Ana Rebeca 9/19/17 Ana Rebeca 9/19/17

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!

Day Trips from London: Visiting the Cotswolds

Looking to do an easy day trip outside of London? Check out this travel guide to the Cotswolds, which is conveniently located about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the city. Discover the best ways to explore this area, including an immersive excursion with the Secret Cottage Tour.

Day Trips from London: Visiting the Cotswolds

If you're visiting London, you might want to consider scheduling in a day trip (or two) to visit a few other destinations just outside of the city center while you're there. The transportation system within the UK allows you to easily travel within the country at a pretty affordable rate. Some day trip destinations outside of London could be York, Oxford, Brighton, Bath, or--my personal favorite--The Cotswolds.

What is the Cotswolds?

Contrary to what many people think, the Cotswolds is actually an area in the south central region of England that runs through 5 counties (Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire). Located just a quick 1 hour and 40 minute train ride outside of London, the Cotswolds is an incredibly picturesque and charming part of England that will make you instantly feel like you've been transported back in time to a different era.

One of the best things about seeing the Cotswolds--besides being in awe of the gorgeous rolling hills and honey-colored cottages that line the village streets--is getting to see each of the individual towns, which each have their own unique personality and sense of style. Throughout your visit, you're very likely to see a few lively markets, local pubs with people enjoying a pint, castles, cottages, and country houses, and even some sheep and cattle grazing the natural surroundings.

*Fun fact: The word "wold" is an old English term used to describe the hills; it's said that term Cotswolds is referring to "the sheep enclosure in the rolling hillside." Makes it fun to know when you actually see the sheep along the hills when you're there!

What is the best way to experience the Cotswolds?

There are a few different ways to experience the Cotswolds: You can rent a car, drive out to the country, and take your time experiencing the area. You can even stay the night at local hotels, cottages, or inns that are located throughout the villages (my personal favorite is The Slaughters Manor House, photos below). You can also take the train from London, rent a car or hire a driver when you arrive to the area, and explore on your own.

BUT, if you want to save time, money, and frustration on your Cotswolds experience (all while simultaneously getting some insider scoop from a real local), I would personally recommend getting yourself a spot on the incredibly popular Secret Cottage Tour. Make sure to book in advance because this tour is incredibly popular for a reason (reservations fill up fast) and there is limited availability for every group! I promise that you won't be disappointed you signed up for it...

Experiencing the Cotswolds with The Secret Cottage Tour

When You Arrive

After you've been confirmed on the Secret Cottage Tour, you'll receive an email with clear directions on how to get to the Cotswolds area, including what time to book your train tickets and what stations you can depart/arrive from. Seriously--the process of getting there couldn't be easier with their help: you buy your train ticket in advance online, show up to the station, get off the train at the designated stop, and your tour guides will be right there to pick you up. It's super simple!

My favorite part is that, besides arranging for your train ride, you don't have to worry about transportation at all when you sign up for this tour. Not only does the Secret Cottage Tour team pick you up at the train station when you arrive, but they also drive you from village to village throughout the day and take you back to the train station in the late afternoon once the tour is concluded. It makes for a really great day trip for people wanting to experience the countryside of England without having to take the time figuring it out themselves.

After you join the rest of your group at the station in the morning, you're ready to start your day exploring the Cotswolds!

What to Expect

In addition to having your transportation throughout the Cotswolds included, you'll also be treated with 3 delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea) throughout the full-day tour. The best part about those meals is that they are each served in the charming cottage home of Robin and Becky, who own and operate the Secret Cottage Tour.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of the cottages you see throughout the Cotswolds villages, this is the perfect opportunity to "experience" what it could be like and ask them questions about their unique home and lifestyle. I guarantee you won't leave without a full and happy belly, too, because the food is awesome!

In between each meal, your tour guides will take your group from village to village to explore the idyllic area and explain a bit of the history along the way. I especially loved how diligent their team was at showing the group the best of the best within the region. They'll keep you away from the overpopulated (or sometimes overrated) villages and spend more time taking you to the more remote and picturesque locations that, often times, only locals know about.

Make sure to ask questions if you have any because the team is extremely knowledgable on the area and they are very passionate about sharing information that they know. I learned so much from them on my trip and was able to see some areas that I had never even seen in pictures before!

What You'll See

Each tour is a little bit different in terms of what you might see or do, but you can definitely expect to explore and learn about a number of unique villages throughout the Cotswolds region during your visit. When I was on the tour, every town we saw seemed to be more beautiful than the last.

One of my favorite parts about having the Secret Cottage Tour team guide us around was that they were able to take us to the more secluded and picturesque locations of the Cotswolds that are a little bit lesser known to tourists. It really made for some epic shots!

This tour offered a great itinerary for a quick day trip outside of London, while enticing you to want to return to the area and spend more time. There really is so much to explore in the Cotswolds region, which you'll quickly see after going on this incredible tour.

How to Secure Your Spot on the Tour

If you're visiting the Cotswolds, I highly recommend going on this tour whether you're traveling solo or with other people. The team is incredibly friendly, the food was amazing, transportation was super easy, and the setting was more charming than you can imagine. It's one of the best tours I've ever done!

You can book your reservation on the Secret Cottage Tour right here! Tickets are £95 and includes food, drink, and transportation within the Cotswolds area, as well as to and from the train station.

*Update: If you're interested in seeing what 16th-century pub life and local village cafes are like, there is another option to experience the Cotswolds on a full-day tour that takes you on a slightly different route than the SCT. To book your seat on the Cotswolds Mystery Tour for £75, click here!

Have you ever been to the Cotswolds? What are your favorite parts of the area? Comment below with more suggestions, tips, or questions!

Thank you to Robin and Becky from the Secret Cottage Tour for hosting me during my stay! All opinions are my own.

Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion

If you're taking a road trip along PCH, make sure to stop for a visit at the enchanting Hearst Castle to experience this "never-never land" yourself! Come explore this opulent palace in San Simeon where Old Hollywood royalty would gather together for a night of fun.

Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion

The legendary Hedda Hopper once said, "A visit to the Hearst Ranch was a ticket to never-never land. Never has there been such a place and never will we see its like again." If you're taking a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure you pencil in a visit to the enchanting Hearst Castle during your journey to experience this never-never land yourself! This magnificent estate, once owned by the media mogul William Randolph Hearst, sits upon a beautiful hilltop in the heart of San Simeon. Some have argued that it is the closest thing to a "royal palace" that we'll ever see in the United States.

