It’s 8:45 am on Saturday morning. As soon as I started writing, my son woke up, my husband and the dogs came trampling down the stairs, and my quiet dream ended. I finished up a walk, planted a few seeds in the garden, and now I have some time to myself to write while the dogs get groomed, and Kyle takes over with Bugs. With starting a new business and being a full-time mom, finding the time to blog has been super tough, but I’m going to keep on trying to hop on here as much as I can, even if it’s a few times a month, or a few times a week. I appreciate all of you who have given me grace during this time!

Today, I’m sharing some photos of our summer and pictures from our trip down to Florida! This was our first family trip together since becoming parents!
 
We are in the toddler phase, where we want to run all over the place and never sit still (unless we are eating or drinking), and it’s hard to keep finding things to do. He does not like to be in the playpen anymore, and I can’t blame him. Thank goodness it’s summer because we spend much of our time at the pool now. 

My mom joined us for a pool day a few weeks ago, and we kicked off the summer season with Chick-Fil-A.
The best thing about Saturdays in the summertime is the farmer’s markets. 

I met up with a friend and went to the Farmers Market in Matthews. It’s one of the best ones in the Charlotte area! They have all kinds of dessert vendors, fresh flowers, fresh produce, and coffee! I can’t wait to attend another one. 

I had an apricot bun from Bun Appetit and a honey wildflower oat milk latte from Good Cup Coffee Co. 
After popping into several antique stores, we headed to Collective Cafe for lunch. I had the oat milk cortado and a chicken Caesar salad. This spot had so many things on its menu! The food was delicious.

When I got home, I helped put Bugs to bed, and when he woke up, we headed to the pool and then VooDoo Wings for dinner. I had their chicken house salad, and Kyle ordered the spicy peanut butter and jelly wings. I was skeptical at first, but OMG, they were so good!

Right next to VooDoo Wings is an ice cream shop called “Whits.” We wanted a sweet treat, so we bought a peanut butter Whittie. OH MY GOODNESS! This was one of the best-tasting ice cream sandwiches I have ever had. It had the biggest chunks of Nutella in the ice cream, and the peanut butter cookie was soft and flaky. I give it a 10 out of 10!

I still love adding my favorite Amazon items to my storefront, and this singing bubble crab is one of the best bathtime toys I’ve purchased! He is obsessed with it, and bathtime has been a game-changer! It sings songs, spills out bubble bath, and he knows how to turn it on and off. They even make one that looks like a dinosaur. I may have to get that one, too!

I knew waking up and checking the garden would be my favorite part about these garden beds. It’s so exciting watching all of my seedlings turn into big beautiful plants. I can’t wait for all the juicy tomatoes, peppers, and squash! It’s lettuce season, and I’ve been getting all the fantastic lettuce from my garden this past week. 
 
I had a cookie order the day before heading out on our trip! The little Bug was playing fetch in the yard with Leo, and it’s so cute to watch this relationship blossom! Leo usually ignores him, but now that he’s up and walking, he finds him to be a little human he can play with.

Last Tuesday, we left at 4 am to head down to Florida. We wanted to go early, hoping we’d have a sleeper for the first few hours of the drive. He slept for about 45 minutes but then woke up. Luckily, he was pretty good in the car! We played with cups, straws, string, tape, and toys he had never seen. Toward the end, I put on Ms. Rachel, and she seemed to be a hit. 

Since Savannah was on our way, we stopped for a play in the park and breakfast! It has been a while since visiting Savannah, and it made me so happy to be there, even if it was just for a few hours. I need to plan a trip back soon. 
 
Taking a few breaks on the trip helped. Savannah was perfect since it was on the way and had so many cute parks to play or walk in.

After getting all the morning zoomies out at Forsyth Park, we stopped at Collins Quarter for breakfast. Collins Quarter has always been one of my favorite spots to eat in Savannah, but we always went to a different location. I loved that this one was right in the park, and the food was absolutely delicious. I have several Savannah travel guides on my blog if you plan to visit. 
I always order something I can share with Bugs for my meals. I had the avocado toast with eggs, and he helped me devour it. I also had an oat milk cortado, but my only mistake was not ordering one for the road!

This mini-stop has me excited about planning a trip here soon! My little explorer loved it.

We stopped at Mod Pizza for the little one’s dinner in Tampa. He was a big fan of the pesto pizza! We made it to Kyle’s mom’s house around 5 pm! We had dinner (she made my Italian chicken crockpot dish!), and we bathed bugs and put him to bed after a long walk around the neighborhood. We hadn’t visited her house in Florida in almost five years, so we were so excited to be back for the week!

The following day, we had coffee at Black and Gold Coffee! It’s one of my favorites. I ordered an oat milk latte, and it was delicious!

He loves waving at the trash trucks!

It turns out I love pickleball. I’m already a big tennis fan, but pickleball is going to be my new thing. We had so much fun playing, and I want to start playing here! It’s a lot easier than tennis, but the scoring and rules are complicated to catch on to since I’m used to how tennis goes. I’m sure I’ll catch on soon.

We took Bugs to the beach for the first time! He was a big fan, especially of the birds!

He would laugh so loud whenever a wave came to his feet.

Such a special moment

My little surfer baby!

Before heading back, we stopped at Sharky’s for a plate of nachos. 
Kyle’s mom wanted me to give her a sourdough lesson, so I brought my starter and taught her how to make bread and cinnamon rolls.

Pool day! 
 I could get used to a morning view like this! 
On Saturday morning, we headed to the Venice Farmer’s Market. We first started with a delicious almond croissant.

A Nutella beignet from Croissant & Co!
 We stopped at our favorite Mission Organic Coffee & Cafe for lunch! We come here every time we are in Florida. Bugs got a banana, strawberry, and spinach smoothie!  I had a chicken Caesar Salad wrap and a cold brew!

After Bug went for a nap, I went on a 5-mile bike ride with Kyle!

After playing a long game of pickleball in the morning, we had brunch at Plantation Country Club.

For dinner, we had Crisp and Green! This spot was so good. I had their chicken Caesar salad.

In the morning, I finished the sourdough lessons by teaching Kyle’s mom how to make the famous cinnamon rolls!
 These were the best ones I have ever made! I think making them earlier in the evening made a difference since I wake up so early. They had more time to rise at night. I will try that again today for tomorrow morning’s cinnamon rolls.  YUM!!!!! They were oozing with cinnamon goodness.  We were in a bit of a hurry, so we put the icing on while they were hot, and OMG, what a game-changer. Totally doing this tomorrow as well. It glazed over the top. 
On Memorial Day morning, we headed to the beach before it got too hot and crowded.
 This makes me want to move to the beach since he had so much fun digging in the sand and running around. 
My perfect little beach boy!
YUM!!! We brought our breakfast to the beach.  My entire world! 
After packing up, we grabbed one last dinner at Urban Taco. I had a chicken salad with rice, corn, guacamole, cheese, and tomatoes. Everything was so fresh and delicious.

We left Florida at 5 am and got a three-hour sleeper.
 We stopped in historic Avondale, Jacksonville, Florida, to grab breakfast and play at a park.  We ordered cheese grits, a bagel, an omelet, and coffees at Southern Grounds and Co! Everything was delicious. My son loves grits, so I have to order them whenever they are on the menu.  After breakfast, we headed down the street to play at the park. It’s wild to see him running around. It literally just happened overnight. We headed to Florida with him taking maybe five to ten steps, but now he can walk alone. It’s fun but a bit scary. We grabbed food for dinner at Fresh Market and then headed home! I was proud of how good he was in the car, making me want to do more trips with him in the future!

We jumped right back into our routine the following day. We did a morning walk and then stopped for coffee at the Greenway.

I made a delicious taco chicken dish in the crock pot for dinner. It’s so good over salad with all of the taco toppings!
 I had a pool and coffee date with Bugs the following morning. He tried to steal my oat milk latte from Humblecup, and that’s when I knew he was 100 % my son. The blonde hair throws me off sometimes, but the love for my coffee makes it make sense. 
And when we got tired of the pool, we headed home to swing! Between 7 am and noon, it’s a battle trying to find things to entertain him. He changes daily regarding interests, but he’s happiest when he’s not contained and can walk all over by himself. We plan to do a lot of park trips this week so he can get all his little energy out. 
All the fresh salad from my garden!
 My happy boy!!!!  On Friday morning, I made a Tuscan sourdough bread with herbs from my garden and a Tuscan herb olive oil from Venice Olive Oil Company. This herb olive oil tastes like the Pizza Hut breadstick seasoning. It is amazing! I am going to use it for dressings, marinades, and breads! 
I made a loaf for our house and one for my parents!
 We visited my mom yesterday morning, and Buggy had so much fun exploring their massive garden!
After Bug’s bedtime, we dove into the homemade cookie sandwiches and watched an episode of Love & Death! 

I hope you all have the best weekend. Thanks for stopping by to catch up! This is a big week for me and my new business adventure, so stay tuned on social media & my TikTok!

Questions for you!

1. If you have kids, when did you first travel with them?
2. What are some fun things to do with a 13-month-old? 
3. What are some excellent crockpot recipes? 

Disney Springs Travel Blog

There’s no better way to start your evening than by enrolling in Sangria University!
Who would have thought that Disney World was a place where you could get your Sangria Diploma!? Disney is not just for the kiddos. Make sure to sign up for the afternoon Sangria class before heading out on your Disney vacation. Professionals teach this class, and they share the recipes used to make the four varieties of sangrias served at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, where the course takes place. It’s a stunning view and perfect for a hot summer day with the breeze hitting you by the water.

What’s better than fresh guacamole and chips to go with your Sangria!? 

What you should know about Sangria University!

Sangria University Walt Disney World

The classes are on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Plan to be there for approximately 90-minutes.

You must be 21 years of age or older to participate

If you are younger than 21, you must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to join with non-alcoholic flights.

You will need to make your reservation in advance.

Sangria University is located at Three Bridges Bar and Grill, and you should check in 15-minutes before your course.

Indicate your allergies before booking!
I wish I could remember what I put into this Sangria, but I know it was TASTY! I used the fruity flavors like raspberry, peach, and a white wine base. These are so fun and pretty to make.


I’m sure I made my mom so proud when I sent her my sangria diploma
The best part is sitting around when you’re done enjoying the view, eating the appetizer, and sipping on your custom sangria! 
Next on the agenda, I had the opportunity to decorate cupcakes at Erin McKenna’s Bakery! You all know how much of a dream this was for me. I am obsessed with cake decorating and have loved decorating cupcakes since I was a little girl.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC at Disney Springs

When I got there, I was welcomed with my very own apron, “body made by Erin McKenna hat, and thrown straight into the decorating station!
  
