Ana Rebeca 2/13/20 Ana Rebeca 2/13/20

The Best Destinations for Solo Travel

With books and films like Wild, Down the Nile, and Eat, Pray, Love inspiring us to travel on our own more, solo travel has been on the rise in recent years—and rightfully so! Solo travel can be so invigorating, freeing, and healing for the soul. If you need a little inspiration, take a look at the list below for some of the best destinations for solo travel.

The Best Destinations for Solo Travel

With books and films like Wild, Down the Nile, and Eat, Pray, Love inspiring us to travel on our own more, solo travel has been on the rise in recent years—and rightfully so! Who wouldn’t want to go at their own pace, see whatever they want to see, and eliminate any distraction pulling them away from the present moment. Solo travel can be so invigorating, freeing, and healing for the soul. There are plenty of factors to consider when taking a solo trip—safety, cost, duration of travel, etc.—but I personally think you should just go with your heart. Go wherever it is that your soul is pulling you towards and lose yourself in it. If you need a little inspiration, take a look at the list below for some of the best destinations for solo travel.

Puerto Rico

I know I might be biased here since I am of Puerto Rican heritage, but Puerto Rico really is an incredible destination for any kind of traveler. Additionally, because of the recent natural disasters the country has been victim to, they need the tourism now more than ever. Whether you’re looking for adventure, food, LGBTQ+, luxury, or cultural travel, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Puerto Rico! The best part for US-citizens is that it doesn’t require a passport so you can freely enter and exit with no problem.

Ireland

Ireland is typically amongst the list of happiest countries in the world (along with Denmark, which I also recommend traveling to), which makes it a great reason to visit as a solo traveler. You can experience the lively music and pub culture in major cities like Dublin, or visit the abundantly lush, rolling hills throughout Irelands countryside. There’s a great combination of nature and city life for any type of solo travel here.

Japan

There are a number of countries in Asia that are excellent for solo travel, but Japan could be a great place for you to start. You can find history, culture, cuisine, and beautiful locations all over this gorgeous country. There’s outdoor adventures, urban adventures, and everything in between. The public transportation is impeccable throughout Japan, and it’s commonly amongst one of the safest places to travel in the world. The only downside is that it can be a little on the higher end of the budget scale (depending what your budget is); so if you’re looking to spend less, perhaps consider other destinations such as Thailand or Vietnam.

Costa Rica

Pura Vida! Of course Costa Rica needs to be on this list because it is such a gorgeous destination for any solo travel who is into the outdoors and getting in touch with nature. There are endless opportunities for adventures like zip lining in the rainforests, white water rafting, hiking, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach. It’s hard not to love Costa Rica and all its beauty!

South Africa

Although it may be a bit of a longer journey for some, South Africa is absolutely worth visiting as a solo traveler. Experience the urban life in Cape Town, head to Stellenbosch for wine tasting, or do safari in Kruger National Park. Visiting South Africa will give you a little taste of the magical experience that comes with traveling through Africa. I highly recommend it!

Spain

Where else can you go and get a whole meal + drinks for under 10€? Spain is an incredible destination for solo travelers because of its relatively low cost and beautiful surroundings. You can kick it on the beach, sightsee around many historic cities, celebrate one of the thousands of annual festivals, or indulge in the cultural ambience that often goes late into the night. Spain is one of those destinations that makes you want to return again and again and again.

New Zealand

New Zealand has been notoriously touted as a great destination for solo travelers—and particularly female solo travelers. There are plenty of outdoor and urban adventures to enjoy for all types of travelers. Wine lovers will rejoice because New Zealand is known for having a great selection of new world wines and vineyards to experience.

Portugal

If you’re planning on taking a trip to Europe, consider stopping over in Portugal for a little excursion. Portugal is a great place for solo travelers to visit and have an extended layover. TAP Airlines even has a layover program designed for this! I guarantee you will want to come back and visit again once you experience the culture, see the idyllic beaches, explore some historic architecture, and get your first taste of a Pasteis de Nata (my mouth is watering just thinking about them right now). Visit cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Sintra to get your first taste of this incredible country.

United States

The list is endless for how many cities that you can take a solo trip to in the United States. While traveling within the states isn’t necessarily as cheap as other international destinations, it is still extremely accessible and easy to navigate. There are larger destinations like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Miami that you can explore, or you can scale down and explore other spots like Savannah, Austin, Santa Barbara, Portland (either Maine or Oregon). There’s truly something for everyone!

Italy

Like other European countries, Italy is excellent for the solo traveler because of how easy it is to get around everywhere. With trains connecting basically every major and small city, you can easily just grab a train pass and create your own experience. Visit the famous beach towns around the coast, indulge in the food and drink around the country, or check out the historic sights. For a real adventure, consider renting a car for a couple days and exploring the countryside.

Peru

Peru is a solo backpackers dream. Most famous for its ruins and mountains, the country has made traveling to famous sights and destinations extremely easy for travelers. There are also frequent tours and public transportation to/from places like Machu Picchu if you want to do your exploring in a group setting with other solo travelers.

Switzerland

While Switzerland is on the pricier end of the European destinations to visit, it is surely one you cannot miss. To put it simply, Switzerland is gorgeous, clean, and safe. Getting around Switzerland is also incredibly easy. You can rent a car to explore the vast countryside, or hop on the train to visit just about any town you want to explore. This is another wonderful destination for outdoor and urban adventures alike. Make sure to include cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel on your list!

Norway

If you want to spend your entire trip exploring nature, head to Norway. Fjords, Northern Lights, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls… What more could you possibly want in your outdoor oasis adventure?! High season is typically around June-August, so consider visiting on a shoulder season (just before or after high season) to get better prices and less crowds.

Canada

If you’re not able to jump the pond from the United States, consider taking a visit to our next-door neighbor up north. Canada is an incredibly beautiful country with so much to explore. Visit cities like Québec, Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver; or go off the beaten path and visit places like Lake Louise, Whistler, or Jasper. Prices are relatively less expensive than a lot of destinations in the United States, making it a great alternative that is close to home.

France

While Paris is always a good idea, there are also so many other places to visit around France that you simply cannot miss. Consider heading to the Eastern region to drive through the Alsace wine region and stop in cities like Strasbourg, Colmar, or Kaysersberg. Or visit the beaches down south in Nice, St. Tropez, or Cannes. Like other countries in Europe, you can have just about any type of traveling experience you desire—cultural, urban, outdoor, etc. It’s simple getting around France with either a car or the train.

What are some of your favorite solo travel destinations? Comment below with more ideas or tips to inspire others!

5 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Charleston

The best way to explore the streets of Charleston is by foot. Use these 5 self-guided walking tours of Charleston to create your own adventures around the city based on what you're looking for! Use these guides to find places to eat, where to take photos, and where to see the historical sites of Charleston.

5 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Charleston

I'm a city girl through and through. That means I innately hate driving, the inconvenience of having to go somewhere where I can't just walk, and the general idea of something that I need not being accessible to get to. Because of these things, I'm always very picky with where I want to travel. Cities that prove themselves to be extremely accessible and easy to get around automatically get bonus points in my book.

Luckily, Charleston is one of those great cities that are easy to navigate and get around! Plus, you don't really need to get a car to get around and see all the charming streets, alleys, and corners this city has to offer. You can easily get from one end of the city to the other by foot, which is the best way to explore it!

As you're walking through Charleston, you'll be able to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. If you don't mind spending a little money, you can definitely sign up for a guided tour with a professional (best for people who want to learn the history and just follow along with a group); OR you can just take the adventurous route and explore on your own (my preferred method)! Below are 5 examples of walking routes that you can take around Charleston to discover different parts of the city.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Charleston

Check out our full Charleston City Guide so you can get better acquainted with where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!
Wear comfortable shoes when you're exploring Charleston because you could easily spend an entire day outside walking around.
Come with an empty stomach because the food in Charleston is absolutely incredible! I'd recommend having a full day out where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner all during your walking tour. You won't have any problems finding great restaurants with the routes provided in this post. Plus, there are tons of recommendations in the City Guide listed above!
The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! Charleston is so easy to get around so it's definitely easy to just zig zag around from street to street (that's pretty much what I did during my stay).

1. The French Quarter + Rainbow Row Walking Tour

Takes you through the historic french quarter, waterfront park, and the incredibly photogenic rainbow row

Route map for The French Quarter + Rainbow Row by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

Since Charleston was originally founded as a harbor city, it's natural that a lot of the properties near the original waterfront areas would have a lot of history and character. The French Quarter is full of colorful streets, cobblestone alleys, and unique looking churches (including one that looks like it tilts to the side). This is a great route to get a feel for the old, historic part of Charleston.

