EXPLORING THE MILE HIGH CITY! DENVER, COLORADO

Grabbing a Scoop at Little Man Ice Cream!

Welcome to Denver! I had the chance to visit the Mile High City this year and have to say I was thoroughly impressed! Denver, the capital city of Colorado, has created quite the name for itself with it's booming craft beer industry, it's amazing outdoor activities, weed dispensaries, and urban development. While in Denver I did come across quite a few fun places and thought I would share them with you here!

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THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - LOHI NEIGHBORHOOD

Little Man Ice Cream - The cutest spot to get a delicious scoop of tasty homemade ice cream in Denver! I had the chance to check out Little Man Ice Cream while in Denver and believe me when I say it is a spot not to be missed! Their LOHI location stands within an iconic 28ft tall cream can that brings back vintage American nostalgia. Since opening in 2008 it has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike and their cookies and cream ice cream alone is definitely worth the visit. *Drool*

Root Down -  Denver locals take their brunch very seriously, so it was a little bit of a shock to Andrew and I when we found out how hard it was to get a table. We wandered around LOHI for a while before we were lucky enough to score a table in the bar area of Root Down (after hovering around two people occupying a high top that were paying their bill) and the rest is history. We easily enjoyed a couple hours of bottomless mimosas and brunching at Root Down! The restaurant scene in Denver may be super laid back, but I suggest if you want to enjoy brunch in Denver coming to this place early and hungry because the food is delicious and on weekends it's crazy busy.

Recess Beer Garden - located in Denver’s LOHI neighbourhood, this beer garden and eatery is a fun spot. My cousin who lives in Denver took me here after dinner at Linger to meet up with a bunch of her friends and it was packed. In the last 10 years Colorado has seen a huge boom in craft brewers and if you are a big fan of beer and are looking for a cool place to enjoy casual fare and sample a handful of local Denver breweries on tap - this is it! They also have a large patio area, serve more than just beer, and allow dogs, which to me, a dog lover, is always a bonus!

Enjoying a glass of wine inside Union Station

THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - DOWNTOWN DENVER

Union Station - This iconic 100-year-old building has recently undergone renovations and has been elegantly and brilliantly refitted with a modern sensibility while still paying homage to its pioneer spirit! Definitely worth checking out, Denver’s Union Station houses numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and even a hotel - The Crawford Hotel Denver! Every Saturday between May 12 and October 27 you can also enjoy live music, fresh produce, and cooking demos as part of the Union Station Farmers Market curated by Boulder County Farmers Markets.

Denver Union Station Address - 1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202

Stoic and Genuine - Although Colorado is located nowhere near an ocean, Stoic and Genuine serves up fresh, sustainable seafood on the daily. I stumbled upon this restaurant in Denver Union Station while spending an afternoon getting some work done there and thoroughly indulged in their happy hour wine and oyster selection. If you are dining alone I definitely recommend snagging a spot along the seafood bar so you can catch all the action in their open-concept kitchen. Although I was eating alone, many people tried to chat with me throughout my meal and I never felt like I was actually solo. As a matter of fact, this spot made me feel like I received a warm Denver welcome from many friendly locals! Yay to good vibes all around!

Milk Market - North America seems to be obsessed with the new food hall concept so it’s no surprise that Denver’s Ballpark Neighbourhood recently opened its doors to the Milk Market - arguably one of the best markets in Denver.  Open daily from 11 am - 3 pm, the Milk Market houses a healthy mix of 16 local vendors ranging from take-away to dine-in restaurants concepts, and is considered a cornerstone of the historic Dairy Block. If you are travelling with a large group or are just an indecisive foodie, head to the Milk Market Denver and feast your eyes on some delicious food and drink options, all conveniently located under one roof.

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At the Red Rocks Amphitheater with Andrew Lovesey and Chris Heywood to see One Republic

THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - OUTSKIRTS

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - OMG - this place is a MUST!! I don’t usually go on vacation and grab tickets to a concert but if you are ever in Denver, you need to go see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Not only are the acoustics amazing and the venue outstanding from a bigger-than-life standpoint, but it is also the only naturally-occurring, acoustically PERFECT amphitheater in the world. Every musician aspires to play on this stage! If you are a huge music lover and want to hear the best acoustics of your life, you gotta check out a concert at Red Rocks!

Denver Botanical Gardens - a beautiful spot to snap some pictures and spend the afternoon, the Denver Botanical Gardens is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon while in Denver. Although it a little bit of a trek from the downtown core, if you are into biospheres and cool outdoor pieces of art you need to check this place out. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $9 for students and children. They currently have a pixelated sculpture exhibit going on by the artist Mike Whiting called Pixilated. The sculptures remind me of characters in my favourite childhood vintage video games like Mario Brothers and PacMan! Very cool!

Exploring Denver Botanical Gardens

It is definitely safe to say that Denver has not seen the last of me. I had so much fun visiting and feel like I have only scratched the surface. It's a young city, it's a booming city, and it's a creative city. The people are warm, welcoming, and even on the days I was solo, I felt completely safe and had no problems getting around. I must say 3-4 days is not enough as Denver is also known for its amazing outdoor activities. If you want to explore both the city and take advantage of their amazing athletic activities you need at least a week! Although my time there was short, Denver definitely gets my stamp of approval and is DEFINITELY worth adding to your travel bucket list. 

