they aren’t just for a great insta shot. These suckers are super yummy. I chose the breakfast shake complete with a warm Belgian waffle with sugar pearls, bacon and cornflakes on the rim. Sam got the sweet and salty cheesecake with a caramel cheesecake rimmed in potato chips. They also have some cute photo ops.

Next up is Honky Tonk central otherwise known as Broadway. This is where Nashville gets the nickname Nashvegas. From Tootsies lounge to Jason Aldean’s rooftop bar, you can find all sorts of music and drinks along this strip. And if you want some pretty rocking sushi. Head to the rooftop bar at Jason Aldean’s.

There is more to Nashville than bars though. If you head toward the river there’s a beautiful view from the pedestrian bridge, and further down you’ll find an original wood fort. Fort Nashborough was built to defend the riverfront. It is free and a nice, quiet spot.

The downtown area is home to the country music hall of fame and the Ryman auditorium where so many famous country stars have shined. You can take the tour AND pose on stage.

On to more of those fabulous murals.

It’s time to talk donuts now. Nash has no shortage of unique and delicious options and most come with a mural of their own. Like 5 daughters donuts. Their 100 layer filled cronuts are out of this world.

Our next donut stop is the Donut Distillery in East Nashville. This drive through donut shop not only offers a variety of mini donuts but also offers take out bourbon donut shakes that are a solid choice. With enough bourbon to taste it over the rich chocolate flavor.

The best part is it’s located close to some other very different murals. Including this hot air balloon and a wall of water drops.

Lunch time reservations for Pinewood social were just for food, but with a really neat retro bowling alley, fully stocked 360 bar and outdoor areas to die for it is a must visit. The outdoor patio includes several pools, lawn games and a restored airstream trailer.

Besides a hand crafted cocktail; I hear the Bloody Mary rivals anything out there, you have to order the Club Sandwich. Really, any sandwich is amazing but this club is what you’ll dream about for days to come. Piled high with meat, a thick stack of avocados and layers of toasted multigrain bread.

I’m an avid runner and luckily so is Sam. We woke bright and early to go for a run, stopping to catch more snapshots of murals in the Gulch area. The what lifts you wing mural is iconic of Nashville murals and should be on the top of your mural stops. Why?

Because right around the corner is Biscuit Love and the best flaky biscuit you’ll ever taste. While you have a choice you just can’t beat the peach jam. This is a flaky, but not so traditional biscuit.

If you need a coffee to wash it down head over to Milk & Honey for a delicious horchata latte.

These biscuits will make you jump for joy!

However, if you like the good old fashioned dense biscuits that scream for gravy, hop in your car and go for a drive. Loveless cafe is where you’re headed.

Back to Broadway. This time we checked out the Goo goo clusters factory. You can choose from single or boxes of traditional flavors or you can have a custom made cluster.

If you don’t giggle like an adolescent you’re more mature than me

Since we had headed back downtown we stopped by Matheson’s cookies. This family came to Tennessee from Key West and if you have a hankering for a massive chocolate chip cookie they have your back. Look for the larger than life ice cream cone to guide your path.

So many sweet treats call for a savory balance. Dinner our final night was with a local friend who met up with us at Peg Leg Porker. They have ample indoor and outdoor seating and serve heaps of tender BBQ and a variety of delicious sides.

So if you’ve got a free weekend, a willing participant and a desire for some of the best munchies and art then Nashville is calling.

See more murals on IG

http://www.instagram.com/jtofjax

Rocky Mountain national park in a day

June 7, 2021July 27, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

Are you limited on time, but long to find a perfect getaway? RMNP is a great fit. Denver international is a 90 min drive from Estes Park, the gateway to this magnificent national park and it has flights routinely coming in from all over the country. As a Floridian I long for cool weather and mountains when I vacation. I was able to snag a 4 hour direct flight after work Friday from MCO to DEN. A quick drive to Estes Park and off to bed. Breakfast was at the Donut Haus located inside the Sinclair station. It’s a do-nut miss stop for these lovely fried pieces of dough! With an early wake up time we wandered around the cutest little downtown shops picking up the collectible pins we’ve come to love and indulging in the best huckleberry waffle cone I’ve ever tasted. I got to enjoy said cone on a picnic table by the babbling river with the scent of lilacs filling the air. Our next stop was the Mustang alpine coaster. 10 min wait and it provides a breathtaking view of the town. We waited until after 3pm to enter the park because we didn’t purchase timed entry tickets and wanted the best chance to view animals. We drove past amazing mountain vistas, 8 foot walls of snow (yes in June!) and numerous hiking paths. We encountered moose, elk and deer all along the drive. We spent a glorious 5 hours in the park taking it all in. Dinner was back in Estes Park at the Burger & gyros on Morraine. I ordered the gyro which was absolutely PACKED with meat, we shared a few orders of seasoned fries and everyone else got some pretty amazing burgers. We hit up Safeway for a variety of dessert options. The next morning we had a splurge reservation at Dunraven. This fabulous restaurant serves epic Italian dinners and a variety of brunch items. I chose the blackberry mimosa and breakfast burrito complete with chili verde, my sister in law enjoyed the French toast, while my brother got the denver omelette. Everything was enjoyed on the fresh air deck overlooking the lake. We had plenty of time to make our way back to Denver to catch a 4pm flight back home. How much can YOU pack into a weekend?

