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Elle-Rose / April 28, 2020

Ultimate guide to Cold Spring, NY: 12 things to do, where to stay & where to eat.

So, you’re planning a visit to Cold Spring, NY and you’re looking for a guide to the town, what to expect – and (most importantly) things to do! This guide will help you find lots of inspiration for your Cold Springs getaway!

Cold Spring, NY is the perfect getaway spot from NYC, and is a truly stunning example of what lies just outside of Manhattan. Just over an hour from NYC, its main street is lined with adorable boutiques, restaurants and speciality stores.

Being an excellent tribute to the great outdoors, it’s also home to some of the world’s best hiking trails. Cold Spring is quite a small town based in the Hudson River Valley, it’s an extremely popular weekend getaway for local New Yorkers, and if you like shopping, eating and walking about, you’re sure to find plenty that floats your boat in Cold Spring, NY.

Things to do in Cold Spring, NY

If you’re visiting Cold Spring, NY for the first time, you’ll want to create a comprehensive itinerary, as there are so many lovely things to do in Cold Spring NY! Here’s a few ideas on things to do and places to see in Cold Spring, NY!

Hiking

My first suggestion for things to do in Cold Spring, NY – it’s hiking of course! If you arrived on the MetroNorth, you may have already seen numerous hikers ready to seek out Cold Spring’s amazing trails. With many visiting solely to explore Breakneck Ridge, it’s an excellent excuse to dust off your mountain boots and get moving.

Offering a short but steep scramble to the top, it offers some incredible views of the Hudson Valley. Though it’s a very difficult hike, the trail is always packed. So, be sure to allocate plenty of time to do this as it may well take you the better part of a day to see the best of this area.

Go shopping in Cold Spring, NY

Due to its many speciality stores, shopping in Cold Spring, NY is a great idea! It’s an amazing place to pick up some unique pieces. If you’re a fan of physical activity or home décor, Old Souls is a cool store that carries products suitable for the field, stream, camp and home. With some loud graphic tees for sale as well, it’s a great stop for some souvenirs. Shopping here is a must for things to do in Cold Spring, NY.

If you’re into vintage goods, Poor George is also a great shout. An amazingly stocked little shop that features vintage goods alongside housewares, stationery and jewellery, it’s the perfect spot for photographs and gifts.

Manitoga

If you’re looking for a more chilled out approach to Mother Nature, why not check out Manitoga? A fabulous studio of woodland, Manitoga offers 90-minute tours of the property. Russel Wright designed the whole outdoor space from the trees to the moss, so it’s a unique experience that’s well worth a visit.

West Point Foundry Preserve

Holding a lot of the area’s history, West Point Foundry Preserve is my next suggestion for things to do in Cold Spring, NY. It is a must-visit for history buffs. At the height of the industrial revolution, this spot produced steam engines, artillery and ships.

Acting as the starting point for numerous hikes, this is a must-visit on the way to any hike in the area. As many of these trails follow old rail beds, it’s a great way to see preserved ruins that are hidden amongst the Hudson woodlands.

Cold Spring Waterfront

A serene natural spot in Cold Spring, the waterfront is another must-see natural spot. With massive, panoramic views of the Hudson and its surrounding scenery, it’s the perfect place to snap some sunset shots. If you’re not looking to get the perfect shot, it’s a relaxing place to just sit and read a book if you’ve got some time on your hands!

Take the River Rose ferry cruise

This lovely old-fashioned ferry cruise is my next suggestion for things to do in Cold Spring, NY. It leaves from the Cold Spring, NY waterfront and they offer public cruises – which make for a gorgeous day out or activity in Cold Spring, NY.

The River Rose is an authentic stern driven Mississippi paddle wheeler, and it’ll take you back in time – while you get to enjoy the view and and the narrative commentary too. There’s also a full service bar on board – which is a nice added extra!

River Rose ferry Cold Spring NY guide to town

Downtown Gallery

Featuring paintings from local artists and with an antique shop that’s stuffed to the brim with collectibles that are constantly updated, this is a must-do in Cold Spring. Located on Main Street, this gallery-meets-antique store is a quaint place to pop into on your way down the area’s most popular stretch of road.

The bandstand

When you’re done schmoozing around Main Street, you should take a trip down to Cold Spring’s hexagonal bandstand and do some people watching. A lovely spot to catch your breath, it’s a wonderful place to de-stress and reflect on your day.

This is a lovely thing to do in Cold Spring NY – especially if you just fancy taking it easy for a few hours.

Take a kayak out on the Hudson

My next suggestion of things to do in Cold Spring, NY is kayaking. With plenty of places around to rent kayaks or canoes you can easily see the best of this river valley. Special tours also run throughout the year, with guides showing you the most special sights on offer.

Including Bannerman castle, it’s a fabulous way to kill two birds with one stone (you get physical activity and see the sights of Cold Spring- win win!).

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Next on my list of things to do in Cold Spring, NY – it’s the Shakespeare festival! This isn’t a continuous event in Cold Spring, NY – but if you happen to be planning a visit during the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, then you’re in for a treat.

It’s both a celebration of Shakespeare, and a celebration of outdoor theatre, and it’s so enjoyable and such a great event. Learn more here.

Stonecrop Gardens

The stunning Stonecrop Gardens cover a huge area of around 12 acres and have a really diverse and beautiful mix of flora and fauna. There are woodlands, landscaped areas, a water garden and a grass garden too. If you love gardening, or you just like admiring pretty places – this a must-see in Cold Spring, NY.

Boscobel House and Gardens

Last on my list of things to do in Cold Spring NY, it’s Boscobel House and Gardens. This is a great idea for things to do in Cold Spring, NY – especially for those who love a bit of history and architecture. The house itself is a historic museum (it’s located in Garrison, a short drive from Cold Spring). The house overlooks the Hudson river, and enjoy some absolutely stunning views. It’s definitely worth visiting, especially as it’s unlikely you’ll have seen anything quite like it before!

Places to stay in Cold Spring, NY

If you’re scratching your head about where to stay in Cold Spring, NY, never fear. In this ultimate guide, we’ve included a couple of fantastic options that should suit any traveller.

Hudson House River Inn

Built in 1832 and operating as a hotel since that date, the Hudson House River Inn is part of Cold Spring’s local history. Located on the stunning waterfront, it’s only about a hundred feet from the Hudson River.

With a distinctly antique feel, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring. As somewhere that’s been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a marvel in its own right!

Pig Hill Inn

Though rather strangely named, Pig Hill Inn is a lovely quiet retreat located on one of Cold Spring’s historic streets. Touting itself as a place that offers great hospitality, it’s sure to live up to your expectations.

With individually decorated rooms and a gorgeous garden terrace, it’s a central spot in Cold Spring that’s a great place to base yourself.

pig hill inn - best places to stay in Cold Spring NY

West Point Motel

Though slightly further out of Cold Spring, NY – this is still within easy driving distance (about 5-10 mins). The West Point Motel is a great budget option that has plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. A family owned hotel that’s been in operation since 1923, it’s a tried and tested spot to rest your head.

Places to eat in Cold Spring, NY

Choosing where to eat in a new town is always half the fun of the trip for me. Cold Sprong, NY doesn’t disappoint! There’s so many great places to eat here.

I find, because a lot of New Yorkers moved out here to escape city life – you actually get this amazing quality of city-cuisine, but in a small town setting. That’s kind of Cold Spring’s vibe – and I love it.

Hudson Hil’s

Hudson Hil’s is one of the area’s most beloved brunch joints, it uses fresh, local ingredients in all its dishes. It’s probably the most popular spot in town for food, so be prepared to queue if you want to taste this joint’s goodies. If you haven’t got much time on your hands, never fear; you can dip into the market section and grab a sandwich or coffee to go!

Brasserie Le Bouchon

Serving classic French cuisine, this brasserie is sure to have a dish to appeal to any taste. One of the top things on this menu is the authentic escargot. Served with a ton of garlic and butter, this yummy dish comes with a stick of crusty baguette to soak up all the goodness. If this doesn’t whet your appetite, the steak au poivre is equally fantastic. Slathered in cream, butter and Cognac, it’s totally indulgent and well worth the trip to Cold Spring.

Whilstling Willies

Whistling Willies is serving standard pub fare, and this is a great place for a simple meal that hits the spot. With an excellent burger and beer selection (it won best beer and best burger in the Hudson Valley Magazine several times!), it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for some hearty grub.

Riverview Restaurant

Riverview Restaurant is a lovely restaurant on the river’s edge, serving up classic ‘restaurant’ style dishes in a lovely setting with an amazing view. I think this would be a lovely place to go for a date-night or if you’ve got someone special to impress in Cold Spring, NY!

How long should you spend in Cold Spring, NY?

In theory, due to its size you can get Cold Spring covered in a day trip. And as it’s only an hour from the city – that’s totally possible too.

However, Cold Spring is the kind of place I would visit for a long weekend. Shake off those city stresses, and relax in one of the hotels above. Have a lazy sleep-in, enjoy some delicious brunch and just mooch around the town. You don’t need to cram everything into one day, so spreading it out over a few days is ideal.

What should I pack for Cold Spring, NY?

In the summer time in Cold Spring NY, you’ll likely spend your time exploring shops, walking around the scenic streets, and sipping coffee in the sunshine. Maybe throw a bit of hiking in there for good measure. So a couple of comfortable outfits for exploring and ‘sightseeing’ and then an outfit for hiking would be ideal.

In the winter, expect it to be snowing, and cold. Cold Spring, NY is just as cold as Manhattan in the winter (if not more so) so make sure you’ve got plenty of layers and warm clothes with you!

I would certainly recommend packing a few useful bits for exploring the area.

Bring some comfortable shoes: as the weather in New York can vary considerably, make sure you pack some comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for your trip. The last thing you want is soaking wet feet taking your mind off things.
If you’re taking a day trip, be sure to pack a portable charger. Cold Spring is full of photogenic spots, so make sure that you’re not caught out with a flat phone battery when you’re trying to line up that perfect shot.

I hope that this Ultimate Guide to Cold Spring, NY has been useful. This place certainly has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover or prefer the quaintness of boutique shops. So, get planning!

The History of Cold Spring, NY

Serving as a home to settlers since 1730, Cold Spring has long been an industrial area on New York’s stately map. Though it was a small trading area until the early 1800s, it soon became a central production spot for the United States Government. Producing artillery pieces from 1818, it saw a huge increase in output as military needs increased.

According to town lore, Cold Spring actually owes its name to George Washington, who took a sip from the spring and thought it was, well, cold. A little bit derivative, we know, but amusing nonetheless!

Hopefully this guide to Cold Spring, NY is useful and you’ve found lots of inspiration in this guide to Cold Spring NY!

There are so many wonderful things to do in Cold Spring NY, and there are lovely accommodation options, and wonderful places to eat in Cold Spring NY too!

Altogether it makes Cold Spring NY a fantastic place for a weekend getaway from NYC!

Elle-Rose / April 20, 2020

The Wynn Buffet in Las Vegas – Photos and review

Are you looking for photos and a review of the Wynn buffet in Las Vegas? This blog post has all my thoughts (positive and negative) about the Wynn buffet – as well as some advice on how to get the best out of the experience.

Today I’m writing up our experience at The Wynn buffet – another one of the best buffets in Las Vegas. Earlier in the week I reviewed the food buffet at The Aria, and I can’t actually decide which I enjoyed more – they both have their advantages and unique selling points.

How expensive is the Wynn buffet?

The Wynn buffet is probably one of the more expensive buffet options in Las vegas, but there’s reason for it. The style, sophistication and quality of the food at the Wynn buffet is really stand-out. The food is delicious, thoughtful and really high-quality.

The most recent prices for the Wynn buffet are:

Child Breakfast Buffet	$9.99
Adult Breakfast Buffet	$24.49
Child Brunch Buffet	$15.99
Adult Brunch – Monday-Friday	$29.99
Adult Brunch – Saturday & Sunday	$37.99
Child Lunch Buffet	$12.99
Adult Lunch Buffet	$26.99
Child Buffet Dinner – Monday-Thursday	$18.99
Adult Buffet Dinner – Monday-Thursday	$43.99
Child Buffet Dinner – Friday, Saturday & Sunday	$19.99
Adult Buffet Dinner – Friday, Saturday & Sunday	$52.99

Top tip for saving money!

Most buffets in Las Vegas (including the Wynn buffet) are cheaper during the daytime for breakfast / brunch or lunch. If you don’t mind what time of day you’ll be sampling the buffet, then opting for an earlier seating is a great way to save a little money. The food options are a little bigger in the evening, but there isn’t a huge difference – so you get the same kind of experience.

Be prepared to queue…

The Wynn buffet is a really popular buffet (as it’s one of the best on the Las vegas strip). If you’re heading to the Wynn buffet during peak times (Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings) then it’s best to assume there will be a queue! The wait may be 15 minutes, but it may be up to an hour. A way to skip the line at the Wynn buffet, is to visit off-peak, during breakfast or lunch hours.

What is the dining experience at the Wynn Buffet like?

I actually loved the dining experience at the Wynn buffet in Las Vegas. The dining room at the Wynn is beautiful, it feels like a big conservatory with lots of natural light flooding in through the glass ceiling. It reminds me a bit of the castle in Beauty and The Beast (the Disney movie) – you know at the end when the castle turns all cheerful again? It’s decorated a bit like that.

If that reference went over your head, then Google it. It’s so pretty!

The tables have lots of space, and the style of the room is beautiful too. It feels quite ‘fancy’ for a buffet room (which can often feel quite manic) so I really enjoyed that. For food variety at the Wynn buffet, there’s lots to choose from. In fact, there are 120 artfully presented dishes and 15 live-action cooking stations to wander around and sample – so you’ll be able to take your pick of whatever take your fancy.

What is the food like at the Wynn buffet?

The food at the Wynn buffet is exactly what you’d expect from one of the best buffets in Las Vegas! There is a lot of variety to choose from, and you’ll be able to sample all kinds of food from lots of different countries.

Some of the highlights are; roasted meats, a whole roast pig on weekends, open-fire Argentinean style grill, pizzas, curries, salads, shellfish, breads, desserts and more. Each one of the dishes and courses are presented beautifully – and look so appetising!

I took lots of photos during my visit which you can see below – to give you an idea of the food you can experience at the Wynn buffet.

Mini waffles were so cute. You could have them with the fried chicken, or with syrup and ice-cream. Winning both ways if you ask me!

The pasta bar (below) was a real treat, with lots of choices. I think there were 4 options, but only 3 are shown in this photo. Of the 4, I tried the Mac and Cheese… yum!

As you can see, there are loads of meat options. Pork Belly, Chicken, Chicken Wings, Beef, Bacon, Sausages, etc. Then there are dips and sauces and pickles for you to choose from (below) to go with it. Oh, and they had pickled and roasted peppers and chiles! Amazing.

For those who prefer something a little lighter, there are plenty of salad options, and Asian food – such as sushi, shellfish and cooked fish. These are all quite popular during peak times – as they’re so delicious!

As you can see above, the Wynn buffet never feels too crowded. You don’t need to queue for the food or wait around. I think I waited around for service only once at the Wynn, and that was when I was waiting for meat to be carved. It’s not like those buffets in over-crowded hotels where you’re pushing through the crowds for the best stuff.

Now onto the desserts (which deserve a special mention as they’re so amazing at the Wynn buffet!)

You’ll notice from the photos that the dessert section has a real mix of options. From traditional little cupcakes, to ice-cream sundaes, to fruit salads. There’s something for everyone – and one thing the dessert buffet at the Wynn does really well, is that it make the desserts feel super special and almost novelty. It feels a little bit like a scene from Alice in Wonderland when you explore the dessert table!

I love that the desserts are all bite-sized too. Trust me, you’ll be so full-up at this stage that you won’t want any huge dessert portions. the bite size portions are ideal as they let you take little bits of each style to sample and enjoy.

My personal favourite, the marshmallow rice-krispie squares!

I only have two bits of negative feedback for the Wynn buffet.

First of all, I didn’t think there were enough ice-cream choices. At the Aria you had a choice of about 12 flavours, but at The Wynn you only got to choose from about 5/6. This isn’t really a deal breaker for me – as I’m not a huge ice-cream fan, but I know for some people this would effect their enjoyment of the Wynn buffet’s dessert offering.

My other bit of feedback is the queuing time – which was pretty long. We queued for about 45 minutes during lunch time (we arrived at 12pm) – and I imagine it would be even longer for the dinner sitting. The queue got longer as we waited too – so it’s not like we’d arrived at a bad time. I think the people behind us might’ve ended up waiting an hour or longer.

There is the choice to upgrade to ‘alcohol included’ and skip the queue – but this costs an additional $20 – which is quite a lot if you weren’t even planning on drinking too much in the first place. I only bring this whole queuing time up because at The Aria we didn’t queue at all, and haven’t queued any time we’ve visited (about 4 times now).

Have you been to a Las Vegas buffet? Which would you recommend?

Elle-Rose / April 19, 2020

The Aria Buffet in Las Vegas: Photos and Review

Are you looking for photos and reviews of The Aria buffet in Las Vegas? Or maybe you’re wondering which buffet to visit and you just want some more info?

My husband and I visit Las Vegas a couple of times a year, and (I won’t lie) the buffets are one of my favourite things to do in the city. If you love food, if you love trying different cuisines, if you love eating out – then the buffet at The Aria Hotel is going to be something you enjoy.

This specific review is of the Aria buffet in Las vegas – but I’m also visited and reviews the Cosmopolitan buffet and the Wynn buffet too!

So first up, how expensive is the buffet at the Aria Hotel?

The biffets range in price, it depends on which hotel you’re in, and (generally) the price of the buffet tends to reflect the price of the hotel. So, the more luxe and high-end the hotel, the better (and more expensive) their buffet will be.

The Aria Hotel is a 5* hotel and it’s one of the most luxurious and high-end on the strip, so the buffet at the Aria Hotel is priced a little higher than most. But at the same time, it’s also much high quality food than most, and there is a much wider variety of food and cuisines to choose from.

For me, the slight increase in price, is totally worth it.

The prices vary depending on certain factors; the time of day, the day of the week, and the drinks package. I’ve copied in their pricing as of April 2020 below, but this could change during special holidays or events, etc. Also remember, if you opt for an alcoholic drinks package, this could impact the price too.

There are two options price-wise, so you can either get unlimited alcohol included (for an extra $19.99 on top of the prices below), or just stick with the unlimited soft-drinks. Soft drinks includes all fizzy drinks like Coke, and fruit juices and hot drinks – so it’s not like you’re short of options if you don’t opt for the alcohol choice.

Breakfast (Monday – Friday)
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Adults $29.99
Children (5-12) $16.50

Brunch (Saturday & Sunday)
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Adults $35.99
Children (5-12) $18.50

Lunch (Monday – Friday)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Adults $29.99
Children (5-12) $16.50

Dinner (Monday – Thursday)
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Adults $40.99
Children (5-12) Free

Gourmet Dinner (Friday – Sunday)
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Adults $45.99
Children (5-12) Free

Top tip! You’ll notice that the buffet is considerably cheaper at brunch or lunch time – and this is a pattern across all Las Vegas buffet (not just the aria buffet). So if you’re keen to just try as many buffets as possible, or budget is a little tight – always opt for an earlier seating!

What is the dining room like at the Aria Buffet?

The tables are pretty spacious, and not crammed in. It’s actually a lovely room to eat in – as it looks out at the pool area and has loads of lovely big windows. It’s big and bright, and whilst it doesn’t feel formal or ‘posh’ it doesn’t feel too casual either. The room in the Aria Buffet is also pretty big, so if you want to sit in a slightly quieter part of the dining room – just ask your server.

The service staff are good and pretty quick, they will refill your drinks for you (soft drinks are included) and they will also clear your plates when you get up for more food. Most of the servers will ask you before they seat you if you have been before, and if you haven’t just let them know – they’re always super helpful and willing to give lots of advice!

What is the food like?

I love the food at the Aria Hotel Buffet. It’s definitely in my top 3 Las Vegas buffets, as far as variety and value-for-money goes. I’ve included as many photos as possible below of the Aria buffet – so you can have a look through and see what takes your fancy!

Bear in mind though, this is only a small selection of what they offer – I couldn’t possible have taken photos of all of it! There is so much choice, and some of the options will change daily, or over lunch and dinner. For example, during dinner they have more protein choices, such as carved meat and shellfish.

Over in the ‘appetisers’ sections you’ll find food like cheese, olives, salads, dressings, shellfish, pickles, soup, bread, etc.

I’m not a shellfish eater (allergic!) but even I could appreciate the amazingness of all the shellfish and seafood they had on offer. These basins that they kept the prawns, crabs, etc in were huge and were literally overflowing with food.

You know those lame hotel buffets you’re used to, where things run out halfway through and never get refilled? This is never a problem in Vegas, especially at The Aria buffet. They are all over it, and things are constantly refreshed and refilled. It’s great, and really makes you feel like you’re getting value for money.

BREAD GLORIOUS BREAD.

Now here’s a piece of advice: Don’t fill up on bread, as tempting as it might be!

I love bread – but at a Vegas buffet, you avoid it. The more bread you eat, the less room you have for all the good stuff; like steak, pork belly, chicken, sushi, fish. So save the bread for last! If you still have room for it after you’ve tried everything else… then go for it. I say all this, but the bread is still my favourite part. I freaking love bread.

For main courses, you’ll find so much choice. This is the main event at the Aria buffet, and they really don’t disappoint. You’ll find; choices of roasted meat, pasta, pizza, sushi, mexican food, roasted vegetables, dim sum, shellfish, salads… the list goes on.

Now onto photos of the desserts (because that’s the bit you care about most right?) and because the desserts at the Aria buffet are epic. I won’t go through and list everything they had (only my favourite bits) – but just browse through the photos and you realise how much variety there is for people with a sweet tooth!

The kind of variety that literally means you can’t try it all in one sitting. No chance. Also again, bear in mind that I’ve only photographed about 40% of what was on offer at the Aria buffet…. There was way more than what you see here.

I forgot to photograph them, but they also had RICE KRISPIE SQUARES. This was the highlight of my life. I snuck like 10 pieces back to our hotel room and had them for snacking the rest of the time we were there.

They also had ice-cream and sorbet in tubs, and you could go up and get them freshly scooped into a cone or a tub for you – which was a really nice touch.

Seriously if you have a sweet tooth, you’re not going to be disappointed at the Aria buffer – it really lives up to expectations!

If you’re still unsure – I recommend visiting the tripadvisor page and just browsing through more of the food photos (there’s over 1000 on there!) it’ll give you a much bigger impression of the food on offer too!

I hope this guide and review of the Aria buffet is useful!

Elle-Rose / April 17, 2020

Fun Things to do in Portland: 24 Amazing Ideas

Are you on the look out for fun things to do in Portland, Oregon? This list has loads of fun suggestions to keep you busy!

Portland, the city of roses. best known for: donuts, food trucks and breweries. But there’s loads more to this gorgeous city in America’s Pacific north west, and it’s definitely worth getting to know a little better beneath the surface. Portland is a fun place and there are so many fun things to do in Portland. It’s a city of the weird and wonderful – so having a great time here is really easy.

We’ve made a list of fun things to do in Portland, that of course includes the usual suspects, but we’ve thrown in a few curveballs too!

Voodoo doughnut

First on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s Voodoo doughnut. Like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory but for donuts. You can get one as big as your face, to one that’s bacon maple flavour. It shouldn’t work – but it does. If your idea of fun often include food, then this is an absolute must in the city and you’d be stupid not to tick this off your list of fun things to do in Portland. Go in, grab the craziest donuts you can see and then have a picnic on the Portland sidewalk.

Pok pok

Another food suggestions, but Portland is ALL about amazing food, so expect to see more than a few restaurants / foodie locations on this list of fun things to do in Portland. This amazing Thai restaurant comes to you from an award-winning chef, and the food is ridiculously outstanding (and not too expensive either). Get the fish sauce wings, and a whiskey sour. You won’t regret it.

Portland Aerial Tram

The Portland Aerial Tram is a mode of transport in the city, but it’s also a really fun thing to in Portland! Basically head up there for some great views and a chance to take some epic photos of the city and surrounding landscapes! A winner for me, I love it. Adult admission is about $4.70 (for a round trip fare) so it’s great value too!

Shanghai Tunnel/Portland Underground Tours

This is a bit of a weird one, but for the curious amongst you – you’ll definitely want to give this a go. It’s a bit mysterious, a bit macabre, and just generally really interesting. The best way to see the tunnels are by guided tour – here’s the one I’d recommend.

Washington Park

This huge 159-acre space in the West Hills is definitely one of the best fun things to do in Portland, and it’s great for those who love the outdoors and love soaking in the sunshine (during the summer, at least!). Look out for the grotesque gargoyles in the Chiming Fountain, and the 34-foot Lewis and Clark Memorial Column.

Take the Portland chocolate tour

Yes you read that right. A chocolate tour of Portland. If you love chocolate, this is the tour for you, it’s so much fun and there is SO MUCH CHOCOLATE. If you haven’t done a food tour before – then Portland is an amazing place to do your first one – as there’s so much to try and so many places to discover. This tour will take you to all the best places in Portland for chocolate lovers – and trust me, you’ll love it. You can book yourself onto the tour by clicking here.

Go house-hunting

Even if you’re not looking for a house or looking to move to Portland, one of my favourite things to do (in any city) is look around the fanciest neighbourhoods and look out for the amazing houses and properties. You can actually find some of the poshest houses in Portland adjacent to Washington Park (the suggestion above) so you could easily do these two together in the same afternoon!

Powell’s city of books

Yeah we know it’s a bookshop, but this is the biggest independent book seller in the world and it is worth the trip. Take someone you can trust to stop you from buying every title that catches your eye. You can get lost in here for hours, and it’s a bit like being Belle from Beauty and the Beast when she’s the gigantic library for the first time.

Get a photo in front of the ‘Keep Portland Weird’ sign

It’s an iconic spot in the city, and something locals are super proud of – so make sure you stop by and get the classic tourist photo before you leave! Did you even go to Portland if you didn’t snap a selfie here? We’re not sure, so we wouldn’t risk it!

Portland: Downtown Ghost Tour

If you’re the kind of person who loves a ghost story, and loves a spooky film – then this Portland Ghost Tour is going to be right up your street. Portland is home to a surprising amount of gruesome ghost tales, so get ready for a wild ride. The main thing you’ll learn about is a 19th century murder and its connection to Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels (another spooky suggestion on this list!) and you’ll also get to visit a super haunted hoteland hear about all the crazy things that have happened there over the years.

You can book yourself on the tour here. If you dare!

Multnomah Whiskey Library

From books to bourbon this whiskey library has more than 2,000 different bottles of whiskey from around the world. Set in a beautiful bar with wood panelling and old school class you can sample from the incredible selection in style. If you’re looking for a fun night out, and whiskey is kinda your thing, then this is ticking all the boxes for fun things to do in Portland.

Pink Trolley Bus tour

Next on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s the Pink Trolley Bus tour. Like a normal bus tour, but a bit more ‘Portland’ style. It’s cute, it’s fun, it makes for some great photos… that’s all we need to say! You can book tickets here.

Oregon Zoo

If you’re a zoo kinda person, then a day out at Oregon Zoo is gonna be really fun for you. They have loads of beautiful animals, classes, demonstrations and just a ton of activities. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for fun things to do in Portland.

Revolution Hall

Next up on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s Revolution Hall. This is a great music venue in the building of an old school. It’s been known to show big names as well as up and comers, and it’s rooftop bar offers sick views of the city. A great choice for fun things to do in Portland – especially if you can get tickets to something cool.

Take an Oregon wine tour

A wine tour is my next suggestion of fun things to do in Portland… I mean – have you ever heard of anything with wine not being fun? This wine tour in the city will let you taste some of the regions best wines, with some fun city facts thrown in for good measure.

I really recommend this tour, it include a visit to Pittock Mansion and Washington Park – it’s a great all rounder. You can book it here.

Hit up happy hour

Next up on our list of fun things to do in Portland involves finding a spot on a patio or rooftop and settling in for drinks. Try: Solo Club, Night Light Lounge, Interurban, Radio Room, and Momo’s for alfresco drinks on a scenic patio, or Rooftop bar and Xport for rooftop drinks at happy hour!

Go to a Brewpub Movie Theater

A Brewpub movie theater is exactly what it sounds like. Half brewery / pub and half movie theater. If you’re into beer, and you’re into movies – I don’t think you could find more fun that this. Here’s a list of the top brew pub movie theaters in the city (they’re even ranked from best to worst, to make things even easier!).