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If you have any questions about my trip, have anything to add to my list of things to do in Denver Colorado or want to know more information about restaurants in Denver, feel free to hit me  up in the comment section below!

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FROM SANTORINI TO MYKONOS: ISLAND HOPPING IN GREECE WITH BOOKING.COM

Watching the sunset from Iconic Santorini - A Boutique Cave Hotel in Imerovigli Santorini

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *

Every spring a sea of travel Instagrammers I follow seem to flock to the Greek islands and fill my feed with beautifully white cascading buildings accented with the quintessential blue domes you associate with Greece. Frankly, it’s enough to send a girl into a fit of envy. I have always dreamed of going to Santorini and Mykonos and finally this last June I was able to cross another big destination off my bucket list once and for all!

Prior to going, I knew that the trip was going to be expensive. Both Santorini and Mykonos are only really ‘open for operation’ between May and October and even then if you’re not there in the peak summer months (June - September) it can be a little too cold/windy, or kind of ‘dead’. Nevertheless, I was looking to do this destination the right way and quickly accepted the fact that I may have to pay a heavy price tag for it - sometimes you just gotta treat yourself!

Exploring the village of Imerovigli Satorini, Greece

Although I knew this trip was going to get expensive from takeoff I started my accommodation search the way I always do, with a scroll through Booking.com. I used this website on my last trip to Italy and quickly appreciated the vast variety of accommodations they offer. From hostel stays to people’s apartments to luxury Santorini villas and boutique cave hotels, they seem to have every type of accommodation under the sun at a variety of price points. My goal, however, wasn’t to find cheap accommodations. I wanted to experience true Hellenic hospitality and so I sought out those hotels that provided the picturesque caldera views I was envious of when seeing those Instagrammers photos. Something quintessential of the destination that would give me the full, real experience. Also, another great thing about this website is that every once and a while you do come across a hilarious review that makes the research portion of planning a trip so much more fun - LOLz!

After a deep dive into the best places to stay in Santorini, I found and secured two perfect places (Iconic Santorini and San Georgio Mykonos) to stay and booking our flight - Adam and I were ready to go. We didn’t bother planning too much ahead in terms of restaurants and activities, because the hotel we were staying at in Santorini said it isn’t really necessary in June - reservations can easily be made the day of or a day in advance at the most. Going with the flow is not my usual style, but we decided to take their advice and see how it played out. In the end, they were right and I was still able to comprise Two ‘Eat, Stay, Play’ survival guides for you so HERE WE GO!

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A beautiful church I found in the town of Imerovigli

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SANTORINI, GREECE

Essentially Santorini is made up of 3 larger towns and villages - Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. They are all situated on the steep cliffs of the island and face the caldera. To my surprise and what I didn’t know prior to visiting, is that Santorini is a volcanic island with all the beautiful towns you see in the photos are situated on the inner lip of the mouth of an ancient volcano! CRAZY RIGHT!?

Santorini Restaurants

Ammoudi Tavern in Oia - Recommended by the concierge at our hotel, Ammoudi Tavern is one of the best restaurants in Santorini. Adam and I had an absolutely sensational seafood dinner at this restaurant in Oia Santorini. Although it did involve having to drive there, we totally made an evening of it. We went early to catch the sunset beforehand (HOT TIP: Oia is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini) and once the sun went down, made our way to the little cove below the city where the restaurant can be found. It was very romantic and I would have easily gone back again if we had the rental car for an extra day.

Argo in Fira - This restaurant was another beautiful hotel recommendation and I am so glad they did because it would not have been something I would of found on my own. It was one of the best meals we had while in Fira Santorini and I can still remember the delicious seafood plate for two Adam and I ordered. We spent the evening sitting on their second-floor deck overlooking the Caldera and tiny pathway filled with shops and people, drinking house wine and giggling. The food was spectacular and in very traditional Greek style. The service was friendly, fast, attentive and it easily became one of the best meals of our trip not to mention it’s a great spot to start if you want to experience the nightlife in Santorini or want to grab a bite before hitting up bars and clubs in Fira.

To Psaraki Tavern - A favourite amongst locals, this seafood restaurant gets busy at lunch and after eating there I can see why. The fish was fresh and very beautifully prepared. The restaurant was perched atop a cliff looking over the marina where the sailboat charters come in (you should definitely go sailing while in Santorini - more about this recommendation below) and provides a relaxing atmosphere away from the city crowds for you to enjoy your lunch. The staff was friendly and parking was easy. It is also smack in the middle of Eros and Perivolos Beach (more on this to come as well below) so it’s a great pit stop on your way from one beach to another.

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Ammoudi Tavern

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To Psaraki Tavern

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Argo Restaurant

Our Hotel in Imerovigli Santorini

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Iconic Santorini - A Boutique Cave Hotel - situated in the small village of Imerovigli Santorini this hotel is what Santorini vacation dreams are made of. This 17 room boutique hotel offers comfortable, clean, cozy accommodations carved into the mountainside. The hotel recently underwent renovations in 2013 and has been completely modernized and redecorated in a  natural, traditional Hellenic style. Each room comes with its own private terrace and two day beds - a perfect spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfast.

