PICTURE PERFECT SAN ANTONIO: A TRAVEL GUIDE

Exploring the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the farmers market in the Historic Pearl District was in full swing. Kids playing in the nearby fountains filling the courtyard with laughter and joy. A band started to play in the distance and like many others I paused and turned my head in their direction. To the locals walking around me it was just another beautiful Sunday in San Antonio, but to me it was one of those magical moments that makes travelling and discovering new places so wonderful.

It was only last year that San Antonio commemorated its Tricentennial. In true ‘larger than life’ Texas style the city celebrated their Mexican-American heritage with a yearlong fiesta. And why not? San Antonio is a city on the rise with a lot to celebrate! Not only is it the 7th largest city in the US but it’s also the fastest growing. It is a city that in recent years has seen a boom in economic investment and has poured lots of energy into redeveloping not only the downtown core but its surrounding neighbourhoods like the Pearl District. Today San Antonio is beating out every other major Texas city including Houston, Dallas and Austin for ‘most visited city’ and after spending a long weekend in San Antonio, I can see why.

It’s hard to pinpoint the moment during my trip that was the tipping point where I went from ‘liking’ to ‘loving’ San Antonio so I am not even going to try. We all know that when travelling there is no one draw to a destination – maybe you are a foodie who is also an adrenalin junkie or maybe you love history and are in desperate need of some sunshine and hot weather. Whatever your style or desire, San Antonio offers something for everyone and to prove it, I have put together a list of all my favourite discoveries from my recent trip!

---

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH

---

- BEST PLACES TO EAT IN SAN ANTONIO -

Rib Eye at Botika in the Historic Pearl District

Botika - Calling all foodies! This Peruvian, Chinese and Japanese fusion restaurant in the Pearl District was THE MOST delicious meal that I had while in San Antonio. Having never tried a fusion of cuisine like this before, I was not sure what to expect. Chef Geronimo Lopez surprised me with his uniquely crafted dishes enhanced by spectacular flavour combinations. The restaurant itself is spacious, trendy, and was quite packed on Friday night when we went. I will never forget the evening’s special of squid ink risotto with seared scallops, ahi Amarillo aioli and calamari. Even though it was originally ordered for the table, I couldn’t help myself from gobbling up the lion’s share it was just so good!

The evening’s special - a squid ink risotto with seared scallops, ahi Amarillo aioli and calamari.

Farmers Market at The Historic Pearl District - If you don’t want to just experience the city but actually get a real feel for what local life is like, head to The Historic Pearl District Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. Vendors of all varieties flock to the Pearl District to show off some of Texas’ finest artisan products, freshly baked goods, and fresh produce. It is a great spot for families to take their kids and also a foodie wonderland for adults. I would recommend tying a couple hours here with weekend brunch plans in the Historic Pearl District as a lot of the restaurants are housed in gorgeous partially-resorted and redeveloped old spaces – a major draw of this part of town.

View fullsize

Coffee @ Bakery Lorraine

View fullsize

The Farmers Market

View fullsize

Restaurant Interiors in The Pearl District

---

- PLAY -

Tejas Rodeo – What’s a trip to Texas without a little country music, tailgating, and a whole lot of bull riding? Incomplete, that’s what! Although considered one of the smaller rodeos in the San Antonio area, Tejas is definitely one of the best for an intimate and casual Texas cowboy experience. As a long-standing sport in Texas, bull riding is very much ingrained in San Antonio’s culture, and you don’t have to be a cowboy/girl to appreciate it. I was so surprised to see kids as young as 4 jump on the mechanical bull outside the arena and give it their all! And when I witnessed ‘Mutton Bustin’ (when little kids ride sheep into the middle of the arena and try not to fall off) I was instantly mesmerized by how even though there are rough parts to the sport , the whole experience is intended to be fun and playful.

View fullsize

Texas BBQ

View fullsize

Kids at the Rodeo

View fullsize

Dining at The Rodeo

View fullsize

Ice Cold Beer

View fullsize

Bull Riding

Market Square - If you want to see how San Antonians celebrate their Mexican heritage you have to head to Market Square – the largest Mexican market in the US. The plaza that makes up Market Square features numerous specialty shops, restaurants, produce stands, and vendors. The area is entirely pedestrian-friendly and the pathways are lined with ‘papel picado’ flags which add further charm. Musicians, performers, and artists can also be found entertaining visitors who most likely are also enjoying delicious Mexican sweets like warm chocolate-filled churros!

