Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. – Margaret MeaId 

Sisters, girlfriends, best friends, whatever you may call them, are the most important relationships a girl can have. Creating memories filled with joy and laughter are what makes these memories worthwhile. I have the privilege of calling few people my friends. They are aware of my love for traveling, though they may not always be able to join me. For the first time in our adult lives, my sister and I decided to head to Isla Verde, Puerto Rico for a girl’s getaway. Normally I like to explore new places by my lonesome, but it felt good to be together. Getting some much-needed sister time and giving her a break from her motherly duties back home. This trip definitely taught me a couple of things: 1) I realized the type of traveler that I am and 2) I learned the value of patience. 

Visiting Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

For this trip, we decided to head to Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. We chose this destination because it was right near the coast and close to the capital, San Juan. We had four days to enjoy this beautiful place. Being the explorer that I am, I had our itinerary in place. All of the places that we would visit each day, you know, no time for rest. No relaxation, no fun. My sister had other plans. I believe her words were “Can’t we just sit and drink?!”. After getting over my frustration, I had one of the best trips in my life. For once, I relaxed. Thanks sis! 

I have been wanting to share this trip with you since then, but I felt it was not in good taste to share my good times when the island was devastated not long after by not one, but two hurricanes back to back. I am not even sure some of the places I visited are still operational (mental note to check)! But I wanted to share with you why Puerto Rico is such an awesome place to visit, especially if you do not have a passport and want to just get away. 

Isla Verde is such a popular destination, full of tourists and locals hustling about. The area is pretty commercial, full of national hotel and food chains. Visitors can find plenty options to get around. You can choose from public transportation, cabs, and Uber. We used Uber a lot, it was pretty cheap for us to get around areas that were not in walking distance.

Where to Stay in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

We stayed at a cute, vibrant boutique hotel right across from the Carolina Beach. If you are looking for a nice clean hotel at an affordable price, TRYP by Wyndham is a very good option. The hotel has a nice modern feel. With plenty of bright colors- hues of blue and orange. 

We stayed in a double with the standard amenities. The bed was super comfortable, which is always a plus. From the room, we could see views of the beach. The room was a little on the small side, but that was perfect because we spent more time outside than in. The bathroom had modern finishes. It had a large stand in shower. Not to mention a huge makeup mirror with built in light. The Tryp contained an outdoor pool, pretty advanced gym, and laundry room. You could also find a pretty spacious lobby area, with a hotel bar/restaurants. 

Where to Eat in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Upon arriving into Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport, we headed straight to the hotel. After getting checked in, we checked out our room and dropped off our luggage. Heading straight for Carolina Beach. Since our flight got in pretty late, we only had time to take a stroll on the beach and grab something to eat. 

Faccio’s

For dinner, we ate one of the hotel restaurants – My favorite dish was the Faccio Logs. It contained queso, fried mozzarella, and pepperoni. The service was subpar, and the waiter was impatient, border-line rude. Which we later learned that was a cultural barrier of those who were not comfortable speaking much English.

Cafe Bistro

Brunch is definitely one of my favorite meals. Cafe Bistro is a small brunch restaurant located in Isla Verde. It was super packed and there is always a wait, but it was totally worth it. Our food came pretty quickly. It was pretty pricey, and we had a chance to enjoy 2/1 mimosas. My favorites dishes were the Gaucho and Nobles. 

Hottie’s Bar and Grill 

If you are looking for a place to go for a good happy hour, Hotties Bar and Grill is the place to go. They have a full bar and restaurant. They have really good drinks and cheap specials. My favorite dish there was the mofongo and churrasco o ropa veija. 

Los Chamos Arepas Venezolanas

I love trying street food when I visit new places. It’s just so authentic and delicious. Located right on the main drag in Isla Verde, you can find a small food stand serving different types of arepas. Not sure if you have ever had an arepas, but they are tasty dough filled goodness. It consists of a sliced corn meal pocket, stuffed with meat, cheeses, and a special garlic sauce. It was the cheapest thing we had during our trip, but it was so worth it. 

Blue Burger

Prior to heading out to La Placita one evening, we headed to Blue Burger for quick bite to eat. Quick, was definitely not what the servers had in mind, because it took us forever to order (waiting on the server) and get our food. It had a diner vibe and all burgers were served on a blue bun. It was delicious. The burger was juicy and the sweet potato fries hit the spot. 

JC Bar & Grill

JC Bar & Grill is located Guaynabo, which was a decent car ride from the hotel. 

