Category: Travels

Must Stay: Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel Miami Beach

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Located at 1825 Collins Ave, Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel built during the art deco era of the 1950s has been remodeled with luxury in mind. Nautilus features a comfortable, relaxing design which resembles a luxury beach house in Southern France.

Located minutes from the popular Lincoln Road (a fashionista playground) and the South Beach party scene, guest staying at Nautilus have unlimited access the hotel’s private, beach, pool, bar, restaurant, and cafe right on the property. Guest can also take advantage of the hotel’s bike rentals and world-class spa for an additional fee.

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The Rooms: 

Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel, is a 250-room oceanfront hotel with 51 suites, two signature suites, and one penthouse. All rooms offer spectacular views of downtown Miami or Atlantic ocean.

All rooms were carefully designed with neutral colors keeping relaxation and modern elegance in mind. I can promise you Nautilus will have you swoon upon arrival with its calming, clean colors and high attention to detail.

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The Amenities: 

With the endless amount of amenities on site, guest will have to come back just to enjoy all of them! Check out everything the hotel offers below:

  • Private beach entrance (no additional cost for towels)
  • Pool (no additional cost for towels)
  • Cabana rentals
  • Spa
  • Indoor, outdoor, and poolside bar
  • Restaurant
  • Hotel Cafe
  • Rose Brunch (Sunday’s )
  • Daily Happy Hour 5pm-7pm
  • Weekend BBQs
  • Yoga (Saturday’s 10am)
  • Boutique
  • Bike rentals

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Looking to book a vacation to Miami? Give the Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel in Miami Beach a try. Odds are you’ll love it!

Wine Tour: Cape Cod Winery

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Located in the town of Falmouth, MA sits a fairly young winery growing light savory wines perfect to give as a gift or drink by the beach.

Opened in 2013 (at their current location), Cape Cod Winery is owned and operated by the Orlandella family who is growing some of the best grapes on Cape. The winery was originally founded in 1994 by Lazzari family to create premium wines for residents and tourist to enjoy with the finest seafood Cape Cod has to offer, and the Orlandella family is sure carrying on that tradition.

Grown with sandy gravel soil, which is ideal for grape growing has been compared to vineyards of Southern France and Italy. However, the carefully produced wines from Cape Cod Winery reflect the character of the Cape Cod soil and climate that embody a light, crisp, savory flavor which can be perfectly paired with the seasons freshest fish. (Did I hear perfect for a raw bar?)

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Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Must try: 

Chardonnay – Rich with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla & butter. It has a rich creaminess that surrounds you at each ship.

Nobska Light White – Semi-dry light wine has a wonderful fruity aroma with hints of citrus, peach & tropical fruits.

Vineyard Sound White Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp citrus with hints of tropical fruits perfect pairing with seafood!

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We had a lovely time at Cape Cod Winey! We can’t wait to go back during the summer season.

Open daily April – December, and January – March by appointment.

Address: 4 Ox Bow Rd. East Falmouth, MA 023536

 

 

Miami: Wynwood Walls

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My recent travels took my boyfriend, Adam and I to Miami, Florida! After seeing people on the internet talk nonstop about the Miami art scene, we took an afternoon to explore the art district and the Wynwood Walls.

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art museum in the heart of the art district owned and operated by Goldman Properties (a popular company in transforming historic districts). Visitors to the museum are drawn into the museum by the vibrant colors of Miami’s urban graffiti scene.

Visitors can also enjoy the Wynwood Walls restaurant, juice press, gift shop as well as the surrounding shops and cafes. Entrance to the walls is free of charge!

Keep scrolling for some of my favorite works of art!

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Hours: 

Monday – Thursday 10:30am – 11:30pm 

Friday – Saturday 10:30am – midnight 

Sunday 10:30am – 8pm

Be sure to check out Wynwood Artwalk every second Saturday of the month from 10:30am – midnight.

 

Highly recommend!

Fall Trips: Nashoba Valley Winery

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This past weekend my boyfriend and I took a mini trip 45 minutes north of Boston to Bolton, Massachusetts to Nashoba Valley Winery for some wine tasting and to enjoy the last bit of summer weather.