Charming Charlotte

June 7, 2021June 7, 2021 / Julia / Leave a comment

When you picture a weekend in Charlotte, NC what comes to mind? If you said NASCAR and BBQ you wouldn’t be wrong. This town houses the NASCAR Hall of Fame and some serious Carolina bbq joints but the Queen City has more going for it than that. From botanical gardens to world class museums this city charms it’s way into your heart.

As usual we set out for a long weekend. It’s an easily doable 5 hour drive from north Florida and we definitely wanted a car for this city. We headed out after work Thursday arriving very late at night to the Marriott City Center. With private parking on site and a location that makes the majority of uptown walkable we were impressed by this hotel. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly front staff and given bottles of water to take to our room. Upon waking we the Famous toastery where I went for the namesake item of peanut butter and banana French toast while my husband struck gold with the shrimp and grits benedict. Typically we order one sweet, one savory dish and share but if you have to pick just one item. Get the benedict!

Famous Toastery Shrimp n’ grits Benedict

Ok, our bellies filled it was time to take in uptown. Uptown is actually downtown and that’s where it’s at. A beautifully walkable area, but you can rent bicycles, take the light rail or electric scooters. There are plenty of safe walking options here. We stopped along the streets to take in Murals. Like Nashville, Charlotte has plenty of great insta worthy backdrops.

March mornings are a little chilly and we found jeans and alight jacket made for the perfect outfit. After a few hours strolling we headed to our timed entry at the Mint museum. It felt like having the entire museum to ourselves! We were able to peruse the art at leisure and wonder at the effort each artist out into each design.

By now the sun had turned up a notch and we were hungry again. We hit up Mac’s speed shop for brisket and some seriously good bbq nachos. If you go to North Carolina you have to try the BBQ. Pretty sure it’s in the rule book. We did share a meal which was left us for room to enjoy an afternoon treat at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. This locale was top on my husbands list of things to do. They have a huge outdoor biergarten and a variety of ciders and beers. He chose a flight of local drafts while I went for a blackberry cider which was delightful.

All of these treats really required some walking around and given such amenable weather we headed out of uptown to a walkable mall area surrounding a lake to grab a hot brownie ice cream sandwich at Ninety’s Ice cream sandwich. With Covid you order at a stall door and choose your ice cream flavor, topping and anything else you might want. It’s fully customizable.

Our final stop of Friday was the Funny Bus located outside of the 7th street public market (perfect for picking up the libation of your choice). It’s a combination comedy show and city tour. It’s a fun way to learn about the city and our guide was both hilarious and informative. It’s a BYOB tour and gives you a great overview of town. It also stops at Amelie’s French bakery halfway through. If there’s one must eat in Charlotte it’s Amelie’s. Do yourself a favor and fully expect to take home an entire box because you won’t be able to decide. This place has a French art vibe and is known for making the pastries featured in the Hunger Games movies. Pieces as beautiful as they are delicious.

Strolling back to our hotel that evening full of good food, belly laughs and some cocktails we decided we ought to grab dinner. We hadn’t made a reservation so when we walked past Aria we found a no wait table at the bar. They have an amazing deal for happy hour apps. $5 for meal sized portions of some pretty tasty stuff. From giant meatballs, personal pizzas, to pear & prosciutto gnocchi and roasted Brussels sprouts. We ordered several items and happily shared. We had so much we had to bring leftovers back to the room. Not bad for a bill under $40.

Saturday morning begins with a trip out of uptown to Easy like Sunday. Weekend brunch here is worth the drive. It’s a cute little shop located on the bottom level of a strip mall so there’s ample parking and while we did make reservations, it looked like between the bar and outdoor seating; walk ins were quickly accommodated. We love a good coffee and the lavender latte was served piping hot with a fresh sprig of lavender on the side. Again, as beautiful to the eyes as as it was on the tongue.

The real star of the show here were the lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes. A gorgeous stack of 6 warm pancakes piled high and topped with sweet cream, blueberries and lemon zest just begging for syrup. While chatting with the owner I mentioned a lavender syrup to crank it up a notch and to my surprise they brought some out for our last few bites! It doesn’t take much but boy was it yummy.

Lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes- seasonally available for now

Our savory entree was the short rib hash. If there’s a short rib brunch option on the menu that’s always the go to order and this was one of the best. The right mix of spicy, beefy goodness topped with runny eggs, loads of meat and a whole mess of sweet potato hash under the surface.

Next stop on our trip out of town is the botanical gardens. We had a few choices, but opted for theDaniel Stowe botanical gardens in Belmont.