After the turn of the 20th century, Mr. Hearst commissioned Julia Morgan, an incredibly talented architect and designer of her time, to bring the house of his dreams to life. The two worked together on the project for over 28 years, and never quite finished due to Mr. Hearst's failing health. However, much of the project was completed in that time allowing for guests to enjoy the property as it is today. The opulent Castle--including its many gardens, pools, terraces, priceless works of art, and 165 rooms--takes up 127 acres of the entire estate. In its prime, Hearst Castle became widely known as a popular gathering place for some of Old Hollywood's elite.

Join along our journey of Hearst Castle so you can properly plan your trip, or just get serious wanderlust looking at the pictures of this incredible estate!

Pre-Trip Planning

Because of the long lines you may encounter at the Visitor Center of Hearst Castle, I recommend you start planning your excursion before your arrival. Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours, with ticket prices starting at just $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased on their website here. You can still purchase tickets at the Visitor Center; however, reserving your tour in advance will allow you to save some time and headache when you arrive, especially if a tour becomes sold out.

The Tours

Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours for guests to be able to enjoy different parts of the estate. Signing up for a tour is the only way you can gain access onto the grounds. Depending on how much time you have for your visit, you can book 1 or as many of the tours as you want! We only booked 1 tour, but wished we could have had time for more!

The main tours of the Castle include the following:

Grand Rooms Tour: Recommended for first time visitors. This tour provides an experience of Casa Grande (the main house of Hearst Castle) and all of the opulent social rooms.
Upstairs Suites Tour: Explore up the winding staircases into the Castle's most private rooms, including Mr. Hearst's own personal quarters.
Cottages & Kitchen Tour: Discover the Castle's surrounding cottages, wine cellar, and enormous kitchen.
Evening Tour: Turn back time to the 1930s and come experience the house at night! Book your reservation for a night tour, where Living History Docents will be dressed up as if they were heading to an evening soiree at the Castle with Mr. Hearst himself. This tour is the longest tour available and can only be booked at certain times of the year.

*Additional tours, including private and accessible designed tours, may be found on the booking website.

After the tour(s), you're allowed to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens at your leisure. Unfortunately, you can't gain access into any of the other rooms without a tour, which is why I advise reserving multiple tours if you want to see more rooms! You can purchase your tickets for any of the tours here.

Arriving at Hearst Castle

When you arrive at the estate, you'll pull up to a large parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Once inside, you will have the option to view "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," which is a 40-minute film about the history of Hearst Castle. It helps set the stage for what you're about to see on the incredible hilltop. You can choose to watch it before or after your tour, but I recommend watching it before your departure. *This short film is included in most daytime tour tickets. Check your reservation to be sure!

Once you're ready to start your journey to the Castle, you'll head to the bus area to catch a 15-minute shuttle ride up the Enchanted Hill. The bus ride, where you'll be able to see thousands of acres of beautiful land, includes an audio narration from none other than Jeopardy's Alex Trebek. You'll learn interesting bits of Hearst history and info as you ascend towards the mansion at the top of the hill.

While You're There

After you exit the bus, you'll be greeted by your tour guide who will take you along your path through the house. Once your tour(s) is concluded, you're able to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens on your own before heading back to the Visitor Center on the shuttle.

If you're interested in doing a walking tour of your own, download the Hearst Castle app on your smartphone to listen to a guided tour of the grounds! There is a ton of really interesting information that you'll learn about all of the public spaces around the Castle.

Once you're finished exploring, simply head back to the shuttle area to catch a bus back down to the Visitor Center.

Good to Know Information

Booking your tickets in advance is recommended, but not required. You can select your tour and book your reservation here. You must have a tour reservation in order to gain access to the grounds. *I also recommend booking your ticket in advance because they can sell out!
As of right now, the world famous Neptune Pool is empty because it is undergoing a massive restoration project. At this point in time, the pool is expected to be completed by Summer 2017.
You cannot bring any food or drink on your tour of the Castle, with the exception of bottled water. The property can get pretty hot on sunny days, so definitely bring your H2O!
Download the Hearst Castle App on your smartphone to enjoy a virtual guide while exploring the grounds on your own! We did this and loved it!
There is a food court available inside the Visitor Center, but you can also pack a lunch or some snacks to eat by your car to save money.
Movie times for the film "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," vary, so you can plan to see the screening either before or after your tour.

One thing I wish we would have planned for was more time for tours! We only did the Grand Rooms Tour, but would have loved to stay and go through the other ones. You can easily spend an entire day and evening at the castle taking tours because there is so much to see and learn! We're definitely planning on returning for more tours (especially the night tour!) once the Neptune Pool is fully restored!

Have you ever been to Hearst Castle? Comment below with your favorite part of your trip!

Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Rd.
San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445

Thank you to Hearst Castle for hosting our visit. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.

Santa Barbara Food Tour: Taste the City from a Local's Perspective

When traveling, eating the local food is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture. Experience the Santa Barbara culture by eating your way around it with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours!

Santa Barbara Food Tour: Taste the City from a Local's Perspective

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Food is the key to any culture around the world. Period. When you try the local food, you're immersing yourself into the culture. But what if you're pressed for time? Or what if you want to experience and taste a lot in a shorter period of time? A local food tour just might be the answer to all of your problems.

Anytime I travel somewhere new, I'm so eager to try the food. And based on some of my previous posts, you'll know by now that I absolutely love getting local recommendations on where to eat. When you want to taste the best a city has to offer, there's nothing better than doing it from a local's perspective. When I knew I was coming to Santa Barbara for a few short days, I immediately set up a food tour with one of the city's finest: Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours.

The fabulous, local foodie, Evan Elizabeth Berger, officially founded Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours back in 2014, after spending years conducting smaller, private tours of her own. Evan and her wonderful team of expert guides lead you on a 3.5 hour walking tour of Santa Barbara, where you'll eat, play, and love local. Evan and Aiyana (who was our other guide for the day) were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do that it made the entire experience so much more enjoyable than it already was. Read on for more details on our adventure!

A Little Something Sweet to Start the Day

Evan mentioned that she had found some research that stated that starting out your meal with something sweet is actually good for you because it can help the digestion process along (plus it's just really fun). Now, I'm not sure of the validity of that statement, but I'm 100% NOT arguing with it. I will always start my meal with sweets if someone tells me to--especially FRENCH sweets. UGHHHH.

Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, 1324 State Street

Our first stop of the day began at the deliciously tasty Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro. Our friend Emma at RP&B brought out a variety of Parisian Macarons in different flavors for us to sample. Up until this moment, my favorite macarons were none other than the original Parisian heavy hitters: Ladurée and Pierre Hermé (coming in at a very close 1st and 2nd place, respectively).

