Moz Takes Williamsburg, VA – A Dog’s Travel Guide

Moz went on her first vacation with us! We took a road trip to Williamsburg, Virginia for an extended family trip – and – Moz tagged along for all of the fun. Luckily we were able to prepare for dog-friendly activities and spots to bring her ahead of our trip, we just didn’t have the best weather to enjoy all of the outdoor patios, so we bundled up and Moz rocked her way too cute plaid rain coat all week.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect spot to get your pup plenty of exercise, while also getting a little history lesson! There is plenty of green space, lots of other pups, and plenty of space to walk and explore this quaint little pocket of history. We stopped here two separate times outside of our Spooks & Legend’s tour, to explore and take in the sights.

Spooks & Legends is also a dog-friendly evening activity that walks through Colonial Williamsburg. We took a nearly 2-hour tour that shared urban legends, ghostly sightings, and history that have happened over the years. Moz was a trooper, even on a chillier night and kept up with the group!

Pro-Tip: If you’re heading with your pup, you can access Colonial Williamsburg from the Merchant Square area, there is a parking garage on N. Henry that is a direct connection to entering Colonial Williamsburg, plus it’s affordable and walkable to the rest of Merchant Square. You can also park and walk from the Visitor Center (which is also dog friendly!), it’s just a bit longer of a hike to get to Colonial Williamsburg compared to entering from Merchant Square.

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DOG-FRIENDLY Food & Brews

Amber Ox Public House. My only regret is that we didn’t get back here for another meal! We grabbed Sunday brunch here, they had a great covered patio that had turf on the floor too, which was super dog friendly.

Craft 31. This was such a score, especially with the cold weather we were experiencing during our trip, they have a covered/enclosed patio that is heated and it was SO lovely! They were dog friendly, and brought Moz a dog bowl full of water.

Copper Fox Distillery. Another indoor score, with the cutest copper dog bowls and delicious cocktails. We could’ve spent the entire afternoon here sipping on luscious cocktails, chatting while being able to have Moz with us.

A few other spots that we enjoyed, however, weren’t necessarily the best against the cold and rainy elements were Precarious Brewery and Aromas – luckily we had blankets. Precarious did have outdoor heaters that did the trick, but it was still damp and chilly! Billsburg Brewery near closer to Jamestown had a nice covered/enclosed patio, this brewery also has nice waterfront views and is definitely dog friendly.

Traveling with a pup, especially with crappy weather isn’t exactly ideal — but we made the most of it and still had fun. The weather was definitely a swift introduction to fall, and Moz was a trooper the whole trip, from the 8-hour car drive to day-long adventures including brunch, and exploring Colonial Williamsburg and the gorgeous Merchant Square. If you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg with your four-legged friend, try to plan for warmer weather, however I will say, I loved the “off-season” vibe and can’t imagine how crowded it gets in the Summer months!

See our full highlight reel on Williamsburg, VA.

Travel: Williamsburg, VA

B and I got to explore another new city together – which is honestly always one of my favorite things, and the best part is we even brought Moz! So, since we’re fresh off a road trip from historic Williamsburg, Virginia — here are a few highlights from our trip.

Copper Fox Distillery

This was such a lovely and unexpected treat. First of all, Moz was allowed inside – which was a lovely break from the chilly, damp rain. Second of all, it’s in an old hotel and you enter the bar through a hidden bookcase door, situated in the entry way with a gorgeous chandelier and stunning fireplace. Third, the cocktails were incredible – I wish we would’ve stayed a bit longer to enjoy another one! Shout out to the Real Housewives of Potomac for having Copper Fox Distillery on their show during their Williamsburg trip, because it was definitely worth the trip. They have snacks and charcuterie boards, so definitely eat a bit before or plan for after so you can enjoy the cocktails or a tasting flight!

We also loved Amber Ox Public House, it is a must-visit. We went for brunch, which was amazing – and were really hoping to get back for dinner but it didn’t work out, but the menu looked incredible, so definitely check out Amber Ox, the staff was beyond friendly and this was a dog-friendly spot too!