A few hours enjoying the peaceful gardens and off we drove to our next stop… a timed entry tour at Muddy River distillery. This is North Carolina’s oldest legal distillery and they make both wonderful traditional rums as well as one of the only basil rums on the market. The tour is led by some of the original distillers who are both personable and informative. You are given your own shot glass and at each stopping point along the way you are invited to imbibe a sampling of their distinctive offerings. At the end of the tour you can make your purchases or even have a cask dedicated to you or someone special and when it’s ready they offer the option to purchase a bottle. Perhaps a great way to celebrate a special moment. If we ever return and bring the shot glasses our tours are free! How’s that for an incentive?!

Lunch time Saturday came quickly so we didn’t need a big meal. Common market fit the bill. It has the cutest outdoor patio and the sandwiches are big enough to easily share. We chose the club sandwich with a side of chips.

We had to squeeze in a little more culture before our dinner reservation at the Bechtler museum of modern art. The walk through the uptown park housing the library is worth a detour especially since nothing is very far away.

From art pieces on the walls to mixed media within; the Bechtler MoMA is a nice way to spend some time wandering in peace.

Finding ourselves with some extra time and a missed opportunity, we wandered to another area of town; NoDA. This is a funky little area that has bars, dining, alongside cute little shops that cater to a younger, more eclectic crowd. It’s a great place for a drink or more mural photos.

I’d been craving a missed opportunity to try Jeni’s ice cream and since there’s a location in NoDA we meandered through the shops to the far side of town. Let me tell you if you have problems deciding this is not the place for you. There were so many great choices. Ultimately I chose a waffle cone with brûlée bananas and my husband chose the lavender sorbet.

Perhaps we were doing things backwards, but dessert first just made sense. Especially ice cream on a warm afternoon. We sat on the benches outside enjoying our cones and the cool breeze. So, dessert taken care of, we headed to our dinner reservation at Haberdish. I had heard so many good things I was beyond excited to try. As we had made reservations we were able to pretty much walk right in and as a thank you we were gifted a plated of homemade pickled vegetables. Eating here is like going to grandma’s house. A southern grandma that is! Food is served on classic dish ware, the rose gold silverware gleams, the cut glass cups sparkle, and the food is delicious. The showstopper here is their fried chicken. I opted for a tenderloin (which was more than enough) and my husband ordered the half chicken. We split several sides including smoky mac n cheese, braised red cabbage with goat cheese and rainbow carrots. The chicken was as tasty as advertised, but the Mac n cheese was disappointing. The cabbage was pretty good, but our favorite side was the carrots. I was a little surprised.

Our foodie weekend adventure was coming to an end. We had the best time, but we had one more meal left. Sunday breakfast before driving back home and it couldn’t have been more convenient. Stoke located in the hotel lobby is top notch. I ordered a breakfast pizza with prosciutto, tomatoes and arugula expecting a personal size. Why came out was enough for a very hungry couple. Also, it on menu is the 1 pound donut! It takes a solid amount of time to make but it’s 100% worth it. If you don’t get the diplomat cone it next door at the coffee shop you need to get the donut. It’s a solid ring of fried, doughy goodness with a measurable dollop (half cup?) of real whipped cream and a generous sprinkling of crushed toffee candy. I just had to include the photo with me holding it so you can properly see the size of this beauty!

A cheese shop in 7th street public market

Dreaming of summertime in Michigan

August 17, 2019August 11, 2019 / Julia / Leave a comment

Day One

Early June meant my eldest daughter’s graduation. A family trip to include my Mom, kids, and husband, this was a larger group than usual and required a bit more planning and a lot less activity. We flew directly into Traverse City Airport. It’s a tiny airport with 4 gates. I adore the small, easy to maneuver airports and prefer using them when cost and time allow. We picked up our large SUV rental directly at the airport steps away from the baggage claim and a few feet from the exit doors. We were given a free upgrade from Enterprise, and the people at this location are always so sweet.

We drove about 20 min to our Air B&B and checked in. A little outside of downtown Traverse City, but an excellent location for us. We had 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of each on the main floor perfect for my Mom to be able to get around. It was an older, less updated rental than we have found on the rental site previously, but it worked for our needs. We met the kids at Jimmy John’s and spent an afternoon catching up. Before calling it a night, we stocked up on groceries at the local grocer, Meijer.

We invited the kids over and made a full breakfast…bacon, eggs, fruit, pancakes, coffee, juice, etc. We didn’t have long, and we readied ourselves for my daughter’s high school graduation. It was located in an outdoor venue situated about an hour from our temporary rental. It’s a scenic location done in an outdoor amphitheater. They hold many concerts in this arena as well. It’s right on a lake surrounded by trees. Even in June, it was chilly enough to require jackets. Of course, hours of the day were spent taking photographs of the large, extended family who had gathered to celebrate. Later in the afternoon found us with some freedom to explore the delightful historic downtown. Lunching on pastys at Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties is a treat not found everywhere. Like a handheld pot pie of sorts with gravy in squirt bottles.