Enjoying breakfast at my hotel - Iconic Santorini in Imerovigli Santorini

Although the hotel felt very luxurious, the staff aimed to make you feel at home and comfortable. They were so very accommodating, greeted you every time they saw you, and even allowed for special dinner menu requests from guests. Chef Mattheos - a Santorini native - makes special trips to the market each day to gather fresh ingredients for his dinner menu and was kind enough to pick up an octopus especially for me one evening. His menus often reflect what is in season and is prepared in a traditional Greek manner. Many of the recipes and techniques he uses have been passed down through his family for many years.

The food at the hotel was sensational and very reasonably priced. Although we ate out several times, the view from the dining area at the hotel was one of the best we experienced during our time in Santorini! It’s honestly one of those hotels you could enjoy being cooped up in your entire trip and feel totally content about it.

Since the hotel is perched upon the highest cliffs in Imerovigli Santorini, it does have a 'no children under 14' policy (mainly because a 1000 foot drop off the cliffside is a dangerous risk), but for those who are interested in a quiet, calm, adult-only atmosphere,  one will quickly realize it is the perfect honeymoon hotel. In the end, my stay here was hands-down the best hotel experience I have EVER had and I have nothing but great things to say about my stay at Iconic. I’ll definitely be going back!

Iconic Santorini - Room

Iconic Santorini - Coconut Bed

Iconic Santorini - Room Seating Area

Iconic Santorini - Private Patio with Day Beds

Iconic Santorini - Room Desk Nook

Iconic Santorini - Breakfast On Your Private Patio

Iconic Santorini - Living Room Space Within Room

Things To Do In Santorini

Santorini Sailing - one of the best activities we did while in Santorini was a 5-hour sail around the south side of the island. Adam and I were walking into Fira Santorini one night for dinner from our hotel (an easy downhill walk) when we passed the Santorini Sailing storefront and decided to step in out of curiosity to check out prices. At this point, it was 9 PM and we wanted to sail the following morning.  Usually, the rates start as low as 90 Euro per person however in our case that boat was sold out. Lucky for us they bumped us up to the semi-private boat which included lunch and unlimited drinks for the same cost! BRILLIANT! The sailing company picked us up from our hotel at 8 AM the next morning and we were sailing by 9! It was such a beautiful day!  The crew were so friendly and told us all about the different island formations and areas. The food at lunch was great and they were always offering to help take your photos, making sure you were having fun, and always had a cold beverage. If you are looking for things to do in Santorini Greece and you don’t get seasick, I highly recommend doing a day sail!

Tango Bar, Fira Santorini - If you are interested in experiencing nightlife in Santorini, this champagne and cocktail bar was recommended to us by a couple of people we met during our stay and so happy they did! Adam and I went and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine at Tango after dinner one night (the party doesn’t really start to happen till after 11 PM so go late) and danced to some great house music. The bar to me has more of a nightclub feel but unlike many of the other bars we went to, it is cliffside and offers great views of the water and surrounding views of the city lit up at night. Most of the clubs in Santorini are located in Fira anyways so even if it’s not super busy, it’s super easy to walk from one club to another until you find one with an atmosphere to your liking.

Rent a car - Although our hotel was amazing and I could literally spend all day there (and be happy as a clam doing so), Adam and I wanted to explore all the island had to offer. The hotel was amazing at helping us arrange a car and for 60 euros and 24 hours of freedom we thought, why not. If you want to check out Eros beach or Perivolos beach - or even just go into Oia for dinner and watch the sunset, you are looking at a 40 Euro taxi ride each way so may as well rent a car for a day and do all of it! Navigation and parking isn’t difficult so it’s actually one of the best options if you want to be more mobile and explore the island further.

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Sunset in Oia Santorini

Oia - A lot of the Instagram photos you see of Santorini are actually taken in Oia. It is a beautiful town with many busy streets and is known as the best place to watch the sunset! Although it’s a bit of a distance from Fira and Imerovigli I definitely recommend checking it out at least once. There is a hiking path you can take from the hotel that is supposed to be about 2 hours walking or you can drive there within 15 -20  minutes. Since Adam and I rented a car, it wasn’t an issue getting to Oia Santorini and actually made for a nice drive. If you didn’t want to rent a car and just take a cab expect around a 40 Euro price tag for a taxi one way.

Eros Beach and Perivolos Beach - another great activity to do if you have the ability to move around the island and want to spend a day at the beach. Since we had a car for the day we were able to go explore both Eros Beach and Perivolos Beach (the black sand beach) and see the different landscapes of the island. These two beaches are both on the more flatter end of the island and are filled with beach clubs and restaurants - a much different vibe from the cliffside towns

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SANTORINI TO MYKONOS

The next stop on our Greek island hopping tour was Mykonos - the party island! Although we did look into flights from Santorini to Mykonos we figured the most viable way to make the journey was to swim. JUST KIDDING! We took a ferry for 70 Euro a person and within 2.5 hours we arrived in Mykonos! It was super easy and the hotel helped us arrange the booking of our ferry tickets and transportation to the Santorini to Mykonos ferry dock.