Spend a day hitting up food trucks

Next on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s the Portland Food Trucks!

Portland is known for the amazing food scene, and the little pods of food trucks are springing up all around the city. To be honest, if you only have a day or so in Portland, I recommend trying to eat solely at food trucks and just tasting as much local food as you possibly can. The food trucks tend to pop up in clusters and groups, so there will always be a variety for you to choose from and experiment with!

Visit the Witch’s Garden

The next idea on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s the Witch’s Garden. This is located in the Portland Forest park and it’s a bit of a hike but totally worth it. This weird but wonderful location is kind of spooky, but also fascinating. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you like spooky films, or just checking out a bit of local history.

The rhododendron garden

Everyone likes a stroll amongst verdant greenery and brightly coloured blooms. Rhododendrons are huge flowered bushes, and this park has ponds, ducks, and other wildlife besides these beautifully bright beauties.

Portland Art Museum

A big art museum that’s actually good and not boring. The main collection includes some outstanding Native American art and a huge sculpture garden. Culturally invigorating and beautiful! This art museum might not be a convention option for fun things to do in Portland, but I love it.

Portland Mercado

Next on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s Portland Mercado. Portland is well known for its food truck scene. It’s home to an amazing selection of Mexican, Central American, and South American food trucks, and you’ll also find a Latin American market, bar, and butcher. Not only is it a hub of great food, but it’s a real community centre too. Not to be missed.

Take a Beer, Wine and Cocktail Tour

Beer, wine and cocktails – alongside a tour of the city? Do you need much more? This tour is great for solo travellers, couples and groups – and it’s a lot of fun. You’ll get to go to some of Portland’s best bars, try some incredible drinks, and learn a little too! Sound perfect to us – you can book it online here. Definitely a great choice for fun things to do in Portland.

Stark’s Vacuum Museum

Last on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s Stark’s Vacuum museum. Stark’s Vacuum Cleaner Sales & Service is next on my list of fun things to do in Portland, it’s the Stark’s Vacuum Museum. Sounds weird, it totally is. It’s basically a museum of old vacuum cleaners – and it’s like the most bizarre museum ever. But it’s totally fun, and even if you only stop in for 15 minutes – it’s worth a trip over.

I hope this list of fun things to do in Portland is useful! Let me know how many you tick off your list!

Elle-Rose / April 17, 2020

Ultimate Guide to Beacon NY – Things to Do, Where to Stay & What to Eat

If you’re planning a trip to Beacon NY, and want the low-down on what to do, where to go, and where to stay in this stunning city, read ahead. Beacon is an amazing location for a weekend getaway from NYC, and it’s a popular getaway for people all over the state.

Beacon NY is also a really popular commuter town for Manhattan too. People live here because it’s less expensive than NYC, and can provide that scenic, quieter life – still with quick access to the city if and when you need it. You’ll find a lot of people here might work in NYC for a few days of the week, or commute in daily.

From it’s cute galleries and shops along Main Street, to the edgier industrial buildings – Beacon NY is a really great place to explore, and it’s easy to see why people love it here (both to live and to visit). It has a cute vibe, with a strong community feel. The town is known for creativity, art and culture – so it’s a great place to be.

Where is Beacon NY, and how do I get there?

Located in Duchess County, New York, Beacon is a lovely city that was named to commemorate the historic beacon fires that used to blaze forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains.

Located only 60 miles north of New York City, Beacon is a mere geographical stone’s throw from the Big Apple, and Beacon NY is certainly worth a visit! It’s located right on the Hudson River too – so you can guarantee yourself some scenic views and lovely outlooks.

In terms of getting to Beacon NY, you’re main three options are;

Fly in: The closest airport is the ‘New York Stewart International Airport’ and it’s just across the river from Beacon NY – about a 20 minute drive from the city center. If you’re coming in from out of state, this would be a great option.

Drive in: If you’re arriving from New York State, you may just want to drive into Beacon NY. It’s accessible for cars – the roads aren’t difficult – so no worries there. To drive from Manhattan, you’d be looking at a journey time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. Maybe longer if you decide to stop along the way, or if the traffic is bad. Here’s a map of their downtown parking – if you need it!

Train travel: The Beacon station is a commuter rail stop on the Metro-North Railroad‘s Hudson Line, serving Beacon, New York. Trains leave for New York City every hour during off peak hours, and about every 15–25 minutes during rush hour. It takes about 2 hours.

Once you decided how you’re getting here – it’s time to figure out what to do and how to spend your time in Beacon NY!

Things to do in Beacon, NY

Next in my guide – it’s things to do in Beacon NY!

Whether you fancy taking on Beacon’s mighty hiking trails or are visiting the area as a history buff, there’s plenty to do here for visitors of all ages. Though you may not want to drag the kids on an 8-hour hike, little minds are sure to be fascinated by Beacon’s cultural offerings. As Beacon has such a rich history, it would be rude not to start off by discussing some of the area’s finest historical attractions in a list of things to do in Beacon NY.

Madam Brett Homestead

First on my list of things to do in Beacon NY, it’s the Madam Brett Homestead. This is the oldest building in Duchess County having been built in the early 18^th century, Madam Brett Homestead is located on 50 Van Nydeck Avenue. Earning itself a place on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s one that you’ll be able to tick off your list if you plan on making your way through them all (good luck)!

Borgadus-DeWindt House

Next on my list of things to do in Beacon NY is Borgadus-DeWindt House. Located on Tompkins Avenue, Bogardus-Dewindt House typifies the style of property built in Duchess County between 1750 and 1830. Another property that’s landed itself on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a wonderful way to assess old-timey architecture whilst discovering more about Beacon’s residents.

Dennings Point Ruins

Sticking out into the Hudson River, the abandoned Dennings Point Ruins are all that is left of a once prosperous company that used to produce a million bricks a week which was quite the feat by historical standards. Though this land is now owned by the State Parks system, it’s now home to the Center for Environmental Innovation and Education, it’s now used to educate the public on the environment. Working to preserve the historical ruins and educate visitors, it seems like a win-win and a place definitely worthy of a visit. This is a great option for things to do in Beacon NY.

Long Dock Park

The Long Dock park is located right off the town centre and it’s a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy the views, the sunshine and the local scenery. It heads right onto the river, and there’s all kinds of activities you can enjoy here (fishing, kayaking, dog-walking, biking, etc). It’s one of the most scenic and prettiest parts of Beacon NY, so don’t miss it.

Dia: Beacon: contemporary art museum

This next suggestion on my list of things to do in Beacon NY is actually one of Beacon’s moxst popular attractions, Dia:Beacon contemporary art collection is a must-visit for culture fans. With several commissions, long term installations and Land Art, it’s a free place to visit that houses a fantastic collection of art. Hosting a number of special exhibitions and public programs throughout the year, it’s a must-do if you’re visiting the area. People come from all around to visit this place, so this is definitely one of the best things to do in Beacon NY.

Howland Cultural Centre

The Howland Cultural center is the next item on my list of things to do in Beacon NY. Also known as the Howland Library, it’s located on Beacon’s main street. Designed in 1872, this library used to house a 2,200-volume collection. Though no longer functioning as a library for the public, this old building has become a central part of Beacon’s culture. Presenting art exhibitions and other cultural activities, it’s another place that’s made it onto the National Register of Historic Place.

Reformed Church of Beacon

The oldest church in Beacon and a fantastic place to visit if you love old churches, the Reformed Church of Beacon is a congregation of the Reformed Church in America. Overlooking the Hudson River, it’s a wonderful place in Beacon to reset the mind, with its cemetery proving both a historic and calming area to clear one’s head.

Beacon Farmer’s Market

If you visiting from the city for the day, I really recommend timing your visit so that you can visit the Beacon Farmer’s Market. I don’t know about you, but living in NYC makes me really the local markets and local produce. So finding a big farmers market like this is amazing – and so much fun to look around. To check timings, I really recommend just looking at their website (linked above) as it’s the best way to make sure they’re on when you’re there – as timings change season to season.

The River Pool

The River Pool at Beacon NY is a great things to do in Beacon NY for families and children – and it’s perfect for those hot summer days. The River Pool opens each summer in the Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park and it’s open from July until late August.It’s great fun!

Bannerman’s Castle

My next idea for things to do in Beacon NY, is Bannerman’s Castle. This stunning nature reserve is set on a private island on the Hudson, and it’s dedicated to the preservation of Bannerman Castle. You’ll have to book a tour in order to visit – but it’s really worth it as it’s such a unique place and when else do you get to visit a private island with a castle on?!

Beacon Flea Market

Another suggestions on my list of things to do in Beacon NY – it’s Beacon Flea Market! If you love shopping from hidden treasures and just browsing local sellers, this is going to be right up your street.

Mount Beacon Trail

And last on my list of things to do in Beacon, NY – it’s the Mount Beacon trail. If you’re looking to hike the Hudson Valley, there are plenty of hiking trails in Mount Beacon Park that will satisfy even the fussiest hiker. For spectacular views, why not attempt the steep climb to the summit of Mount Beacon? If you climb the trail to the top of the Incline Railway, you’ll get a great view of Beacon.

Where to stay in Beacon NY?

Accommodation is often the biggest hold-up when planning a trip, and what would an ultimate guide be without a few tips on places to stay?

The Swann Inn of Beacon

At the foot of Mount Beacon lies The Swann Inn of Beacon. A stunning Gothic revival Victorian house, it used to serve as a boarding house back in the day. However, over time, it has evolved to become a tasteful inn. Lovingly restored in recent years, the inn stands to this day as the perfect location for Beacon travelers to rest their weary heads.

Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campground

If you like to feel at one with nature when you’re travelling, or simply want to roll out your sleeping bag and hit the hay at the end of a long hike, you should consider booking into a camping ground. Hugely popular amongst travelers, Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campground has premium tarped camping platforms which come with a full range of supplies. With options to make your experience authentic or as luxurious as you wish, it’s certainly worth looking into if you’re planning to hit the trails on your trip.

Mt Beacon Bed & Breakfast

If you wish to make the most of Beacon’s intrinsic, cultural feel, why not stay at Mt. Beacon Bed and Breakfast? Built in 1911, it’s a masterfully designed house with a central staircase that will take your breath away. With spacious rooms and less than 1.5 miles from the ever-popular Dia: Beacon, it’s a fab place to look at.

Where to eat in Beacon NY

There are loads of amazing places to eat in Beacon NY. Actually the city has some delicious options, from wine bars, to traditional American cuisine, and rustic family-style restaurants. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re bound to find something in Beacon, NY to tickle your fancy.

Tito Santana Taqueria: https://tacosantana.com/

Known for their amazing Mexican food, this place assures fresh food for all. With amazing home-made guacamole to quesadillas oozing tasty cheese, this is a fantastic place that’s sure to suit the whole family.

Kitchen Sink: http://www.kitchensinkny.com/

With family-friendly dishes and a mix of global cuisines, this restaurant is known for putting its own spin on classics. Touting their commitment to using fresh ingredients, they tend to cook seasonally, so take a look at the menu before you visit if you’re hoping for some soup during the summer months!

The Pandorica: https://www.thepandoricarestaurant.com/

This restaurant is a themed restaurant… themed after Doctor Who! Everyone loves a themed restaurant, and this place is so well known amongst locals! If you want to eat somewhere super unique and fun, this is the place for you.

Chill Wine Bar: http://www.chillwinebarbeacon.com/

A lush wine bar that offers tapas and live music every Saturday night, this is a great place to come to live as the locals do. Known for their stellar dessert menu, you’re sure to find something that you love on this menu.

Beacon Bread Company: http://beaconbread.com/

If you’re a carb fiend, you’re sure to find something you love at Beacon Bread Company. With amazing grilled cheeses and other sandwiches, this is a great stop for lunch to break up your day of cultural exploration.

How long should I stay in Beacon NY?

Beacon is not a massive city, so you’ll likely be well-placed staying here for a few days. It’s certainly not a place that you need a couple of weeks to see. However, with a lot nearby, you may wish to use Beacon as your central base and look at the nearby cities to get a true taste of New York’s outlying cities.

You can probably see the best of Beacon in 48 hours, but if you like to take your time and schmooze around a café or two, I’d recommend a few days to play it safe. Again, this is one of those things that’s personal. You likely know the speed at which you like to take your holidays, so play it by ear we say!

A little taste of history of Beacon NY…

If you’re wondering why this was major enough to prompt naming the city after this action, these beacons were used to alert the Continental Army to British troop movements. Noted as a city that’s a crucial piece of American history, it’s no wonder that Beacon is so highly regarded.

If the fires have piqued your historical interest, this little city held a variety of important roles during the Revolutionary War, being central to the manufacturing of war supplies and serving as a fort and signaling point.

However, its quaint little history doesn’t begin and end with the Revolutionary War. In fact, during the 1800s it became known as the “Hat Making Capital of the US”, with nearly 50 hat factories operating at one time back in the day. That’s a lot of hats, if we may say so ourselves. The Matteawan Manufacturing Company was the first in the area to totally devote itself to hat production, with 500 works under its belt.

We hope that this guide to Beacon, NY has been useful!

If you’ve got some of your own tips and tricks to discovering the best of this charming city, why not pop them in the comments below? With so much historical charm and culture, it’s a place that should be on your list of places to visit as soon as possible!

Elle-Rose / April 7, 2020

The TOP 5 Japanese grocery stores in NYC

Are you searching for the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC?

NYC is veritable smorgasbord of different cuisines and cultures. From Jewish delis, to Italian pizza places, to little french bakeries, or Moroccan diners, and places where you’ll find Ramen to rival Tokyo. If you’re on the hunt for the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve broken it down to the top five Japanese grocery stores in NYC.

Japan Village in Industry Brooklyn

The first entry on the list of best Japanese grocery stores in NYC, and my personal favourite, is Japan Village in Industry Brooklyn. Yeah yeah I know, it’s not on the island, but Brooklyn is still New York! There’s another in Midtown by the library but the one in Brooklyn is way bigger and is stock full of all the things you could need to make a Japanese meal from scratch.

They’ve also got Pita face masks and oh man are those things miracle workers! Genuinely a highlight. Reasonably priced, with an amazingly huge selection. 10/10 in my opinion, and a great starting point for Japanese grocery stores in NYC.

Katigiri on 59th street

Up next on our list of the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC is Katigiri on 59th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. They’re the oldest Japanese grocery store, and conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan you couldn’t get better located. If you’re just visiting the city – then this Japanese grocery store in NYC is likely the closest to your midtown hotel.

Their Instagram is adorable too (I’m a long time fan) and you can get a huge variety of fresh produce from meat and fish to ready to eat home made Japanese food. They also offer a delivery service too, which is a nice touch.

Midoriya

Midoriya is an excellent contender for third place on the list of best Japanese grocery stores in NYC. Offering a range of goods from Pockys to ready to eat bento boxes, and shampoo, this place feels a little more high-end – and I love their website too.

It’s located in the heart of midtown in the Flat Iron district. It’s not been around as long as Katigiri, and it doesn’t have the expanse of products on offer at Japan Village, but it’s still one of the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC for sure!

Dainobu

Fourth on my list of Japanese grocery stores in NYC, comes Dainobu. This place is teeny tiny but still offers the option of grocery shopping and premise food. They even cater to business meetings and the food is just delightful, so it’s great if you’ve got some clients coming into town who you need to impress.

Whilst it’s small, it doesn’t have the same capability of range as the first three stores in our list of the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC, but though it be but little: it is FIERCE.

Sakura Ya

Taking the final spot on this list, though still one of the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC is Sakura Ya. This one is quite a way away in Queens, but it is definitely worth a little trip. You can get there on the subway using the E from Manhattan and it’ll take you about half an hourish. Keep an eye out for some of these amazing japanese snacks while you’re there!

They specialise in Japanese bits and bobs from skincare to dried noodles, and their in-house deli counter holds its own against the stalwarts in this list! Definitely a great addition to my list of Japanese grocery stores in NYC.

We know that there’s loads of Japanese grocery stores in NYC, but these are just five of our favourites! Let us know which of the best Japanese grocery stores in NYC is your fave in the comments!

Elle-Rose / April 7, 2020

The ultimate TOP 7 places to try zip lining in NY

Are you looking for the ultimate locations to go zip lining in NY? This list has all the best zip lining spots in New York!

If you’re looking for thrills in the air, a whizzing ride on a zip line in canopies and high above the ground in New York state – then this is the article for you. If you’re asking yourself “where can I go zip lining in NY?” Look no further: we’ve got the answers.

This is a list of all the best placing for zip lining in NY – so you don’t need to do anymore research – all the info is here in one place.

What makes zip lining in NY amazing?

Zip lining is a pretty amazing activity, no matter where you try it – but New York State has some of the best zip lining in the world, so it’s one of the best places to try it out. Whether you’re a beginner, or a zip lining expert – giving zip lining in NY a try is incredible.

So here are my favourite picks…

Hunter Mountain Zipline canopy tours in the Catskills

This park has six zip lines, 4 rope buildings and 9 canopy platforms from which to enjoy the Catskills from the air. The Catskills are a stunning place of natural beauty – so if you’re going to enjoy some zip lining in NY, this is the place to do it. The sky rider tour will send you whizzing through the air at 50mph. Booking ahead is necessary, but also so so worth it. Find out more information about this particular zip lining in NY tour by clicking here!

Windham Mountain zip lining

You can go whizzing through this winter resort from a pretty easy price on the wallet at Windham Mountain zip lining. It costs $10 for one ride and $15 for two. 40ft up and 500ft long, you’ll really feel like you’re flying! The Windham Adventure Park is less than 2 miles from the Evergreen and it has two zip lines so you can race against friends too.

Bristol Mountain Canandaigua

A bit more of a hefty cost, but that comes with gorgeous views of lake Canandaigua and the mountain. It’s $49 for an adult and $25 for kids but you can do bulk bookings for groups of 15+ which will get you a discount at Bristol Mountain. This place is a big ski resort in the winter, so there are lots of amenities here, like cafes, restaurants, etc. So it makes for a really nice day out zip lining in NY.

Adirondacks extreme adventure course

This is one of my favourite places for zip lining in NY – it’s definitely one of the best courses in NY and it’s so much fun – click here for their website. This adventure course is simply amazing, with so many challenges and different obstacles to face! It costs $25-$50 a head depending on how many of you there are and the time of year you’re going. You can spend a whole day in here going on different courses, and the park has an enormous Zip line!

Gravity Gorge Zipline at Zoom Flume

This place is primarily a water park (and it’s an amazing family-day-out destination). However, they also recently opened a HUGE zip line for guests too! This Zipline is 700 feet long and 100ft high, so it’s definitely one for the adrenaline junkies! Set in the water park of zoom flumes you soar over the slides and pools at quite a rate! Definitely worth a visit, especially for families with kids – as this places is so much fun for them.

Howe High Adventure @ Howe Caverns

Next on my list of places to do zip lining in NY – it’s Howe Caverns. This is another adventure park on the list, full of a variety of activities, including a zip lining course. Full admission is $65 per person, and you’ll then be able to take advantage of all the activities, and trust us, there are loads! If you just wanna Zip line though, it’s in $17 to ride this 900ft long Zip line.

Soaring eagle Zipline at Thunder Island

And finally on my list of places to try zip lining in NY, it’s Thunder Island! This one’s a double rider, so two of you go at once, and costs $3 with a thunder island wristband ($4 without) and you can zip hand in hand along this 700ft course! It’s the only place to do zip lining in NY where you ride the zip line with a friend, there AND back. You ride the zip line both ways, and it’s such a memorable and surprising experience.

We hope you have an amazing time zipping across New York State – if you think there’s a Zipline we need to know about, let us know in the comments! But for now, we’re pretty sure these are the best places to experience zip lining in NY. Have fun out there!

Elle-Rose / April 6, 2020

7 of the best day trips from Nashville

Are you looking for the best day trips from Nashville? If you’re visiting the city soon, here are some great suggestions…

Whether you’re a high roller or a budget traveller, you’re going to want to see Nashville – because it’s simple brilliant. There are loads of things to do in Nashville itself, and also lots of fantastic day trips from Nashville too! This country music city has a lot to offer and some of the best day trips from Nashville will take you out to the surrounding countryside, show you some incredible architecture, and really let you get to know Nashville and the Tennessee countryside it’s situated in.

Regardless of your budget, there’s something for everyone – so we’ve made a handy list of the best day trips from Nashville so you’re bound to find something for you, here!

Nashville – Jack Daniels Home town Tour – click here to book

Time: 7 hrs

Starts: 9am

First on my list of the best day trips from Nashville, it’s a Jack Daniel’s themed tour! Travel from Nashville to Lynchburg to learn all about Jack Daniels himself, and his world famous Whiskey (if you’re a whiskey fan, this is an absolute must-do!). You’ll be spending the whole day whiskey tasting and soaking up the history on an “Angels Tour” of the distillery where you even get a souvenir glass! The tour ends with free time and a scheduled lunch in Lynchburg so you can soak up the vibes of this iconic piece of history.

Nashville to Graceland Memphis tour – Click here to book

Time: 15 hrs

Starts: 6:30am / 7:30am

Second on my list of 7 of the best day trips from Nashville, it’s a Graceland tour. Experience the city of Memphis in style with VIP access to Graceland and Sun Studios, and free time in Memphis’ iconic Beale Street. It’s an incredible day out, and if you’re into music and you’ve always been curious about Memphis, this is a fantastic time to visit. Memphis probably gives Nashville itself a run for its money in terms of music, and the vibe of Beale St is unrivalled in terms of being able to hear good tunes.

Murals and Mimosas tour – Click here to book

Time: 3 hrs

Starts: 9am

This tour takes you through some of Nashville’s most iconic and scenic neighbourhoods, providing you with multiple photo stops and capping it all of with amazing flavoured mimosas and donuts at a Nashville bakery. Definitely a must-do on a list of 7 of the best day trips from Nashville.

Nashville BBQ, Beer, and Bourbon experience – Click here to book

Time: 4 hours

Starts: throughout the day

How could I write a list about the best day trips from Nashville, and not include something that includes BBQ and beer! This tour is a whistle stop run around of Nashville’s best food and drink and culinary spaces. Highlights include sampling southern spirits paired with local cuisine, the best southern barbecue, or relaxing and enjoying a seasonal pint in a local taproom.

Nashville rural country farm tour – Click here to book

Time: 4.5 hrs

Starts: runs throughout the day

On this gorgeous tour you can visit rabbit circle farm, just outside of Nashville, for a slice of the good life. You’ll be learning what it’s like for rural farmers making their way in a modern world, and you’ll be able to see traditional farming practices up close and personal. You’ll also get to know the classic southern way of life, and try iconic southern food at a classic “meat and three”.

Nashville’s Secret food tour – Click here to book

Time: 3 hours

Starts: runs throughout the day

Definitely one of my favourite day trips on my list of 7 of the best day trips from Nashville, it’s a secret food tour! If Nashville is known for two things, it’s the amazing music scene, and the incredible food. The food, actually, is one of my favourite parts of Nashville – there are some INCREDIBLE foodie locations for food lovers, and if you love trying really local food and those hidden gems a city has to offer – then this is the tour for you. Seriously, you’ll try some amazing bites – and you’ll have a great tour guide too!

Nashville: Johnny Cash Tour at Storytellers Hideaway – Click here to book

Time: 1 day

Starts: 9am departure

You’ve heard of Johnny Cash – the iconic and incredibly talented country singer. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about this singing legend, then this tour allows you to visit the legendary singer’s farm and see loads of incredible memorabilia and items from his life. It’s a rare chance to see the man behind the music, and you’ll also get transportation and lunch included on this tour from Nashville.

I hope this list of 7 of the best day trips from Nashville has been useful! I’d love to know if you’ve booked any of these tours and if you enjoyed them!

Here are some other amazing activities in Nashville to try whilst you’re in the city!

Elle-Rose / March 23, 2020

Top 10 of the Best Weekend Spa Getaways Near NYC

Are you looking for the perfect weekend spa getaways near NYC? If so, keep reading, here is a list of my favourite spa hotels near NYC.

So you’re kinda tired of the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple? The pollution’s worked it’s way into your pores, your shoulders are feeling tight, and you really really want to find a way to unwind and let the stresses of city living melt away? Well look no further! We’ve got a list of the best spa getaways near NYC so that you can pick one and be on your way to relaxation station in no time.

Belhurst Castle – Finger Lakes

Address: 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States

Website: www.belhurst.com

First on my list of the best spa getaways near NYCm it Belhurst Castle. In the heart of Ontario County, which is New York’s wine region, lies this simply stunning first entry in our list of Spa getaways near NYC. Wine and relaxation are the perfect pairing and this castle by the finger lakes offers not only spa treatments but award winning wining and dining! This is a full package getaway that’ll leave you feeling like you went on holiday to a fairytale destination- what more could you want?

Crystal Springs Resort – Golf, Spa, and Culinary Resort – Hamburg

Address: 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419, United States

Website: www.crystalgolfresort.com

This luxurious resort hotel is one of the stand-out choices in the upstate New York area, the unique selling point of this particular spa has to be the 10,000 sq ft tropical indoor pool complex – unlike any other in the USA. The Biosphere at Grand Cascades Lodge is truly something special! This spa resort is a really popular choice for mini-moons away from the city, and it’s also a really popular wedding destination too, and the spa makes for a fantastic bachelorette party location! Oh, and when you’ve finished relaxing in the spa, there’s always time for a round of golf! This is a beautiful choice and addition to my list of the best spa getaways near NYC.

Image credit: instagram.com/crystalspringsresort

The Sagamore Resort – the Adirondacks

Address: 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, United States

Website: www.thesagamore.com

Next on my list of the best spa getaways near NYC, it’s The Sagamore Resort. In terms of seclusion, this resort beats the others as it is located on it’s own island! If you’re looking for spa getaways near NYC, this is a great option. With facilities ranging from award winning spa treatments (it was voted the 5th best New York spa in 2019 by Conde Nast Traveler), to an amazing salon, and fitness and outdoor activities on lake George and in the surrounding Adirondacks Mountain range – you couldn’t really ask for more from a spa getaway.

Image credit: instagram.com/TheSagamoreResort/

YO1 wellness centre – the Catskills

Address: 420 Anawana Lake Rd, Monticello, NY 12701, United States

Website: www.yo1.com

In the heart of the Catskills mountain range, you’ll find a wellness a centre and spa that’s the only one of its kind in the whole of the USA. You can experience holistic and natural treatments from hot oil massages to yoga and meditation retreats. This stunning resort is tucked among 1,300 acres of lakes high in the Catskill Mountains and features a beautiful state-of-the-art wellness resort and spa (using therapies such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Yoga). I love this option for spa getaways near NYC.

Mohonk Mountain House – Hudson Valley

Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, United States

Website: www.mohonk.com

Next on my list of spa getaways near New York City, it’s Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson valley. This Victorian castle located only 90 miles from NYC has been family run since it’s opening in 1869 and features an award winning spa in amazing countryside. Alongside the spa they’ve seasonal activities from Horse Riding to Skiing. Whatever your version of unwinding is, Mohonk mountain house has it in spades. This is an iconic choice for the best spa getaways near NYC.

Gurneys inn and spa, Long Island

Address: 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

Website: www.gurneysresorts.com/montauk

This hideaway in Montauk is one of our favourites on our list of spa getaways near NYC. Gurneys sea water spa offers a beachy kind of spa resort, with all your favourite treatments including mud baths and sports massages. They’ve also got a state of the art fitness centre for those who like to keep it a little active! A luxurious choice for the best spa getaways near NYC!

Roosevelt Baths and Spa – Saratoga Springs

Address: 39 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RooseveltBathsAndSpa/

Next on my list of the best spa getaways near NYC, it’s Roosevelt Baths. A Saratoga institution since 1935, this entry on our list of spa getaways near NYC is rooted in Native American beliefs that the natural springs at Saratoga had healing properties. Treatments haven’t changed much over the near century that this spa has been opened, but that doesn’t mean that the mineral Baths, facials, and body scrubs aren’t absolute winners!

The Lodge at Woodloch

Address: 109 River Birch Ln, Hawley, PA 18428, United States

Website: www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com

The Lodge at Woodloch is a peaceful and sophisticated resort set in the heart of the Poconos. The resort aims to give a relaxing escape from city life, with beautiful spa facilities and lots of relaxing pools and facilities to choose from. The resort is award winning too – so you know you’re in good hands. A great all rounder and great choice for the best spa getaways near NYC.