Okay, let me tell you how we ended up at JC Bar & Grill… smh! My sister decided that she wanted to go someplace to try an authentic taco. We ordered an Uber and this young guy pulled up. As we were heading in the direction of restaurant, our Uber driver starts to tell us that we don’t want to eat there, that he knew a better place. 

So, I changed our course to the restaurant he provided. I quickly took a screen shot of our route and destination and sent it to my family back home. Now normally, I would have not even considered something like this. I am so glad I did. 

JC Bar & Grill was located in the sketchiest part of town. I mean, real sketchy. Burglar bars on windows and garages type sketchy. You had to be buzzed into the restaurant type sketchy. Okay, you get my drift. 

Seriously, I have never gone to a restaurant to eat that you had to be buzzed in and out to eat. The kitchen and cashier were behind a thick bullet proof window! Again…. sketchy remember! We had a quick wait before we were seated upstairs with our Uber driver. 

He suggested that we order the King Churrasco. It was the best skirt steak I have ever tasted. Who would have known a gem could be found in the sketchiest of places. We enjoyed good food, good conversation, and good laughs. It was all worth it. 

What to Do in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

As I stated, this trip made me realize what type of traveler my sister and I were. Normally, I have a trip itinerary pretty packed with all of the things that I would like to see and do on my trips. I mean, I may not get another chance to visit, right? Anywho, let’s just say I only was able to do one thing on my list. O-N-Ething! My sister wanted to relax. I was ready to explore. It resulted in a disagreement and us not talking for a period of time. 

Relax at Carolina Beach

Located right across the street from our hotel, The Tryp by Wyndham, is Carolina Beach. It was nice and clean. Not too packed. You are able to rent chairs, umbrellas, and jet skis. We spent some time there a couple of times during our trip. It was relaxing to just bask in the sun, soak up some rays, and have some girl time. 

Vibe at La Placita 

If you are looking for nightlife in Isla Verde, La Placita is the way to go. During the day, it is a lively market surrounded by restaurants. At night, once the restaurants are closed, most places turn into a bar or club. 

You can pretty much find anything you are looking for from, country to hip hop or reggaetón to pop. There had to be at least 20+ bars there, with some late-night restaurants. They were packed full of locals and tourists enjoying and dancing the night away. We had such a good time!

Walk the Streets of Old San Juan

I love going to new places and learning about the history of it. Old San Juan streets are full of so much history. From the cobble stone streets to the old architecture, there is so much history to take in. 

Callejon De La Tanca

Callejon de la Tanca is a small bar located in Old San Juan. Outside of the bar, you’ll find a covered area with tables. We stopped here because we were told that they had the best frozen Sangria on the island. For about $4.00, you can have this sweet, but sour drink. It was so good, after two I started feeling pretty tipsy. The bar was filled with locals and tourists hanging about. With a DJ on site, you can enjoy some good music. 

El Morro Fort

There are two forts in Old San Juan, El Morro and Castillo De San Cristobal. El Morro was constructed back in 1539. This national historic site is full of action-packed history dating from 1595 to 1942. It is comprised of a main plaza, a total of six upper and lower levels, and a lighthouse. Admission to the fort is $3.00, $5.00 if you are looking to visit San Cristobal. Children 15 and under are free. Be sure to visit, the views are amazing. 

In addition to enjoying a good drink and some history, we also explored the many souvenir shops, boutiques, art galleries, and unique architecture. A local community event was happening in right across the street from Callejon de la Tanca in La Perla. It was a neat experience because we were able to mix and mingle with locals. (Which is one of my favorite things to do!) There was live music and activities for the kids. It was nice, considering it was stated that we should stay away from the neighborhood. Live life maś! Right?!

I definitely wish I had more time to explore more of Isla Verde and San Juan. Hopefully, I am able to make a solo trip there to enjoy and see more of what Puerto Rico has to offer. This trip was definitely one of my more relaxing trips. If you are looking for an awesome girl’s trip idea that not far and does not require a passport, Puerto Rico is a good option. The island is full of beautiful options to choose from to hang with your bestie(s). 

Happy Travels, 

-Nadia

Have you ever been to Isla Verde, Puerto Rico? Have any tips you want to share? Let me know in the comments. 

The post A Girl’s Weekend Guide to Isla Verde, Puerto Rico appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay

Balloons over Horseshoe Bay is an annual event that takes place at the Horseshoe Bay Resort during Easter weekend. It involves 20 hot air balloons that travel all over the Midwest and Southwest, stopping each year giving attendees the opportunity to view and ride in the hot air balloons, enjoy a helicopter ride, shop local vendors and enjoy local food trucks. 

