For me, New York City for me has always been a work affair, from the first couple of times I had the opportunity to visit in 2018 and 2019, both trips were exclusively for America Batel Boutique to attend the Jovani New York Fashion Week. (If you didn't already know, in another life, I was a boutique owner and by another life, I mean just a short 2 years ago!) Growing up, my heart longed to live in NYC. I always thought that as a writer or media professional the ultimate goal was to write for the New York Times or work at Vogue. Although, I have very much settled in my heart that's not the route the Lord has led me to, I can't help but to be completely intrigued by the culture and vibe that NYC brings. 2 years later, I am back for yet another work affair, but during the scarce off time that was provided, I was able to squeeze in some never before's to my sight seeing. From museums, to delish restaurants, to the epic shopping and retail- keep reading for a glimpse of NYC through the lens of a working Gen Z ready to re-experience the big apple! Photo Courtesy of Marriott New York Times Square Lodging at The AC Hotel New York Times Square For a 4.3 Star Hotel that also happens to be a Marriott, I'd hoped that i'd have something to gush over, and while the location is just steps away from the most visited NYC spot, the iconic Times Square, this hotel was what you would call "mid." What I will say is SO WORTH gushing over is the gorgeous Castell rooftop lounge that boasts over 3,000 square feet indoor and outdoor space with elevated views of the city, including one of the most famous buildings, the Empire State Building, which for the small fee of $43.46 you can also visit and get a real-life birds eye view of the city! On another note, truly, unless you're ready to drop over $800 a night for a beyond luxurious hotel, NYC is just not the type of place where outstanding hotel experiences abound. Rather than focusing on getting a superb hotel, I recommend spending the money on experiences and some epic shopping. Bryan Park Dating back to 1686, Bryan Park is located in the New York City Borough of Manhattan between Fifth Avenue and the Avenue of the America's. As one of the city's most beloved parks with seasonal programming, the Bank of America's Winter Village (including an ice rink), street vendor kiosks, and the year-round Le Carrousel gives you options to make memories and take plenty of insta-worthy pictures! Anytime I visit New York, this stop is a must at any time of the year! PS: Ice Skating starts at only $18 and you can book your reservation here. Broadway - Chicago! My first time at a broadway show, I knew I needed all the sparkle and all the extra which is why Chicago seemed like a great fit. Tickets for this particular show start at $67.82 for a 2.5 hour razzle dazzle of The Tony-winning revival of Kander and Ebb's musical. I would recommend you find a show that suites your fancy and that you experience this at least once in your lifetime. VENUE: 219 West 49th Street New York, NY 10019 Ambassador Theater 9/11 Museum When it comes to the heaviness of this experience its almost indescribable, learning about the 9/11 attacks and aftermath was both enlightening and burdensome. Visiting both the memorial and museum has instilled a new found respect within me for our country for what it endured. As I walked through the exhibits, I took some time to reflect and seriously pray over the victims and the families of those who were effected. Almost immediately, something that came to my mind was that being a part of a generation that more times than not, bashes our country (which by no means is perfect), like many of us Gen Z's, I really needed to take some time to reflect and further educate myself on our history beyond what I learned in my introductory courses in school. The 9/11 museum has various programs for continued education that explore 9/11's impact on the world and opportunities to learn about the attacks and their aftermath. I highly encourage you to make this a stop in your NYC itinerary. The Museum is open to the public six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) and the $26 admission that will take you through the series of events, as well as provide your with opportunities to hear first hand testimony's, the last voicemails of some of those who sadly passed, and an overview of that fateful day before, during, and after the attacks. 