Erin McKenna’s Bakery at Disney Springs is a blessing for those with allergies. There is no need to tell your kid they can’t have the cupcake because Erin McKenna’s bakery’s treats are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free. They taste incredible, and you’d never even know they were allergy-friendly. They have more than cupcakes, too! Make sure to check out their full menu!



I had way too much fun decorating these cupcakes! I was even lucky enough to box them up and take them back to the rest of the group for everyone to try.
 Thank you, Disney and Erin McKenna’s for making my cupcake dreams come true! 
It’s official, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is the absolute best restaurant I have ever been to. I’m tempted to hop on a flight to get dinner there and return. It is THAT good. We headed to our 6 pm reservation right after making delicious cupcakes.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

Don’t think twice; get yourself on that reservation list asap!
We started with a Chardonnay and a Malbec. 
If there is one place to splurge, it’s here.

Starting your meal with grilled bruschetta on ciabatta bread topped with soft mozzarella, pesto, and marinated tomatoes is necessary. It’s a crime not to! There wasn’t a bite left of this starter. We also went with the Waterkist farm heirloom tomato salad as a starter. It had local burrata, basil pesto, and aged balsamic over the top. The poached fruit added to this salad was like a fresh dessert! They change up the ingredients to make them seasonal.

We did one of those things where we both ordered something and just split our entrees up. You can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs, and let me tell you, Wolfgang Puck knows how to do spaghetti and meatballs! The freshly made pasta noodles were topped with tomato sauce, parmesan Reggiano, and the most flavorful meatballs! We also had the mouthwatering pan-seared Scottish salmon. It was served over a chard salad, vegetables, and herb cream sauce. I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten salmon that tasted so good in my entire life. This restaurant is rated 100 stars!

As if the restaurant couldn’t get any closer to heaven, we had the sweetest little service dog with the cutest butt sitting next to us.
  We didn’t request it, but I’m glad they surprised us anyways!

I was shocked when the waiter brought over a cinnamon roll & caramel spiked milkshake and two espresso martinis. We had a lady come to our table asking if she could take a photo of it. It was an eye-catcher for sure! He said we weren’t allowed to leave the restaurant without trying, and I get it. I 100% get it. These were some of the best drinks I’ve ever had and the cinnamon roll? INCREDIBLE!
We had one of the BEST experiences at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs. I cannot wait to go back. This will be the first thing I do on my itinerary. 
We spent the rest of the night listening to live music, walking around the shops with stuffed bellies, and enjoying the light shows. Disney Springs is one of the best parts about visiting Walt Disney World!

I hope you all enjoyed today’s Disney Travel Blog! I’ll be back with another one real soon

Thank you so much, Walt Disney World, for giving me the most incredible experience.

Questions for you!

1. Have you ever been to Disney Springs?
2. If you could choose any workplace (just for one day!), where would it be?
3. Do you ever split meals so that you can try more foods?

I have finally finished unpacking my bags and doing my last load of laundry from the trip. I used to keep my luggage sitting on the floor in my closet for days before unpacking, but watching Kyle immediately unpack and do laundry after a trip inspired me to do the same. Plus, I can’t let my husband be more organized than me. Now that everything is done, I can sit down and write about our weekend trip to New Jersey! I woke up on Thursday morning bright and early to get ready for the airport. My phone started dinging, which I thought was strange since it was only 5 am. Who could be texting me? It was United Airlines telling me they canceled our flight and moved us to a new one at 6 pm. I was so sad because we had matching pajamas and plans to go on the Polar Express Train Ride with our niece.

Later that evening, we finally made it to the airport, grabbed pizza and salad at 1897 Market (where I always grab food before a flight), and hopped on our plane to Newark. It’s only a one-hour flight, so traveling to see Kyle’s side of the family in Jersey is so easy.



We had the most fantastic time catching up and seeing our little niece for the first time since the wedding. It is incredible how much kids change each month, and that’s why it’s so important to soak up all the little moments. We had initially planned to spend a day in NYC doing all the Christmasy things, but we didn’t want to spend anytime away.

I loved our little mornings watching CocoMelon and building magnetic blocks! We even got put on babysitting duty Friday night, which put our skills to the test. Kyle learned how to change a diaper, and now he’s ready for his own!

I have finally defeated all food aversions and am back to having a little coffee. The strange thing is that I can only tolerate it with cream now, which was not the case for many years. I make sure to keep my coffee intake very low and opt for decaf while visiting cafés. 
On Saturday afternoon, we headed to the American Dream mall. It’s the most incredible mall in the U.S. by far! Sorry Mall of America, but you’ve been outdone. The mall has an ice skating rink, waterpark, rollercoaster, mini-golf, live music, an aquarium, and an indoor ski resort. I could not get over all of the things to do! This would have been a dream world as a kid.

After doing some Christmas shopping, we stopped to have lunch at Carpaccio. I’ve never had such fine dining inside a shopping mall. We filled up on house bread, calamari, meatballs, pizza, pasta e Fagioli, Caesar salad, and more! We were all rolling out of that restaurant stuffed. It was one of the best pasta e Fagioli soups I have ever had, and I wish I had the recipe. I highly recommend trying out Carpaccio if you visit the American Dream Mall. 

Later Saturday evening, we headed up to Hackettstown, NJ, to spend the night at Kyles dads house.

We had the most delicious prime rib dinner and watched one of our favorite Christmas movies, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We were up bright and early playing with their dog, Mayor, in the yard. He’s the sweetest labradoodle ever!
We headed to the River Star diner for breakfast early Sunday morning. I have been on the biggest bacon and french toast kick! We headed back to Kyle’s sisters later Sunday and spent the afternoon eating pizza and doing more blocks!

Kyle and I had a few hours to kill before heading to the airport Monday morning. After packing, we got bundled up and headed to Washington St in Hoboken to grab breakfast and shop.

We decided to have breakfast at Bluestone Lane. It had my name written all over it!



We both started with some cafe drinks. I ordered the beet latte, a shocker because I hate beets. The color kind of persuaded me, and beets are so good for pregnancy. It had dehydrated beet powder, steamed almond milk, and cocoa on top. It wasn’t terrible, but it had that earthy beet flavor, which some people LOVE. I was surprised that Kyle enjoyed it.

He ordered the draught flat white. It’s cold brew, oat milk, and infused with nitrogen to make it silky! I was obsessed with this one. If I weren’t pregnant, I would have ordered five of these to go.

The MUST-ORDER from our breakfast was the gluten-free cinnamon donut. WOW! It tasted like a snickerdoodle cake. It was the perfect treat to go with our drinks.
    I ordered the Brekkie Board. It had delicious multigrain bread topped with avocado smash, goat cheese, tomatoes, and a side of Greek yogurt with berries and collective granola. Kyle had the breakfast bowl with added chicken. It came with sautéed kale, cherry tomatoes, feta, avocado, warm farro grain topped with a poached egg. We also ordered their seasonal roasted carrots because I’ll never turn away from roasted carrots.
Our meal was delicious, and it was such a gorgeous cafe! I usually pick a restaurant 70% based on the food options and 30% on looks. This is going to be a must-go next time we visit.
 We spent the next hour walking down Washington St and picking up a few gifts in the shops.

 Before we left, we stopped at one of my favorites from our last visit, Bwé Kafe. It is the CUTEST coffee shop, and if I could open my own one day, I would want it to look like this. I ordered a decaf oat milk cappuccino and a selection of baked goods to take back to Kyle’s sisters. 
We love visiting the waterfront because it’s the best view of the NYC skyline.

We headed to the airport at 3, had a late lunch (turkey burgers and fries!), and then hopped on the plane to head back to Charlotte. It’s always sad saying goodbye to family, but the next time we see them, we’ll have a baby, and it’s going to be so special seeing the cousins together! I cannot wait.

Questions for you!

1. What helps you decide on what restaurants to eat at?
2. Do you have an annual trip you take every year?
3. Favorite food at the airport?

The resort is absolutely breathtaking, and the food was unforgettable.
We took the monorail from our hotel and arrived at the Grand Floridian for breakfast at 8 am. We had a fun day planned for Hollywood Studios and The Animal Kingdom right after! I love how easy the transportation is at Walt Disney World. It makes everything stress-free while park hopping or resort hopping.

Disney Park Hopper Plus Pass

We used a Disney Park Hopper Plus pass for the week and made everything so convenient. It allows you to make a theme park reservation, and then you can park hop after 2 pm at any of the other Disney World parks. So if you can’t get a reservation for a park during your trip, no worries, you can go after 2 pm! We had a reservation for all the parks early in the mornings and then hopped over to other parks later in the day.

Transportation at Disney Parks Disney World – Disney Skyliner

Getting around the Disney parks is a breeze with the busses, the monorail, and the Skyliner! The Skyliner lines go so fast! If you see a line with many people, your wait time may be up to fifteen minutes. They’re constantly getting people on and off the Skyliner.
 

Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe

The food at the Grand Floridian Cafe was absolutely delicious and one of the best breakfasts spots! I am totally adding this to the top three. It’s up there with Tonga Toast at the Kona Cafe and the breakfast buffet at Boma.

Let’s talk about the coffee!

I don’t know if it was all the park-hopping and lack of sleep, but that coffee was amazing!
 
We didn’t hold back with our order.

First, they bring out biscuits and butter to go with your coffee while waiting for your food.

We ordered:

Avocado Toast

Bacon and eggs on the side! Every time we took a bit of something, we couldn’t stop raving about it!

We picked out a few things at the gift shop and then headed to Hollywood Studios for the afternoon! 
As if breakfast wasn’t enough! When you’re at Disney World, you do SO MUCH walking that it works up an appetite, and we always shared our meals to help save room for the next.

Totchos Woody’s Lunch Box

We tried the Totchos at Woody’s Lunch Box. I WAS SO EXCITED about these! I plan to make them this weekend for fun. The totchos are tater tots coated with beef and bean chili, shredded cheese, signature queso, tomatoes, corn chips, sour cream, and green onions! Highly recommend adding ketchup, too Make sure to order these as soon as they open; otherwise, the wait time to pick them up could be hours! I placed the order as soon as Woody’s Lunch Box opened up.

Blue Milk Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge

after riding the Rise of Resistance and the Smugglers Run. Even if you’re not a fan of Star Wars, it’s still so much fun! Oh, and the verdict on the blue milk? Not that bad, actually!

Cream Cheese Pretzel Rock n Roll Roller Coaster

I am a cream cheese pretzel first-timer, and wow, am I a BIG FAN! We tried the cream cheese pretzel while waiting in line at the Rock n Roll Rollercoaster. It was absolutely delicious, and I’m not even into cream cheese desserts. If you plan to ride Tower of Terror or the Rock n Roll Rollercoaster, grab one of these pretzels while waiting in line!