Day Two

Traverse City has a big mall and chain stores, but downtown feels nothing like the shops of today. With ample parking located near both the Grand Traverse Bay beaches and the shopping, it’s ideally situated for an afternoon stroll in beautiful weather. We found a parking spot, and everyone made their way down the main street individually choosing to explore further anything that piqued their interest. I found a custom bath store; Great Lakes bath and body, inc; my youngest daughter’s favorite store is the Cherry Republic. Traverse City is the cherry capital; it even features the cherry festival in summer drawing vast crowds. You can see the “snow” as I jokingly refer to the cherry blossoms as they’ve fallen on the sidewalk. Between the ball pit and samples, my family could while the day away here. My oldest son enjoys Popkies gourmet popcorn store, and we never fail to bring a unique variety home with us. The Grand Traverse Distillery is right up my husband’s alley, and everyone enjoys the different knick-knack and clothing stores. There’s always something interesting to catch your eye downtown. If you make a visit ensure to stop in the Captain’s Quarters and to say “Hi” to my son. Let him get you fitted for a new suit or show you a tie to dress up your own apparel. While Traverse City is decidedly casual, with so many excellent restaurants and wineries in the area dressing up is right for the occasion. A stroll along the waterfront watching the sunset can’t be beaten here. There are public restrooms, a marina with kayak rentals, a playground, and free use hammocks. Swaying in a gentle breeze under a tree-shaded canopy while I watched the kids make castles was a perfect end to our day.

Cherry Republic
Pasty
summer “snow”

Day Three

Rise and Shine. The weather was warming, and I could get out of the house for a run earlier today. We stayed just a 1/4 mile from the VASA trail. A scenic, tree-lined outdoor trail system that is perfect for hiking, biking, and just about any other outside activity. In the winter; one can snowmobile and even bring fat-tire bikes. There are numerous trails, and the fee is by donation. During early June the trees and flowers are all blooming, and on a weekday morning, it is just the birds and me. For a Florida runner, the humidity is nearly the same. We are still close to water, after all. The temperatures are decidedly chillier and the hills massive. It is a pleasant but challenging run. I return to the rental and shower while everyone else has breakfast. Time to pick up the kids and head to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park about an hour’s drive north. They are open 8a-6p in the summer, and it’s $25 for a 7-day pass. This is also a national park, so the America the Beautiful pass is good at this location. Real restrooms and a visitor’s center beckoned us first. We settled on a national park coin and a pin.

I debated picking up a shirt, but we had no extra room in the suitcase. The three of us had managed to fit everything for a week into two carry on bags. I insisted on a couple family photos in the dunes and then Mom went to find a comfortable picnic table spot and the rest of us kicked off our shoes and made a mad dash up the top of the first dune. Halfway through my lungs were on fire, and my legs felt like lead. I barely made it to the apex. When I arrived, I realized I was only maybe a third of the way to what was really the top. This park goes on for miles. The girls delighted in rolling to the bottom and running back up again. My husband and I climbed further up and admired the 360-degree view. On the way down again the girls stopped to make mermaid tails in the sand. Hours later, sand dusting every part of our bodies; we piled back into the SUV and drove the rest of the park’s beauty. With numerous pull outs for pictures or sightseeing, we took our time admiring the nature around us. One pull-out area was an additional hiking path, reachable from the previously visited dunes but in a much more relaxed manner.

We were able to take the boardwalks down to the water’s edge and experience a catch in our breath on the vastness of the Great Lakes as they came into sight. We were sad to leave, but it was dinner time, and we had had a long day. Tonight’s dinner was extraordinary. My friend since middle school lives here as well and we met up with her and her husband at Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom. The seafood pizza with smoked shrimp, lobster, garlic, and corn was outstanding as was the avocado salad. My husband wasn’t a fan of the poke. Maybe it was a fluke, perhaps his time spent living in Hawaii made him a poke snob. I was so full I didn’t have room to try any of his dinner. While they don’t have a children’s menu per se, we were able to find something suitable for their dinners. We started the meal indoors then as the weather cooled we headed outside. This is the fun part. A fire pit and games made for an entertaining evening for the kids while the adults engaged in years old conversations.

Day Four

This morning’s run took me along the Tart Trail. Another town initiative to keep people active and reduce carbon footprints in town. It is a paved, mostly flat trail that runs through town. I started near the village of Acme running into the middle of town back along the waterfront. As a prize, I was able to watch ducklings all splash around in the wave-less lake. There is a bridge going over the main road connecting the beach to a campground and is an excellent height to get a decent view. The campground connects back to the trail. One interesting bit about the trail is as you move along you’ll find the planets in our solar system laid out in proper distances. It’s fun to run along between planets if you keep going far enough. The old restored houses in the downtown area are worth a gawking at, and you can do that via bike, car or your own two feet, but get off the tourist spots and check them out.