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Let me first start by saying this place is huge! Not only does Nashoba Valley produce a variety of award-winning wines but a wide selection of spirits and beers. If that’s not enough to keep your busy all day check out their gift shop, restaurant, or enjoy apple picking with over 10 different apples offered throughout their orchard. (I recommend packing a lunch and buying a bottle of wine and enjoying the picnic area which is situated on a hilltop overlooking Bolton.)

With the exception July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Nashoba Valley is open every day for tastings; with tours offered to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. (No reservation required for either, however, I recommend going early as the winery fills up fast!)

Guest can sample either 5 or 10 wines or 5 wines and a full glass. We decided on sampling 10 of their 20+ wines. After tasting 10 wines from their extensive wine list here are the ones I highly recommend buying a bottle or two:

  1. Cranberry Apple
  2. Riesling
  3. Dry Pear

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If wine’s not your thing Nashoba Vally brews a variety of handcrafted ciders,  flagship, fusion and seasonal beers (pumpkin lovers, no worries they got you covered too).

Nashoba Valley also offers a wonderful selection of distilled spirits. Combining their award-winning artistry of fermentation with years of experience in distillation, Nashoba Valley produces and sells some of the finest brandies and vodka (distilled from 100% apples).

Looking for the perfect fall activity? I highly recommend heading over to Nashoba Valley for a delectable brunch at their restaurant, apple picking, and wine tasting!

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Brunch in the Meatpacking District – NYC

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Looking for a place to brunch on your next trip to New York City? Look no further than Bubby’s. With two locations in the Meatpacking District and Tribeca locals and tourist alike will enjoy flavors of the south in the heart of the big apple.

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Opened in 1990, Owner Ron Silver began baking pies and selling them to restaurants and neighbors out of a small kitchen in Tribeca. Today, Bubby’s restaurant and pie shop celebrate’s 26 years of homemade southern cooking. (And of course pies!)

The exterior of the restaurant perfectly blends into the neighborhoods in which they each sit; while the inside excludes a warm welcoming southern atmosphere. Making guest feel like they walked into grandmas house.

If you like pancakes this is a New York must! The pancakes are fluffy topped with fresh fruits and sauces. WIth toppings like blueberry and banana nut good luck trying to pick only one!

The rest of the menu includes a southern fare with options like fried chicken and biscuits to biscuits & gravy to a cheese grits breakfast to your more traditional breakfast items like the house omelet or the Bubby’s breakfast.

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Not only does Bubby’s offer an outstanding brunch program, but the restaurant serves up lunch and dinner as well.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert as Bubby’s makes some of the best pies in Manhattan. Whether it’s a slice or a pre-ordered pie be sure to indulge in one of their pies including apple, peach, local blueberry and more.

Safe to say if you’re in the mood for some comfort food this is the place to be!

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Located at 120 Hudson St. (Tribeca) and at 73 Gansevoort St. (Meatpacking).

 

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Escape to New Hampshire

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Situated two hours north of Boston you’ll find Alton, New Hampshire. Home to Lake Winnipesaukee and the popular mountain – Mount Major.

If you’re looking to escape the city, get in a great workout and take in the stellar views than the dive up is 100 percent worth it!

I recommend leaving as early as the lot at the mountain fills up fast! The hike up takes roughly two hours up and two down depending on your skill set. We took the blue trail, which was a moderate hike that had some large boulders to climb towards the top of the mountain.

After completing your hike stop by one of the local ice cream shops on the lake or fuel up with a fish dinner at Pop’s Clam shack.

Pro tip: If you’re new to hiking take the yellow trail. It may take you longer but there are fewer boulders to climb.

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App Review: Footprint – Where I’ve Been

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With today’s evolving technology it seems like every day a new app is rolled out, which makes it hard deciding which app to use.

According to Lonely Planet, travel apps are the largest growing category for mobile usage.  Each month, the average user spends more than two hours a month using their travel apps. (CRAZY!)

One travel app I’ve come to love is the Footprint – Where I’ve Been app which can be downloaded for free in the Apple Store. It’s user-friendly and allows users to track where they traveled! Whether it be down the road or around the world watch your map become filled with pins.

Check out my Footprints:

 

Simply click the plus sign to drop a pin on a location and watch your map fill up with all the places you’ve been! It keeps track of the date traveled, countries, cities and more.

If you’re a traveler I highly recommend downloading the app and tracking your travels.

I give this app five stars for overall user experience!