Copperhood Retreat & Spa

Address: 7039 NY-28, Shandaken, NY 12480, United States

Website: copperhood.com

Next on my list of the best spa getaways near NYC, it’s Copperhood Retreat. This gorgeous spa is nestled deep in the Catskill Mountains, against a beautiful backdrop of the upstate New York scenery. It’s only a 2 hour drive from NYC (perfect for a weekend getaway) and it’s a truly stunning spa and hotel.

If you don’t have time to leave the city… Aire Ancient Baths

Address: 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013, United States

Website: beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-newyork

And finally on our list of spa getaways near NYC seems more like a resort in some exotic clime, than a city adjacent bathhouse. This place is located in the heart of Manhattan, so it’s a great choice if you don’t have time to leave the city, but you still need that doe of relaxation. The practices of this spa are rooted in ancient bathing traditions, so come along to experience spa treatments like the Greeks, the Romans, and the ancient Ottoman Empire. It’s one of my favourite places in the city.

I hope this list of the best spa getaways near NYC has been helpful! Which spa do you like the look of?

Elle-Rose / March 23, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Saratoga Springs, NY

Are you planning a trip to Saratoga Springs, and you’re searching for all the information you need to make your trip a success? Here you’ll find information about the city, where to stay, what to do and even info on where to eat!

Saratoga Springs has long held a reputation for being a calm, relaxing, and down right beautiful get away for New Yorkers looking to unwind. In this ultimate guide to Saratoga springs we’ll walk you through how to unwind, what to do, and what’s worth seeing so that by the time you set off you’ll know everything there is to know about Saratoga Springs.

A little history about Saratoga Springs

First up in our ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs, wed like to give you a little background info. Situated just north of the Hudson Valley, in the foothills of the Adirondacks (a mountain range) the area was first settled by Native Americans who believed that the effervescent spring water had healing properties.

Once Europeans had settled there, word began to spread of these healing waters and soon spas, luxury hotels, and processing facilities to tap the water for bathing and drinking had sprung up! At its height Saratoga Springs was the pinnacle of tourist destinations, becoming not only spa central, but also a place for fashionable New Yorkers to see and be seen.

Soon there was a race track, jazz speakeasies and casinos, and the transformation of the are was complete: it was a full blown D E S T I N A T I O N to gamble, play, hear great music, and then soak off all the sin in a spa. Honestly, what could be better?

Whilst it gives a little less Gatsby Glitz than its golden age hey day – Saratoga Springs is still a summer party destination. At its height through the summer is full with revellers in their party finery, living up to expectations, but in the off seasons, it’s a stunning place of natural beauty, with a slow, serene pace of life. Saratoga Springs is both a place to unwind, and to let loose.

When should I go to Saratoga Springs?

As we mentioned, Saratoga Springs is a pretty amazing destination for all-year round, and it’s for that reason it has stayed a super popular vacation destination (especially for those who live in NYC and want to get out of the city). If you want a rough guide of what Saratoga Springs is like season on season though, take a read below.

It’s worth bearing in mind also, that not all events and festivals (etc) will run year round. Some will only be available at specific times of the year. If you’re concerned about a particular event, it’s worth checking their official state website.

Spring: the weather is crisp and clear, and the season hasn’t quite ramped up to get started, so the air is full of anticipation. If you like excitement, but don’t want to get bogged down in crowds then this is the time to go.

Summer: this is Saratoga Springs at its height. The track is open, the clubs are full, the spas are jam packed, but boy are the parties good! Head in the summer for a riot of the senses, and a sense that Saratoga springs is where life is really being lived.

Autumn: the air is beginning to crisp again, and the leaves are turning as golden as Saratoga Springs’ reputation. The hoarded have headed for home, and you’re free to enjoy the serenity of the Springs’ three Hs: Health, History and Horses.

Winter: Saratoga is a veritable winter WONDERLAND when it’s blanketed in Snow. You can head to a spa, dine in style, and the park even becomes a hotspot for winter sports when the weather is icy.

Basically: Saratoga Springs is a year round destination, and you can go whenever the heck you want!

How long should I stay in Saratoga Springs?

At the shortest, probably a couple of days to take in all the parks have to offer, try out a few spa treatments, see the horses, and learn a little history.

At the longest… all summer long? It’s up to you, but this place is a favourite vacation destination for a reason!

What can I do in Saratoga Springs?

There’s literally nothing you can’t do at Saratoga Springs – unless you’re planning on breaking the law, please don’t do that. As this is the Ultimate Guide to Saratoga Springs were going to break down our top selections for what to do in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Visit a spa

Our recommendation is definitely Roosevelt Baths and Spa. An institution at Saratoga Springs since 1935, and well worth it for a dip in the healing waters. This place is kinda historic, it opened way back in 1935 as a bathhouse (and is part of the Saratoga Spa complex) which includes the Gideon Putnam Resort.

Go on a spring tasting tour

There’s loads of options for a tour whether you prefer to Do it Yourself or head out on a guided tasting tour. Saratoga Springs Visitor Centre offers a tour called “history, legends, lore, and more” that’s 90 minutes long and gives you a taste of all the spring waters! A bit weird, but in a cool way.

Visit the race course

If you’re in Saratoga Springs in the summer you have to visit, and this wouldn’t be the ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs if we didn’t mention it! If it’s hot, out on your fanciest togs and get yourself to the course to place a bet on whichever noble steed takes your fancy. You might not win, but it sure is a grand day out!

Hit up some folk music at Café Lenna

Cafe Lenna is one of the oldest and most well known Folk Music bars in America, this is where Bob Dylan played his first non-new York gig! Grab a drink and settle in for an open mic to spot the next folk star before they hit the high time.

Soak up some History at the Horse Racing Museum

In the summer we’d definitely recommend you hit the race course, but as that’s not available all year round we’ve included the horse racing museum in our top five as you can visit whatever the season.

Visit the national park

If you love the outdoors, there’s no excuse not to visit the Saratoga National Park. As with all national parks, this place is beautiful and full of wonderful scenery and places to admire. Let your thoughts get lost in nature and relax in the great outdoors!

Adirondack Winery

Who doesn’t love a winery? This area of the USA has some of the best wine in the country, and the wineries in Saratoga Springs are full of amazing local tastes to try. You’ll find a really wide selection of locally hand crafted, award winning, fruit infused and varietal wines, seriously – if you’re a wine lover (or even a bit curious about it) you’ll really enjoy this.

Children’s Museum of Saratoga

The Children’s Museum is a really lovely thing to do in Saratoga Springs on a rainy day, or in autumn / winter. It’s a lovely museum full of learning opportunities in a really immersive and interactive setting. If you’ve got toddlers or young children, they will love it here – there are so many hands-on things for them to get involved in and try.

Visit Canfield Casino

A treasured landmark, and a gambling institution dating from 1870! It’s situated in the gorgeous congress park, and whilst it’s no longer a casino, it is an events space with ballrooms and dining rooms, and the town of Saratoga Springs still holds functions there from time to time.

Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company

This is something for the romantics, who want to spend a day seeing the lake in style, and feeling true relaxation. The Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company will take you on a cruise around the nearby lake, on a stunning 50 foot classic 1900’s Fantail Launch, or a 22 foot Sweetwater Pontoon Boat.

One-off and seasonal events

There are loads of seasonal events being held in Saratoga Springs, so it’s worth checking these out on their local events page. You never know what event you might stumble across, such as the apple blossom viewing parties, or boutique brewery tours! There is loads of stuff to find out about!

Where should you stay in Saratoga Springs?

There are lots of great accommodation options in Saratoga Springs, so if you book in advance, you should have your pick of the best! Whether you’re looking for a casino-hotel, or a quaint bed and breakfast, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find the perfect Saratoga Springs accommodation for you!

Here are a few of my favourite options:

Saratoga Casino Hotel

This popular hotel in Saratoga Springs is one of the favourites, especially for people looking to indulge in a bit of gambling whilst they’re there. It’s a lovely hotel, only 1.4 km from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.As the name suggests, the Saratoga Casino Hotel has a casino on-0site – which makes nightlife super easy and convenient! Oh, and try out Morton’s restaurant, which we think you’ll love!

Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs

Another one of the biggest hotels in Saratoga Springs, this is a great choice for travellers who want amenities and comfort. There is an indoor pool to enjoy (a big plus point!) as well as a lovely restaurant, and free WiFi access is available in rooms too. It’s solid choice is you don’t want to be taking any risks on comfort and value!

Pavilion Grand Hotel

I love the design of this hotel, it feels a little more ’boutique’ than the others on this list – which is more my personal style. As with the others on this list, there’s also an on-site restaurant here to enjoy too! One of the highlights of Pavilion Hotel is the cute spa they have – which is always nice to come back to after a day sightseeing. It’s also super central too, as Saratoga Springs’ main street, is just 160m away.

Adelphi Hotel

If you’re after a hotel in Saratoga Springs that has great views, amazing reviews and a bit of history – then this place may be a great choice for you. Adelphi Hotel offers a beautiful terrace with gorgeous views of Saratoga Springs, as well as a restaurant, a touch of luxury everywhere you look, and super friendly staff.

Saratoga Arms

My last suggestions for hotels in Saratoga Springs, is the Saratoga Arms. A smaller hotel (compared to some on this list) but it’s got lots of lovely history and features a spacious front veranda, to give you those ‘vacation vibes’. There is free WiFi access and a free hot breakfast each morning for guests to enjoy. What more could you ask for!

Where to eat in Saratoga Springs

Here’s a quick go-to list of some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in Saratoga Springs – you can just click through to their website from here and explore their menu and food options!

Blue Hen restaurant (sophisticated dining)

Prime at Saratoga National (steakhouse)

Harvey’s of Saratoga (pub and bar with food options)

Chez Pierre (French food)

Wishing Well Restaurant (mixed cuisine, romantic setting)

Nostalgia Ale house and wine bar (bar with food options)

Morrissey’s Lounge (upscale pub food)

Ravenous Crepes (french pancakes and a cafe)

We hope this ultimate guide to Saratoga Springs comes in handy! Let us know what you get up to when you go!

Elle-Rose / March 23, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Canandaigua, NY

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to Canandaigua, NY? Keep reading for lots of top tips of what to do and how to spend your time in Canandaigua, NY.

At the western gateway to the Finger Lakes, this gorgeous town in Ontario County, New York State is a real find! Canandaigua is beautiful and has gorgeous sights to be seen and a stunning backdrop of the Canandaigua lake. You won’t be short of things to see and do here – but we’ve put together this guide for you, so you can start planning your trip! So here’s our ultimate guide to Candaigua, NY.

Where is Canadaigua NY?

First things first on our ultimate guide to Canadaigua NY, is that it’s both a city in upstate New York and a gorgeous lake and national park. Canadaigua NY is right on the border of finger lakes, which includes the Watkins Glen National Park that we’ve also made an ultimate guide for!

The town of Canandaigua, is located at the north end of Canandaigua lake, a beautiful lake that spans 16.5 miles across the New York State landscape. The town is historic, scenic, and friendly with locally owned shops, art stores, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. There are also lots of little parks in the town too – so plenty of outdoor locations to sit back and relax. The lake is main draw for Canandaigua, it’s a beautiful lake and it’s a stunning place to enjoy. If you love swimming, boating, kayaking – you’re going to find loads to do in this area.

Canandaigua offers an amazing base for those who wish to go into the Finger Lakes, but stay at a hotel in the city for a best of both worlds experience.

What are the Finger Lakes?

The Finger Lakes are an area of outstanding natural beauty, consisting of 11 lakes that run north to south and kind of resemble fingers: hence the name! From East to west they comprise of: Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco. Canandaigua Lake is the fourth largest of all the lakes, and it’s the furthest west.

If you’re wanting to explore the finger lakes during your vacation, I really recommend choosing a town like Canadaigua NY as your base. You’ll be able to stop in beautiful accommodation and then drive out to the other lakes each day to explore more of the scenery. There is loads to do in The Finger Lakes, and Canadaigua NY is right in the heart of this area, so it’s a brilliant place to use as a base whilst you explore nearby towns, villages, lakes, etc. I found this website really useful when planning where to visit and when around the Finger Lakes.

What can I do in Canadaigua, NY?

There is so much to do in Canandaigua, so there’s loads to look forward to during your visit. Whether you love spending time being active (hiking, etc!) or whether you prefer to take things slow and relax (fishing, spa days) you’ll definitely be able to find something in Canandaigua, NY that floats your boat!

Fishing

Canandaigua Lake is a hot spot for fishing, there are loads of tour companies that offer day trips onto the lake for this very purpose. I recommend this one. There’s three concrete boat ramps and six boats can be launched at once into the water, so even in summer you’ll find it easy getting out there. Though the Parks main function is to act as a place to launch boats onto the lake to fish, there are also some small spots for you to fish from the shore – so for you landlubbers out there, there’s still fishing to be done!

Rent a boat

There’s loads of companies that’ll do you a boat rental with a range of features, but we’d highly recommend three brothers as they’re super reliable, and helpful with all things boat. You can hook up a tube, a wakeboard and water skis too so that you can pull your friends and family along behind you! Take a look here for some of the best boat rentals on lake Canandaigua, they have loads of choice (so you can choose the best kind of boat for you!).

Go hiking / walking

The lakes are there to be explored, so hiking and walking is a really popular activity in the Canandaigua area. `you can walk around the entire lake if you wanted to!

Finger Lakes boat tours

If driving your own boat doesn’t fill you with the joys of spring, then relaxing whilst a real finger laker takes the wheel maybe more up your street.We’d recommend living the life boat tours – the captain Dawson Raymo is a Canandaigua local, and has been driving the boat on the waters for 11 years! Sit back and relax in the boy watching the water slide by you, with the cool New York wind in your hair.

Roseland Waterpark

On a hot summers day, there’s nothing better to do than have fun and make a splash in Roseland waterpark. This is a fantastic things to do in Canadaigua NY, especially if you’re visiting with family or kids! If you’re going to be by the lake (or in the area) for a few weeks over the summer, they do ‘summer passes’ which give you unlimited access during the summer months. I love that, and it’s a great value option!

Canadaigua city pier

This cute little city pier is a lovely place to walk along, and enjoy the views from. If you’re looking for a nice little walk with scenic views – this is a lovely place to hang out.

Play golf

A round of golf on the edge of a beautiful lake sounds like a pretty amazing way to spend the day, right? The Canadaigua Country Club has a golf course and it’s a wonderful course with incredible views to enjoy whilst you play!

Canandaigua lady

If you want a slice of Finger Lakes history, then a trip on this 19th century replica double decker paddle wheel boat. She offers a lunch cruise, and afternoon excursion, or a dinner cruise and will look absolutely fire on your Instagram. She’s also available for private charter, too!

Rent a house boat

Slow things down even more with a couple of days spent living out on the water. You can’t go wrong with a day on the lakes, so what could be better than spending a couple? You could even move through all the lakes from Canandaigua as they’re connected via a canal system.

Take a walk around Lagoon Park

Lagoon Park is a really beautiful park with lots of little lagoons running through it. It’s a really lovely place to take a stroll on a sunny day, and it’s a great place to take photos and enjoy a little bit of nature and the outdoors!

Canandaigua wine trail

You might not think it, with California wines having such a big name for themselves, but Ontario County has some pretty amazing vineyards. The Canandaigua wine trail includes 22 wineries, with quaint villages, farmland, wide landscapes and pristine lakes as a back drop. What more could you want than a wine tasting in such beautiful countryside!?

Where to stay in Canadaigua, NY

What kind of ultimate guide to Canandaigua, NY would this be if we didn’t give you a few pointers on where to stay?

Lake House on Canandaigua Lake

Why not stay at the Lake House on Canandaigua Lake? It’s a gorgeous, glorious hotel with stunning vista of the Lakes and the surrounding countryside. This is a little slice of luxury in the finger lakes and it’s a stunning property to stop in.

1840 Inn on the Main Bed and Breakfast

This B&B in Canandaigua, NY has loads of amazing reviews and is one of the best reviewed accommodations on TripAdvisor for Canandaigua, NY! It’s a great choice if you want the home-style accommodation and you want a home-from-home.

The Bella Ella Bed & Breakfast

Another little Bed and Breakfast option, this is another great choice for people who love a home-from-home style. Whilst this accomodation isn’t exactly located in ‘central Canandaigua’ it’s only a few minutes drive from the town centre.

Rent a houseboat

If you really want to get out on the water during your time in Canandaigua, and become one with the lakes, then we’d definitely recommend renting a houseboat. There are quite a few houseboat options around Canandaigua, so it’s definitely worth looking into! Renting a houseboat in Canandaigua is also a really quirky (and kind of romantic) way to spend time in the finger lakes!

Camping

If you like the sound of being at one with nature, but sleeping o. The water itself doesn’t appeal to you, then you can always camp! There’s quite a few camping grounds around the lakes but we’d recommend Bristol Woodland campgrounds for the views and the proximity to the lakes themselves.

How long should I stay in Canandaigua?

We’d definitely recommend staying at least a week to make the most of the activities. There’s loads to see and do at Finger lakes, so even if you run out of things to do in Canandaigua (kinda impossible, but just in case) there’s the other lakes, and the nearby cities to keep you occupied! In the summer this place really springs to life, and there are events and festivals in the nearby areas too – so even more to keep you busy!

When should I go to Canandaigua?

Choosing the right time to visit Canandaigua, NY, is key to having an amazing time during your stay. You’ll want to make sure you choose the right time of year for your visit, to make sure you can enjoy all the activities in Canandaigua that you’re looking forward to. Take a read below for a our guides to various seasons in Canandaigua, NY.

If you’re ever unsure about whether attractions or activities are open, it’s always useful to check the official state website here.

Spring: the weather can be pretty cold in spring, but it’s usually quite dry. The crowds are manageable, as the schools aren’t out for summer, but you might not want to jump in the icy waters!

Summer: this is when the weather is at its finest! The waters have warmed up from the hot summer sun and the wine is full bodied and flowing non stop! The crowds can be quite hefty In The summer, though, so do bear that in mind.

Autumn: the water is still warm from the summer sun, but the crowds have lessened due to all the kids going back to school. This is our favourite time to go, as most of the activities are still in full swing, but you don’t have to fight through swathes of people to get your boat in the water!

Winter: the lakes are truly beautiful in the winter. Whilst a lot of the activities on the water are off for the cold months, and we definitely wouldn’t recommend swimming, you can always stay at a cozy B&B, hunker down in a spa, and go wine tasting when there’s snow on the ground!

We hope this guide to Canandaigua, NY has been useful! Let us know any more of your tips in the comments below.

Elle-Rose / March 16, 2020

The ultimate guide to Watkins Glen, NY

Within the finger lakes of New York State, you can find an absolute BEAUTY of a national Park: Watkins Glen State Park. A veritable oasis of trails, waterfalls, and peaceful calm away from the Big Apple. Watkins Glen is also a lovely village / town to stop in too – there’s lots to do around the area (not just the state park) so here you’ll be able to read everything you need to know about Watkins Glen, NY.

Because it’s such a spot of outstanding natural beauty, we know you’re going to want to soak it all up, so we’ve made you this ultimate guide to Watkins Glen, NY so you’ll know where to go, what to do, and how it all works ahead of time.

A little history of Watkins Glen, NY

First up on our ultimate guide to Watkins Glen NY is going to be a little background info in how this gorgeous spot came into existence. It all started around 2,009 years ago when a huge glacier covered the whole of North America. As it moved across the landmass, and then melted away over time, it left behind the gorges, caverns, and waterfalls that you can see at Finger Lakes today. In 1851 the state turned Watkins Glen into a national park so that’s its beauty could be preserved, and it’s now known worldwide as one of the nations greatest national parks!

The town of Watkins Glen is right next door to the State Park, and it’s where most people will stop during their time in the area. It has most things you’ll need; a campsite, a BBQ restaurant, a Walmart, a bar and grill, and so on! It’s a lively place to stay with lots to keep you busy.

When to go to Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen, NY is a beautiful place and it’s somewhere that’s lovely to visit all year around! Here’s a guide to what to expect from Watkins Glen all year round…

Spring: the crowds are way smaller, the weather is less humid and less hot, but the gorge trail (basically the park’s main draw) is only open once all the snowmelt is gone, so you will want to check if it’s open before you go (especially is you’re driving there from NYC or Boston). The flora and fauna are at their best this time of year, with everything coming back to life after the winter. One of the main reason visitors head up in the spring time is actually the ARC Grand Prix Run– a well-known fundraiser that is hosted at Watkins Glen International race track in early April.

Summer: It’s hot at this time of year and the town really comes to life. People are here on their vacations, enjoying the lake, enjoying the park, enjoying the activities. The crowds are biggest in summer in Watkins Glen, but if you’re dead set on seeing the park in its verdant summer glory (and boy is it gorgeous) then this is a good time to go. We recommend avoiding the weekend, and starting out as early as you possibly can to beat the crowds. One of the highlights of summer has to be the NASCAR racing, but also the Waterfront Festival (usually held in June) every year in Seneca Harbor Park in downtown Watkins Glen. This little festival is a family-friendly, free event and it’s always a hit with tourists and locals alike!

Autumn: This is one of our favourite time to go to Watkins Glen, NY. The gorge is full of that heralded New England foliage, and as all the kids are back at school the crowds are definitely lighter. The Gorge Trail is also definitely open for the whole of Autumn, so there’s no chance you’ll miss out.

Winter: We wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting Watkins Glen state park in the winter. The gorge trail will be closed, and you’ll miss out on the parks best features. New York winters can be very harsh too!

How long should you stay in Watkins Glen?

Watkins Glen, NY, is one of those lovely vacation spots near NYC, that you could happily spend a week or even two in. Lots of people head to Watkins Glen for the weekend (it’s a great long weekend destination from NYC) or in the summer, many people head up to Watkins Glen for a few weeks in the summer!

If you can, take a look at the local events or season events listed in this article, and try and plan your trip to Watkins Glen, NY around them!

What can I do and see in Watkins Glen?

There is lots to do in Watkins Glen, and below we’ll discuss all of these amazing things to do!

Gorge trail inside Watkins Glen State Park

This is the park’s main attraction, and boy does it DELIVER (and it’s one of the main reason many visit Watkins Glen, NY). We recommend starting at the bottom of the trail by the main entrance, and then heading up the cascade to the north entrance. It is a tricky trail, there’s 832 steps, it’s 2.1 miles and there’s an elevation gain of 501 ft. It should take around 2 hours to complete. There are no entry fees to the park, but there are parking fees at each entrance.

You can park for free in the village, and walk on over, but bear in mind that this parking can fill up pretty quickly, and it is supposed to be for people coming to the village rather than going to the state park – so be responsible and respectful when parking up.

Indian trail inside Watkins Glen State Park

This trail takes you along the top of the gorge. Whilst most sighted are within the gorge trail, this one gives you a birds eye view so if you’ve got the tie, it’s definitely worth it! This trial is moderately difficult. There’s no steps, but there is an elevation gain of 413 feet. It’s around 1.9 miles long, and should take about 2 hours.

Other sights inside the Watkins Glen State Park

All these sights are beautiful, from the tunnel that was carved by hand into the rock in the early 1900s, to rainbow falls that dazzles and sparkles with rainbows in the sun. Your insta will be fire, and your senses will be delighted.

Entrance tunnel

Cavern cascades

Spiral tunnel and suspension bridge

Central cascades

Rainbow Falls

Seneca Lake Pier

This lovely scenic spot in the heart of Watkins Glen is a beautiful place to explore and just watch the world go by. It’s a lovely place to relax in Watkins Glen, and it’s right on the waterfront too – so it’s a popular spot in spring and summer! Especially when the weather is nice!

Take a Schooner Excursion on the lake

If you don’t know what a Schooner is, it’s an incredibly big, traditional-style boat. Schooner Excursions are the company that run the boat tours on the lake, and it’s seriously one of the best things you can do on Seneca Lake. It’s also hugely romantic! There are different kinds of excursions available, from public sailing trips, to private schooner rental – it’s such a fantastic thing to do in Watkins Glen.

Summit to Stream Adventures

Summit to Stream is a company that offer outdoor activities on Seneca Lake for people who want to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Watkins Glen (on the water!). They do fly fishing day trips and kayaking too – both really fun activities and perfect for couples and families alike.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Seneca Lake has a really diverse offering of world-class wines, and visiting the Seneca wine trail is a really lovely way to try some of these world-class wines. If you LOVE wine and you want to experience some of the local flavours – this is for you. This is a great thing to do in Watkins Glen, NY.

Grand Prix Festival

Taking place in early September each year, the downtown area of Watkins Glen, NY transforms itself into a haven for car-lovers for the Grand Prix Festival. This event celebrates the towns racing car history and it’s a really fun time to be in Watkins Glen! During this time you’ll see loads of vintage cars lining the streets for the public to admire and look at, as well as music, food and other events and experiences.

Keep an eye on local events

There are actually lots of great local events put on by Watkins Glen and around the Finger Lakes, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the community pages to keep up to date with these. From farmers markets, to mini-festivals – there’s something for everyone. I find this website really helpful when finding the little local events in the Watkins Glen area.

Where can I stay in Watkins Glen, NY

There are actually lots of different accommodation options in Watkins Glen, NY. There are different options for different budgets too – which makes Watkins Glen, NY a really good getaway destination for all kinds of budgets.

Here are some of the best accommodation options I’ve come across in Watkins Glen, NY:

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – Located right on the waterfront, if you want a little bit of luxury, teamed up with some amazing views, then this is the place for you.

Longhouse Manor – Next up on our list of hotels in Watkins Glen, NY, it’s another really nice choice for a weekend getaway or a romantic escape. I love the four-poster beds they have here and the traditional decor is charming. It also has a small lake-front swimming pool!

Idlwilde Inn – This place looks like a fairytale B&B from the outside and it’s just perfect. If you’re after somewhere romantic looking, with the traditional country-style, this is a good choice for you.

Clute park and campground – This is one of the prime camping spots in Watkins Glen, NY as it’s really close to town and right on the lakefront. If camping is your deal, then this is one of the best places to pitch your tent!

The Local Hostel – If you’re on a budget in Watkins Glen, NY, this is probably your best choice in the area. It’s not as close to the lakefront as some of the other suggestions are, but it’s still close to amenities, and it has really good reviews too.

I hope this guide to Watkins Glen, NY has been useful for you! It’s a great place to visit and you’re bound to love your time there, especially if you get lucky with the weather!

Elle-Rose / March 15, 2020

Top tips for visiting Watkins Glen State Park

Are you planning a trip to Watkins Glen State Park soon?

If so, you might be looking for some tips and advice for making the most of your trip to Watkins Glen state park. Located in upstate New York, near the finger lakes, this national park is one of the must-see in the state and a stunning place to spend time in the outdoors.

Good news! Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most gorgeous state parks in New York – so you’ve made an amazing choice! There are loads of things to do and see around Watkins Glen state park, and the park itself is home to so many beautiful sights to see. There so much to do there, and the scenery is breathtaking!

Here’s the key information you need about the Watkins Glen State park

Address of Watkins Glen State Park:

1009 N Franklin St
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Latitude 42.375896

Longitude -76.871078

Parking: Free

Vehicle fee (to enter the park): $8 per vehicle

General Information: (607) 535-4511

Trail Shuttle (during summer / autumn season): Service runs from 9 am to 6 pm
$5 per person each way

Top tip! If you live in New York and you explore the national parks a lot during the spring and summer months, it’s well worth looking into the the easy-to-use Empire Pass card. It costs $80 a year, and it gives you all-season free (and unlimited) day-use entry into most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. Depending on where you live, this can include beautiful forests, amazing beaches, trails and loads more.

So here are my top tips for visiting Watkins Glen State Park…

Tip 1: Pack plenty of water (in reusable bottle of course). The hikes are a little strenuous, and whilst each entrance has water fountains, there’s nowhere to stop along the way. There are no shops inside the park, so having a good supply of water is a super sensible idea and makes sure you don’t put yourself in any dangerous dehydration situations.

Tip 2: Wear waterproof clothes and shoes. Due to the nature of the park sometimes the falls come straight over the paths where you’ll be walking. There’s nothing less fun than walking a trail with wet socks and shoes – so make sure you’ve got the right kind of gear. You’ll need a little something to keep you dry, even in summer when the weather is great!