View fullsize

Delicious Churros from Mi Tierra

View fullsize

Market Square

---

- LEARN -

Mission San Jose  - So by now you may have figured out that what makes San Antonio so different from its other Texas counterparts is its Spanish heritage. Part of the draw to visit San Antonio is there 5 Missions. Although all beautiful, the one that caught my eye was the Mission San Jose, rightfully known as the "Queen of the Missions”.  The mission itself is gorgeous and features old stone archways, rusted iron gates, and sprawling grounds. Although I didn’t get too much time to explore the area I still thought The Mission San José was a beautiful place to visit, take photos and learn about how the city came to be.

View fullsize

Soaking Up The Sun At Mission San Jose

View fullsize

The Beautiful Mission San Jose

San Antonio River Walk - Arguable one of the biggest draws to San Antonio is it’s Riverwalk. Considered a city park, the River Walk is actually a connection of waterways (originally a serpentine river the city was established beside) that link many surrounding neighbourhoods to downtown. Charming foot bridges and flagstone pathways provide easy pedestrian access to the numerous bars, restaurants, hotels, and stores that line the River Walk making it a fun afternoon activity and a great place to grab some drinks with friends.

Hanging along the Riverwalk in San Antonio

---

- STAY -

I love the Spanish inspired interiors of Hotel Valencia

Hotel Valencia - Really it should be called ‘Hacienda Valencia’ because they really know how to make you feel right at home (I literally walked around in my bathrobe in the morning LOL). This beautiful Spanish inspired hotel was the first luxury boutique hotel built in San Antonio 16 years ago. The hotel features 213 spacious and contemporary rooms, has Spanish guitar in the lobby Wednesday to Saturday, and has a delicious Argentinian restaurant with gorgeous terrace views of the River Walk. Wifi is complimentary with you stay as well as the morning coffee and pastry bar in the lobby (hence walking around in my bathrobe). Although they do not have a spa they can arrange in room massages and facials.  It also happens to be right in the action, nestled against the San Antonio Riverwalk making it the perfect place to stay downtown.

View fullsize

My Bedroom

View fullsize

My Bathroom

View fullsize

Lobby Seating Area

---

- RELAX -

Exploring the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

San Antonio Botanical Gardens - Perhaps not the first place you would think of when planning a trip to San Antonio but definitely a great one if you are interested in getting outside, enjoying some green space or even trying your hand at one of my favourite activities – photography! Prior to arriving I fully scoped out the Botanical Gardens on Instagram and became so obsessed with the idea of taking photos there I even planned an outfit ahead of time. They have a couple of enclosed gardens you can explore in addition to what’s outdoors, so there are lots of pretty photo opportunities to be had. In the end I walked away with one of my favourite fashion photos from the whole trip!

View fullsize

View fullsize

San Antonio: The Saga - One FREE activity I had planned to do while in San Antonio was check out renowned French Artist, Xavier de Richemont’s captivating video art installation on the facade of the San Fernando Cathedral. I had seen a glimpse of the show online and was dying to experience it live while in town. Although I did make it to the square in time for the show there were some technical issues with the projectors that night and the show was unable to go on. I would still highly recommend trying to go see it as it looks like a great evening activity, especially if you have an appreciation for the arts.

---

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP!

View fullsize

Making Friends At Bakery Lorraine

View fullsize

At Sternesworth, the bar at Hotel Emma

View fullsize

Chicken Burger from Burgerteca

---

PIN THIS POST

SKIING THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

Life in a snow globe - My trip to Aspen, Colorado with Adam - At the top of Buttermilk Mountain (Pyramid Peak in the background)

I sat in silence staring out the window at the snow-capped mountains trying to recall the last time I was on a snowboard. Growing up in Canada you learn to make the most of winter. My mom, in an effort to get us out of the house, repeatedly signed us up for Snowhawks Raven Ski & Snowboard School every year. This meant my brother and I would be up early on Saturdays trying to catch the Snowhawks bus so we could spend the day at different ski resorts snowboarding and hanging with friends. It was during these weekend that I fell in love with winter.