Luxury Resort Experience: Chatham Bars Inn

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The Chatham Bars Inn located in Chatham, Massachusetts was founded by Charles Hardy in 1914 as a luxury beach side resort on Cape Cod.

From the moment guest step on the property, the Chatham Bar experience begins with early 1920s New England nautical luxury vibes and warm, welcoming, wood work in the lobby. Walking into the resort guest will feel as though they stepped into a much simpler time filled with lawn games, sailing, good food & drinks, and an overall sense of relaxation.

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Today, the resort is a popular destination for Cape Cod vacationers. The resort has 217 guest rooms (some with remarkable views of the Nantucket Sound), seven restaurants, a spa, a private beach & pool, and a fitness center.

The resort offers whale watching tours, fishing, pool side cabanas, croquet, sailing and so much more to take in everything a New England summer has to offer.

Guest have the option between luxurious cottages or ocean view suites or standard guest rooms in the main inn sleeping anywhere between 2 to 4 people. On average guest can expect to pay anywhere between $485 – $1,000 per night depending on the season.

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Pro tip 1: Seeking a wedding venue? The Chatham Bars Inn is a popular destination for a Cape Cod weddings.

Pro tip 2: Looking to esCAPE for the day? Book a service at the spa. Guest have the opportunity to utilize the spa pool for up to an hour prior or after spa services. After relaxing at the spa guest can take a short walk to the main inn to enjoy sips and nibbles at one of the many restaurants on property.

Interested in planning a nautical vacation to Cape Cod? Learn more about the Chatham Bars Inn here!

 

 

 

Guide to NYC Rooftop Bars

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Summer may be winding down, but the New York City bar scene is still in full swing! Below I’ve rounded up some of my favorite rooftop bars that are a must try before the end of the summer.

Mr. Purple: Situated on the 15th floor of the Hotel Indigo located on the Lower East Side; twenty somethings are calling Mr. Purple the “IT” spot for drinks and killer views of Manhattan! This swanky rooftop spot is blowing up Instagram with its roof top pool, drinks, lounges, and view (Don’t lie you’d go for the ‘Insta pic,’ too). Not into their extensive cocktail menu or craft beer list? Mr. Purple also serves up coffee and pressed juice. 180 Orchard St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10002

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Le Bain: Hands down my favorite rooftop in New York City! Located in the Meatpacking District, Le Bain at The Standard, Highline does an incredible job portraying a picnic like atmosphere 13 floors above the concrete jungle. The pink decor, turf grass, and crepe stand make you feel like you entered an exclusive party in The Hamptons. Kick-back and enjoy one of their signature drinks and breath taking views of Lower Manhattan. Looking to get your groove on? The lower level serves as a night club hosting some of the worlds most popular DJs. 848 Washington St., New York, NY 10014 

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230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: Looking for drop dead views of Midtown and the rooftop bar experience all year round? Then head to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar located on 5th Ave. At New York City’s largest rooftop garden and bar, guest will find palm trees, stellar views, tents to keep cool during hot summer days and heated igloos in the winter. Pro Tip: try the Raspberry Mojito (you’ll thank me later)! 230 Fifth Ave. (Corner of 27th) Manhattan, NY 10001

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Upstairs at the Kimberly: Whether you’re a guest at the Kimberly Hotel or looking for a lively bar atmosphere, Upstairs at the Kimberly is situated in the heart of Midtown with European like vibes open 365 days a year. Upstairs at the Kimberly makes the list for its decor, location, and remarkable views of the Chrysler Building. 145 E 50th St., New York, NY 10022

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Explore Newport Cliff Walk

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A short drive from Boston you’ll find Newport, Rhode Island, a quaint beach town filled with ice cream shops, fish joints, little buggy car rentals and the well-known Newport Cliff Walk. The Cliff Walk has been on my bucket list for awhile so I figured let’s take a mini road trip to cross it off the list!

The Newport Cliff Walk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhode Island and is a combination of stunning ocean views and beautiful mansions. The 3.5-mile walk is the perfect getaway young couples looking for a relaxing afternoon from the city! I would advise everyone to wear toe-closed shoes as the trail is very rocky at points and can be challenging to keep your balance if not wearing appropriate shoes. (Also, bring a camera to snap some likable Instagram pics!)

Interested in doing a mansion tour? You can tour several homes including The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, Rough Point and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here!

 Check out some photos from our adventure below!

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