2. The Waterfront + Broad Street Walking Tour

Explores the lower part of charleston near the waterfront and the popular broad street

Route map for Waterfront, Broad Street, & Rainbow Row by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you're a real estate aficionado, this might be your favorite route. On this tour you can expect to see beautiful homes, mansions, and buildings that are lined side by side on both quaint and spacious streets. Make sure to spend time around the White Point Garden and scope out the homes around there. You'll also see the popular Rainbow Row along East Bay Street, as well as the popular Broad Street, which is home to many local businesses and restaurants. You can stick to this route, but I recommend checking out any of the side streets, alleys, or areas that look particularly fascinating to you. There is a lot to explore down here!

3. Downtown Shopping + King Street Walking Route

Perfect route to discover the colorful King street and indulge in some shopping

Route map for Downtown Shopping & King Street by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

You can't leave Charleston without walking around King Street to do a little shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. You can expect to see lots of colorful buildings, cute boutiques, and plenty of delicious restaurant choices. For a list of my favorite shops and restaurants, check out my Charleston City Guide.

4. best Restaurants + Bars walking Route

Takes you through the areas with some of the best restaurants + bars of charleston

Route map for Restaurants + Bars by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you read my Charleston City Guide, you know that I included a hefty list of restaurants and bars to check out. This route takes you through the main areas where those places are located in case you want to check them out or do a food + bar crawl. Like the other routes listed here, I recommend you wander off to any side streets or areas that look interesting to you!

5. Harleston Village + Cannonborough/elliotborough ROUTE

Takes you through two popular + Trendy neighborhoods of downtown charleston

Route map for Harleston Village + Part Of Cannonbourogh by Ana Dominguez on plotaroute.com

If you're looking for off the beaten path places to hang, this route will be perfect for you. The Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhoods of Charleston are great areas to find trendy shops and restaurants. The Harleston Village also has lots of local spots since it is home to the College of Charleston. You'll see beautiful homes, streets, and other local hideaways with this route.

What are some other walking routes or areas you would recommend in Charleston? Comment below with some more must-see places!

If you're exploring Charleston, try out these walking tours and let me know what you think!

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah

The best way to explore the streets of Savannah is by foot. Use these 3 self-guided walking tours of Savannah to create your own adventures around the city based on what you're looking for! Use these guides to find places to eat, where to take photos, and where to see the historical sites of Savannah.

3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah

Luckily, Savannah is one of the most convenient and easiest cities to navigate that I've ever been to. Here's why... Have you ever been to New York? It's a grid. Guess what's also a grid? Savannah. Yes! Sign me up!

If you're heading to Savannah, the best way to explore it will be on foot. It will give you the chance to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. If you don't mind spending a little money, you can definitely sign up for a guided tour with a professional (best for people who want to learn the history and just follow along with a group); OR you can just take the adventurous route and explore on your own (my preferred method)! Below are 3 examples of walking routes that you can take around Savannah depending on what you're looking for.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Savannah

Check out our full Savannah City Guide so you can get better acquainted with where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!
Wear comfortable shoes when you're exploring Savannah because you could easily spend an entire day outside walking around.
Come with an empty stomach because the food in Savannah is to die for! I'd recommend having a full day out where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner all during your walking tour. You won't have any problems finding great restaurants with the routes provided in this post.
The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! Savannah is so easy to get around so it's definitely easy to just zig zag around from street to street (that's pretty much what I did during my stay).

1. Savannah Squares Walking Tour

Takes you around each of the squares of Savannah with the route ending at Forsyth Park

View route map for Savannah Squares on plotaroute.com

Before visiting Savannah, a friend was telling me I absolutely had to check out all of the "squares" around the downtown area. I have to admit... I was a little bit confused until I actually got to see them and appreciate them for myself.

Savannah currently has 22 historic squares that you can see and enjoy when you visit. Each square has its own name and look, with most of them having a unique statue, sculpture, or structure as the focal point in the center. They are all lovely in their own right (and I recommend seeing all of them), but my personal favorites are Chippewa (made famous by Forrest Gump), Lafayette, Greene, Madison, and Johnson.

2. Savannah Shopping Walking Tour

Takes you through a good shopping route to explore Savannah's local boutiques and shops

View route map for Savannah Shopping on plotaroute.com

There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. This route takes you through the City Market, Broughton Street, and down Bull Street with the occasional zigzag here and there.

Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.

3. Forsyth Park and Historic Streets Walking Route

Takes you through Forsyth Park and parts of the Historic District of Downtown Savannah

View route map for Savannah Streets And Park on plotaroute.com

A visit to Savannah is just not complete without a visit to Forsyth Park. The park, which is especially gorgeous at sunrise and sunset, is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.

After spending some time in the park, stick around the area to roam the downtown Historic District so you can marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. This route will take you around some of my favorite areas, but you should also follow your adventurous instincts and explore the streets that excite you!

What are some other walking routes or areas you would recommend in Savannah? Comment below with some more must-see places!

If you're exploring Savannah, try out these walking tours and let me know what you think!

A Weekend Guide to Charleston

After a long-awaited time, we're finally heading down to Charleston to see what all the hype is about! Candy colored houses, cobblestone streets, and all the Southern cooking we've ever dreamed us is what is waiting for us in The Holy City. Use this weekend travel guide to Charleston to figure out where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

A Weekend Guide to Charleston

Every magazine. Every travel article. Every Instagram post. I couldn't get away from it. Charleston was right in my face everywhere I turned for the last couple years. The Holy City has been on the rise in popularity with travelers from all over the world and it was about time for me to get down there to see what all the hype was about. That and the fact that I also wanted to feel like a little princess amongst those candy colored houses and cobblestone streets...

I'm not even going to waste my time with a long intro to this post because the content below speaks for itself (I mean, just LOOK at that enormous food list!). This might even be one of the most comprehensive mini city guides I've ever put together for you... Use this handy weekend guide to Charleston so you can easily figure out where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

In case you haven't been tuning into popular culinary shows like Top Chef or Parts Unknown, Charleston has officially emerged as one of the great food meccas of our country (and I will gladly have words with anyone who says otherwise). You can come to Charleston and spend a month eating at a different place for every meal and you'd only begin to scratch the surface of what this city has to offer (you'll see what I mean based on my list). This city is on another level when it comes to food--and I am all about that level.

The best thing about the restaurant scene here is that you can really find just about any cuisine you're looking for at every price range. Plus, everything you eat is guaranteed to be fullllll with flavor (give me all the buttery shrimp and grits, I don't even care about my cholesterol). To help you narrow down your [endless] choices, here's a list of some of my favorite spots you should check out when visiting Charleston!

Budget:

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, $, 476 1/2 King St -- Do yourself a favor and grab a nice, homemade biscuit from here to start of your day. They are soooo yummy and come in a variety of styles. Such an adorable little shop!
Persimmon Cafe, $, 226 Calhoun St -- Quaint little cafe/sandwich shop that is located in a laundromat (yes, a laundromat). But don't let that put you off because the sandwiches are to die for.
Brown Dog Deli, $, 40 Broad St -- Pet friendly spot with really great sandwiches and salads
Dashi Food Truck, $, Location Varies -- This little Asian/Latin fusion food truck is all the rage with locals. And honestly, how can you not love a place that has a slogan like this: "Put Some Sriracha in Your Sombrero." All you have to do is check their website schedule to see where they will be on what dates. They're often at the weekend Farmer's Market too, which is definitely something to check out if you're in town when it's open!
Sugar Bakeshop, $, 59 1/2 Cannon St -- Cute little bakeshop with delicious cupcakes and sweets in a fun area of town. Gluten free options available as well!

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Persimmon Cafe

Brown Dog Deli

Dashi Food Truck

Sugar Bakeshop

Bon Banh Mi, $, 162 Spring St -- Incredibly flavorful food (tacos and sandwiches galore) at this Vietnamese-style spot
Verde, $, 347 King St -- Good spot for a quick salad
Pink Bellies Food Truck, $, 73 Saint Philip St -- Another incredibly tasty food truck to stop by in Charleston. This one serves up Vietnamese style treats to their hungry customers. Location may vary, so just check on their website or social media
Breizh Pan Crepes, $, 39 George St -- Delicious crepe spot that offers both sweet and savory options (with gluten-free crepes available, too!)
Butcher & Bee, $($), 1085 Morrison Dr -- So this place is a little higher priced than the others on this budget section, but it is very worth a trip. The food and all the ingredients they use are extremely fresh and filling. The decor and vibe are also very fun, so it's worth a trip outside of the downtown area. Make sure to try the roast beef sandwich!