Now though, sitting in my window seat 30,000 feet in the air on my way to Aspen, I couldn’t even recall when I had last touched my snowboard. Somewhere along the way life pulled me away from the one thing that made me love winter, but now as I drew closer to my final destination, that was all about to change. 

Rocky Mountain Range in Aspen Colorado

---

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH

---

Although I’ve heard people rave about how amazing skiing in Aspen is, I have never been. In truth I wasn’t really sure where it sat on the spectrum of ‘extremely pretentious to completely approachable’ but I was super excited to find out. Thankfully I had Adam with me who was equally excited about the trip and itching to get on the slopes, so I knew no matter what it was going to be fun.

While in town, Adam and I would be staying at the Limelight Hotel, a contemporary hotel located right in Aspen Village that came with many perks including complimentary breakfast, ski shuttle service, 2 hours car loans and airport car service! Once we landed at Aspen Airport and gathered our bags, we were greeted warmly by a Limelight driver who was ready and waiting. He ushered us into our very own private Audi Q7 (part of the hotel fleet) and within 15 minutes we were at the hotel.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Eager to check out the area Adam and I quickly dropped our bags in our room before heading out to explore. The room was large and had, wait, two queen beds? LOL! Adam and I had to laugh at this because he always complains that I am like sleeping next to an inferno and having his own bed would be the icing on the cake for him… and my needy nightmare. Regardless of the sleeping situation we were on a mission to find ski gear because Adam and I kind of showed up to Aspen with no outerwear and no gear… That’s right, NOTHING!

Thankfully a stones-throw from the hotel was 4 Mountain Sports, a full service retail and rental shop that offered an array of premium ski and snowboard gear starting as low as US $60 per day. It took Adam and I less than an hour to get fully fitted with all our gear – snowboard for me, skis and polls for him, boots and helmets for both – which, besides our helmet and boots, we didn’t even need to take back to the hotel because they deliver your gear to the slopes. Whaaatttttt!?

Now that we had our gear sorted all we had to do was get fitted for outwear. To help us overcome this challenge we turned to Lorenzo at Suit Yourself – a local skiwear outfitter who brings jackets, pants, gloves, and goggles to your hotel room so you don’t have to freeze your butt off on the slopes. He hooked us up with premium Helly Hansen outerwear for an average of US $50 a day and just like that, Adam and I were ready to hit the slopes!

Enjoyed a charcuterie board at Meat & Cheese in Aspen, CO

By the time we finished all our errands it was nearing 3pm and, considering the 7-hour travel day we just endured, a drink was much needed! Enter Meat and Cheese, a cute eatery and marketplace where you can sit down and enjoy an array of artisanal breads, meats and surprise, surprise, cheese! This place came highly recommended by the hotel as well as the folks at Four Mountain and we were not disappointed. Their menu consists of a variety of charcuterie boards and featured mostly locally sources ingredients that were completely up our alley. Knowing very well that we were going to sit down and have dinner in a couple hours Adam and I decided to grab a couple drinks and share a couple charcuterie boards to save some room for dinner.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Two things I quickly learned about Aspen, Colorado was that 1) altitude can really affect your tolerance when it comes to alcohol, and 2) eating out can quickly become expensive. Thankfully one of the reasons why Meat and Cheese came so highly recommended was because their lunch specials are pretty affordable in comparison to other restaurants located on ‘restaurant row’ in Aspen Village. Also since it only took me one glass of Prosecco to start feeling buzzed, Adam and I were also able to save a little money there. LOL!

Enjoying and authentic Italian meal at L’Hostaria in Aspen, CO.

That night’s dinner was at another local favourite and one of the oldest restaurants in Aspen, L’Hostaria. Located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel L’Hostaria is an authentic Italian restaurant that was described by many locals as their ‘go-to date night spot’, and upon walking in we could see why. The traditional, cozy, white table cloth, candle-lit Italian restaurant ambiance was in full effect and not only was the dining room completely packed with patrons but so was the bar. Having essentially saved ourselves for this meal Adam and I were starving so we started with a selection of appetizers including their eggplant parmesan which was phenomenal! For our mains Adam and I shared the mixed seafood pasta and the lamb chops only to politely fight over who would get the last bites. By the time we left we were both stuffed to the gills and ripe and ready for bed.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

ITCHING TO TRAVEL? CHECK OUT MORE OF MY TRAVEL GUIDES!