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Exploring Mykonos Old Town

MYKONOS, GREECE

So what we quickly learned about the island was that all the big beach clubs and the majority of hotels are all located on the south side of the island. The north side of the island has picturesque secluded beaches with lovely restaurants, but for the most part, everything is happening on the south side. Also, the BIG party day in Mykonos is Sunday so if you can work your itinerary to be there on the weekend like we did, you can really get a taste of the party scene. Lastly, although we did rent a car for a day while in Mykonos, navigating was not as easy as Santorini. We did get lost and had to turn around a handful of times, not to mention I’ve never experienced so many blind corners in my life!

Restaurants in Mykonos

When it came to restaurants in Mykonos, prices were all over the map! Some places were so expensive and a total rip-off, while others offered great value for amazing food. To help you avoid getting stuck in a tourist trap or spending your entire meal budget in one shot (one place we went to was charging over 100 euro for a grilled fish) here are two restaurants in Mykonos I highly recommend adding to your list!

Kiki’s Tavern - When it comes to Mykonos Restaurant, this place is no joke! It was hands-down one of the best afternoons Adam and I had the whole time we were in Mykonos and it wasn’t just because of the food. Picture a little wooden restaurant next to a secluded beach with their own private swimming cove. You show up, add your name to the list (which will typically already have an hour-long wait), help yourself to complimentary rosé while you enjoy the beautiful view of the cove. The wine will start to hit you quicker than usual because 1) you’re hungry and 2) you’re in the hot sun, so you walk down to the waters and go for a dip to cool off. You do this several times until your table is ready and then you enjoy a beautiful meal in the shade with a picturesque view of the water. Beautiful! Since Kiki’s isn’t in town you will need to either rent a car like we did to get there or take a taxi which may even be your best bet considering we did get lost…. a few times. LOL

Nikolas Tavern - Loved this place! Mainly because it was a family-run and owned business and you could really see how they put their whole heart into operating it. There are family photos all over the walls inside and they are so welcoming and ready to offer you something to drink. The restaurant is right on the beach so you can go early to watch the sunset and then hang under their illuminating overhead string lights while you enjoy some traditional Greek food. They also had 14 Euro half-liter pitchers of wine which was a perfect way for me to get a little tipsy before going out. Adam and I loved it here and since it was only a short walk from our hotel we ended up coming back several times during our trip. The prices were completely reasonable and allowed us to eat until our stomachs were full and heart content for under 70 euro! With drinks!

Our Hotel In Mykonos

*use my discount code to receive 15% off your next accommodation reservation with Booking.com

San Giorgio - What really attracted me to this hotel was the bohemian aesthetic. When you see pictures of Mykonos you usually see pictures of the town – all the white buildings with blue windows and railings. What you don’t see is that the island is actually very rustic and when you get out of town, more bohemian, airy, and minimalistic. The land around the populated areas are used for farming and every once and awhile you will see small herds of animals. My hotel San Giorgio was on a beautiful point between two of the best beaches to party in Mykonos – Paraga Beach and Paradise Beach – making it a great location for anyone looking for that Mykonos party experience.

Olive tree at my hotel - San Giorgio Mykonos

The hotel itself is beautifully laid out and upon arrival we were ushered down to the pool, given a welcome glass of prosecco, and a breakdown of the hotel. We were informed that our stay included a complimentary breakfast, a free 30 minute training session with the hotel trainer Panos, and were encouraged to participate in one of their many free workshops, talks, and meditations that happen daily. The philosophy of the hotel is to be a communal space where creatives can come to meet and inspire one another. We met a lot of interesting people while we were there and everyone was so friendly and open to chatting, making it super easy to buy into the concept and make new friends.

San Giorgio is a member of the Design Hotel Collection which made it no surprise that the rooms were beautiful. Although not as luxurious as the Iconic Santorini, there was beauty in their understated, earthy, and airy simplicity. It really emulated bohemian chic perfectly with earth-tone painted walls, straw hat decorations, and lights made from natural material. This boutique hotel has only 34 rooms, but each one comes with a little terrace adorned with at minimum a small table and a couple stools. Although you can hear the echoes of the beach club a short distance off it was definitely a nice close haven to escape to when you get sick of the parties.

San Giorgio Entrance

San Giorgio - Room

San Giorgio - Room Decorations

San Giorgrio - Room Lighting

San Giorgio - Bathroom

San Giorgio - Terrace

San Giorgio - Kitten

San Giorgio - Poolside Hammock

San Giorgio - Day Beds

San Giorgio - Lounging Area

San Giorgio Mykonos

Things To Do In Mykonos

Mykonos Town - Mykonos Town is picture perfect. This is where you will see all the white buildings and stone-painted (it’s not real stone) ground. A lot of pictures of Mykonos are taken in town, especially by the windmills in Little Venice Mykonos! Go for an afternoon and get lost down the winding alleyways, in and out of small shops, and restaurants and bars - you won’t regret it.

