My meticulously curated travel guide for Las Vegas includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
I created an insider’s Google mapthat reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots.
Click herefor a complete list of all my recommendations.
Where to Drink Coffee
Vesta Coffee: Vesta is my favorite coffee shop featuring homemade nut milk.
Las Vegas Monorail ($5 each way) connects most of the major casinos on the Strip; there are also three independently operated trams (free) that provide direct links between select casinos.
The Duece: The Deuce runs 24 hours a day from the South Strip Transit Terminal, to the Vegas Strip with many stops up and down the resort corridor, and continuing to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, and Las Vegas Premium Outlets South.
I created an insider’s Google mapthat reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
What are some of your favorite places in Las Vegas? Leave your responses in the comment section.
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
My meticulously curated travel guide for Philadelphia, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Philadelphia is famous for the Liberty Bell, Rocky Balboa, and Cheesesteaks. The City of Brotherly Love is also the birthplace of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Philadelphia is home to many national treasures, a thriving culinary scene, beautiful parks, hip shopping, and a bustling sports scene.
I created an insider’s Google mapthat reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
EAT If you only have one day, don’t miss the following: Reading Market is one of the top indoor markets in the country. My favorite shop in the market is Chocolate By Meuller.
Zahav is a modern Israeli restaurant bringing the flavors of Israel to the table. It is my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. Reservations should be booked in advance. Named the best restaurant in the country by the James Beard Foundation. *V *GF
Surayais a Lebanese restaurant in Fish Town. It’s fantastic.
P.S. & Co. is Philly’s only gluten-free and vegan cafe. The pastries are the best! *V *GF
Goldie’s is modeled after Israeli-style falafel shops. Don’t miss the Tehina shakes (Turkish coffee, chocolate, and coconut). There’s also falafel in a pita sandwich or a salad and french fries with various spice options on the menu. *GF *V
Vernick is a fancy little restaurant in an old brownstone. The chef has earned accolades from Food & Wine, Bon Appetite, James Beard Foundation, StarChefs, and more.
Nomad Pizza is an artisanal wood-fired pizza parlor using locally sourced ingredients.
Lil Pop Shop is a nationally recognized gourmet popsicle shop. Popular flavors include goat cheese with cherries and honey and Vietnamese iced coffee. *V *GF
Faith and Liberty Discovery Center: Designed to guide the visitor in a personal exploration of the relationship between faith and liberty in the American experience by illuminating the influence of the Bible on individuals in key historical and personal moments.
The Mutter Museum (pronounced “mooter”) features weird body parts in jars.
Barnes Foundation is home to a stunning collection of paintings. A limited number of tickets are available each day. Stop by on Friday evenings for live music and special events, or visit the first Sunday of every month for free.
Race Street Pier is an ideal place to exercise or sit and relax with a good book. Ice skating starts in late November.
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk recently opened. This is my favorite place to run, walk or bike in the city. You can also enjoy a picnic, kayak, or a riverboat tour.
Fairmount Park is a 9,200 park with amazing views of the city.
GET AROUND
Amtrak runs frequent trains from DC, Baltimore, Boston, and NYC. Traveling by train from DC to Philadelphia usually takes one hour and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 30 minutes. If you do not purchase your tickets at the time of a fare sale, I recommend checking the app the day prior to travel for last-minute ticket reductions. Early and late trains are usually the best deal, but if a train has empty seats Amtrak may reduce the fare the day prior. I also like the flexibility to change my ticket or cancel without penalty as long as the ticket is changed before departure.
I created an insider’s Google mapthat reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all my recommendations.
What are some of your favorite places in Philly? Leave your responses in the comment section.
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
My meticulously curated travel guide for New Orleans includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
I grew up in South Louisiana and still visit New Orleans often on layovers and when visiting family.
I created an insider’s Google Map that reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots (though to be fair, they’re on there).
Click here for a complete list of all the recommendations.
Here’s a list of recommendations for visiting NOLA on a layover or for a day trip.
Get up early and go for a run or bike ride in Audubon Park.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar line to tour the beautiful Garden District. Fare is $1.25, 40 cents for guests over 65 years, or you can buy an All-Day Pass for $3.00.
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell. A cozy mystery on the grounds of a baking competition show.
Scalia Rise to Greatness by James Rosen: James Rosen describes and documents the formative decades of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia. It is the most definitive account of Scalia’s life, what shaped his judicial philosophy, and his own personal interactions. I enjoyed the audio version.