Tip 3: Get a map of the park. Whether it’s paper or on your phone, it’s something you’ll definitely want with you. This just acts as insurance incase you do get lost or wander the wrong way.

Tip 4: Get to Watkins Glen state park early. If you want to feel like an intrepid explorer, arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer and autumn (when this place is a really popular destination). You’ll have a way better experience of walking the trails, and your photos will look way better too, because you won’t have random hikers and tourists in the background!

Tip 5: Don’t bring Rover with you to Watkins Glen state park. Whilst pets are allowed in the park, they’re not allowed on the Gorge Trail, and you’ll be so disappointed if you miss the Gorge Trail as it’s the main attraction inside the park and the reason most people visit.

Tip 6: Use the bus shuttle. In the summer the park runs a bus between all the entrances, and it’s a really good little hack to know and use. This could be super useful if you’re camping at the north entrance and want to hike from the Main entrance.

Tip 7: Leave no trace. Keeping the park clean is super important in order to preserve it for the future, so being eco-friendly and taking all rubbish and litter with you is CRUCIAL. Leave nothing behind but footprints! We want to keep Watkins Glen state park beautiful for many generations to come.

Tip 8: Leave time to explore Watkins Glen village. The town of Watkins Glen is actually worth spending a day in too, so make sure you’ve got time to hike the trails, and enjoy sightseeing around the Watkins Glen. There’s a beautiful river to kayak on, and the pier is a lovely place to enjoy a few hours and a cup of coffee. I wrote an entire guide on Watkins Glen here.

Tip 9: Check the trails are open at Watkins Glen state park. This applies especially when you’re visiting during springtime. The Gorge trail inside the Watkins Glen state Park doesn’t always open in April, sometimes (if the snow melts later) it can take longer to get access, even into late May. So it’s always worth checking the official park website to make sure you can actually do your hike!

I hope this mini-guide to visit Watkins Glen state park has been useful! Enjoy your visit!

Elle-Rose / March 8, 2020

Places to visit in New York City: The ultimate list with 74 amazing suggestions

Are you looking for the ultimate list of places to visit in New York? Keep reading for 74 of the best places to visit in New York!

There are so many places to visit in New York City – it can be a little overwhelming deciding how to spend your time and what to see first! Hopefully this list will give you some ideas, and also give you a little information about each and every one of these great places to visit in New York City!

The Statue of Liberty

How could we write a list about places to visit in New York and not include the Statue of Liberty! The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic statues in the world and one of the most un-missable places to visit in New York City. You can book tickets by clicking here.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous building in the world, and it’s located in the heart of New York. You can view the Empire State Building from the ground (it’s pretty impressive to look up at!) but you can also visit the Empire State Observatory too, which offers up some amazing views of the city. Book skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Bryant Park

This might not be NYC’s most famous park, but it’s one of my favourite places to visit in New York. This little park is nestled away in midtown, and it has a huge green space, lots of tables to eat at (perfect for lunch!) and a great view of The Empire State too. It’s a perfect place to spend a few hours in the sunshine.

The High Line Park

The High Line Park is one of the most interesting parks in the city of New York, having been built on old abandoned rail tracks. It’s pretty impressive, interesting and fun to walk along, and there are some lovely views of New York along the walkway too. Definitely one of the best places to visit in New York for those who love a leisurely walk in the morning! You can take a walking tour of the highline park and the meatpacking district, which I highly recommend!

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock observation deck is at the very top of the Rockefeller Centre in Midtown. In my opinion this is the best observation deck in NYC, as the views are pretty unparalleled. There are epic views of the New York skyline, and the Empire State from up here! Book tickets by clicking here.

Central Park

How could we write a list of places to visit in New York without including Central Park? Central Park is beautiful, no matter what the weather or time of year. It’s simply beautiful, so give yourself a day to explore it properly! If you want to take a tour of NYC – I wrote about all the best ways to tour Central Park here.

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most iconic and famous places to visit in New York. It’s bright, colourful, loud and busy – but there’s nowhere else quite like it. Head there in the daytime and the evening for the full effect – because it feels completely different at different times of the day. Times Square is a great place to enjoy a coffee, and take a few photos too!

Macy’s Department Store

Macy’s is one of the biggest department stores in the world, and it’s well worth a visit during your time in New York! Head to Macy’s and enjoy some shopping, browse the stores, and maybe even buy yourself a thing or two!

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world, so of course it made our list of best places to visit in New York. If you’ve got time, take a walk across the bridge itself and enjoy the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn too. If you’re wondering where to find the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge – I wrote about that here!

The Vessel

The Vessel is a new vertical park in Hudson Yards. The huge sculpture-type structure is full of steps you can climb up to get the best views of the city. It’s unique, different and really quite special. If you love exploring and you love photography – this is going to be one of the best places to visit in New York for you!

Hudson Yards Mall

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, it’s Hudson Yards mall. This new luxury shopping mall is located in the newly developed Hudson yards neighbourhood, and it’s beautiful! It’s a great place to indulge in a little bit of retail therapy! It’s also right next to the Vessel (mentioned above).

Manhattan Bridge

Manhattan Bridge might not be as famous as it’s neighbour Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s just as beautiful! I love this bridge, and I’ll take any excuse to take some gorgeous photos of it!

Roosevelt Island Tram

Roosevelt Island tramway is actually just a method of public transport from the upper east side to Roosevelt Island. Saying that makes it sound a bit boring though – which it certainly isn’t! The Roosevelt island tramway is really fun, has some great views of the city, and it’s surprisingly cheap too!

Grand Central Terminal

Also known as Grand Central Station, this is one of the most famous rail station in the USA and it’s a hub of transport in NYC. It’s a lovely building to visit, it’s really beautifully designed and has lots of history behind it too. There’s also a food market inside which I adore!

The Edge Observation Deck

This is a brand new place to visit in NYC, it’s a new observation deck with great views of the city. What makes it different to the other observation decks? This place is literally like walking on the edge of the view, you can go right up to the edge of the viewing deck (hence the name!).

New York Public Library

You might remember this amazing building from the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” as the place where the characters hide out from the storm. Aside from being the movie-location of that film, it’s also a pretty kick-ass library and one of the most beautiful buildings in midtown!

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is a really beautiful building, that was (once upon a time) the tallest building in the world. Of course, it’s not anymore, but it’s still a really lovely building to visit and take a look at.

Belvedere Castle in Central Park

Did you know that Central Park has a castle? Lots of people don’t! Belvedere Castle is located about halfway up Central Park and it’s one of the most unexpected places to visit in New York! Definitely worth a photo or two!

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle is located on the South West corner of Central Park and it’s a pretty nice place to walk around and explore. I actually love the shopping mall at Columbus Circle – especially the huge Whole Foods!

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim is one of the most iconic art galleries in NYC, so it’s definitely one of the main places to visit in New York – especially if you love art and culture. The design of the building is also really interesting too! You can book advance tickets by clicking here.

Central Park Zoo

Yes, Central Park has it’s very own zoo! It may not be the biggest zoo int he city, but it’s one of the most charming, and it’s a great place to visit in New York if you love animals! You can book tickets by clicking here.

Flat Iron Building

The Flat Iron Building is probably one of the most recognisable buildings in New York, and one of the most unique too. As the name suggests, it looks a little like one of the vintage flat irons, and the slim shapes lends itself perfect to the surrounding skyline.

Washington Square Park

Another lovely park in New York, this park is near the university district! My favourite bit about this park is the special dog park inside it! Who doesn’t love puppies!

Wall Street

Wall Street is one of the most important parts of New York, as it’s where all the stock exchanges take place. Taking a stroll through Wall Street on a working day is a bit crazy, busy and bustling – but it gives you a real insight into New York life for the brokers who works there every day! I really recommend taking this walking tour of Wall Street, Chinatown and Little Italy – you get to see so much of the city!

Fifth Avenue Shopping

If you fancy shopping until you drop, then fifth avenue is going to be one of the best places to visit in New York for you! There are SO MANY shops on fifth avenue, you’ll have loads of choice! You could spend a whole day walking up fifth avenue visiting all the shops!

A broadway show

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, take a trip to a Broadway Show. If you’re unsure which show to watch (don’t worry, that’s normal as there are so many of them!) I actually wrote a guide about Broadway Shows here.

MoMA

Another brilliant art gallery, the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is an absolute must-see for people who love art (especially modern art!). There are loads of amazing artists in this gallery, so it’s unmissable.

Intrepid Air and Space Museum

The Intrepid Air and Space Museum is a really interesting museum in New York and is all about planes, aircrafts and air travel. It’s fascinating for anyone remotely interesting in air travel, and it has outdoor and indoor exhibits too. You can book priority tickets by clicking here.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a great place to visit in New York – and it’s free! The Ferry leaves from the southern most point of Manhattan and it’s a free ferry that makes round trips between Manhattan and Staten Island. You’ll get great views of the skyline as you make the crossing too, and there’s even a little cafe onboard!

New York Giants Stadium

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, it’s the New York Giants Stadium. If you’re visiting New York during the NFL (American football) season, then grab some tickets and go watch a game! It’s honestly so much fun and the stadium is pretty epic!

American Museum of Natural History

Probably the most famous museum in New York, the Natural History Museum is huge and so interesting for people of all ages! It’s a great place to visit with kids too – as there’s so much for them to do and see.

One World Observatory

The One World Observatory is located at the top of NYC’s tallest buildings, so of course it had to make my list of places to visit in New York. This is an observation deck with incredible sky-high views, unlike any other in the city. You can book skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Yankee Stadium

Even if you’re not that into sports (or the Yankees) it’s still pretty cool to go to the stadium and watch a game. If it’s not game season, see if you can book a stadium tour instead, and explore all the hidden behind-the-scenes areas usually off-limits to tourists and visitors.

Westfield Mall – World Trade Centre

The Westfield Mall is a relatively new mall in NYC and the design and building is just incredible. Go to admire the incredible interiors design, but stay for the shopping! Definitely a brilliant one of the places to visit in New York, that pleases everyone!

Rockefeller Centre ice rink

If you looking for places to visit in New York during the winter months, then the Rockefeller Centre ice-rink is a must-visit location. The ice-rink at the Rockefeller Centre is one of the most popular in the city, and it’s located right underneath the famous Christmas tree.

Bow Bridge (Central Park)

Bow Bridge in Central Park is one of the most famous places in the park, and it’s one of the most romantic places in Central Park too! Bow Bridge is also known as ‘proposal bridge’ as so many people pop the big question there! Click here to read a blog post I wrote about the best Central Park photo spots.

Washington Street (Brooklyn)

This is one of those magic photography spots that you just won’t want to miss. It’s a perfect framed photo of the Manhattan Bridge, peeping through the streets, and it even has the Empire State Building in shot on a clear day!

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the biggest cathedrals in New York, so it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in New York. This huge (and very beautiful) cathedral is a stunning contrast to the skyscrapers around it, and is located in the heart of midtown.

September 11 Memorial

The September 11 memorial located where the Twin Towers used to be is a very poignant, emotional and meaningful location in the city. I don’t think I class this as a tourist attraction (and please don’t treat it as such) but it’s an important place to visit for the history and for showing respect to those who lost their lives.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a really lovely part of New York, with lots of amazing restaurants to be explored and tried out! I really recommend taking this walking tour of Wall Street, Chinatown and Little Italy – you get to see so much of the city!

Katz Deli

This CLASSIC deli is one of the oldest delis in NYC, which is why it makes my list of places to visit in New York. Seriously, Katz Deli is iconic int he city and you have to try a sandwich before leaving New York (otherwise did you even really visit NYC?). It’s also where that famous scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ was filmed!

Little Italy

Little Italy is a great neighbourhood to explore, as it feels a little different from other more ‘touristy’ places in New York. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in New York because of the food! There is so much great food here, as you’d expect! I really recommend taking this walking tour of Wall Street, Chinatown and Little Italy – you get to see so much of the city!

Madison Square Garden

If you’re headed to the city for a show or a game in Madison Square Garden then you’ll get to see this amazing venue anyway! But if not, it’s worth doing a tour of the building on an off-day because it’s a pretty cool place to see behind the scenes of!

Color Factory

This immersive museum is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s all based around colour and how you experience it and interact with it. I can’t say much more without spoiling the experience – but trust me it’s fantastic. Click here to book tickets.

Levain Bakery

Levain Bakery is famous for it’s cookies… and oh boy, the cookies are out of this world. If you want to visit somewhere in New York that has a cult-following and serves up incredible desserts… you found it.

Battery Park

Located on the southern most tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. There are also great views of the Statue of Liberty from here (the best views you’ll get without going on a boat) so that’s a reason to visit too!

Radio City music hall

If you’re visiting New York City at Christmas time, then one of the key places to visit in New York has to be the Radio City Music Hall! This is there the famous Rockettes performs their annual Christmas Spectacular – and it’s an awesome venue to experience!

Ellis Island

If you’re heading out to see the Statue of Liberty on the ferry, then you’ll be able to hop off the ferry at the Ellis Island as well as Liberty Island. Ellis island is a really important place to visit in New York because it’s so historically important.

Bronx Zoo

The biggest zoo in New York, this is one of the best places to visit in New York for families, for sure! There loads to see here, and they even have special experience packages to meet certain animals too!

Aire Ancient Baths

You probably haven’t heard of this place, but that’s because it’s a true hidden gem in the city. What makes this one of the best places to visit in New York? Aire Ancient Baths is just magical. This is a private, serene underground spa, which whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. One of my personal favourite places to visit in New York.

The Garment District

The Garment District in New York is where you’ll find all the material shops used by fashion students and fashion designers. I love looking around these stores in the Garment District, they’re so interesting and I love finding hidden gems too!

Soho

Soho is a neighbourhood in New York and it’s my next choice on this list of places to visit in New York. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in New York because it’s such a lovely local neighbourhood. It’s a lovely place to stroll around, grab a coffee, enjoy the views and snap a few photos. It’s such a nice neighbourhood! Here’s how to spend a day in Soho.

Union Square Market

This is just a cute little local-seller market that happens in the park. If you want a taste of what local Manhattan life is like, or if you want to browse some cute stalls and taste some local produce – this is such a lovely places to visit in New York.

Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Terrace is located in Central Park, and it’s one of the most interesting and unique parts of the park. There have been a few movies filmed under the terrace, but you’ll want to visit there for the amazing designs, and also the regular singers and performers that base themselves there.

The Loeb Boathouse

The next suggestion on my list of places to visit in New York, is the Loeb Boathouse. This restaurant located in the heart of Central Park is one of the most romantic spots to eat in the city, and it was also the filming-location for many famous movies too.

Trader Joe’s

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, it’s Trader Joe’s. If you’re from the USA, you’re probably familiar with Trader Joes but if you’re from the UK or elsewhere you might not be. Basically, Trader Joe’s is where most of the locals do their grocery shopping – and it’s kind of fun to walk around as a visitor and see what there is on offer!

Whitney Museum of American Art

Another addition to my list of places to visit in New York – this is another option for the art lovers! It’s a slightly smaller gallery than the high-profile places above, but still brilliant!

New York Botanical Garden

If you love plants, flowers, gardening, or all of the above… then you’re going to adore the New York Botanical Garden. It’s a lovely place to visit in spring or summer when all the flowers are in full bloom!

Smorgasburg

This is one of the biggest outdoor food markets in New York and it’s such a fun way to spend the afternoon or evening. Honestly, if you love food and you love trying the best of local food, then Smorgasburg is one of the best places to visit in New York for you! You’ll be able to try a little bit of everything!

Chelsea Market

Another food market, this is a popular indoor market full of foodie finds and deli-type stores too. Chelsea Market is popular with tourist and locals and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area, and makes a great lunch destination!

Time Out Market

Time Out Market in Brooklyn is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in New York if you’re into your food! It’s an indoor food market with some of NY’s most popular food vendors and restaurants selling their menu’s hot-picks. You really can’t go wrong – plus the view from the rooftop bar is epic!

The ‘Friends’ apartment

Of course, we all know that majority of TV show ‘Friends’ was shot in studios in LA – but a lot of the outdoor shots we filmed in New York, and you can actually go and visit the apartment a lot of the TV was based at. It’s found at 90 Bedford St. A must-see place to visit in New York anyone who loves the TV show!

Brooklyn Heights

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, it’s Brooklyn Heights. Across the water from Manhattan – this has some great views of Manhattan! A perfect place for a picnic, or just a walk along the water to enjoy the views.

DUMBO Brooklyn

DUMBO in Brooklyn is one of the best places to view the NYC skyline, so it’s one of my favourite places to visit in New York. There’s some lovely green space there, as well as some shops and cafes too. It’s just a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by!

Coney Island

Located a little further out of the city, Coney Island is a fun amusement park with lots of rides and games to try out. It’s a lot of fun and well worth the visit out of the city. Best time to visit Coney Island is definitely a sunny spring or summer day!

South Street Seaport

This little sport on the east side of Manhattan is a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon. You can walk along the edge of Manhattan and enjoy the views of the bridges and Brooklyn!

Tiffany’s New York

You might’ve seen the movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (or maybe you haven’t) but it was this movie that shot the Tiffany’s branch in New York to fame. Most of us won’t be able to afford anything inside the store, but that doesn’t stop us window shopping!

Wollman Rink

The famous ice rink in Central Park with an amazing backdrop of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline! If you’re in New York during the autumn or winter, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in New York.

Conservatory Water (Central Park)

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, this is one of the lesser known lakes in Central Park. I love Conservatory Water as it’s a little quieter, calmer and scenic. If you want to escape the touristy parts of the park, this is a great place to go.

Jacob’s Pickles

I’m including this on my list of places to visit in New York because Jacob’s Pickles is my personal FAVOURITE restaurant in the city. They serve up crazy delicious southern food with mega impressive portions. I’ve never had anything below average here – everything is freaking delicious.

GhostBusters Firestation

If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know exactly which fire station I’m talking about! This place is a bit of a New York gem, and it’s easy to locate and visit and snap a quick photo in front of! Definitely a must-visit location in New York for any movie lovers!

Dominique Ansel Bakery

If you want to try one of New York’s most famous foodie cronuts, then the Dominique Ansel Bakery is where you need to head to! This is one of those Instagramable foodie bucket list items – so don’t miss it!

The skyscraper museum

Exactly what it sounds like! This places to visit in New York is a museum dedicated to the skyscrapers in the city. If you love architecture and seeing the history of the city, this will be a great choice for you.

The Alice in Wonderland Statue

Next on my list of places to visit in New York, the beautiful Alice in Wonderland Statue. You’ll find this famous statue in Central Park (it’s quite far up!) and it’s one of the most well-known statue in the park. It’s a perfect place to pose for a photo, especially if you loved the books as a child!

The Charging Bull

Last on my list of places to visit in New York, it’s the Charging Bull. This huge sculpture / statue in downtown (near Wall Street) is a must-see for anyone into history and art. It’s famous in itself, and was recently added to by another artist, who added the sculpture of a young girl challenging the bull. You’ve probably seen photos of it – and it’s amazing to see it in person too!

I hope this list of places to visit in New York is helpful and has given you lots of inspiration for your next trip to NYC! It’s such an amazing and exciting city to visit and there are so many places to visit in New York, you could never be bored here!

Elle-Rose / March 6, 2020

11 of the best things to do in Hunter NY

Hunter is a brilliant place in NYC for a weekend away or a relaxing break from the city. There are lots of reason to visit Hunter, NYC so if you’re looking for things to do in Hunter NY – then this is the list for you.

One of the main reasons to visit Hunter, NY is the scenery and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Hunter. Hunter is in Greene County, NY – so it’s about a 40 minute drive from the heart of the Catskill Mountains, which are a gorgeous part of the world year round. The Catskill Mountains are one of the most beautiful parks of America, and being not so far from NYC, they’re an amazing place to visit if you feel like you need some time away from the big city. Whether you’re there for skiing in the winter, or hiking in the summer, both Hunter and it’s surrounding areas will have loads for you to do!

So here are my favourite things to do in Hunter, NY.

Hunter Mountain

The first thing on my list of things to do in Hunter NY is Hunter Mountain. This is the second highest peak in the Catskills, and is definitely Hunter NY’s claim to fame.

Whether you’re an outdoors aficionado, or you just want to soak up the scenery it’s definitely worth checking out what’s on offer at Hunter Mountain, their website (which I’ve linked above) is actually really useful and I found loads of great information and events on there. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, or fishing in the spring, or riding a 4×4 in the summer – there’s something for everyone!

The Mountain Cinéma

Next up on the list of things to do in Hunter NY a s checking out a film in Hunter’s very own cinema! Whether it’s to top off a day spent outdoors, or to make up for bad weather (it’s a great thing to do in the rain), or tired limbs, this cinema is quite simply gorgeous.

It’s really old-school, and it’s a lot of fun to go and get cosy and enjoy a movie. It’s got a wide selection of movies from the biggest releases, to foreign film and movies probably more at home in an art house cinema. You can even, on some days, find classic movies too if you want to take a ski down memory lane!

Photo credit: Cinematreasures.org

New York Zipline Adventures

Next on my list of things to do in Hunter NY – it’s zip-lining! Honestly you can’t go wrong with this bad boy – and I would 100% make checking these out near the top of your agenda as soon as you get to Hunter. It’s such a fun day out, and it’s something you can do with friends too.

There’s a night zip tour too that sends you whizzing through the trees under the stars, loads of group and solo tours and la piece de resistance: The Sky Rider tour that gives you a chance to race your pals on zip lines reaching speeds of 50mph!!

Ride the Hunter Mountain scenic skyride

Next on my list of things to do in Hunter NY – it’s the scenic skyride. If you want to enjoy some amazing scenic views from way up high, then the Scenic Skyride is your perfect option for things to do in Hunter NY. The scenic skyride can hold 6 passengers, and it’s a great way to see the surrounding landscapes. It takes 11 minutes to ride to the top of the 3200′ high summit, and when you get to the top you’ll be able to get off and enjoy the shops and cafes waiting for you, before heading back down.

Snow Tubing Park

If all the ski trails and hiking routes aren’t enough to get your heart jumping like Eddie the Eagle, then the snow tubing park will definitely do the trick! The tubing lanes are nearly 1000 feet long, and two hour sessions can be for both adults and kids. If you’re in a group bigger than 15, you can also get a surprising number of deals, too!

It’s a great day out, it’s so much fun, and it’s something almost all ages can enjoy. It’s also a really nice group activity to include everyone – you don’t need good coordination to take part, or experience skiing or snowboarding – so it’s a great way to get everyone involved and taking part!

Catskill Mountain Foundation Gallery and Bookstore

Next up on our list of things to do in Hunter NY is a chance to slow things down a little at the local Gallery and book store. The foundation bookstore is full of gorgeous books, the gallery is always showing a range of artists from local painters to the great American Romantics for whom the Catskills were a big deal.

We’d definitely recommend the onsite restaurant, too, for a really lovely meal with friends!!

Go fishing

If you’ve turned up with all the fishing gear, then you already know Hunter is a great location and base for fishing enthusiasts. However, if you’re a newbie to the world of fishing but you fancy giving it a go then hunt out a a day tour or a fishing school instead! You’ll have loads of fun and you’ll learn loads too! I recommend this particular fishing school – they seem to be the main company in the area.

Get your skis on!

This is kinda the highlight of things to do in Hunter NY – as it’s what most people head out to the Catskills to do! If you need to get new ski or snowboarding equipment, look no further than the Pro Ski & Ride in town. You can get your hands on rental equipment and new things – all your skiing needs will be met.

In the winter, Hunter turns into a little bit of a skiing hub, you’ll meet people taking a weekend away from the city to hit the slopes, and it’s nice to just embrace the fresh air and snow!

Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables

This is a great example of things to do in Hunter NY that’s great for kids and grownups alike, and if your idea of a great time is seeing beautiful animals – then this animal park is the one for you! There is a petting zoo style area which is home to over 40 exhibits of domestic & exotic animals (including alligators – which is mega cool!). You can get up close and personal with the animals, you can learn loads about them, and there are even opportunities to feed them. Adult tickets are $17 and kids tickets are $13.

Oh, and you can also go on Horse Riding tours that range from 1hr to multiple days.

Mountain Club Spa

After all this activity, you’re gonna wanna chill out a little, and where better to chill out than a spa? Whether it’s for a little Après Ski, or for a whole day of pampering, this spa has all the accoutrements to leave you feeling like you’ve managed to completely unwind. The spa uses naturally and locally sourced products – so everything involves the local flora and fauna, which is really something!

Farm Tours at Hull-O Farms

And finally on my list of things to do in Hunter NY, it’s a farm tour! Located about a 30 minute drive from Hunter NY, Hull-O Farms is a really simply, easy and enjoyable day out. It’s great for families (especially those with children) as a lot of the farm tour includes hands-on experiences with the animals which children absolutely love.

The farm itself is 200+ years old (yes really!) and during the tour you’ll learn from the experts how a working farm functions, how to take care of animals, and lots of interesting tips and tricks.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Hunter, NY, and that our list of things to do in Hunter NY has inspired you! Let us know what you get up to in the comments.

Elle-Rose / March 5, 2020

Ultimate list of non-touristy things to do in LA

Are you looking for the ultimate list of non-touristy things to do in LA?

I love LA. If you’ve not been there, nothing can account for its sprawling mass, it’s huddle of sky scrapers around downtown, the looming mountains at its back, the easy breezy vibes of north Hollywood, the pristine beaches of Malibu, and the fun of Santa Monica pier. But if you’re searching for a more authentic experience of LA and you’re looking for those non-touristy things to do in LA – then this list will give you some amazing ideas.

So here we’ve made a list of fun non-touristy things to do in LA that’ll leave you feeling like a local!

Go hiking

First on my list of non-touristy things to do in LA, it’s hiking! I’ve already mentioned the undulating mountains that encircle the city of Angels, but this was one of my favorite parts about visiting LA. Take a whole day to hike above the city, taking in the views, and spending some much needed time alone in the hills – it’s one of the best non touristy things to do in LA because it’s just you, the views and the landscape.

If you go alone, make sure to be safe, and don’t stray from the paths as there are snakes in the brush. Take your phone so that you’ve got a GPS Incase you get lost, and be sure to take enough water (crucial!) and sun cream too. If striking out alone isn’t your thing, though, there are loads of guided hikes that steer clear of the touristy stops (mount hollywood, and the Hollywood sign).

The original pantry diner

I wouldn’t say this place is a well kept secret, but I would say that it isn’t a particularly touristy thing to do, which is why it makes my list non-touristy things to do in LA. Here, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals and, here’s a tip, if you’re riding solo you can jump the queue to sit at the counter.

I’ve added this to the list of the best non touristy things to do in L.A because it’s breakfast, and there’s nothing touristy about that! I went here for breakfast three days running, and sitting at the counter meant I got to watch the chefs work the grill, which is half the fun of being at a diner anyway. I can’t vouch for everything on the menu but the pancakes, French toast, and steak and eggs were just excellent, and 100% worth the trip.

Barnsdall Art Park

Next on my list of non-touristy things to do in LA, it’s Barnsdall Park. If you like art, and you like being outdoors, this is the place for you. It possibly one of the most non touristy things to do in LA, and it’ll keep your insta looking fire. Located in East Hollywood, it’s a word class art gallery, and under some gentle sunshine it’s accentuated by its killer views of downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign.

The shortstop in Echo Park for Motown Mondays

This bar is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to find non-touristy things to do in LA. The music is always killer, and world renowned DJs (kinda) come down and spin records that are absolutely positively gonna get you dancing. If you’re at a loose end on a Monday in LA, you can get down and tie those loose ends up at the shortstop.

Find the secret stairs

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a car for everything in LA. Get your hands on a copy of Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles and get privy to one of LA’s best kept secret.

This is one of those non touristy things to do in LA that is going to make your insta pop, and also provide you with some big city knowledge that you wouldn’t have otherwise! Bring a camera, and a water bottle; climbing loads of the stairs in LA heat can be very tiring. Definitely one of the best non-touristy things to do in LA for sure!

Go to a roller disco

You will not regret getting yourself to moonlight roller disco. Even if you can’t skate it is super fun, and you’ll be rollering around before you can say disco queen. It’s a retro-inspired, nostalgic and fun way to spend some time, which is why it makes my list of the best non-touristy things to do in LA.

This is a great place to go whether you’re headed there with friends old and new, or even just people you met along the way (if I’m honest this is 100% our idea of a cracking date, too so… bear that in mind boys!) you met a few minutes ago.