Carrot Cake Cookie Trolley Car Cafe 

We picked up some desserts on our way out of Hollywood Studios. I had about 50 messages telling me to try the famous carrot cake cookie at Trolley Car Cafe! It was so delicious that I even packed a few in my suitcase for my dad  We had the best morning and afternoon at Hollywood Studios! Coming up next is my Animal Kingdom blog!

Questions for you!

1. Have you had the Totchos at Hollywood Studios?
2. Have you ever packed a baked good in your suitcase to take home?
3. What is your favorite ride at Hollywood Studios?

The Best Scottsdale Arizona Travel Blog | Ultimate Itinerary

Traveling to Scottsdale Arizona

Depending on where you’re traveling, I highly suggest renting a car when visiting Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s the type of city that has parking everywhere, and it’s a bit spread out, so having a car made it much easier to get around. If we had used Uber or Lift, the cost would have possibly been more expensive. In Arizona, many activities start at 5 am to beat the heat and catch the sunrise. Waiting for a ride around that time may not be ideal, so I highly recommend renting a car when you arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Scottsdale is only fifteen minutes from the airport, so it’s so convenient to travel there.

Visiting Scottsdale, Arizona, in The Summer!

I know visiting Scottsdale in the hottest months may sound like a turn-off, but it’s the best time if you want to experience Scottsdale with fewer people, and you can get amazing deals on hotels and activities. Even the flights are cheaper during the summer months. I’m talking about 60% off rates during the “It’s That Hot” season!
 
 

Best Resorts in Scottsdale

We stayed at three different resorts while visiting Scottsdale. I love the idea of switching resorts and getting a new experience every couple of days. Since the trip was right after our wedding, we started with the gorgeous Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa to kick off our honeymoon.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Sanctuary Resort is tucked away with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. This is a Scottsdale luxury resort that you must add to your travel plans. If you’re looking for a resort to relax and never leave, you can definitely do that here. As if the incredible food and infinity pool aren’t enough, they have a relaxing spa, tennis courts, yoga classes, and more. And, of course, I wouldn’t be properly flexing if I didn’t mention that celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z spent their honeymoon at the glamorous resort.

When we first got to Sanctuary, we were greeted by staff who helped us check-in, and they took us to our spa suite on a golf cart. The service at this resort was incredible. They offered a texting service if you needed anything, and they would occasionally text you to see how you were doing and if they could offer any assistance. I loved that.

The spa suite was like having a mini luxury apartment at the resort. The decor was vibrant yet modern, and the huge private patio had mountain views. Our room had a fireplace for a cozy champagne night and a private outdoor soaking tub. Next to the fireplace, a stocked bar with a fridge, a Nespresso maker (perfect for 5 am risers looking for coffee), and the resort surprised us with a congratulatory bottle of champagne and charcuterie to kick off our honeymoon. This resort goes above and beyond to make guests feel special and well taken care of.

Breakfast at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

You can grab breakfast at Elements, but since we dined there in the evening, we decided to order breakfast in our room. I wanted to sit out on the day bed with my coffee and breakfast before spending my morning at the spa. I’m going to come right out and say it. Usually, room service at a hotel is never that great, but here at Sanctuary, it was exceptional. The menu had a lot of options, which made it hard to decide. I ordered the acai bowl, and it was easily the best acai bowl I’ve ever had. It was even better than the ones I had when I was visiting Hawaii. The bowl had mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, banana, and toasted coconut chia crunch over a blended acai smoothie. The flavors were phenomenal, and the fruit was so fresh! I ordered bacon and potatoes on the side, and it was everything I could have dreamed of and more. It was the perfect way to start our first morning in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Hotel With The Best Views

The sunrises and sunsets at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain are some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever catch. Make sure to take the time to look up sun hours and witness the beautiful views for yourself. I took my coffee to go in the morning to catch the views by the pool, and Kyle and I enjoyed the sunset while swimming! We love catching an early dinner and ending the day with a swim, and of course, the sunset over the mountains made it even more dreamy.

The Best Restaurant in Scottsdale

Whether you’re staying at Sanctuary or not, you better get a reservation at Elements Restaurant immediately. Who would have thought that the dinner at our resort would have been the best food we had on our trip? And that’s a huge statement considering everything we ate in Scottsdale was a 10/10. I never realized how much of a foodie town Scottsdale was until traveling here. Usually, when I travel places, I don’t leave with every single restaurant 100% satisfied, but for the first time, Scottsdale did that!

Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary Resort Scottsdale Arizona

We spent the entire day traveling from Charlotte to Scottsdale, Arizona. After a mediocre chicken salad wrap and a bag of goldfish at the airport, I was ready for some real food. We headed to our reservation at Elements Restaurant at the Sanctuary Resort, only a few steps from our suite. I didn’t realize how much of a treat we were in for. When you tell them it’s your honeymoon, they take that kind of seriously. They put us at one of the best tables in the restaurant’s corner, with the open glass window perfect for catching the sunset over Paradise Valley as you sip on delicious cocktails and crunch on tasty appetizers.

Elements Restaurant is a farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents crafted by Chef Beau MacMillan, a Food Network star! He works hard to create a seasonal menu incorporating local and organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat. If you’re looking for luxury dining that is both cozy and romantic, Elements is your spot.

Coming from someone who never orders many cocktails, you MUST try the Red Panther! To be honest, I ordered it because it was pretty and peach-flavored. I was not expecting it to taste so irresistible. The Red Panther is made with tequila, grilled peach, maple & red wine bitters. It wasn’t too sweet, and the maple flavors were very subtle. Maybe it’s because I live in the south, but I really appreciated the art of adding grilled peaches to a cocktail.

What to order at Elements Restaurant Sanctuary Resort

We didn’t skimp out on the food here. We both knew this could be our only chance ever to eat here, and we wanted to make this moment count, so we went headfirst into the appetizers.

We started with the Ahi Tuna Crudo. This dish was definitely on the lighter side of the appetizer menu. It came with Asian pears, ninja radishes, shishito peppers, avocado crema, hibiscus, & watermelon aguachile. I loved this dish’s light and refreshing flavors, and somehow all the different textures complimented each other flawlessly.

Best Resort Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona 

I love an early morning spa treatment. It just sets the tone for the day, not that I needed help setting the tone in a paradise zone like this. After finishing up my acai bowl and taking my last few sips of coffee outside on our porch, I headed to the Spa at Sanctuary. While I had a relaxing morning getting pampered, Kyle headed to his happy place, the fitness center. I was so impressed with their gym! It was more equipped than our local YMCA.

When I walked into the spa, I immediately turned on my ASMR tone. Everyone was so zin and quick to help me feel welcome. If you’re anything like me, the thought of going to a spa instantly gives you anxiety. It’s hard to navigate a spot that’s new without the fear of ruining someone else’s zin. While still extremely relaxing, the Spa at Sanctuary was a place to enjoy with girlfriends and laugh if you needed to, and everyone was so inviting.

After checking in, I was given a tour and then my own locker with a robe, shoes, and fresh towels. I took a quick shower and then headed to the lounge, where I sipped on the most delicious passion tea and waited for my massage therapist to come to meet me. We walked across a beautiful walkway with stone rocks and fountains before entering the massage room. The meditation garden and reflecting pond have a way of relaxing you just by looking at them. It was so relaxing and exactly what I needed after a stressful wedding week!

After my massage, I headed to the jet tub, where I met some of the sweetest ladies traveling all the way from Georgia (my neighboring state!) It was such a fun morning, and booking a day at the Sanctuary Spa is a must! They have so many signature experiences to choose from, and you deserve to treat yourself!

 
We were both excited about having a pool day after meeting back up. We lucked out with two of the best seats next to the pool. Once you arrive at the pool during the day hours, a pool attendant gets you set up on your pool chairs. They add seat covers with fresh towels, pour you a pitcher of water, offer an umbrella, and get you started with a menu! It’s the best service ever.

Lunch by the Pool Sanctuary Camelback Resort 

I don’t know how they manage to do it, but the pool is still cold, even on a 115-degree day. This was the best way to cool off while visiting Scottsdale during the summer. We would get cooled off in the pool and then go back to our chairs. We had to do this every 30 minutes to tolerate the heat. I highly recommend getting a spot with an umbrella. I have no idea how people can lay out in the sun when it’s so hot! I was covered in sunscreen head to toe, and my hat was big enough to cover a village.

Being able to order lunch by the pool without going anywhere to get it is so convenient. We ordered the Little Gem Chicken Caesar Salad and it came with croutons, caper berries, cracked black pepper, Parmesan Reggiano, and caesar dressing. And since we were too healthy by ordering a salad and an AZ Sunrise Protein Drink, we opted for the Hand Cut French Fies with a Truffle Mayo. There’s something about french fries by the pool; they just hit differently, especially these. They were SO CRISPY yet so juicy in the middle. Have you ever heard anyone describe a french fry like that? And the truffle mayo was the perfect touch to these fries, and obviously with ketchup, too. Advice: Do not skip the french fries. The only part I didn’t like about the Sanctuary resort was checking out. It was tough to get myself to leave this place! Our experience there couldn’t have been any better. No matter what we wanted, they had it. We left feeling extremely relaxed and a little on the heavier side (if you know what I mean!)

Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona

Before traveling, I always map out at least five coffee shops I want to visit. Scottsdale had so many good contenders that we ended up trying out ten of them. One of the spots was recommended by many readers, Prep & Pastry!

Prep & Pastry – Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop 

After a 5:15 am morning hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, we were ready for coffee and breakfast. Prep & Pastry is the cutest spot, with locally sourced brunch-style food on the menu. They also have a case of freshly baked goods.

But first, I started with an oat milk cappuccino. It was creamy and delicious. For my breakfast, I ordered guacamole toast. It was heavenly! It came with smashed avocado, scrambled eggs, jalapenos, radishes, cojita, and chipotle crema served on August Rohodes sourdough bread.

I had the absolute time of my life horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert Macdonald Ranch. I was shocked to hear that this was Kyle’s favorite activity on the trip. I didn’t take him for a horseback riding type of guy. After 5 1/2 years of being together, this was our first time riding horses. I have a feeling we’re going to make this a must for all of our future trips.

What to Know about Horseback Riding in Arizona

Don’t be late! It takes about twenty minutes to drive out to the ranch if you’re staying in Scottsdale. Unless you’re taking a private riding lesson, it’s courteous to get there at least fifteen to twenty minutes before your riding time. It takes a few minutes to get everyone signed in, paired with a horse, and given the rundown. If you’re late and people have to wait on you, then you’ll miss the morning rising of the sun, and no one is going to like you (jk, but kind of not kidding.)

Make sure to wear pants, close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and ice-cold water!