20 years later, we live in a world that is SO DIVIDED, yet this memorial and museum was a reminder that on that infamous day in 2001, the world stood still except to help your neighbor, and it didn't matter what political party you were a part of. Top of the Rock When I think about the Rockerfeller Building, I can't help but to remember the iconic "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" poster I grew up with in my dad's man cave and although I have done the Empire State Building multiple times, The Top of the Rock was still on my list of observatories to experience. I personally love a night view and opted for the last possible entry at 10:10 pm and I did not regret it ONE bit! If you're interested in experiencing, you can take your pick from three options: general admission ($34-$40), express pass ($75), or VIP tour ($110). Boqueria and Tony's Di Napoli Barcelona inspired classics and Family Style Italian were among two of my favorites from this trip. Boqueria is located in the Garment District across from the New York Times building and offers an elegant upscale feel with Barcelona inspired tapas and market-driven seasonal specials. Delicacies like aged ham, gourmet cheeses, and a brunch menu that mixes Spanish flavors with American favorites, each of the chef's dishes are curated to take you from NYC to Europe during your dining experience. Recommendation: TORTILLA ESPAÑOLA PLATTER Traditional Spanish frittata of eggs, confit potatoes, onions, served with pan con tomate In the heart of Time Square lies one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in New York City with scrumptious home made pasta and sauce, and where you can also indulge in an exquisite selection of wines! With a track record of over 30 years, this spot also doesn't disappoint with the traditional Italian atmosphere, even if you're balling on a budget or happen to be on a per diem. Recommendation: RIGATONI BOLOGNESE TIRAMISU Sweetened mascarpone and lady-fingers soaked in espresso & coffee liqueur makes this authentic Italian dessert irresistible
0 Comments
This was an unexpected trip to say the least, and calling Colombia the most welcoming place on Earth falls short of all that the country has to offer. When you walk the art filled streets of Bogota, you can't help but to feel inspired and immersed in rich heritage and culture. A melting pot of unique gastronomic experiences, colorful buildings, and some of the best coffee in the world, you can rest assured that when it comes to things to do and enjoy, Bogota has plenty of add-on's for your itinerary. In this blog I narrowed it down to some of my favorites based on my enriching cultural experience and love for instagramable moments! Where to Stay: Hilton Bogota Corferias Walk through the streets of La Calendaria Known as the original city, this neighborhood is home the city's oldest buildings, astonishing architecture, and a classic experience of Colombia with a modern twist in certain spots making it a true walk to remember, and yes, I recommend you walk the entire neighborhood! You'll catch a glimpse of the simple things in life, like children playing traditional Colombian games outside, street performers channeling their heritage the best way they know how with wild interpretive dancing, live music, and so much more! Explore La Zona T Even though within the walls and streets of Bogota, the city holds great heritage and culture, the capital of Colombia could not go without an upscale metropolitan area. Zona Rosa, also known as Zona T features a variety of upscale restaurants, hotels, shopping, and of course nightlife! Luckily, I got to experience this zone more than once, the first being a nice and entertaining dinner at Andres C.D and the second for lunch at Kuna Mya, both of which were excellent choices, by the way! My third encounter with Zona T, of course had to be one of my favorite things to do, SHOPPING! I had the privilege of visiting St.Dom, a high end luxury store curated to showcase and sell only the finest in Latin/Colombian designer piece with an additional focus on discovering new young Latin talent. Visit Museo Botero Bogota has various museums and the Botero Art Museum is no exception of a beautiful scenery inside and out. Going through the museum and exploring the attention to detail played a role in my enrichment of the destination's cultural knowledge, and what all influences the local art scene both past and present. This Visit the First Wonder of Colombia, the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Colombia's first wonder, is nothing short of breathtaking with it's intricate architectural style, this monumental masterpiece was hand built by miners and eventually became a temple. This iconic piece of history lies only 48 kilometers from