Check out Amoeba Music

Do you love music? If so, this is the best non-touristy things to do in LA for you! Amoeba Music is HUGE (the world’s largest independent music store) and it’s perfect for you to spend hours and hours looking for the most obscure albums, records and cover art. It’s located on Sunset Boulevard, and it’s an absolute musical icon in the city. Amoeba also hosts music events too – so check out their website and see if there are any taking place during your trip!

Stuff your face at the 626 Night Market

Next on my list of non-touristy things to do in LA, is the 626 night market. This is a seasonal thing, so definitely check whether or not this is available when you get there (they come through every summer). Basically, this entry on our list of the best non touristy things is going to make all you foodies lose your minds.

The 626 Night Market is an incredible food market, with a plethora of stalls from awesome bibimbap to pizza, you could eat so much you’d be rolling home and still not have tried everything! An amazing non-touristy things to do in LA!

Learn to surf

If you grew up watching sitcoms and TV shows set in LA you’ll know the morning surf routine that a lot of LA residents love and enjoy. Learning to surf is such a fun and challenging way to spend the morning / afternoon – and if you’ve never tried surfing before, you’re going to love it.

I really recommend this surfing lesson in Venice Beach you’ll get amazing, professional instructors and learn to ride those waves on one of the most famous beaches in the world.

Catch a movie at the Vista theatre

LA, the home of Hollywood, and Tinseltown, and lights! Camera! Action! Our next suggestions of non-touristy things to do in LA is to catch a movie at this incredible movie theatre in Los Feliz. I love this idea for non-touristy things to do in LA.

The architecture is amazing at Vista Theatre, it’ll probably check all the boxes for one of the most beautifully weird cinemas you’ve ever been to, and as it’s a single screen cinema there’s a sense of being in a time and place where each individual moment of the movie matters.

Visit a beach town

There are so many beautiful beach towns around LA, and locals will tell you that one of their favourite things to do in the summer months is to head over to the beach and enjoy the scenery. It’s a perfect way to get out of the city and enjoy some non-touristy things to do in LA!

Laguna Beach is a popular choice, it’s a little more artsy than other beach towns in LA, and it has a more low-key relaxed vibe. There are loads of great cafes, restaurants and shops along the beach front too – and it’s a perfect way to spend the day.

Visit North Hollywood

Just FYI – this is a bit of a long one because NoHo (North Hollywood) is amazing, and I’m giving you options.

This entry in our list of non touristy things to do in LA is far my favorite neighbourhood in the city, and it’s full of cute little cafés and bookshops. This neighbourhood is in the valley, so a lot of LA’ers May tell you it’s not true LA, but even if you’re a total anti-valley snob; hear me out.

With an understated, kinda gritty vibe, it’s got a steadily growing arts community, putting on good nights and cool exhibitions, and a slowly thriving restaurant scene. Art highlights in NoHo include the remarkably well curated blastoff comics, and Gallery 800. Cahuenga Boulevard is home to a sweet selection of awesome spots from Cahuenga general store, which serves kick ass sandwiches, or Iliad bookshop which is full of cats and books in equal measure.

If you’re into a dive, or a tiki bar then this area is all for you. Bar Toni’s will give you shades of Goodfellas, being a tiny little cocktail oasis nestled out back of Little Toni’s Italian restaurant. Bar Idle is also getting a big name for itself as one of the valley’s most whimsical bars (it’s shaped like a giant whisky barrel).

Finally, a must try restaurant is Rodini Park. They’re doing Greek food a little differently – think entirely customizable from Mediterranean pastries to huge Greek style pittas -and boy is it good! As it’s not really a place many tourists venture, you’re likely to feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret. That’s definitely how I felt when I found myself there, which is why it makes the list of the best non touristy things to do in LA.

Visit the Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is actually the oldest commercial building in the centre of LA and it’s unique in style and design – which makes it a must-see. You can go and take a walk around, and admiring the beauty of it makes a perfect idea for non-touristy things to do in LA. Local LA residents would describe Bradbury building as a bit of a ‘hidden treasure’ and it’s such a perfect place to take a stroll around.

Take a stroll around the Pinata District

Next up on my list of non-touristy things to do in LA – It’s the Pinata District! The Pinata district is EVERYTHING it sounds like. It’s a district of LA with market stalls dedicated to selling pinatas. Pinatas of every shapes, size, theme…. YOU NAME IT. In fact, I challenge you to find a pinata that isn’t sold in the pinata district. This is a totally random suggestion, but if you want to have a completely weird and random day out – this is totally it. The whole district is an explosion of colour and energy and it’s amazing.

Visit a vineyard

LA might be known for the beaches and shopping… But it’s also pretty amazing for wine. Vineyards are everywhere in LA and some of the smaller wineries or vineyards make the perfect non-touristy thing to do in LA. Get an uber out there (so you can drink as much as you want without worrying about driving) and just enjoy a slow day of trying loads of delicious wines. Sounds pretty perfect right?

My favourite tour BY MILES is the wine-tasting tour in a VW camper van (click here to see the tour in more detail). I love this tour because it OOZES cool, you get to drive around in one of the most iconic cars ever made, and your pro tour guide will make sure you visit some of the best wine locations in the city.

Take a trip to Rosebowl Flea Market

Last on my list of non-touristy things to do in LA, it’s the Rosebowl flea market. If you’ve never been to a flea market – you’re missing out! There is so much to find at these markets and so many hidden treasures to stumble across.

Whether you actually need to find something, or you have something in mind, or whether you just want to find something random and see what sellers have got in store for you – it’s so much fun! As a fun challenge, you can set yourself and your friends a budget, and see who can find the most random / whacky item.

I hope this list of non-touristy things to do in LA is useful! Let me know in the comments which place you’ll be checking at!

Elle-Rose / March 3, 2020

A Guide to Stopping at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando

The Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three premier onsite hotels at the Universal Orlando Report, and as the flagship hotel it offers what we think is the most luxurious stay of the three. It also offers the most amenities, so with so much on offer we thought we’d sort you out with a guide to stopping at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando so that you can make the most of your stay!

This hotel is one of the most luxurious and prettiest in the resort-areas, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. The hotel is themed loosely around the Italian town of Portofino, and the exterior of the hotel looks just like an Italian town. So it’s really scenic and beautiful and a lovely place to spend time!

How far is the Portofino Bay Hotel from the parks?

The Portofino is one of the hotels onsite at Universal Studios. It’s really close when compared to external hotels and apartments, so it’s a great location and a fantastic hotel to be based at. This is probably why it’s such a popular choice!

How do you get to the parks from the Portofino Bay Hotel?

There are a few different transports methods to the parks from Portofino Bay Hotel.

Water taxi

Universal has a complimentary water taxi service, that starts about 30mins before early admission and keep running until 2:30am every. Single. Day.

Theme park shuttle

Basically the same concept as the water taxi, but it’s a big shuttle bus that pics you up from the front of the hotel and serves all seven of the nearby hotel complexes. There’s no advantage to using this instead of the water taxi, unless you need to rent a wheelchair for the day from a park, as the shuttle drops you off closest to the wheelchair rental office of each park.

Garden Walkway

At just under a mile, this scenting walk will take you through to the parks and past other hotels. It’s completely safe as it never touches any actual roads, and is completely beautiful as it’s been completely landscaped.

What rooms are available at the Portofino Bay Hotel?

Every single room comes with some basics amenities that are available across the board, regardless of the kind of room you go for, so we’ll lay them out for you here:

3 phones in every room. One at the desk, one at the bed and one in the bathroom. Each with dual voice lines, voicemail, and data ports.
Signature Cotton bathrobes
On Demand movies in the room, along with movie checkout and a remote control TV with cable channels.
A dvd player
Smart Room tech, so you can control the temperature even when you’re not in your room!
Coffee maker with coffee
A clock radio
A refreshment pantry
In room safe
Iron and ironing board
Hair dryer and makeup mirror
High speed internet access
And a daily newspaper delivery

Are different themed rooms available?

Taking in the basic room features and amenities above, the rooms vary a little – so we’ll walk you through the kinds of rooms that are on offer at the Portofino Hôtel in Orlando.

Garden View Room

These rooms will allow you to relax with a gorgeous view of the hotels manicured grounds. Every room has a beautiful turn out, with marble and furnishings in an Italian style. They’re all 450 square feet, allowing you to luxuriate in style. They come with either a king or a queen bed, and most rooms have a sofa and the option if a pull-out bed. You can also get connecting rooms to kings, queens, doubles and twins, too.

Bay View Room

If you’re idea of heaven is waking up to wide reaching sea views, then this room is the one for you! As Orlando is on the east coast you’ll be treated to views of the sun rising over the glitter of the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of spec, these rooms are basically the same as the above.

Deluxe Rooms

Hang tight y’all were getting fancy in here! The deluxe rooms are elegantly appointed with Crown moulding and a separate tub and shower in the luxurious bathroom. You’ll be treated to a view of either of the resorts elegant pools, and some increased living space of 490 feet.

Despicable Me kids’ suites

This is the perfect opportunity to let the kids have some fun (and the grownups have some alone time and privacy). These suites come with a king bedroom for the adults and a separate room for the kids, and offers a full 650ft of living space so that you can all really spread out! All the kids’ rooms have been given a full Despicable Me makeover – so the kids will be sure to think they’ve landed in heaven! The kids suites open only into the Adults’ room and not into the hallway, but there’s no option for further connecting rooms.

Portofino Suites

These suites offer plenty of space to relax away from the action. They have a 240ft parlour adjoining to a 450ft garden view bedroom, and a second adjoining bedroom can be requested to create a two bedroom suite. All suites come with their own full bathroom.

Villa suites

These rooms really allow you to live the highlife. They come with a casual seating area, a dining area, a kitchenette and an adjoining deluxe bedroom (see above). A second bedroom can also be added to create a 2 bedroom suite.

Club level deluxe Rooms

These rooms come with the option to upgrade your stay to have access to the Hotel’s club lounges. This means you can enjoy the highest quality of European hospitality and service. All the rooms are deluxe rooms and come with all club benefits: a concierge service, free continental breakfast, snacks in the afternoons, hors d’œuvres in the evening and a sweet hour at night. Complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks all day, and beer and wine at night. You’ll also get complimentary access to the fitness centre, and reduced rates in the pool cabanas.

Balconies

There’s no specific rooms with balconies and outside spaces – though they are available on request.

What’s outside your room?

There’s actually loads to do around the Portofino hotel, it’s a really nice place to be based while you’re visiting Universal Studios and Orlando.

Piazzas

A guide to stopping at the Portofino Hitel in Orlando couldn’t just tell you about the rooms! This one is absolutely full of spaces to relax in, unwind, and enjoy the scenery and ambiance.

Harbour Piazza

Whilst there are several Piazzas at the hotel, the Harbour Piazza is the grandest of them all! Surrounding the glittering Portofino Bay, you’ll find italianesque cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes.

Mandata Spa

This spa is a sanctuary within the hotel, where you can relax, unwind, and maybe even find the elixir of youth! Services include massages, skin care, beauty, body treatments, hydro massage, steam rooms, saunas, lounges, hair and nail care and refreshments.

Villa Piazza

Much like the harbour piazza except this one looks over the villa pools, and has gone for a more Italian countryside vibe.

Piazza centrale

The main hub of the hotel, and just outside the main lobby, the piazza centrale offers the vibe of a central square in an Italian village.

Do they have a pool?

There are a few different pools at the Portofino Bay Hotel – and I love choice! Even when you’re visiting Orlando for all the parks, sometimes you may want a day (or two) where you can just relax and switch off by the swimming pool. Here are the three pools at the Portofino Bay Hotel, and a guide to which you might want to use!

Beach Pool: zero entry, with white sand and a Roman aqueduct themed slide. There are Cabanas available for rent.
Villa pool: a more private and luxurious bathing experience, with upgraded lounge chairs. Cabanas also available.
Hillside pool: even more private and relaxing, with a secluded vibe.

Dining near Portofino Bay Hotel

There’s loads of dining options near the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, so you’ll have loads of dining options right on your doorstep. Right outside the Portofino Bay Hotel you have a lovely area / walkway full of cafes, restaurants and bars. Here’s some of the tops picks…

Trattoria del Parto

This is Portofino’s three meal a day restaurant, and it’s themed around Italy’s colourful food festivals. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they have character dining from 6:30-9 on Friday nights. They’ve also got a kids dining room with kids sized tables and chairs and a play area so everyone can enjoy themselves!

Bice Ristorante

A slice of Italian tradition, and fine dining, Bice made its name in 1920s Milan and now has 26 international destinations. Not one to take small children too, unless they’re well versed in fine dining etiquette, but a very stylish destination for families with older children or just for the grownups, even.

Mama Della’s Ristorante

Dining at Mama Della’s is like being welcomed into her kitchen and being fed alongside her family. Every room is reminiscent of the Italian countryside, and the food is classic homely Italian fare. Every night the restaurant is home to musicians who’ll sing Italian classics whilst wandering around the restaurant as you eat.

Sal’s market deli and Gelateria

With a sensational selection of deli food from cured meats to cheese, Freshly made pizzas, and gelato to die for, Sal’s is a really great rustic food environment. It’s first come first serve and kids are definitely welcome. Hit up the Gelateria for great coffee and pastry as well!

The thirsty fish

This wine bar on the side of the harbour serves small plates and Friday night Jazz.

Bar American

A swish lobby bar, with elegant cocktails, classic martinis and mouthwatering hors d’œuvres.

We hope this guide to stopping at Portofino Hotel in Orlando has been helpful! If you’ve any other questions we’ll do our best to help in the comments!

Elle-Rose / February 28, 2020

A guide to Broadway: The best New York shows and which you should watch

Are you looking for a guide to all the New York shows on Broadway?

If you’re in NYC, chances are you’re planning to see a Broadway show, New York shows are one of the main attractions of visiting the city! I mean, Broadway is iconic and it’s one of the best things you can do in the city, and there’s nothing better than the excitement and anticipation of seeing one of the famous New York shows.

Did you know…? A lot of the shows on Broadway in NYC are exclusive to Broadway and you won’t find them anywhere else in the USA (or even the world).

But which New York shows should I see in NYC? It’s hard to choose and I totally get that – there are recent New York shows, old shows, quirky shows… it’s hard to know which Broadway show you’ll enjoy the most. Hopefully this guide will help you choose!

When you’ve finished reading this, you might want to check out my ultimate guide to visiting NYC here, for other tips and tricks!

Why is picking the right Broadway show so important?

So you’re wondering “which Broadway show should I see in NYC?”

Chances are you’re not in NYC very often, so taking the chance to see one of the New York shows when you’re in the city is ideal. Personally, I visit the city 2 or 3 times a year (I know I’m really lucky!) and I will always try and grab a cheap Broadway ticket if I can – because I know my opportunities to see these shows are often limited to when I’m in either NYC or London. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to see the majority of big shows on Broadway… although they’re are still some amazing New York shows I’m yet to see!

Another reason to make sure you pick the right New York shows, is that Broadway shows are expensive! Of course, the price is justified and the ticket price is worth the amazing experience, but tickets are pricy – and it’s likely you’ll only have enough budget to see one (maybe two) shows during your time in the city. You don’t want to waste time seeing one of the New York shows that isn’t ‘your cup of tea’ or one where you don’t know any of the songs, which is why researching the right Broadway show for you is so important.

Which Broadway show should I see in NYC?

Ok, so here’s my low-down on the different New York shows, so you can hopefully make the right choice! You can click on the titles of the shows below to book tickets – to make everything super easy for you!

Frozen the Musical

The first New York shows on my list… Based off the amazing Disney animation, Frozen the musical is a colourful, incredible show that anyone who loves the film will absolutely adore. You’ll find all the characters you love, all the songs you love and there are even some surprises too. I loved this show, it was super impressive, fun and memorable. This is a really children friendly Broadway show, there are lots of children in the audience having their first ‘Broadway’ experience – which is so lovely!

Mean Girls

If you’re looking for New York shows with a bit of attitude and comedy… This is the New York show for you! Based on the movie of the same name, this is a funny, witty and clever musical comedy. It packs all the attitude and sass that the movie has, just on a stage instead of on your screen! This is a great choice for a bachelorette party or a girls night out!

The Lion King on Broadway

OK, The Lion King is probably one of the most iconic and famous broadway musicals and one of the most well known New York shows. It’s so well known, the songs are so popular, and it’s just a brilliant choice. The Lion King is especially good for families with kids (because you’ll all recognise the music and characters) but it’s also great for couples who want to experience some serious Disney nostalgia. If you book tickets to this show, my advice is to get tickets on the ground floor, and close to the aisle… trust me…. those seats pay for themselves in how amazing the experience is.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is a controversial, quirky, comedy musical which looks at the practices of the Mormon religion, and (to put it bluntly) makes an absolute mockery of it. It’s one of the more adult-themed New York shows, but I’ve seen this twice, and loved it each time. It’s totally different to the ‘normal’ musical, and that’s one of the reasons you’ll love it. This musical is HILARIOUS but it’s definitely an adults-only kinda musical. You don’t want to be bring kids or even young teenagers to this show – pretty much all the jokes are either crude, rude or controversial. If you fancy going for one of the more risky New York shows, then this is it.

Chicago

This was the first Broadway musical I ever saw, and it’s one of the classic New York shows. If you enjoyed the movie version, you’ll love the stage version as it’s even better. There are so many great songs in Chicago, and you’ll find yourself remembering them all as they get performed. This is one of the classic Broadway shows that I don’t feel like anyone could go wrong with!

Come From Away

This is a relatively new Broadway musical and a new addition to this list of amazing New York shows. I actually haven’t seen it yet (aside from googling YouTube clips!). It’s based on the true story of the 7,000 stranded passengers that had to make emergency landings on the day of 9/11in a small town called Newfoundland in Canada. It’s a beautiful story, and the musical highlights certain people’s stories that are especially interesting or beautiful. If you want something truly moving and based on a true story, this is one of the right New York shows for you.

Hamilton

Next on my list of New York shows, I know you’ve heard of this one! We’ve all heard about how amazing Hamilton is. It’s one of the most talked-about musicals of the last 10 years – and it’s no wonder why. This musical makes historic cool, so cool you’ll wonder if it’s a musical you walked into or a concert. It’s such a great show, and it’s one of the most popular on Broadway right now.

Moulin Rouge!

Another recent New York show on this list, this one only opened recently, I’m absolutely desperate to see it. As you’ve probably guessed, Moulin Rouge is based on the movie with the same name (the Nicole Kidman one) and is about the romance of a performers in the Paris Moulin Rouge district. It’s promises to be opulent, beautiful, over-the-top and I’m absolutely here for it! Can’t wait! The story is pretty dark though, so this might not be the best musical to watch with children. If you like being the first to see New York shows, then you’ll want to tick this amazing new show off your list before anyone else!

Wicked the Musical

Next on my list of New York shows, this is one of my favourites. Wicked is about the ‘untold story of the Witches of Oz. It’s a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, so if you love that film, you’ll probably love this too. Chances are if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll recognise some of the songs! The amazing ‘Defying Gravity’ is actually the Act 1 finale for this musical, and it’s absolutely beautiful! This is a good choice for families with older children and teenagers (as it’s well known enough to keep them entertained). It’s also great for adult groups and couples too!

Phantom of the Opera

Of course the next Broadway musical on my list of New York shows, it had to be Phantom of the Opera. One of the longest running musicals, this is one of the classic musicals that never seems to age or fade in popularity. It’s always packed out, and it’s one of the popular choices in the city for sure. I wouldn’t recommend seeing this with kids – the themes are a bit confusing, and the staging and costumes might be a frightening too.

Aladdin the Musical

The next Broadway show on my list of New York shows, is Aladdin. This show is a great choice for children and families – this is the stage musical of Disney’s Aladdin film. There are a few changes to characters and plot (there’s no monkey!) but over all it’s a good conversion from film to stage and it’s really enjoyable. I loved the colours and the costumes of this one, and I absolutely loved seeing them recreate the flying carpet too!

The Tina Turner Musical

I’m afraid I haven’t seen this one so I don’t know too much about the plot line – but I do know that it is full to the brim of Tina Turner songs. So if you want something uplifting with songs and musical you know and love, this is likely going to be a good choice for you!

Dear Evan Hanson

This is mega award-winning musical (and a relatively new addition to the Broadway scene) is one of the most popular New York shows at the moment, especially amongst young adults. It was described by the Washington Post as “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history” so that’s a pretty good testament to how good this show is. The show is about a young man in high school, who has severe social anxiety disorder. He develops a relationship with a fellow student, but that student isn’t quite who you expect. I don’t want to say any more for fear of ruining it, but it’s a really beautiful show and it’d be a great one for families with teenagers, or adults and couples.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

And last on my list of New York shows, it’s the Cursed Child. This New York show isn’t actually a musical, but it’s one of the best shows on Broadway – and any Harry Potter fan will absolutely adore it. It was written by JK.Rowling herself, and it’s the continuation of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s lives after they’ve all grown up. You have to watch both parts of the story (told in two separate plays) so you’ll be spending the whole day in the theatre if you commit to this one. Make sure when booking tickets that you book part 1 and part 2 tickets. This is such an incredible piece of theatre, I won’t say anything to spoil it. The surprises make it truly magical!

I hope this list of Broadway musicals and New York shows has helped you decide which is the right choice for you!

They’re all amazing New York shows, and you’ll have an incredible time no matter which you choose. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

Elle-Rose / February 27, 2020

The perfect New York itinerary for 3 days

Are you looking for the perfect New York itinerary for 3 days in the city?

If you’re in NYC, you’ll want to make sure you’re planning you trip down to the very last minute – you won’t want to waste a single second in this amazing city. A lot of people who visit NYC pop here for the weekend, for 3 days and 4 nights – and although (ideally) I’d recommend spending a bit more time in the city, there is still loads you can fit in to a New York itinerary for 3 days.

My ideal New York itinerary for 3 days is below – this is how I would spend my time in the city, and if a friend or family member was visiting NYC for the first time, this New York itinerary for 3 days is what I’d send their way!

In terms of how the New York itinerary for 3 days works, I’ve given you a breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks options for each day. You could mix and match these if you wanted (or maybe skip breakfast, or skip lunch) but the options work really well together, and they also fit really well with the activity locations too.

So anyway, take a read of my New York itinerary for 3 days, and let me know what you think! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.

Day 1 in NYC

Breakfast: Grab a bagel

Your first breakfast in NYC should be easy, cheap and good on the go. A bagel is the perfect choice, and it’s a classic choice for New York too. You can grab a bagel from pretty much any diner or deli in NYC, but here are some of the top rated bagel shops in the city (maybe choose the one nearest to your hotel):

Lunch: Katz Deli

Katz Deli is my top choice for lunch on day 1. Katz Deli is one of the iconic delis in NYC, there have been movies filmed there, TV shows (it was featured in Man Vs Food several times). It’s an incredible deli, and it’s a classic New York experience too!

Dinner: Jacob’s Pickles

For dinner, my absolutely FAVOURITE restaurant in NYC. Jacob’s Pickles is southern food (friend chicken, biscuits, tacos, etc) served up in a really cool, modern setting. The portions are gigantic, the flavours are amazing, I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place.

Drinks: The Skylark

Skylark is a great bar perched above Times Square, with great views of Times Square and incredible views of the Empire State. I love sitting up here with my husband, soaking in the views and putting the world to rights. The cocktails are great, views are great and the service is great too.

Morning sightseeing: Open top bus tour

In your first morning in NYC I would do a bus tour in NYC. A bus tour is a really great way to see the city and it’s a great way to see all the main sights (even if you just glimpse it down the street). The bus tours are super educational too – you’ll learn loads about the city, it’s history and secrets tips and tricks about visiting New York. I love the open top bus tours, they’re deifnitely the easiest and most efficient way to tick off loads of sights in the city.

There are two main bus tour operators in NYC:

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets
City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

Afternoon sightseeing: Central Park and Times Square

For the afternoon activity on day 1 of my New York itinerary for 3 days, it’s Central Park. You can jump off your bus tour near Katz Deli, enjoy some lunch, and then jump back on the bus up to Central Park. When you get up to Central Park, get off the bus and have a walk around. Central Park is such a fun place to explore – whether you do it by yourself, or whether you join a walking tour.

Here are some Central Park tours I recommend, if you want a little guidance exploring this huge park of NYC:

Evening activity: Top of the Rock at Sunset

In the evening, I recommend heading to the Top of the Rock observation deck to watch the sun go down. Sunset is the best time to go up to an observation deck because you get to see the city in daytime and nighttime – but you only have to pay one ticket price! You’ll get amazing views and incredible photo opportunities too. And that’s the end of day 1 of my New York itinerary for 3 days.

You can get tickets to the Top of the Rock observation deck by clicking here.

Day 2 in NYC

Breakfast: Bubby’s diner

Bubby’s diner is my choice for breakfast on Day 2 of my New York itinerary for 3 days. Bubby’s is a really cool and laid back diner down in Soho / Tribeca. It’s a great place for breakfast, one of my favourite breakfasts in the city.

Lunch: La Esquina

La Esquina is a really cool lunch destination. It’s a traditional Mexican place, with delicious food. My favourite is the tacos! This place is great for lunch on a budget!

Dinner: Time Out Market

Time Out Market is such a great choice for dinner on day 2 of my New York itinerary for 3 days. Time Out Market in Brooklyn is EPIC. First of all, it’s located in one of the most scenic parts of the city, right on the river with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Secondly, it’s a food hall with dozens of restaurants inside to choose from. It’s such a good choice and perfect for couples or groups (because you each get to choose your own food from all the options available).

Drinks: The Standard

The ‘Top of the Standard‘ is a beautiful hotel bar, located in Chelsea area of Manhattan. It’s quite posh, so you’ll want to dress up! I love it because the vibe is sophisticated and the decor is amazing… Oh and the VIEWS! Just wow.

Morning sightseeing: Explore Wall Street & Downtown, then take the Statue of Liberty ferry

OK, it’s the morning of day 2 in my New York itinerary for 3 days. This morning you’re going to be exploring downtown NYC, and also heading out to the Statue of Liberty! The Statue of Liberty is a must-see for anyone visiting NYC, and for about $20 you get to ride over to Liberty Island on a ferry, enjoy walking around the statue of liberty and even head over to Ellis Island too.

You can book tickets for the Statue of Liberty ferry by clicking here.

Afternoon sightseeing: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO

In the afternoon you’ll be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is such a cool part of NYC, and it’s one of the hippest neighbourhoods in NYC – so (trust me) you’ll need to explore it! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is brilliant too – it’s one of the bucket-list items you just need to experience.

Evening activity: Take in the NYC skyline from Brooklyn

In the evening you’ll be eating at Time Out Market, which is nearby DUMBO and in Brooklyn. There are brilliant views from this part of Brooklyn, you can see the whole of the Manhattan skyline.

Day 3 in NYC

Breakfast: Tick Tock Diner

Tick tock diner is a great choice for you last day in NYC. It’s a traditional New York diner and it’s a lot of fun too. You’ll be able to choose from loads of diner-classics, such as bagels, pancakes, waffles, hash browns.

Lunch: 2nd Avenue Deli

This was quite a new find for me, but I just loved it at 2nd Ave Deli. It’s a traditional jewish New York deli, and the menun is epic. It’s full of delicious sandwiches, salads, meats… Just YUM. So much yum.

Dinner: Quality Meats / Rubi Rosa

OK, I’m giving two choices for dinner on your last night. If you fancy one of the best steaks in NYC then you should visit Quality Meats. Their steaks are the best I’ve ever had, and I actually dream about their menu it’s so good! On the flip side, if you fancy something a bit more casual and you want to try some epic NYC pizza, then Rubi Rosa is about as good as pizza gets. It’s soooo good! For both of these places you’ll definitely want to book tables – as they’re super busy and popular.

Drinks: Draft 55

Draft 55 is a cosy neighbourhood bar, and it’s a great place to watch some sports in the evening, and enjoy some cosy drinks with friends or family.

Morning sightseeing: Macy’s and shopping on 5th Avenue & The Vessel

Did you even go to NYC if you didn’t go shopping at least once? Even if you don’t have much of a budget, window shopping in NYC is kinda fun too. Macy’s is a good place to start (there’s some pretty cool views of the Empire State from there too) and then you can cross over to 5th Avenue and walk up past all the shops there too.

Then once you’re done shopping, head over to Hudson Yards and check out ‘The Vessel’. It’s a new sculpture / vertical park and you can climb to the top for FREE! It’s a lot of fun and there are some beautiful views from up there too.