---

Eager to seize the day on the slopes Adam and I got up early and made our way down to the restaurant for breakfast. It wasn’t until we sat that we remembered we had forgotten to sign up for the hotel’s complementary ski shuttle service the night before and were faced with the hard truth that it was fully booked up. Thankfully the hotel informed us that the Aspen bus station was only a 5 minute walk up the street and RFTA buses to the slopes were not only free but they departed every 30 minutes. The only downfall we learned to taking the bus was that your commute takes an extra 20 minutes but, alas, beggars can’t be choosers and a free ride is a free ride!

View from the chairlift at Snowmass Mountain

One thing you should know about Aspen is that there are four mountains to choose from; Aspen, Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Aspen and Highlands are the hardest of the four mountains and have the most single and double black diamond runs. Snowmass offers more of a variety of terrain while Buttermilk is great for novice skiers and beginners. Since our trip was early in the ski season all the mountains except Buttermilk were open (it would open on our second day), and since I hadn’t snowboarded in ages we decided on start on Snowmass Mountain.

Once we finally got to the base of Snowmass, grabbing our gear and lift tickets (you can order them ahead of time online) was easy! Before Adam and I knew it we were at the top, strapped in, and ready for our first run. Although I was feeling slightly nervous about not having snowboarded in nearly a decade, it really only took me a couple of runs for the muscle memory to kick in and before I knew it I was carving confidently down the hill, whizzing by people and cutting through trees without any problems. Sure I may of wiped out half a dozen times but I was having so much fun! By the end of the day I was back to my old ‘winter loving’ self again.

Après sangria at Venga Venga Cantina!

After a full day of skiing, Adam and I were looking forward to getting some much deserved  drinks at one of Aspen’s best après-ski spots, Venga Venga. Weeks earlier, while researching the destination I had seen quite a few mentions of the Mexican cantina and tequila bar, and since it was at the Snowmass Mall close to where we drop off our gear, we thought we would give it a try. Turns out Venga Venga is quite the perch! With panoramic views of the slopes and fire pits on the patio to keep you warm, people gather to drink cold brews and unwind after a big ski day. Soon after we showed up a DJ arrived, followed by even more people and before you knew it we were in the midst of a full on aprés party! If we didn’t have dinner plans at Crêperie du Village that night we would have probably stayed there drinking sangria and eating tacos well into the night.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Much like Venga Venga, I first came across Crêperie du Village while researching Aspen and instantly became smitten with its French Alpine Bistro aesthetic. With its cozy, candle lit corners, and sheep skin covered chairs I knew I was just going to love this place. The restaurant was quite busy when we arrived for our dinner reservation, a great sign that the food was going to be equally as good as the ambiance. In no rush, Adam and I ordered a cocktail followed by the escargot (my fav), foie gras (Adam’s fav) and the steak tartar (both our favs). It was easily my most treasured meal of the entire trip and the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening. Adam and I wined and dined like Aspen royalty and deemed Crêperie du Village definitely worth the splurge.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

After dinner Adam and I stopped by J-Bar at Hotel Jerome for a quick nightcap. The recently renovated hotel is actually one of Aspen’s most beloved historic landmarks and is often referred to as Aspen’s crown jewel. The bar inside, which is said to be haunted, has for years been the favoured watering hole for many who visit Aspen. Expectedly, the cocktails were on the pricier side but that didn’t stop Adam and I from getting cozy in front of the roaring fireplace and cheering to a perfect day in Aspen.

Enjoying a nightcap at J-Bar in Hotel Jerome

Having thoroughly enjoyed our day of skiing at Snowmass, Adam and I decided to yet again get up early and hit the slopes. This time though we had remembered to book the shuttle the night before and instead of having to wait the 30 minutes for the bus we were at the slopes in a speedy 15 minutes. Since we had plans to go snowmobiling in the afternoon and were only going to spend half the day skiing we decided to check out Buttermilk Mountain as it was opening day and apparently had the best views of Pyramid Peak – a choice we did not regret. For someone who hasn’t skied in a while I would even recommend going to Buttermilk before Snowmass as I felt their green and blue runs were easier than Snowmass’.