Today we are making a road trip to Mackinac Island. Pronounced Mack-in-aww. It’s several hours drive north and one ferry ride over. No cars are allowed on the island so when you de-board you’ll find many bike rentals ( you can bring your own too), horse carriage rides, and even horse carriages you can rent and drive yourself. There are a plethora of B&Bs to choose summer, but only a handful in winter. Of course, the Grand Hotel is the grande dame of the resort scene here boasting the longest front porch in America with views of the Mackinac island bridge and the great lakes. Thousands of tulips in all colors found blooming around the resort are a spectacle to behold. Our first stop is for lunch. Instead of wasting precious time in a restaurant, we filed into a local grocer and ordered custom made hot sandwiches and a big bottle of lemonade to enjoy at the park located directly across the street.
The fort is situated high on the green hill above us where we watch the ferries rolling into town. Lunch done; we strolled along admiring the post office, old churches, and magnificent bed and breakfasts. Our time comes, and the private horse carriage ride we booked previously is ready. Away we go! Our guide is friendly and knowledgeable. He points out the sights along the way and shows us both the town and the country. There is a multitude of hiking and swimming as well as biking that can be done here all summer. We ask instead of a round trip to be let off at the Grand Hotel and make our way inside. A tour is $5, and we enjoy the front porch, admire the tea room, and debated buying ice cream. Our favorite, though, had to be the gardens. A couple steps down, and there are games of lawn bowling, a fountain, and bushes shaped into a horse and carriage. We wander back towards the prime shops of town and wave as bikers head past us. The homes along this path seem grander and more massive than earlier, and the shops are welcoming. We peruse until we’ve each found a souvenir and settle for that ice cream before getting back onto the ferry to make the trip back to our rental. The days pass quickly, and we have dinner and go to bed.

Day Five

More beach time, this is, after all, a relaxing trip. The kids all lie out in the sand or splash in the water as we soak up the sunshine enjoying every bit of summer. After a time we opt to check out the play area. Even my oldest daughter and I get on the equipment. Unfortunately, as school is still in session, the water fountains aren’t yet turned on. Rock hunting is a popular activity in our family, and with Petosky down the road, we make a trip to see what treasures behold us. We find a glut of Charlevoix stones, a few petoskys, and some other marked rocks. Sunset in northern Michigan is breathtaking.

Day Six

The wineries are calling our names. The peninsula in this part of Michigan is home to several hundred wineries and lavender farms offering free or low-cost tours. The lavender farms are in prime season yet, but the wineries are more than welcoming. Many have patios for dining as well. The weather here is nearly identical to that of the wineries in Europe and produces most of Michigan’s wine. Despite only touring a handful of places the rolling hills and vistas are enough to entertain ourselves. The lighthouse located at the 45th parallel is a short, easy hike and not too crowded. There is an old schoolhouse and more clear welcoming waterfront footage on the boardwalk. Many visitors remove their shoes and take a walk on the beach. The final treat of our trip is, as always when we visit, a trip to the Grand Traverse pie company for cherry crumb pie. Not their only choice, but the one I always choose. Local cherries in a glorious mixture of sugary crumbled warmed just enough and spritzed with whipped cream. One can order a full meal here is desired, but I’m only here for the pie!

Springtime San Antonio will put a spring in your step

August 11, 2019August 11, 2019 / Julia / Leave a comment

The weather around the country is iffy in the spring. Too cold up north, too hot down south. We decided to head directly west. We knew we could fairly reasonably rely on the weather to be a safe bet. Jacksonville, FL to San Antonio, Tx is a pleasant enough two-day drive with a kindergartener. We rented a fabulous 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex located half a mile from the Pearl on Air B&B. I had seen reviews that the neighborhood is iffy, and while I wouldn’t run here in the dark, the area was safe and quiet and supremely well located. Our rental looked brand spanking new and ultra-modern plus it had a washer and dryer as well as full kitchen. In a heartbeat, I would recommend it again. On our drive, we found Shipley’s donuts. These did not disappoint, and even in the afternoon, they tasted fresh.

Shipley’s
Ramen at the Pearl
Macarons
Bakery Lorraine
Brie & apricot jam grilled cheese from Bakery Lorraine

Day One

I should give a little background that I am a relatively avid recreational runner, and I find nothing more appealing that an early morning run in a new place. Waking early in the morning, I drove the half a mile and parked in the Pearl where it’s free, well lit and a safe spot to run along the Riverwalk. Day one included an easy 10K run along the River taking everything in, including popping up into downtown to see the Alamo without tourists, ogle the buildings and structures and watch a city wake up.

All that running worked up an appetite, and it was a quick shower and time to wake the crew for breakfast. This was number one eats on our list, and I had been drooling over the images online for weeks. Lulu’s bakery and cafe for their chicken fried steak and 3-pound cinnamon roll. Yes, you read that right THREE pounds! I worried it might be dry, but nope. Fresh, delicious and managed to feed us for several more days thanks to the servers wrapping it in plastic for us to take it to go. This plate of chicken fried steak is the smallest on the menu. They do have a massive challenge type one, and I cannot fathom having room for all that, but if it’s your thing or you have a large family to feed this should be stop #1. Bear in mind even on a weekday after rush hour traffic this place was busy. You can seat yourself, and a waitress may or may not get to you. They work hard, but it’s busy. If you hate waiting, though, they are open 24 hours a day, and I’d bet it’s not as crazy in the middle of the night.

