Weekend Wandering: Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile
Life in Nashville as I once knew it revolved around restaurant experiences, quality time with family and friends, live music and travel, lots of travel. Riddled with a sense of bewilderment, I’m slowly adjusting to what many hate to call the “ new normal” where masks are the newest fashion statement, catch up sessions occur via FaceTime, and travel is almost nonexistent.
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.
Brightside Bakeshop: Baking Days Brighter For Nashvillians
2020, I’d like a do-over.
To say it’s been a hell of a year, is the understatement of the century, especially for those of us who live in Nashville. First, deadly tornadoes swept through Nashville in early March causing severe devastation in East Nashville, Germantown, and other surrounding areas.
Chefs Warehouse At Maison
South Africa is well known for its wildlife and wilderness, but did you know it has a thriving food and wine scene? Even though I spent most of the trip in the African bush, I had a few days to explore Franschhoek, an area known for its magnificent landscapes, charming vineyards and fine cuisine. Many would argue that it has become the culinary capital of South Africa.
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.
Haute Chocolate At Honest Chocolate
I’ve never met a piece of chocolate that I did love. It’s been my weakness for as long as I can remember. So, when one of my friends suggested checking out Honest Chocolate while we were wandering around Capetown, it was a decision that I fully supported.
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.
How To Host An Effortless Friendsgiving
‘Tis the season for all things family as the holiday season is officially upon us. While many of us have time-honored Thanksgiving traditions like watching the Macy’s Day Parade and making our great-grandmother’s cornbread dressing, others may be a little apprehensive about these so-called family gatherings. Navigating dinner conversation while avoiding topics like politics, religion and your current dating situation can be tricky. Let’s face it, people are often better at passing judgment than the potatoes sometimes, am I right?
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.
The Best Booze And Bites of Music City Food And Wine Festival 2019
Major road closures, football matchups, and multi-stage music festivals did not hinder locals and tourists alike from attending the seventh annual Music City Food and Wine Festival. After all, If there’s one thing Nashvillians love, it’s good food and booze.
A Perfect Ending To A Week In Geneva: Le Flacon
Finance by day food by night is the mantra that I have been living by since I started Blonde Voyage Nashville three years ago. While I spend my days as a project manager who’s often eyeball deep in spreadsheets or slide decks, my evenings are filled with food tastings, checking out Nashville’s newest establishments and networking with some of Music City’s most enthusiastic foodies. Life is all about balance, right?
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.
One Of My Best Meals Of 2019: Pianostrada Laboratorio di Cucina
Keep your friends close and your friends with excellent restaurant recommendations closer. Isn’t that how the saying goes?
Earlier this year when I was creating my itinerary for Croatia and the Amalfi Coast (more to come on the blog about that) when I realized that I would have just enough time in Rome to enjoy dinner before boarding the train to Naples.
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.
Elevate Your Cocktail Game At Machine
Cocktail culture is something that not only intrigues me but is constantly evolving. Gone are the days of sipping on rum and cokes and pounding Jager-bombs, unless you still reside on a college campus or in your parent’s basement. In a world where craft cocktails are king, barflies are sipping on timeless classics like Martinis, Manhattans, and Margaritas.
An Insider's Guide To Surviving Music City Food + Wine Festival 2019
Back for its seventh year, The Music City Food and Wine Festival returns to Bicentennial Park on September 20-22, 2019. Without question, this is one of my favorite Nashville events as it shines a spotlight on the food and beverage scene in Music City. After all, there’s much more to Nashville than honky-tonks, hot chicken and hockey! This weekend-long festival is filled with culinary demonstrations, seminars, and panels along with tasting tents highlighting food, wine, spirits and beer from Music City and beyond.
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.
Fire To Table Simplicity At Arca
“ Where should I eat in Tulum?”
Aside from asking where to say, that’s quite possibly one of the most loaded questions a traveler can ask.
Like any food enthusiast, I put in the time and did the research. However, you know you have a problem when you have more restaurants to try than meals to eat! Of course, it’s a great problem to have and only means there are return trips in my future.
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.