After I tried the Parisian Macarons from Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, I was left speechless. I honestly don't know how to rank my favorite macarons anymore! These were incredible!!! AND they were a really nice size macaron, not leaving you feeling like you just ate a small crumb. *I actually went back after the tour and bought a big bag to take home with me! :)

To say that I loved starting at Renaud's is an understatement. They set the bar for the tour pretty high. I'd recommend coming here any day of the week to enjoy a morning coffee and breakfast! Their entire bakery selection, which is baked fresh every day, looked amazing.

Pre-Lunch Snacks 'n Apps

After our little sweet treat, we were off to the next stop of the day! What I loved about walking from location-to-location with Evan and Aiyana was that they kept us so entertained with fun facts and trivia about Santa Barbara throughout the day. They taught us about the history, the architecture, the hot spots around town to know about, and a ton more. It definitely kept us on our toes!

But by now, our bellies were ready for round 2!

Santa Barbara Public Market, 38 West Victoria Street

Our next stop was at the Santa Barbara Public Market, which is kind of like the hip, new kid on the block in this city. This trendy, urban marketplace is home to a wide range of restaurants, shops, and merchants all operating within one communal space. You can hop over to the bar at Empty Bowl for some Asian Fusion cuisine, buy a bottle of wine at Wine+Beer, try some seafood at I`a Fish Market & Café, or grab some cupcakes at Enjoy Cupcakes. There are lots of unique options to choose from!

We had a taste of the popular noodles from Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar, where they specialize in authentic noodle dishes and small plates from Thailand and Taiwan. It was so good that I had to stop myself from eating too much Pad Thai and not sharing with the others... Oops (sorry, not sorry...)!

Cielito Restaurant and Tequila Bar, 1114 State Street

After having a little taste of Asia, it was time to try another style of food. Enter Cielito's: the Latin American Inspired Central California Cuisine. Cielito Restaurant and Tequila Bar is a lively spot in the heart of the historic La Arcada courtyard.

Here we had a little tequila tasting, some fresh guacamole and salsa, and quinoa-kale fritters to eat. Everything was very fresh and very delicious. I'm pretty sure everyone at our table kept eyeing the mango habanero glaze and avocado aioli to see who would actually step forward first to lick the plate (yes, it was that good). Hint: It was Jay...

Isabella Gourmet Foods & Cebada Winery, 5 East Figueroa Street

Just around the corner from Cielito's is the adorable Isabella Gourmet Foods. This one-of-a-kind downtown spot is a boutique artisan grocery that focuses on serving its customers the best and most unique local foods. You'll find so many wonderful things in here from cold-pressed elixirs to fine chocolates, exotic cookbooks, to savory nuts and superfoods. I could have spent all afternoon admiring every little corner of goodies in this picturesque boutique!

Upon entering the shop, we walked up the stairs to the Cebada Winery Tasting Room. This petite tasting room sits in the open loft-space area within Isabella Gourmet Foods. It was the perfect combination of merchants: unique foods with unique wines.

At this stop, we had some gourmet popcorn from Isabella's and a flight of wine from Cebada (one of those wines being a blueberry one, which I was very pleasantly surprised with...). Both offerings were creative and tasty, just as you would imagine!

Lunch Time

Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria, 905 State Street

I'll totally admit this: When I walked by Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria when I first arrived in Santa Barbara, I totally thought it was some common pizza chain and completely overlooked it. Now, I actually sort of feel like how the sales women in Pretty Woman must have felt when Julia Roberts came back in and said "Remember me? BIG mistake! HUGE!" So wrong of me to think that. BAD ANA!!!

Alright... This place, my friends, is still stuck in my mind. What have you done to me, Persona Pizzeria?! This popular "fast-pizza" place is a wonderful DIY pizza joint that allows you to pick and create your own pizza from scratch (which is ready in 90 seconds!), or order from the expert's award-winning pizza selections. *And OMG I just found out it's coming to Chicago! Yeeeeee!

We had the pleasure of trying their award-winning pizzas with a side of beer. The Chipotle Chicken Pizza was the shining star of the show here. It was even the Winner at the International World Pizza Competition in Napoli, Italy (that's how you know it's serious)! This baby came fully loaded with chipotle dressing, shredded mozzarella, roasted chicken topped with crema, more chipotle dressing, and fresh pico de gallo. Ay dios mio! My mouth is still watering from this pizza.

Quite the French Way to End a Meal: Cheese, Sweets, & Wine

As the tour began coming to an end, it was time to enter the final courses of food. In true French style, we ended the day's meals with a round of cheese, a round of sweets, and a bonus round (or two) of wine.

C'est Cheese, 825 Santa Barbara Street

The first stop after our pizza lunch was the gourmet food and cheese boutique, C'est Cheese. How can you not love a place with a name that cute and clever?! I never thought I would see a cheese shop with so many authentic and artisanal cheeses outside of Europe, but this place proved me wrong.

We tried a few different samples of their best cheeses while learning a little background info on each one! We were even able to head inside and taste some other ones at our leisure. It was a super cute spot to check out, and definitely a downtown SB staple.

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, 728 State Street

Last (but certainly not least) on the incredible Taste Santa Barbara Food Tour was the world-famous McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. I would say that they saved the best for last, but that might be too bold of a statement to make on a list as good as this one. However, I can say this: a trip to Santa Barbara is absolutely NOT complete without a stop at McConnell's.

McConnell's is a locally owned ice cream company that was founded in Santa Barbara almost 70 years ago. Today, they are still making ice cream exactly how they started making it back in the day: in small batches, all from scratch, and with the best local, organic ingredients. Every bite is pure, creamy bliss.

Try my favorite flavor when you're there: Churros con Leche! And you better get that thing in a waffle cone! That delicious smell will haunt you if you don't, and you will regret it.

Unfortunately, after McConnell's, the 'Official' Taste Santa Barbara Food Tour was over :( However, some of us still wanted to keep going a little bit and finish off the tour with a proper goodbye. We said our farewells to our new friends who had to leave...and decided to keep the party going down the street at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room!

BONUS: Grassini Family Vineyards, 813 Anacapa Street #6

What better way to end a long day of eating and walking around than with a fresh glass of wine?! Located in the beautiful, historic El Paseo shopping plaza is the Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room. I was so excited to come to Grassini's Tasting Room because a few friends of mine had told me how great it was.

What I loved about the tasting room (besides the amazing Sauvignon Blanc) was the warm energy that greets you as soon as you walk inside. The staff was so friendly and inviting, and they were eager to share all of the interesting details about the winery and vineyards, as you tasted each glass! It was a perfect way to end our afternoon.

I was so sad to end our time with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours, but I knew I had walked away with a few things: a full and happy belly, some fun facts about Santa Barbara, a bag of snacks for the road, and new friends (awwwww)! The TSBFT was such an incredible experience and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is visiting through Santa Barbara, even just for the day! It's only a few hours, so that gives you plenty of time to explore the city and eat your way around it with your new foodie friends!

