Come and join us as we explore the best restaurants and spots to eat in the beautiful city of Oklahoma. Read more to find out.
During our three-week trip to Victoria, Australia, we did so much! However, we wanted to make sure to prioritize quality time together where we could focus more on resting. When we learned of the hot springs in Victoria, we knew they were the perfect way to relax and reset after our long flight before setting out to explore Australia. Whether you’re looking for one of Melbourne’s most exclusive day spas, a peaceful retreat in the jungle with a little more privacy, a range of beauty treatments or body treatments you can choose from, or you’re just keen on experiencing ultimate relaxation, we’ve got some of Melbourne’s best spas that you just have to experience for yourself! We personally visited the first three spas that are listed, but we also spent a lot of time researching all five of them. Whether you’re looking for an overnight stay, just a few hours of relaxation, you’re traveling as a couple, or with the whole family, we’ve got options for everyone! We spent a lot of our time in Melbourne, but we also made several day trips where we explored the diverse landscape of Victoria, so be sure to check out our full itinerary here to see what else we got ourselves into! Be sure to check out our list of Australia travel tips for additional help planning your next international getaway! Why You Should Go to a Spa on Your Trip to Melbourne After spending a little over 17 hours on a plane, we knew the first thing we wanted to do was something that was restful. We ruled out checking into our hotel since we’d have the temptation of going to bed, which would hopefully speed up the process of adjusting to the time change. Peninsula Hot Springs It was a pretty easy decision to make after all we had heard about the amazing hot springs and spas in Victoria. We started off by booking a day at Peninsula Hot Springs. We were amazed at how much they offered! The pass we had was for entry included the entirety of the spa and an additional, adults-only area, but they also have a pass for just the area that people of all ages have access to. For some of their experiences, there are age restrictions; some are 12+ while others are 16+. However, they do offer unique experiences like baby barrel pools, as well as pricing options for visitors between the ages of three and 15 years old. Check their website for additional information if you’re planning on booking a spa experience with the whole family. They also offer dozens of unique spa experiences inspired by international healing practices and spas, like Nepalese Massaging Mineral Showers, a Turkish Hamam Steam Bath, cave pools inspired by the Japanese Alps, as well as geothermal pools, steam rooms, saunas, and even food and accommodation packages! We booked the Reset treatment, which gives you free reign over the 70+ experiences inside the Bath House and the Spa Dreaming Centre. We did add on the Body Clay Ritual and the Fire & Ice Workshop. When we booked it, we didn’t actually know what to expect, but the entire experience was such a pleasant surprise. The cool thing about Peninsula Hot Springs was just how much there was to do. I feel like during our time there, we left wanting to have more time to explore all the different options. Some of the things that stood out to me were the varying temperatures in the pools all throughout. One of the things I really enjoyed was the Reflexology Walk, which is inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. You walk across 10 different stones that target different acupressure points through the bottom of your feet. This was one of their more self-guided options, which allows you to focus on the sensations and the sounds around you. The adults-only area was definitely less busy. Overall, there were some smaller areas that can only accommodate one or two people, but due to the amount of people that were there, we didn’t get to experience some of the other experiences for ourselves. The hot springs were very warm and so the fact that we were visiting on a cool and misty day made it that much better. I did get a little chilly walking in between the different areas, so I’m glad a towel, robe, and storage locker were included. It was a nice plus to be able to switch out my towel and robe at the front desk for a fresh, dry one as we bounced between the different pools. The point where I realized I had completely surprised myself was during the Fire & Ice Workshop. I thought this would be a refreshing experience where you simply switch between a sauna and a colder plunge pool. Turns out the Fire & Ice Workshop actually entailed spending time in a 40-degree Fahrenheit Ice Cave followed by a negative 13-degree Fahrenheit plunge pool. I do not like the cold and I definitely can’t do cold showers. You just are not likely to see me do things like that. I even went as far as asking our guide if I had to do it because I was so convinced, prior to our arrival, that I was going to just sit in a sauna and forgo the cold plunge pool experience. Thankfully, she was very reassuring. She shared the benefits of the cold plunge pool and how refreshing it would be for us, especially since we had just got off a 17-hour flight. In the end, I’m so glad I went through it! The process consisted of the sauna, followed by a cold plunge pool that isn’t quite as cold, back to the sauna, and then it’s time for a 30-second dip in the ice plunge pool. I couldn’t believe I had somehow made it through the 30 seconds, but it was definitely a challenge. You then go through a second round of the entireRead More »
In high school and college I was the all around fit girl. I would go from cross country practice to my ballet class to whatever fun fit event was going on. After college I had a less flexible work schedule. Suddenly I couldn’t fit in 2-3 workouts a day (yes I was that obsessed!) andRead More »
Come and join us as we explore the best restaurants and spots to eat in the beautiful city of Oklahoma. Read more to find out.
Today I spent a good majority of my time doing research on how to grow my Instagram. I always want to stay creative and work on growing my community. But after a while I really wasn’t learning anything I didn’t know. So I’m going to walk you through the basics of what everyone else outRead More »
Indulge your taste buds in Beaumont's authentic Cajun cuisine. Discover the best Cajun food spots in Beaumont, TX
As we’ve discovered, the stereotypes of a state don’t often coincide with what exists beyond its borders. Texas, for example, has all varieties of terrain and wildlife. Similarly, New Mexico is far more than just desert. There are so many things to do you may be totally unaware of. Santa Fe is dedicated to its Native American roots by way of its many museums and shops, its Mexican heritage through its many restaurants, its diversity brought by the Santa Fe Railroad, and its natural treasures, like the hot springs, mountains, and remaining homes of the Puebloan people. Learn About Santa Fe Santa Fe highlights Native American culture, history, and art all across the city at its many museums, listed below. Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple museums, save a little money with the New Mexico Culture Pass. This pass, however, does not include the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts or the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Museum of International Folk Art A collection of over 130,000 artifacts, you’ll find an in-depth history of folk art from over 100 countries. You’ll see art and historically functional items made from a wide variety of mediums, along with exhibits that cover regionally specific topics, such as fashion, history, music, and folklore. There is currently an exhibit on the role of face masks in self-expression during the COVID pandemic that you’ll have until January 2023 to see. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Take a deep dive into Native American culture through artifacts from across the globe. Learn about the methodical creation of Puebloan pottery, the cultural significance of certain animals, and the reimagination of traditional Native American creations through art created by current artists. The museum also hosts events like talks, live demonstrations, and poetry sessions to create personal experiences between its visitors and influential members of the community. Museum of Contemporary Native Arts This museum showcases progressive and contemporary Native artists, including current students at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)! Supported by IAIA’s staff and trustees, you can find everything from murals and sculptures to informative exhibits and photographs. New Mexico Museum of Art The Santa Fe Museum of Art houses one of the oldest Pueblo Revival structures with an impressive courtyard that inspires artwork of its own. With 20,000 works of art, there’s plenty to see of the Southwest, the incredible New Mexico landscape, and Native American life. They even have rotating exhibits for something new every trip. New Mexico History Museum Get a glimpse of New Mexico’s both rich and grim history. From the original indigenous people who lived here, the presence of colonizers who encroached on their way of life, to the devastating effects of Manifest Destiny, the New Mexico History Museum walks visitors through different points of history. Additionally, they have a large exhibit on the history and legacy of the Harvey Girls, as well as the exhibit, “Telling New Mexico: Stories from Then and Now” that shares personal stories from across the last 500 years that also make up New Mexico’s history. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum You may not know much about Georgia O’Keeffe, but after visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and learning about her story, you’ll be captivated by the way that Georgia played such a prominent role in the development of art. She was the first woman painter to gain respect in the art world of New York in the 1920s. Her abstract art of landscapes and flowers break down the essence of nature while capturing its most important aspects. Take a Day Trip to Jemez Mountains The Jemez Mountain Trail is a natural wonderland that showcases the iconic New Mexican red rock, Pueblo dwellings of the Bandelier National Monument, volcanic cliffs, and the water of Jemez River that flows through them. Despite what comes to mind when you think about the dessert, these trails also have an abundance of greenery and wildlife. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that’ll fill your day and give you a variety of activities, whether you’re on land or soaking in the hot springs, then a day trip to Jemez Mountains is for you. Click here to read about our experience hiking through the Jemez Mountains. Take a Native American Cooking Class As you’re checking off all the things to do in Santa Fe, make sure this one is on your list: the Native American II cooking class at the Sante Fe School of Cooking. It’s like a history lesson and cooking class in one. You’ll learn about the effects of colonization on food, as well as how food crossed continents (fun fact: tomatoes didn’t actually come to Italy until the 15th/16th century). You’ll also learn about the magic eight: corn, squash, beans, chiles, tomatoes, potatoes, cacao and vanilla, which were only found in the Americas. Best of all, you’ll learn cooking techniques like trout baked in clay, have an incredible meal, and leave enlightened and nourished. If you’re lucky, you’ll also have the honor of witnessing a cultural moment with Native songs and drums. Afterwards, you can browse their store with all the different types of chile and chile-themed items like chile jelly, chile cookies, chile fudge, and more! Stroll Through Santa Fe Plaza Santa Fe Plaza can be enthralling and overwhelming due to its numerous galleries. The Santa Fe Art app is a helpful tool to build a list of art galleries you are interested in visiting beforehand with information about each one. Check out Santa Fe Art Tours to get a more in-depth perspective, perfect for newbies and experts alike. You’ll also find Native artists along the Palace of Governers in Santa Fe Plaza, as well as Native performers who share their traditions, dances, music, and stories. Try All the Great Food New Mexico’s flavor profiles have been shaped by its native history, the impact of colonization, and the influence of the Santa Fe Railroad. New Mexico is known as the chile capital of the world due to its warm climate and alternating periodsRead More »