Afternoon sightseeing: A museum / tour

Time to pack in some culture on the last afternoon! Pick a museum or an art gallery that takes your interest, and spend the afternoon having a look around it! Some of my favourites museums are:

Evening activity: Watch a broadway show

In the evening of your final day, treat yourself to a Broadway show! Broadway is world famous for some of the BEST musical theatre in the world, and being in NYC is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of that! I try and watch a Broadway show every time I visit NYC, and here are some of my absolutely favourites:

I hope this New York itinerary for 3 days is really helpful! If you follow this New York itinerary for 3 days you can’t go wrong – NYC is an amazing city and you’ll love it!

Here are some other blog posts I have written that you might find useful on your trip to NYC…

My ultimate travel guide for NYC

Cheap lunch ideas in NYC

25 things for couples to do together in NYC

Bars in NYC with amazing rooftops views

Secret places to take photos in NYC

The best diners in NYC

Where to find the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge

Elle-Rose / February 26, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to using Amtrak trains

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to travelling the USA using an Amtrak trains? Hopefully this guide is what you’re searching for!

Amtrak is one of the lesser known methods of travel around the USA. For most people, they choose to drive or they choose to fly – but driving can be confusing or time-consuming and flying can be stressful, anxiety-inducing and is often prone to unexpected delays. Of course, both of these methods of transport have their own unique advantages, but there’s nothing quite like travelling by Amtrak trains – and this guide will hopefully help you trip be enjoyable and stress-free.

Travelling by Amtrak train is one of those must-do bucket-list experiences. The USA is huge (there’s no denying it) and seeing the country through the viewing carriages is something not many people can say they’ve done.

How do I book tickets for Amtrak trains?

You can book tickets online on the Amtrak trains website. The website is actually really good, and it’s easy to figure out once you’ve got the hang of it. You’ll see the booking box (I screen grabbed it below) on their website, and you can input the journey you want to take there, and search for tickets.

Remember, Amtrak do deals and promotions too – so make sure you check that part of their website out, because you might be able to get a discount. At the time of writing, they have the following available:

Save 20% on early bookings
Get up to 45% for groups of 6 or more
Veterans save 10%
Kids ride for 50% off

They also have useful things like a ‘train tracker‘ on their website so you can check for delays – which is pretty useful once you’re out and about travelling.

What kind of tickets do they offer for long term travel?

Of course, as I mentioned above, you can book for one-off journeys on their website. But there are different packages and tickets available for different kinds of travellers.

The multi-ride monthly ticket

The monthly multi-ride ticket allows you to take multiple trips using one ticket within a set amount of time – in this case, one month. So for example, if you bought a monthly ticket, it would be valid for unlimited travel between the origin and destination stations you select, and all stations in between, for an entire calendar month.

The ten-ride ticket

The ten-ride ticket is (as you’d imagine) valid for ten rides on the Amtrak trains. These ten rides can be within a 45-day, 60-day or 180-day window – depending on which stations you’re travelling between.

The six-ride student ticket

The Six-ride student passes are valid for a 365-day period. On Capitol Corridor trains between San Jose and Auburn, the pass is valid for all students with student ID. So please make sure you carry your student ID with you when travelling on this pass.

Tours and sightseeing packages

There are also lots of pre-assigned routes designed to help you see specific destinations and cities. You can see all of these by clicking here.

What route should I take?

Honestly, anything goes on Amtrak trains. But the answer to this question really depends on your budget, where you’re starting from and where you want to finish.

Amtrak trains are all over the USA – and can take you almost anywhere. There are 30 train routes throughout the USA, and the trains travel to over 500 destinations in 46 states! That’s a lot of ground to cover! If you’re confused about what you want to see, but you know you definitely want to travel by Amtrak trains, I think looking at their route map is the best idea. I’ve copied a photo of it below so you can see just how much area the Amtrak trains cover!

I know this is the ultimate guide to traveling the USA using Amtrak trains, but I would 100% advocate for going with no plan. Make sure you’ve got Jack Kerouac, William Faulkner or Toni Morrison for company, a toothbrush and a vague idea of cities you’d like to wind up in, and just fly by the seat of your pants. Amtrak is one of the few methods of travel that can truly allow for spontaneity.

Half the fun of travelling like this on Amtrak trains, is finding those unexpected places and towns along the way – so my one tip would be to just get off the train if you stop by a town you like the sound of. Some personal favourites of mine were rolling prairie, Indiana, Glenwood springs, Colorado, and Marks, Mississippi. Even if you stop for a day or until the next train comes through, it’ll show you a side of America you won’t get to see any other way.

How long should I go for?

This is really up to you and depends how much time you have for your vacation. You could spend months travelling the USA using Amtrak, or you could spend weeks. But bear in mind that some of the longer journeys can take multiple days, so the travel time does eat into your vacation time.

Amtrak trains has some pretty rad USA rail passes. From 15 days with 8 segments up to 45 days with 18 segments. Do bear in mind, though, that if your journey requires a change, then that counts as two segments instead of one. I decided against a rail pass in the end, as I had 90 days to travel, and wanted to stay a while in each place, but this can be risky as some tickets can skyrocket up to around $200 or more. The way to combat this is to just go wherever the cheapest ticket will take you on that day, or meticulously plan your route to maximize your budget.

I went for 87 days in the end on Amtrak trains, but I ended up staying with friends I made along the way which cut my expenditure massively! I think if you want to hit it hard, 45 days would be enough to hit all the big places, and give you enough time to really soak up the vibes, and will only set you back $689 for train fare. This sounds like a lot, but for 18 segments, it’s actually quite reasonable, considering how much ground you cover and how much you see.

If you only want to sample Amtrak trains, and you just want to try a shorter journey first – then the options below would be great choices for smaller journeys on the East coast.

Can I take checked baggage?

Like with a plane, when you travel on Amtrak trains, you can check your baggage. This is different from train in Asia and Europe – so if you’re used to lugging your big suitcase onboard with you, this might seem a bit weird to start with!

When you arrive at the station, you’ll check your cases like you would at an airport at the designated check-in area. Amtrak trains riders are actually given an allowance of two free checked bags on trains with checked baggage service. This means you can pack to your hearts content – and you’re not going to be worried about fitting bags under seats or on luggage racks.

Top tip! Before you travel, it is important to ensure your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

What do I need to bring onto an Amtrak Train?

When riding with Amtrak trains, you’ll check your main baggage (as mentioned above) and you’ll carry with a small carry-on / hand luggage for the time on the train. In terms of the must-have items for your hand luggage, this is what you’ll want to bring:

An eye mask
A blanket
A good quality neck pillow (I swear by this one)
A change of clothes
Baby wipes
Flip flops

Another thing to consider when riding Amtrak trains, is bringing entertainment. I know it’s easy to imagine yourself dreamingly staring out of the window the whole time, but the truth is, you will eventually get bored. Something to do is paramount. Whilst I loved talking to people in the viewing carriage and gazing out of the window, I don’t think anything can prepare you for how long 24 hours on a train can feel. Bring a variety of things to do so you don’t get bored, and one of the best things I had on me was a deck of cards, so definitely stick a pack in your bag! A few other ideas would be:

Dobble (the absolute best travel game I’ve come across!)
A colouring book
A magazine or comic book
Your kindle
A phone / iPad stacked with TV shows

Can I buy food on-board an Amtrak train?

Yes, of course! There are actually a few different food options onboard Amtrak trains. From traditional sit-down dining, to cafes and snack – there should be something for you to enjoy whilst you travel. This page on their website is quite useful to look at!

Remember, you can also bring your own food and snacks onboard the Amtrak trains too!

What should I do on the train?

Honestly? Anything you like.

But I would 100% recommend sitting in the viewing carriage on your Amtrak train and striking up conversation with people – most people on the trains are travelling too, and it’s amazing who you can meet and what you can learn about just by talking.

I carried a deck of cards on me, and I kept a book nearby in case I wanted some alone time, but I really did meet the most incredible people; from a film maker traveling to Canton, Ohio, to a new friend who invited me to her barbecue in Memphis the next day (I went, it was incredible). I never failed to be astounded by the generosity and kindness of people riding trains, so I would definitely recommend striking up conversation whenever you can!

What’s the most picturesque Amtrak trains route?

In my opinion the most scenic Amtrak trains route is DEFINITELY the California Zephyr. It runs from Chicago to Emeryville (just outside SF), it goes through the Rocky Mountains, and shoots you out onto the Great Plains so that you feel almost as though you’re on the edge of the world. The whole journey is around 35-40 hours, and Chicago is a huge freight stop, so you can definitely expect delays coming into the station.

I would highly recommend stopping at Glenwood Springs, and Denver along this route. The former is known for its hot springs and its beauty, the latter because Denver is heart-achingly cool!

Also, any route that takes you along the coastline will be ridiculously pretty too!

Should I get a sleeper carriage?

This is entirely a personal choice but I really don’t think that you’ll need one at all, especially if you’re on a budget and trying to save money where possible.

Compared to European trains, the seats on an Amtrak will make you feel like a small child again, they have plenty of space! There’s buckets of leg room, the seats recline and there’s a very comfy leg rest so sleeping in your chair isn’t too much of a hassle. And of course, you have the motion of the train to lull you to sleep too.

If you’re traveling in excess of 24ish hours, though, you might want to think about it, just to guarantee yourself sleep and also comfort. Being able to stretch out properly and have some alone time might make all the difference. For journeys that only require one sleep, though, you’ll almost definitely be fine sleeping in your seat. Here’s a guide written by Amtrak trains with tips on how to sleep on Amtrak trains.

Get the Amtrak trains app

Amtrak trains finally have an app – so be sure to take advantage of it! It’ll keep you up to date with arrival times, delays, re-routes and anything else important, like schedules. It’s available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

Overall advice

Basically, my advice would be to pack minimally, and dream big.

American train travel is honestly one of the most romantic experiences you can have, and Amtrak trains are the heart of it.

Just hearing the plaintive cry of a lonely train whistle is enough to set me off. If you can, get to the back of the train and watch the track unfurl behind you, and leave all your troubles out there as you head on to pastures new. If I could have spent my life riding around the states from small town to big city and back again I would have done.

So, what are you waiting for?

Elle-Rose / February 26, 2020

14 amazing places to find the best cheap lunches in NYC

Are you looking for the best cheap lunches in NYC?

So, picture this: you’re in The Big Apple, you’re feeling peckish, but you check out your holiday budget and you’re feeling a little pinched. What to do? You’ve got to find the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Don’t fret, we’ve got some great recommendations for the best cheap lunches in NYC, that pack a real punch but don’t break the banks.

Head to a bodega

What kind of list of the best cheap lunches in NYC would this be if we didn’t start by telling you that almost every bodega on every corner will have a grill, and will be able to make an egg and cheese roll for about $3? We’ve got slightly fancier recommendations, too, but you honestly can’t go wrong with a Bodega!

If you don’t know what a bodega is – the name bodega comes from a Spanish word which tends to mean “storeroom” “wine cellar” or “grocery store”. That should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect inside a bodega – it’s a corner shop, convenience shop, full of those little bits you just ‘need’.

Hunt down a bagel

And just like we couldn’t make a list of cheap lunches in NYC without mentioning bodegas, we also could mention lunches in NYC without giving the classic bagel a mention. You can get bagels in every diner or deli in NYC, and you can sit in and eat them or you can have them to go. The price will depend on your bagel choice and toppings, but generally it shouldn’t cost anymore than $6-7 (even if you go crazy on the toppings). A classic cream cheese bagel will cost you about $3 on average.

Here are some of the best review bagel shops in NYC…

Tompkins Square Bagels
Best Bagel and Coffee
Liberty Bagels Midtown (this is where you’ll find the rainbow bagels pictured below)
Broadway Bagel
Bagels & Schmear

Urbanspace Vanderbilt

The first actual place on our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC packs a punch for choice. Urbanspace Vanderbilt is open Monday-Friday 6am-9pm, and Sa t& Sun they’re open 9-5. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this urban food market; from amazing donuts to classic pizzas, you’ll find something for all moods! La Palapa has amazing tacos, that we’d highly recommend, but honestly it’s all good! You could definitely get a lunch for under $10!

Teranga

Next up on the list is all about flavor. We’d rank Teranga, with its casual setting, and incredible West African-inspired cuisine pretty near the top of any list of the best things we ate in NYC, so it’s pretty cool that it’s also a cheap eat! A vegetarian plate will set you back just $10, and includes things like black eyed pea stew, and roasted beets, and a wide selection of other dishes.

Gansevoort Market

I love this place! Gansevoort market is like a mini food hall . indoor food market with about 12-15 different food vendors selling their best stuff. I stumbled upon it, and there was so much amazing choice and the prices are mostly under $12. I like the cosy feel too – and the cute communal seating. The choice, prices and vibe makes this a contender on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Just Pho

If you’re a fan of pho, you’re probably thinking that we’d send you to the east village or maybe China Town, but no! This list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is jam packed with not only the cheapest, but also the best, so we recommend you get yourself to Just Pho opposite Penn station. It’s a pretty modest place, and the menu is very pared back, but rest assured that what they do serve is fantastic. Get the Hanoi Classic Pho and the crab stuffed spring roll. You won’t regret it, and it won’t set you back more than $15 in total.

Papa’s Kitchen

Next up on our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is Papa’s Kitchen, in Jackson Heights. Here you can find a Filipino Silog, priced at either $7 or $8, and includes a classic dish served with rice and a runny egg. We highly recommend the national signature dish which is chicken adobos, but there are honestly so many good dishes that you can’t really go wrong.

ANY by-the-slice pizza place

Next on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC, pizza! Of course!

When in NYC you have to try pizza by the slice. They’re almost always incredible, and you can find one almost anywhere. They’re the perfect lunch on the go, and one slice is about the same size as a normal pizza so you definitely won’t go hungry! If you want our advice, head to Joe’s pizza in Greenwich Village. The place is an institution, and honestly some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. It’s not fancy, but you won’t be disappointed. It’s around $4 a slice with toppings, but cheaper for margherita (just cheese).

M&P Biancimanco

Next up on this list of the best cheap lunches in NYC is absolute winner. Hoboken is the place to go for amazing Italian-American delis, and the pièce de resistance is of course M&P Biancimanco. You can eat inside in their adorable dining area, at the tables outside, or munch on the go, but this place has about 55 hot and cold heroes (Italian sandwiches). If it’s your first time, get one of the cold ones with a letter for a name. This is also a cracking spot for people watching, so we’d recommend eating in if you’ve got the time. Their sandwiches are a little pricier than other things on this list, but half a sub could do you lunch and dinner for around $10.

Katz’s Deli

On the subject of deli’s this list of the best cheap lunches in NYC wouldn’t be complete without a pastrami sandwich. It’s one of the most quintessentially New York things to eat, and we’d definitely suggest going to Katz’s Deli to get one. Don’t commit a cardinal sin and get it without pickles. The basic sandwich is $3.45, so definitely won’t break the bank! Also the portion are HUGE so you’re really getting a lot of portion for your penny here. This place is simply ICONIC in NYC, so I couldn’t write a list of the best cheap lunches in NYC without including it!

La Esquina

La Esquina is a great Mexican place selling street food style dishes at really low prices. If you want something super cheap but also fresh, healthy and soooo tasty – then this is the place you want to be. They have 3 places in NYC now (great for convenience). A great choice for the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Time Out Market, Brooklyn

Time Out Market is quite new on the scene, it’s only been open a year or so. Basically the idea is, it’s a huge indoor food hall with loads of cult-following NYC restaurants inside, offering up some of their most popular dishes. It’s great because the dishes tend to average about $8-$14 – but it’s also all about choice here too. If you visit with friends, you can all order and pay for your separate meals, different cuisines (whatever you each fancy) and there’s no worrying about splitting the bill at the end. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite places for the best cheap lunches in NYC.

Faicco’s Pork Store

I could write a list of the best cheap lunches in NYC without mentioning this place. Faicco’s Pork Store is a deli that (as the name suggests) specialise in delicious pork. You only have to see a photo of one of their pork subs to become hungry (seriously… look below!) and I’d recommend the “Italian Special”. They’re located on Bleecker St, so if you’re in that area, this is a must-do for lunch. It’s a true Italian deli and we know you’ll love it.

Cheeky Sandwiches

Last on my list of the best cheap lunches in NYC, it’s Cheeky Sandwiches… Even the name sounds fun right? We love food when it’s tasty and when it’s cheap – and this place ticks both those boxes. There’s 9 different sandwiches to choose from on the menu, the cheapest is $3.50 for the chicken biscuit, and the most expensive is the braised short rib sandwich at $8. Which is pretty amazing considering the quality and the size.

We hope you enjoy our list of the best cheap lunches in NYC! Let us know if there’s any you think we’ve missed, or if you enjoyed any of our favourites!

Elle-Rose / February 25, 2020

30 fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day

Are you looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day?

Las Vegas is an amazing city, and if you’re visiting for the first time – you’re in for a treat! Lots of people think Las vegas only comes alive at night, and whilst it’s true that the city had LOADS of nightlife, it’s also an amazing destination during the day too. My husband and I visit Vegas a couple of times a year, and this post is full of our favourite things to do during the day in Las Vegas. So if you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, keep reading!

Visit The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

First on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s The Forum Shops. The Forum Shops is a shopping mall located inside the Caesars Palace hotel – it’s huge and full of loads of great shops. But it’s also themed and designed to look like an ancient roman town.

Visit the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, another shopping mall! Located on the Las vegas Strip, this one is located inside the Venetian hotel. Similar to the mall above, it’s also themed inside, but the Grand Canal Shoppes are designed to look and feel like Venice in Italy. It’s amazing, romantic, and full of great shops!

Take a gondola ride

The gondola rides take place inside the Grand Canal Shoppes (mentioned above) as inside the mall there are real canals weaving in and out of the hotel and walkways. Why is this is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas during the day? Because you can choose an outdoor or indoor gondola ride (depending on whether you’re escaping the heat) and it’s so much fun!

Visit Top Golf driving range

One of my new favourite things to do in Las Vegas during the day, Top Golf is a HUGE driving range just off the strip. It’s easy to get an Uber or taxi there, and they also have a free shuttle if you head there from the MGM Grand. It’s so much fun, there’s music, bars, games, food, and even a pool alongside the golf!

Rent a pool cabana (or just sit on a lounger!)

The most obvious of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, sunbathing by the pool! Most hotels in vegas have pools, and sitting by the pool on a sunny day and just relaxing with a drink in hand it absolute perfection. If you’re looking for something a bit more VIP, then renting a poolside cabana for the day is a great shout!

Gamble!

The casinos in Las vegas are open all day long (so gambling is a classic choice for things to do in Las Vegas during the day). You’ll see people gambling all day every day here! If you want to do a little bit of gambling when the tables are quieter – the daytime is actually a really good time to do it.

Grab a seat at a buffet

Las vegas is famous for it’s crazy big buffets! Most hotels have buffets, and they’re usually open from brunch to evening dinner. A good tip though, if you head for a lunch buffet, you’ll usually pay about $10-$25 less than the evening buffet. So having your buffet experience at lunchtime can save you money! Which is why it makes my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day. Here’s a guide to the top 10 buffets in Vegas (my personal favourites are the Cosmo buffet and the Aria buffet).

Visit the Neon Museum

The Neon museum is what it sounds like… It’s an outdoor museum showing all the old neon signage that Las Vegas was once so famous for. It’s an great trip out, and it’s so interesting too, especially if you’re into the old-style Vegas.

Ride the High Roller

The high roller is open day and night, and if you choose to ride it during the day, you’ll get great views across town! It’s a relatively new addition to the Las Vegas skyline and it’s definitely one of my top things to do in Las Vegas during the day.

You can book ski-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

Yes, the Bellagio Fountains are more impressive in the evening – but they’re also way busier and crowded in the evening too! If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, then watching the Bellagio Fountains is actually a great choice. You won’t need to push your way to the front, and your view will be pretty clear!

Visit Bellagio’s conservatory gardens

Located in the lobby of The Bellagio Hotel, the Bellagio Conservatory is a beautiful indoor botanical garden. Every season the talented gardening team redesign the conservatory to suit a particular theme or story – so it’s always changing and there’s always something new to see there. It’s free too!

Party at a pool party / day club

Las Vegas has it all, from the biggest nightclubs to the biggest day clubs too! Don’t know what a day club is? It’s essentially everything you love about clubbing, but during the daytime, in bathing suits and next to a pool. Sounds pretty epic right?

Visit the Flamingos

The Flamingo Hotel didn’t get it’s name for no reason… There are actually Flamingoes inside too! You can wander through the resort / habitat and see the stunning birds as a fun things to do in Las Vegas during the day.

Drive out to Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is only a 30 minute drive from the strip and it’s one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in the city. I absolutely love Red Rock, and it’s perfect for those days when you want to escape the city and get some fresh air. I recommend booking a tour from your Las Vegas hotel – as you’ll get park entrance included and transport there and back. Plus you’ll get the added bonus of a guided tour too! I love the Pink Jeep Tour personally, so that’s who I would recommend!

Click here to book a Jeep tour of Red Rock Canyon

Do a Grand Canyon day trip

The classic option for things to do in Las Vegas during the day, a Grand Canyon day trip! The Grand Canyon is only a few hours drive from las Vegas, so it’s the perfect day trip to take whilst you’re in the city. As with the above, I recommend Pink Jeep Tours above all other tour companies – they’re vehicles are super spacious and comfy… and they’re damn cool too.

Click here to book a jeep tour of the Grand Canyon (highly recommended!)

Learn how to shoot a gun

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, this might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’ve always wanted to shoot a gun, then Las Vegas is a good place to try it out. There are lots of shooting ranges in the city, and they offer completely controlled and supervised shooting experiences. If you’re going to do it, Vegas is a great place as the facilities are safe and high quality.

Click here to book a shooting range experience in Las Vegas.

Ride the New York New York roller coaster

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s one for the adrenaline junkies! If you’ve not tried the NY NY rollercoaster yet, this is definitely something to try out during your next day in Vegas! The rollercoaster is amazing and even cuts through the hotel itself… it’s a Vegas classic!

Visit the Eiffel Tower viewing deck

Next on my list of things to do in Las vegas during the day, you can’t miss it, it’s the huge building that looks just like the Eiffel tower! You’ll get some amazing views of the strip from up here, and it’s usually a little less busy in the daytime too.

You can book skip-the-line tickets by clicking here

Visit the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign

You might have driven past this iconic sign on your way in, but maybe you missed it. Either way, it’s a great place to visit during the day in Las Vegas. If you get an Uber driver to take you out there, they can park up for a few minutes while you take a photo, and then drive you onto your next location!

Learn how to play poker

During the daytime in Las vegas casinos, you’ll find lots of hotels offer poker lessons on their less-busy tables. If you’re wanting to learn, the best time to do so id during the day!

Do an open top bus tour

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, it’s the open top bus tour. Did you even visit Las Vegas if you didn’t take the open top bus tour? This is a classic tourist attraction and it’s a perfect option for during the day as you’ll get great views of everything.

You can book open top bus tickets by clicking here.

Look around the Mob Museum

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, The Mob Museum. The Mob Museum is a classic Las vegas museum and it’s a lot of fun. It’s full of historical facts, as well as artefacts and things that dates back to the time of the mob. Las Vegas was a different place back then and it’s certainly interesting to learn about it!

Click here to book tickets for the Mob Museum

Drive out to the Hoover Dam

A lot of Grand Canyon tours will stop off at the Hoover Dam on the way out of Las Vegas, but some people may want to visit the Hoover Dam on it’s own (it’s pretty impressive after all!). If you want to check out the Hoover Dam on it’s own and take a tour of this amazing structure – then I highly recommend this tour.

You can book a 3 hour tour of the Hoover Dam by clicking here.

Visit one of the city’s outlet malls

There are a couple of outlet malls in Las Vegas, and they’re a great place to visit if you want to snap up some bargains! The discounts can often be up to 50-70% off, which means you can really buy some amazingly priced designer clothing there.

Head to the top of the Stratosphere

Some of the best view of Las Vegas are from the top of the Stratosphere casino! It’s a huge tall tower (you can’t miss it in the skyline) and during the daytime you’ll get crazy good views of the strip and of the surrounding city too.

Grab breakfast at Denny’s

Maybe it’s because I’m from London (and we don’t have Denny’s in the UK) but there’s nothing quite like starting your day at Denny’s. I just love it, and it feels so American. There are 2 Denny’s on the strip.

Have a spa treatment

Ahhhh, one of my absolutely favourite things to do in Las Vegas during the day… Have a luxurious spa treatment! My favourite spa (hands down) is the spa at the Aria Hotel. I love everything about it.

Take a trip to Planet 13

Next on my list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day, this one isn’t for everyone! However, if you enjoy a bit of legal cannabis, then Planet 13 is where you can buy it. It’s like a supermarket for marijuana products and it’s actually the largest dispensary on the planet for recreational cannabis.

Grab a table at one of the city’s busier restaurants

The day time is a great time to grab a table at one of the city’s busier and more in-demand restaurants. You’ll find that queues for these kind of places are much small in the lunch hour, than during dinner – so it’s a good time of day to try your luck!

Go Go-Karting

If speed is kind of your ‘thing’ then go-karting in Las Vegas is going to be at the top of your to-do list during the day. There’s an amazing go-karting track in Las Vegas and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss out on!

Click here to book go-karting tickets in Las Vegas

I hope this list of things to do in Las Vegas during the day is useful and has given you loads of great ideas for how to spend your time!

Here are some other posts I’ve written about Las Vegas, that you might find helpful…

The best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas nightlife for couples

The most romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

The most romantic things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with amazing views of The Bellagio Fountains

The ultimate guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget

Where to find the best views of The Bellagio Fountains

Things to do in Las Vegas when you’re pregnant

The most romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 24, 2020

15 fun things to do alone in NYC

If you’re visiting NYC solo, you might be a little worried about finding things to do alone in NYC. The good news is, NYC is an amazing city to visit alone, it’s a safe place to visit, there are loads of things to do here and the city lends itself extremely well to solo travellers.

Also – Once you’re finished reading this article of things to do, you might want to head on over to my ‘ultimate guide to NYC‘ – where you’ll find endless information about getting around, what to eat, see and do, and even money-saving tips and tricks.

But first – here are some of my favourite things to do solo in NYC…

Take a food tour

The first thing on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s a food tour! Doing an NYC food tour is actually one of the best things to do solo in NYC! A food tour is a guided group tour (usually between 5-10 people) where you’ll be taken around some of the best local restaurants or cafes to try their ‘speciality dish’ or just something extremely delicious.

It’s great for solo travellers in NYC because it’ll give you a chance to meet new people, try lots of new food and explore a neighbourhood too! There are loads of food tours in the city, but here are a few of my top picks… Definitely one of the top things to do alone in NYC!

2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village

Little Italy Italian Food Tasting Tour

Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour

Visit the observation decks

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s visit an observation deck. There are three main observation decks in NYC and it’s definitely worth visiting at least one during your solo trip to NYC. I’ve listed them out below so you can see which is best suited to you!

The One World Observation Deck – Amazing views from the highest building in NYC.

The Empire State Building – An NYC classic, this is one of the original observation decks!

Top of the Rock Observation Deck – My personal favourite, this observation deck has the BEST views over the city and the Empire State.

Take the Staten Island Ferry

My next suggestion of things to do alone in NYC, take the Staten Island Ferry! If you want to doing something fun (and free) one afternoon, taking a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry is actually a really nice things to do solo in NYC. It’s completely free (it’s just public transport, not a tour or anything!) but the views over the city on your way over to Staten Island are insanely good.

There’s a little shop onboard, so you can sit down, people watch, enjoy the view, you name it. It’s a really relaxing and lovely idea for things to do alone in NYC.

Watch a Broadway show

I can’t visit NYC with watching a Broadway show, so it had to make my list of things to do solo in NYC! If you’re looking for things to do solo in NYC, then a Broadway show has be on your list. Actually, going alone to a Broadway show is a great way to score cheap tickets! Usually single seats are priced lower than seats together, so you might be able to snatch up a really good seat for a pretty affordable price.

Watching a Broadway show is one of the absolutely top things to do alone in NYC and it is also a great way to score tickets to the newer or more in-demand shows! These are my favourite shows:

Frozen the Musical (based on the hit Disney movie, it was so happy and upbeat and just so “Disney”)

Mean Girls (based on the classic teen movie, it’s a great choice!)