Full bellies helped us take on the rest of our day. First, stop… the Alamo (open 9a-7p Memorial Day through Labor day) A free attraction unless you want to take a guided tour. We opted for the free walkthrough. My daughter isn’t much for standing in line or tours. There isn’t a line to wander. If it were just adults, I’d have waited. You learn so much from experts. The courtyard is beautiful and covered in trees. They have a live history display with people happy and willing to answer questions about the Alamo. My take away from this visit is how minimal the space would’ve been during all those days in the standoff.

Alamo courtyard
Playground

We only wanted to park once since we arrived early on a workday, so we opted to walk everywhere. The weather was perfect. A light jacket with a T-shirt was all that was necessary to stay comfortable. Since everything is within a few miles, our task was simple. Next stop a playground. At her age, she needs a break to keep chugging along on our schedule. Hemisfair Park fit the bill perfectly. Slides, climbing ropes, swings, you name it, including chickens. After we released the wiggles, our adventure took us to Tower of the Americas. A 750-foot tall observation deck. Your admission fee is $14 and includes unlimited 4D movies as well as all-day admission. We took advantage and went up both during the day and returned at sunset to take in the changing cityscapes. It is open most days from 10a-10p. The grounds are a delight to walk around as well with various ponds and waterfalls.

750 ft
We made new friends

For dinner that evening we took a local’s advice and hit up Rosario’s for tacos. I think if I could live on one savory food for the rest of my life, I’d choose tacos. It was a little further up the road and out of the way from the main tourist destinations. Not enough to be a hindrance, but just enough to find parking easily.

Rosario’s tacos
Wind blown hair at the Tower

Day Two

Ideal weather for a zoo day, we woke early, ate some cinnamon roll leftovers, and headed to the San Antonio zoo. In the spring they open at 10am, so we weren’t in any particular rush. I wouldn’t hesitate to come early though, as parking fills rather quickly. Even before the opening time, we had a hike to the entrance and as we headed to our car latecomers were circling for spots like vultures. The price isn’t overly high for a full days activities. There are loads of things to see and do, and if you like avian exhibits, this zoo was exceptional. We visited the petting zoo, debated the train (ultimately didn’t choose the extra fun), fed giraffes, and took photos with the animal sculptures located throughout the park. Right next door is the Japanese gardens. A free attraction and, in my opinion, one not to be skipped. Waterfalls, koi fish, short hiking trails, & flowers. This larger than expected garden had it all.

We love each other

Day Three

The Witte museum Oh we had some fun here! Free parking, easy walk, and both indoor and outdoor sights. This museum is open 10-5 most nights of the week with a monthly free Tuesday as well. Skeletons, art, history, treehouses to climb, human anatomy play areas, and flowers. We spent hours looking around, climbing, and playing. My daughter’s favorite was the wind chimes. We had worked up quite the appetite and just down the road is a BBQ place serving a smoked brisket grilled cheese sandwiches called Smoke Shack. Oh, Texas!

My daughter’s favorite spot was the Pearl. The outdoor beer garden that gathers groups of families thanks to the grassy play space and water fountains ideal for children to play and parents to relax while enjoying a wonderful meal or a drink. Because this was a family-oriented trip, we spent most evenings relaxing here.

Day Four

Breakfast out today. We started the day with Apple Pfannenkuchen at Magnolia Pancake Haus. It’s a fair bit away from where we were staying but on the way to our next destination; the Natural Bridge Caverns. It was a weekday, and we didn’t wait long to be seated, but I’ll tell you it took a while to decide. I had dessert for breakfast while my husband ordered eggs and bacon with Elvis pancakes. Naturally, I stole some while he went to the restroom. Peanut butter, banana, and bacon in a pancake. I regret nothing. Fueled up for an adventure we drove 45 min north to the caverns and found an up-close parking spot.

We were lucky, indeed. This place was popular. It was found in the 1960s by four college students and stays a regular 70 degrees and very humid. It’s not a bad hike, and one person in our group brought a stroller and a baby in a carrier, though I wouldn’t suggest it. While we waited for our tour time, there was plenty to occupy our time. The first stop was the maze. There is an observation deck if you don’t feel like getting lost, but you should. You’re given a card which you punch when you find each station in your challenge and then finally make your way out. You are timed, and you can do this as a group or compete to see who completes the task first. The next stop was mining for gems. The gift shop sells bags of dirt guaranteed to have at least a certain number of gemstones. Located just outside along the railings are sieves and flowing water. My daughter found at least 20 gems, and we were able to clean and catalog them using the chart included with the purchased zip-lock bag.