Adam and I doing a snowmobiling tour with T-Lazy Z Ranch in Aspen

After another amazing morning Adam and I headed straight to T-Lazy 7 Ranch for our snowmobiling tour. T-Lazy 7 Ranch has been an active ranch and lodge in Aspen for 80 years. About 50 years ago they started offering 2-4 hour snowmobile tours and Adam and I were told their tours were the best way to see the Maroon Bells – the most photographed peaks in North America. Having never snowmobiled before, we didn’t know what to expect but once we arrived and checked in we were quickly escorted over to the shed to be fitted with helmets and boots. Once we were fully decked out and ready to go, we were paired with a snowmobile and given a short safety lesson before heading out. The tour took us through the picturesque Maroon Creek Valley (the road is closed to cars in the winter making snowmobiling or cross country skiing the only way in or out) all the way to the base of Maroon Lake where we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and took in the beautiful view of the Maroon Bells. Once we got all our pictures we headed back to the ranch where our instructor guided us to their designated track where we got to open up the snowmobile and go as fast as we wanted! So fun!

View fullsize

View fullsize

By the time we finished snowmobiling it was time to après! Adam and I headed back to Aspen Village to check out Shlomo’s Deli & Grill, who’s après ski session is apparently best on Saturdays. By the time we arrived the bar was packed and the party was in full swing. There were girls on the bar dancing to old school hip hop like House of Pain and the whole crowd was going wild. It was definitely the youngest and rowdiest après ski party we encountered while in Aspen. Adam and I loved all the music the DJ was spinning and stayed there partying and dancing for hours until we started to get tipsy and needed to eat. Craving some pizza, Adam and I decided to headed back to the Limelight Hotel for their famous oven fired pizza which totally hit the spot – yum!

Après Ski gets rowdy at Shlomo’s Deli and Grill - *Now Closed

Although Aspen can be expensive there are definitely ways to get around paying premium prices and spending and arm and a leg. For example, rates for accommodations are lower at the very beginning of the ski season (late November early December) as well as later (early April) for closing parties. If you stay at the Limelight you can also save some money on food and drinks by using the hotel’s car loan service (complementary with your stay) to stop by the grocery store as some of the rooms have kitchenettes. Alternatively, some restaurants do offer lunch/après specials like Meat & Cheese and the Limelight Hotel or even try the bar menu for dinner at L’Hostaria. If you are willing to splurge and spend some dough, dinner at Crêperie du Village and snowmobiling with T-Lazy 7 Ranch were amazing, quality experiences that added great value to my overall trip.

Unfortunately our weekend of fun in Aspen came to a close and although short it sure was sweet. We both agreed to come back again, next time for at least a week, and perhaps with a group of friends in tow. In the end our trip to Aspen reignited our love for winter and we both walked away promising to plan more ski vacations together in the future.

---

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

PIN THIS POST

>

ALOHA FROM KAILUA - KONA (THE BIG ISLAND), HAWAII!

Had the perfect Little Mermaid moment in Kona during sunset.

It was early December and things were still very much business as usual. Like most mornings, I was up early and had already brewed a large pot of coffee. Sipping slowly on my first cup I sat down at my desk and opened my laptop - It dinged almost immediately. My eyes darted to the top right corner of my screen to see an email notification. I smiled as I read the subject line “Mele Kalikimaka” - I clicked on it. It was from Adam’s cousin Nashlyn and read “See you in Hawaii soon family!!”. Below, a link to Bing Crosby’s Mele Kalikimaka, the Hawaiian Christmas Song.

Up to this point planning our family Christmas vacation to Hawaii hadn’t been easy. Finding accommodations for all 13 of us was nothing short of grueling and had already led to two failed VRBO booking attempts. Now, being only a week out until the trip, things were looking up and I couldn’t have been more excited for what was to come.