Good to Know Information:

You can book your tickets for Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours here. Tickets range from $79-$99, and I highly recommend buying the ticket that includes alcohol if you can. This is an incredible price for a food tour that includes all the food, drinks, and fun entertainment (aka cool SB trivia!).
Eat a light breakfast early in the morning so you have room for all the food. You will not leave the tour feeling stuffed or uncomfortable, but you will definitely leave feeling content. They portion everything out very well.
Consider bringing a bottle of water or sunscreen if it is really hot. Not necessary, but good to think about.
Participate in the trivia because it is really fun and you might learn something (or get a prize)!
You will receive a brochure that includes exclusive discounts to a lot of great local spots around Santa Barbara for you to use post-tour. This is something you absolutely will not get without participating in this awesome tour!

*All food and restaurants on this list for the TSBFT are subject to change at any moment.

Thank you to Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours for hosting our tour. And a special thank you to Evan, Aiyana, and all participating businesses who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.

Escaping to Lotusland: Santa Barbara's Magical Garden

Next stop of our Santa Barbara journey! After researching what to do in Santa Barbara, I came across some whimsical images of a place that looked like a secret, magical garden hidden in the depths of Santa Barbara. Join me as I explore the world renowned Ganna Walska Lotusland!

Escaping to Lotusland: Santa Barbara's Magical Garden

Before our arrival to Santa Barbara, I had done a little research and digging to find the best ways we could immerse ourselves in the SB culture (after all, isn't that the way we should all travel?!). I came across some beautiful images of a place that looked like a secret, magical garden hidden in the depths of Santa Barbara. "What is this gorgeous place?!" I thought to myself. "TAKE ME NOW!"

These incredible, lush images I saw were from the world-renowned Ganna Walska Lotusland. Lotusland boasts a 37-acre estate filled with botanical beauties and natural wonders. There are numerous gardens and additional areas to explore throughout the property from Mid-February to Mid-November. I'm a big believer in spending time in nature for the mind, body, and soul, and so I knew that this was a place that Jay and I needed to check out.

How it All Began: The Woman Behind the Name

This whimsical garden was brought to life because of an extraordinary woman named Madame Ganna Walska. Originally from Poland, Ganna Walska was an unstoppable force who lived by her own rules (my kind of gal!). One of her mottos was, "I'm an enemy of the average." She was a well-known opera singer and socialite who performed for audiences in Paris, New York, and many other cities across the Americas and Europe.

After purchasing the estate in 1941 (which was formerly called Tibetland), Ganna Walska spent the next 43 years of her life curating and growing one of the world's most beautiful, personal horticultural collections. She would travel high and low throughout the world to find the perfect additions to her colorful landscape collection. It was even said that if Madame Walska was out for a drive and saw something she liked, she would send her driver inside the establishment to make an offer on purchasing what she wanted. Her hard work certainly paid off because today Lotusland is full of unique and enchanting tropical and subtropical plants from around the world.

Lotusland Today and How to Explore

After Madame Walska passed in 1984, the property was turned over to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation. This nonprofit organization made the garden open to the public in 1993. People from all over the world are now able to come and visit the magical gardens of Ganna Walska Lotusland!

Because the property is located in a private, residential area of Santa Barbara, reservations are required to enter (more information below). When you call to make your reservation, you will be given the 2 time options for your guided tour. The guided tours are led by wonderful and extremely knowledgeable docents of the property. The tours will lead you around the entire estate while explaining some of the history and details of each garden.

The extraordinary collections, which take after the woman who created them, range from rare cycads, cacti, palms, succulents, ferns, aloes, and so many more! Some of the most popular attractions are the lotuses and waterlilies, which are typically seen in full bloom in the summer months. There are currently about 25 different main areas and gardens that you will see on your tour.

What to See and When to Go

Luckily, when you go on your guided tour, you will have a chance to walk through and see every breathtaking sight. There are gardens, statues, fountains, exotic and rare plants, and even a horticultural clock! However, these are my personal favorite things to see that you cannot miss:

The Succulent Garden: Because I'm a frequent traveler and I'm always on the road, the only plants that I can ever successfully keep in my home are succulents! So because of this, I had a special connection to the Succulent Garden. Those plants are my favorites! And I also love how cute and small they can be, just like me :)
The Water Garden: This is the famous garden where you will find all of the lotus flowers and water lilies. They typically start to bloom in the summer months, sometimes even around Ganna Walska's birthday in late June!
The Blue Garden: Right in the heart of Lotusland is the Blue Garden, which was one of the most iconic gardens of the property. I fell in love with the blue and silverish colors of all the plants here. So magnificent!
The Butterfly Garden (or Insectary Garden): This garden is the epitome of sustainable preservation and maintenance. Everything in this area is meant to recycle essential energy and nutrients, as well as attract positive pollinators, while deterring invasive species. We learned a lot about the sustainable practices here in this garden!
The Orchards: You'll find lemon trees, orange trees, olive trees, and more amongst the orchards of Lotusland.
The Cycad Garden: The cycad garden of Lotusland is world-renowned because of the extensive collection of specimens that live here. Ganna Walska sold over a million dollars worth of her personal jewelry to make this garden possible! Make sure to pay a visit to the three special Encephalartos woodii (aka "The 3 Bachelors"), which are among the world’s rarest cycads and extinct in the wild. They pleasantly sit on top of a small cliff which overlooks their own koi pond.
The Parterre and Topiary Garden: This area is located just near the main house and is home to the iconic horticultural clock, rose gardens, and the Neptune fountain of Lotusland. It's a whimsical place to wander around.
Theatre Garden: This little garden was unique to me because I could totally imagine Ganna Walska hosting performances or plays here. You're greeted into the garden by these small stone statues (which are kinda funny and creepy looking in my opinion) which Madame Walska brought with her from France. You can even buy replicas in the gift shop!
The Tropical Garden: This was the first thing we saw when we entered the property and it took me by surprise. I was not ready for how beautiful the gardens would be and this one set the bar very high. You really feel like you are immersing yourself into a tropical garden! Look for the beautiful glass stones that line the path on the ground, which Madame Walska recycled from a glass factory!
The Japanese Garden: I love this garden because it truly makes you realize how diverse the entire estate is. It is peaceful, unique, and filled with a variety of different species. A must-see!

I would recommend visiting Lotusland at any point in the year! There is always something in bloom or something changing in the gardens. We visited in the spring, which made for cooler weather and sunny skies. However, if you want to see the lotus flowers, book your reservation for a summer visit (or during LotusFest in July). Be sure to check the website beforehand to see if there are any fun events scheduled during your visit!