The Cursed Child (two plays in one day. A incredible theatrical must-see for ANY Harry Potter fan)

The Lion King on Broadway (A Broadway must-see, this is like the ‘ultimate’ Broadway musical)

Come From Away (uplifting musical about the true events following 9/11, in a small town where many planes were rerouted)

Moulin Rouge! (quite a new addition to Broadway, based off the movie of the same name. Looks so good!)

Wicked the Musical (Another classic, this was one of the first shows I saw on Broadway!)

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, the Brooklyn Bridge! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for anyone visit NYC. First of all, it’s one of the most iconic bridges in the world, so you definitely need to make time to walk across it! Secondly, the views you get from the bridge are amazing, and it’s one of the best ways to see the NYC skyline.

Visit Time Out Market

Time Out Market is located in Brooklyn (right under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO) and it’s one of the best places to eat in NYC if you’re visiting solo. It’s a brilliant food hall full of some of NYC’s best food chains, or restaurants. They’re all located in a food hall, with communal seating, and they serve up their best dishes. It’s a lot of fun, a must-visit for any foodies! Also – the rooftop has some of the best views in the city, so make sure you head up there before leaving! This is such a great things to do solo in NYC, especially if you’re feeling nervous about eating on your own.

Climb The Vessel

The Vessel is located in Hudson Yards, which is a newly regenerated neighbourhood about a 10 minute walk from Times Square and it’s my next idea for things to do alone in NYC.

The Vessel is a huge sculpture / vertical park, full of staircases and reaching dizzying heights. It’s quite amazing to look at, and you can enter it and climb it for free. It’s one of my new favourite things to do in the city, and it’d be a great thing to do in NYC if you were visiting solo.

Visit one of the MANY museums or art galleries

Next up on my list of things to do alone in NYC, visit one of the many museums. We all know NYC is full to burst with museums and art galleries. On a rainy day (or if the weather isn’t too great) then heading inside to a museum or gallery is a perfect way to spend the day solo in NYC.

I personally recommend the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA as many people call it (click here to buy skip-the-line tickets).

Stroll through Central Park

You can’t beat a leisurely stroll through Central Park, so it had to make my list of things to do solo in NYC. The park is huge too, so you could easily split this out into 2 days if you wanted to break it up! During the daytime, you can walk through the park on your own completely safely – so don’t let that worry you. The park is always full of locals, visitors, and event tour groups and cyclists. It’s the hub of the city and so many people enjoy spending time there.

If you want to do a walking tour of the park to make sure you see all the best bits, and to make sure you don’t get lost, I recommend this one. Or, you can read my full list of Central Park tours (there are all kinds to choose from, including running tours and even movie tours!). These are definitely one of my favourite things to do alone in NYC.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

Next on my list of things to do alone in NYC, the Statue of Liberty. There are loads of different ways you can see the Statue of Liberty (I’ve written about lots of them here) but the classic way to see The Statue of Liberty is probably the ferry ride, with admission to Liberty Island.

This is a must-do if you’re visiting NYC, it’s one of the main sights to see, and it’s just one of those absolutely iconic places. Click here for Statue of Liberty tickets.

Check out the street art on a walking tour

Another really cool walking tour, this time taking you around some of the city’s best street art and graffiti spots. I love tour groups (especially walking tours) when you’re travelling alone in NYC, because it’s the perfect chance to meet people.

This tour is fantastic and there are so many amazing locations included where you can take some great photos. This tour is super cool, which is why it had to make my list of things to do alone in NYC.

Walk the High Line

Next on my list of things to do alone in NYC, it’s the High Line park. The High Line is a public park that was made on top of old abandoned rail lines in the Soho area of NYC.

It’s a really special place, constantly changing with the seasons, and with some beautiful places to sit and relax and enjoy views of the city. On a clear day it’ll be busy, so I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. Oh, and it’s free!

Visit the Color Factory

Probably the most quirky things on this list of things to do solo in NYC, it’s Color Factory! This is a new immersive art installation / museum that will transform the way you feel about colour and art. It’s really unique, so much fun, and it’s somewhere you can easily spend a few hours (because there’s so many interesting things to see and do).

I recommend booking online ahead of time, as it can get quite busy – especially because people are starting to realise just how amazing it is! This is for sure one of the best things to do alone in NYC!

Go thrift shopping in Brooklyn

And finally on my list of things to do solo in NYC… Thrift shopping! This is always more fun when you’re solo, as you can really take the time to browse each and every rack of clothing to find that perfect item. As you’d probably expect, NYC has some amazing thrift shopping, but Brooklyn has to take the crown. Buffalo Exchange and Monk Vintage Thrift Shop on Driggs Avenue are both brilliant places to start your day of thrift shopping.

I hope this list of things to do solo in NYC has been useful! If you have any suggestions to add to the list, just let me know in the comments below!

Elle-Rose / February 24, 2020

Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour – Is it worth it?

Are you wondering if the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is worth the money?

A Hop on Hop off New York bus tour is one of the classic ‘touristy’ things to do in the city. In fact, you’ll often spot these tour buses around the city, full of tourists getting their fill of sightseeing. But is the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour worth it, and is it something you should spend your money on?

In my opinion… YES! It’s worth it!

There are 2 main Hop on Hop off New York bus tours you can do in NYC…

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets

City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

They’re both extremely similar in what they offer (I’ve done both) – so this post applies to both companies.

What makes a Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour worth it?

In my opinion, it’s one of the easiest ways to see the city, and tick off a lot of the major sights in one day. The Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour has been designed to fit in all the main sightseeing must-sees in the city, and it’s also a lot of fun too.

Here’s why I think the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is worth doing….

Reason 1: It’s good for first time visitors

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much stuff their is to see and do. The Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is a great way to make sure you at least glimpse all the main sights and attractions. The pre-planned route that the bus takes is designed to fit in as many sights as possible, so you know you’ll be driving past all the good stuff (so you can be poised, camera ready!). If you are visiting NYC for the first time, I HIGHLY recommend booking the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour for your first day. You can use it as a chance to see loads of stuff, but also to work out where you want to go back to in the following days.

Reason 2: It’s genuinely interesting

If you jump on a bus with a good tour guide, then the tour is genuinely interesting and you learn a lot about the city. I know a lot of people think it’s just a sightseeing tour, but it’s nice to drive around the city and have facts and information given to you, so you actually learn about the city too. They’ll point out historical places, TV and movie locations, random facts, everything!

Reason 3: It’s so easy

If the idea of navigating the city on your own is a bit daunting, and you’re a little bit apprehensive about using the Subway, then you can essentially use the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour as you means of getting around the city. The map they give you is super easy, and each bus stop is usually located right by a corresponding attraction or sightseeing point. So you can get off wherever you want to explore, and then jump back on another bus once you’re finished. It makes the whole experience of sightseeing in NYC so easy!

Reason 4: You can bundle it with a ferry or night tour

I like that you can bundle your tickets with a ferry or night tour – as it just lets you do that little bit more during your NYC vacation. Ferry tours are amazing in NYC because the skyline looks amazing from the water (so that’d be my personal pick!) but the night tour would also be a great choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the skyline views during the evening. Anyway, I like that you can bundle these together with your bus ticket – it means you save money and time!

Reason 5: You get amazing photo opportunities

I love photography, so this is a major plus point for me. Sitting on the top deck of the bus gives you pretty epic photo opportunities you just would be able to get any other way. It’s also pretty consistent too – every new street or every corner you turn there will be something else to take photos of!

Reason 6: You get to see Uptown, Midtown and downtown

NYC is pretty big, and it’s easy as a tourist to get swallowed up exploring one area – and you forget to venture a little further afield to see other neighbourhoods. A Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour means you can see lots of different areas in the city.

There are a few different tour companies that run Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tours, but with most of them you can book 1, 2 and 3-day tickets for the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour, and all of those options include access to two different loops (this just means, two different bus routes). The 2 loops are Uptown and Downtown, so each loop takes you past different sights and attractions where you might want to hop off and explore.

As I mentioned above, you’ll also have access to live audio commentary from your tour guide too – which makes it so entertaining and educational! They will make sure you don’t miss anything important!

BIGBUS New York – Click here for info and tickets

City Sightseeing Bus – Click here for info and tickets

As you can see, there are a lot of stops to explore, and so many opportunities to get out and explore NYC using the Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour! I hope this blog post has been useful and you enjoy your trip to NYC!

Elle-Rose / February 23, 2020

15 fun bachelorette party ideas in NYC

Are you looking for fun, unique and memorable bachelorette party ideas in NYC?

NYC is an amazing location for bachelorette parties, it’s the city of ‘Friends’ and ‘Sex and the City’ – so who wouldn’t want to jet away to the big city and have their bachelorette party in NYC? There are so many things to do in NYC for bachelorette parties, so I thought I’d put together a list of my favourite bachelorette party ideas in NYC – to get you started!

Bachelorette party idea #1 – Take a carriage ride in Central Park

First on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, a classic! You know what we’re talking about, you’ve seen the Sex and the City episode where Big takes Carrie on a carriage ride around the park! The great thing about taking a carriage ride around the park, is that you don’t pay per person, you pay per carriage. This makes it a great activity for groups of 3-4, as the more of you in the carriage, the cheaper it is! I recommend booking your horse and carriage ride online in advance too – so that you don’t get taken advantage of or charged too much. You can book a premium carriage ride by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #2 – Have cocktails in the Skylark Bar

How could I write a list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, without include an amazing cocktail bar? Skylark is my favourite bar in NYC, it has the MOST amazing views of the city, and the Empire State, and it has such a fun vibe and such a great atmosphere. The cocktail are fab, the music is great… and there’s even a balcony for taking the perfect group selfie with the Empire State in the background. I’d recommend booking a table ahead (as it can get pretty busy on Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays).

Bachelorette party idea #3 – Do an NYC food tour

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, if your group of ladies love food and want to try some of the local food (NYC is known for amazing food after all!) then doing a food tour together is such a fun idea. Food tours are guided tours around the city, where you’ll get to stop in at various restaurants / cafes / vendors. Your host will have the specialities pre-prepared and the restaurant will know you’re coming, so usually you can jump the line too! You’ll get to try lots of the best neighbourhood dishes and try all the best bits in one day!

I recommend the 3 hour manhattan food tour, or this 2 hour cupcake food tour of Greenwich Village! Both would be amazing options for a bachelorette party in NYC!

Bachelorette party idea #4 – Take a TV / movie locations tour together

You’ve all seen all the movies and TV shows set in NYC, and taking a tour of the city around all the main filming locations is a really fun way to spend a few hours in the city. You can pose for photos in all your favourite movie locations, and even snap some instagram stories! I recommend booking this TV and movie tour as it includes a walking tour of NYC, and you’ll also get to go behind the scenes at one of America’s most iconic TV studios too! This is such a fun addition to my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC.

Bachelorette party idea #5 – Watch a Broadway musical

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC – watch a Broadway musical! There are soooo many amazing Broadway musicals you can watch in NYC, and watching a musical together makes a perfect bachelorette party idea in NYC! A perfect night would be watching a music, then heading for a meal and cocktails afterwards! I couldn’t choose a favourite musical – there are so many I’ve seen and absolutely loved! If I had to choose though, for a bachelorette party my favourite picks would be….

Frozen the Musical (based on the hit Disney movie, this is upbeat and a perfect sing-a-long)

Aladdin the Musical (based on the Disney movie, this is a nostalgic, funny and colourful)

Mean Girls (you’ve seen the comedy chic-flick with Lindsey Lohan, this is the on-stage musical version)

The Lion King on Broadway (this is the classic, iconic Disney musical. A Broadway must-see)

Moulin Rouge! (quite a new addition to Broadway, based off the movie of the same name)

Wicked the Musical (Another Broadway classic, Wicked is the story of the witches of Oz)

Bachelorette party idea #6 – The RIDE

The RIDE is one of the most unique tours of NYC, so it makes a perfect choice for bachelorette party ideas in NYC. The RIDE is equal parts theatre, as it is a city tour. You’ll tour NYC in a huge bus, and you’ll sit sideways looking out onto the streets through a huge window. From the window, you’ll see the best city sights, but you’ll also see performers, street-shows and more! You can book tickets by clicking here. If you want something a bit quirky and different this is the bachelorette party ideas in NYC for you!

Bachelorette party idea #7 – Take a sightseeing cruise

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, sightseeing cruises! A sightseeing cruise of NYC ticks all the boxes! You get to see the city, relax, catch-up, take loads of amazing photos together… It’s perfect! Sightseeing cruises are also pretty affordable, especially considering how many memories you’ll make onboard! During the daytime, I recommend booking a classic sightseeing cruise, or if you want to take an evening boat cruise, then this sunset harbour lights cruise is an amazing choice. If you’re on a budget, then going on the Staten Island Ferry is a great choice (it’s free!) but you don’t get quite the same views, and it’s not quite as glamorous!

Bachelorette party idea #8 – Color Factory

My next ideas on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s the Color Factory. The Color Factory is a relatively new addition to NYC, and it’s such a fun way to spend a few hours in the city – especially on a bachelorette party! It’s an immersive experience / museum full of amazing, colourful (obviously) pieces of art. It’s really hard to describe, you have to just experience it for yourself… But trust me, it’s so much fun! If you want some super cute photos and instagram shots too – this is a MUST. You can book tickets online by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #9 – Visit some of NYC’s rooftop bars

Of course, the next thing on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC is a rooftop bar. The best kind of bar in NYC is a rooftop bar! You can to sip cocktails whilst enjoying insane views (and taking a few selfies too!). I’ve created a list of rooftop bars in NYC, if you fancy choosing your favourite from the list, or you can take a guided tour of the best rooftop bars in the city.

Bachelorette party idea #10 – Go shopping in Macy’s

Macy’s is the go-to shopping destination in NYC, so get your girls, grab your purse and head inside. You can spend HOURS inside easily, there is so much to try on, admire and (eventually) buy! If you haven’t found your bridesmaid dresses yet, you could even try on some of their formal dresses and see if you can find a beautiful bridesmaid dress! You can’t have a list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC without mentioning shopping!

Bachelorette party idea #11 – Get a blow dry

If you’re planning a big night out, then you have to treat yourself to a blow dry before the big night. Dry Bar is the best blow dry bar in the city (and luckily there are a few located around the city). You go in, pick you perfect style from their blow-dry menu, and then you sit and chat, sipping champagne or cocktails until you’re ready to go! It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon and proper pamper! I love this for bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s pampering, cute and glamorous all in one!

Bachelorette party idea #12 – Do a limo group tour

A glamorous limo tour is an amazing way to spend an evening with the girls, so of course it makes my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC! Get glammed up (I recommend the blow-dry bar above beforehand!) and then pack in your private limo for a tour of NYC’s city lights by night. It’s the perfect way to make your bride feel like a VIP! You can book a private limo tour by clicking here.

Bachelorette party idea #13 – Go wedding dress shopping

Next on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, wedding dress shopping! NYC is home to some of the most incredible wedding dress boutiques. We’ve all watched the epic ‘Say Yes to the Dress‘ and if you’re bride hasn’t found her dress yet, then going dress shopping in NYC is the ULTIMATE bachelorette party idea in NYC! You can all swoon over the amazing dresses, make your bride feels incredible and gorgeous, and have the most lovely day!

Bachelorette party idea #14 – Book a spa day

There are loads of beautiful hotels in NYC that offer spa days, or stand-alone day spas… But my favourites have to be either AIRE spa (a stunning, secret underground spa) or the Equinox Hotel (which has a beautiful rooftop pool). If you’re looking for a spa day to make your bride feel extra relaxed and extra special… Then these two will tick all the boxes.

Bachelorette party idea #15 – Book a photoshoot!

Last on my list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC, it’s a private photoshoot. Going to NYC for a bachelorette party is a big deal, and if you want to make sure you have loads of gorgeous photos to remember the trip with, then booking a private vacation photographer to take some lovely photos of you if such a great idea. I love this idea because it’s always so important to take photos on once-in-a-lifetime trips like these, and having a professional photographer capture the magic means you come away some seriously gorgeous photos!

I hope this list of bachelorette party ideas in NYC is useful and you’ve found some great ideas for your trip! If you have any questions, just comment below and I’ll do my best to answer!

Elle-Rose / February 18, 2020

The best of Las Vegas – What you need to see, do and eat

Are you looking for the best of Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but if it’s your first time, it can be a little overwhelming… especially when it comes to picking what to do, eat, where to stay, etc. Finding the best of Las Vegas in a list like this, will hopefully give you a bit more confidence that you’re visiting the right places!

Hopefully this quick guide of the best of Las Vegas will help you out. It’s a quick rundown of all the best of Las Vegas, so you can get a clear idea of how you should be spending your time!

The best of Las Vegas hotels

Las Vegas is home to hundreds of hotels, but the vast majority are located on the Las Vegas strip or downtown. The hotels truly are the best of Las Vegas… Hotels are where it all happens, the hotels in Vegas are the heart of the city! If you’re heading to Las Vegas on vacation, then you’ll probably want to be located in the heart of the strip, as this is where everything happens in Las Vegas!

Here are my top 3 budget Las Vegas hotels:

New York New York Hotel – www.newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com
Treasure Island – www.treasureisland.com
The Mirage – www.mirage.mgmresorts.com

Here are my top 3 luxury Las Vegas hotels:

The Cosmopolitan – www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
The Aria – aria.mgmresorts.com
The Wynn – www.wynnlasvegas.com

The best of Las Vegas day trips

There are loads of day trips you can take from Las Vegas, most of them will pick you up from your hotel’s taxi rank (or concierge / garage area). Sometimes it’s great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and explore some of the surrounding areas. Here are my best of Las Vegas day trips…

The Grand Canyon – I love Pink Jeep Tour company, I used them a few times and always had a great time. Grand Canyon tours really are the best of Las Vegas day trips!
Red Rock Canyon – A small national park only 30-40 minutes drive from the strip. You can get day tours to take you out there, and you’ll learn loads from the tour guide too!
Zion National Park – One of the most beautiful national parks in the USA and only a few hours drive from Las Vegas. There are lots of tours that can take you there – I recommend this one.

The best of Las Vegas restaurants

Oh Las Vegas… so many amazing restaurants to try! But there are so many, how can you know if you’re choosing the best of Las Vegas? You’ll definitely want to try a steakhouse during your time in the city, along with a celebrity chef restaurant and maybe a themed restaurant too. Here are some of my top picks!

SW Steakhouse at The Wynn (steak)
Andiamo’s Steakhouse at The D Hotel (steak)
The Yardbird at The Venetian (posh southern food and friend chicken)
Tap Sports Bar at MGM Grand (big portion, american food and lots of screens)
Egg Slut at The Cosmopolitan Hotel (egg sandwiches – cult foodie following, very popular)
Block 16 Urban food hall at Cosmopolitan Hotel (food hall with lots of great choices, I love PokPok wings)
Hells Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace (celeb chef restaurant from the TV show of the same name)

The best of Las Vegas shopping malls

Whether you’ve been saving up for month to go shopping in Las Vegas, or whether you won big on roulette the night before… Shopping in Las Vegas is serious stuff! There are loads of amazing malls here, so here are my 3 top picks…

The Fashion Show Mall – A big mall with all the major designer and high street brands inside. It’s big, spacious and nice to look around. Located opposite the Wynn hotel.

The Forum Shops – Located inside the Caesars Palace, the Forum shops are themed to look like Rome in Italy. There are loads of shops inside, mainly high end and designer – but there are some affordable and high street chains too.

The Grand Canal Shoppes – Located inside The Venetian Hotel, the Grand Canal Shoppes have been designed to look like Venice, Italy. The design of the mall is incredible and it’s entertaining just to stroll around (even if you don’t buy anything!).

Read a full list of Las Vegas shopping malls (including the city’s best outlet / discount malls) by clicking here.

The best of Las Vegas nightlife

Las Vega is known for it’s nightlife, there are multiple nightclubs and bars in every hotel and on every corner – so you’re literally spoilt for choice. Whether you want to dance the night away in one of the city’s biggest clubs, or find a more intimate nightlife venue – Las Vegas has it all. Here are the best of Las Vegas nightlife…

Omnia – Located inside Caesar’s Palace, this is one of the best and most popular nightclubs in Las Vegas. There’s a roof deck and a terrace – so there’s a good balance between indoor and outdoor pace too. There’s great energy and vibes – we think you’ll love it.

Hakkasan – Another one of Las Vegas’s biggest and best nightlife destinations. Hakkasan is located inside the MGM Grand hotel and casino, and it’s huge! Spaced across 3 levels, this nightclub even has it’s own restaurant and light show too.

Marquee – Based inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel this is one of the newer nightlife destinations in the city. It’s really popular with people who love a bit of glitz and glamour.

The best of Las Vegas pool parties

Pool parties are one of the best ways to spend a summer day in Las Vegas. It’s all the best things about a nightclub, but based around one of the city’s glamorous and spacious pools instead. It’s the perfect way to spend a day! Here are some of the best pool parties in Las Vegas…

Marquee Day club at The Cosmopolitan – The same vibes as the nightclub by the same name, but during the day! There are amazing views from the rooftop pool, and the cabanas poolside are a great little extra perk if you’ve got the budget for one.

Wet Republic at The MGM Grand – This place is famed for champagne showers, and it’s actually one of the longest running pool parties and day clubs in Las Vegas. Expect long queues and expensive tickets – but if you want the epitome of poolside partying – this is it.

Encore Beach club at Wynn Encore – This place is huge and one of the most spacious and luxurious day clubs / pool parties in Las Vegas. They even have poolside blackjack tables, just incase you want a break from dancing!

The best of Las Vegas shows

There are so many incredible shows in Las Vegas, you could watch a different show every night! My favourites are (of course) the Cirque du Soleil shows, and you’ll know already that Las Vegas is known for being home to Cirque du Soleil. But I’ve tried to include more than just Cirque du Soleil on this list, to give you a bit of variety!

Cirque du Soleil “O” – this is my favourite show in the world, and definitely in Las Vegas. It’s mind-blowing, it’s incredible – it’s perfect. If you only see one show in Las Vegas, let it be this one!

Penn and Teller – If you like magic, then you can’t miss out on Penn and Teller. I absolutely loved this show, it’s a magic show with a twist and it’s speckled with their witty humour and amazing trickery too.

Shania Twain – If you’re lucky enough to be there when Shania is there, book tickets! She was phenomenal when we saw her perform, and I couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks! You forget just how many amazing songs this lady has released!

La Reve, The Dream – Similar to a Cirque du Soleil show, but with a slightly different set-up and theme. I love the seating for this show (there isn’t a bad seat in the house!) and the plot / theme is lovely.

Elle-Rose / February 18, 2020

28 fun and romantic date ideas in Las Vegas

Are you looking for fun and romantic dates ideas in Las Vegas?

If you’re looking for fun and romantic date ideas in Las Vegas, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been visiting Las Vegas twice a year for the last decade (almost!) and it’s one of my favourite vacation destinations to visit with my once boyfriend, now husband. There are so many amazing date ideas in Las Vegas – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Here are my top picks for date ideas in Las Vegas…

Watch “O” by Cirque du Soliel

First on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, if you’ve got a big budget, in my opinion this is the ultimate date night in Las Vegas. For me, “O” is the best show in Las Vegas, it’s original, mind-bending, over-the-top and just beautiful beyond words. I’ve seen it 3 times now, and it’s incredible every time. It’s such a memorable and fun date idea, and it’ll give you something to talk about for hours afterwards too.

Visit The Neon Museum

My next suggestion for date ideas in Las Vegas, is The Neon Museum in Las Vegas. This place is a great idea for a day-date or an evening date. The Neon Museum is pretty much what it sounds like, it’s a museum dedicated to all the old neon signs that once filled the streets of Las Vegas. It’s unique, a bit quirky and provides loads of cute photo opportunities too.

Go to a casino

How could I write a list of date ideas in Las Vegas and not include gambling in a casino? When you gamble you’ll get complimentary drinks from the casino hostesses (you only need to tip them a dollar) so if you’ve got around $30-$100 dollars, you could easily spend the night gambling and get free drinks too. Gambling together is fun, try out different machines, try and work out how the different table games work, it’s a really good time.

Have a luxurious spa treatment

My favourite spa in Las Vegas is the Aria Hotel spa. Most spas in Las Vegas have separate men and women’s areas for relaxing, but the Aria Spa actually have an amazing co-ed spa pool to enjoy together too – which makes it a lovely date location. You could have a couple’s spa treatment, and then cool-off in the pool together afterwards. This is one of my favourite date ideas in Las Vegas by far.

Book a Grand Canyon tour

The Grand Canyon is right on your doorstep in Las Vegas and there are so many tours that can take you there. I LOVE Pink Jeep tours, they’ve always been my favourite tour group. The vehicles are super fun and comfortable, the tour guides are amazing, and the groups are small – which makes a big difference to seeing everything and making it to places on time. You can book a Pink Jeep Tour by clicking here. Their amazing Drive, Fly and Float tour includes an amazing drive over to the Canyon, a helicopter ride down to the base of the canyon, and then a boat ride along the river at the bottom. It’s so cool, I’ve done it and loved every second. Highly recommend!! You can book it here.

Head to Red Rock Canyon

If you want to head into the great outdoors, but you don’t fancy going as far as the Grand Canyon, then Red Rock Canyon is a good choice instead. We took this tour out to Red Rock, and we had such a fun day. Red Rock is only 30-40 minutes out of town, and the views are stunning. It’s such a beautiful national park, and the tour guides have so much cool stuff to point out to you (like movie locations and TV filming locations!). Again, I really recommend going with the guys at Pink Jeep Tours, they’re so amazing, friendly and professional. I only have amazing things to say about them.

Visit a steak house

Las Vegas is known for it’s steak houses and there are loads of incredible ones in the city. My husband and I love steak, and we’ve made it our mission to try and as many steak houses as possible over the years.Our 2 stand-out restaurants have to be Andiamo’s at The D Hotel downtown, and SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel (ask for a table on the balcony). MY husband and both love this date idea in Las Vegas, and we visit at least 2 steak places each time we visit!

Take a romantic helicopter ride over the strip

Next on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, a helicopter ride! I love this date idea, because it’s probably the most memorable thing you can do in the city. Taking a helicopter ride over the city and seeing all the light twinkling below you is just pure magic. A helicopter tour has to be (hands down) one of the most romantic date ideas in Las Vegas. You can click here to book the group tour, or click here to book the completely private helicopter tour (which is slightly more romantic!). Both are highly recommended by myself!

Book a private hot air balloon ride

OK, this is a mega extravagant date ideas in Las Vegas – but I had to include it because it’s probably one of the most romantic dates you can do around Las Vegas. This incredible private hot air balloon ride is literally the date of a lifetime. We’re talking ‘The Bachelor’ levels of romance. You’ll even get a champagne toast when you land! You can book this insanely romantic date by clicking here.

Go to a shooting range

Shooting and guns isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely a date to remember, so I had to include it in my date ideas in Las Vegas list. There are quite a few gun ranges in Las Vegas, and the major ones are really professional, safe and entertaining. Usually they will have certain packages to choose from, where you can choose the size and power of the guns you want to fire, and you basically do target practise in a controlled environment. Everything is really controlled and you’ll be under constant supervision, but it’s definitely one of the more unique dates I’ve been on, and I did enjoy it because it was out of the ordinary.

Do a hotel crawl

Every single hotel in Las Vegas has something unique to offer. From themed shopping centres, to crazy casinos… it’s a pretty epic city to explore. One hell of a date idea in the city is to work your way down the strip, having a drink in as many hotels as possible. It’s a great way to see them all, and it’s a lot fo fun too. This is one of those classic date ideas in Las Vegas, and it’s so easy to do too!

Take a romantic gondola ride

OK, this has to be one of the the most iconic date ideas in Las Vegas… Taking a romantic gondola ride! Inside the Venetian Hotel, you’ll find the canals and gondolas (usually found in Venice, Italy). For a pretty reasonable price, you can take a private gondola ride around the canals, and even enjoy being serenaded by your host. It’s definitely romantic, and it memorable too!

Visit Hells Kitchen

This restaurant only opened last year in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, and if you’re a fan of the TV show (or if your date is) they will absolutely LOVE visiting this place. It has all the classic food items on the menu, and you might even bump into a celebrity or two!