A guide of some Texas destinations that are similar to an international destinations
Baths are my oasis after a hectic day! I’m able to unwind and relax. Even while living in a small apartment, it’s been important to create a space that I can be proud of and feel like I’ve escaped to somewhere else. I’ve found that just a few things can help transform a regular apartmentRead More »
If you thought Cancun was paradise, then you will be enthralled with Isla Holbox, a short trip from Cancun that will capture your heart! Want to be more prepared before your trip? We’ve been using the Rosetta Stone app! It has 5-10 minute lessons all on your phone with visual and audio cues to help you learn quick! Join Rosetta Stone now and get 50% off your lifetime subscription! How to Get to Isla Holbox One thing that might worry people about visiting Isla Holbox is the issue of getting there. However, it’s actually pretty easy and there are multiple ways based on time and options. It’s about a 2 hour trip total and so worth it for the beautiful island and serenity you experience once you are there! Head here to read how to get to Isla Holbox. The Beauty Of Isla Holbox The beauty of this 26 mile island is that while it’s not hard to get to, because it’s not a direct flight, there is so much unspoiled beauty. There are no cars on this island and the clear blue waters are filled with only a few people. Isla Holbox has everything you need for a fun vacation without the crowds. At the time I went, Mystique Blue Holbox was the last resort to open its doors, meaning that Isla Holbox is dedicated to the sustainability of the island and the avoidance of overcrowding. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on May 18, 2019 at 8:01am PDT Paradise in Isla Holbox We had the pleasure of staying at the boutique Mystique Blue Holbox, an eco-friendly boutique resort right along the beach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on May 19, 2019 at 5:05pm PDT Everything about Mystique Blue was incredible! The infinity pool overlooking the beach, the tropical airy designs of our room just steps away from the pool and beach, and the incredible service that made sure we felt special. The resort only has 38 rooms, meaning you’re more than just a number and the staff aren’t so overwhelmed that they can’t help you out! Isla Holbox is famous for their lobster dishes so we enjoyed the craft lobster quesadillas, lobster pizza, lobster aguachile, and just plain delicious lobster. Daily we enjoyed lounging on the practically empty beach, while enjoying delicious food, staring into open waters. We weren’t bothered by random vendors coming up to us, and we rejoiced in the tranquility of the ocean and singers that performed daily. Plus Mystique Blue offers some beautiful activities on the island. Massage on the Beach Take in fresh sea breeze and view of the ocean with a massage. A Romantic Dinner on the Beach Enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets! And yes the sunsets are always this colorful! Things to Do in Isla Holbox This magical Island is unique for all of the incredible things you can do! Walk Through Downtown The town itself is small but full of color. You can find bars serving up drinks on wooden swings, eat your way through Mexican and seafood, and discover local goods. It’s an experience just walking through! Swim With Whale Sharks You can actually go snorkeling next to these giant creatures! Swim with whale sharks on one of the tours for an experience like nothing else. Hang Out With Flamingos The flamingos hang around the mangroves where you kayak or walk so you see them up close. See the Bioluminescence Like fireflies in the water, or that scene from Life of Pi, the bioluminescence is something unimaginable until you see it with your own eyes. Isla Holbox Recap Isla Holbox quickly captured my heart. The vibrant small town and peaceful beach life pulled me in so that I never wanted to leave. I could have stayed for weeks if my schedule had allowed, and my husband and I joked about cancelling our plane ticket. If you’re looking for beach side tranquility and magical things to do, Isla Holbox is the perfect spot.
We have a deep love for Mexican food and international cuisine, but we were not expecting the diversity and fusion that we found in Laredo. Funny enough, we found things like Mexican-style sushi, Spanish tapas, extensive wine lists, Thai food, unique brunch items, gigantic Micheladas, and snack foods that brought me back to my childhood! Not to mention, Laredo was cute coffee shop heaven! Often times, locals are the best source for finding the hidden gems that are sometimes passed over by places the tourists flock to. Given that, we asked not just locals, but also family and friends that are seasoned travelers and have a similar passion for trying new things. This post will focus only on Laredo’s restaurants and coffee shops but be sure to check out our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Laredo! With our latest edition of our Texas Travel Guide, you can take an exciting vacation every weekend without breaking the bank and still have more to do! And in just one trip, the guide pays for itself! You’ll be amazed at all the hidden gems, international influence, and wacky attractions you’ll find all over Texas! Not ready to purchase quite yet? We wanted to make this guide as accessible as possible, so we’ve shared our 1st edition of our guide, 50 Texas Trips Under $50. Click the button below to get yours for FREE! Where to Eat in Laredo La India Packing Co. Founded in 1924 by Antonio Rodriguez and his wife Antonia Villarreal Rodriguez, their goal was to offer people in Laredo their favorite Mexican spices, Mexican chocolate, and herbal remedies. It grew into a well-established brand and a local favorite for people in South Texas. Now, you’ll find their spices in popular grocery stores. The owners even opened a small restaurant to demonstrate what you can achieve at home with their ingredients. We ordered the Chicken en Mole with rice and beans, but other popular dishes are their Charro Beans and their Enmoladas! Tabernilla Bar de Tapas Tabernilla is a vibrant, locally owned eatery and bar that serves over 50 Spanish tapas. Not only is Tabernillas a top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, but the menu consists of everything from traditional Spanish tapas to fusion dishes created by Chef Roberto Gonzalez, a native of Laredo. The restaurant features a spacious dining room, live music, and a private patio with a blend of rustic and modern decor. They have an extensive wine menu with a selection from different regions of Spain and Portugal. The menu even goes as far as to explain where the wine originated from, its flavors, and even pairing suggestions! On Thursdays, you can get free tapas with a drink order! We decided on the Paella de Mariscos (a traditional Spanish rice and seafood dish), a cheese and cured meats tray with Bresaola de Wagyu and Chorizo Iberico, Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic shrimp), and Pulpo a la Plancha (grilled octopus). To drink, we ordered their Agua de Valencia (made with sparkling wine, a Cognac based liqueur, and muddled oranges), Cordobesa (with lime juice, mezcal, blended and caramelized pineapple, and a paprika rim), and Roja Sangria (a mixture of red wine and fruit typical in Spain). Bolillos Cafe (North) A small, colorful restaurant in the heart of Laredo, Bolillos Cafe offers authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The best part: their large selection of baked goods from Cakeland, their sister bakery! We ordered their Concha French Toast, Churro French Toast, as well as their Barbacoa Tacos and Tacos de Nopal. They were exceptional! República Cantina De México If you’re looking to experience the food of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico without crossing the border, we highly recommend the Republic Cantina for elevated Tex-Mex dishes. We tried the Chargrilled Cheese, the Ribeye Cheese Crust Tacos, Ribeye Tacos with Bone Marrow, and we paired them with an Old-Fashioned with Mezcal and a Mezcalita de Jamaica, which is similar to a margarita but with more prominent citrus flavors. All their dishes are amazing and let’s not forget their fluffy, flour tortillas are homemade! They are open for brunch, dinner, and they offer a Happy Hour and a coffee menu. The building itself is a mix of a modern and elevated cantina. Everything about this place blends perfectly together! La Finca Bruncheria This local spot is notorious for their brunch menu and their fresh juice made in-house. You might have a hard time choosing between their tasty, traditional Mexican breakfast items and your favorite brunch staples. It may seem like an odd combination, but it works perfectly and keeps locals coming back every time! It was everything our taste buds needed! We loved their Churro Waffles, and we couldn’t leave without trying their Barbacoa! Antojitos Enchilados Laredo Antojitos is short for Little Cravings and they’ll definitely curb your cravings here! This all-pink shop sells all sorts of sweet and savory snacks like: This is your go-to place for spicy snacks and cute selfies on your next trip to Laredo. Golondrina Food Truck Park Choose from a variety of choices: tacos, burgers, seafood, coffee, cocktails, and more! It’s the perfect place to grab some grub if you aren’t quite sure what you’re feeling or you’re looking to have a little bit of everything. There are a total of seven food trucks, but we decided on Cheesy Steak Tacos at Comallita Taqueria, Tostito Elote (basically a corn cup mixed with tortilla chips) and Pastor Fries (loaded fries topped with marinated pork) from Tito’s Snacks, and Fruit Roll-Up Cucumbers (cucumbers wrapped with chamoy and fruit roll-up on a bed of hot Cheetos) from Picate Mucho. Picate Mucho also has a store where they sell your favorite, traditional Mexican snack foods you can stock up with for your trip home. There is both indoor and outdoor seating with picnic tables, plus a massive Jenga set and cornhole. This is the best place to go if you can’t agree on what to eat and you’re wanting a laid-back atmosphereRead More »
Indulge your taste buds in Beaumont's authentic Cajun cuisine. Discover the best Cajun food spots in Beaumont, TX
The Norwegian Bliss, the largest of NCL's ships, offers a variety of amenities! Read about all there is to do before booking your next cruise!