Bon Banh Mi

Verde

Pink Bellies Food Truck

Breizh Pan Crepes

Butcher & Bee

Moderate:

167 Raw, $$, 289 E Bay St -- Do not skip this place. UNREAL seafood menu? Check. Trendy decor? Check. Affordable prices for incredible seafood? Check. Cute bartenders and staff...? Check. If you're into a little Ahi Poke like I am, order the "GAINZ BOWL" when you go (yes, GAINZ with a "Z"). It's an off-the-menu item that the staff will surely know about. It's basically the Ahi Poke mixed with a little avocado. Delish delish delishhhhh...UGH! *mouth drips with drool*
Xiao Bao Biscuit, $$, 224 Rutledge Ave -- I had no idea the South could pack so much Asian flavor into a dish until I tried this place. Incredible option if you're looking for some Asian Soul Food Fusion around Charleston. Their most famous dish is the Okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese cabbage pancake that you can add candied pork, bacon, or an egg to. The flavors in all the dishes are unbeatable.
Edmund's Oast, $$, 1081 Morrison Dr -- Great brew pub just outside of the downtown area that's wonderful for people craving a quality beer accompanied by a hearty meal
R Kitchen, $$, 212 Rutledge Ave -- Come here to enjoy the chefs cooking a 5-course meal for you right in front of your face
Hominy Grill, $$, 207 Rutledge Ave -- Ideal place to grab some authentic Southern style breakfast

167 Raw

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Edmund's Oast

R Kitchen

Hominy Grill

Avila, $$, 141 Calhoun St -- A Venezuelan food truck turned brick and mortar joint. The arepas and tostones are a popular combo here.
Fuel, $$, 211 Rutledge St -- Located in an old gas station in a trendy part of town, this little spot has a variety of Caribbean style food that keeps people coming back for more
39 Rue de Jean, $$, 39 John St -- A delightful French brasserie in the heart of Charleston
5Church, $$, 32 N Market St -- The interior (particularly the art and the ceiling) is really something to stop in and marvel at. The restaurant is located in an old church and the entire manuscript of "Art of War," is written in white on the ceiling. It is absolutely incredible to see! The food menu looks just as appetizing as the drinks, too!
Pawpaw, $$, 209 E Bay St -- There are quite a few reasons why the locals in Charleston are flocking to this new hotspot: The wine on tap, the hushpuppies and fries, and basically the rest of the menu. You can't go wrong with anything here.

Avila

Fuel

39 Rue de Jean

5Church

Pawpaw

Also try: Poogan's Porch, Jestine's Kitchen, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Cannon Green (beautiful interior!), and O-Ku

Luxury:

Husk, $$$, 76 Queen St -- If you can only pick 1 place to eat in Charleston, let it be Husk. DO NOT SKIP THIS PLACE! The hype is very real for all the right reasons. The food here, which is all sourced locally, is un-freaking-believable. I didn't care much for shrimp and grits until I came here and actually tasted real shrimp and grits. The food is outstanding and you probably will need to arrange to be wheelchaired home because it's nearly impossible to stop eating once you've tasted the deliciousness that comes out of that kitchen.
Chez Nous, $$$, 6 Payne Ct -- This adorable French spot, which is tucked away in a hidden alley, is a well kept secret amongst the locals. The trendy restaurant has a different menu every single day and posts the daily options on their Instagram page every morning.
The Ordinary, $$$, 544 King St -- There is nothing ordinary about this restaurant and its menu. If you're looking for a good seafood dinner in Charleston, this is your spot! The oyster sliders are definitely something to write home about.
Halls Chophouse, $$$$, 434 King St -- There's a lot of debate as to where you can truly find the best steak in Charleston, but Halls Chophouse just might come out on top... They have a Gospel Brunch on Sunday, and the service here is said to be incredible
Coast Bar & Grill, $$($), 39 John St, Ste D -- This little seafood spot is tucked away in a hidden alley (which is picture worthy in and of itself) and boasts some great happy hour specials. The portions do not disappoint either.

Husk

Chez Nous

The Ordinary

Halls Chophouse

Coast Bar & Grill

The Macintosh, $$$, 479 King St -- This trendy spot off of King Street has a great assortment of seafood and meat dishes on the menu, as well as a thirst quenching drink menu.
Zero Restaurant + Bar, $$$, 0 George St -- A lovely, cozy restaurant located in the heart of the uber hip Zero George Hotel
Circa 1886, $$$$, 149 Wentworth St -- The epitome of fine dining in the heart of Charleston. This world renowned place is located in the carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. Definitely a place to go if you're celebrating a special occasion.
S.N.O.B., $$$, 192 E Bay St -- The acronym stands for "Slightly North of Broad," which is exactly where this restaurant is located. The food here is very unpretentious and outstanding. You can get a nice combination of shared plates, or your own larger entree(s) if you prefer.
Cypress, $$$, 167 E Bay St -- Although this definitely classifies as a fine dining spot in the city, they do have a couple of nights that there are incredible specials. Maybe the locals have just done a really good job a keeping it a secret, but you can come here for $5 burgers on Mondays! Also try the Wasabi Tuna and Lavender Martini when you're here.

The Macintosh

Zero Restaurant + Bar

Circa 1886

SNOB

Cypress

Also try: FIG, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, Magnolias, McCrady's Tavern, Trattoria Lucca, High Cotton

BONUS: PLACES TO GRAB A DRINK

*I don't normally include a list of places to drink in my city guides, but Charleston's options had quite a few that stood out to me. Here are my favorites:

Prohibition, $$, 547 King St -- Great spot for music and also has a tasty food menu
The Belmont, $$, 511 King St
5Church, $$, 32 N Market St -- See above in the food section
The Cocktail Club, $$, 479 King St -- Pseudo-speakeasy right along King Street
Closed for Business, $$, 453 King St -- Beer and bar food are the specialties here
Bin 152, $$, 152 King St -- For those looking for a good wine bar
Minero, $$, 153B E Bay St -- Great for spicy margaritas and tacos with the girls
The Gin Joint, $$, 182 E Bay St
Bar at Husk, $$, 74 Queen St -- Husk is a must-eat place just as Bar at Husk is a must-drink place

The Luxury Hotel

Belmond Charleston Place, $$$, 205 Meeting Street

The Belmond Charleston Place is the ultimate place where sophisticated luxury meets Southern charm. It was my preferred hotel in Charleston because of the gorgeous hotel amenities and its prime, central location. You can read more about my stay here by going to this post right here!

Also try: The Dewberry ($$$)

The Boutique Hotel

Zero George Street, $$$, 0 George St

If you're looking for a great hotel for a girl's weekend, Zero George Street might be your place. This charming and refined boutique hotel, which is set in 5 historic, restored homes, is sure to make you never want to leave. Guests can enjoy the on site restaurant, breakfast every day, and even wine/cheese receptions. They also have loaner bikes available for their guests to use to bike around the downtown area. Too cute!

Also try: The Spectator Hotel ($$$) or The Restoration ($$$)

The B&B Luxury Mansion

John Rutledge House Inn, $$$, 116 Broad Street

I stumbled upon the John Rutledge House Inn on one of my walks around Charleston and decided to pop in for a quick look. The concierge was so kind and friendly and he even let me get a look inside one of their suites! The rooms were incredibly elegant and glamorous and made me feel like I had literally stepped back in time. Definitely a beautiful place to put on the bucket list if historic mansions are your cup of tea.

Also try: Wentworth Mansion ($$$$) or French Quarter Inn ($$$)

The Affordable Inn

King Charles Inn, $$, 237 Meeting St

This wonderful inn is perfectly located right in the heart of downtown, making it perfect walking distance to get anywhere you need. They also have a lovely rooftop pool and terrace, making it a great place to cool off in the hot summer months.

Also try: The Vendue ($$) or 1837 Bed and Breakfast ($$)

Things To Do in Charleston:

Check out my favorite (and FREE) 5 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Charleston to explore the city!
Sign up for a Candle Making Class at Candlefish. This was by far one of the most fun things we did on our trip! You'll instantly fall in love with the store when you walk in, so it's cool to be able to take a class where you can actually make your own product to take home (even though I went home with about 20 other products as well...). It's also BYOB, which makes for a great excuse to drink mimosas before noon. Make sure to sign up ahead of time because space is very limited!

