Tag: Travel

Bermuda Travel Guide

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A short two hour flight from Boston you’ll find the lush pink sand beaches of Bermuda. Making the island the ideal destination for New Englanders.

After getting engaged in December my fiancé and I knew we wanted to do an engagement moon but didn’t know where. After researching and budgeting we found Bermuda was the perfect location for an affordable tropical getaway close to home!

After lots of research we decided to stay at The Hamilton Princess located in the town of Hamilton which is one of my favorite areas on the island as its a hub for eating, drinking, and shopping.

We spent most of our time at the Hamilton Princess relaxing by the pool & spa and the resorts private beach club. Adam and I also enjoyed eating at the resorts two restaurants Marcus’ and 1609.

Two of the days we spent exploring the 22 mile Island. Some of our favorites were the Crystal Caves, Navy Yard, and trying rum swizzles at the famous Swizzle Inn. I recommend renting a twizy (safer than scooters) or taking the bus as its more affordable than taxis.

@Brew Hamilton – First day exploring Bermuda!
Swizzle Inn – Home of the famous Rum Swizzle.
Crystal Caves Bermuda with my future husband!

Must-Do While In Bermuda:

  1. Try a Rum Swizzle at The Swizzle Inn
  2. Horseshoe Bay
  3. Eat at the Frog & Onion Pub – located at the Navy Yard
  4. Devils Isle
  5. Explore Hamilton + St. George’s

Have you been to Bermuda? What are your favorite must-see locations?

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!

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Miami Art District

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Located in the heart of Miami’s Art District, MIMO Market is home to one of Miami’s most fashion-forward boutiques for men and women.

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Founded by two Florida State University alums, Lisa Tam and Leilani Sanchez, who both have a rich background in the fashion industry decided to quit their corporate fashion jobs and make their dreams a reality.

Inspired by their favorite boutiques in New York City and Los Angeles they wanted to bring the same vibe to their hometown, Miami. MIMO Market’s vibes display a cozy interior which showcases a wide selection of brands that have been handpicked for every personality and style.

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If you ever find yourself in Miami’s Art District I highly recommend checking out MIMO Market as the styles are fashion-forward and wallet friendly!

Located at: 2619 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33127 (directly across from Wynwood Walls). 

Open daily Mon- Tues 11-7pm and Wed-Sun 11-8pm. 

Show them some love and add them on social media!

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Tired of Same Old Meals? Try a Cooking Class

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Tired of “Taco Tuesday,” every Tuesday? Then head over to your local Sur la Table to learn a new dish to wow friends and family! Sur la Table offers a variety of classes from pastries to pasta and beyond in 20+ states across the US.

In each of Sur la Table’s unique classes “students” (18 and older) work with other students in a fun, hands-on environment led by a professional chef. Each class runs about two hours (unless noted otherwise) and allows each individual a generous sample of their dish! In addition, each student will receive a coupon good for 10% off in-store purchases on the day of the class.

Keep scrolling down for a sneak peek into a Sur la Table cooking class!

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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!

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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