Are you craving an escape from bustling city life? Look no further than the abundance of hiking trails in and near Dallas-Fort Worth. North Texas is home to some stunning trails tucked away amidst the urban landscape, offering scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the long travel times. Whether you’reRead More »
See What the Inside of a Train is Like At the Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum, they have model trains, a small train that you can ride on the weekend, and lots of history about the Sante Fe Railroad. What I thought was so cool about this museum though was actually being able to walk through train cars from the era. We got to see the caboose and the cabins where the workers would sleep (I do not envy them). Eat Lunch Inside a Retro Train Car The Runaway Train Cafe is a popular 50’s style diner hidden inside a renovated train car. You’ll find a menu full of your favorite All-American items, like cheeseburgers and milkshakes, as well as homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. Pick a booth or eat at their old-fashioned ice cream counter! This family-owned business has recently been taken over by the sons of the original owners, which also own and operate the Intermission Bookshop! We love these passionate family businesses! They are active members of their community and regular participants in Brownwood’s Empty Bowl Project, which works to combat hunger on a local and global scale. Related Posts: Romantic Weekend Getaways for Couples in Texas Visit a Harvey House Brownwood really does hold on to its train history. Any train lover would love visiting Brownwood because of all of the train spots and things to learn. During the era of the Santa Fe trains, there weren’t many options for quality restaurants at some of the smaller stops. Fred Harvey created the Harvey House to have restaurants along many stops that serve quality food and provide top-notch service. Housed inside an old Santa Fe Railroad Depot is the Brownwood Fred Harvey House where you can see how the so-called Harvey Girls lived. They had to be single, live in the house, and they even had a curfew. They brought class to the Wild West, and it was quite the status to be a Harvey Girl. While I’m glad things have changed, it’s cool to see what it was like back then. Drink Wine in an Old Bus Don’t worry, Skies Over Texas Winery serves wine inside their tasting room as well! The environment is a lot of fun with funny signs outside, the iconic “I love you & wine so much” mural, and the kind owners who will share all their wine knowledge with you! It’s so nice to visit a place and have time to chat with the people who are part of making the wine you’re drinking. They have a great mixture of both sweet and dry wines as well. Eat at the Turtle No turtles involved here! Instead, the Turtle Restaurant is all about slow cooking to deliver the most flavor! We ordered the Lomo Saltado and the Curried Fig & Poblano Chicken. Not to mention, right next door you’ll find two more members of the Turtle franchise: the Turtle Gelateria (a gelato shop) and the Turtle Enoteca (a local bar). There really are some incredible restaurants in Brownwood! Hike Brownwood State Park If you’re looking for some more outdoorsy things to do in Brownwood, Texas, check out Lake Brownwood State Park with a large lake for fishing (with fishing gear for check out), swimming, boating, and more. You can bring food and enjoy the great weather or go hiking on one of their short trails. With all of the beautiful water views, Lake Brownwood is good for picnics and relaxing. Related Posts: 28 Best Lake Getaways in TX Catch a Play This 1920’s theatre has been restored for the residents to enjoy local plays and movies in a beautiful historic theatre with all the 20s’ charm. The Lyric Theater has all kinds of happenings from plays, comedies, summer movies, fun events and more. Stay up to date with their schedule of events. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Nov 21, 2019 at 5:36pm PST Enjoy Mexican Street Food Mexican street food in the small town of Brownwood, Texas? Who would have known, but Tres Leches Bakery is serving up so many tasty dishes: street tacos, Conchas, menudo, breakfast burritos, and so much more. I could have eaten at Tres Leches every day! It was all so good. Try a Beer Float The Pioneer Tap House is the hangout spot for locals where you can try all types of Texas craft beers and ciders. They have board games that you can check out, or you can just relax and strike up conversations with the locals. We ended up learning so many interesting things about the city and its culture. One interesting thing they have on the menu is a beer float where you can pair your favorite beer and a scoop of ice cream. Sleep in a Cabin At the Hideout Golf Club and Resort, you can enjoy a relaxing evening in a tiny house overlooking the golf club. We loved having our own cozy space with a kitchen to make our own food, but the highlight was the infinity style pool. Read all about our stay at the Hideout Golf Club and Resort. Related Posts: 28 Unique Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Texas Don’t Forget Coffee One of my favorite things to checkout are local coffee shops, and I loved that Common Grounds Coffeehouse and a cute little section to lounge, breakfast tacos for on the go, and plenty of coffee flavors and types for any coffee lover. Fish and Admire Lily Pads Purchased by the Texas Parks Board as a part of Lake Brownwood State Park, Jim Ned Creek and its neighboring park is known for its fishing opportunities along the bank, boating/kayaking/paddling, the beauty of its floating lily pads (when in season), and its abundant Texas wildlife. Stay at the Historic R. B. Rogers House The owners of this regal Airbnb near downtown Brownwood decided to open up this historic home as, not only a luxurious place to stay, but also as an event space. Since itRead More »
Even beyond the most famous attractions, there are plenty of things to do to keep your attention.