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Colonial Williamsburg

Once we got our bearings, exploring Colonial Williamsburg was easy and something we added into multiple days of our trip when we had the time or wanted to get Moz some exercise. Most of this is outdoors, so definitely plan for the weather – but if you’re dog-less you can go inside the various houses or take other tours with different passes. Otherwise, Colonial Williamsburg is free and open to walk at your leisure and accessible directly from Merchant’s Square — which is definitely where you should park if you want to just jump in and out vs. a day-long tour.

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Caves, Ghosts & Family, Oh My!

This is the catch-all for the rest of the trips highlights! One new experience was going to a Himalayan Salt Cave at the Williamsburg Salt Spa – it was a 45-minute therapeutic session that has a lot of health benefits, the family went in two groupings and all seemed to like it! Another fun, group activity was the Spooks & Legend’s evening tour through Colonial Williamsburg, it was definitely an interesting and fun experience. Travel with extended family always comes with it’s baggage, but it was mostly fun with birthday celebrations and old stories that made us all laugh until we cried – those are the fun memories that I’ll hold tight from this trip in addition to all the new experiences with Moz and B.

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That’s a wrap on Williamsburg! Had the weather been a little nicer I know we would’ve enjoyed a few more patios, breweries, and maybe even a hike or two — but we were able to get in a handful of historic spots, delicious eats, and a bit of family fun.

Traveling with you pup? See how Moz took Williamsburg by storm with a dog’s travel guide to the city!

48 Hours in Miami

Itching for a little getaway? Here’s what to do, and what not to do if you’re spending 48 hours in Miami. Our impromptu weekend trip to Miami was driven around the purpose of going to see Lady Gaga’s Chromatica tour and last stop at that. So please enjoy this travel guide that is written with some dry humor based on the roses and thorns from our recent trip.

What to Do in Miami

Stay in South Beach. 100% no questions asked and on Ocean Drive. The vibe from Ocean Drive to Collins Ave is like night and day. I’m so glad we stayed on the western part of South Beach just off Ocean Drive at the Marriott Stanton.

Book a Hotel with Amenities, on the Beach. If we didn’t want to, we honestly didn’t have to leave our hotel. We had direct beach access, a private pool, a top-notch sushi restaurant, Starbucks, a bar, and a cantina restaurant (& a gym, but we didn’t entertain that life in our 48-hours). What more do you need? Oh, I’ll tell you, complimentary margaritas (2 each), complimentary beach chairs, and prime walking to the beach and the rest of Ocean Drive. The only complaint was the wait for the elevator, so we just got more exercise with the stairs!

Go to Gianni’s at the Mansion. Gianni Versace’s mansion located right on Ocean Drive is a must, from the atmosphere to the food it was an incredible experience. Interested? Check out my guide to Gianni’s to see more!

Stop by the Palace for a Sidewalk Show. As we were headed back from our Versace’s lunch, we were in the midst of a free and insane drag show at the Palace, we of course stopped, hooted and watched — but that would be an experience and the mimosas were definitely flowing!

Buy J. Crew Swim Suits. This isn’t really to do with Miami, but something to do before you come. At the age of 32, I finally appreciate buying a decent swimsuit… my life has been changed.

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What NOT to Do in Miami

Don’t Go To a Concert at Hard Rock Stadium. Enough said, just salty.

If You Do… Drive Yourself & Check the Radar. Honestly, you need a game plan for escaping (either before the crowd or on your own terms with a car strategically parked somewhere far away). Also, if there is any chance of a storm or inclement weather, let’s hope your seats are in Section 300 and that it won’t interfere with your show/event. ICYMI – Gaga postponed her concert due to ‘inclement weather’ for 2.5-hours gave false hope of restarting, only to cancel completely with 4 songs left with continued lightening (after we already sat in the stadium during a horrible storm for 2.5 hours…) #StillSalty

Don’t take the 6AM Flight. Because no one likes waking up at 3:30am to get to the airport. Our last few trips we’ve been spoiled with late-night flights in (which we did on our way to Miami) or mid-afternoon/evening flights home. We booked the 6am flight in hopes of getting home early, but with delays and just not being worth it just book the late flight and take the extra PTO, you’ll just be happier and won’t be disappointed when you don’t get home early. Also; wear a parka in Miami International Airport – because it is an ice box and horrible.