Bogota and is buried deep in the hill of Zipa, a name taken from the most prominent indigenous chief and stands at 2,652 meters above sealevel with an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius. Experience the Coffee Scene at the Rose Pastry Shop Colombia is known for some of the greatest coffee in the world, and although you can find a coffee shop at just about every corner, Rose Pastry Shop is both delicious and instagrammable! Located on Carrera 9 #70A-11 in Bogota, this exquisite little shop is decked out with an all pink ensemble. From the pink walls, flowers, furniture, LED lights, and even plants, you can't help but to just want to take a picture. Their feature desserts are perfectly displayed with great eloquence to make a true gastronomic experience from a simple little coffee run. Learn about one of the world's most precious jewels at the International Emerald Museum Did you know that Colombia is known to be the most important source of high quality emeralds in the world? Due to the ideal climate and geographical location, Columbias emeralds are known to contain less iron and fewer impurities making them more valuable. Respectively, the International Emerald Museum was a must. Although it was a small museum, the real VIP experience is getting to purchase beautiful emeralds right on property, knowing that they are true and tried. I couldn't help myself but to make the investment, after all, when will I ever get the opportunity to purchase some of the best emeralds in the world right from their source? Encounter the Culture of Colombia at Plaza de Bolivar Soak it all in, embrace the culture, and let yourself be immersed by what Colombia is all about at the Plaza de Bolivar, located at the main square in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, this iconic plaza hosts vendors, artisans, and picturesque llamas for pictures? (yup, that's right.. I could not resist the temptation to take a picture with a freaking LLAMA!) Not only is this iconic plaza a gathering place but it's rich history exceeds beyond just another ancient site. This plaza also symbolizes the country's liberty with it's name being given after Simon Bolivar Venezuelan, a solider who played a crucial role in the South American independence movement. Now, years later, the country still commemorates Bolivar's bravery with various memorials including this iconic plaza surrounded by exquisite architecture, and the rest of the original city also known as "La Candelaria." Colombia Quick Facts:
This weekend trip, though quick was quite literally perfect. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday corporate life, Atelier Playa Mujeres makes it seamless to do so with a luxury experience where Mexican creativity and flavor meets contemporary art and zen. This all inclusive adult-only luxury resort has full amenities to enjoy while capturing nature's beauty and unraveling the adventure that awaits in Playa Mujeres! Keep reading for your guide to a perfect getaway inside Atelier! Atelier did not disappoint and I want to preface with saying that for a person who is constantly busy and overstimulated, this resort stay was just the type of vacation that was needed. I got to spend a lot of quiet time by the ocean, at the rooftop, and simply admiring God creation and beauty that surrounded me, from friendly faces to the exotic vegetation. Atelier is known for it's peace, quiet, and beauty that abounds! Keep reading for an inside look at the restaurants and other key amenities! Everyday, I got up early and decided to explore around the resort, because yes..it was massive and I couldn't help but grab a cup of green juice, go for a walk, do some stretches by the water and then head to get ready for breakfast. My recommendation for your stay is, if you're going to truly rest, make sure and stay in the resort and enjoy all of it's offerings. Way too often, Cancun is known for being rowdy and a typical spring breakers paradise, but inside this resort, you truly get the relaxing stay that i'm sure you also often crave when life is hectic and busy! Arrival When I tell you that customer service here is top notch, I could not emphasize it enough. I've been to my fair share of all-inclusive resorts but this one exceeded my expectations. Upon arrival we were greeted with a drink and staff ready to take our bags up to our room. Our room keys were adorable wooden bamboo bracelets with a metal charm that perfectly fit the aesthetic inside Atelier, and yes it's the details that matter for the ultimate visitor experience. Check in was very quick, but be sure to