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With direct flights from many destinations, including my hometown of Dallas, it’s easy to take a long weekend trip to Aruba. With this 3-day Aruba itinerary, you get the perfect mixture of the best sites in Aruba: adventure, relaxation, and incredible dining. Some Tips for A 3-Day Vacation If you only have a short amount of time and want to best utilize every minute, I recommend renting a car to see some of the incredible spots and not have to worry about waiting while also being able to set your own schedule. Stay at a resort that offers special activities/things to do! We stayed at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino and the best part about this was that we spent one day simply relaxing with all the fun amenities. However, don’t spend your entire vacation at the hotel. If you want to truly experience Aruba, make sure you get off the resort area to explore the natural wonders of Aruba. Day 1 in Aruba Start off your morning with Dutch pancakes. Aruba is a Dutch island and their giant topped pancakes are the perfect way to start the morning. Explore the Island Aruba is only 19 1/2 miles long, but there’s so much to see! Either rent a UTV or Jeep, as the best spots are at Arikok National Park which is only accessible by a 4×4. We started by driving up past Arashi beach where the landscape changes to a more rocky and desert atmosphere. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Dec 22, 2018 at 3:25pm PST Or head straight to the National Park and head towards the Natural Bridge. Cool off at the Conchi Natural Pool. Because this place is harder to get to, there are less people and it makes for a more secluded swim spot! The Natural Pool is one of the most incredible views in Aruba, and it’s something you don’t want to miss. Give yourself time to go swimming here, and make sure to pack water shoes as the rocks are a little rough on the feet. Related Posts: How To Get Around in Aruba Windsurfing After exploring the top half of the island and the Arikok National Park, head to Fisherman Hut Beach for windsurfing! Because Aruba is such a windy island, it makes for the perfect spot to learn about windsurfing. What I loved about windsurfing was how easy it was to pick up. It took an hour to learn and then we had an extra hour to surf. Dinner Time After cleaning up, eat dinner on a bed! At the Screaming Eagle you get your own private bed to eat dinner! Not to mention the food was phenomenal! Fresh fish full of seasoning and fun specials such as reindeer left my belly satisfied. The hardest part was not falling asleep on these comfy beds! Related Posts: Where to Eat in Aruba More Aruba Ideas Day 2 in Aruba Aruba has some of the most incredible snorkeling spots, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean! Pelican Adventures offers a morning brunch cruise which includes 3 different snorkeling spots, brunch, lunch, and unlimited drinks on a Catamaran. I had so much fun seeing ship ruins, eating good food, and meeting other people on the island. And cool enough, we even saw star fish! Plus breakfast and lunch are already taken care of after staying there. If you have a car, head to Baby Beach to relax on the beach. This is one of the least crowded beaches and is a spot where sea turtles are regularly spotted. For an early dinner, grab some Caribbean food at Big Mamas. You can also check out these amazing beaches. Just a short drive from Baby Beach is the Sero Colorado lighthouse which is barely a lighthouse, but its up a hill that gives you the most incredible view of the sunset. More Aruba Ideas Related Posts: Top Things to Do in Aruba Day 3 I always like to end my trip on a relaxing note to be fully rejuvenated before returning to work. After so much adventure, there’s nothing like sitting back at the hotel and enjoying the property itself. There’s still so much to do which is why we chose to stay at the Hilton Aruba. Part of staying at the Hilton is being able to rent a Palapa for free! You reserve it the day before and spend the morning relaxing and swimming at the beach. The Hilton Aruba has a bird sanctuary, so after spending time relaxing on the beach, we hung out with the birds and got some lovely pictures! There are so many on-property activities to take advantage of like stand up paddle boarding, yoga, bingo, and more. It was nice to simply unwind and vacation! For a truly memorable end to your vacation, eat at Flying Fishbone. I’ve heard of toes in the sand dining, but the toes in the water dining at Flying Fishbone is truly incredible! More Itinerary Ideas The Perfect Aruba Vacation It’s impossible to do everything there is in Aruba, but with just 3 days, it’s absolutely possible to have a memorable vacation while hitting up the best parts in Aruba.
Come and join us as we explore the best restaurants and spots to eat in the beautiful city of Oklahoma. Read more to find out.
Plan the perfect bachelorette party in Fort Worth Texas! Explore exciting venues, ideas and must-see spots for a night to remember!
Boston is so rich in flavor! Being a melting pot, you can essentially eat around the world in one place! From exploring Chinatown, Eataly, and self-guided tours of other regions, I wish I had more time to explore all the good food. Keep reading about to find the best restaurants and see how many you can dine around the world in one place. Don’t forget to also check out all the fun things to do in Boston. Eat Around Italy at Eataly Now I haven’t made it to Italy yet, but Eataly transported me on a culinary journey all in one place with some life changing pasta, fresh Italian goods, and an incredible market. Whether you’re looking for a quick sandwich, a sit-down Italian experience, a great happy hour, or hours of exploring Italian cuisine, Eataly is the spot! Check out my guide to eating around Italy in Eataly! Discover the flavors of Chinatown In Boston, a small area transforms into a whole new country with signs in Chinese letters, cooked duck hanging from windows, and a large mixture of different Asian cuisines in one area. There are so many different restaurants in one space so it can be hard to choose where to go. We spent an evening on a self-guided Chinatown food tour which you can read all about in my guide to Chinatown. Indulge in dim sum, milk teas, modern takes on traditional Chinese food, and more. Travel Through Africa When traveling, I find that African is rarely represented. However, we’re often missing out on a whole continent of unique flavors! We traveled throughout Boston to try foods from Nigeria, Sierre Leon, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal and more. Read all about where to find African food in Boston. Haitian Food in Boston Boston has a thriving Haitian community and Haitian food is not something that I come across often. I was excited to try Haitan food and was not disappointed. We drove a little past Boston into Somerville to try Pikliz International Kitchen. The Caribbean menu consisted of fried pork, stewed oxtail, jerk chicken, and more. Served with your choice of sides, make sure to try the black rice, fried plantains, and the creole macaroni! Close to one of the African restaurants, we also found a Haitian bakery, Le Foyer Bakery, where you can get meat patties, peanut brittle, Haitian fudge, crema, a sweet milk with coconut, and more. Don’t Forget About the Lobster! You can’t go to Boston without trying some lobster! I always like a unique take on the classics so I made sure to visit the Saltie Girl, a small but popular restaurant that serves up lobster & waffles! I’m not someone who can handle fish for breakfast/brunch (no lox bagel for me), so I was weary. However, if I could have these at home, I would even eat them over the traditional chicken and waffles! The wait is long (we waited for 2 hours at lunch time) so make your reservations and then plan to walk around the town. You can read all about the best things to do in Boston to find some things to do while you wait, most of which are walkable from Saltie Girl. I didn’t get to fully experience lobster rolls in Boston. Luckily, my friend One Small Blonde, went on a lobster roll tour to find the best lobster roll in downtown Boston!
If you thought Cancun was paradise, then you will be enthralled with Isla Holbox, a short trip from Cancun that will capture your heart! Want to be more prepared before your trip? We’ve been using the Rosetta Stone app! It has 5-10 minute lessons all on your phone with visual and audio cues to help you learn quick! Join Rosetta Stone now and get 50% off your lifetime subscription! How to Get to Isla Holbox One thing that might worry people about visiting Isla Holbox is the issue of getting there. However, it’s actually pretty easy and there are multiple ways based on time and options. It’s about a 2 hour trip total and so worth it for the beautiful island and serenity you experience once you are there! Head here to read how to get to Isla Holbox. The Beauty Of Isla Holbox The beauty of this 26 mile island is that while it’s not hard to get to, because it’s not a direct flight, there is so much unspoiled beauty. There are no cars on this island and the clear blue waters are filled with only a few people. Isla Holbox has everything you need for a fun vacation without the crowds. At the time I went, Mystique Blue Holbox was the last resort to open its doors, meaning that Isla Holbox is dedicated to the sustainability of the island and the avoidance of overcrowding. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on May 18, 2019 at 8:01am PDT Paradise in Isla Holbox We had the pleasure of staying at the boutique Mystique Blue Holbox, an eco-friendly boutique resort right along the beach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on May 19, 2019 at 5:05pm PDT Everything about Mystique Blue was incredible! The infinity pool overlooking the beach, the tropical airy designs of our room just steps away from the pool and beach, and the incredible service that made sure we felt special. The resort only has 38 rooms, meaning you’re more than just a number and the staff aren’t so overwhelmed that they can’t help you out! Isla Holbox is famous for their lobster dishes so we enjoyed the craft lobster quesadillas, lobster pizza, lobster aguachile, and just plain delicious lobster. Daily we enjoyed lounging on the practically empty beach, while enjoying delicious food, staring into open waters. We weren’t bothered by random vendors coming up to us, and we rejoiced in the tranquility of the ocean and singers that performed daily. Plus Mystique Blue offers some beautiful activities on the island. Massage on the Beach Take in fresh sea breeze and view of the ocean with a massage. A Romantic Dinner on the Beach Enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets! And yes the sunsets are always this colorful! Things to Do in Isla Holbox This magical Island is unique for all of the incredible things you can do! Walk Through Downtown The town itself is small but full of color. You can find bars serving up drinks on wooden swings, eat your way through Mexican and seafood, and discover local goods. It’s an experience just walking through! Swim With Whale Sharks You can actually go snorkeling next to these giant creatures! Swim with whale sharks on one of the tours for an experience like nothing else. Hang Out With Flamingos The flamingos hang around the mangroves where you kayak or walk so you see them up close. See the Bioluminescence Like fireflies in the water, or that scene from Life of Pi, the bioluminescence is something unimaginable until you see it with your own eyes. Isla Holbox Recap Isla Holbox quickly captured my heart. The vibrant small town and peaceful beach life pulled me in so that I never wanted to leave. I could have stayed for weeks if my schedule had allowed, and my husband and I joked about cancelling our plane ticket. If you’re looking for beach side tranquility and magical things to do, Isla Holbox is the perfect spot.