Don’t walk 40-minutes to Brunch After a Gaga Let Down in 80-degree heat & humidity. Need I say more? Just pick a different place, or take the Uber – maybe decide to walk home, but definitely not there.

Overall our 48-hours in Miami were filled with yummy drinks, pool time (& drinks by the pool), and walks along the beach or Ocean Drive. We obviously went there for a reason, and everything else was a bonus – plus it was a new city for B and I to explore together, so that is always a priceless memory to add to our scrapbook. ❤️

A Guide to Gianni’s at Versace Mansion

We were lucky enough to score a reservation at Gianni’s at the Villa aka Gianni Versace’s Mansion right on Ocean Drive in South Beach. We low-key love Versace, and not for the fashion and even have an 80’s themed Versace playlist that we listen to often, so this was one of the first things we planned as soon as we had our flights and hotel booked. So the first tip in the guide to Gianni’s at Versace Mansion is to book your reservation (conveniently on OpenTable) as soon as you know you’re going to be in Miami! We booked about a month out, and that was in more of the “off season.”

TIp #2 – Order a Signature Cocktail

The cocktails are a must, at $20 a piece you definitely just have to go all in and embrace it. Our cocktails did not disappoint in presentation or taste! B got the 24 Karat Golden Margarita with orange juice and gold flakes and I got the Passion in the Mansion which was passion fruit vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and prosecco! Sooo yummy! I also think they somehow make these with a delayed buzzed effect, because it definitely hit a bit after the fact.

Tip #3 – Opt For Lunch

Going for lunch is an “affordable” option to enjoy this special and incredibly detailed landmark. The lunch is a set $34 per person that gives each person an appetizer, entree, and dessert – which was more than enough food for us and all delicious. I got the Gianni Salad with baby arugula, cherry tomato, avocado, onions, cucumber and lemon dressing – for my entree I went with the Faroe Island Wild Salmon pan seared, served with carrots and broccoli. B ended up getting the Octopus Carpaccio for his appetizer (which was an $8 up-charge) – and for his entree, he ordered the Chicken a la Rotisserie, oven roasted with demi glaze and roasted potatoes. For dessert, we shared the brownie and a fresh fruit plate. The dinner menu looks amazing, so that will be a must for our next visit, but definitely more expensive.

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Tip #4 – Stop for the Photo Opt

I am pretty sure people were taking photos in front of the iconic The Thousand Mosaic Pool nearly the whole time we enjoyed our lunch – but don’t let that shy you away from jumping up and getting your own shot of the pool or in front of it – people had no shame, so neither should you, cause it is SO PRETTY and iconic! Other guests and even the staff are willing to snap a few shots (& I’m pretty sure the staff doesn’t even think twice about it either). Besides the mosaic pool, the staircase leading down is also unbelievable (see first photo above) – so I say stop for a photo opt there too, as it definitely more overlooked, but still has incredible mosaic detail as most of the outdoor space has.

There is also a little bar off the main atrium and outdoor dining that is so cozy, we wanted to stop back for a drink but didn’t make it into the rest of our weekend trip. Also, the front is pretty lackluster (whoops, I said it) you’re greeted by the hostess’, and other guests so you can’t really enjoy it – to best view the magnitude of the estate, cross the street to soak it in. There is something about being on the very steps where Gianni was killed, once such a private spot turned the main entry to a very popular spot. But to end on a more positive note, this was definitely a highlight of our trip from the food and drinks to the incredible architecture of this iconic home – it was truly a treat!

Travel: Palm Springs Hikes

After four years, we made it back to one of our favorite spots: Palm Springs/Palm Desert, California. This trip was the first time we would be there for an entire week, normally we would just stay for 4-5 nights – which honestly is also plenty – but the extra few days for us was definitely a treat.

Since we were staying longer, I wanted to venture outside of our normal PSP vacay routine (which is eat, pool, drink on repeat) and find some hikes to venture out to. Indian Canyons was the first thing that stood out and often a handful of different hikes, plus it’s not far from downtown Palm Springs. And then I wanted to venture out to Joshua Tree Park, since it’s so widely talked about, but we’ve never officially gone – I found this neat Ladder Canyon Hike in Painted Canyon that looked super cool. Spoiler; we didn’t make it out to JTP – our desert-dwelling friends suggested another free hike, that was closer and thought we would enjoy more.