Scorpios - A contemporary take on the ancient Greek Agora, Scorpios is the best beach club in Mykonos and definitely more on the posh side. Drinks will run you between 9-12 Euros so unless you have money to blow come with your buzz already on. Since it can get quite expensive here I found that it attracted a 30+ crowd. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and I loved their ancient Greek tribal atmosphere. The music consisted mostly of techno tribal beats with it was a cool spot to hang out, dance, listen to music, and people watch. This place also happens to be the sister property for the San Giorgio Hotel so if you are staying at the hotel you get line bypass and priority access. A lot of the DJ’s that play at Scorpios also end up being put up at San Giorgio so don’t be surprised if you see them poolside at the hotel the next day ;)

Cavo Paradiso - If you want to party until the sun comes up then this is where you need to go. Scorpios and the beach clubs on Paraga beach usually close down around 1:30 am but the party is still going on at the beach on the other side of the hotel – Paradise beach. Cavo Paradiso is on the point just after Paradise beach (you can literally see it from the hotel) and takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to from the hotel. Here you will find a younger, hostel crowd who want to stay up all night and party! This is the only club we went to while in Mykonos where we had to pay cover (20 Euro) but we got what we paid for and were able to dance all night to a sick DJ (FULL DISCLOSURE: I was pretty tipsy and couldn’t tell you his name, but all I remember is dancing up a storm!) and had a great 'party night in Mykonos' experience. We ended up staying here until the sun came up and walked back to our hotel, totally ready for bed.

Faros Lighthouse - always a sucker for a good sunset, if you are interested in the best spot to watch it from, you just found it. Since it is located on the north side of the island though, you will only be able to do this if you rent a car because 1) there was no taxi stand so how would you get back and 2) it’s not walkable from town.

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Although Santorini and Mykonos were two destinations I was dying to visit I really could not have pulled this trip together without my partnership with Booking.com. I have used their site in the past for many of my accommodations reservations and am happy to pass on a 15% savings to you on your next trip with my discount code. No matter where you want to go, whether the US, Europe, a festival or a weekend cottage getaway, Booking.com has such an array of properties and accommodations to choose from they are easily my #1 site. Be a savvy traveler like me! Save on your next reservation and spend that money on a dinner or activity instead!

If you have any questions about my Santorini/Mykonos trip feel free to hit me up in the comment sections below!

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MAGICAL SPOTS YOU NEED TO VISIT IN FLORIDA!

Selby Gardens in Sarasota

With this new age of social media has come a growing amount of travel envy. Travel bloggers post beautiful pictures from far away places you have never been to and maybe never even heard of before. The result: more people then ever are filled with the need to escape to see the world and discover their own slice of the globe.

To me traveling isn’t always about going to popular destination with a lot of hype. It's more about discovery and adventure of the unknown. That is why on my last trip to Florida I was determined to see a side of Florida I had yet to discover, and boy did I find some magical spots!

Sunset at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota

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Having been to Florida many times before and only last year discovering Tampa (which I love) I was excited to visit the beautiful beach town of Sarasota. I had heard many great things (there are a lot of people in Tampa who live in/are from Sarasota), about this small, posh, Central Florida beach town and needed to find out for myself if the rumors were true! 

Sarasota is a small town with a population of approximately 53,000. Located on the southwest coast of Florida on the southern tip of the Tampa Bay area it's about an hour drive from the Tampa airport. Although you may not suspect it, Sarasota is known internationally for having the best beaches in the US! With their crystal blue water and white sand I can totally see why.

Hanging with @ToFoodies at the rooftop pool at the Westin Hotel in Sarasota

New to Sarasota (and where I stayed while in town) is the new Westin Sarasota. The rooms are clean, bright, and modern, and the hotel itself is an easy walk to many great attractions including Selby Gardens, downtown Sarasota restaurants, and their famous ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue. I was so excited when I arrived I ran immediately up to their rooftop, which has both a great bar and a large pool, to check out their amazing view and enjoy a glass (or two) of rose during the sunset hours. 

When in Sarasota there are so many great places to eat. Even before I checked in I went to Columbia Restaurant- a small Cuban/Spanish cuisine chain that started in Tampa (it happens to also be the oldest Spanish restaurant in the US). For over 50 years Columbia has had their location in Sarasota and when you walk inside today its still packed with patrons. It may be their table side demonstration of how they make pitchers of mojito, their awesome food, or their wrap around patio that keeps people coming back.  Although I enjoyed all of those things for me it was also a great spot to hang out and people watch!

Pathway to Lido Beach in Sarasota

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After you are done eating at Columbia you have to walk to Lido beach. An entrance to the beach is located only a 5 minute walk from the Columbia restaurant and takes your through a nice stretch of town with plenty of clothing stores, ice cream shops, and restaurants. It's here that I really experienced that posh, quaint, beach town vibe Sarasota is known for.

A few other great activities I would definitely recommend include checking out the Ringling Brother Museum and Selby Gardens! The Ringling Brothers, if you are not familiar, owned the largest traveling circus company in the US during the 19-20th century which was a huge source of entertainment at the time. Although the Ringling Circus had its last show in May 2017 you can still see memorabilia about and from the circus at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

Pink Archways of the Museum Courtyard at the Ringling in Sarasota

The Ringling campus, which spans about 20 acres, also features Florida’s state art museums with over 10,000 pieces ranging from ancient antiques, paintings, and sculpture to more contemporary prints and photographs. While there you MUST also tour John and Mable Ringlings home, all of which was custom designed by Mable Ringling herself and features the most beautiful stain glass windows. Another MUST - a visit to the pink archways of the museum courtyard  - its a dream!

Selby Gardens is another beautiful spot to check out when in Sarasota. An easy walk through the manicured greenhouse and garden reveals a variety of beautiful plant species, artwork, and plenty of places to take photos. In the middle of the gardens there is also a giant tree jungle gym for the kids with multiple levels. It kinda made me wish I was five again so I could join in! It looked so fun!