While in Bali we were constantly surrounded by some of the best foods imaginable! We ate in small warungs and enjoyed extravagant meals (without the extravagant prices). Honestly, there are so many options for eating and it’s hard to say where specifically to go. However, I can share some of the dishes you have toRead More »
For an island that is less than 20 miles long, there sure is a lot to do in Aruba! We spent 2 weeks in Aruba to cover the best things to do! Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the top things to do in Aruba! If you’re in Aruba you will do yourself a disservice by only staying at your resort and not seeing everything else it has to offer. Don’t forget to check out all the things to know before visiting Aruba. Go On A Champagne Snorkeling Trip You can go on a catamaran snorkeling trip which visits 3 different sites, including the largest ship ruins in the Caribbean. Snorkeling in Aruba is amazing with all of the coral reefs and brightly colored fish. We even got to see a few starfish! Plus the cruise comes with brunch, lunch, and unlimited drinks! Quite the deal! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Jan 25, 2019 at 6:56am PST Explore Arikok National Park There are so many incredible wonders that can only be seen by 4x4s in Arikok National Park. We took a UTV ride which took us to some of the most popular sites including the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Natural Pools, and the Natural Bridge. Spend a Day at De Palm Island De Palm Island is an all-inclusive island which includes snorkeling, banana boat rides, zip lining, hanging out at a private beach, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. For people who are always on the go, it was the perfect chance to relax and have everything taken care of for us. Plus the snorkeling here was amazing! We spent hours swimming through the reefs and exploring the different types of fish. Rent a Jeep and Go Beach Hopping There are so many incredible beaches in Aruba. The best way to see them is to rent a jeep and make your own beach tour! Read about all the best beaches in Aruba and create your own path! Become a Bird Whisperer Or just hold a couple! If you stay at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino you can visit the bird sanctuary and hang out with these guys! Swim with Turtles Baby Beach is a regular spot to swim with sea turtles, plus it’s a beautiful beach for wading in the water, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sand. Go Kite Surfing With how windy Aruba is, it’s the perfect spot to learn Kite Surfing! If you’re in Aruba and have a few days, it’s a great opportunity to learn. If you only have a couple of hours to spare you can alternatively learn how to windsurf! Grab a Drink and Watch the Sunset Bike Down Palm Beach Palm Beach is the area where all the hotels are, but on the beach side there are plenty of cute shops, beautiful beach views, and many restaurants. If you’re staying at the Hilton, you can rent a bike for free or rent one of the other bikes on the side of the road. Watch a Carnival Show If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, try to plan it during Carnival season to catch the parades. However, if you can’t make it in the Spring, La Vista hosts an incredible show you do not want to miss out on. You can read more about it here. Go Shopping I love how beautiful the downtown Oranjestad shopping center is with the pastel Dutch styled architecture. Shop for jewelry, clothing, souvenirs or ride the double decker bus. Enjoy Dinner With your Toes in the Water At Flying Fishbone you can sit with your toes in the water while enjoying a gourmet meal. Plus read here for other amazing dining options in Aruba. More Things to Do in Aruba T
There are so many fun things to do in Lubbock Texas. However, you can’t leave Lubbock without trying all of their amazing food! With food from around the world, melt off the bone barbecue, and cute pink diners, Lubbock is absolutely a foodie destination! African Food in Lubbock One thing I did not expect to find in Lubbock was African food! If you’ve never had the chance to try unique flavors of West African cuisine, Vizo’s, a Cameroon owned restaurant, serves up mouth watering dishes like Zambezi grilled ribs, fufu & eru, ndole, and more. People who are hesitant can try the delicious jollof rice. Fun Mexican Food Raspados Colima takes Mexican food to a whole new level with their Pina loca big enough to feed the whole family! A Taste of Spain La Diosa Cellars is a great place to try tapas from Spain. It brought me back to the days of living in Granada and the flavors that came with it! Albondigas, sardinas, hummus, and more are served at this restaurant. Melt Off the Bone BBQ Embers BBQ only serves up their food on Thursdays and Saturdays in LHUCA, and they sell until they’re out, so make sure to go early. At first I was confused as to why there were no knives. Then I dug into the brisket with my fork, and it just fell apart. 50s Diner Holly Hop Ice Cream Shop, a pretty pink diner in Lubbock, Texas is not only beautifully retro, but serves up some delicious treats! White chocolate lavender sundae? Yes please! One of the Best Burgers in Texas We don’t play when it comes to burgers! So much so that we have a whole blog post on the best burgers in Texas! Toro’s Burgers has a unique list of burgers like the boozy burger, but this time we tried the Toro burger with fried onion strings, green chile cream sauce, diced jalapeño toreados with a whole crispy fried green chile on top. Do you have a favorite place to eat in Lubbock? Share in the comments!
Being at home doesn’t have to mean no fun dates! It’s amazing how many fun things you can do without leaving the house for some fun stay at home date ideas. The things I’ve found about stay at home date ideas is that it really is all about the intention. You have to go all out on a theme, set aside the phone, and get creative. Get dressed up still to get in the mood, maybe take a stroll around the block first and then “arrive at your destination”, add the right lighting, and do whatever you can to make it seem like you got out, even when you’re still right at home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Jan 22, 2020 at 4:40pm PST 1. Learn to make wine– Become a wine expert and enjoy making wine right from the comfort of your own home with this fun stay at home date idea! There are so many kits online and even beyond grapes, there are other really unique fruit wines you can learn to make as well! 2. Learn to make beer– Maybe you’re not into wine! Well just the same, there are so many cool beer making options to make the craft beer of your dreams! 3. Play a couples card game – Get to know each other better with these fun card games that have fun questions, dares, and other couples bonding activities! 4. Ask 100 questions – Sit apart and come up with 50 questions each. You can use online resources that you can come up with in a quick google search or you can come up with yourself. Regroup after both of you have your 50 questions and start asking away! 5. Have your man do your makeup – Guys like a challenge and it’s fun to see how much they often struggle learning to contour, apply eye shadow, and question the need for primer and other items. Let him do your makeup for your at home date night and either laugh or marvel at what he manages do. Youtube tutorial highly recommended! 6. Have a romantic bath – The key to this is go all out! I love roses so create a whole theme! Rose petals, rose epsom salts, rose bubble bath, rose candles, and a nice rose lotion afterwards! It doesn’t have to be rose either, choose your favorite scent and go all out with it! Or if you have a favorite spa you like to go to, purchase some of their products to make it feel like you’re there. Make some fruit infused water and chocolate covered strawberries just like the spas do. Lay out a robe to cuddle in after and use the nicest towels you have. Maybe even rearrange your bathroom and take out any clutter in there. 7. Do a Body Scrub – You can really keep the spa going for as long as you want! The things I love about this is most spa scrubs can be fairly expensive and this is a great way to save money. Once again, make sure to really set the mood. Lay out blankets that can get dirty on your bed or somewhere else. For the perfect scrub take turns covering each other in the srub and using gloves to really work it in. Afterwards apply lotion and take turns giving head and shoulder massages just like they do at the spa. Another one of my favorites to include in this is dry brushing which feels heavenly but is easy to do unlike a massage that can sometimes be difficult. 8. Do a Body Wrap – Just the same you can do an at home body wrap! Just decide what kind of body wrap you want (detox vs. moisturizing, etc), collect the right ingredients, and get the wrap. Add all the extras above to make it extra special. 9. Do facials together – It’s amazing all the spa dates you can do from home! To make the facial extra special, get a full kit so that you can go through all the steps or get ingredients to make your own like a fun gold face mask! 10. Learn to give a good massage – What is an at home spa date without a good massage? A quick Youtube search will tell you all the steps to give a good couples massage and you can learn together! 10. Paint by Number – Maybe you aren’t good at painting. Luckily they now make paint by numbers for adults! Grab a glass of wine and you have yourself a paint and sip at home date idea! 11. Set up a photoshoot- Make it sexy or make it fun! Set up an area, wear some cute lingerie, get pose ideas from Pinterest and have fun. Or get creative with what you have at home and make fun backdrops. My favorite photoshoots are the ones where you’ve made it seem like you’re somewhere else or just look really artistic! 12. Create a bucket list – Planning travel always gets me so excited and is a great bonding experience. Try to get as specific as possible and thinks you actually want to do such as learning a specific skill, take a cooking class there, or attending a festival somewhere! 13. Have a book club – The best way to remember something you read was discuss it! Work through a good book such as the 5 love languages or another personal development book. Some books even come with work books to go through together! If you don’t want to read a book you can do a podcast as well. The best part is just getting to discuss it after. 14. Play couples jenga – Normal jenga is fun, but take it up a notch with couples jenga! 15. Make your own cheese – You might be surprised at just how simple and fun it is to make cheese. AndRead More »
Sometimes you don't have to travel far to to getaway from the office. At Epic Waters, we enjoyed surfing, relaxing by the pool, margaritas, and fun rides without having to take a plane. Read about the top reasons why should visit Epic during the weekday.