Selfie from the Josie Johnson Vista Park via the Carl Lykken Trail

Murray Canyon Hike

This is labeled as a moderate 4.7 mile hike and is an in and out hike. It cost us $26 to get into the ‘park’ which we were only expecting to pay $10 – so I was a little surprised about that, but the Murray Canyon Hike was worth it. If you want to make a day of it, I’d probably try to plan another hike to get a little more of your money’s worth, as we did not do that.

With temps supposed to get up into the mid-80’s, we made sure to get an early start, which isn’t hard since we were operating on East Coast time. We started our hike just before 9am, which was perfect because we beat the crowd. I would suggest 8:15 or 8:30am if you really want to get a jump on everyone. It took us an hour in and an hour back to complete this hike. It was definitely magical with little ‘air conditioned’ sections through palm tree jungled oasis with streams and mini canyons. There was also so scaling and parts of the trail that were a bit questionable, luckily we caught up with some people to mimic the way.

The end of the trail was just so lackluster – but the journey there is really what you should focus on, stop and soak in. You miss a lot of the same magic on the way out since you’re going the opposite way. But there were some incredible spots, especially the biggest waterfall.

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Carl lykken trail (free)

This hike was recommended by our desert-dwelling friends, as it was right behind where they used to live! This free hiking trail is easy to spot, as you can count on a handful or more cars parked along the roadside at the trailhead. We definitely were underprepared for this hike, as we decided to keep going, beyond part 1 which was a short 40-minute steep incline to a picnic area known as Simonetta Kennett Vista Point. This first part was pretty much all uphill, had steep drop-offs while you scaled stone vs. dirt for a majority of the path. We wanted a bit more, so we kept going an additional 2-miles. 🙃 That part of the hike was fairly boring compared to part 1, and didn’t add for much more of a view, but got us additional steps and exercise! This hike is not shaded at all, so wear a hat, dose your body in sunscreen and pack a water bottle.

We ended up venturing to the Josie Johnson Vista Park, before heading back the way we came. Our hike ended with a total of 6-miles and 1,726 elevations climbed. Let me tell you, the mountains around Palm Springs are simply stunning – B and I definitely have a thing for mountain towns. Going down part 1 from the Simonetta Kennett Vista Point to the Lykken Trailhead, was tough on the toes as it is almost all downhill and steep!

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Both hikes were super unique and really cool. The Murray Canyon trail took you through a magical desert oasis with views to soak in along the road – while the Carl Lykken Trail offered sprawling views of Palm Springs and the surrounding rolling mountains.

Looking for more Palm Spring adventures and mile long views? Check out my guide for visiting Palm Springs Aerial Tram (note this was written pre-pandemic and doesn’t include any new rules/restrictions). Happy desert living!

32 (Belated) Birthday Reflections

I had full intentions of getting this post up on my birthday, 11 days ago – but I embraced our desert vacay and shut off from all personal and professional work (at least 95% of it!).

And it felt so good.

One resounding reflection I had during my birthday week and over our Palm Springs vacay was just how necessary a trip like that is, for everyone – and just how good for the soul it is. And as much as I’ve always tried to do more that is good for the soul, it wasn’t until I was sitting poolside without a care in the world that I realized this was the ultimate good for the soul moment.

This past year I feel like I’ve made leaps and bounds in prioritizing my anxiety, mental and physical health – and I’ve noticed the resounding change in just feeling better. Although trust me, there are still plenty of weak and challenging moments – I know my anxiety is always looming in the shadows. Perfect example, on our travel home from our super relaxing and perfect trip – we had a layover, the airport was packed with people and I was instantly overcome with chest pain and anxiety which stayed with me for the rest of our travel and even into the next day being home. The switch flipped from vacay back to reality and my anxiety was right there to welcome me home.