have your passport at hand for an even faster check-in. Once you receive your bracelets, you're ready to enjoy! Note: There are various all-inclusive options. We had the INSPIRA guest option and it was SO WORTH IT. This meant we had exclusive access to the rooftop, infinity pool, and bar as well as other key features inside the resort and benefits at the private beach. Restaurants Mercado 19 Talk about a good and hearty breakfast with Mercado 19. Omelette bar, chilaquiles, and pancakes were only three of the endless possibilities at this place. The variety for food was amazing and you had various made to order specialties including breakfast cocktails because why not? Recommendations: Chilaquiles Verdes con un huevo estrellado and an Orange and Raspberry mimosa please! Alba Who says that going on vacation means taking a break from wholesome eating? Alba gives you a specialty curated menu designed for folks who love eating clean. Options include colorful organic salads and infused natural juices. Recommendation: Their green juice is absolutely delicious and my all time favorite. El Suspiro Ocean breeze, seafood galore, and the views.. yes please! El Suspiro is a seafood lover's paradise with unique dishes served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We did a lobster bisque as an appetizer and even saved room for dessert with their moist chocolate cake that is far from the ordinary. Recommendation: Lobster Specialty and Mango Margarita Takeshi If asian cuisine is more your speed, Takeshi is sure to give your usual asian cuisine a run for it's money. Every detail is given special care throughout the experience with flavorful entrees and a sophisticated atmosphere that gives you the high end feel you love. Recommendation: Fried Rice, Korean BBQ, and Strawberry Mojito Cilento Calling all pasta lovers! Indulge in gourmet pizzas, deliciously colorful salads, and best of all, home made pasta that is sure to make your taste buds happy. While the entire resort is picture perfect, the atmosphere inside Cilento is perfectly accompanied by an excellent gastronomy experience. Oh, and don't forget, the attire is casual chic.. emphasis on the chic. Recommendation: Lasagna Bolognese & Margherita Pizza Los Abrazos Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a total carnivore so it does not come as a surprise that a steakhouse was my favorite. When dining at Los Abrazos you can enjoy various exceptionally juicy cuts of meats complimented by gourmet appetizers and exquisite wines. Recommendation: New York Strip with Corn on the Cob and Potatoes with a glass of Moscato and Crepes for desert! Cafecito Coffee Shop Late night coffee or sweets run anyone? Cafecito is centrally located and conveniently both artisanal coffee and scrumptious deserts (YES, GELATO included!) From latte's to Americano's you can expect a sweet Mexican flavor to each drink. Recommendation: Pistachio Gelato and Hot Vanilla Latte Limon y Sal Located right beside the main pool, Limon y Sal offers an exquisite selection of gourmet snacks, tapas, and drink all with the comfort of pool side service. Recommendation: The tamarindo margarita and crispy egg rolls Maria Dolores by Edgar Nunez $ If you're looking for to splurge on a gastronomic experience for the ages, this restaurant is one to note. With it being the only restaurant not included in the all-inclusive package, you know that you're in for a treat. Celebrity Chef, Edgar Nuñez's seasonal Avant Garde Cuisine speaks for itself with exclusive signature dishes that are perfectly curated for an out of this world gastronomic experience. Recommendation: Mushroom Carnitas Taco, grill beef filet, mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms. and pineapple "hoja santa" and kombucha for dessert. Nuup Spa If you're looking to enhance the already relaxing experience of Atelier, NUUP Spa has what you need. Dive deeper into your vacation with a sauna, deep tissue massage, or a calming hydro therapy facial. Recommendation: Detoxifying Body Wrap Resort Style ⭐️ WOW Features ⭐️