Don’t worry if you’ve never been horseback riding before! It’s easy to learn, and they will provide you a horse that’s good for beginners. You can also choose to wear one of their provided helmets if you want.

Call at least 24 hours in advance to book your ride! 
   
 I know I went a little overboard on horseback riding photos, but when do I not go overboard?

Our trail guide was the best! He chatted with everyone the entire time, and he also took phones from people to capture shots while riding! The website does not tell you to tip your guides, but make sure you do! They work hard not only while guiding you but behind the scenes.

We rode through gorgeous trails, passing cacti and mountain views, and since it was so early in the morning, the weather was perfect. MacDonald’s Ranch has been a big part of the Scottsdale community since 1956. It’s owned by the Richardson Family, and it was enjoyable to hear about all the famous people who have visited and which horses they rode. It was funny to learn that Lil Wayne’s mom rode the horse Kyle was on. I think it’s really amazing how a family business like this has grown successfully over the years and the joy it has brought to many travelers!

The Macdonalds Ranch has a lot of fun events throughout the year! When I saw they had a pumpkin patch, I almost booked my flights. It’s also a great place to host kids’ birthday parties.

Please make sure to add horseback riding at Macdonalds Ranch to your Scottsdale itinerary! You will not regret it. 
 
It’s hard for me not to start a conversation about a restaurant in this post without using the word “favorite.” Scottsdale just didn’t disappoint on the food scene.

The Herb Box Scottsdale Arizona

Do yourself a favor and just make a list of all the restaurants I’ve mentioned and try them out. The Herb Box in Old Town Scottsdale was my kind of food. The Crispy Brussels Sprout Chips are a must. Ask for extra vegan yellow pepper aioli because it’s so good that you’re left wanting more. I had them bring me a side of it so that I could use it with my meal.

Please do not leave without getting the Flourless Chocolate Cake. It’s heavenly! It’s served with coconut ice cream and berries. The berries are just there as an obstacle to slow you down from eating the actual dessert We had it with an iced coffee and an oat milk cappuccino for our afternoon pick-me-up.

The next on our itinerary was visiting the Desert Botanical Garden! Make sure to visit early morning during the summer because it gets super hot! We walked the five thematic trails browsing all the gorgeous aridland plants. I’ve never seen so many cactuses in my entire life! I didn’t even know pink cactuses were a thing. It’s amazing to see the beautiful plants that thrive in one of the hottest and driest places in the world.

What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

 
 

Desert Botanical Garden

You can also check the event calendar for drinks and live music nights.

The garden trails are so beautiful, and you can tell the volunteers and staff work so hard to keep it in tip-top shape for visitors. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance and schedule your time slot. You can also call ahead to see if they have availability at the last minute.


I had Berdena’s coffee shop on my radar while browsing coffee shops in Scottsdale. It’s the cutest little spot with delicious coffee. I loved the design of this place. It was minimal but had fun tile and wallpaper. It’s located right in Old Town Scottsdale, so you can either enjoy your breakfast in the air conditioning or take it to go while walking around all the local shops.

Berdena’s Coffee Shop in Old Town Scottsdale AZ

They offer freshly baked goods, juices, kombucha, crafted coffee drinks, and more.

I ordered an oat milk cappuccino and their chia and berry parfait. It was all so delicious!
 


The next hotel we stayed at was Hotel Adeline! Talk about a fun aesthetic! Hotel Adeline in Old Town Scottsdale is one of the cutest Boutique Hotels with an eclectic style and photo-ready no matter what spot you’re hanging out in.

Hotel Adeline is such a fun spot for visiting with your girlfriends or if you’re looking for the ultimate pool-day vacation. The prices are super affordable, and the location is super convenient.

Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale, Arizona

This boutique hotel has been completely renovated and keeps the vibe of a Motel, which I love! Hotel Adeline has 213 guestrooms, delicious restaurants, and a giant pool with a bar, live music, lawn games, and cabanas.




 
We had breakfast twice at Selfmade at Hotel Adeline because it was so good! The chef was so nice. Kyle asked for hardboiled eggs, and he came by and gave kyle all his extras since he wouldn’t be using them the rest of the day. I’m one always to appreciate little gestures like that.

Breakfast at Hotel Adeline – Selfmade

We ordered the avocado toast, the fresh parfait with blueberries and bananas, coffee, orange juice, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and oatmeal. And we also ordered it again the next day. The food is so good! As I said before, nothing I tried in Scottsdale let me down, even the hotel food!

 
  
Since we were still on our Eastcoast time, Kyle and I spent our morning at the pool! Apparently, everyone sleeps in because we had the pool to ourselves. I love that the pool supplies towels, so you don’t have to worry about getting fresh ones or packing them while you travel.

Poolside Hotel Adeline

Honestly, if we didn’t have plans for the day, we would have stayed at the pool most of the time, sipping frozen drinks. No matter how hot it gets, you always feel refreshed after diving into the pool. Hotel Adeline just had the best colorful Arizona vibes! I loved this spot.

Hotel Adeline is a great spot for any traveler! We absolutely loved staying there, and the inviting pool scene was my favorite part.

Fourtillfour is such a cool walkup cafe located in an old garage. The coffee is roasted in-house, which means you can smell the delicious aroma a few blocks away. This was a fun spot to get our afternoon coffee fix.

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop

I love the story of how Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop came about. It’s owned by the sweetest mother/daughter duo, who both share a love for baking. Danielle, the daughter, also known as “Sweet Dee,” started baking special treats and cakes out of her kitchen at a young age. I can totally relate to this because that’s how I started paying for things in my first year of college. She outgrew her home kitchen and worked hard with her mom to create her very own bakery and cafe.

Best Bakery In Scottsdale, Arizona

There are SO MANY pastries to choose from. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, they have something for you! The coffee was also exquisite. I had an almond milk cappuccino and Kyle had an iced coffee. It was absolutely perfect with my gluten-free Samoa tart. Sweet Dee’s has won “Best Gluten-Free Bakery” by Phoenix New Times.

Gluten-Free Dessert Scottsdale, Arizona

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop is known for its theme events. They have fun-themed treats for Disney, Harry Potter (a customer favorite), Star Wars, and more! You can also order custom-baked goods to fit your event at Sweet Dee’s! This is such a gem of a place or Scottsdale.
  
  
 
You better come with an appetite because you’re going to want to eat everything at The Hash Kitchen. OH MY GOSH, this place has EVERYTHING you could imagine on the menu. If you’re ever with a group of people that is made up of picky eaters, diet restrictions, or the group is craving different cuisines, well, this is YOUR SPOT! It took us a good twenty minutes before we could decide on what we wanted.

What should you absolutely order? The Cannoli Donuts. The waiter said we had no choice, and he wasn’t wrong! Like, it’s a must! The Cannoli donuts are fried to order sweet dough stuffed with sweet cannoli cream and topped with powdered sugar. These are better than any cannoli you’ll ever have. The texture, the flavors, and even the presentation were just simply perfect.

The Hash Kitchen 

Kyle ordered the Chicken Tinga Frittata! It comes with chipotle-braised chicken breast, caramelized onions, blistered shishito peppers, cotija, avocado, crema, green chili salsa, and breakfast potatoes.

I ordered the creamy kale Caesar salad because it just sounded so good! It came with creamy caesar dressing, Parmigiano cheese, garlic toast, and grilled chicken. One of the best kale caesar salads I’ve ever had.

The BEST Brunch Spot in Scottsdale

We also decided to get our fruit fix by ordering Giuliana’s Ah-Sigh-Ee bowl! YUM!!!! The acai base tasted like ice cream. It was topped with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, dried coconut, granola, and peanut butter! It was LOADED! I highly recommend ordering one for the table to split. Mmm!

I also had the french press coffee with my meal

 
After a sweltering pool day, Kyle and I were ready to do one of our favorite activities, yup! Visit another coffee spot. It’s funny. I never thought he’d enjoy this as much as I, but once he started drinking coffee, he finally gets it.

Provisions Coffee Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop

With a quick google search, we found Provisions Coffee.

I loved all the options they had in their baked goods section. We chose the blueberry muffin and the banana maple loaf. The banana maple loaf was THE BEST!! I’d definitely stop back in there again just to pick this up. It went perfectly paired with my oat milk cappuccino!

Kyle ordered a peach sparkling tea! It was super unique. It’s a 24-hour cold-brewed carbonated tea! I actually really liked it. It would have been even better with some kind of fruit purée added in!


Everyone messaged me about trying The Mission Old Town Scottsdale! I totally understand the hype.

When you walk in, the decor surprises you. I thought it would be a bright and airy spot with crazy colors, but instead, it was cozy and extremely inviting. Something about warm lighting in Scottsdale helps with the heat, and the candle lighting made this spot PERFECT romantic for a date night.

The food? HOW DOES THE FOOD JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER? Usually, I can complain about something on a trip, but Scottsdale left me hanging. Everything was top-notch, and I’m not just saying that. Scottsdale has hit my top spot for the best food. PERIOD.

The Mission Old Town Scottsdale 

Make sure to get a reservation. We went on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but isn’t that a good sign that it’s the place to be? The Mission is located right in Old Town Scottsdale. You’ll find the best Latin cuisine with flavors coming in from Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Fill up on all the homemade sauces, tortillas, and fresh salsa that are made daily! The meats are prepared on a plancha or grill using pecan and mesquite wood that makes sure the meat gets the ultimate flavor!

I was excited to try the Prickly Pear Primarita! It had  El Mayor Reposado, organic agave nectar, pressed limes, Milagro Blanco tequila, prickly pear juice, hand-pressed lime, and agave.

The Best Kale Salad in Scottsdale, Arizona

I ordered the Tostadas! It came with chicken thighs, black beans, ham hock, cotija, ají rocoto, and crispy handmade corn tortillas. And the grilled street corn is also a must (you can order everything without cilantro, which I was happy about), and its skewered corn, butter, chile, ají rocoto, cilantro, and cotija.

Old Town Scottsdale Gelato Tour with Joy Rides AZ

We had an absolute BLAST! Not only did we learn so much, but we tried out a ton of gelato from local shops. We did the gelato tour, which is totally up my alley! You can do wine tours, bbq tours, beer tours, bachelorette tours, and more! There’s really no other way to explore Old Town Scottsdale better!

Honestly, the owners are so amazing that if you reached out to them with an idea for a tour, they’d probably do the research and set it up for your group! She was the absolute best and such a joy to hang out with.

  

Explore Old Town Scottsdale 

You don’t even have to worry about bringing your camera or phone. She took many photos of us and then sent them to us afterward! I thought that was such a nice gesture. Every time we passed a building or drove down a street, we were filled with fun facts and history about them. We also got a lot of recommendations while riding around.