Lifeguard Station at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota

Before you leave town you have to visit the best beach (RANKED!) in the US - Siesta Key Beach. The sand at this beach is made up of mostly mineral quarts which causes the beach to appear a cool white and feel as fine as baby powder. To add even more appeal Siesta Key also features a really cute lifeguard station, which you are totally allowed to climb up on and watch the sunset from. I honestly wish I had brought a picnic because I didn't want to leave! The sand and water was so nice and the sunset that night was so purple, pink, and all kinds of beautiful.

If you happen to rent a car while in Central Florida I would also tell you to day trip (it's about an hour drive further south) to Englewood, Fl. One of the funnest activities I did on my last trip was a ‘Riding the Waves’ Barrier Island Eco Tour. Essentially, you are given a two person pontoon boat and get to drive up and down the bay with an instructor/leader. It was so fun to be out on the water, in the Florida sunshine, and to top it all off we saw an entire school of dolphins! A day and activity I will definitely never forget.

Pastel Building at the Fisherman's Village market pier in Punta Gorda

If you head out to Englewood there are two places close by in the town of Punta Gorda that I would also definitely recommend: Fisherman's Village - a market pier with numerous pastel colored building filled with numerous boutiques and restaurants, and Peace River Seafood and Crab Shack - a super popular and delicious crab shack with huge portions! YUM!

I had such a wonderful time discovering this new side of Florida and had one of the most magical trips yet. If you have any questions about any of the activities or spots mentioned above feel free to leave me message in the comments below! Until next time - Arrivederci!!

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MANGIARE A ROMA: A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FOODIES!

* Last updated in Fall of 2023 *

Rome - the heart of Italy, the emperor of pasta, the epicenter of some of the best food in the world. This past September my boyfriend and I did a big Italy trip. Throughout the trip we ate at some pretty amazing restaurants but nowhere came close to the food in Rome. It was literally knockout after knockout and by the end of the trip, it was safe to say that the food in Rome was some of the best meals/restaurants we experience during the entire trip! That is why I am devoting a whole travel blog post to just food in Rome  - cuz man, you gotta try these places if you are traveling to Rome anytime soon.

Just a disclaimer before I begin - prepare to gain weight because the pasta in Rome is the bomb.com. Between my boyfriend and I, we ate 12 pastas within 4 days. If there was truffles on it, i wanted it! If there was a spicy sauce, you bet I was ordering it! Artichokes - don’t get me started! There is no wrong decision when it comes to pasta in Rome - pizza too if I’m being completely honest.

Okay are you ready to eat? Stupid question I know…

ROME FOOD GUIDE

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Dinner at Taverna Trilussa in Rome

Taverna Trilussa - I literally died and went to pasta heaven! This place was so amazing! Talk about rustic Italian food, award winning pastas, death by truffle, great patio, mouthwatering fried artichokes, fantastic wine list, and a favourite of both locals and tourist alike. Although these restaurants are in no ranking order, this one definitely deserves to be at the top of my Rome food guide because it’s just that good!

Located in the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood this place is buzzing with people. The restaurant’s inside is heartwarming with parma ham hanging from the ceiling against a backdrop of rustic wood finishings, while the patio is lined with ivy-covered trellises that give it wonderful evening energy.

Pasta is served in the same silver pans they are cooked it in, a simple presentation that enhances the experience.

Another great thing about this restaurant is that it’s in one of the best neighbourhoods to go out in. So after you finish your meal make sure to walk it off and explore the bars because there are tons of young people/places to party in the area after.

I recommend making a reservation unless you want to eat at 10 PM because otherwise it’s so busy and walk-ins won’t be able to get a table until then. Also since it is very busy expect service to be a little slower than average - definitely worth the wait though and a must when traveling to Rome!

Taverna Trilussa
Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 5818918

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Our grilled whole fish for dinner at Ristorante le Mani in Rome

Ristorante le Mani in Pasta - Always packed, (and for good reason!) Osteria Le Mani in Pasta is an informal yet intimate neighbourhood joint beloved by both local and tourists alike. A reservation at this Trastevere hot spot is definitely recommended so plan ahead (the day before) or be prepared to be turned away from this traditional-style trattoria. Adam and I recently visited the restaurant in September of 2023 following our wedding in Tuscany and it was easily one of the best meals we had while in Rome. They serve exquisite Roman cuisine as well as yummy seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions.

We got a table right beside the kitchen window so dinner came with a show! The chefs were very nice and playful and it was obvious that they use the highest quality ingredients and extremely fresh seafood. The portions are quite large and are also great for sharing. Adam and I ended up ordering a fresh artichoke salad, the Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) pasta, grilled whole fish and a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino, and left with no room in our bellies to spare. If I remember correctly, the bill also only came out to €120 (wine included) which, having just come from Croatia - felt like great value compared to the prices we were paying while there.

Osteria Le Mani in Pasta
Via dei Genovesi 37, 00153 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 581 6017
Call for reservations!

Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) from Osteria le Mani in Rome

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Lunch at Roscioli!