Take a day trip to Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island
Rent a bike for the day from a place like The Bicycle Shoppe or Affordabike Bicycle Shop.
Go Shopping! There are so many adorable and local boutiques placed all around the city of Charleston and finding them is half the fun. I personally love Candlefish, mac & murphy, Candy Shop Vintage, The Commons, Sweet 185, Luna, Worthwhile, V2V, Vestique, and The Impeccable Pig

Visit Charleston's Historic Houses. Since Charleston is so old, you can surely bet that you'll get your fair dose of history lessons in your trip if you visit the historic houses/museums around the city. I love these attractions because it feels like stepping into a piece of history! You'll see how incredibly well maintained some of these properties are as well. My personal favorites were the Aiken-Rhett House, the Nathaniel Russell House, and the Heyward-Washington House.

Walk along Rainbow Row and the Waterfront Park, which are probably the two most photographed locations in all of Charleston. I recommend going super early to avoid the crowds!

Shop for your dream home around Battery Park and White Point Gardens
Take a historic walking tour or carriage tour of downtown Charleston
Wander around the French Quarter and downtown areas. It is the best way you will find the city's adorable hidden alleys, colorful houses, and courtyards.
Explore Upper King Street, which is becoming the new hip and trendy area with lots of new restaurants and shops opening up.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO Charleston? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!

Thank you to Explore Charleston and Belmond Charleston Place for hosting my visit in Charleston. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.

Where to Stay in Charleston: Belmond Charleston Place

Located in the heart of the downtown Charleston is the chic and elegant Belmond Charleston Place. The hotel's prime location--just a stone's throw away from all the city's major hot spots--makes it an ideal home base for visitors from all around. Step inside this luxury, urban oasis and see why it's nearly impossible to leave the city after falling in love with its Southern Charm.

Belmond Charleston Place: Where Sophisticated Luxury Meets Southern Charm

There’s something special going on in the southern part of the United States right now that’s attracting travelers from around the globe for a myriad of reasons. A refreshing, modern revival has been hitting places that used to fly pretty under the radar for most travelers. A southern renaissance, if you will.

We’re seeing a rise of fresh and new fusion cuisines, exclusive and trendy restaurants, very unique local boutiques, and cocktail lounges that could rival those of Manhattan or London. Charleston, South Carolina has been one of the cities at the forefront of this incredible rebirth of the modern-day “south,” and it’s definitely not a city to be ignored. The cobblestone streets, the candy colored houses, and the quintessential southern charm all make for quite the fairytale destination—and it’s all located right here in our very own backyard.

After doing a little research on the city and getting an idea for where everything was, I knew I wanted to stay somewhere that was centrally located so that I could walk around as much as possible. You know me... I’m a city girl with a natural disdain for cars and driving. Give me my walking shoes, public transit, and taxis and I’m a happy girl!

The Belmond Charleston Place seemed to be the absolute perfect location for getting around town and seeing everything that I wanted to see. It was never more than a 10-15 minute walk to get anywhere I wanted in all of downtown Charleston, with many of the places I wanted to check out just literally steps from the front door. You really can’t get much better than that!

Arriving at the Resort – Location, Location, Location

Like I said, the prime location of Belmond Charleston Place is one of the hotel’s strongest attributes that set it apart from any other hotel in the city. Getting to the hotel from the Charleston Airport was a quick 20-minute drive (on a good day with hardly any traffic). Once you pull up to the hotel, the magnificent Quadriga Fountain greets you as you begin your stay.

Walking into the lobby felt like stepping into the luxurious mansion of your long-lost southern relatives. I’m not sure which one made me feel more cozy and at home first—the breathtaking spiral staircase fully decked out in holiday decorations (with an electric train chugging around the perimeter), or the warm hospitality of the concierge staff greeting me as I walked in.

*Image courtesy of Belmond Charleston Place*

*Notable Mention: The concierge staff is incredible, by the way... When I arrived, I told them I wanted somewhere trendy and local with great seafood to take my mom over the weekend and their recommendations were on point every single time. I never felt like I was heading into a tourist trap, which is the last thing I want when I’m traveling.

Modern Luxury and Urban Elegance Meets Southern Charm

There have been a small handful of times in my life where I’ve walked into a hotel suite and thought to myself, “Um...is this real life???” Stepping into my room at the Belmond Charleston Place was one of those moments.

The luxury accommodations and signature suites at Belmond Charleston Place are a perfect marriage of modern, sophisticated grandeur and old, southern style elegance. The entry hall of our suite led us into a grand living room that was full of bright, natural light and Charleston’s historic city views. The living room came with a smaller dining area attached, where I was able to enjoy a lovely breakfast while overlooking the city every morning.

As if it couldn’t get any better than that, the living room led to a set of French doors (yes, please!), which welcomed us into our spacious king-bedded room with an ensuite bathroom. The bathroom—which gave me total bathroom envy—included an Italian Carrara marble vanity and a walk-in rain head shower. One step into that shower and I felt like I could just stay there the whole time... It was quite relaxing (especially once you slip into one of their signature robes)!

One of my favorite conveniences of the room was the master controlled lighting, which was just on the side of the bed. One touch and you can control all the lights in the suite—which was really great for my lazy bum when I didn’t want to get out of bed :) It’s the little things, ya know?

How to spend your time here

Book a stay with access to the Club Level Lounge

Having access to this part of the hotel was what took my stay at the Belmond Charleston Place from great to EXCELLENT. On the top 2 floors of the hotel, there is an exclusive VIP Club Lounge for guests who are staying on the 7th and 8th floors (or guests with suites that permit access) to enjoy 24 hours a day.

What’s included in the lounge, you ask? Oh, just breakfast, snacks, high tea with little sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, and dinner appetizers... Oh, and also complimentary cocktails and beverages. Yes...all of that. All day.

You have 2 spacious floors to come, kick back, eat, drink, relax, and take in the views of Charleston (especially gorgeous views of the city at sunrise and sunset from the club level). AND the food menu changes on a daily basis, so you’ll always be getting new tasty treats up there! I made it my ritual to go there basically before and/or after every meal to enjoy a glass of wine or some appetizers. It was simply divine.

I highly encourage booking a stay on the Club Level for the sole purpose of getting to enjoy this lounge every day. It is worth every penny. And a special shout out to the staff up there that made each visit to the lounge an absolute delight! These guys are seriously awesome!

Spend some time at the pool and rooftop area

The pool at Belmond Charleston Place looks like something fresh out of a Greek mythology textbook. Something about the large, white pillars on both sides of the pool and bright, open skylight make this room marvelously irresistible.

If you want to catch an incredible view of King Street, head to the rooftop area to catch a glimpse at any time of the day. There are even lounge chairs, tables, and an outdoor bar and grill area for guests to enjoy during their visit. If anything, you should at least head up there to grab a picture of the cute and colorful buildings along King Street.

Do some shopping

If you’re looking to shop and splurge a little bit on your trip, consider taking a look through the shops downstairs on the main floor of the lobby. There are luxury boutiques, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and a few mid-range ones, such as White House/Black Market or Tommy Bahama. If this is the sort of thing you’re into when you travel, then you’re in luck because it’s right downstairs in the hotel! No need to travel too far.

Other notable mentions:

Spa and Gym

Located on the same floor as the pool, the spa and gym area offers a great escape into the tranquil oasis that this hotel has to offer. Book a massage or beauty treatment during your stay, or hit the gym to work off all that delicious southern food (like shrimp and grits) you’ll be eating.

Dine at the many Restaurants

Charleston is becoming widely known as a being an epicenter of food culture in the south (Top Chef, anyone?), so it comes as no surprise that Belmond Charleston Place has its own gourmet cuisine right on site.

Right on the first floor, you’ll find the Charleston Grill, which I particularly loved in the evening times to sip on some cocktails and listen to live jazz music. Just around the corner from that is The Palmetto Cafe, which has an incredibly gorgeous garden-style courtyard just along side their bright, spacious indoor dining room. It’s a great place for weekend brunch if you don’t want to venture out too far.

Also located within the hotel grounds is Meeting at Market, an upscale pub for those looking to relax with a beer and burger while watching a game. Their menu does offer a slightly elevated take on traditional bar food, which makes total sense considering the upscale amenities of the rest of the hotel.

Guests can also enjoy tapas and drinks at the Thoroughbred Club, or order an assortment of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres with afternoon tea (for parties of 10 or more). You’re definitely taken care of when it comes to dining and drinking here!

Book a Tour

Belmond Charleston Place offers their guests the convenience of booking tours and excursions right with the concierge. You can browse their itineraries, visit the historic sites or plantations, or even play a round of golf. You can book these services once upon your arrival with the hotel or on their website right here if you’re a current guest.

Good to Know information

Like I said earlier, Belmond Charleston Place is within perfect walking distance to just about anywhere you want to go in the downtown Charleston area. You will not need a car to get around from the hotel. You have King Street, the waterfront, and all kinds of historic areas literally just steps away from the front door.
If walking isn’t your jam, you can always use ride share apps like Lyft to get around just fine!
Use the concierge for recommendations on places that you’re interested in going, seeing, or eating at. I’m telling you—they were absolutely on point with all the places they told us to check out!