  
 

Best Gelato Spots in Scottsdale, Arizona!

We stopped at three gelato spots, and they’re all equally amazing!

The Gelato Spot 

I ordered the pistachio almond and Kyle ordered Captain Crunch! They had SO MANY flavors, which made it hard to pick. The gelato counter was absolutely endless.

Gelato Cimmino

We ordered the Peanut Butter! It was so rich and delicious! It was like pure fudge. The decor in this spot was so cute. The black tile floor makes for the perfect gelato photo.

Yellow Spruce Roasters

I tried the Prickly Pear! It was so refreshing and light! We also had their coffee, which was equally delicious. The owner was so friendly, and they have a super convenient location right in Old Town Scottsdale. Make sure to grab a coffee and walk the shops all around.

There’s nothing better than sipping an iced coffee and eating gelato while cruising around Old Town Scottsdale! Please add Joy Ride AZ to your itinerary. It’s so worth it. I’m usually one to never book tours, but this has made me think otherwise!

 


The next resort we stayed at was Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale! The resort was originally built in 1959 but was completely rebuilt in 2017! I was obsessed with the concrete floors paired with a luxury mid-century style interior. The mountain views in this resort are stunning, and as soon as we walked out of our room, we were on a lawn facing the mountains. They even have yoga on the lawn with that view! Even when you’re in the pool, you get gorgeous mountain views.

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

I told Kyle that I really wanted to design our bedroom after the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale room. I loved how the bed had the nightstands attached to all the outlets. We usually have to run around the house trying to find the chargers. The room was bright and airy but also warm in cozy! The room had floor-to-ceiling windows/doors that lead out to a patio with mountain views, and if you wanted to nap during the day, you could pull the giant room-darkening drapes across them. I took about a thousand photos so I could bring this design inspiration into my own home.

Best Resort For Activities Scottsdale Arizona

We arrived at the resort really early. We checked out of our other resort but needed a place to put our luggage since you never want to leave anything in a hot car in Arizona. The hospitality at Mountains Shadows Resort is everything you could dream of! The kind lady working the desk was so helpful and so friendly! She said she could check to see if there was a room ready for us, and she got us checked in early to put our bags away before heading out for the day. And when we got back, she handed us water bottles to take with us. She was just so kind, and it felt so nice to be welcomed into a resort like that.

This resort is the ultimate! You can join a fitness class, or yoga session, play golf, hang out by the pool, or join a special event on the calendar!

 
 
You know what I’m going to say, “another resort restaurant with one of the best meals in Scottsdale! “

Hearth ’61

Kyle and I got cleaned up after hanging around the Mountain Shadows pool and headed to dinner at Hearth ’61, the restaurant located to the left of the lobby. I loved the exposed kitchen, where you could watch the chefs hard at work, and the aromas from the stovetops made me even more hungry! Hearth ’61 serves modern American cuisine, which is actually my favorite cuisine. Serve me salmon, farm-fresh salads, and potatoes for the rest of my life, and I’ll be content!

Renowned Chef Charles Wiley knows what he’s doing! He keeps the seasonal food simple yet powerful in flavor. The dishes are made with local ingredients from surrounding farms. Our food was so flavorful and decadent, yet light and fresh.

I needed to cheers for the mountain views from our table, so I ordered a margarita! Something about Arizona makes me want to drink margaritas. It had tequila, pomm juice, Cointreau, lime juice, and grapefruit & orange bitters. So refreshing!

I highly recommend letting your server guide you through the menu. Whether you like corn or not, corn soup is an absolute must. It’s really flavorful and rich, so you can definitely share it. It comes with a queso fresco and a summer pico. I’ve never tasted anything like it. We found ourselves grabbing the bottom of the bowl with the fresh bread they placed on our table.

We ordered the organic green salads as a starter. The combo of the ingredients made it so light and refreshing! The salad had organic greens salad, chèvre, green apples, radishes, and hazelnuts.

The pan-roasted salmon was unmatched. Salmon is one of my favorite foods, but I don’t like it smoked, and a pan fried usually doesn’t spark my interest. But if it were pan-fried the way Chef Charles Wiley has it done in his kitchen, then I’d order it more often! The outside was so crispy, and the middle was flaky to perfection. The mustard hollandaise sauce paired perfectly with it, and the side of brussels sprouts and caramelized onion gnocchi topped off the dish nearly to perfection.

The BEST Dinner with Mountain Views Scottsdale Arizona

Kyle ordered the Niman ranch tenderloin of beef with a red wine demi, bleu cheese fondue, and truffled mash. We always try each other’s meals, so I can happily confirm that it was amazing! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I even tried the bleu cheese fondue, and it’s actually something I would order! I am not a bleu cheese person, but this tasted so soft and creamy! I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you order from Heart ’61. They obviously know what they’re doing back there!

We didn’t get much of a choice if we wanted dessert or not  Our server brought us out the most amazing dessert tray! It was absolutely art. It couldn’t have come at a better time because I was trying to decide whether I wanted something citrusy, chocolatey, or ice cream.

Our tray had three incredible desserts. We had a fudge brownie topped with buttered popcorn, mousse ganache, popcorn crumble, and an orange pop gastrique. We had a pina colada semifreddo with a rum-soaked coconut sponge, Brulee pineapple, granola, and caramel sauce. The last one was a fennel apple tart with brandy caramel, oat crumbles, and vanilla bean gelato. This dessert tray covered everything I was craving! My tastebuds were going wild with all the different flavors and textures. I can usually pick out a favorite dessert, but I couldn’t hear. Honestly, you’re better off just ordering all three of them. We had a fridge in our room, so we just brought the leftovers back with us!

Even if you don’t stay at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, definitely stop at Heart ’61 for dinner! The views are so worth it, and the food just speaks for itself.

 

  
The summertime in Scottsdale should be spent at the pool! Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale has an amazing pool with mountain views, cabanas, and poolside service! Want a drink but don’t want to leave the pool? Well, no problem! We were able to order margaritas and cucumber lemonade while floating around on a tube. And again, with the hospitality here, they were so nice and always checked in on you! Make sure to bring cash because they deserve all the tips in the world after running around in the heat.

Lunch in the Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort

I highly suggest renting a Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale for a morning/lunch day! We did an early morning hike and then headed down to the pool to cool off and relax for the day. The cabana has a t.v., a fridge, couches to lounge on, a fan, and drapes to block off the sun. It’s totally worth it! The pool is 75-foot and connected by a modern waterful feature in the middle. Its views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert make the scenery almost feel like a movie set!

For our poolside lunch, we ordered the organic greens salad, avocado toast loaded up with a poached egg on noble bread, roasted poblano, queso fresco, pickled onion, and watermelon radishes. We also had sliced fruit on the side! I love healthy and refreshing food when I’m at the pool, and the lunch menu was impressive. I mean, look at that avocado toast!

We ordered two of the lightest and most refreshing drinks on the menu, a classic margarita and the cucumber lemonade! You can also order frozen drinks too, but those are dangerous for me

We had so much fun hanging out at the pool! The Mountain Shadows Resort was a wonderful time, and we would stay there again in a heartbeat!
 
Another coffee shop? Oh yes! I will put together a separate blog with just Scottsdale Coffee shops to make navigating them easier, but it’s not an ultimate “simply taralynn” travel guide without coffee shops! We tried out Black Rock Coffee Bar, and it was delicious!

Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar was another spot recommended by readers! I’m so lucky to have you all hand over all the great suggestions, and they never disappoint. This coffee shop isn’t in Old Town, but it has parking, a drive-through, and so much indoor seating for escaping the heat.

We ordered a cold brew, an oat milk cappuccino with mocha, and a blueberry muffin! Super delicious, and I loved the flavor of the coffee!


Dining at FRANCINE in Scottsdale is a MUST! I’ve never seen anything like it. The airy luxury-french decor is stunning! The restaurant radiates the rustic charm of le midi, which is the homeland of celebrity chef-owner Laurent Halasz. If you have a Scottsdale trip coming up, open a new browser, grab the number, and make a reservation! Laurent and French-trained executive chef Brian Archibald have recreated signature dishes from the south of France. Growing up with fresh, seasonal, and flavorful dishes at home inspired Laurent Halasz to serve the same to guests at FRANCINE!

FRANCINE is located in the luxury wing of Fashion Square, so after a day of shopping at one of the largest malls, stop in for dinner and a drink! And if it’s not the summertime, I highly recommend sitting outside on the beautiful patio!

FRANCINE Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona

I kept seeing drinks with flowers on top as the waiter walked by. I told him I wanted one of “those!” It’s the French 75 Valensol Classic Cocktail! It was fruity and a bit on the sour side, which I loved!

We love starting with a salad to split when we’re out to dinner. We ordered the petite greens, and it came with roasted fennel, Roquefort, pecans, and a rosé vinaigrette. Super seasonal and light!

I don’t know what got into me, but I decided to order something completely out of my element. I ordered the Crab Ravioli. When Kyle said he was ordering the salmon, I knew I had to do something different. The crab ravioli had a powerful lemon flavor to it, and it paired perfectly with the savoryness of the seafood. The ravioli itself was impressively handmade with a perfect texture. Kyle’s Salmon Riviera came with an endive tatin and sweet potato. The Endive tatin was the star of the show! It was like eating a savory dessert for dinner. It was flaky and gooey all at the same time. YUM!

If you like cauliflower, you MUST order the Whole Cauliflower. Its presentation is enough to stop you in your tracks and make you forget whatever was about to come out of your mouth. It’s a giant fire-roasted cauliflower sitting on a bed of yogurt and flavored all over with dukkha!

We didn’t get dessert, but we probably should have. Maybe next time! We were just so full!

Funny story. I left all my makeup and hair products at home! It got put in the wrong car when we left the wedding, and I wasn’t going to get it in time for our flight out the next day. I just went to Ulta and grabbed some mascara, and my favorite Tarte-tinted moisturizer for the trip.

I didn’t realize how awful my hair was going to be in the Arizona heat, and after days at the pool, it was starting to get out of control. We kept driving past Dry Bar, and I knew I had to get it done for the last few days of the trip!

Dry Bar Phoenician

I know Dry Bar isn’t an Arizona staple, but I wanted to give you the idea of leaving your products at home and getting your hair done at Dry Bar instead. It’s a great way to explore the gorgeous Phoenician (which I NEED to stay next!!) It was a beautiful property, and I love how my hair turned out

Next up on the Coffee Shop agenda Sip Coffee & Beer!

This spot was so hip! It’s a smaller space inside, but you can tell this is where the regulars hang out. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and there were people reading books, working on laptops, and just hanging out. It has to feel good to own a coffee shop where people love to come and hang out on the regular. Even the staff called the customers by their names on multiple occasions as they walked up to the counter.