Good to Know Information

Lotusland is completely sustainable and all-natural in the way that they conserve and maintain their gardens. There are absolutely no pesticides used anywhere; and they've even adopted natural preservation methods to attract positive pollinators, while deterring invasive species.
Since Lotusland is tucked away in a private, residential area of Santa Barbara, reservations are required to enter. Tickets for admission are $45, but don't let this deter you; it is worth every penny. Call 805-969-9990 to schedule your reservation.
Guided tours for your visit take place at 10am or 1:30pm every Wednesday-Saturday from mid-February to mid-November. You must schedule a tour if you are not a member.
Annual memberships start at only $75 and it grants you free access (and other perks) whenever you make a reservation! Plus, your money goes right back into preserving this horticultural treasure. This is a great opportunity if you live in Central California and want to come visit often! (I would totally get this if I lived there or visit CA often...)
Members also get exclusive invitations to private events hosted by Lotusland throughout the year.
Lotusland is only permitted 15,000 guests per year due to community restrictions; so make sure you book your reservation ASAP by calling 805-969-9990.
Bring sunblock and water if you are visiting on a warm day!

Ganna Walska Lotusland was a truly spectacular sight to see. I highly recommend making a stop here if you are in the Santa Barbara area, if only to escape into nature for a moment and smell the fresh air! Ahhhh :)

Ganna Walska Lotusland
695 Ashley Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-9990

Thank you to Ganna Walska Lotusland for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.

Free Things to Do in New York City

NYC is expensive, but there are plenty of things to do around here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Check out these free things to do in New York City that help you stay active and explore culture.

Free Things to Do in New York City: 5 Ways to Be Active & 5 Ways to Explore Culture

New York City is expensive. Like, really expensive. A great cocktail starts at $15, dinner for two can easily be $100, taxis are almost $4 before you even move the car, and I'm not even going to get started on the cost of real estate...

It's easy to see your hard-earned money go quickly down the drain in New York City, so finding things to do for free (or on the reallll cheap) is so helpful to make sure this city doesn't suck you dry. Luckily I've been able to find some amazing things to do here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Here are some tips for free things to do in New York City in order to be active and explore culture.

5 Ways to Be Active:

1. Yoga To The People

This is hands down my favorite thing on this post. Yoga To The People is an amazing yoga studio (with multiple locations throughout the city) that offers free/affordable yoga classes to the masses. It is donation based, so you can pay what you are comfortable paying. And if you don't have a yoga mat, you can rent one for just $2. The classes are really, really good and very popular amongst New Yorkers. Go channel your inner yogi now!

2. Walk the High Line

The High Line is a beautiful, old, elevated railroad track that has been turned into an outdoor park/walkway for pedestrians. It connects the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and bits of Hell's Kitchen all by this one stretch of track. You'll get amazing views of the city, the river, and even New Jersey by walking through the High Line. It's really great to come when it's nice and sunny out too.

3. Walk, bike, or skate across the Brooklyn Bridge

There's no better way to get stunning cityscape views of Manhattan and Brooklyn than by crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Marvel at this architectural beauty while walking, biking, or skating 1.134 miles to cross it one-way. You'll definitely want to stop for pictures if you haven't already because it's too pretty not to oogle at the views from here.

4. Pick a neighborhood and walk around

Picking a neighborhood to get lost in and explore is a wonderful way to stay active and get to know the city better. My boyfriend and I love doing this on our days off together. We just pick a place that we want to get a deeper look at and spend the day wandering the streets. It's a fun way to walk a few miles on any afternoon.

5. Go Kayaking on the Hudson

If you're into kayaking, try out the free tours that you can take at the Downtown Boathouse. This company offers free tours and classes throughout the week when the weather is warmer. Services usually open up around April of every year.

Also try: Free ice skating or yoga in Bryant Park, biking around the city, or free yoga in Times Square in the summer.

5 Way to Explore Culture:

1. Visit Museums, Zoos, or Gardens

Many tourists aren't privy to the fact that NYC museums can actually be free to get into. There are tons of wonderful places that are either donation based or offer free nights to visit. Here are some great spots to check out:

African Burial Ground: Free all the time
American Museum of Natural History: Free the last hour it's open and admission price is "suggested"
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays and from 10am-12pm on Saturdays
Brooklyn Museum: Free first Saturday of the month
Bronx Museum: Free all the time
Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays
El Museo del Barrio: Free the third Saturday of the month
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum: Free all the time
Guggenheim Museum: Free from 5:45-7:45pm on Saturdays
Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library: Free all the time
Japan Society: Free from 6-9pm on Fridays
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Admission price is "suggested"
MoMA: Free from 4-8pm on Fridays
National Museum of the American Indian: Free all the time
New York Botanical Garden: Free all day Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-10am
New York Earth Room: Free all the time
New York Historical Society: Free from 6-8pm on Fridays
New York Aquarium: Free 3pm Fridays and 4pm in the summer
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Free all the time
Socrates Sculpture Park: Free all the time (light shows & movies on Wednesdays in the summer)
Whitney Museum of American Art: Free from 7-9:30 on Fridays
9/11 Memorial Museum: Free from 5-8pm on Tuesdays

2. Hang in Parks

New York has plenty of parks to love throughout the city. Central Park, Bryant Park, Riverside Park, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, and the list goes on and on. Take a picnic and hang out in one of the many parks, see Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park, or catch a movie on the Astoria Park Great Lawn. All for free, and all for your enjoyment!

3. Take a Brooklyn Brewery Tour

The Brooklyn Brewery has been gaining more and more notoriety over the last few years, and hosting free tours every week has been a vital role in growing their presence in the community. Stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a free tour every weekend to see how your favorite NYC beer is made. Tours are free from 1-5pm on Saturdays and 1-4pm on Sundays.

4. Sightsee in Midtown

There are so many modern and iconic beauties to love in Midtown. You can do any of the following things for free around this neighborhood:

Visit the New York Public Library
Walk through Grand Central Station to see the architecture
See Rockefeller Center (and the Christmas tree/lights on 5th Avenue during the holidays)
Take in the energy at Times Square
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
See the Empire State Building
See the Chrysler Building

5. Go to TV show tapings

Did you know that a lot of your favorite TV show tapings are actually free to attend? Yep! Jimmy Fallon, Kelly & Michael, The Today Show, and so many more! All you have to do is either show up or reserve your tickets ahead of time and get there early. Here is a list of shows that are currently offering free tickets to studio audiences.

Also try: Seeing the art in the Chelsea galleries, visiting Governor's Island, taking a tour at the Federal Reserve, or calling ahead at Juilliard to score free tickets to performances.

What are other free things you like to do around NYC? List any recommendations below!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

3 Reasons You Need To Do A Segway Tour Now

Seriously, stop everything you're doing and find a Segway tour to hop on. Read on to find out why!