Roscioli - this gourmet grocery store is also home to an amazing restaurant. With a multi functional deli in the front and an unconventional restaurant in the back, this is a great spot to send your taste buds fluttering right to food heaven. With over 300 types of cheese, 150 varieties of cold cuts, and 1000+ bottles of wines to choose from - this place is a great spot to hit up for lunch. We had their burrata and practically fought over a plate of pata negra! Their pastas were also exceptional and their popularity indisputable. You had to wait outside for your table to be ready since the place was so small and packed with people. I would recommend making a reservation for lunch while you are in Rome or at least stopping by to grab a selection of meat, cheese, or at the very least some preserves and spreads to take home with you as the ultimate ‘food from Rome’ souvenir.

Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21 - 00186 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 687 5287
Reservations: https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/booking/

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Dinner at Renato e Luisa in Rome

Renato e Luisa - I would go back to this quaint, tucked-away restaurant any day of the week. Located across from Hotel dei Barbieri you would literally walk right past this place if you didn’t know what it was. Tucked down a cobblestone walking street this restaurant is a local gem and a great place to experience where they like to eat food in Rome. The restaurant consists of two small dining rooms with a small open kitchen in the back. Everything is served hot, fresh, and ready to eat! We had some great meat dishes along with some pastas and to be honest they were all really good. They weren’t shy with the truffles and their carbonara was to die for! Although it may lack in appearance, this little restaurant stole my heart from the first bite of food. Don’t even get me started on their desserts! Brava!

Renato e Luisa
Via dei Barbieri, 2500186 Roma, Italy
Tel: (+39) 06 686 9660

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Lunch at Urbana 47!

Urbana 47 - This contemporary eatery offers fresh handmade dishes using high-quality local ingredients. The restaurant itself at first may appear small but as you explore further inside opens up to quite a large room in the back. The modern industrial design is just as memorable as the food and features a lot of steel and wood accents.

We ordered a couple of different pizzas (for a change) and we were not disappointed. A great spot for lunch, we showed up without a reservation and got a table within 10 minutes.

Urbana 47
Via Urbana, 47, 00184 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 47 884 006
Reservations: thefork.it

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Inside Urbana 47

Trattoria Da Teo - This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who lived in Rome. It is one of their personal favourites and happens to be a family owned and operated restaurants. Even though we had a reservation the restaurant was packed with locals and we had to wait for a table to vacate before we could sit down to order. Although a tad on the salty side, the food was delicious! The restaurant has tables inside but the real experience is to be had out on their ‘patio’. The restaurant is set in a corner of a small cobblestone square making for a quiet intimate setting. It is also only a 15-minute walk from the hip and trendy Trastevere neighborhood making it a great spot to enjoy some local food in Rome before heading out for a late-night of drinking.

Trattoria Da Teo
Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 581 8355
Reservations: quandoo.it

MORE PICTURES OF THE FOOD FROM ROME!

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Friend Artichoke Fowers - Renato e Luisa

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Pasta at Roscioli

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Buratta at Roscioli

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Pasta at Roscioli

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Carbonara at Taverna Trilussa

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Pizza at Urbana 47

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I hope you enjoyed this Rome Food guide as much as I enjoyed traveling to Rome! If you have any questions about food in Rome or want to recommend some delicious food from Rome you found (all Rome Foodie are welcome!) while there, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

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PURA VIDA IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica has always been a place I have wanted to go. My brother, having studied abroad there for a year told me tales of beautiful beaches, spending the weekends surfing, gorgeous tropical weather, and diverse ecosystems with lots to explore and discover. So as 2017 wound down I decided that 2018 was going to be the year I make as many of my travel dreams come true. So I started planning… Costa Rica was definitely at the top of my list and lucky enough Sunwing was going to help me make it happen. My plan - head to Costa Rica as a travel photojournalist and content creator, and fulfill my dream to visit Costa Rica all the while sharing my experience with you guys - FINALLY!

The morning of our flight we woke up to a massive snow fall! Getting to the airport was going to be more of a trek then we imagined and my stomach started to wrench at the thought that we may miss our flight - or worse it would be cancelled. Before I could drown in negative thoughts I decided to bite the bullet, pay the uber surge and just make my way as fast as I could to the UP Express.  Thankfully we arrived at the airport with 20 minutes to spare and with the help of Sunwing's staff and our 'Sunwing Elite' status we were processed and on our way within minutes! The flight of course was NOT cancelled and after a little de-icing we were on our way. The flight itself went very smooth, the in-flight crew very friendly, and after aecend we were offered a glass of sparkling wine - don't mind if I do.

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Tamarindo, a small town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is located on the Pacific coast of the country. What I didn’t know when I landed was that it was also a little over an  hour drive away from the airport. Lucky enough Sunwing, arranges transfers for their customers FOR FREE to their hotels when booked as a package! Having never flown with Sunwing before and having never in my previous travels ever seen this happen (or had this service available to me), I thought it was genius! Usually when I arrive to a destination I have to pay out-of-pocket for transportation via either a shuttle service or a taxi just to get to my hotel/final destination - but not this time!

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Finding the bus was easy and soon enough we were pulling up to my hotel just in time for dinner. Since Tamarindo is a small town they really only have one big hotel - the Tamarindo Diria - a beautiful 3.5 star (completely underrated in my opinion) hotel with the most gorgeous beach front views, and the only hotel with a private garden and direct access to the beach! That night I was so excited to be in Costa Rica, explore the hotel, and check out the small town of Tamarindo, I hardly slept!