Sip Coffee & Beer in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Kyle and I found a spot at the end of a long communal table. We had the gluten-free apple loaf, an oat milk cappuccino (can you tell that was my go-to on this trip?), and Kyle had the Sip Coffee & Oat protein shake! It was terrific. It had Chocolate protein, almond milk, banana, oats, honey, peanut butter, and espresso! It would be an amazing on-the-go breakfast!

 

I hiked Camelback Mountain all the way to the top back in 2013! It was during October, so no matter what time of day you went, the heat wouldn’t kill you. To hike Camelback Mountain in the summer, you need to be on that trail by 4 am. We made it there at five and did about halfway up before feeling the heat. It’s incredible to see the dedicated athletes run to the top and back down. It’s not the easiest hike, so I’m always impressed! It is still stunning, and even if you don’t plan to hike it, visiting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is scenic enough! They have parking right by the trailhead but get there early to find yourself a spot. You may even be able to bike there depending on where you’re staying.

Hiking Camelback Mountain Scottsdale Arizona

Camelback Mountain is the first thing people think of when you mention Scottsdale. If you’re going to go on any hike, make sure this is it! There are two different trails to choose from, both a bit on the difficult side. There are rocks you’ll have to jump to, and there are animals that you may run into. Definitely wear thick shoes, and sunscreen, and bring water and snacks. The trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit with 360-degree views of the cities around it. It’s so worth it!

We stopped into Cartel Coffee Lab one afternoon while walking around Old Town Scottsdale. It gets so hot out while walking that it forces you to enter the stores, which I think is a great way to find new customers!

Wonderspaces

I loved the Light Leaks, Transition, and Killing Time. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but watching The Transition actually made me cry. The dog was so at peace, and the way it sat on the boat made you feel like that’s what heaven must be like for dogs. Art that makes you feel is the best kind of art!

We loved spending our afternoon at Wonderspaces, and I think it’s definitely worth it! Make sure to buy tickets and schedule your time a few days in advance!

Press Coffee Roasters was one of the first coffee spots we tried in Scottsdale. We just left the airport and needed coffee before heading to our resort. I ordered an oat milk Cortado, Kyle ordered the peanut butter shaker (cold brew organic agave & almond creamer), and we split an oatmeal raisin cookie! We were still on East Coast time, so we totally needed the pick-me-up after our flight.

Press Coffee Roasters

It’s right by the Fashion Square Mall, so we headed over there right after! I think Press was one of our favorite coffee shops we tried!

I totally know True Food Kitchen is in many different cities, but if you’re new to True Food, they have one in Scottsdale. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, and since we don’t have one in Charlotte, I HAD to stop in for lunch. After shopping Fashion Square, we ordered sparkling prickly pear tisane and prickly pear hibiscus lime sparkling water.

True Food Kitchen 

For our lunch, we had the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, with chicken sausage and crushed organic DiNapoli tomato, caramelized onion, zucchini, and almond ricotta. It was just as good as I remembered!

Kyle had the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl and it came with broccoli, rainbow carrot, bok choy, green bean, snap pea, mushroom, brown rice, avocado, and toasted sesame!

Notable spots in Scottsdale that you need to check out:

See’s Candies – We picked up a ton of chocolate for the plane ride home! They also threw in a ton of free samples.
Fashion Square Mall – It’s a mall, I know! BUT IT’S HUGE!
The Sugar Bowl – The cutest pink building with outrageous desserts.
Wine Girl – Such a cute spot!
Diego Pops – Our flight got bumped up, so I was sad when we had to cancel our reservation. I know it’ll be the first place we go to when we visit again.
Fat OX
Café Monarch
El Chorro: Apparently, they have THE BEST cinnamon rolls.
Craft 64: Amazing wood-fired pizza!
Self-Guided Wright Tour of Taliesin West – Audio tour of Wright’s personal home, studio, and architectural laboratory.
Scottsdale Museums– Contemporary Art, Museum of the West, Heard Museum, and more.
Arizona Rafting
Kayaking   I so want to do this next time! Maybe save this for a 4 am kayaking journey or a non-summer activity.

No matter what day, what time of year, or what kind of activity you’re looking for, there is ALWAYS something for everyone happening in Scottsdale, Arizona.

It’s been a while since the California coast road trip!  I’ve had this post sitting in my drafts for a few months, and I remembered about it when someone asked me yesterday if I had an itinerary for the road trip we went on. Traveling the coast of California was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Kyle and I have been talking about making the trip and visiting stops I missed. I’d also like to spend more time in Calistoga. We actually spent months doing research and creating the perfect itinerary! We wanted a little adventure, lots of views, healthy food, and cute hotels to stay in! I hope you enjoy this post, and I’d love to get some of your California recommendations in the comments! 

Our California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day One:
6:00 am wake up early and leave Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe travel guide)
7:00 am Breakfast at Driftwood Cafe
7:45 am Coffee for the road at Glazed & Confuzed
11:00 am arrive in Napa Valley/Calistoga California (Calistoga Guide)
12:00 pm Lunch at Evangeline
1:45 pm Bike Rental at Calistoga Bike Shope
2:00 pm wine tasting at Montelena
3:00 pm wine tasting & tour at Castello Di Amorosa
6:45 pm Dinner Sam’s Social Club
8:00 pm Drinks from lodge’s lobby by the pool & fireplace

Day Two:
6:00 am wake up early and drive to San Francisco (San Francisco Guide)
6:45 am Green smoothies @ Soul Rebel Coffee
8:00 am Golden Gate Bridge Photos @ Battery Spencer
8:45 am Coffee and GF/V danishes at Home Cafe
9:50 AM Pacifica State Beach
10:00 am Grey Whale Cove State Beach
12:00 pm to Half Moon Bay
1:45 pm to Davenport Pier(Abandoned pier with an old swing)
3:00 pm lunch at Old Port Lobster Shack
4:00 pm check into Chaminade Resort & Spa – Santa Cruz California
4:30 am Wine & pool
7:00 pm Dinner at Jack O’Neill Restaurant 

Day Three:
7:00 am Pack up and head to Windmill Cafe for breakfast (our order)
8:00 am Mr. Toot’s Coffeehouse (day 3 guide)
8:45 am Drive to Monterey, CA
9:40 am Point Pinos Lighthouse
10:30 am Start the 17-Mile Drive
11:45 am Head to Carmel by the Sea (Carmel Beach Gibson Scenic Spot)
12:30 pm Explore Carmel by the Sea Village
1:45 pm Lunch at Pacific’s Edge
2:45 pm Bixby Creek Bridge
3:00 pm Pfeiffer Beach
3:30 pm Big Sur River Inn (gas & gelato)
4:45 pm Hearst Castle
7:00 pm Hotel at Pismo Beach
8:00 pm Take-Out Dinner @ SeaVenture Beach Restaurant

Day Four:
7:00 am Coffee and pastries @ Scorpion Bay Coffee (travel guide for day 4)
8:00 am Ostrichland Usa to feed Ostriches
9:45 AM drive to Malibu, CA
11:45 AM Malibu Farms for lunch
1:00 pm Malibu Wine Safari
4:00 PM Santa Monica Pier
5:00 PM Head to brothers
7:00 PM Dinner and wine picnic on Manhattan Beach

Day Five:
8:00 am Bluey’s Cafe and Market for Breakfast
9:00 AM Canyon Drive Trail Hike to Hollywood Sign (L.A. Travel Guide)
11:00 AM Lunch at Cafe Gratitude
12:00 pM Rise n Grind Coffee & Juice bar for coffee
12:00 pM Walk of Fame Hollywood
1:30 PM Rodeo Drive
7:00 PM Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica for Dinner
9:00 PM Drinks @ Elephante

Day Six:
8:00 am for Breakfast at home
9:00 am jog to the beach for volleyball day
3:00 pm early dinner at True Food Kitchen

Day Seven:
8:00 am 4-Mile Run Manhattan Beach
9:00 am Coffee in Hermosa at Java Man Coffee House on the walk back
2:00 pm Late lunch at Sage Plant Bistro
3:30 pm Picked up healthy snacks for the red-eye flight home at Kreation.
6:00 PM Took the red-eye home!

Questions for you!

1 . What was the last road trip you took?
2. Have you ever traveled the coast of California?
3. Where do you want to visit next?

There will be two recaps up on the blog this week since I didn’t get around to posting one last week. Today, I’ll share photos from our trip to visit family in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was so much fun, and I was so happy to see the snow finally! We only get a light dusting that never sticks to the ground in South Carolina, so it was such a magical scene. It made me miss the big snowstorms back in Iowa. It’s funny; I took a poll on Instagram to see how many people loved the snow. I found that most people who loved the snow didn’t live in a place that had much snow, and the ones that didn’t like it lived in super cold wintery places. It’s one of those “you want what you don’t have” type of things. Kyle and I had roasted brussels sprouts, kale caesar salad, and bruschetta turkey burgers on Thursday night. We get them at our local grocery store and cook them up on the stovetop. I haven’t mastered cooking them without the fire alarm going off just yet. Aside from that, they taste so good! I can’t remember the brand name, but I’ll share it next time I pick them up. After dinner, I finished up watching season five of Married at First Sight and made a batch of homemade granola for Kyle’s sister and my brother (I love shipping it to him!) I packaged the granola in a tin I bought from Valentine’s day aisle at Walmart. I’m currently watching the newest season while also working my way back to season one. I love that show! On Friday morning, I ate the last low carb poppyseed muffin I made. I need to make another batch soon because they are soo good, and I love having them after my morning walks. I had Whole Food’s Sanoma chicken salad with seasoned kale, parmesan crisps, and a few protein Quest chips for lunch. Since making my closet more minimal, packing for trips is so much easier. Even when I get home from my trip and toss everything in the laundry, it’s so much. Easier to put things away. I used to leave my suitcase half unpacked for weeks. We took off around 4 pm and landed in New Jersey around 5:45 pm! It was such a smooth and quick flight. It went by so fast because I was reading my book club pick. I just finished that book this morning, and it was so cute! Kyle’s sister set up the sweetest decorations for my 30th birthday! She had beautiful balloons hanging as soon as we walked in, and the next surprise was sitting on the couch when we walked upstairs, his mom! She flew up to hang out with us for the weekend, too. We immediately got into our pajamas and ordered food from Sweet Green. We love that place, and I hope Charlotte gets one soon! I get their kale caesar salad with blackened chicken. Kyle likes their hot honey and pesto potatoes. And out the window, my low-carb diet went. We had the most delicious carrot cake baked from Derry Delights. If you live anywhere near Hoboken or NYC, you have to try her creations. The cakes are so beautiful, and she even hand-delivered them herself. I went back for seconds with no guilt whatsoever. I’m not bringing guilt into my 30’s with me. We hung around on Saturday with our sweet little niece, watching movies, drinking coffee, and catching up. Oh, and we had Sweet Green again because we love it. Did I already say that?
I was officially 30 years old on Sunday morning. Of course, I wanted my last year in my 20’s to look a lot different, but it’s hard to plan life around a pandemic. Traveling overseas, the wedding and other living things were put on hold, but there is only going up from here. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.