Overall, I really loved my time at Belmond Charleston Place. The hotel's location is absolutely perfect for getting around anywhere you need, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgable about the city, and the conveniences and amenities of the hotel made me feel cozy and right at home. It doesn't get much better than that! I would highly recommend this urban, luxury experience to anyone traveling through Charleston and look forward to returning one day myself!

Belmond Charleston Place
205 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Visit the Belmond Charleston Place

Thank you to Belmond Charleston Place for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.

A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming beach town of Tybee Island. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets with your hair blowing in the wind, see all the colorful cottages around town, hit the beach for some surfing, and then unwind with a drink in hand along the pier. Tybee Island is the perfect extension to your Savannah vacation--so use this travel guide to find where to eat, sleep, and play while you're there!

A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming little beach town of Tybee Island. Often referred to as "Savannah's Beach," Tybee is a great, natural escape from the urban lifestyle that is only about 15-20 minutes away. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets while ogling at the colorful cottages; hit the beach for some surfing, picnicking, or relaxing; and finally, unwind at the end of the day by watching the sunset over the ocean. It's the perfect beach getaway *and* extension to your trip in Savannah!

It's time to clock into "Tybee Time," as the locals call it. Let your hair down, grab your flip flops, and get ready to relax because we're taking a break from the skyscrapers of the city to enjoy the vibes of the island. Use this weekend guide to Tybee Island to see where you can eat, sleep, and play on any budget during your visit.

Don't be fooled by the size of Tybee Island because the flavors this beachy town certainly pack a punch. There are plenty of great places to eat and enjoy the island when you're staying in Tybee. The best part is that you don't have to break the bank eating in town because there are tons of affordable places in the area.

*One tip of advice if you're eating somewhere near the water, especially in the evening: DO. NOT. FORGET. BUG SPRAY. I made the horrible mistake of doing this when I stayed and woke up the next day paying the price. Don't be silly like me!

Ok...now to the food...

The Breakfast Club

A-J's Dockside

Sundae Cafe

Fish Camp

The Social Club

The Breakfast Club, $$, 1500 Butler Ave -- Good local spot to grab breakfast in the morning or a juicy burger
A-J's Dockside, $$, 1315 Chatham Ave -- I love this place for so many reasons. First, there is an awesome dock in the back of the restaurant to catch the gorgeous sunset, which I highly recommend. Make sure to get there early enough if you want to see it because it gets crowded. The food was also a great surprise because what seemed like a "typical bar food" menu was actually full of delicious southern flavor in all the dishes I tried. Definitely a great place to check out!
Sundae Cafe, $$$, 304 1st St -- An unpretentious cafe with a wide variety of really great dishes on the menu. Plenty of seafood, meat, and other hearty meals.
Fish Camp, $$$, 106 S Campbell Ave -- If you're craving fresh seafood alongside a romantic, upscale dining experience, this is your place. The restaurant is in a charming, renovated cottage complete with modern decor and a lovely back patio area.
The Social Club, $$, 1311 Butler Ave -- This spot is notorious for their shrimp and grits, Bloody Marys, and brunch menu. If you're in the mood for a lively brunch with some local music, head there for their Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday from 12-3pm!

Sweetie Pies

The Crab Shack

CoCo's Sunset Grille

80 East Gastropub

Huc-a-Poos

Sweetie Pies, $, 1209 Hwy 80 -- Located right next to the adorable, local shop, Seaside Sisters (worth stepping inside for a look at everything they have!), is the little vintage trailer of Sweetie Pies. Stop by for some tasty gelato and other sweet treats on a hot summer day.
The Crab Shack, $$, 40 Estill Hammock Rd -- Seafood lovers rejoice at this place. This restaurant is known for its seafood boils (meaning they don't just deep fry everything like you would imagine for a casual seafood place) and large platters, making it a good place for larger groups.
CoCo's Sunset Grille, $$, 1A Old Us Hwy 80 -- Another great, casual spot to enjoy the Tybee sunset over drinks and food
80 East Gastropub, $$, 725B 1st St -- Like any terrific gastropub, this place serves up quality drinks, a lively atmosphere, and delicious food. It's right next to a gas station, which makes it quite [pleasantly] surprising when you step inside to experience this place.
Huc-a-Poos, $, 1213 US Hwy 80 -- If you're looking for a low key spot to grab some pizza, head to this cool, dive-y spot

The Vacation Rental

Mermaid Cottages, $-$$$, Various Locations

While you'd normally think to stay at a hotel or resort when you travel to an island or beach destination, my recommendation when coming to Tybee Island is to opt for a vacation home rental. What better way to experience the area than living like a local in an adorable beach house or cottage?!

My personal favorite rental group is Mermaid Cottages--partially because I really love mermaids and partially because of how great their properties are. Just take a look at this one that is *literally* beach house goals in every way.

The cottage I stayed in (Doyle's on the Dunes) was pretty much a stone's throw away from the oceanfront and came with all the comfortable amenities of home. You can have your own privacy, a full kitchen/living room/dining room to utilize, multiple bedrooms, and even a deck to hang out and enjoy the views by choosing to stay at a vacation rental like Mermaid Cottages. I recommend this style of accommodations if you're looking for the full Tybee experience.

Also try: Tybee Vacation Rentals, Desoto Beach Terraces, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals

The Beachfront Hotel

DeSoto Beach Hotel, $, 212 Butler Ave

If you do want the convenience of staying at a hotel near the water, check out Desoto Beach Hotel, which has been voted the Best Place to Stay on Tybee many times over. Guests can enjoy a private beach access and a convenient location to the downtown area.

Also try: Hotel Tybee or Beachside Colony Resort

The B&B

Surf Song Bed & Breakfast, 21 Officers Row

Stay in this historic, renovated Victorian home that is over 100 years old, where you'll be steps away from the beach and many other attractions in the area. In addition to the elegant interior of the B&B, guests can also enjoy a private pool, fresh breakfast in the morning, and beautiful views of Tybee from each room.

Also try: Hotel Beachview Bed & Breakfast, Tybee Island Inn, or The Georgianne Inn

Rent a bike to get around town. Of course having a car is convenient to get from place to place; but if you want the real Tybee experience, you absolutely need to rent a bike. There's nothing quite like biking through a beach town with the wind blowing in your hair and the smell of sea salt in the air... You can get one from bike rental companies around town, like Tim's Beach Gear.
Spend a day at the beach. Take a picnic, go for a romantic walk, or just lounge around and relax on the shore all day. You're on an island after all...
Swoon over the beautiful cottages around town. All of the colorful beach homes around the island are so adorable that you can't miss out on seeing them! Bonus points if you do it while riding your bike!
Catch a sunset over the water at places like A-J's or CoCo's (both listed above in "EAT")
Walk along the Tybee Island Pier to see the view from the water

See the view of Tybee from the Tybee Island Light Station. It's a decent walk up to the top of the lighthouse (wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs), but the view is killer.
Hit the waves and take a surf lesson. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still do kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and tons of other fun water sports.
Visit some local boutiques like Seaside Sisters (my fave! and has lots of great things from house goods to souvenirs and clothing), Swizzle and Shake (perfect for gifts for those who love to entertain at home), or Kelly & Company (for custom essential oils, bath products, and other natural beauty products)
Spend some time in nature by going on a dolphin adventure tour, taking a Tybee Beach Ecology Trip, or visiting the Marine Science Center
Experience life on "Tybee Time." Being on Tybee is all about relaxing and taking in the island life at your own pace. Everything starts to move a little slower as you leave your cares behind you when you drive into this charming beach town. Indulge in a little R&R, grab a drink (drinks are insanely cheap here compared to city prices--winning!), let your hair down, and take a deep breath to soak it all in. You're on the island time now!

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO TYBEE ISLAND? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!

Thank you to Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee for hosting my visit to Savannah. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.

A Weekend Guide to Savannah

We're trading in our skyscrapers and bustling sidewalks for the historic sites and tree lined streets of this Southern destination. It's time to explore the charming city of Savannah, Georgia to see what exactly makes this eclectic, vibrant place sparkle. Check out this travel guide for tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on every budget in Savannah!

A Weekend Guide to Savannah

If you've been anywhere near a travel magazine in the last couple years, you've probably seen Savannah, Georgia continuously popping up as one of the hottest destinations to visit right now. Maybe you've seen those inviting pictures of their colorful streets aligned with the curvaceous Live Oak Trees and strands of Spanish Moss dripping from the drooping branches. Or perhaps you've even read a couple of rave reviews for the countless new and trendy restaurants that are opening up all over the city.