But as I reflect on all those good moments from the vacay week, I just felt so content on my birthday and looking ahead. I want to continue riding the 2022 wave, do things we want to do, not be afraid, and start living life again – and continue to choose and prioritize those good for the soul moments. I also want to not be afraid to share my voice, opinions, grow confidence in myself, the decisions I make – and honestly stop caring so much what other people think (it’s really hard!). I hope 32 brings on lots of hosting in our new kitchen, slow moments and soaking life in. ☀️🌴🍹

To be able to spend a week in paradise with B, my person, was simply incredible. I felt beyond blessed, grateful and was so spoiled all week and had the best time taking a break from life, kitchen renovations, and the last 2-years.

Book the trip, rent the mustang, and order another cocktail. Here’s to 32! 💜🎉

Travel: Palm Springs Eats – part 2

One of our favorite things about travel and Palm Springs is all the good eats, cute restaurants, and different memories we create along the way. I will say, eating out in Palm Springs adds up quickly, I feel like everything is a minimum of $18 and goes up from there – another reason to make this trip a 4-5 day vacay instead of a full 7-days! But honestly, we never regretted any meals and got to try out a few new spots, while returning to our old favorites.

A few weeks before our travel to PSP, they dropped their dining in mandates/requirements – so we were able to enjoy a pre-covid kind of life, even though the next best thing about dining in Palm Springs is you can basically sit outdoors anywhere you go!

gigi’s – best experience

Gigi’s was our first dinner in Palm Springs – and honestly, it was incredible. As soon as we were seated by the hostess and offered complimentary champagne (to which we said, yes please) – the experience was great, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was intimate and magical. Not to mention the service was so attentive and on point – we were so well taken care of by our server and the rest of the staff.

The cocktails were tasty and had their own unique twist. I ordered the How Cosmopolitan and it came out yellow but was so tasty and refreshing, I had to order a second one! B ordered Gigi’s Martini that was served with crispy fried olives – we have never seen that before and it was definitely a yummy treat. When we get back to Gigi’s I definitely want to try the Tea Snack Tower that they offer for their Hors D’oeuvres – because everything on that list looks unbelievable. We had the GiGi’s Onion Dip Bacon Powder with Waffle Chips and Caviar and the Pig In a Blankey Wagyu Beef Sausage with a Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Puree, Wellington-Style, served with a pink truffle mustard aioli (pictured bottom right). I ordered the Wedge Salad for my main dish, while B got the Charred Broccoli Waldorf salad and Crispy Brick Jidori Chicken, everything was amazing. Honestly, our only complaint was the Brussel Sprouts, they were not crispy and only offered big pieces of bacon. I’d love to try their brunch out next time we visit also, but 10 out of 10 at Gigi’s for us.

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returning favES

In & Out Burger – We love this west coast chain. From the atmosphere, amazing customer service with friendly faces, double cheeseburgers, and animal fries – we had to hit up this favorite twice while we were in Cali. Not to mention we love supporting companies who don’t buckle to corporate America and the backward narrative.

Wilma & Frieda’s – This is another favorite, especially for brunch. We actually ate here three times – once at the downtown Palm Springs location and twice in the El Paso, Palm Desert location, which we prefer for the views and neighborhood. Ordering their homemade biscuits is a must! We also got to try some of their bakery treats, the W&F Bar was brought out to celebrate my birthday and it was incredible, we also tried their strawberry pop tart and that was incredible too. They also serve delicious and reasonably priced mimosas!

Tropicale – Another incredible spot with a great atmosphere, drinks, and delicious food. The way to go here is definitely small plates to share with the table – although the entrees are also delicious. Heading here early for a happy hour cocktail is also a great go-to, but reservations are a must as they fill up fast! The inside is definitely sexy, but the outdoor space is magical and pink.

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Honorable mentions

Copley’s in Palm Springs – This is where we dined for my birthday dinner. Copley’s is known for its incredible and spacious outdoor dining space and offers mountain views. The garden walled entryway is a dreamy welcome and the trees throughout are also magical, as the sunset, the lights lit the patio for a truly intimate evening – luckily we could see our dinner! We started with the Chicken and Lemongrass Pot Stickers to share at the table, they were great. From there, B ordered the Ahi Tuna Special, which he loved and I got the Charred-Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop (pictured below). My favorite part of this, however, was being surprised with our desserts being lit with gold glitter candles that B snuck to the waiter for my birthday – I was so surprised, it was awesome!