Sometimes you don't have to travel far to to getaway from the office. At Epic Waters, we enjoyed surfing, relaxing by the pool, margaritas, and fun rides without having to take a plane. Read about the top reasons why should visit Epic during the weekday.
In writing a review about the Hard Rock Cancun Hotel, one of the most important things to me was the food! I’ve heard so much about other all-inclusive hotels in Cancun serving more than average food and did not want that to be my experience. Luckily the Hard Rock Cancun beyond impressed me with the food options. So much so that I had to write a post just about the food! I mean an all-inclusive that includes a Brazilian steakhouse, a hibachi grill, a fancy Italian restaurant, and more is absolutely a winner in my book! Plus make sure to read the rest of our Hard Rock Hotel experience. Want to be more prepared before your trip? We’ve been using the Rosetta Stone app! It has 5-10 minute lessons all on your phone with visual and audio cues to help you learn quick! Join Rosetta Stone now and get 50% off your lifetime subscription! Drinks The Hard Rock Cancun had a menu of special rocking cocktails that you could order (my personal favorite was the AC/DC) and the bartenders were able to make just about any standard drink, so your options were not limited. Each restaurant also had a custom drink to fit the area, like the sake cocktail at Zen, the Asian restaurant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Sep 12, 2019 at 4:21pm PDT Breakfast at Hard Rock Cancun Room Service and a breakfast buffet where part of staying here! We enjoyed one morning of fresh omelettes and french toast delivered to our door, but I loved going downstairs for breakfast. The breakfast area was massive with smoothies (my favorite was the beetroot), American and Mexican breakfast items, and an omelette & pancake station! They have the main buffet, but I also enjoyed Zen, a slightly smaller buffet where they made custom pancakes. They have a book full of designs and they can create a whole list of cool designs! Lunch at the Hard Rock Cancun Most days at lunch were spent at the pool, but we still had some great options. People were outside grilling hamburgers, they had a pizza station, and a taco station. The breakfast buffet also turned into a lunch station. Dinner at the Hard Rock Cancun Dinner might have been my favorite part of the day at the Hard Rock Hotel! There were so many different options. They have the Brazilian steakhouse, an Asian restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a Mexican restaurant. Sadly we ran out of time for the Mexican restaurant, and didn’t get to try it, but I’m sure the food was phenomenal! Zen Zen is the Asian restaurant on site that serves hibachi as well as the sit-down restaurant! One day we went in simply for sushi, and they had such unique sushi options! I recommend one day visiting the restaurant portion and one day visiting the hibachi portion. The hibachi is pretty much what you expect for your normal hibachi. The only difference was that they pre-select a mixture of chicken, steak, and shrimp for you. They also put on a little performance at the hibachi which is fun! Then afterwards you have an option between two desserts. Ipanema Ipanema was the Brazilian steakhouse and probably my favorite! How cool is it that they have a Brazilian steakhouse that is included in your stay?! In addition to the obviously amazing meat, they had an extensive charcuterie spread, salad bar, and lots of sides! I was pumped for the elote and the waffle cut beets! Sometimes it’s the little things in life! The staff were so wonderful, and I enjoyed getting to try Picana, top sirloin, New York steak, and flank steak. They have pork and chicken options as well, but a girl can only eat so much! Ciao Ciao is the Italian restaurant and I loved the way they made it into such a classy experience with the low lighting and draped walls. We ordered the gnocchi and eggplant Parmesan for an appetizer and both were so rich! And for dinner a filet mignon because it’s all included! Hard Rock Cancun Restaurants Final Thoughts The Hard Rock did an incredible job of spoiling us every step of the way and food was no exception! There were so many incredible options, and we were definitely never hungry! My only complaint was not getting to visit all the restaurants or trying all the food! If you’re looking for an all-inclusive where you’re truly taken care of, and eat incredible meals the entire time, I cannot recommend the Hard Rock Cancun enough. Make sure to read the rest of our review of the Hard Rock Cancun.
Discover the perfect bachelorette party guide to Fredericksburg, Texas! Plan your ultimate getaway with our expert tips and recommendations.
Ready for a Texas Hill Country Road trip and some world famous BBQ, my husband and I loaded up the Toyota Hybrid RAV4 with everything we could think of for the perfect getaway. With plenty of storage space in our SUV, we had plenty of room for comfort without giving up an excellent MPG. Eat at Salt Lick What I probably don’t have to tell you is that eating at Salt Lick while in Driftwood is a must! What I can tell you is that it is worth it! We arrived on a weekday evening with absolutely no line and were treated to some incredible bbq! They have an all you can eat option with brisket, sausage, and pork ribs, but we opted instead to order by the pound. I would eat that bison and beef rib everyday if I could. Make sure to bring cash as that’s all they accept, and feel free to bring your own beer or wine! If you ask nicely and they’re not too packed, you can even a hold a rack of ribs by their famous pit! Whovians will also be delighted to find the blue police box right out front! Turns out the owner is a big Dr. Who fan, and the box marks the parking spot for police officers who come to eat. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to traveling through time and space! Take a Walk Through Charro Park After all that BBQ, Charro Ranch Park ended up being the perfect spot! In the spring, Charro is abundant with wildflowers, but anytime of the year this spot remains beautiful. While walking down their numerous trails, we found fun pieces of art like their sundial, a peaceful bridge covered in flowers, and deer wandering around. Visit Lady Bird Johnson Gardens Just a couple minutes from Dripping Springs, Lady Bird Johnson Gardens are covered in brilliant Texas flowers and wildlife. Committed to the preservation of the Texas plants, they have different types of gardens, trails, and plenty of opportunities to discover the diversity of plants in Texas. If you get the chance, they also have some incredible events to check out. Hang Out with Goats at Jester King Brewing If you’re looking for a unique beer, Jester has some amazing brews! More than just a brewery, Jester King is a fun community space with three different bars so you can go “bar hopping” all in one place with beautiful outdoor views. Grab your beer or cider and then head over to their garden area and walk to the end where you can hang out with goats! On certain days they even bring the goats out! Try Sotol We were greeted at Desert Door Distillery with “that ugly plant that makes a great spirit.” Compared to tequila, sotol is a much lesser-known spirit and Desert Door is the only Sotol distillery in the US. After sampling the spirit, make sure to check out all of the craft cocktails and grab a bottle to share this cool drink with friends who may have never heard of it. You can also check out some of the other distilleries in the area. Go Two-Stepping What is a Texas trip without a little two-stepping? Each week, Thursday through Sunday, Mercer Street Dance Hall brings in different artists and bands, and the locals pour in for an evening of fun and dancing. On Saturdays, they have dance lessons as well! Enjoy a Romantic Italian Dinner Trattoria Lisina brings Italy to the Texas countryside with an ornate beautiful building and views of vineyards as you drive in. Even better is the homemade pasta and authentic Italian dishes that grace their menu. Explore the Local Wineries There are so many different wineries in Driftwood, meaning that you will have to come back multiple times to try them all! There are different wine tours in the area, but my favorite option is through Austin Wine Tours where you can hire a chauffeur in one of their vehicles and choose your own path. Check out the wineries in Driftwood that we enjoyed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Sep 25, 2019 at 3:46pm PDT Go for a Scenic Drive With vineyards along the road and rolling hills everywhere, Driftwood makes for beautiful scenic drives. Thanks to Hybrid RAV4 we had no problem going off road and up and down the hills. Hop on Over to Dripping Springs Driftwood is so close to Dripping Springs, and so many of the activities overlap that you can either plan a separate trip to Driftwood or mix in some activities. Where to Stay Near Driftwood While in Driftwood, we found some beautiful places to stay over at Dripping Springs. From tiny home magical cottages to yurts and more, you can read all about the cool places to stay! Things to Do in Driftwood: Final Thoughts Driftwood is such a tiny town! You might be able to drive right by it and not even know, but you would be missing out. With two incredible dining experiences in one place, there’s some hidden magic in this town. After Drippings Springs, if you haven’t had enough of the Hill Country, here are some other must-visit destinations
The Norwegian Bliss, the largest of NCL's ships, offers a variety of amenities! Read about all there is to do before booking your next cruise!