Any combination of great food, eclectic architecture, and charming streets is enough for me to get off my couch, hop on a plane, and explore somewhere new. It's finally time for this city girl to get a taste of what "The South" has to offer, and I'm taking you all to Savannah with me! Use this weekend guide to Savannah to see where you can eat, play, and sleep on any budget during your visit.

Oh my goodness... The FOOD in Savannah... Where do I even begin?! I had heard great things about the food in the South and I was ready to dig in and try real, authentic Southern food for the first time! *Like, for real, I had never even tried grits before! It was like the scene out of 'My Cousin Vinny.'

In Savannah, you'll find true, Southern comfort flavors, incredibly fresh seafood, desserts that will knock your socks off, and so many other types of cuisines that you maybe wouldn't expect from a city in the South. The food scene in Savannah really crushed and exceeded every expectation I had of what the food might be like. When you come to visit, I promise you won't be going home with an empty stomach.

Here are some places to check out:

Cafe M

Mirabelle Cafe

The Collins Quarter

Treylor Park

Cafe M, $, 128 E Bay St -- A lovely little piece of Paris right in the heart of Savannah. Great spot for a quick breakfast, coffee, tea, or some baked goods.
Mirabelle Cafe, $, 313 Abercorn St -- A waffle lover's dream! This cafe has an amazing assortment of sweet and savory waffle treats among other things on their menu. The Croque Monsieur was my favorite.
The Collins Quarter, $$, 151 Bull St -- Lively restaurant (especially Wednesday's when they have live jazz music) with incredible food and an even better coffee menu. Don't leave Savannah without trying their Lavender Spiced Mocha!
Treylor Park, $, 115 E Bay St -- Very hip spot with a quirky menu and cool outdoor patio. You can indulge in some PB&J Wings, Grilled Apple Pie Sandwich, or Chicken & Pancake Tacos!

The Grey

Soho South

The Public

Leopold's

The Grey, $$$, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- This popular spot is an old Greyhound Bus Station turned diner, and the menu does not disappoint. The food is absolutely incredible and it's served in perfect portions for sharing or having your own feast. There is also a cocktail lounge in the front of the restaurant in case you want to just grab cocktails or a drink.
Soho South, $$, 12 W Liberty St -- Trendy spot in the middle of town with a very eclectic, industrial vibe and gorgeous decor. The menu has lots of classic favorites, including their famous tomato basil bisque.
The Public Kitchen & Bar, $$, 1 W Liberty St -- This is a sister restaurant to Soho South and also has quite a trendy, lively vibe to it with beautiful modern decor. You'll find lots of comfort foods here, as well as some good spots for people watching around their patio.
Leopold's Ice Cream, $, 212 E Broughton St -- A trip to Savannah isn't complete without stopping by this popular downtown institution. Leopold's is home to Savannah's best ice cream and you'll find an incredible assortment of flavors. Good luck choosing just one...

The Olde Pink House

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Goose Feathers

Green Truck Pub

The Olde Pink House, $$$, 23 Abercorn St -- You'll find classic Southern food in this upscale dining establishment. Just the house alone is worth taking a look at, but you won't be sorry for sticking around for the food. If you're in the mood for a delicious, hearty, Southern meal, this is a great spot. *I actually tried grits for the first time ever here! :)
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, $$, 107 W Jones St -- Another Savannah institution with true Southern comfort foods. A few things to note: 1) It's cash only; 2) There is always be a line, so be prepared to wait (you'll likely see the line wrapped around the block every day); 3) Everyone will tell you that the wait is worth it. You're basically eating family style in this dining room, so you might even leave with a new friend or two at your communal table!
Goose Feathers, $, 39 Barnard St -- Great cafe for a quick breakfast or sandwiches
Green Truck Pub, $$, 2430 Habersham St -- Best known for their amazing burgers

Zunzi's

Sweet Spice

Lulu's Chocolate Bar

Zunzi's, $, 108 E York St -- Best known for their massive hoagies and sandwiches, which could easily count as 2 meals. The most popular ones are the Conquistador and Godfather.
Sweet Spice, $, 5515 Waters Ave -- Great spot to curb your Jamaican/Caribbean food cravings.
CO, $$, 10 Whitaker St -- If you're looking for some excellent asian fusion or sushi, this spot will have everything you're looking for. Make sure to stop by the cocktail lounge, Savannah Cocktail, which is just upstairs from the restaurant!
Lulu's Chocolate Bar, $$, 42 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- Drinks, chocolate, and all the sweets. Save room for dessert wherever you're having dinner and make a stop here on the way home!

Also try: Alligator Soul, Flying Monk, Chive Sea Bar & Lounge, The Florence, Wyld Dock and Bar, Cotton & Rye, Jazz'D Tapas Bar, Back in the Day Bakery, Circa 1875, Garibaldi Cafe

Bonus: Places to Grab a Drink

*I don't normally include a list of places to drink in my city guides, but Savannah's options were just way too good to pass up. Here are my favorites:

Artillery, $$$, 307 Bull St -- Another trendy, hip spot that is right in the heart of downtown. Unique cocktail list and bartenders who know how to put together a mean concoction
Jen's & Friend's, $$, 7 E Congress St -- Lots of unique and dessert-y type martinis. Great place for a girl's night
Top Deck, $$, 125 W River St -- Great rooftop bar to watch the sunset over Savannah
Gryphon, $$, 337 Bull St -- Old apothecary turned modern tea room. You feel like you're stepping back in time when you walk into this space. Make sure to take a look at the old shelves that still have the original drawers and labels on them.
Crystal Beer Parlor, $$, 301 W Jones St -- Large draft beer selection and great menu if you're in the mood for some Southern pub food at the same time

The Boutique Hotel

The Kimpton Brice Hotel, $$, 601 E Bay St

Located right in the heart of the Historic District, The Brice really encompasses the best of both worlds: old, Southern charm and modern, eclectic luxury. This hotel almost makes it hard to leave with how much they offer guests right on site (including a daily happy hour with free cocktails and snacks!). Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fine Italian dining at Pacci, rentable bikes, and a great location that makes it easy to walk anywhere in town. The Brice is my preferred accommodation in Savannah because of all it has to offer.

Also try: Andaz Savannah ($$$), Hotel Indigo Savannah ($$), or The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront ($$$)

The B&B

Hamilton-Turner Inn, $$, 330 Abercorn St

Savannah is home to some of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts in the US, so it's really difficult to choose just one to recommend. The Hamilton-Turner Inn stands out the most to me because of it's incredible history, architecture and design, and close proximity to everything in town. Fun fact: It was actually the first home in Savannah to have electricity in the 19th century! People from all over town used to come and stand out front of the house to watch it light up at night time.

Also try: The Gastonian ($$), Eliza Thompson House ($$), Catherine Ward House Inn ($$), or Zeigler House Inn ($$). There are really too many great B&B's in Savannah to choose!

The Luxury Mansion

Mansion on Forsyth Park, $$, 700 Drayton St

If major Southern luxury is what you're going for on your trip, then look no further than the Mansion on Forsyth Park. You don't even have to look past the facade to see how incredibly opulent this hotel is. It's close proximity to Forsyth Park makes this an ideal accommodation for people looking to have a quieter stay away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. In addition to the exquisite guest suites, they have many on site amenities to keep visitors entertained. Guests can enjoy a Marble Garden Courtyard and pool, cooking classes at 700 Kitchen Cooking School, the Grand Bohemian Gallery, the hotel's cocktail lounges, the Carriage Wine Cellar, and even an on site spa.

Also try: The Kehoe House ($$)

Things to do in Savannah:

Visit Forsyth Park, especially at either sunrise or sunset. This park is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. Fun fact about the fountain: it was actually purchased from a catalogue in the 1800s and spray painted to be what you see today. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend a concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.
Walk around the downtown Historic District to marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. Make sure to visit each of the city's squares to see each of the different statues, sculptures, and center pieces. Check out our favorite (and FREE) 3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah to explore the city!

Take a trolley tour of the city. Savannah has a few hop-on hop-off trolley tour options for people who like to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. I personally love these as they are a great way to know where you're going and know what you might want to go back and see later. There are day time tours and night time tours for people of all ages.
Sign up for an evening Ghost Tour. You may not know this, but Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. Naturally, because of this, there are quite a few ghost tours that operate throughout the city. Check out tours like Blue Orb (most popular), Ghosts and Gravestones (family friendly), or the Boos and Brews walking tour (for those who want some adult beverages with their ghost stories).
Shop local around Savannah. There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.