-Circus show inside the El Deseo Lounge on select days -Prestigious toiletries by Molton Brown London -Photo Op moments ft. bamboo hearts, oceanside hammocks, and beach swings -Fully stocked bar cart/mini fridge with bottles of fine wines, beet, sodas, water, and gourmet snacks - Live Music across the resorts various dinning spots "Let's go to Disney World for Labor Day weekend!" - My Sister I have to say that I have always considered myself adventurous when it came to traveling, but lately my sister has me beat with out of the blue proposals for trips. Evidently, this was my attempt at normalizing weekend trips and it could not have been better! It being my first time in Florida, I was not sure what to expect, but I loved it! Disney was magical and the city screams hospitality and tourism. I got to speak Spanish more than the usual being that every Lyft driver we got was Latin. I really felt their culture and the American dream represented every time they wrapped me up in conversation. From delicious treats, to Disney World secret fun, and everything in between, read below for all the deets! Day One l Arrive in Orlando l World Quest Resort Check In l Disney World Magic Kingdom l I began the day by flying out of the Austin, Texas airport with plans to catch up with my sister and our friend Leon who flew out a day earlier. Nothing ever goes as planned and I ended up checking into our resort an hour and a half late. We stayed at the World Quest Orlando Resort and there were zero regrets. When it came to our lodging experience it was great! The view was incredible, the pool was big and beautiful, and our rooms were both clean and well kept. Keep in mind, I don't consider myself high maintenance and truly think that overall we got a great deal for this fantastic place in close proximity to Disney World! Interested in checking it out? You can do so here. After checking in, getting dressed as quickly as I could, I used Lyft as my source to commute. But this resort has an early morning shuttle to the park free for guests to use. (PRO TIP: Lyft is so much cheaper than Uber in Florida...so take this as your sign.) I prepared my scan pass on my phone for the park which was purchased two weeks before arrival. PS: Disney now required a reservation after purchasing a pass so make sure that's on your to-do list if you plan to visit. Finally, I arrived and walked up the stairs where I was torn between choosing to either take a ferry or the monorail to get to Magic Kingdom. I chose the Monorail, as it seemed faster and less hot... let's just say that Florida heat is NO JOKE. The moment I stepped out of that monorail I felt the magic in the air! I proceeded to scan my ticket at the entrance and greeter, no surprise was intrigued by my name and said.. my radar is saying "Welcome Princess America!" It was so sweet and made me tear up a little. And then the fun began! I was starving and failed to remember that all indoor dining experiences required reservation with few walk in options, I opted to get a funnel cake, Mickey Mouse cream sandwich, and sprite! This gave me just the necessary fuel to get through the day and having dessert for breakfast just confirmed that I really was in the happiest place on earth! We went through rides like the famous Tea Cups, flying with Dumbo, Aladin's Magic Carpet Ride, and so much more! Whoever said Disney was only for children was seriously disturbed. Finally, after walking, a few shows, some rides, we got to the souvenir shopping and I began my Disney Pin trading journey! This is a fun and interactive experience where visitors can trade pins with the cast and other guests. When you visit any Disney park find a Cast member wearing a lanyard with Disney pons and find a pin you'd life. You can then present another Disney pin to the Cast Member to finalize the trade! Mix and match and find you favorites with this fun scavenger hunt adventure as you walk through and experience the rest of the magic! Read further details here. And at-last we did our final round of rides, enjoyed a Mickey pretzel, Olaf icee and began to make our way to the front of the castle where the spectacular "Happily Ever After" firework show would be taking place. Sadly, this show will soon be coming to an end September 29th. The 18 minute show made it's debut in 2017 and has been nothing short of spectacular! Definitely a sad moment but Harmonious and Disney Enchantment will make it's debut on October 1st, 2021 as a way to kick off "The World's Most Magical Celebration" for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Tired and all, we decided to to wake up early as we were on the hunt for a Repunzel Disney pin. We sadly did not succeed at finding the pin, but we did get to Visit Disney Springs, where we saw the Aerophile balloon launch, drank yummy Joffrey's smoothies for breakfast, and saw classic cars drive on water? Although we really wanted to do the Amphicar Tour, the line was just too long and we had already made plans for our next adventure.... A breathtaking Helicopter ride at Air Force Fun! Starting at only $35 dollars this has hands down been one of my favorite experiences