There is also a zip line and a ropes course available for more fun. We had a few more minutes until they called our group and despite having a lovely shaded table to wait at we wandered around taking pictures of the blooming Texas bluebonnets. Finally, it was time. Our guide led us down through the doors and into the darkness. The vastness of caverns always amazes me. It’s so quiet, and one can hear the drips of water forming structures. Each room had a different feel, and while we took the short tour, we were told how this cave system goes on and on some not yet explored. We chose not to do the Animal safari located next door and instead, headed back to town.

Of course, we were starving yet again, and I had a plan. More tacos. Yes! Henry’s puffy tacos were delicious. The staff was friendly and answered my questions about the process and gave me advice on selecting the tastiest options. Tonight’s adventure was the DoSeum. A hands-on children’s museum open roughly 9a-6p. We made wax molds, created earthquakes, and played with musical instruments, but our favorite was the spy exhibit. There are two stories and an outdoor play area. They also have one free night each month.

Wax molds
I see you
Puffy tacos

One would think exhaustion would be full on at this point, but nope, we had some trails to explore nearby before heading to Dough Pizzeria for dinner.

We just couldn’t end the day without another visit to the Riverwalk. This time by boat. We parked about half a mile to the boat launches and used the tickets we had previously purchased at Rosario’s along with dinner. When we arrived, we were quickly boarded, and away we went with our knowledgeable guide. We made our way down the various paths created by the river from the colorful umbrella lined restaurant areas, to the lock bridge, to the different architecture and sculptures. An easy and entertaining way to see more of the city. Before turning in for the night, it was necessary to try one last treat. Lick Ice cream! Tequila lime pie for me. My baby girl chose a lemon poppy seed, and we shared it. Hubby chose Goat cheese, honey, and thyme. Each delicious in their own way.

Day Five

Our final day in San Antonio and we had a special surprise in store for our daughter. While we live in Florida and we go to the various theme parks a lot, we just knew she would love a day at Sea World. We arrived early, and it wasn’t crowded, so we went straight to breakfast in the park. We had purchased the meal plan, and it includes unlimited drinks and a meal every hour. You read that right, every hour. I can’t imagine why you’d eat that often, but the drink package and three meals made this a no brainer. Even though it wasn’t overly hot, we still drank a bunch of bottled waters. From the Steel Eel ride to the shows, this park is noticeably smaller than the one in Orlando, but we were able to spend a good long day taking it all in any way.

Day Six

Heading home. We sadly locked the door behind us and left our home for the last several days. We had two last stops recommended by my sister in law who was raised in San Antonio… Buc-ee’s truck stop and Rudy’s BBQ. Yes, this place is a chain, yes, you need to go anyway. Drive-thru smoked meat breakfast burritos that I wish we hadn’t saved for the last day so I could’ve made this a repeat. We bought the brisket, sausage link (think smoked not breakfast sausage) and the potato which also had egg. It was a toss-up, but I think the potato was the winner and that’s coming from a couple of meat lovers. Buc-ee’s is a massive truck stop with several locations in Texas and along I-10. It makes for a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, fuel up, and stretch your legs. Make sure to bring plenty of souvenirs home when you stop. My husband wishes he’d bought more of the pepper jelly.

Day 7

We intentionally split our travel days with an overnight in the French Quarter New Orleans. We arrived late and woke early to drive home, so this was a quick pit stop. Dinner was just down the road and of course, I had to have the muffuletta. The next morning was another touristy 6 miles running along the mostly quiet streets. If you’ve never been to the French Quarter you may not realize, the smells aren’t the most pleasant even in daylight. This notwithstanding, Jackson Square and the waterfront at sunrise are a sight. Instead of breakfast at Cafe Du Monde for the infamous beignets, we stayed closer to our hotel at the 2 Chicks Cafe and had a delicious french toast rolled in corn flakes. The added crunch cranked up the wow factor, and the chicory coffee was a much-needed jolt to start the day.

Making a splash at Disney

August 10, 2019August 11, 2019 / Julia / Leave a comment

We have lived in Florida for nearly two decades, and in that time, Disney has become part of us. We have been annual pass holders off and on for almost as long, and in all that time we have never visited a water park. Not once. How can avid Disney world fans do such a thing? It’s easy. Our special rate passes don’t include water parks, and we tend to avoid Orlando tourist attractions in the summer. We can go anytime, why visit when it’s overly crowded and during the worst weather of the year? This year, however, my sons came down in late July for a visit and wanted to do a theme park. Ugh. What fun could be had in the dog days of summer at a theme park for 3 kids ages 20, 12 and 6? These are decent age gaps not easily filled. I had a task, and I would not fail. We had done Aquatica with great results, but I didn’t want to return. We have the benefit of being able to book rooms at the military resort, Shades of Green; hence, Disney made a fairly obvious choice.