Waking up to the sounds of the ocean is always nice but waking up to it and seeing the amazing panorama view of the beach right from the comforts of my large room balcony was breathtaking. Sitting there drinking my Costa Rican coffee I would see people slowly starting to claim their beach chairs, locals going for morning walk along the beach with their dogs, sailboats anchored in the distance and a group of horses available to ride roaming up and down the beach. It was perfect. It was Pura Vida!

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With my last sip of coffee I quickly got ready, went down to check out the hotel and familiarize myself with the area. The small town of Tamarindo has a main strip that runs parallel to the ocean in addition to maybe two or three small streets that splinter off of it. It’s a small town, but with tons of energy. The Tamarindo Diria is located smack in the middle of the main strip and straddles either side of the road. One side (the one I was staying at) had beach-front hotel views, beach access and a smaller (but not small by any means) pool. This side was dubbed the ‘Sunset Village’. On the other side of the road you have the ‘Lagoon Village’ and the ‘Tropicana Village’. The ‘Lagoon Village’ has the most beautiful (and very large) pool oasis, a grotto, a kid friendly pool, and a swim up bar. The “Tropicana Village’ is an ‘adults only’ area with their own quiet adults only pool and lounge bar. There are hotel rooms available in all three villages, it just depending on what kind of vacation you are more into. The Lagoon and Tropicana side however, also features condos, tennis courts, shops and a casino! Oh did I also mention that the hotel also has five restaurants and bars? Weather you want pizza, seafood, steak or explore typical Costa Rican cuisine they’ve got you covered. No matter what side of the hotel you end up on, you will have access to everything!

After familiarizing myself with the hotel and running around to take some pretty pictures, it was time for a beach walk. The sand on Playa Tamarindo is made up of packed sand making it very easy to walk on with very little effort. The beach itself is very wide and the water is warm, almost like a giant salt water bathtub. Although you see many people out in the water enjoying surfing, the progression in depth is very gradual making walking out into the water very easy. This combined with the fact that there wasn’t really any undertow or sea life made it seem super safe for kids, beginner swimmers, or even novice surfers like myself! The beach is public domain and therefore you can walk around with ease, dropping in and out of different beach-front bars and restaurants, and mingling with locals as you go along. At sunset don’t be surprised if you start to hear the sounds of live music echoing from these small bars and restaurants - definitely a great way to end the day and make you feel totally decompressed. You are on vacation after all!

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One thing I noticed about Tamarindo is all the expats! Finding someone who speaks English is not difficult at all. As a matter of fact all the menus are available in English even at the restaurants off the resort. If you are big into sports, Tamarindo has an American sports bar called Sharky’s so you never have to worry about missing the big game. Although the Hotel Tamarindo Diria is beautiful I definitely recommend wandering around Tamarindo. I always felt completely safe and besides the local restaurants (Green Papaya and Falafel Bar were two we loved and frequented more then once), there is a night market on Thursday from 6-10 pm where you can buy artisan products, food, drinks etc. that I definitely recommend. If you are looking for a place to go out there is also a small disco/nightclub called Crazy Monkey. Located less than 500 meters from the hotel it has two dance floors, one with a live band that plays Salsa music and one with a DJ that playing hip hop. On Friday nights Crazy Monkey gets really busy. Packed with tourists and locals alike, it’s a really nice way to immerse yourself in the vibe of Tamarindo.

If you have seen the surf documentary The Endless Summer II you would know that Tamarindo is famous for surfing. With plenty of surf shops to choose from there is no need to bring your own board to catch some waves. On top of having your pick from a handful of surf shops that rent boards, the beach also has lots of instructors equipped with boards ready to help you ride your first Costa Rican wave. Having taken surfing lessons in the past, I headed over to Surf Culture to rent a board for the day, which only cost me $10. The shop is located less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel and the staff are very knowledgeable. They can help you with everything from finding the perfect board for your skill level and height, best spots to surf, and even some friendly tourism advice like the best place to go out that night and where to eat!

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As I said in the beginning Costa Rica has so much to offer in the way of exploration and discovery. Towards the end of our trip my boyfriend and I spent an entire day in a small town of Bueno Vista with Sunwing Experiences. We went ziplining, had a Costa Rican coffee tasting, went horseback riding, tried volcanic mudding, hung out in hot springs, and to finish the day off, did a hike to a magnificent waterfall. The entire tour was arranged through Sunwing and can even be booked on the flight over! Bueno Vista is about 1.5 hours away from the hotel Tamarindo Diria, but Sunwing Experiences arranges transportation there and back and provides lunch. So if you are looking to get out of the hotel and really experience Costa Rica I definitely recommend trying the Bueno Vista Tour. With about 11 hours from pick up to drop off it’s definitely a jam-packed day of fun activities and totally worth every penny.

I know this was a long post but I would be doing the trip a disservice if I didn’t give you the full scoop. Traveling to Costa Rica was everything I imagined and more. It’s not often I find a destination that I want to go back to so quickly but this is one country I am eager to explore more of. If you ever get a chance to go or are thinking about doing a trip with your loved one, family, or even a big group of friends, I definitely recommend Tamarindo, Costa Rica and for ease, great tour partnerships, and price value, Sunwing.

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