3 Reasons You Need To Do A Segway Tour Now

For many travelers out there, time is of the essence when visiting a new city. You want to see it all, do it all, and eat it all in a short amount of time.

It is for this reason that I’ve been on the constant hunt for what is the best way to get around a city and see the sights. Walking, double decker bus, bike...which one to pick?!?!

Although my #1 favorite way to see a city will always be on the back of a scooter, I recently explored the joys of seeing a city by a new set of wheels: A SEGWAY! I had never done one before and jumped at the opportunity when it came to me recently in Florida. Thanks to the guys at Segway Fort Lauderdale, we were able to take in the sunny Fort Lauderdale streets in just 2 hours while learning a lot and having a great time.

Have you ever been on a Segway? It’s a blast! I know, I know... Many of you are probably thinking I’m crazy/nerdy/weird, but I’m being totally serious! Here are 3 reasons why I think Segways are an amazing way to see a city.

It's Fast

Since you’re on wheels, you’re obviously going much faster than you would by walking. You are guaranteed to cover a greater amount of space in a shorter amount of time, thus being able to see more of the sights you wanted to see in the first place!

If you’re really pressed for time, consider telling your local tour guides the specific places you want to see so you can customize your tour in a shorter period of time.

It's Knowledgeable

Speaking of local tour guides... Having a really awesome local to take you around on the Segway makes the entire experience so much better. They give you facts and tidbits of information about the area that you might have not known by just looking in a guidebook.

The guys at Segway Fort Lauderdale were absolutely amazing with this! They had fun and silly trivia that they were telling us along the entire tour. I definitely walked away knowing a little bit more about Fort Lauderdale after their tour!

It's Fun

If you haven’t been on a Segway yet, GO DO IT NOW! Seriously—Segways are so fun! Just hopping on them for the first time and cruising around (and going all the way up to a whopping top speed of 12MPH) is such a blast.

Combine the fun technology with the joys of traveling and you’ve got a perfect recipe for fun, efficient sightseeing!

This post was sponsored by Segway Fort Lauderdale. All opinions are my own.

The Via Ferrata at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Does hiking along a mountain side interest you? Then try out the via ferrata in Quebec City! Read about my experience there...

The Via Ferrata at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Those of you who know me or have read any of my other adventure posts know my number 1 fear is heights. But like any true travel junkie, I’m willing to try new experiences in places that I visit (and facing the fear once in awhile makes me feel alive!). I knew the via ferrata had something to do with heights, so the less I knew before the better.

What is Via Ferrata?

For those of you who are not familiar with what a via ferrata is, it is basically a form of hiking where you are roped onto a cable and you climb along (or in my case, grip with my life to the side of the mountain) the rock and some metal fixings that have been installed into the side of the mountain for you to hold on to. You go with a small group to ensure safety and proximity to your tour guide.

Types of Via Ferrata at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

The park offers 3 different types of via ferrata for beginners and intermediate climbers. I did “The Torrent of Montmorency” tour, which is listed as an intermediate course. In all honesty, if you are not a regular climber and do not really care for heights, I would classify this as an advanced course. However, if you do regularly climb or are used to activities like mountain climbing/hiking, then it would definitely be a more intermediate course.

What makes this type of activity so rigorous (besides reminding myself to never look down, back, around, or anything besides the rock and where I was stepping) is that it is a dual thinking and physical activity. You really have to calculate your next move and think about where you will place your hands and feet. This activity is not a leisurely stroll through the park!

Who Should Do Via Ferrata?

I would recommend the via ferrata to anyone who is an avid climber, loves outdoor adventure activities, or loves an active/thinking challenge. I wouldn’t necessarily let a fear of heights deter you from going either because the trained tour guides do a great job at making you feel safe and comfortable. Just be aware that this is definitely a rigorous activity. It took our group about 3 hours to complete the course!

One last tip: WEAR LONG PANTS! I wore biking pants that cut off around my knees and I was a little scraped up at the end (mainly because I was hugging the rock out of fear haha). So just opt for pants...

Click HERE for more info on the park.

This trip was sponsored by the Quebec City Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.

Adventures in Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Spend a day at the Parc de la Chute-Montomorency and you can zip line across the waterfall!

Adventures in Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Catching a view of the massive waterfalls, going on a rigorous hiking trail, scaling a mountain, zip lining over a waterfall, and ending with a picnic overlooking the sunset at Ile d’Orleans...just another day at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency!

Where is it and how to get there

The gorgeous Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is located just outside the city center of Quebec City. It is really easy to reach, so no need to worry if you don’t have a car. You can rent a bike and enjoy the ride there (which I did thanks to Cyclo Services), which takes about 30-45 minutes. One full day of bike rental will cost about $35 depending on the type of bike you need.

Once you arrive at the park, take the cable car up to the top of the mountain (starts around $20 round-trip for adults) and soak in all the views of the Montmorency Falls. Once you’re at the top, you can really have a variety of experiences while you’re there!

What to do in the park

Some activities you can enjoy at the park include hiking, enjoying the waterfall views, biking, zip lining over the waterfall, via ferrata, picnic, theatre, snow hiking, ice climbing, taking children to the playground, and even dining at a nice restaurant. There is something for people of all ages and interests to enjoy.

MY FAVORITE PART OF PARC DE LA CHUTE-MONTMORENCY: ZIP LINE!!!

The park just installed a brand new dual zip line that basically goes right over the falls and allows you to get a unique view of the Montmorency Falls. It is such an invigorating and beautiful experience to be that high, up close and personal with the falls. Such a rush and worth every penny!!!

Click HERE for more information on the park.

This trip was sponsored by the Quebec City Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.

What To Do At Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Find out what to do during a visit at the beautiful Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier.

What To Do At Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Just a short 30-minute drive from Quebec City lays the breathtaking natural beauty that is Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier. With rolling hills and deep valleys of lush forest and nature, it is the perfect countryside escape from the nearby city. It is a true haven for the outdoor/adventure traveler!

Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, which is open year-round, has a ton of activities and adventures to offer visitors. You can do anything from water rafting, to camping, to hiking, to fishing. Here are some of the activities and services you can enjoy:

Canoe-camping (26 km)
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Hiking
Water rafting
Fishing (mostly trout due to conservation laws)
Camping (available year-round): Yurts, Cabins, Canoe-camping, Huttopia Tent, Rustic Shelter
Geocaching
Inner tube rafting
Wildlife observation
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Picnic
Toboggan/Tubing in winter

For a full list of pricing and activities, you can go HERE.

My Hike and Water Raft Ride

When I visited the park, I went on a short hike through one of the easier trails where I was able to take in the panoramic views and observe the natural life around me.

