Living La Dolce Vita In The Amalfi Coast
2020 did not diminish my desire to travel and see the magnificent world we live in. The “lockdown” only fueled my desire to seek out new destinations and rediscover the world. I hope that we will all be a little kinder to one another and realize what a true privilege it is to pack our suitcase and run through airport security as we embark on your next adventure.
Weekend Wandering: Mistletoe Farm Alpacas
2020 will be the first year since I’ve entered the workforce where I have an excess of vacation. I know, first world problems, but it’s one that I have yet to encounter during my career. Usually, I am over here adding days to long holiday weekends just to squeeze in one more trip, while many of my coworkers feel guilty about leaving or simply don’t want to deal with the piles of work they will come back to. Regardless of the situation, I’m sure we can all relate to one of these.
Weekend Wandering: Cummins Falls and Cookeville
Over the past few years, I’ve spent so much time exploring other places that I forgot how beautiful Tennessee truly is. With so many charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to see why people want to visit. A few weeks ago, I had a chance to hike Cummins Falls State Park and explore Cookeville, Tennessee.
Weekend Wandering: Evins Mill
Until this pandemic is officially behind us, I plan on making the most of this situation or least distracting myself from it. I can’t say that I’m the most outdoorsy person. Call me cliche or high-maintenance for that matter, but camping for days on end without wi-fi, air conditioning or running water is not something I’m excited about.
Howdy, Y'all! Welcome To The Graduate Nashville!
If someone mentioned the idea of a staycation to me a year ago, I would have quickly dismissed that notion as fast as they recommended it. But, my how times have changed. Like many of you, I’ve been working from home since March. While I adore my home, it’s safe to say I’ve yet to spend this many consecutive days within these walls since I’ve moved in. In desperate need of a change of scenery, and no, I don’t mean moving from room to room, I decided to plan a little staycation at the Graduate Nashville.
Weekend Wandering: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Despite the fact that many international borders are closed and flight restrictions are abundant, I’ve been trying to keep travel and exploration alive during COVID-19 quarantine. I’ve looked at photos from my past adventures (honestly, I never realized just how many photos I took), cooked ethnic recipes from around the globe, and watched just about every food documentary housed on Netflix. While all these are great ways to pass the time, it doesn’t satiate my appetite for travel. Travel allows us to broaden our perspective and shapes our minds in ways we didn’t even know were possible and I am missing that more than ever right now.
Weekend Wandering: Arrington Vineyards
If you know me or have been following Blonde Voyage Nashville for any amount of time, it’s no secret that I LOVE wine. Aside from my weekly wine reviews (TJ Tuesdays), I have total geek-out moments when I open my World Atlas of Wine and learn about a new wine-producing region or a grape varietal that I am unfamiliar with. Given my passion for wine, I travel to Napa Valley and surrounding areas at least once or twice a year to explore new vineyards and revisit some old favorites. Even though the airlines are taking the utmost precautions, I’m just not ready to fly.
Weekend Wandering: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
We are living in unprecedented times. If I were to describe the mood of most Americans, words like tense, apprehensive, and anxious come to mind. Many of us have been quarantining in our homes for what feels like an eternity, separated from loved ones, family, and friends. Now that city restrictions are lifting, (Nashville continues to remain in Phase 2 during the time of this post), I am more than eager to get out of the house.
The Many Colors Of Capetown, South Africa
Leaving behind the wild beauty and adrenaline-filled safari drives, I hopped on a plane and headed west to the charismatic and colorful city of Capetown. Known for its picturesque beauty, sweeping seaside vistas, and world-renown wine regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I couldn’t wait to explore it for myself. As soon as I was settled, I began wandering throughout the city, My first stop, Bo-Kaap.
Blonde Voyage's Guide To South Africa
An African safari is one adventure that should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. This is not just a trip of a lifetime. It’s an experience that roused emotions that I’ve never felt before when traveling. I was filled with wonderment as I watched these majestic creatures in their natural habitat the first time grazing along the lush African bush, interacting with their respective “tribes,” and searching for their next prey. I kept thinking “ cue Circle of Life.” In all seriousness, driving through the African bush will capture your heart and imagination like no other.
Weekend Wandering: St. Louis, Missouri
This year travel has looked a little different for me. Rather than go on a few large international trips, I’ve focused more on “microcations” and exploring areas that are only a few hours from Nashville. Let’s rewind a few, ok, many years.
Weekend Wandering: Knoxville, Tennessee
Perched on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Knoxville, Tennessee is much more than tailgating and Tennessee football. Although I am sure some Vols fans would gladly debate that topic with me. Often overshadowed by Memphis and of course current “it-city” Nashville, Knoxville is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Weekend Wandering: French Lick, Indiana
Undoubtedly, travel enriches your life. Not only does it allow you to learn about different cultures and become a more well-rounded individual but it can often be a time of self-reflection and give a renewed sense of adventure. A few weeks ago, I was traveling internationally, racing from terminal to terminal in hopes of making my flight on time. Sprinting through the Heathrow airport, I thought to myself “ this is why I workout, so I can make my flights.” Joking aside, I started to think about my last road trip.
Blonde Voyage's Guide To Dubrovnik
Can you believe that we are halfway through 2019? I’d shake my head in disbelief if I didn’t have a stack of magazines on my coffee table that said otherwise. In a day and age where we consume so much digital media, I find myself more and more enjoying the ritual of pouring a glass of wine, opening up Travel and Leisure or Bon Appétit and escaping my current reality. There’s something so satisfying about holding the pages in my hands and tearing out those articles or recipes that really speak to me.
Camera Ready Captures In Tulum
Why do we take photos?
It’s a question I ask myself regularly as I pull out my iPhone. For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photos. I still remember bringing my bulky 35MM camera with me EVERYWHERE I went. There was nothing more satisfying than finishing a roll of film and dropping it off to have it developed. I would spend hours with my friends looking at pictures, making photo albums and reliving those special moments.
Blonde Voyage's Tulum Travel Guide
Tulum is undoubtedly one of the top trending destinations in the world. It’s almost impossible to scroll through Instagram these days and NOT see one of your favorite bloggers posting about this bohemian-chic jungle town.
Love The Wine You're With
Each trip to wine country presents its own unique, first world challenges. With over 400 wineries in Napa and Sonoma, it can be difficult to decide which new wineries to visit while making time to visit trusted favorites that have yet to disappoint.
Up, Up, And Away In Napa Valley
As 2018 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my travels and adventures throughout the year. I am incredibly grateful to have a chance to visit those places that are familiar and those that were foreign, but extraordinary. While I was doing so, I realized that I had not shared one of my most memorable moments of 2018. Although there are quite a few, this one was certainly momentous.
Keep Austin Weird + Awesome
At the beginning of every year, I put together a wish-list per-se of places I’d like to visit in the upcoming year. Of course, usual suspects like Chicago and San Francisco seem to always make the cut, but I make a concerted effort to incorporate a handful of new places that I have yet to explore. Aside from my colossal trip to Japan earlier in the year, Austin, Texas was one city that made the cut.
A Beginner's Guide To Napa Valley
I am not afraid to admit I am a self proclaimed oenophile. While my friends were throwing back Jager Bombs and Red Bull Vodkas, I was at my local wine shop asking questions and looking for bottles that intrigued me. Don't let me fool you, I had my fair share of Red Bull, but my taste shifted.
Fast forward to 2018 and things haven't changed much. My passion for wine is greater than ever and my friends are now sipping on craft beers and Aperol spritzes.
Prague is one of those cities that just gets you—like an old friend who knows exactly when you need a beer, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a cozy corner to sip in style.