We decided to bundle up and take a walk to get coffee and breakfast in Hoboken. It was only 16-degrees outside, and at one point, I thought my feet were going to freeze off. We grabbed cappuccinos at Bwe Kafe, a cute little coffee shop in Hoboken. I can’t wait to visit again when the shops are fully open, and everything is back to normal. I know there’s a lot of exploring to do. Plus, I can’t enjoy exploration when it’s this cold.   

We decided to grab a birthday brunch at Anthony Davids. We heard the food was good, and they had seating under the heaters outside. Even though we sat under the heaters, it was still freezing. We used our scarves to wrap around our legs for warmth. It always gets so cold before a snowstorm. I ordered a decaf coffee, and it warmed me right up. For my meal, I ordered the poached eggs, avocado toast with bacon, and fresh fruit. It also came with an arugula balsamic salad that tasted so good!

We couldn’t stand to walk a mile back in the cold, so we ordered an uber. The numb toes could barely walk a block, and we are used to the high forties as our “cold.” Side note, I didn’t dress for the weather either. I’m sure I’d complain a lot less if I actually had pants on that kept my legs warm. Instead, I wore thin yoga pants that didn’t even reach my ankles. Kyle and I had a dinner reservation at Lokal Eatery for my birthday. It had waterfront views overlooking the NYC skyline. I was so excited!  The blizzard started as soon as we left for dinner. We started with a glass of Rutherford Hill Chardonnay and the Elliott Stubb cocktail. It was so good! It had yuzu juice, aguafaba, blueberry honey syrup verjus, blanc vermouth, bee pollen, and tequila.

We were supposed to be home a few days ago, but our flights kept getting canceled due to the huge snowstorm that swept through the city! It’s still currently snowing, but I think we’ll be on track for a morning flight home. I can’t lie; I was so excited when it started snowing. Kyle and I were sitting at dinner celebrating my birthday when the blizzard started. The views of new york city in the snow were absolutely stunning. Snowy days were my favorite as a kid because that meant no school and sledding!

I haven’t spent much time on the computer because we’ve been hanging out with family, but when I get home, I have so many fun blog posts for you! You can look out for the book club picks, a recap post from my 30th birthday, and a whole lot of recipes!

I figured I’d share some fun snow photos we took outside today before I head upstairs to finish our movie and have a delicious snowed-in takeout dinner with the family. I’ll share some of the outfit details at the end of the post if you’re interested     Outfit details | Boots | Jeans | Scarf | Beanie | Sweater

I hope you all have a great day, and I’ll be back tomorrow with a new blog post!

1. Do you love the snow? (i do when it’s rare!)
2. What’s your favorite part about snow days?
3. Favorite snowed-in meal?

What a long week it’s been. You know that feeling when you get back from a trip and you’re so tired and out of it? Well, that was me yesterday (and kind of today, too!) I had to push back my recap because my brain felt like mush.

Even though it was a long week, it was certainly a good one and one I had been looking forward to for the past few months! I only have a few weeks to decide whether or not I want to do Vlogmas this year. If you enjoy Vlogmas and want me to continue, please let me know in the comment section! It’s a lot more fun when people are just as excited about it. It’s a lot of work and time, so I’d love to know your thoughts before I commit. It wouldn’t be a proper recap post if I didn’t start it with a parfait!

While writing my recap post, I had a banana with candied cinnamon maple walnuts and vanilla yogurt. For lunch, I had a loaded juice with raspberries, lemon, ginger, carrots, cucumber, celery, water, and cayenne. Later in the evening, my neighbor and I fit in a quick walk around the neighborhood. It’s gorgeous right now with all the Fall colors. I had my salads all week long for dinner. I also had a few Applegate chicken nuggets to go along with it. No matter what kind of salad it is, I always have to have something with warmth too.

I will be posting this salad recipe tomorrow!
I was up bright and early to go vote on Tuesday morning. We had tried to do it last Saturday, but the line was five hours long. It was easier just to go vote in our district. We were in line at 6:30 am and the line wrapped around the building. It was so awesome to see so many people out to vote this year! I had a little insomnia case the night before and woke up at 2:30 am and could not fall back asleep. When this happens, I’m usually hungry ALL DAY long because my body needs energy. I try to have a big breakfast when I don’t have much sleep to keep me from snacking on everything in the house.

I had two English muffins with butter and jelly, a banana, yogurt, and eggs. That evening, I headed to the nail salon with my neighbor to get a Mani/Pedi! I needed to fit one in before the weekend. I knew it would be a long night, so I treated myself to big fat diet coke. Dinnertime was my meal prep salad and a turkey sandwich with all the vegetables. I tried my best to stay up and watch the elections, but I knew it wasn’t going to get called, so I headed to bed instead of fighting my heavy eyes! The wine put me to sleep fast.

Also, how has it been four years already? Kind of scary how fast time flies! I was so busy running around that this is the only photo I took on Wednesday. I had the most delicious salad ordered from one of our favorite restaurants, Spice! I always get their grilled salmon salad. We also had a side order of their pad thai. I love dinner with balance. I spent most of the day Thursday packing and trying my best to groom the boys! I did such a bad job, but it was hard with how much hair they had. The good thing is that they smell better  I’ll do round two next week to get all the wild pieces. I think if I keep up with it every two months, it’ll be a lot easier. I’ll also do a video next time because I had so many questions about the process.  I made a huge batch of my favorite granola on Thursday night to bring with us. We were up bright and early on Friday morning to get everything ready for our trip. We have the most amazing couple that dog sits for us!

We had been waiting for this weekend for the past two months. We had our vaccinations and stayed away from people for several weeks because we were so excited to meet our little niece (and yes, I know kyle and I won’t be married for another 205 days, but she’s still my niece!) This was my first flight since visiting my friend, Meighan, last January!

It felt so amazing to be able to travel again. Everything felt extremely safe. Our flight had 50% capacity, and the mask mandate is strictly forced. I finished up We Were Liars on the flights. It’s a super quick read, but a very good plot. I did not see the ending coming at all. We had the most amazing chicken kabobs for dinner on Friday night. I’ll be making these tonight because they were so good and we’ve been thinking about them since! The evening was so magical, being able to see the baby and hang out with family.  Morning coffee  The most delicious turkey burgers for lunch! We headed to Liberty State Park to walk along the water. It was stunning!  Whole Foods pizza and salad for dinner!  We watched Holidate on Saturday night, and it was cute!
It’s crazy what sleep is like without a 90-pound dog in your bed every night. I slept like a baby this weekend. Plus, the best part about the mornings was getting to snuggle with the baby. It definitely had Kyle and I excited about when it’s our time one day  The baby fever is real! Parfait for breakfast before walking the waterfront. We were so blessed with having 75-degree temps while we were there!    Aunt & Uncle!   We had Sweet green salads for a late-lunch before packing up and heading to the airport. And there is nothing better than dark chocolate almonds with coffee in the afternoon

We made it home around 8 pm on Sunday night, caught up on The Undoing (such a good show!), and headed straight to bed!

Now, time to go make those kebabs!! I will have a salad recipe tomorrow and a wedding update (gotta love being a covid bride) on Friday!!!

Questions for you!

1. Have any of your friends or family had to cancel their weddings in 2020?
2. Are you an aunt or uncle? (ahhh, it’s the best!!)
3. I need some Netflix Suggestions!
4. oh, and let me know about vlogmas!!

I am still in awe of the beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina. This town has skyrocketed to the top of my list of favorite places to visit. As soon as we left, I was already planning my next trip back. Beaufort is a small and charming southern town with friendly people, endless sites to see, and they have some of the most delicious restaurants with Lowcountry staples. My pants could barely button back up when we left. The scenery in Beaufort is jaw-dropping, especially while riding bikes in the back neighborhoods, where the trees are covered in Spanish moss and the marsh peaks around the big homes with its neon glow. Beaufort isn’t as crowded as its surrounding towns, and that’s why we loved it. It’s nestled right between Charleston and Savannah, places we visit often. We ended each night outside, relaxing on the porch, reading our books, and sipping wine while listening to the cicadas and katydids call out from the trees.
I always love sharing my weekend getaway travels with you all. I snapped some photos (ok, a lot of photos) throughout our trip to help make you feel as if you were traveling with us. I hope you have Beaufort written on your travel list as soon as you finish reading this blog. I promise you’ll love it. There are many places we missed while visiting Beaufort, which is a great reason to come back. I hope the places we visited have given you some inspiration for your feature trip to Beaufort, South Carolina. And there is also a small giveaway at the end of the blog!

Beaufort, SC, is located on Port Royal Island. The historic downtown is filled with popular restaurants, coffee shops, and some huge mansions! The town overlooks the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge.

The Rhett House Inn Bed and Breakfast

When you’re visiting towns in the south, staying in bed and breakfasts is the way to go. You won’t get the charm or small-town feel of staying outside the city in those chain hotels. It’s definitely worth the experience to stay cuddled up in a bed and breakfast. We like to feel like we’re at home while traveling. What makes the bed and breakfast even better is that they are usually within walking distance of everything.

Beaufort, South Carolina, has many bed and breakfast, and I can’t wait to come back and experience the others. Every time we visit Savannah, we always stay at a new bed and breakfast. It’s our travel tradition and the perfect excuse to always come back to a place we love. Sitting on the porch with the Spanish moss swaying back and forth in the sun’s shadows is something you’ll only get at a bed and breakfast.

We stayed at the Rhett House Inn bed and breakfast. On the first night, we stayed in the main house in a room that leads out to this ginormous porch. The second night, we stayed in their New Castle house, which was gorgeous, and I’ll share more photos towards the end of this post. The Rhett House Inn was such a cozy stay, which I always strive for on trips. The staff was lovely, and their location was just a block away from the downtown area.