EVER! It was thrilling, unique, and if you're into aerial views just as much as I am, this is the perfect experience to invest in. We flew over the parks, hotels, and got a serious view of just how incredible Orland is and all it has to offer! .l World's Largest McDonald's l CFS Coffee Shop l On our helicopter ride we caught a glimpse of a MUST STOP.. this was none other than the World's Largest McDonald's! We knew we would want to visit and enjoy a meal there and see what the hype was all about. Although it was bursting at the seams, it did not disappoint. With seating for all, a fun "Greeting from Orlando Florida Mural", and a whole arcade on the second floor we decided to channel our inner kid and ended up purchasing playing cards after our meal. I was even the champ when it came to prizes totaling 2,600 tickets that I decided to give the majority away to the little girl in back of me in line... I mean c'mon what would I even use them for? (besides some finger laser rings.. hehe) Finally, we decided to walk across the street to a souvenir shop but ended up only finding a couple of magnets and then I just knew I had to visit a local coffee shop before our trip ended. I narrowed down my search and found Columbian coffee shop, CFS. I enjoyed and Acai Bowl accompanied by a vanilla latte, Theo took a shot at a vanilla caramel iced coffee, and Leon decided on the avocado toast and eggs. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the resort for our bags and make our way to the airport. Texas, we're back! Orlando, we hope to see you again soon! Ready to start planning your 48 hour getaway? Check out our trip's reel below and the 48 hour Bucketlist! 48 Hours in Orlando It is no surprise that the beauty of The Dominican Republic left me in awe, but let's talk about the fact that everyone was SO friendly! Working in tourism, I truly understand that the locals and ambiance can make our break a destination. Luckily, the ambiance was something that was contagious and rhythm filled just about every excursion and place we got to visit. People are happy, people are dancing, and everyone is just trying to have a good time and make the most of what they have, with what they have. From delicious meals that were new to me, to sunny skies above the most blue water, to being surrounded by gorgeous tropical plants and fruit trees... this trip was everything we hoped and more than we hoped for being our first international family trip together. Day One l Arrive in Punta Cana l Air BNB Check In l An 8 hour flight for 5 gals with a layover included couldn't have been smoother considering this was the first time we were all traveling internationally since COVID-19. Nonetheless, we were in for a week of jam packed fun and adventures! As soon as we arrived at the Punta Cana Int. Airport we saw a breeze of friendly faces, eager and ready to welcome tourists because now we were on island time baby! That meant we would adapt the vacay lifestyle for a week with no hurry. So we picked up our bags and headed out. Oh but not so fast.. We had in mind what we wanted to do, but we decided to wait a little to try to get a better rate than the one online. PS: bartering in person is key!! Waiting at the gates were tour and excursion guides flooding the scene and luckily, we were able to book a couple of excursions before even leaving the airport. We had in mind what we wanted to do, but we decided to wait a little to try to get a better rate than the one online. PS: bartering in person is key!! We hurried down to get a taxi that would then take us to our Air BNB "Retiro Bavaro." Right off the car the owner was extremely welcoming and gave us the tour , along with other details and indications that would make our stay a breeze. 10/10 would recommend staying here if airbnb is your go to. Day Two l Bibijagua Beach l Talk about a beach that has it all! Bibijagua beach in Punta Cana was only minutes away from our air bib and had everything from excursions, souvenir shops, bars, art, all the way to restraints on the water making it an ideal beach for anyone who wants to play, wine, or dine! For us, the day would look like shopping all things souvenirs, laying out, enjoying the beach and banana boats, tasting various non alcoholic drinks and enjoying the beauty of nature's best in the DR. Typically, I recommend a "chill day" after a long day of several flights. This usually helps me mentally and physically prepare for the jam packed tourist days to come. Day Three l Catamaran to Isla Saona l We love a good boat day! The catamaran is always a favorite and a MUST at every beach