Visit Top Golf

We did this on our most recent trip to Vegas and it was so much fun! We actually did this as a double-date with our friends, and despite our hangovers from the night before, we all had so much fun. Each driving range booth has sofas, TVs, and a range of clubs, and you can order food and drinks through the table service too. You get a great view of the city, and hitting a few balls over the course of a few hours is a really fun and casual date idea in Las Vegas. Not a conventional ideas, but I think it’s one of my favourite date ideas in Las Vegas!

FlipNOut Xtreme

I always think some of the best date ideas are the ones that bring out our inner child. This date idea at FlipNOut is definitely one of those. This is basically a giant room of trampolines where you can flip, bounce, run and jump to your hearts content. It also has zip lining, laser tag and even ninja warrior courses.

Visit the top of The Eiffel Tower

You might not be able to whisk your date away to Paris, but a trip to The Paris Hotel might be enough to win them over! The Eiffel Tower inside The Paris Hotel has it’s own restaurant and observation deck (click here to book skip-the-line tickets) and either of them would be a beautiful date ideas in Las Vegas. A classic on this list of date ideas in Las Vegas for sure! You can never go wrong with Paris!

Take them on the High Roller

The High Roller is a huge observation Ferris Wheel overlooking the city and it makes an amazing date idea in Las Vegas. It’s a pretty amazing date idea in Las Vegas, it’s the perfect mix of fun and romantic and the views on offer from the observation pods are insanely good. You can click here to book skip-the-line tickets.

Lake Mead Cruise

Lake Mead is so under-rated, it’s not far from the city at all and it’s a gorgeous place to tour and relax at. I found this Lake cruise (on one of those super cute old-style boats) that also includes a Hoover Dam tour, and I think it’s an amazing deal. This would be a great day-date from Las Vegas, and something a bit different too which is why it makes my list of date ideas in Las Vegas. Click here to book it.

Take a food tour

If you’re both foodies and love trying new things, then booking yourself onto a Las vegas food tour would be a cracking date idea in Las Vegas. If you haven’t done a food tour before, they’re so much fun, especially as a couple! You can guided around the city, and taken to the best food locations. You’ll get to skip any lines, and try out the best items on the menus, before heading off to a new place after! It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great way to scope out potential future date locations too! You can book the Secret Food Tour of Las Vegas by clicking here.

Go go-karting

Go-karting is such a fun date ideas in Las Vegas. It’s fast-paced, it’s fun, it’s full-on. If you’re the kind of couple who like to keep things exciting, then this date idea in Las Vegas is a must-do for your list! You’ll zoom around the local course, perfecting thos corners and competing for the best time! You can book tickets here.

Take a stroll around Town Square

Town Square is an outdoor shopping centre just off the Las Vegas strip. It’s a great location for a slow stroll around some shops, a romantic meal and a coffee. This is much less touristy than the other destinations on this list, but just as enjoyable.

Watch FRIENDS: The Musical Parody

Next on my list of date ideas in Las Vegas, something a bit cute and funny. If you’re both of a certain age (over 25!) chances are you’ve grown up watching the TV show Friends and you know it like the back of your hand. I know that’s the case for me and my husband at least! This show is a musical parody, and it’s absolutely hilarious. I was lucky enough to watch it last year, and it is SO FUNNY. If you like friend (even if you hate it) you’ll enjoy it, it’s such a cheap comedy to enjoy on the strip and it’ll definitely gives you loads to laugh about after! You can reserve tickets here.

Watch the Absinthe Show at Caesars Palace

This adults-only carnival show is like a feast for the senses. It’ll remind you of the old-fashioned circus you saw as a child, but a little more grown-up, cheeky and fun. There are so many different acts in the show, from extravagant vaudeville-inspired acts to jaw-dropping acrobatics. You can book tickets here!

Watch the Bellagio Fountains

This date idea in Las Vegas is totally free, and you can literally spend the evening just wandering around the strip finding the best locations to view the fountains from. I’ve actually written a blog post about this (click here) so you won’t even need to do any more research! The fountains are so gorgeous, and they’re one of those iconic Vegas-moments you just have to indulge in at least once.

Visit a strip club

This isn’t for every couple, but for many couples visiting a strip club is a great night out and a fun date idea too. You’d probably be surprised how many couples you’ll see in Las Vegas strip clubs. A tip for those planning to visit, if you call the club ahead of time, they will send a private car to pick you up and you’ll also get to skip the line when entering the club.

Dine at the Stratosphere revolving restaurant

Next uop on my date ideas in Las Vegas list, it’s this famous Vegas restaurant. The restaurant is called ‘Top of the World‘ and we’ve eaten here once, and we both really enjoyed it from start to finish. The restaurant is right at the top of the huge Stratosphere tower, and it slowly revolves 360 degrees, giving you incredible views of the city all night long. The menu is big with lots of choice and it has a really lovely romantic vibe to it – perfect for a date night.

Sip cocktails at The Chandelier Bar

The Chandelier Bar is located inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and it’s probably the most glamorous and glitzy bar in Las Vegas. The entire bar appears to be suspended inside a gigantic diamond chandelier, and the experience is just perfect. Get dressed up, order some fancy cocktails and spend the evening talking and people watching. Sounds like a perfect date to me!

I hope this list of date ideas in Las Vegas has been useful! Las Vegas is such a fun city to be in and you’re bound to have an amazing time!

Now that you’ve read about the best date ideas in Las Vegas… Here are some other posts I have written about Las Vegas that you might find useful.

The best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas nightlife for couples

The most romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

The most romantic things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with amazing views of The Bellagio Fountains

The ultimate guide to visiting Las Vegas on a budget

Where to find the best views of The Bellagio Fountains

Things to do in Las Vegas when you’re pregnant

The most romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 17, 2020

Ultimate guide: The 8 best shopping malls in Las Vegas

Are you looking for a guide to the best shopping malls in Las Vegas? If so – hopefully this Las Vegas mall guide will help!

The shopping malls in Las Vegas are like no other! Las Vegas is an amazing shopping destination, with some of the most unique and interesting shopping malls in the world. Whether you just plan on window shopping, or whether you plan on shopping till you drop – here are some of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas.

The Fashion Show Mall

First up on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, The Fashion Show Mall. This place is located right opposite The Wynn Hotel, so it’s in a great location on the strip and in walking distance of many hotels. The fashion show mall is one of the biggest malls in Las Vegas and has loads of HUGE shops inside.

If you want tons of choice and lots of stock, then this is the mall you want to head to. There’s a good mix of designer and high street shops in this mall too – so a good mix of budgets. There’s also a nice little food court with about 12 different food chains!

The Forum Shops

Another great addition on my list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is The Forum Shops. The Forum Shops is one of the most well known malls on the strip (and in Las Vegas) and it’s all about the experience as well as the shopping. It’s located inside Caesars Palace Hotel, and carries on the theme. The mall is designed to look like an old Roman town, and there are cobbled streets, and even pretend sky on the ceiling.

You have to see it to believe it – but it’s really something special. There are to sides to the mall, and both have a really good selection of shops (ranging from budget clothing like H&M, to designer stores like Mulberry). There’s also a Cheesecake factory – which is a must-visit during your shopping trip! This is definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas.

The Grand Canal Shoppes

The Grand Canal Shoppes are my next choice on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas. This mall is brilliant! This mall is located inside The Venetian Hotel and it’s a must-see whilst you’re in Vegas. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you need to just walk around and see this place for yourself.

The entire mall is designed to look just like Venice, and there are even canals and gondolas running through the mall. It’s truly something – and you’ll be mesmerised by the incredible design and how realistic it looks too! There are some restaurants inside the mall (in the fake St Marks Square) and there’s also a good food court too, with burgers, chicken wings and pizzas.

Town Square Las Vegas

I visit Las Vegas a couple of times a year and I only discovered Town Square on my most recent visit. It’s a little bit off the strip (about a $15 taxi ride) but it’s a gorgeous little outdoor mall with loads of my favourite shops in. There’s even a WholeFoods too – if you needed to do grocery shopping.

This place is a lovely mall to walk around, it’s super pretty, there’s even gardens and fountains to stroll around. This isn’t in the centre of the city, but it’s definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas if you don’t mind travelling a little off the strip.

Miracle Mile Shops

The next mall on my list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is The Miracle Mile Shops! They are located inside the Planet Hollywood Hotel, and stretch for (you guessed it) a mile. I like this mall, there’s a good variety, and it loops it’s way around the hotel casino, so you can dip in and out as you please.

There’s a huge variety inside the Miracle Mile mall too, but I’d say it’s well suited for lower-budgets (as there aren’t as many designers in here than some of the others on this list). It’s got a friendly vibe, it’s easy to navigate and it’s right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip!

The Shops at Crystals

The Shops at Crystals is probably one of the most sophisticated and luxurious malls in Las Vegas. It’s designed to feel like the epitome of luxury, and everything in here is polished, sparkling and ultra-modern. It’s connected to the Aria Hotel, and also very close to the Cosmopolitan Hotel (these are two of the best 5* hotels on the strip, so that makes sense!).

You’ll find big designers in here, as to be expected, but there’s also a Starbucks, so you can grab a cheap coffee while you shop! This is definitely one of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas if you’re shopping for designer stuff!

Showcase Mall

Next up on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, it’s the Showcase Mall. This is one of the more budget malls on the strip, the Showcase Mall is located up towards the MGM Grand and Excalibur. It’s great for grabbing a bargain (there’s a ROSS there) but it’s also known for being a chocolate haven as it’s also home to M&M world in Las Vegas too!

There are a few different eating options inside such as; Panda Express, Popeyes, Subway and Outback Steakhouse.

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

And finally on my list of best shopping malls in Las Vegas, it’s Outlet Mall. If you want to do some designer shopping, but you don’t have as big of a budget as you’d like… you NEED to head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. This is an outdoor mall full of outlet stores for some of the biggest designer brands, as well as some well-known high street brands too. You’ll find a Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Crocs, Skechers, Adidas, Banana Republic… and so many more.

There’s a small food court too, if you need to refresh and re-energise whilst grabbing all those bargains! I hope this list of the best shopping malls in Las Vegas is useful! Be prepared to shop until you drop!

Here are some more blog posts I’ve written about Las Vegas that you might find useful!

Top things to do in Las Vegas for couples

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Ultimate guide to Las Vegas on a budget

Best places to see the Bellagio fountains

Las Vegas nightlife for couples

Romantic hotel suites in Las Vegas

Romantic engagement ideas in Las Vegas

Las Vegas restaurants with a view of the Bellagio

Things to do in Las Vegas when pregnant

The most romantic hotels in Las Vegas

Elle-Rose / February 14, 2020

23 of the Best Romantic Date Ideas in San Francisco

Are you looking for romantic date ideas in San Francisco?

We get it, you want some great romantic date ideas in San Francisco that make you look like…

A) You’re really romantic

B) You know about San Fran

C) You’re really good at dates (this is key!)

We’ve taken all the hard work out of finding romantic date ideas in San Francisco, and we’ve come up with a few great ideas so you don’t have to spend loads of time planning… You just have to show up and have a great time.

For the adventurers

Take a Bike tour of the city

If you’re both confident on a bike, and enjoy cycling, then bike tours will always be top romantic date ideas in San Francisco. Taking a cycling tour of the city is actually a really cool date idea, especially in the spring of summertime when the weather is great. If you want to book a bike tour in the city, I recommend trying this Electric Bike Tour. Always go for an electric bike tour in San Fran – because OH MY GOD THE HILLS ARE HUGE. If a tour sounds a bit too ‘structured’ and you just want get on a bike and explore at your own pace – then you can rent bikes in the city instead!

7D Darkride experience

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, the 7D Darkride experience. There aren’t really any theme parks in San Francisco, but this 7D Darkride is as close as you can get. It’s just totally weird and random, and I think it’d make a great 1st or 2nd date, when you’re trying to break the ice a little and just do something super fun. You can book tickets here.

Do the GoCar Tour of San Francisco

A GoCar is basically if a gocart and a mini car had a cute little yellow baby. It’s a unique type of transportation and driving one and taking a tour in one is so much fun. It’s totally unique too and it’s such a fun way to spend time together and explore the city. You’ll see LOADS of the city’s most famous sights during the tour, but for me, this date idea is all about doing something a bit wacky and adventurous together. You can book yourself onto a tour here.

Do a high-speed boat ride

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, a high speed boat ride. Nothing screams adventure more than a high-speed boat ride through San Francisco Bay. This will have you clinging onto each other, screaming with joy (or fear) and feeling the wind in you hair. It’s a pretty epic date idea… Perfect for making an impression! You can book tickets online here.

For the Foodies

We couldn’t make a list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco and not include food!

If there’s one thing 2 people can bond over, it’s food. Food is one of the most perfect date activities, it’s fun, it’s delicious and you get to learn about each other’s tastes and preferences too. Literally food tours are so much fun, and you get to try lots of different restaurants / cafes all in one afternoon. Whether you’re a SF local, or a tourist visiting the city, food tours have to be one of the top choices on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco.

North Beach food tour: A great food tour if you LOVE Italian food. You’ll get to explore the Italian restaurant scene of San Francisco, and try pizza and try some of the best Italian food in the city.

Mission District Walking Food Tour: The Mission District is probably one of SF’s oldest neighbourhoods, but recently it has transformed into one of the trendiest parts of the city. This walking tour combines some of the area’s BEST food, and some of the best urban art too.

SF’s Chinatown food tour: Who doesn’t love Chinese food? Chinatown in San Fran is bursting with amazing restaurants and food stalls, and this food tour will literally take you to the best places for the best menu picks.

North Berkeley 3-Hour Food Tour: This tour is a little out of the centre… but OH WOW are there some iconic food destinations on this food tour. You’ll visit Jewish deli, Saul’s, Peet’s Coffee flagship location, The Cheese Board Collective, The Local Butcher Shop, and more.

If you’re looking for a more traditional date, here’s four options for a dinner date that I seriously LOVE.

Robin – robinsanfrancisco.com

The Hayes Valley’s best sushi restaurant, in our opinion. Get a seat at the bar so you can watch the masterful chefs work their magic, but rest assured this will be the most amazing sushi you’ve ever eaten. It’s a bit pricy, but honestly so worth it!

Lavash – lavashsf.com

This restaurant has been going for 10 years, but recently had to do a two year refurb after a 2018 fire, so it’s back in business, and you’ll look very cool for knowing all about it. It’s one of only a handful of Persian restaurants in the city, and you’ll find that the Shiraz salad and the Koobideh are amazing.

Lazy Bear – lazybearsf.com

It’s fine dining without the white table cloths. Lazy Bear is going to give you something a little different to what you’re used to. With communal tables and an attentive but casual style of service, you’ll feel like you’ve been invited to an incredible dinner party. The food is classic America, think grilled lamb with spring herbs or San Francisco salmon – but it definitely will not disappoint.

For the super romantic

If you want to plan a super romantic date, and by that we mean something really memorable, maybe even once-in-a-lifetime… this is the part of my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco you’ll want to pay attention too! Here are some super impressive date ideas in San Fran to whisk someone off their feet!

Take a romantic twilight cruise on the bay

Next on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco, a sunset boat tour! A boat tour, at sunset, on the bay. Can you think of anything more beautiful? I love the Luxury Catamaran tour on Get Your Guide because it’s quite a small group on the boat, the boat is open-air and you get to see so many beautiful parts of the city from the water (click here to book tickets).

Take a seaplane tour of the city

If you don’t know what a seaplane is, it’s a small aircraft that takes off and lands in water. It’s insanely cool, and it’s one of those mega romantic ‘Bachelor TV show’ kind of dates that you’ll remember forever. Also, the views you’ll get from the air are crazy cool, it’s one of the best ways to see the city. You can book tickets here.

Take a Napa Valley wine tour

Napa Valley is one of the most scenic locations in the San Francisco area, and who doesn’t love wine tasting!? You can drive yourselves out to Napa Valley, but you’ll be limited on how much you can drink… So I think it’s best just to book a tour. That way you don’t need to worry about driving, and you can just enjoy the day and enjoy each other’s company. I recommend this tour, as you’ll get to visit 3 different wineries – and both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley too. It’s a great addition to my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco.

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon

OK, I’m ending the mini-list of super romantic ideas with the ULTIMATE romantic date idea in San Francisco. Taking a hot air balloon is just WOW. You can even finish your tour with a Champagne breakfast option too – just to add in that extra bit of romance. I just think this is the perfect romantic date in San Francisco. You can book tickets here.

Have a weekend in Sonoma

Sonoma is only a few hours drive from San Francisco, and it’s a perfect location for a weekend away (or even a romantic day trip). You can visit some of the gorgeous wineries, or just explore the towns and eat at some lovely restaurants. There are some more ideas for visiting Sonoma here.

For the budget conscious

Not everyone has a big budget, so if you’re looking for free (or nearly free) romantic date ideas in San Francisco, then hopefully the following ideas will work perfectly…

Take a picnic in Alamo Square Park

It’s one of the prettiest parks in the city, with great views, so pack a picnic and head over to Alamo Square Park to hang out for the day. Take a ball, or a frisbee and inject a bit of fun into the afternoon afterwards too!

Take a walk along the beach

Yes, San Francisco has beaches! Even on days when it might not be ‘beach weather’ a walk on the beach is still super romantic. If it’s warm then take you swimsuits, if it’s cold bundle up and keep each other warm! Here’s a list of the best beaches in San Francisco.

Take a hike

There are so many amazing hikes around the San Fran area, and taking a hike together is a really cool date idea if you want to rope them into spending more than a couple of hours with you! Pop on your hiking gear (or just some gym pants and a pair of trainers!) and set off! Sometimes getting a bit lost together makes it even more fun! Here are some hiking trails you might want to consider. This is on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco because it’s fun, adventurous and free!

Find a Shuffleboard bar

Me and my husband love Shuffleboard, and one of our favourite cheap date ideas is finding a shuffleboard bar and spending a few hours playing and drinking. Here’s a list of the best shuffleboard bars in San Fran. This is on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco because it’s one of my personal favourite date ideas!

Ride the street cars / trolleys in the city centre

Next on my list of free romantic date ideas in San Francisco, ride the street cars! I think this is just good fun and a nice way to get around the city. Some routes are free, others cost a few dollars – either way it’s a super affordable but also romantic date idea in San Francisco!

For the culture fanatics

The Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers

First up on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco for culture fanatics… What’s more romantic than Shakespeare? This garden is heavenly, make this a day date and go strolling through this beautiful spot. You can stroll along cobbled pathways, and wind your way around the sundial.

Exploratorium

This next suggestion is kind of a quirky romantic date ideas in San Francisco. A visit to the Exploratorium, is equal parts culture and arty, but also mega fun. There’s so much to see and do in the Exploratorium, and it’s a great date idea in San Francisco because it gives you so many opportunities to laugh and explore / discover together. You can get skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Last on my list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco it’s the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The SFMOMA is one of the best art galleries in San Fran, and if you both love art (or just exploring galleries / museums) then heading to SFMOMA is a great date idea. You can easily spend all day wandering around the exhibitions, and it’s such a great activity to get you both talking and discussing your favourite artists or pieces on show. You can book tickets online here.

I hope this list of romantic date ideas in San Francisco has given you plenty of inspiration for your next date day or date night!

Elle-Rose / February 13, 2020

Where to stay in Boston – The best neighbourhoods and hotels

Are you looking for the information on where to stay in Boston?

So you’ve gone looking for where to stay in Boston… Each neighbourhood has a different vibe, so there’s usually something for everyone, but making that decision can be pretty tricky if you’re not sure what you want from your city break. If you haven’t been to Boston yet, you might not be sure which neighbourhoods are best suited to you – but hopefully this blog post will make things a little clearer for you!

From Back Bay and its Old Boston reputation, to the South End and its thriving culinary scene – there’s something for everyone in Boston.

South End

First on my list of where to stay in Boston, South End. If you’re an arty type, South End is about the best place to stay in Boston. This is where the cool people hang out, and it’s known for being a quirky and cool neighbourhood. It’s got a thriving eating and drinking scene and in terms of culture, it’s become a go-to, not only due to the Boston Cultural Centre and the Boston Ballet, but also because more recently the area south of Washington street (SoWa) has become home to loads of new galleries. The highlight of our time here, though, was Wally’s Jazz bar on Mass. Ave.

Tour Recommendation for South End: South is known for it’s restaurants and cafes, so we wanted to recommend the South End Wine Tasting tour. It’s a bit quirky and different, and you get to try a few cool bars along the way!

Where to Stay: The Revolution Hotel. It’s got a cool vibe, it’s really well located, and has a 5* trip advisor rating, so don’t just take our word for it.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is iconic in Boston. If you thought “I want to live the highlife” when searching for where to stay in Boston, then you’ve found it in Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill synonymous with wealth and prestige, and the scenery of its redbrick houses and cobbled streets makes you feel almost as though you’re in Europe. Despite being highly exclusive, though, it’s super welcoming. It’s also where you’ll find Boston Common, which is a gorgeous park with swan boats, and different flower configurations all around.

Tour recommendation in Beacon Hill: The 2 hour walking tour of Boston’s history and highlights will take you right through the heart of Beacon Hill, and your guide will tell you loads of interesting information about the area too. This tour has amazing review for a reason!

Where to stay: The Liberty Hotel. It used to be a prison, so it comes with buckets of history. The restaurants come with high recommendations from locals and visitors alike, and they host regular events like Yappy Hours for dog lovers.

Back Bay

When thinking about where to stay in Boston you really can’t go wrong with Back Bay. It’s beautiful, central, well connected, and home to some of Boston’s best attractions. Home to the Boston Library (which is beautiful) you could check out some stunning architecture and people watch, or if you’re into beer we definitely would recommend heading to Bukowski Tavern. If you want to live your dream Boston life (highly caffeinated and surrounded by books) there’s also Trident Booksellers and Cafe. The coffee is incredible, and the environment to die for.

Tour recommendation in Back Bay: The Boston Old Trolley hop-on hop-off tour will take you right through Back Bay, so it’s a great day activity to add to your list. In general, this is a REALLY fun (and affordable) way to see the city too.

Where to Stay: Gryphon House. It kinda looks like someone’s house, it’s hella beautiful, and has gorgeous harbour views. What more could you want?

North End

Next on my list of where to stay in Boston, North End. One word: History. North End is all about the history. Boston is pretty well known as being a very historic city, and this area is chock full of info about the American revolution (if that’s you’re thing). It’s also Boston’s Little Italy, so it has an amazing character that draws both on Italian Culture, and New England history, to create something really unique. Think tiny Italian restaurants serving fresh seafood, or cosy little cafes making kick ass coffee. It’s definitely one of the most picturesque areas to just go for a stroll and soak in the vibe.

Tour recommendation in North End: Another recommendation in North End is the amazing North End Pizza Tour. I mean, if the fact you get to try loads of pizza doesn’t convince you this tour is worth doing, I don’t know what will!

Where to stay: Boston Marriott Long Wharf. If it’s your first time in Boston this place could be ideal. It’s right on the water, it’s close to the sights, and it’s got a gorgeous waterfront bar (Tia’s) in the warmer months!

Fenway

Fenway is my next choice for where to stay in Boston. Fenway park is one of the few original baseball stadiums that’s still knocking around (Wrigley Field in Chicago is another), but baseball is not all this area has to offer. However, saying that, it’s a great place to stop if you plan on catching a game. Everyone in Boston has a story of a big night out in Fenway, and loads of new restaurants have started picking up there. If you’re hungry head to the Time Out Market, which is an incredible plethora of chefs, turning out stellar recipes on the reg.

Tour recommendation in Fenway: Of course we have to recommend the Fenway Park stadium tour ! Seeing the stadium is really cool, and getting to go behind the scenes is even cooler.

Where to stay: The Verb. Trendy, unique, and definitely cool enough to stick up on your instagram. Live music is a regular occurrence in the lobby and at the pool so you can’t be disappointed.

Downtown Boston

Another great place to add to my list of where to stay in Boston is Downtown. What list of where to stay would be complete without mentioning this space right in the centre of The Hub? This is as central as it gets. China Town is right there for amazing eats, and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are some of the city’s most visited sights. Get a BanhMi at New Saigon Sandwich, and the walk up to Boston Common to eat in the park. You won’t be disappointed! Watch out for the squirrels, though!

Tour recommendation in Downtown: The historic Pub crawl through Boston’s freedom trail is an absolute must-do if you love pubs, history or beer. You’Local Bostonian tour guide and beer expert

Where to Stay: Boston Park Plaza. It’s kind of pricey, and sort of in between downtown and Back Bay, but it is beautiful. A very classic 1927 hotel, with gorgeous rooms and killer views of the common.

Seaport District

And finally on my list of where to stay in Boston, the Seaport District! Seaport District is a South Boston district, which (as the name suggests) runs alongside the waterfront of the city. If you like your hotel room to look over water (personally, I LOVE a hotel room with a water view) then the Seaport District is an area you’ll love being based in. You’ll find lovely hotels along the seafront, as well as a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes too. So there’s plenty for you to do in the evening within walking distance of your accommodation.

Tour recommendation in the Seaport District: The 90 minute sightseeing Boston cruise is actually a lovely way to soak in the city skyline. It’s really affordable, and gives you some great photo opportunities too.

Where to stay: The Westin Boston Waterfront. The Westin is a classic hotel chain to stay in and has good standards of service and decor across the majority of their properties. For me this is a really safe choice, you’ll get a great view (make sure to pick a waterfront room) and a solid 4 star service.

I hope this list of where to stay in Boston is useful! If you have any more questions, just let me know in the comments below and I’ll try to answer them for you!

So, you’re planning a visit to Cold Spring, NY and you’re looking for a guide to the town, what to expect – and (most importantly) things to do! This guide will help you find lots of inspiration for your Cold Springs getaway!

Things to do in Cold Spring, NY

Hiking

Go shopping in Cold Spring, NY

Manitoga

West Point Foundry Preserve

Cold Spring Waterfront

Take the River Rose ferry cruise

Downtown Gallery

The bandstand

Take a kayak out on the Hudson

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Stonecrop Gardens

Boscobel House and Gardens

Places to stay in Cold Spring, NY

Hudson House River Inn

Pig Hill Inn

West Point Motel

Places to eat in Cold Spring, NY

Hudson Hil’s

Brasserie Le Bouchon

Whilstling Willies

Riverview Restaurant

How long should you spend in Cold Spring, NY?

What should I pack for Cold Spring, NY?

The History of Cold Spring, NY

Hopefully this guide to Cold Spring, NY is useful and you’ve found lots of inspiration in this guide to Cold Spring NY!

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Are you looking for photos and a review of the Wynn buffet in Las Vegas? This blog post has all my thoughts (positive and negative) about the Wynn buffet – as well as some advice on how to get the best out of the experience.

How expensive is the Wynn buffet?

Top tip for saving money!

Be prepared to queue…

What is the dining experience at the Wynn Buffet like?

What is the food like at the Wynn buffet?

Now onto the desserts (which deserve a special mention as they’re so amazing at the Wynn buffet!)

I only have two bits of negative feedback for the Wynn buffet.

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Are you looking for photos and reviews of The Aria buffet in Las Vegas? Or maybe you’re wondering which buffet to visit and you just want some more info?

So first up, how expensive is the buffet at the Aria Hotel?

What is the dining room like at the Aria Buffet?

What is the food like?

I hope this guide and review of the Aria buffet is useful!

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Are you on the look out for fun things to do in Portland, Oregon? This list has loads of fun suggestions to keep you busy!

Voodoo doughnut

Pok pok

Portland Aerial Tram

Shanghai Tunnel/Portland Underground Tours

Washington Park

Take the Portland chocolate tour

Go house-hunting

Powell’s city of books

Get a photo in front of the ‘Keep Portland Weird’ sign

Portland: Downtown Ghost Tour

Multnomah Whiskey Library

Pink Trolley Bus tour

Oregon Zoo

Revolution Hall

Take an Oregon wine tour

Hit up happy hour

Go to a Brewpub Movie Theater

Spend a day hitting up food trucks

Visit the Witch’s Garden

The rhododendron garden

Portland Art Museum

Portland Mercado

Take a Beer, Wine and Cocktail Tour

Stark’s Vacuum Museum

I hope this list of fun things to do in Portland is useful! Let me know how many you tick off your list!

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Where is Beacon NY, and how do I get there?

Things to do in Beacon, NY

Madam Brett Homestead

Borgadus-DeWindt House

Dennings Point Ruins

Long Dock Park

Dia: Beacon: contemporary art museum

Howland Cultural Centre

Reformed Church of Beacon

Beacon Farmer’s Market