---

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH

---

Prior to takeoff and in my usual ‘type-a’ style I had tried to do some research about the destination only to find out quickly that unlike popular Hawaiian destinations like Oahu and Maui, there wasn’t much out there to go on. Regardless, having spent Christmas with Adam’s extended family before, I knew this trip was going to be fun and of course I was right. From boozing on the beach, to checking out some great snorkeling spots, to finding the most amazing classic rock cover band I have ever heard, our trip to Kona was one of the best Christmases I have ever had. If you are heading to The Big Island and want some recommendations, you can find what topped my list for best beaches, restaurants and nightlife activities below.

Most beaches have lifeguard stations that make for a great photo prop!

- Beaches + Snorkeling Spots -

It was our first day in Kona and we were off to a late start. Eager to get to the beach we decided to hit up one close by. After a quick google search we found out that there was a beach literally down the street from our VRBO. Magic Sands, a small, popular, local beach just outside the downtown strip of Kailua-Kona. When we arrived the beach was packed with locals and tourist alike and there was even a net (free to the public to use) where people were playing volleyball. I absolutely loved this beach and we ended up coming back here twice. It had such a great energy/vibe and even though it was small, it had some wicked strong waves and made you feel like you were really in the thick of it all. I didn’t submerge myself in the water here because the waves were a little too crazy for me, but the boys did and had lots of fun boogie boarding. As for me, I preferred to spend my time sitting on the side lines drinking rose, people watching, and basking in the ‘magic’ of Magic Sands.

Climbing the lava rock in Makalawena

Besides Adam losing his wallet at this next beach, spending the day at Makalawena was definitely a highlight of the trip. A 30 minute drive outside of Kailua-Kona, Makalwaena is a secluded beach that you can only get to by hiking through the lava fields. Before you even get to the beach path to begin the hike in, you first have to drive 10 minutes into a park on a long, unpaved road. Go slow because the road is bumpy and rough. Once you get to the parking lot, you will see the entrance which is where you will begin the first leg of your journey through the lava fields. All in all you are looking at a 25-30 minute trek but believe me when I say its a totally surreal experience. Walking through the lava fields is beautiful with black riggid rock all around you. Make sure to wear some good comfy shoes - you will thank me later. The lava fields are perfect for taking photos and Adam and I did just that - it was too epic to pass on. Getting to the beach felt long and a bit tough but when we finally got there it was so worth it. When we arrived there was maybe only 20 or so people on the beach (if that) and as soon as I dug my feet into the soft white sand I knew it was going to be one of my favorite spots. The best part about our day as Makalawena was that since the beach only had a slight incline and wasn’t insanely packed with people we had tons of room to play our annual game of family football.

Up to this point I hadn’t really wanted to go into the water - all the beaches we had gone to had big crashing waves and felt a little to crazy for me. I honestly vividly remember on multiple occasions looking out at the water as a big wave was coming in and people were running away, LOL. Yeah… not for me. It wasn’t until we spent a day at Kua Bay Beach that I finally had the urge to really get in and completely submerged myself. The beach was a 35 minute drive outside Kona and had just the right amount of people, not as busy as Magic Sands but not as quiet or crazy to get to as Makalawena. The waves were perfect for boogie boarding and I spent over an hour playing in the water and catching waves. It may of been the people I was with, the fact that I finally felt that it was safe enough to get in the water, or the epic ‘shade fort’ that I built that day, but this beach definitely took top spot in my books.

On Christmas Day, after we had all gotten up and had a nice breakfast together, Louis (Nashlyn’s fiance) suggested we head to Honaunau for snorkeling, and what a brilliant suggestion it was. Two Step (Honaunau) which literally refers to the two rocks that act like steps to help you get in and out of the water easily, is a small popular snorkeling spot about a 30 minute drive from Kuilua-Kona. Not to be confused as a beach, there isn’t really anything else going on here besides some flat rocks and some amazing snorkeling. Still though, having now gone, it’s pretty kick ass and I definitely recommend you add it to your list of things to do while in Kona. When we arrived it was pretty busy but we still managed to claim a spot on the rocks to leave our stuff while we discovered the beautiful underwater world of colorful coral and vibrant schools of fishes native to the area. A perfect way to spend Christmas Day if you ask me.