The Pink Cabana – This is probably the cutest place we ate at and an influencer’s dream for those in-feed photos. Our family friends also picked and arranged this spot for us. I give the Pink Cabana mixed reviews. The champagne selection wasn’t my fave (but that is kind of a problem in California, IMO), and the appetizers weren’t the best – also sitting outside was great, but once it got dark we couldn’t even see our food, also our server wasn’t the greatest, I think we were too much fun for him. The main courses were however incredible, I got a Wagyu steak special that was served with mushrooms, broccolini, and sweet potatoes. B got the Pescatarian Tagine and only wished there was more of it – he also ordered the Hot to Trot cocktail which he enjoyed, but wished it was a little more spicey!

Starbucks Reserve – We of course had to stop at the Starbucks Reserve in downtown Palm Springs. Steps away from the Marilyn Monroe statue, we had no clue what to expect, but it was pretty cool. I was not expecting craft coffee cocktails (sans alcohol) basically – B ordered The Melrose, which was a cold brew shaken with cherry bitters, and topped with Bordeaux cherries (see the first photo, on the right).

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Since being home we’ve gotten back into our gut-healthy eating lifestyle, but as I mentioned we love exploring and trying new food when we travel. From the endless patios, views, trendy spots, and unique food dishes we are always here for it.

B was definitely on an ahi tuna and spicy cocktail kick, while I was all about the meat and desserts. We also were able to dine with our desert-dwelling friends four times while we were in the desert and they are truly such great company, our dinners were filled with multiple cocktails, laughter, and delicious food – and honestly what is much better in life than that?

Check out our Palm Springs Eats – Part 1 from our last trip.

Weekend Recap – A Perfect Weekend Away

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared a weekend highlight. One, because last year it felt like a cardinal sin if you had an ounce of fun or socialized with anyone — and this year, is just an awkward light-switch back to normal, so you better be prepared to live life like last year never happened! Sorry, not quite there – and have been taking baby paired with big steps into trying to get back to live pre-19.

But we had the most perfect weekend away, so I just had to share a few highlights from our time away.

Our annual STBC trip. A trip to the cabin means an automatic trip to our favorite spot, Southern Tier Brewing Co. We first went to STBC in 2013, and have made it back almost every year since as it’s our annual tradition. We usually make it there in the fall so that we can enjoy their fall seasonal beers, but we got there a little earlier this year! Luckily they had their fall beers on tap – so I was able to have my fave Warlock. The forecast for the weekend, specifically Saturday was looking like a wash, but we were going to try and arrive to STBC when they opened at 11am, so we could snag an optimal covered outdoor spot since we brought Moz. Well, when we were heading out, the forecast looked like it was clearing up, at least for our morning timeframe. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. We got our prime covered, outdoor seat – avoided the crowds – and splurged on some yummy eats and brews! And by the time we left, it was a crazy downpour, so it was seriously the definition of perfect timing.

Homemade, local ice cream! I wanna scream right now — I ate real ice cream… in a cone… and didn’t die! After being diagnosed lactose intolerant almost 6-years ago, I just came to grips that I needed to opt for dairy-free or yogurt-based ice creams to avoid a problem. BUT after going on this gut cleanse, I was interested in trying out ice cream again, I think a big thing that helped is we went to a homemade local ice cream spot near the cabin. I really wanted cookie dough, but they didn’t have the flavor (can you even believe?) so I opted for buckeye and thin mint. Thin mint was definitely where it was at – I wish I had a whole cone of thin mint. It was basically amazing.

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Cabin life. Our cabin getaway is a family home, so we are so lucky to be able to enjoy our time away, make memories with a quick drive to the middle of nowhere. Once you arrive at the cabin, you’re just welcomed with a sense of relief — the real world is so far away, even when you’re scanning work emails or posting something for a client. The covered deck is perfect for early morning breakfast and late night game nights with fun lights, tiki torches and quiet ambiance of nature. Even with the rain, being “stuck” inside is welcomed, because either way it’s a retreat and a break from the real world. We love our walks around the grounds, our morning coffee, sleeping in, and making breakfasts.