The Guest Listby Lucy Fole: This book is a wedding mystery on an exclusive remote Irish Island filled with secrets, jealousy, betrayal, and more.
The Art of Southern Charmby Patricia Altschul: Patricia is my favorite reality star on Bravo’s Southern Charm. Patricia’s book is filled with etiquette rules, dating advice, style tips, and plenty of stories about her fascinating life.
Taste My Life Through Foodby Stanley Tucci: Taste My Life Through Foodis part memoir, part cookbook, and part manifesto on living well, but above all, it’s a warm, charming look at the different ways we can find nourishment in the world.
Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have Toby David Sinclair: is a best-selling book by David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School. In the book, Sinclair explains his theory that aging is actually a disease that is treatable and provides insight into the latest scientific research on aging and longevity.
The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose: A compelling and quirky mystery about the death of a prominent hotel guest and the maid who finds his body.
Frontier Follies: Adventures in Marriage and Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhereby Ree Drummond: I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I also recommend visiting Pawhuska near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ree opened The Mercantile in 2016. Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner: A thrilling mystery with complex characters and gripping writing. What appears to be a budding friendship between two moms-to-be brings more than its fair share of unpleasant surprises in this debut psychological thriller. It’s the perfect book to curl up with this winter.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: A charming, hopeful book for a cold winter day, and it will be perfect for the beach, too. It’s a romantic comedy with depth and dignity for its protagonist.
Make Something Good Todayby Ben & Erin Napier: If you are a fan of HGTV’s “Home Town,” this is an enjoyable memoir. The book follows Ben and Erin Napier’s lives from childhood to the present.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: In this epic novel full of old Hollywood glamour, a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and great forbidden love.
Unmissing by Minka Kent: Merritt Coletto and her husband, Luca, have the life they dreamed of: a coastal home, a promising future, and a growing family. That dream comes to an end with a late-night knock on the door. The story is so intriguing and full of suspense.
Trauma the Invisible Epidemic by Dr. Paul Conti: How trauma works and how we can heal from it. Every single one of us is affected by trauma, though some carry a heavier burden than others. Understanding its insidious effects and far-reaching complications is vital to charting the path to healing. Listen to an interview with Dr. Conti on the Lewis Howes Podcast Ep. 1237.
Looking for more good books, check out all my recommendations here.
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Have you read anything good or memorable lately? Leave a comment below.
Don’t miss my monthly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox. It’s free and packed with travel guides, recipes, resources, and more!
Let’s talk about morning routine ideas! Several years ago, I implemented a morning routine. After listening to Andrew Huberman’s podcast episode about Habits, I learned more about the science of habits. I also read James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.
I have found that sticking to a morning routine sets me up for a successful day.
Most of the tasks can be completed in 30 minutes. The only rule is: do what works for you.
Let’s jump in.
Salt Water Rinse: I do this first thing every morning. I make a saltwater solution to keep in my bathroom. (16oz of spring water to 1oz of salt in a mason jar) Continue reading “My Morning Routine”→
My meticulously curated travel guide for Washington, DC, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day with a morning run or bike ride on the National Mall.
Do not miss the “blue buck” pancakes at Eastern Market if you visit on a Saturday.
Georgetown is my favorite neighborhood for shopping. Take a coffee break and enjoy the best cupcakes in the city at Baked and Wired. Skip the long lines at Georgetown Cupcake for a tastier treat at Baked and Wired.
I recommend DC By Foot Tours. You name your price at the end of the tour and pay what you feel it was worth. My favorite is the twilight tour of the monuments.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Savannah includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
I created an insider’s Google mapthat reflects all my recommendations, so you can easily access them throughout your travels. You can save the map with your Google account. This isn’t your typical list of see-and-be-seen spots.
Click herefor a complete list of all my recommendations.
Savannah is the perfect weekend getaway and a great road trip for Floridians.
Start your day with a jog or walk through the picturesque Forsyth Park. One of the most photographed spots in Savannah is the fountain at Forsyth Park. The Forsyth Farmer’s Market is held on Saturday mornings.
Savannah is home to so many great restaurants. Zunzies is an excellent option for lunch. For a unique dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes features a round buffet of Southern food in a historic old boarding house. The restaurant is only open for lunch M-F. The Green Truck Pub has excellent burgers and fries. The cupcakes at Back in the Day Bakery are delicious for a sweet treat. The owners have a beautifully illustrated cookbook featuring all the bakery recipes plus handy baking tips.
My meticulously curated travel guide for San Antonio, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
San Antonio’s rich history, diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and fabulous attractions offer something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are visiting San Antonio, I recommend staying near the Pearl Brewery. It’s a former brewery that includes restaurants and shopping near the Riverwalk.