Stop by Wormsloe Historic Site on your way in or out of the city. It is a short drive away from the downtown Savannah area, but it is worth stopping by to at least catch a glimpse of the beautiful entrance. You can also go into the property and take tours or walk around.
Spend a night or two in Tybee Island. Tybee is the perfect lazy beach town escape and it's also just a quick drive outside of the downtown area. Definitely worth spending a night or two if you have the time. Check out the Tybee Island City Guide right now!
Check out some local museums, such as the Telfair Museums or SCAD Museum of Art. Savannah is a very artsy and eclectic town with a lot of history, so make sure to check out some of the city's museums if you're interested in exploring that deeper.
Walk through the Bonaventure Cemetery and/or Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. I know it seems like having a cemetery and church on this list is strange, but it all goes hand in hand with the history of Savannah. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is very opulent and beautiful inside, while the Bonaventure Cemetery (made popular by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) is full of historic significance and beauty.
Hang out around the open air City Market. This area is home to tons of local shops and restaurants and gets very lively throughout the afternoons and weekends. Make sure to stop by Byrd's Cookies to try their sweet and savory delights.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO SAVANNAH? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!

A Weekend Guide to Milwaukee

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chicago along Lake Michigan is the great city of Milwaukee, which is genuinely one of the Midwest's best kept secrets--until now. Use this handy travel guide to navigate your way through the beautiful city of Milwaukee with tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

A Weekend Guide to Milwaukee

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chicago along Lake Michigan is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is genuinely one of the Midwest's best kept secrets--until now.

This bustling city is home to some of the country's most famous breweries, a vast amount of European immigrant history, miles of stunning lakefront views, and incredible architecture along the riverfront. It is truly a delightful city for a getaway trip with more than enough for visitors to experience during their stay.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, endless foods to try, or culture to experience, you'll find whatever you're looking for in Milwaukee. Museums (from the Harley Davidson Museum to the Public Museum), rivers and lakes (complete with pedestrian friendly paths), and restaurants galore (the list could really go on and on), this city easily appeases any type of traveler. Use this handy guide to navigate your way through the beautiful city of Milwaukee with tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!

The restaurant choices in Milwaukee are very reminiscent of what you would find in Austin, TX or Portland, OR. You get this sort of "Keep Milwaukee Weird" vibe when you're hunting down places to eat.

You'll rarely bump into big, chain restaurants in Milwaukee as the city prides itself on supporting local businesses and dining establishments. It seems like there are always new places opening up around the city too, which is great news for travelers and locals alike. You really can't go wrong with food in Milwaukee, but here are some great spots to check out:

The Watts Tea Shop, $$, 761 N Jefferson Street -- If you're a breakfast or tea fan, you absolutely cannot pass this place up. Watts has probably the best English Muffins you'll ever have in your life--and everything is made right in house! The Sunshine Cake and their specialty teas are also extremely noteworthy. I ended up leaving here with a ton of stuff to take home because it was so good!
St. Paul Fish Company, $$, 400 N Water Street -- Located right in the Public Market, this place is always packed and for good reason. Try their famous lobster roll and thank me later. It is incredible!
Zaffiro's Pizza, $$, 1724 N Farewell Avenue -- Authentic Sicilian pizza made to order. If you're looking for a noteworthy place to grab some pizza, head right to Zaffiro's. They've been using the same recipe since they opened decades ago.

The Watts Tea Shop

St. Paul Fish Company

Zaffiro's Pizza

Cafe Benelux, $$, 346 N Broadway -- Very popular spot right at the start of the Historic Third Ward. Good spot for brunch on the weekends!
Sobelman's, $$, 1900 W St Paul Avenue -- If you ask anyone from Milwaukee where to go for a Bloody Mary, there's a good chance that Sobelman's is on their list. This is definitely a spot for brunch lovers to get a unique dish (or drink) on the weekends.
Glorioso's Italian Market, $$, 1011 E Brady Street -- There are decades of history at this local Italian Market, which is just what anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine would want. Step inside and order fresh food from the deli, or shop around for treats to take home with you! Either way, this is definitely a stop to put on the list when you visit.

Cafe Benelux

Sobelman's

Glorioso's Italian Market

Wolf Peach, $$, 1818 N Hubbard Street -- If you're looking for a fresh spot with local farm ingredients or home-grown vegetables, try this spot. Portions are generous and served as they are prepared.
Wolski's, $, 1836 N Pulaski Street -- This spot is iconic for it's "I CLOSED WOLSKI'S" signs. The tradition is to come here from open to close and spend the entire day at this local dive bar. It's worth taking a step inside even if you can't close it down just because it's been around for so long.
Merriment Social, $$, 240 E Pittsburgh Avenue -- Great place to go for some "New American" dim-sum inspired cuisine. Very popular for their burger!

Also try: Lucky Ginger, My Office, Ardent, Engine Company No. 3, Balzac, Cempazuchi's, Peter Sciortino's Bakery, Wicked Hop, and all of the local spots in the Milwaukee Public Market

Wolf Peach

Wolski's

Merriment Social

The Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Avenue

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to step into old world elegance, sophistication, and charm, look no further than The Pfister Hotel right in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee. This exquisite, 19th-century hotel has been a popular and welcoming meeting place for locals and travelers alike since its doors opened in 1893.

The lobby of this historic establishment has even been referred to as "Milwaukee's Living Room," and for good reason! Take one step inside the opulent space and you'll instantly feel like you've been transported into the gilded age of the Belle Époque. You can grab a cocktail at the bar or a coffee at the cafe and then cozy up on a plush sofa near the fireplace with your friends right by your side. It truly is a warm, inviting, and unforgettable space to spend time.

All this talk and I've only begun to mention the lobby! The rest of The Pfister Hotel also has so much to offer visitors. During your stay, make sure you indulge in all of the amenities the hotel has to offer:

Take a dip in the large indoor pool, which overlooks the entire city (absolutely breathtaking view--especially at sunset!)
Grab a drink at the hotel's signature bar, Blu
Dine at Mason Street Grill--or listen to the live music!
Schedule a session at their world class WELL Spa + Salon
Have your choice of breakfast/brunch between The Cafe (my favorite in the hotel!) or The Rouge (Sunday Brunch only)

The guest suites at The Pfister also deserve a notable mention for their own unique aesthetic. An elegant, contemporary bedroom design awaits every guest upon arrival. Personally, I love the mixture of the contemporary design in the rooms juxtaposed with the old world elegance of the lobby. It is a great combination for travelers who want to experience both styles within an accommodation. *Fun Fact: These guest rooms were the first of any hotel to have the luxury of in-room temperature controls!

The Pfister is perfectly located and within walking distance to just about everything around the downtown area. If you're curious about what to experience, make sure to stop by the concierge for some insider advice about what is happening around the city. Their team is absolutely first class and incredibly knowledgable about the area!

Also try: The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. Very hip, eclectic hotel located in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. It's perfect for city lovers who want to feel that trendy vibe in the heart of the city.

THINGS TO DO IN MILWAUKEE:

1. Go on a local food tour. Since Milwaukee was historically settled by many immigrants from all over the world, the city has so many different types of cuisine to offer. My personal favorite was the Milwaukee Food Tours (I did the Brady Street Tour, which was great!) and you can get $5 off by using the code "MKEFOOD".

2. Walk up and down the River Walk (and say hello to the Bronze Fonz!). Milwaukee has done an incredible job at creating and maintaining a pedestrian friendly River Walk around the downtown area. You can easily walk from one end to the other, and then hop a bridge to walk the other side right after. The views along the river are gorgeous and you definitely should pay a visit to the city's famous statue of Henry Winkler's character "Fonzie" from Happy Days.

3. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has wonderful exhibits year-round and offers killer lakefront views. The architecture of this building alone is a reason to go and see it!

4. See a play, ballet, concert, or other performance. The city has an incredible performing arts community and you definitely need to see at least one show while you're visiting! I saw a ballet performance when I was in town and absolutely loved it. The best part was I didn't even have to arrange tickets ahead of time--I just walked right into the theatre and purchased tickets at the box office (got some killer seats too!). It's definitely a perk of visiting the theatre in this city!

5. Attend a summer festival. Milwaukee is famous for all of their summer activities, including the very popular Summerfest, which takes place every year. Don't miss out on the city's summer happenings if you go during the warmer months!

Brady Street Food Tour Stop

Riverwalk

The Bronze Fonz

Milwaukee Art Museum

Rooftop of The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

6. Go on a brewery tour. This is a city famous for its beer culture, so why not indulge and check out one of the local breweries (like Lakefront Brewery) and sign up for a tour. You'll get plenty of tasting opportunities and a chance to see how some of America's popular beers are made.