Between the rain working out with our schedule and being able to get our STBC trip in – to enjoying some ice cream – having a fun game night – and then meeting some fun farm animals at a neighboring farm, the weekend was simply perfect.

#EmnBtoDE – Rehoboth Beach Recap

B and I are fresh off a family trip to the beaches of the East Coast – but more specifically Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Typically with my vacation recaps I love to share mini guides of things to do, food recaps and other fun more touristy tidbits, but since this was a family trip to celebrate my MIL’s 60th – we ended up going with the flow vs. planning out every meal and our days like we typically do for trips. So, here is my mini highlight reel of our trip – which happens to include some food and drinks.

Heirloom

Heirloom was an Instagram find that turned out to be one of the nicest and most delicious dining experiences we have ever had – it also happens to be a James Beard Mid-Atlantic Award Winner. Seated right in the heart of downtown Lewes in an old house – this is a darling place inside and out. I was so glad we were able to get there with B’s brother and SIL for a much enjoyed dinner. We even got a nice shaded patio spot, although the interior of Heirloom was so quaint and cute. The silverware and dishes were vintage and mix-matched and the service was impeccable. When it came time to ordering, we all enjoyed a starter – I got the Baywater Farm Field Greens Salad and B ordered the Atlantic Octopus a la Plancha. For dinner we both ended up getting the Crispy Skin New Jersey Tilefish, not only was everything platted beautifully but everything tasted divine. I truly didn’t want to leave! B even splurged on dessert and ordered the Dark Chocolate Budino mouse – which was also delicious – at least I am told! The four of us all enjoyed our dining experience and were happy we went.

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Henlopen State park beach

We lucked out for our second beach day with a warm, yet overcast day so we were truly able to enjoy the weather, sun, sand and surf for a nice long chunk of time! It was perfect for the whole family, and there was even a mini competition of who could find the coolest sea shells from the ocean. The State Park is a $10 day pass admission, but definitely worth the entry fee and extra drive for a super clean beach and a lot more space from all of the other beach goers. Not to mention, the extensive beach made for a lovely long walk away from the crowd making it feel like a bit of an escape and like you were on your own private beach! B of course especially loved it because he is the true pieces in this family, loves the water and the waves and definitely got his water kick. We even got to see two different schools of dolphins out in the distance which made this day a little extra magical.

dogfish head brewery

Another highlight that was a must during the week was going to Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, DE. B and fam went to Rehoboth about eight years ago and made a stop at the brewery too – so ever since then I’ve had some minor FOMO about wanting to experience one of B’s favorite beer breweries myself. Plus, we’re always down for a brewery visit, filled with chats, sips and snacks.

The experience at Dogfish was overall a good one, there were some technical difficulties ordering and getting our bevies when we first got there, as they’re still keeping a few of their safety precautions in place throughout the dine-in experience. Once that was figured out, the guys were able to taste a few new beers and we all enjoyed some of their yummy eats. One of B and I’s things whenever we’re at a brewery, no matter what is to order the pretzel — welp, we splurged and cheated big time on our diet, but it was so worth it and so delicious! For the record, I did eat a delicious salad before, so they did a good job on all kinds of foods.

We of course snagged a photo in front of the famous Tree House – the entire campus is impressive and massive and apparently has grown significantly, but not surprisingly since B last visited!

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lots of family time

The pros and cons of living near family is you get to see them more often, but not always for long periods of time. This was our first family vacay with B’s family, so we definitely had a lot of family time throughout the various activities during the week – beach days, pool days, putt putt, dinners in, dinners out and morning coffee. We made sure to celebrate my MIL’s 60th with surprise decorations that stayed up all week around the beautiful house we stayed in. We also treated her, to her favorite Key Lime pie accompanied with some singing and birthday wishes and custom beach themed cookies. We enjoyed afternoons in the hot tub, had a fun and competitive night playing LRC, and even let the guys cook for us a few nights which was just as good as eating out!

It’s always great being able to visit a new place with B and have more of a beach vacation – one of my first in my later years. The weather was nice and warm, so it really felt like Summer as we kicked off the season at the beach — now we just have to keep those Summer vibes going!

Are you vacaying to the beach this year?