Where to stay in Beaufort South Carolina | Bed and Breakfast Beaufort SC

The porch outside our bedroom window wrapped around the front of the house. A hammock filled the corner, and it’s where I fell asleep on the first night after too much red wine during Kyle’s birthday dinner. The house was tranquil, and it almost felt like we were the only ones there the entire time. The way the trees sat next to the house was something out of a painting. I kept having the urge to reach out and feel the Spanish moss to make sure it was all real. A fun fact about our room is that Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbra Streisand once stayed there. Many movies have been filmed in Beaufort, which is no surprise as it looks picture-perfect. Some of the celebrities that have stayed at the Rhet House Inn are Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Blythe Danner, and many more. Something I love about bed and breakfasts is that they offer the most delicious breakfasts and evening hors d’oeuvres. Homemade sweet tea and lemonade are offered throughout the day, and there’s nothing better than a glass of sweet lemonade to cool you off after walking outside in the southern humidity. Wine and dessert are offered later in the evening, and it’s the perfect time to chat with strangers from all over the country. After settling in, we got ready for Kyle’s birthday dinner.

I heard dinner on the front porch at Anchorage 1770 is something you must experience, and oh boy, were they right. 

Anchorage 1770 -The Ribaut Social Club

The Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 was a block from our bed and breakfast and the perfect way to start our weekend getaway. I made sure to make a reservation a week to ensure we had a spot outside on the porch. You won’t want to miss the sunset over the marsh while eating appetizers and sipping wine. The view is breathtaking; no photo or video could do it justice. It’s something you’ll have to experience with your own eyes.

We chatted with a couple who had been coming to Beaufort for the past twenty years and shared all the hidden gems with us. It pays off to chat with locals and frequent visitors to get the inside scoop on where to visit.

The menu changes seasonally, so what I ordered may not be on the menu when you visit. I do hope it is, though, because it was unbelievable. The chef shops around at local markets to make sure every ingredient is fresh and in season.

I started my meal with a delicious starter salad with farm-fresh vegetables and the blackened snapper for my entre. If licking the plate clean was socially acceptable, I would have done it. Each bite was even better than the first. There were so many flavors hidden all over the plate that I impatiently craved the next bite before finishing the first. I’m dreaming of that meal right now.

They brought out peanut butter tiramisu for Kyle’s birthday, which was incredibly sweet (no pun intended) of them.

Do yourself a favor, and make a reservation at The Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 for dinner. It’s incredibly romantic, and I believe your trip to Beaufort won’t be completed until you experience it.

Where to eat in Beaufort, South Carolina 

City Java at City Loft Hotel 

I’m an early riser, which means sleeping in consists of waking up at 6:30 am for me. The breakfast and coffee at the inn didn’t start until 9 am, but that’s when I’m usually dressed and ready to start my day, so I headed over to the City Java at City Loft Hotel to grab our coffee each morning. It’s a short walk, and there’s nothing prettier than walking the back streets lined with Spanish moss in the quiet morning before the sun rises.

When you walk into the coffee shop in the morning, prepare yourself for the aroma of fresh cinnamon muffins coming out of the oven and freshly brewed coffee. Kyle loved their iced caramel macchiatos, and I loved their Sumatra roast. I also picked up some fresh bananas, oats, and muffins to have with coffee out on the porch. The City Java definitely saved my coffee-less mornings! I don’t know what I would have done with my hours without it. I wonder if I’ll be like that my entire life, but if I don’t have my morning coffee as soon as I wake up, my day is usually doomed. 

Riding Bikes around Beaufort 

One of my favorite things to do while traveling is riding bikes. I think it’s the best way to explore and save your feet from unwanted blisters. Our bed and breakfast provided bikes for guests, which was such a nice touch. We biked around the area for several hours in awe of all the houses and waterfront views. We took a map of Beaufort and tried to stop at all the historical spots and read a bit about the area. I know they have tours for that, but it’s more fun to go at your own pace, and the satisfaction when you find a point on the map makes it worth it. 

Low Country Produce 

After riding around for several hours, we officially burned off the bottle of wine we shared and our dinner from the night before. That only meant it was time to fill back up with a delicious brunch!

The couple from the night before had told us about Low Country Produce and how it’s a Beaufort staple. I was so excited to check it out, especially with the appetite we worked up from biking around.

We parked our bikes outside and headed in to grab a table. The wait was a little long, but that’s expected on a Saturday morning. We could have sat outside without a wait, but we were craving the air conditioning.

The interior of this place was absolutely adorable, and it reminded me so much of my grandma’s home that it gave me nostalgia. If you remember my trip back home to Iowa, then you saw my grandma’s green kitchen and the exterior of her home, and I couldn’t help but compare the two. This spot was ginormous, and you can grab food to go or dine in. The dishes they used for their meals were such a nice signature touch.

First off, the coffee was wonderful. The flavor and boldness were to my liking, and I had way more than I needed. Kyle and I had split a side of eggs, potatoes, and the eggs benedict over grit cakes with a side of fresh fruit. This breakfast was mouthwatering…

This is another spot I beg of you to add to your Beaufort itinerary.

Lowcountry Produce for Breakfast Beaufort South Carolina

Never Moore Books

Right around the corner from Low Country Produce, there is a charming book store called Never More Books. Kyle and I have been going through books so fast lately, so it was the third bookstore we went into during our trip. This store was a lot of fun to explore, and it had such a funky and spooky decor vibe going on. We purchased a new book for the evening and then headed on our bicycles back to the bed and breakfast. 

Hunting Island State Park & Light House

It was about a thirty-minute drive to Hunting Island State Park. If you’re looking for a fun activity or a beach day, this is your spot! It’s a small fee to get into the park, but our bed and breakfast offered complimentary passes (another benefit of staying at the inn)

As I mentioned above, if you’re visiting Beaufort and are craving a beach day, pack your coolers and beach bags and head to Hunting Island. It offers a private beach right next to the lighthouse, and there is a lot of parking. They have fishing areas, biking trails, walking trails, and more. My favorite part was the lighthouse, but also seeing the sea turtle nests. It makes my heart so happy when there are so many nests there.

You can make reservations to climb the lighthouse, but we’ll save that for next time! 

Low Country Cider & Superior Coffee

On the drive back, you’ll drive by Low Country Cider & Superior Coffee. It’s a cute spot, so you may wonder if you should stop; take it from me, definitely stop! I needed an afternoon pick me up. When I’m traveling, I crave 3x the amount of coffee and sweet treats than when I’m home. Plus, I love trying things while traveling, so I don’t mind the extra cravings.

The little store was adorable. Along with the coffee shop, they had so many gifts, baked goods, and cute tables to sit at. Their baked goods case was filled with anything you could dream of.

I ordered an almond milk cappuccino, and Kyle had a turkey croissant sandwich with potato salad. I certainly helped him eat the potato salad (my fave), and we picked up a blueberry muffin for later in the evening.

Oh, boy, did that hit the spot, and it was enough to keep us satisfied until our pizza picnic. 

New Castle Rhett House Bed and Breakfast

We moved our stuff into our second room for the night. This time, we were staying in the New Castle House at the Rhett Bed and Breakfast. The New Castle has its own kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, living room, and private screened porches. It would be the perfect spot to stay with your family or friends on a trip to Beaufort.

On our second night, we spent sunset until midnight outside, reading our books, drinking wine, and having the best time together. I feel I’ll be retiring to a town like this one day because I didn’t want to leave. 

Picnic by the Marsh with Hearth Wood Fired Pizza 

We found a quiet spot by the water to lay out a blanket and have dinner together during the sunset. I’ve come to love picnics this past year and will jump to the occasion whenever I get the chance. We picked up wood-fired pizza, a Caprese salad, and chicken wings from Hearth Wood Fired Pizza and Eatery, located in downtown Beaufort.

The weather was cool under the shade tree and breezy from the waterfront winds. I finished my glass of rosé with my Caprese salad while we watched the boats go by and even had a few duck friends stop over to say hello. They were disinterested as soon as we let them know that we couldn’t feed them pizza. 

Southern Sweets Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop

An ice cream cone should accompany every picnic. We stepped into this funky and colorful ice cream parlor that resembled a diner and picked out an ice cream cone to share while walking the waterfront.

Mint chip and sprinkles for the win!

There are many ice cream shops, chocolate chips, candy stores, and coffee places that we are going to try out next time. Two days isn’t enough in Beaufort. After our ice cream cone, we walked back to our bed and breakfast to relax outside on the porch. 

Breakfast at Plums Restaurant

We were up bright and early on Sunday morning. We wanted to have breakfast, pack up, and head out to our next adventure. We headed to Bluffton later that day but had a few plans for the morning before taking off.

We stopped at Plums Restaurant for breakfast on Sunday morning. Not many things are open Sunday, but luckily, we found a delicious spot near the water. I had their avocado toast with balsamic, tomatoes, fresh fruit, and two over-medium eggs. Kyle ordered their breakfast tacos.

The food was really fresh and delicious! 

Beaufort Kayak Tours

Even though Beaufort is charming and quaint, adventure does await. I highly recommend the Beaufort Kayak tours with Teri and Jim. We signed up for the Hunting Island Sandbar tour but can’t wait to come back and do the marsh tour with them as well. Not only is the kayaking fun and great activity, but you’ll learn so much about the islands and the history of Beaufort/Fripp Island along the way.

Jim and Teri were the best tour guides you could as for. Teri has some impressive kayaking skills and took the time to help anyone who needed assistance. Whether it’s your first time kayaking or 100th, you’ll for sure enjoy the ride out to the sandbar. There was even a three-year-old out on the kayak if that makes anyone feel less intimidated!

The BEST thing happened to us while we were out paddling. We encountered so many dolphins that you could practically hear my heart screaming with excitement. I love dolphins so much, and it was such an unexpected gift to have them come up to the kayaks to say hello.

After paddling out to the sandbar, they gave us a quick history lesson about Huntington Island and had us keep a lookout for some native creatures out on the sandbar. We spent a good half hour out there before heading back. 

Wren Bistro & Bar Market

We were starving by the time we made it back to Beaufort. Before making the 45-minute drive to Bluffton, we decided to stop at Wren Bistro and Bar Market for lunch. I ordered the chicken salad with fresh fruit, and WOW, did that hit the spot. The chicken salad was so good, and I think I’ll try to replicate that recipe for lunch this afternoon.
I know we missed so many spots like the Magnolia Bakery (update, I went there!), Herban Market and Cafe, The Beaufort Inn (update, I stayed there!), The Chocolate Tree, Common Ground (update, I went there!), and so much more. If you’ve ever been to Beaufort and you have recommendations, leave them in the comments so I can make sure to stop the next time I’m there, which will hopefully be soon!

We were so sad to leave Beaufort, but I know what to look forward to when returning.

I hope this Beaufort travel guide can inspire you to explore Beaufort soon! & if you do, make sure to tag me in your photos! As soon as the world goes back to normal, I think it would be fun to host girls’ trips/retreats with readers in small towns in the south. I want so many of you to experience this magical place! It may be something I can look into

Questions for you!

1. Have you ever been to Beaufort, SC?
2. What is your favorite activity to do on small-town weekend getaways?
3. Bed and breakfast or Hotel?