7. Eat Friday Fish Fry, drink a Bloody Mary(s) on Sunday's, and try Wisconsin Cheese Curds. I know this seems like a lot, but these things are all staples that you cannot leave Milwaukee without trying! Friday Fish Fry is a statewide tradition that is served up at most restaurants every Friday; Bloody Mary's on the weekends are extremely popular around the city with many establishments competing on who's is better; and cheese curds... need I say more?! Head to a local bar and order up some of those famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds!

8. Explore the Historic Third Ward. This might have been my favorite area around downtown Milwaukee because of it's artsy, eclectic vibe. The architecture is really cool around here with lots of warehouses and lofts popping up left and right, and there are many new restaurants and boutiques coming to set up shop in this area. It's definitely a fun neighborhood to hang around.

9. Walk around the Milwaukee Public Market. All it takes is one walk through the bustling Milwaukee Public Market to fall in love with the unique and local vibe that it offers visitors. You can find a wide variety of cuisines, drinks, and knick knacks in this eclectic market. My favorites were St. Paul's Fish Company (try the lobster roll and thank me later), FORM fine goods + floral, and Thief Wine Shop & Bar. There are sooo many other amazing spots too, so I encourage you to go check them all out!

10. Food crawl around Brady Street. Brady Street is home to some of Milwaukee's best food gems. There's Glorioso's Italian Market, Zaffiro's Pizza, Thai-Namite, Mimma's Cafe, and so much more! If you prefer to go at your own pace, pick a few places and get small plates or portions at each of them. If you prefer to have someone guide you around and get the most bang for your buck, I'd recommend trying out one of the Milwaukee Food Tours (as mentioned in #1) to try out a few different places while learning some history of the area.

BONUS: Visit Old World 3rd Street and the Milwaukee Cheese Mart. Beer, brats, and cheese. That's really all that needs to be said about this popular area. It's definitely worth a look if you're into any of those things!

Bloody Mary from Wicked Hop

Historic Third Ward

Milwaukee Public Market

Restaurants along Brady Street

Old World 3rd Street

Have you ever been to Milwaukee? What are your favorite things to eat, places to stay, or things to do? Comment below with more recommendations!

Thank you to Travel Wisconsin and The Pfister Hotel for hosting my visit to Milwaukee. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.

A Weekend Guide to South Beach

Cue the Latin music and grab your sunglasses, bikinis, and sun tan lotion because this week's weekend guide is taking us to Miami! We're exploring the sultry neighborhood of Miami Beach, with a main focus on South Beach in this edition. Check out this travel guide for tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on every budget in South Beach.

A Weekend Guide to South Beach

Cue the Latin music and grab your sunglasses, bikinis, and sun tan lotion because this week's weekend guide is taking us to Miami! We're exploring the sultry neighborhood of Miami Beach, with a main focus on South Beach in this edition. Beaches, international flavor, and a-whole-lotta heat!

It's worth noting that Miami is a pretty large city comprised of multiple neighborhoods with lots of personality. South Beach, aka SoBe, is one of the most popular areas of the city that attracts millions of international visitors every year. There's epic nightlife, world-class cuisine, art deco and modern architecture, and incredibly gorgeous beaches. You can easily get here by flying into either Fort Lauderdale or Miami Airport and then rent a car or take a cab into the area. Once you arrive, it's party time! Check out this travel guide for tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on every budget in South Beach.

If there's one thing you'll leave Miami with, it's certainly going to be a full stomach. The food scene in this city is to-die-for! Since South Beach has become such an international hotspot, culinary geniuses from around the world have been flocking to this city to make their mark in any way they can. What it's left us with is an incredible selection of international flavors from Latin America/The Caribbean, Europe, all parts of America, the MIddle East, and Asia.

You'll also find that the restaurant scene in South Beach can be pretty expensive if you're not careful. There are definitely lots of great budget places to eat around the city; but if you're in South Beach, be prepared to spend some money. The food isn't always cheap, but it's typically pretty damn good. *Beware of tourist traps around the beach and any restaurant that doesn't list their prices on the menu! This is a common way to scam travelers.

Budget:

La Sandwicherie, 229 14th Street
Taquiza, 1506 Collins Avenue
Las Olas Cafe, 644 6th Street
Spitfire, 405 15th Street
News Cafe, 800 Ocean Drive

Also try: Big Pink, Latin Cafe, Cheeseburger Baby, Playa Cafe, or Pinocchio Italian Deli & Caffe

La Sandwicherie

Taquiza

Las Olas Cafe

Spitfire

News Cafe

Moderate:

NaiYaRa, 1854 Bay Road
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, 1600 Lenox Avenue
CVI.CHE 105, 1245 Lincoln Road
Pane & Vino, 1450 Washington Avenue
Moshi Moshi, 1448 Washington Avenue -- One of my favorite easy/delicious sushi places around Espanola Way!
Pubbelly, 1418 20th Street
Havana 1957, 405 Espanola Way -- Super cute Cuban spot around Espanola Way
Cafe Charlotte, 1497 Washington Avenue

Also try: Bodega (also has a cool speakeasy through the "bathroom door"), Hoshi & Sushi, A La Folie Cafe, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, or The Local House

NaiYaRa

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

CVI.CHE 105

Pane & Vino

Moshi Moshi

Pubbelly

Havana 1957

Cafe Charlotte

Luxury:

The Bazaar by Jose Andres, 1701 Collins Avenue
Hakkasan, 4441 Collins Avenue -- High-end dim sum
Joe's Stone Crab, 11 Washington Avenue -- A Miami favorite with great seafood
Prime One Twelve, 112 Ocean Drive
Scarpetta, 4441 Collins Avenue

Also try: STK, Ola, StripSteak, Nobu Miami, Katsuya, or Pied a Terre

The Bazaar By José Andrés

Hakkasan

Joe's Stone Crab

Prime One Twelve

Scarpetta

Budget:

The Sheply Hotel, $, 1340 Collins Avenue

Coming across something that is budget friendly but also good quality isn't always easy in South Beach. The Sheply is a wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of Miami Beach and a great option for people who aren't trying to break the bank. It's located just a few blocks from South Beach and has lovely and refined retro-inspired rooms and decor.

Also try: La Flora ($), El Paseo Hotel ($) , Impala Hotel ($), Dream South Beach ($), Circa 39 Hotel ($), or The Marlin Hotel ($)

Moderate:

COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach, $$, 2445 Collins Avenue

Keeping true to the Miami style of art deco-style and high-end luxury, COMO Metropolitan South Beach is an uber chic hotel that is located in the historic district of Miami Beach. Guests will get to enjoy all of the on-site amenities, such as their rooftop hydrotherapy pool.

Also try: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel ($$), Sense Beach House ($$), Nautilus ($$), SLS South Beach ($$), Mondrian South Beach ($$), or The Shore Club South Beach ($$)

Luxury:

Faena Hotel Miami Beach, $$$$, 3201 Collins Avenue

Luxury hotels and Miami are practically synonymous. If you really want to experience opulence on the beach, South Beach is your city! Faena Hotel Miami Beach is one of many incredible hotels that you can splurge and feel totally pampered. Here you'll find more art deco and plenty of on-site amenities

Also try: The Miami Beach EDITION ($$$), W South Beach ($$$), Fontainebleau Miami Beach ($$$$), Delano South Beach ($$$$), Soho Beach House ($$$), or Fisher Island Hotel & Resort ($$$$)

Things to do in Miami:

Walk around and explore all of the incredible art deco architecture! South Beach is full of it and you'll walk around feeling like you got lost in a time warp of the 1950s.
Hit the beach! After all, isn't that why you're there? You'll find plenty of white sand beaches adjacent to the crystal clear waters of the ocean.
Walk through Espanola Way and have dinner, drinks, or just people watch and listen to music
Rent a bike or a scooter and explore the area
Shop around Lincoln Road
Enjoy the nightlife--it's what South Beach is best known for! Places like Liv, The Basement, and Bodega are all unique places around the city. Know that clubs in South Beach can be a huge money suck (surprise, surprise) and tricky to get in, so your best bet is to know a promoter, show up early, or buy a table in advance.
Stop at a Cuban Cafe and get a traditional Cuban coffee, such as the famous cortadito (beware it's VERY strong!). You also can't really leave Miami without having at least 1 Cuban sandwich...
Find a great Latin club to go salsa dancing
Check out the artsy district of Wynwood. You'll find street art, open-air galleries, and awesome food at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar.
Take some time to explore downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Brickell, or Coral Cables, which are all just on the other side of the bridge you take to enter Miami.

Have you been to South Beach Miami? What are your favorite things to eat, places to stay, or things to do? Comment below with more recommendations!

This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.