- Restaurants -

On our last day in Kona and on the way back from Kua Bay beach Adam and I stopped off at a local poké shop called Umekes that Adam’s cousin’s girlfriend Erica had heard about. Up to this point in the trip I had yet to try authentic Hawaiian poké and even though we had plans to have a big family dinner together back at the house, I needed to make this experience happen. As soon as we stepped inside I knew it was going to be good. The place was packed and the lineup was pretty much out the door. The poke was a little on the expensive side ($15) but they gave you a big, delicious helping and it was totally worth the chance to have a true Hawaiian poké experience. The only thing that I would say was a down fall to this place is that there isn’t much ambiance and it’s definitely not a place you would sit down and enjoy a meal. The only ‘seating’ you will find are some benches outside in the plaza where its located, but at least there’s free parking....

Since we were such a big group, it was usually easier and less expensive for us to just take turns cooking dinner at the house, but the one night we did go out as a group for dinner we went to Kona Brewery and Pub. The boys had been drinking a lot of Kona Brewery beer up to this point in the trip and Adam’s cousing Leiland had taken his girlfriend to their pub on her birthday for a little solo date night. When they got back to the house Leiland reported that their pizzas were amazing, and I think that’s all the real convincing it took to seal the deal haha. The restaurant is super casual and was easily able to accommodate all of is. We ended up sitting outside enjoying freshly made pizzas and cold brews before hitting up some bars in downtown Kona - a great start to an evening out.

Having arrived in Kona a couple days after Adam’s cousins, we had some catching up to do. They had already ventured to the other side of the island to see Volcano park and check out Hilo, but we were still due for that adventure. The drive from Kona to Hilo takes about 1.5-2 hours and with sightseeing/hiking and visiting Volcano Park its a full day activity. If you are up for it though, I definitely recommend stopping off for some cocktails and delicious island fare at Pineapples while in Hilo. I had their fish tacos which were amazing and tried a glass of their sangria, a perfect blend of wine and fresh tropical fruit. Adam’s cousin who was going crazy for Mai Tai’s said the one she had at Pineapples was the best she had on the entire island. The restaurant itself is an open-air concept and features a lineup of local musicians Tuesday through Sunday. The place was pretty busy when we arrived but the food, service, and vibe was great and worth the 20-minute wait.

- Nightlife -

On our first night in Kona, Adam and I joined his cousin and girlfriend for a night out exploring the town. None of us had any idea of what downtown Kona had to offer in terms of nightlife and only after walking down the main strip did we hear echoes of live music coming from a second floor bar. Enter Gertrude’s Jazz Bar, a fun cocktail bar with panoramic views of the ocean, and live music nightly. On that particular night we stumbled into the last set of a family band called ‘The Lucky Tongue’ and although it was the sound of their music that initially drew us in, it wasn’t till we settled in and ordered a drink at the bar that our heads cranked back around to see where the great music was coming from. They were captivating - dressed in vintage 70’s bell bottoms and played classic rock covers from The Guess Who, Billy Idol, and The Mamas & the Papas - it was amazing! We had so much fun we ended up staying there the entire night and completely took over the dance floor singing and dancing to all the songs. 

After our first day at Magic Sands the entire Christmas crew took over Huggo’s On The Rocks for happy hour (3-5PM daily) and to watch the sunset. Huggo’s, as it is fondly referred to by locals, is a casual ‘toes in the sand’ restaurant that gives you the illusion of being at a beach bar while enjoying ocean front views. The food was okay but we stayed mostly for the drinks and live music. We ended up coming back to Huggo’s on the Sunday night because Lucky Tongue was playing again and we wanted to catch more of their set since we only got to hear a couple of songs at Gertrude’s a couple days earlier. If you are looking to spend a night out in downtown Kona, Huggo’s On The Rocks makes a great starting point (they close at 10PM during the week and 11PM on weekends) because it’s close to the main restaurant strip in Kona and you can easily walk to other spots.

---

- MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP -

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

PIN THIS POST

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!

---

CHECK OUT MY OTHER US TRAVEL GUIDES!

---

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.

---

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH!

---

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. 

---

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!

---

---

PIN THIS POST

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

---

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

---

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

---

HEADING TO THE USA? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES!

---

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!!

---

PIN THIS POST