The decision as to which of the two parks was a difficult one. Should we go tropical and do Typhoon Lagoon or pretend it isn’t 98 degrees and 100% humidity and hit up Blizzard Beach? Turns out; I didn’t have to decide. When you buy a Disney water park ticket, it’s a park hopper. Meaning, you can split your day between both parks. During the summer they are both open from 10am-8pm. A bonus is that the drink mug you purchase in one park is good for them both on the same day. So if you’re debating buying it, do it early and get your money’s worth. You don’t have to feel obliged to purchase, however, as these parks allow families to bring coolers filled with drinks and snacks into the park so long as there is no alcohol or glass. The other perk of being a Disney resort guest, and yes, Shades of Green is included, is that the $2 towel rental fee is waived. Well, that was easy.

After having read through various other blogs and boards, I learned that the parking lots for the water parks are a lot smaller than the other theme parks and we should arrive early. The plan was formulated to spend 3 hours at Typhoon Lagoon first. Why first? That night was H20 glow party, and we knew at 6pm the guests from that separately purchased event would begin arriving making the park even busier. The point at which we decided to switch parks was perfect for a late lunch then on to Blizzard beach to close out the day. We pulled into Typhoon Lagoon at 9am much to the despair of my sleep loving family and were not the first family parking but nowhere near the last. The lots have much more tree cover, hence, more shade still not having to walk from the far end in swimsuits was a blessing. We did have to wait until 9:30am to be allowed in and then another 25 min to get past the ropes. Luckily, the bathrooms, towel rental, and life vests were on our side of the ropes. We were allowed in a few minutes before opening and made a beeline to a set of 5 lounge chairs. Our prime spot was a back row in front of the lagoon under a copse of palm trees also located a short walk to the bathrooms and drink refills. It was a perfect spot. We actually only used it for a very brief time, and we gave up all but 2 places to latecomers. We did rent a locker for cell phones and car keys. Well worth the $10 for piece of mind.

First up was Miss Adventure falls, the only animatronic ride in either water park. The three kids and I piled into a large, but not large enough, raft and were carried up a hill. The view was thrilling, and then we made our way swiftly down the “falls.” Finding there was still no wait, we rode again in two rafts. I am 6′ tall and my eldest son is 6’9″. Even with two smaller kids, it’s challenging to find space for legs altogether. The next ride was Crush’n Gusher. We rode all three courses, each more fun than the last. I think this may have won for the best ride. We spent the next few hours being blasted by tsunami style waves every 90 seconds and exploring all the other rides. Most we did together, but a few the kids branched off without us. I would not allow my two youngest into the deep end of the lagoon alone. The waves are no joke, and neither are the throngs of people being thrown at you. Most rides outside of the kiddie park had a 48″ height requirement, and I don’t believe we found any with height maximums. Yes, there are some rides at nearly every major theme park with restrictions over 6’8″. This typically doesn’t apply to enough people to be a concern, but if you’re exceptionally tall, you are good at the water parks. 3pm arrived, and we made a short trip to our car and headed to the golden arches for a quick, relatively cheap lunch. Not my favorite, but a kid favorite and a guarantee everyone would eat. Plus, the ice cream machine was working, and those $1 icy cold treats were a savior.

We pulled into Blizzard Beach expecting the worst. I had images of us not finding parking, or seating, or shade or waiting in terrible lines. I was wrong. We found a front row parking spot and had our choice of shady lounge chairs. The early morning crowds had cleared out, and the after 2pm water park pass people had kept at bay. We took the chair lift, our most extended wait, to the top where the boys decided to take the Summit Plummet’s 12 story drop slide. I chickened out. I went to the observation deck and watched my family fly down the slides. My husband and daughter did the double dipper. He’s a big guy too, and he told me he went airborne after dip two. The Summit Plummet has a speedometer at the bottom so you can see how fast you’ve gone. The fastest person I saw was going 52 mph! We did Teamboat springs together as the only ride that holds 6 people at once. We didn’t have a problem fitting each of us onto one raft, and it won for the best ride in this park. The only ride we did multiple times, though, was the Runoff Rapids. There was never a line. It seems pretty self-limiting in that you have to climb several hundred stairs to make it to the top. There are two open tubes and one enclosed. The enclosed is mostly dark with pinpricks of light but goes a lot faster and seems so long. The lagoon here is much more my style. With a bottomless, but manageable wave pool. Chilling in my raft, bobbing on the waves was relaxing, and we stayed until park close.

Both parks have magnificent lazy rivers, sandy beaches, kiddie areas, great slides, and big lagoons. The photographers will give you a laminated card with a rubber band at the start of the day and load all your pictures onto it. If you have the app, they will all pop up for you to peruse by the next day. Oddly, I expected in the heat of summer for these parks to be a madhouse. We experienced wait times no longer than 15 min, we never had a problem parking or finding a seat and never lacked a raft when required. The cost being under $70 per person with two parks to choose from was a steal. Even in winter, the pools are heated. I don’t know why we put this off so long, but we will be back again for sure.

Eating Around

Cheating on a bland, boring life by tasting all the yumminess of local eats in new places.

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