Our tour guide Marie was a wealth of information when it came to local animals and nature that you can find in the park. Her passion and knowledge of the subject made it so interesting to follow along!

We had a nice picnic along the river of the Jacques-Cartier Valley, followed by some water rafting. The water rafting activity we did was very light as the rapids were not aggressive at this location of the park. I would definitely recommend it for people of any age and any level of expertise (it was definitely beginner level and easy to manage).

This trip was sponsored by the Quebec City Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.

Quebec City Walking Tour

Quebec City is a perfect city to explore by walking. Learn and explore at the same time with a walking tour by Cicérone!

A Walking Tour of Quebec City with Cicérone

The best way to get to know any city is simply walking around and exploring. When you’re in a historic city, it is even better to have someone who knows the history to walk you around and tell you anything you want to know.

Strolling Through Quebec City

I started out my first full day in Quebec City with a walking guided tour from the experts at Cicérone. We met our guide in the Plains of Abraham where he started out by giving us some background about how the city was founded. After that, we were on our way to explore Quebec City.

What We Saw & Duration of Tour

The entire walking tour was about 2 hours and we went through some key places of the city: Old Quebec, Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame de Quebec, and many more! Our expert guide was able to share tons of interesting information from the last 400 years of the city's history.

Who Should Go?

Cicérone offers tours in both English and French, and they even have some of the tour guides in traditional historic Québécois clothing. The tours go through various parts of the city, so you can choose which one fits you or your group best. Prices start around $22 and it is definitely worth it if you’re looking to get some historic insight on your surroundings in Quebec City.

This trip was sponsored by the Quebec City Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.

Cinque Terre Boat Tour

Cinque Terre is a destination that is best seen from the water. Angelo's Boat Tour was the perfect way to get those spectacular coastline views of these colorful seaside towns.

Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Angelo's Boat Tour

One of my most anticipated stops in Italy this summer was Cinque Terre, located along the scenic Italian Riviera coastline. For years I had been seeing beautiful photos and hearing great things about the location. I knew had to stop there for a few days.

Boy, was everyone right... Cinque Terre might have been one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever seen in the world. It is comprised of 5 small towns (hence the name: Cinque=5/Terre=lands) that are colorfully placed along the Northwest coast of Italy along the Riviera.

Cinque Terre is a region that is best seen by the sea. Chances are that most of the breathtaking photos you have seen were taken from the seaside or in the water because of the striking, colorful views you get from this view. Rows and stacks of colorful houses and ancient vineyards catch you at every corner.

Knowing that Cinque Terre should be seen from the water, I looked up some options of great local boat tours that would be able to deliver those remarkable views. I came across one in particular that stood out to me—Angelo’s Boat Tour. With the extremely reasonable price (135€ per person, which includes food/drinks/alcohol) and full day schedule, I booked it immediately without hesitation.

We met outside of the harbor in Monterosso al Mare (the northernmost town of Cinque Terre) at 11AM sharp. Angelo was there with 2 boats prepared and a crew of men to help through the day. From there, we set off into the Mediterranean Sea for a full day of boating.

The boats took us along the coastline where we were able to get amazing views of all 5 towns—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. During our time on the boat, they provided us with amazing snacks (I am still fantasizing about these delicious carrots they had that were marinated in God knows what savory concoction...) and Prosecco. I’m definitely a fan of any tour that gives me prosecco on a boat at 11AM!

We cruised around taking in the views and learning about some of the history of the area. For lunch, we stopped in Manarola where Angelo and the crew took us to a restaurant that served some awesome, authentic, fresh seafood. There really isn’t seafood quite like the Italians prepare it...so yummy!

After lunch, we stopped in at another shop for some limoncello. We got distracted on the way back to the boat by some other visitors who were jumping from the high rocks (about 35-40 feet) into the water. A little tipsy from my prosecco overload, I decided to face my fear of heights again and jump off those rocks!

**The climb up wasn’t too bad, but standing up there was much different. My prosecco-buzz wore off as soon as I got to the top and looked down. It probably took me about a minute (or 3) until I finally jumped off—but I did it! Unfortunately for me, I landed in a very awkward position since I was flailing the whole way down and I ended up with some pretty serious bruises on my butt for a few weeks... But—all in the name of work, right?!**

After we boarded the boat again, the crew took us to a lovely spot where we were able to jump in the water and swim around in the Mediterranean for a while. The ocean was so blue and the water felt amazing. We swam around for a bit before we set off back to Monterosso for the end of the tour.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with Angelo’s Boat Tour and the staff that guided us around all day. We got everything we wanted out of it—food, views, booze, and ocean! It was the perfect way to see all of Cinque Terre in 1 day. I highly recommend Angelo’s Boat Tour if you go to Cinque Terre. Whether you’re alone, with a significant other, or with your family, it’s perfect for everyone!

Have you been to Cinque Terre? Comment below with your favorite part of your trip!

Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide: Hogwarts & Hogsmeade

The Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide - Part 3: Inside Hogwarts and Hogsmeade at Harry Potter World in Orlando, Florida

Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide: Hogwarts & Hogsmeade

Here we go with the final installment of the Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide! This time, I’ll dive into the Hogwarts and Hogsmeade part of the park, which is located in the Islands of Adventure part of the theme park.

**Don’t forget to download the Official Universal Studios app on your smart phone before you go to help navigate and see wait times! Also remember that if you have a park hopper pass, you are able to take the Hogwarts Express train from park-to-park, which is an awesome perk!**

If you want a great view of Hogwarts castle when you come to the park, make a left when you walk into Islands of Adventure towards the Marvel area/Toon area/Jurassic Park area because you are going to see the majestic castle over a lovely bridge and through the trees. It is so beautiful and worth stopping to take a picture. It is just after the Jurassic Park area if you are traveling that way. Going the opposite way when you get in the park is fine too; I just prefer the picturesque view of the castle!

Hogwarts, Hagrid’s Home, and Dragon Challenge Ride

I pretty much almost cried when I saw the magical castle (ok, not really...) because I felt like I was actually there. There are quite a few rides in this area (different from Diagon Alley, which only has 1 major ride); so if you like roller coasters, you will definitely like this part of the park.

· There is an amazing ride inside Hogwarts that you cannot miss if you come here. My friend and I probably rode it at least 15 times in the weekend we were there because we loved it so much.

If you don’t have an Express Pass, try hopping in the single riders line the first time you go on the ride. HOWEVER (this is the only exception), I absolutely suggest going through the regular line as well because you will get an inside walk through of Hogwarts.

You get to see the Greenhouse, Hall of Portraits, Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore’s Office, The Grand Hall, The Sorting Hat, holograms of Dumbledore and some of the other characters, and more! It is the only time I am going to suggest waiting in the regular line just because they make it so cool to be inside!