Get up early and go for a run or walk along the Riverwalk. On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the farmer’s market at the Pearl.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Maine, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day out at Tandem Coffee. It is the best coffee shop in town. The pastries are also popular, especially the biscuits. Don’t miss Holy Donut. These donuts are made with real potatoes not flour.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Charleston, South Carolina, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Charleston is one of the prettiest cities, a top culinary destination, a history buff’s dream, an architectural paradise, and a gorgeous seaside beach town. The Holy City is named after all the churches that dot the skyline. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.
If you have one day in Charleston, start with coffee at Second State, then go for a walk or run in the historic district.
After breakfast, take a carriage ride and a historical walking tour. For an afternoon snack, visit Sugar Bakeshop for a cupcake or Harken Cafe for a pastry.
My baking tips, favorite recipes, baking tools for the best chocolate chip cookie, and essential chocolate chip cookie destinations.
Find your perfect recipe. I like a chewy, crispy, gooey-in-the-center cookie.
My CCC all use unsalted butter. Butter provides flavor and makes cookies crispy. Baking with butter calls for chilling the dough so the cookies do not spread too much on the pan as they bake. I use Plugrá, an unsalted European-style butter. The unsalted version allows me to control the salt content in a recipe by considering only the actual added salt. And regarding European-style butter, the dairy is cultured before churning (unlike in American-style butter), adding a certain depth of flavor. I use Myoko’s Vegan European Butter for a dairy-free CCC. It’s essential to use cold butter for dairy-free CCC.
Laundry Love by Patric Richardson: This book offers tips you may not have heard of before and dispels common myths about washing your clothes. I follow his recommendations, so my clothes last longer.
A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney: Comedian Rob Delaney writes about the death of his young son.
The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton: An in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. Continue reading “Great Books to Read”→
My meticulously curated travel guide for 30 A Florida includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
30 A Florida is my favorite vacation destination in Florida. It’s the beautiful beachside towns along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A between Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida. The beachside towns include Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Seagrove, Alys Beach, Watersound, and Water Color. Each has guidelines against high-rises and hotels, making it an ideal location to rent a beach house for the week. It’s great for families and a bachelorette weekend.
For those of you looking for a relaxing getaway, clean beaches, blue water, friendly people, shopping, beautiful rental homes, bike rides, food trucks, farmers markets, and live music, you will love visiting 30A, Florida.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Oregon, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Portland is one of my favorite layovers. The city is divided into many charming neighborhoods. It is one of the best cities for hiking, gluten-free dining, outstanding coffee, boutique shopping, and craft brews.
If you are in town on a Saturday, do not miss the Portland Farmer’s Market.There are many food booths at the market, not just produce.
Portland is one of my favorite places to shop since there is no sales tax and there are many boutiques. I also could spend hours browsing the books at Powell’s Books. It is the largest independent bookstore in the country.
For fantastic sunset views of Mt. Hood, drive or hike up to Pittock Mansion. The grounds outside the home are free to visit and offer stunning views of the city and Mt. Hood.
For lunch, I love the tacos and garden salad at ¿Por Qué No?The Portland City Grillis a great spot for happy hour specials. It is downtown on the 30th floor of the building with panoramic city views. Skip dinner at Portland City Grill and go to Shalom Y’alldowntown. The menu features Mediterranean street food plus Turkish coffee & cocktails. Continue reading “Portland Oregon Travel Guide”→
My meticulously curated travel guide for Venice Beach, California, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
Venice Beach is my favorite district in Los Angeles. If you are visiting for the day, download the TAP app and ride the Big Blue Bus from the LAX Bus Terminal to Venice.
Start your day with an authentic bulletproof coffee at Dave Asprey’s Upgrade Cafe, then walk or run along the beach.
For breakfast, I love the juices and smoothies at Moon Juice.
Venice has excellent shopping along Abbott Kenney Boulevard. My favorite shops are Cuyana and Christy Dawn.
Stop in Gjusta for an afternoon snack and caffeine fix.
For dinner, I recommendGjelina. The lamb burger is outstanding, and the veggies are cooked to perfection.
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Oxford, Mississippi include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, and is one of my favorite college towns. There are many great restaurants, shops, and bookstores. The Ole Miss campus is stunning.
Oxford is centered around “The Square.” The gorgeous, white county courthouse anchors the square and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and adorable shops. Continue reading “Oxford Mississippi Travel Guide”→