Austin is known for their robust music scene filled with so much creativity and art! With all the different expressions of music in Austin why not also enjoy the music love with a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. At Hotel Van Zandt, music comes to life in various forms from the light fixtures designed after instruments, dinner concerts, and specialty rooms where you can borrow curated vinyl records for your stay. Everything about this hotel is one of a kind that embodies the spirit of Austin in a refined way! Keep reading for our Hotel Van Zandt review and check out all the fun things to do in Austin while there. As soon as we checked into the Hotel Van Zandt we were met with pampering. We were handed a complimentary glass of wine (with an option of beer) as they checked us in. We were also informed that they had a daily social hour that included live music and complimentary wine. It was such a great way to get everyone out of their room and enjoying the beautiful lobby. The amenities didn’t stop there. With the hotel being located in downtown, most things were located a walk away. However, if you wanted to get somewhere a little faster or just enjoy the beauty of Austin, Hotel Van Zandt has bikes available to rent. Would you rather stay inside and cozy up with a good book? They have a list of books chosen by the team to check out and enjoy. Hotel Van Zandt Review: The Rooms The Hotel Van Zandt rooms are another highlight. Many give you beautiful views of the lake or town. You’ll find vibrant colors, unique art, and little nods to music like in the shades. When I think of Austin I think of how colorful it is and found that reflected in a sophisticated manner in the rooms. When not in the room, there’s always the opportunity to relax at the pool and grab a drink at the bar pool. Hotel Van Zandt Review: The Restaurant Geraldine’s is a destination of it’s own and a place we’ve gone before because the food is so wonderful. Geraldine’s serves up shareable plates so you can share different small dishes with your table. That’s always my favorite because the more dishes I can try, the better. With every dish, Hotel Van Zandt adds a special twist for a one of kind twist. Their smoked carrots come in a mole sauce, the buttermilk biscuits come with a divine honey butter sauce, and their Texas quail is served with a coconut curry sauce. Many nights they have live music and you can’t miss a jazz brunch. Hotel Van Zandt: Final Thoughts Overall, we loved our stay at the Hotel Van Zandt. We’re always looking for memorable experiences that are unlike any other and Hotel Van Zandt had so many detailed touches that made the trip that much more social. While you could spend your entire vacation enjoying all that the hotel has to offer, the hotel is also well located so that you can enjoy all of the fun things to do in Austin.
On a recent trip to the Maldives I had a 30 hour trip that including a 14hour long haul flight in economy followed by 6 hour layover and another 4 hour flight. Our return trip was a 4 hour flight, 3 hour layover, 14 hour flight, 2 hour layover, and 2 hour flight. I wasRead More »
Being that it’s an island full of beaches, how do you decide which beaches in Aruba are the best? From the best beaches to lounge, to the ones to snorkel, to incredible views, and more, I’m sharing the best beaches in Aruba for all of the above. The touristy beaches are always the most popularRead More »
Things to do in Chinatown Boston MA Chinatown in Boston, MA is simultaneously exhilarating and overwhelming. In just a few blocks you’ll find countless restaurants often marked in Chinese characters, murals, shops, and more. With so many options, we couldn’t just try one place so we went on a self-guided Boston Chinatown Food Tour in an attempt to try as many things as possible! Keep reading to discover where to eat in Boston Chinatown with everything from dim sum, milk teas, and traditional takes on classic foods. The best way to experience the restaurants are with a group so you can try more! Although it is called Chinatown, there are other countries represented, and we did take the liberty to explore these. While in Boston also check out all the other amazing restaurants and top things to do. Dim Sum If you’re looking to try the most amount of foods in one place, dim sum is the best way to go! At China Pearl you can try a multitude of different dishes with prices as low as $2.75. They come out with carts of dumplings and dishes of all kinds. You can try dumplings, buns, and it’s a great place to try things you’ve never heard of. We asked for a menu that listed all the items and some of our favorites included the eggplant with shrimp stuffing, steamed lotus cream bun, and a pan-fried turnip cake. Clay Pot Rice The name pretty much describes it well. At Clay Pot Café, a small shop with just a few tables, you can order different rice dishes served on a steaming clay pot and served with a hot pot of tea. Shojo For some modern takes on classics head to Shojo. We went for the Shojonator, a burger with steamed bun, bacon and kimcheese. They also have other unique items like monkey chicken wings, hong kong chicken & waffles, Korean steak tartar, and more. Tea Do I love milk tea, but was especially excited for their tiramisu milk tea, something I hadn’t seen before. They have a large list of their own specialties like fire dragon, the hulk, and hello kitty! Royaltea So much tea, not enough time! This is why it’s great to go with other people. After I ordered the tiramisu tea at Tea Do, we went over to Royal Tea where my husband ordered a mango cheese blizzard. The mango sat at the bottom and was super sweet while the cheese at top (maybe cream cheese), was salty for a unique balance that is definitely worth trying. Corner Bakery There are several bakeries throughout Chinatown, but we chose Corner Bakery because they had a mixture of different pastries. By this point we were full, but we made sure to grab a couple to take home with us so we could eat them later and reflect on our time in Chinatown. DoubleChin Doublechin is another modern take on the classics kind of place. They have an extensive menu so it was hard to choose one thing, but we went with their colorful cube toast topped with matcha, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream and sprinkled with cereal, gummies, and fruit! Be ready for a sugar overload! Things to do in Chinatown Boston MA when not eating When it comes to Boston Chinatown, most people think about the Chinatown restaurants. Yet, there are plenty of things to do in Chinatown Boston when not eating. Plus, then you can walk around a bit before trying more dishes. Take a Picture in Front of Chintatown Gate View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Jul 15, 2019 at 3:47pm PDT Check out the murals There are several murals throughout Chinatown. Most of them are filled with vibrant colors and some even tell stories of the neighborhood. Take a picture in front of them or see how many you can find. Get a massage If you’re looking to relax after constantly going, there are several great and affordable options. You can go to Rainbow Health Center for a foot reflexology or deep tissue massage. Jian Min Massage Therapy is a great place if you are looking for cupping. Go Shopping What better way to walk off all of the food then to stop in some of the different shops! For beauty products you can head to Rhyme of Korea where you’ll find a large selection of high quality Korean skincare products, sheet masks, and other items. Clearly I didn’t get enough food from the restaurants because I had to stop in A Goodmart, a grocery store selling items I haven’t seen in my own shop. Sweet coffee drinks, milk tea, cookies, and more. Then we could stock up on foods to eat a later date!