destination. Our Catamaran experience was booked with Alex, the airbnb owner. For the price being a little under $70, it was a worth while time, included food and drinks at Saona Island and the two hour ride to and from the island. This is a perfect activity if you're looking to dive deeper and enjoy a more private beach experience. Day Four l Plaza Turquesa l Scape Park l Day four was our Scape Park day which we so anxiously awaited. But not before my morning cup of coffee, of course. We waited for the excursion bus at Plaza Turquesa and luckily as we waited we had the opportunity to explore the area and ended up finding some local gems with scrumptious cuisine for the days to come. Naturally, I ordered a vanilla iced latte and Dalias and then we we're off to our adventure. Scape Park made my inner adrenaline junkie happy. Scape Park offered just about everything each sister wanted to do so it was a no brainer for us to get a full day admission ticket. We had the opportunity to zip-line from cliff to cliff, explore ancient caverns and traditional Dominican "rancho." We zip lined and jumped off, toured underground caves and jumped into the blue hole, and even rode hammock zip-lines that ended with a splash into the water. In addition to all these unique adventures you can also have the option to cruise along beautiful beaches, snorkel in tropical waters, or relax in the exclusive beach club. Day Four l Brunch @ Dalia's l Downtown Punta Cana l Coco Bongo l Hard Rock Cafe l We began our day at Dalia's, since brunch is always a good idea and I couldn't help but want to go back to Delila's (<---- Check out the menu and more here). I had the five cheese pasta and I still drool over it because it was SO YUMMY! We sat, chatted, and enjoyed our yummy and pretty drinks and then we're on our way to enjoy the rest of our day in downtown Punta Cana. Sadly, alot of downtown was still shut down and the Coco Bongo was open the show was happening. Nonetheless, we still made the most of it explored some of the restaurants and photo ops available to us and ended up going home to change for dinner at the Hardrock Cafe! The hard rock is one of my favorite restaurants in the entire world and naturally my mom and sisters decided to take some time to celebrate my birthday while we were there with fun sparkling cheesecake and singing waiters. Day Five l Four Wheeling to Macao Beach l Cenote Jumping l Dinner at Napoli's l A Monday had not been this thrilling in a while. We began our day by walking to the beach to hop on our excursion bus that would take us to a small place where our four wheeling adventure through the jungle would begin. We sped through the jungle, mud, trees, and all and finally arrived at Macao beach. We freshened up a but and soaked off, grabbed a quick drink, took some pictures with some new friends (peep the monkey) and then made our way back for the rest of our tour which would then lead us to a cenote, also known as a blue hole approx. 25ft deep inside a cave where we had the option to jump in and experience pure beautiful blue water. Ofcourse, being the experience junkie I am, I had to do it, and it was awesome! Finally, we ended our day with dinner at Napoli's a local Italian restaurant. We had pizza and it was deliciously prepared with fresh mozzarella and ham with a crispy hand tossed crust! Day Six l Bibijagua Beach l Lunch at Californa l Downtown Punta Cana l Our last day was laid back and relaxed. We stayed away of anything that required prep since we had quite a bit of flying the next day. We relaxed at the beach that was only a 3 minute walk from our AirBNB, we decided to drive around the parts of Downtown we didn't really get to explore, which is key to a good experience anywhere.. EXPLORE EXPLORE EXPLORE without a tour guide. Check out the video and reels below! Isla Saona Retiro Bavaro Punta Cana 2021 If I had to describe this Nashville trip in three words it would have to be: spontaneous, lively, and refreshing. Ive always said the best things in my life have happened with little planning, and Thanks to my friend Justina, this trip was a memorable one for all the right reasons (and not just because we bought our flight tickets a week before!) From yummy food, long drives, cute shops, museums, and so much more, we were able to take advantage of visiting the great Music City! Keep reading to find out all the spots we hit and maybe you'll wanna start planning your trip to this crazy town! ;) Day One l THE PHARMACY l JONS HOUSE l THE MARATHON l DRIVING TO KENTUCKY l After a very long half a day of traveling, J and I landed, and