· Hagrid’s home is also a location of another smaller roller coaster. It isn’t a massive roller coaster, but it is still worth trying once. Here you will see Hagrid’s home and Buckbeak lounging near his home in his nest.

· The Dragon Challenge Ride is one of my favorite roller coasters in the park. The theme here is centered on the Goblet of Fire. You will even see the goblet when you walk into the ride! Keep your eyes out for the Weasley’s blue car (as seen in Chamber of Secrets) on the path towards the roller coaster.

Hogsmeade

Hogsmeade makes you feel transported in a nostalgic way because you’re standing in the middle of sunny, warm Orlando, Florida, but all of the buildings in the village have snow on the rooftops and there is a lovely holiday feel in the air. There are places to shop, eat, and enjoy people watching.

· Step into all of the unique boutiques around the village to see what they have to offer. My personal favorite of Hogsmeade is Honeydukes, which is famous for all their sweet delicious treats.

· The Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head are 2 great places to grab a bite to eat and a drink. Both serve alcohol too if you’re over 21 and looking to have a drink.

· Hear Moaning Myrtle’s cries in the bathrooms to the right of the Three Broomsticks.

· If you have one of the interactive wands, there are tons of spots around Hogsmeade to try your magic tricks! Don’t forget to use your map to find all of the spots

· If you have a park hopper pass, you can also board the Hogwarts Express here to go back to Diagon Alley.

Whether you’re lucky enough to spend a few days in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or you’re just there for the day, remember to have a magical time! It is all about escaping to this enchanted world, so have fun with it! Mischief Managed!

Click Here for a guide on how to make your trip the best!

Click Here for a guide on Diagon Alley!

Ultimate Harry Potter World Travel Guide: Diagon Alley

Like I said before, I am an absolute huge Harry Potter geek and loved everything about visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this year. There are 2 locations for Harry Potter world—Diagon Alley and Hogwarts/Hogsmeade. Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios towards the back of the park. Visiting this part of Harry Potter World blew my mind. Here are some things to make sure you see when you’re there!

London, The Red Phone Booth, The Knight Bus, King’s Cross Station, and Grimmauld Place

Even before you enter Diagon Alley, you’re able to step into the magical world of Harry Potter by seeing little parts of “London” right outside the entrance to Diagon Alley.

See the outside of The Leaky Cauldron and the sign that muggles seem to miss. It gives you a visual taste of what you are about to experience when you step behind the walls.
Step inside the Red Phone Booth that is near The Leaky Cauldron and The Knight Bus right outside of Diagon Alley. Once inside, if you dial the code “MAGIC” on the phone, you will hear the voicemail recording of the Ministry of Magic!

The Knight Bus comes fully equipped with the creepy Jamaican shrunken head in the front of the bus, as well as the bus boy, who is always giving people a good laugh. Step up and talk to him and then walk around to the back of the bus and get a look inside The Knight Bus! It has all the beds and luggage just like in the movie.

The entrance to King’s Cross Station is just outside of Diagon Alley and looks absolutely majestic. You will need to have a park hopper pass to get into the station and ride the train to Hogwarts/Hogsmeade (do this if only for 1 day because it is so worth it!). Once you are in King’s Cross Station, you will get a chance to “walk through the wall” of Platform 9 ¾. I was lucky enough that no one was behind me, and my friend got an awesome video of me entering the magical world through the wall. It is so cool and whatever technology they used for this visual effect makes me really happy. Kudos Universal Studios engineers!!!

Just before you go into Diagon Alley, step over to the town houses of Grimmauld Place and stand outside of #12, which is the house of Black. Look above the door, and every minute or so you will see Creature peeking his head out and watching all the muggles walk by. Such a creepy looking guy!

Inside Diagon Alley

Stepping behind those magical walls into Diagon Alley might have been one of the happiest moments of my life. The entire vibe in there is like you are literally in the movie and in Diagon Alley. They even have the music playing to set the mood! It is beautiful...

First thing’s first: Go buy an interactive wand. If you want the Ultimate Harry Potter World experience, you’re going to need a wand to go around and cast spells. Let the wand pick you! **Secret**: You don’t have to buy the wand at Olivander’s wand shop. They sell them in a few different locations throughout Harry Potter World. We went to a shop called “Wands by Gregorovitch” that is just around the corner from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and they had the entire selection there with no line to wait in.

Inside Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, they make it look and feel just like the real store. Look up at the top of the ceiling and see 2 awesome details: Fireworks on a screen and a Dolores Umbridge doll that screams, “I WILL. HAVE. ORDER!” as it rolls back and forth on a line.

Step into The Leaky Cauldron for some quintessential Harry Potter/English food. You can even try Butter Beer (unfortunately not really beer/doesn’t have alcohol, more of a cream soda) or Pumpkin Juice (very sweet and tasty like apple cider with pumpkin spices).

Follow the dark alley and sign into Knockturn Alley for some creepy views of this part of the city. They have moving “Wanted” signs for evil characters like Bellatrix Lestrange and many other death eaters.

Borgin and Burkes is in Knockturn Alley and you can come in here for your typical villain-type souvenirs. They even have the Vanishing Cabinet in the back of the store and you can hear the bird chirping from inside the walls!

About every 15-20 minutes, the dragon above Gringotts Bank roars loudly and breathes fire out of his mouth! It is so great to see, so make sure you have your camera ready!

You can actually shop in many of the stores along Diagon Alley. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is still great to stop in and feel like you’re getting ready for your year at Hogwarts. There is a boutique to buy robes (also a talking mirror in this boutique!) and other Hogwarts apparel, there is an ice cream shop, and even a place to buy Butter Beer and other beverages.

Stop and take a seat in Hagrid’s motorcycle right next to Gringotts Bank.

The ride at Gringotts Bank is a very cool one that you shouldn’t miss. To save time waiting, try the single riders line if you really don’t mind riding alone or if you don’t have the Express Pass. The technology and engineering that has gone into these new rides is so impressive. They use holograms and lots of other modern technology to make it a unique experience. The inside of Gringotts even looks like the actual bank—goblins and all!

Around the corner from Gringotts, there is a Money Exchange shop and you can go in to exchange money for Harry Potter currency. There is a goblin that sits at the top of the desk when you walk in who is interactive with the guests and talks to people. You can ask him questions and he will answer however he feels is most appropriate. Some of his responses are pretty comical too.

See the creepy mermaids from Goblet of Fire on top of the water fountains near Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. They even shoot out water from the top of the fountain every so often.

The best part of visiting these parks is seeing this fairy-tale world come to life. Enjoy seeing all the little details that went into making it a reality, and relax with a Pumpkin Juice or Butter Beer at the end of the day. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!