Come and join us as we explore the best restaurants and spots to eat in the beautiful city of Oklahoma. Read more to find out.
Ready for a Texas Hill Country Road trip and some world famous BBQ, my husband and I loaded up the Toyota Hybrid RAV4 with everything we could think of for the perfect getaway. With plenty of storage space in our SUV, we had plenty of room for comfort without giving up an excellent MPG. Eat at Salt Lick What I probably don’t have to tell you is that eating at Salt Lick while in Driftwood is a must! What I can tell you is that it is worth it! We arrived on a weekday evening with absolutely no line and were treated to some incredible bbq! They have an all you can eat option with brisket, sausage, and pork ribs, but we opted instead to order by the pound. I would eat that bison and beef rib everyday if I could. Make sure to bring cash as that’s all they accept, and feel free to bring your own beer or wine! If you ask nicely and they’re not too packed, you can even a hold a rack of ribs by their famous pit! Whovians will also be delighted to find the blue police box right out front! Turns out the owner is a big Dr. Who fan, and the box marks the parking spot for police officers who come to eat. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to traveling through time and space! Take a Walk Through Charro Park After all that BBQ, Charro Ranch Park ended up being the perfect spot! In the spring, Charro is abundant with wildflowers, but anytime of the year this spot remains beautiful. While walking down their numerous trails, we found fun pieces of art like their sundial, a peaceful bridge covered in flowers, and deer wandering around. Visit Lady Bird Johnson Gardens Just a couple minutes from Dripping Springs, Lady Bird Johnson Gardens are covered in brilliant Texas flowers and wildlife. Committed to the preservation of the Texas plants, they have different types of gardens, trails, and plenty of opportunities to discover the diversity of plants in Texas. If you get the chance, they also have some incredible events to check out. Hang Out with Goats at Jester King Brewing If you’re looking for a unique beer, Jester has some amazing brews! More than just a brewery, Jester King is a fun community space with three different bars so you can go “bar hopping” all in one place with beautiful outdoor views. Grab your beer or cider and then head over to their garden area and walk to the end where you can hang out with goats! On certain days they even bring the goats out! Try Sotol We were greeted at Desert Door Distillery with “that ugly plant that makes a great spirit.” Compared to tequila, sotol is a much lesser-known spirit and Desert Door is the only Sotol distillery in the US. After sampling the spirit, make sure to check out all of the craft cocktails and grab a bottle to share this cool drink with friends who may have never heard of it. You can also check out some of the other distilleries in the area. Go Two-Stepping What is a Texas trip without a little two-stepping? Each week, Thursday through Sunday, Mercer Street Dance Hall brings in different artists and bands, and the locals pour in for an evening of fun and dancing. On Saturdays, they have dance lessons as well! Enjoy a Romantic Italian Dinner Trattoria Lisina brings Italy to the Texas countryside with an ornate beautiful building and views of vineyards as you drive in. Even better is the homemade pasta and authentic Italian dishes that grace their menu. Explore the Local Wineries There are so many different wineries in Driftwood, meaning that you will have to come back multiple times to try them all! There are different wine tours in the area, but my favorite option is through Austin Wine Tours where you can hire a chauffeur in one of their vehicles and choose your own path. Check out the wineries in Driftwood that we enjoyed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Sep 25, 2019 at 3:46pm PDT Go for a Scenic Drive With vineyards along the road and rolling hills everywhere, Driftwood makes for beautiful scenic drives. Thanks to Hybrid RAV4 we had no problem going off road and up and down the hills. Hop on Over to Dripping Springs Driftwood is so close to Dripping Springs, and so many of the activities overlap that you can either plan a separate trip to Driftwood or mix in some activities. Where to Stay Near Driftwood While in Driftwood, we found some beautiful places to stay over at Dripping Springs. From tiny home magical cottages to yurts and more, you can read all about the cool places to stay! Things to Do in Driftwood: Final Thoughts Driftwood is such a tiny town! You might be able to drive right by it and not even know, but you would be missing out. With two incredible dining experiences in one place, there’s some hidden magic in this town. After Drippings Springs, if you haven’t had enough of the Hill Country, here are some other must-visit destinations
Boston is so rich in flavor! Being a melting pot, you can essentially eat around the world in one place! From exploring Chinatown, Eataly, and self-guided tours of other regions, I wish I had more time to explore all the good food. Keep reading about to find the best restaurants and see how many you can dine around the world in one place. Don’t forget to also check out all the fun things to do in Boston. Eat Around Italy at Eataly Now I haven’t made it to Italy yet, but Eataly transported me on a culinary journey all in one place with some life changing pasta, fresh Italian goods, and an incredible market. Whether you’re looking for a quick sandwich, a sit-down Italian experience, a great happy hour, or hours of exploring Italian cuisine, Eataly is the spot! Check out my guide to eating around Italy in Eataly! Discover the flavors of Chinatown In Boston, a small area transforms into a whole new country with signs in Chinese letters, cooked duck hanging from windows, and a large mixture of different Asian cuisines in one area. There are so many different restaurants in one space so it can be hard to choose where to go. We spent an evening on a self-guided Chinatown food tour which you can read all about in my guide to Chinatown. Indulge in dim sum, milk teas, modern takes on traditional Chinese food, and more. Travel Through Africa When traveling, I find that African is rarely represented. However, we’re often missing out on a whole continent of unique flavors! We traveled throughout Boston to try foods from Nigeria, Sierre Leon, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal and more. Read all about where to find African food in Boston. Haitian Food in Boston Boston has a thriving Haitian community and Haitian food is not something that I come across often. I was excited to try Haitan food and was not disappointed. We drove a little past Boston into Somerville to try Pikliz International Kitchen. The Caribbean menu consisted of fried pork, stewed oxtail, jerk chicken, and more. Served with your choice of sides, make sure to try the black rice, fried plantains, and the creole macaroni! Close to one of the African restaurants, we also found a Haitian bakery, Le Foyer Bakery, where you can get meat patties, peanut brittle, Haitian fudge, crema, a sweet milk with coconut, and more. Don’t Forget About the Lobster! You can’t go to Boston without trying some lobster! I always like a unique take on the classics so I made sure to visit the Saltie Girl, a small but popular restaurant that serves up lobster & waffles! I’m not someone who can handle fish for breakfast/brunch (no lox bagel for me), so I was weary. However, if I could have these at home, I would even eat them over the traditional chicken and waffles! The wait is long (we waited for 2 hours at lunch time) so make your reservations and then plan to walk around the town. You can read all about the best things to do in Boston to find some things to do while you wait, most of which are walkable from Saltie Girl. I didn’t get to fully experience lobster rolls in Boston. Luckily, my friend One Small Blonde, went on a lobster roll tour to find the best lobster roll in downtown Boston!
On a recent trip to Bali, my husband and I enjoyed a beautiful morning at Taman Air Spa Bali where were were treated to a Moringa Recharge treatment, Floral Bath, faical and an overall relaxing experience.
Glitter pretty much solves everything and these gift ideas for glitter lovers include the recipe for glitter overload!’ Sparkle with these Liquid Fairy Lights by Petra. I always use these in the corner of my eyes for a subtle glitter effect. I’m stocking up on all the sequins accessories including this sequins belt. Emergencies happen, but with this glitter emergency kit you can handle anything in style. Even on a rainy day you can add some sparkle with this umbrella. Yep! Definitely need this glitter sunglasses. What time is it? Glitter time with this glitter watch. I get so distracted with these glitter phone cases but they are so much fun. I recently went to a coffee shop where I got to have a glitter latte and that is when I discovered the magic of edible glitter. Get a fancy manicure with this glitter nail polish. Drinking water is better when you have a glitter water bottle to drink it from. One of my all time favorite lipsticks for a glitter lip. Decorate your home with this sequins pillow. Glitter rain boots to go with your glitter umbrella. I bought this glitter Kate Spade purse last year and it is my all time favorite. Bring some glitter drama to your eyes with this glitter eye shadow. Add some glitter everywhere with this glitter pot. Leave a little sparkle wherever you step in these Kate Spade sneakers.