boy were we HANGRY. Luckily, our friend Jonathan who moved to Nashville a couple of months back suggested the absolute best burger place I have ever ate at in my entire life. Seriously, The Pharmacy is a must if you're in area. Extraordinary fries, just about the tastiest burger, and the vibe was just A1 + the weather made it perfect for outdoor seating. Day Two l ARK ENCOUNTER l HATTIE B'S HOT CHICKEN l I have to admit that I was left speechless this day. After driving in to Kentucky from Nashville, I'd have to say that this drive was SO worth it. The heart behind The Ark Encounter is purely to spread Gods salvation and I was left in awe with the information throughout the ark. I seriously recommend this place to everyone and anyone! If you have kids its a great opportunity to teach your kids about the true meaning of the ark and why that bible story occurred the way it did. But don't think its all reading and fossils, there is a petting zoo included in the $49 fee and you can ride a camel for only $9... sadly I missed the opportunity out of being shy but hey! I might just have to return soon to get the full experience! We headed back to Nashville a little after three, got to our hotel and then headed for a low-key dinner at Hattie B's where we tried their world famous hot chicken and pimento mac & cheese= A1! Day Three l BISCUIT LOVE l CENTENNIAL PARK + THE PARTHENON l L+L MARKET l WHITE BISON l l PINEWOOD l BROADWAY @ NIGHT l 5 DAUGHTERS BAKERY l Okay, but seriously this day was SO jam packed! We slept in from our usual 7am wake up time until about 9:30am and weren't out of the hotel until about 11am and we still got SO. MUCH. DONE. We got brunch at Biscuit Love at the Gulch and indeed my plate was scrumptious and those doughnut balls in the corner YEP a forever fav! Truly, Nashville has all the city vibes, but if you want some nature in your vacay, I suggest you take a stroll around Centennial Park with a White Bison coffee and a 5 Daughters Bakery doughnut in hand; Oh and don't forget to take a cool picture in front of The Parthenon! Next, typically girls will be girls and we had to do some shopping. We kicked off our first round of shops at the L+L market that just so happened to have the cutest Made in TN store..I'm talking cute t-shirts, stickers, and more! Before we knew it we had done a whole ton of exploring and we were ready to meet Jon for coffee and head out to dinner at Pinewood- aka probably the most casual yet sophisticated spot i've ever experienced, but you do need to make a reservation so please do yourself a favor and call ahead if you plan on taking a trip!! Finally, our night ended at broadway, but the cool thing was that to get there, we decided to walk the pedestrian bridge instead of driving and that felt so incredibly liberating. Our night ended with people watching and a ton of laughs! Day Four l GRAND OLE OPRY l EDLY'S BBQ l THE FACTORY l DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN, TN l Ah! The last full day of being in Nashville really put me in that lively mood. This day was nowhere near as jam packed but it was truly about soaking it all in. We began our day by visiting the Grand Ole Opry and decided to do some souvenir shopping for family and friends, took the cutest pictures ever (s/o to Justina for being the best photog ever!) and then we met Jon for BBQ at Edly's that was a part of our bucket list- It did not disappoint. After, we decided that a trip to Downtown Franklin, TN was a necessity before our trip was over..let's just say it was adorable...and boujee! I'm talking about $200 boutique headbands that are exactly like the ones I carry at my store.. but you already know that I just had to do some shopping anyway, so Finnley's was my stop for an adorable cheetah print top and a dainty "blessed" ring. Soon after this, we went to a cute little market place similar to the L&L in Nashville, except this was called "The Factory." Fun Fact: a lot of old factories and manufacturing building in TN are reopened as shopping markets and its SUPER! It's almost like a Magnolia & Chelsea market vibe. Its crazy to think that the last trip I took was one week before we had to go on a national quarantine. It really makes you cherish traveling so much more when it's been frowned upon. Overall this trip was a breath of fresh air in the midst of what appears to be a chaotic world! I really can't wait to be back in good ole' Nashville, because I may or may not be biased but it sure does look good on just about anyone (; DONT KNOW WHERE TO START PLANNING YOUR NASHVILLE ITINERARY? ↓ OUT THE CHECKLIST BELOW ↓ |