Adults can enjoy wine tasting and live performances. This all-day family filled event has more than enough activities to keep the kiddos busy. They can rock climb, enjoy an Easter egg hunt, bungee jump, and participate in a live animal show. The night is rounded off with a Balloon Glow finale (which I missed!). The next Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay event takes place April 19-21. 

Visiting Fredericksburg

In my opinion, weekends are the best time to visit Fredericksburg. It’s Main Street downtown is filled with people hustling about taking in all it the town has to offer. There’s so much to eat, see, and do. I decided to head there one Saturday and spend the entire day.

Fredericksburg has a little bit for every thing for everyone. From the lone explorer to a family making a day of it together. To food and wine lovers to history and nature lovers, a trip to Fredericksburg is worth it.

Quick History of Fredericksburg

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, Fredericksburg was the final location established by John O. Meusebach for Germans who were promised plots of land within South and Central Texas. In early 1947, Meusebach met with tribes of the Comanche Indians to negotiate a peace treaty. This resulted in the town’s ability to farm on Comanche land and offered promising times for the Indians in times of hunger. The peace treaty was concluded by the smoking of the peace pipe between Meusenbach and the Comanche tribal leader.

Things to Do in Fredericksburg

One thing I love about visiting new places is learning about its unique history. It’s local Culture. How it became what it is today. I enjoyed learning about Fredericksburg’s unique history. If you find yourself on historic Main Street, you’ll find that it’s a good starting place to explore all that Fredericksburg has to offer.

Vereins Kirche Museum

Sitting at the entryway to Marketplatz is the Vereins Kirsch Museum. This octagon shaped building houses collections of artifacts and history showcasing Fredericksburg’s interesting Texas German history. The original building also known as society church, was originally built in 1847. It served as a church, school, fortress, and meeting hall. Vereins Kirche was one of the original buildings of Fredericksburg.

Marketplatz

Step outside the door of Vernes Kirche Museum and enjoy Marketplatz. Located in the center of Fredericksburg, Marketplatz, or Market Square, is comprised of historic sites, gardens, and pavilions for city events and festivals. Its most notable historic site is where the passing and smoking of the peace pipe between Meusenbach and the Comanche tribe leader.

Pioneer Museum

Located a few blocks from the Vereins Kirche Museum is the Pioneer Museum. This combination museum and historic site provides visitors with another look into the lives of Texas German inhabitants.

I love strolling through the grounds of places similar to this. Getting an idea of what life was like. From eating, sleeping, and working, to learning about the inhabitants from infancy to adulthood.

On the grounds of the Pioneer Museum, there are 10 buildings that you can leisurely stroll through. Stories are told though historic homesites, a one room school house, log cabin, Sunday house, bath house, barn and smokehouse, and a fire house.

Explore Historic Main Street

Main Street is the heart of Fredericksburg. In addition to historic sites, there are plenty of eats, unique shops, and wineries and breweries- many of which are right along Main Street.

Stop by the lone star candy bar to get your sweet tooth fixed here you can find over 20+ flavors of fudge, jellybeans, Taffy, and M&Ms. Chocolate dipped goodies of bacon, pickles, jalapeños, and Twinkies.

Rustlin’ Robs is a Nother fun place to explore. You can try varieties of foods. Such as honey, peanut, or fruit butters. My favorites were the sea salt caramel pecan and praline pecan honey butter. You can also taste hot sauces, salsas, jams and jellies, barbecue, and marinades and glazes.

While I did not get a chance to explore the National Museum of the Pacific War, I did get to stroll through the Japanese Garden of Peace and Memorial Walk. They were both peaceful places to relax after a busy day of exploring.

Visit Wild Seed Farms

Continue on a few miles up Highway 290 to Wild Seed Farms. You’ll know when you have arrived when you see large fields of colorful wild flowers along the highway. You can enjoy the wildflower blue blooms from March to October. Shop at blossoms boutique and visit the Nursery for unique plants and accessories from one of the largest garden centers in the Texas Hill Country.

Explore the walking trails and try out your photography skills and one of the mini wild flower fields. After head to the Brewbonnett Biergarden for a cold beer and refreshments why you enjoy some live music. If you are looking for a more relaxing and firemen try wedding oak winery.

Visiting LBJ Ranch

 Located in Lyndon B. Johnson Historic National Park is LBJ Ranch, also known as the Texas White House. This was the home to the birthplace and final resting place of 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson. On the grounds you can find his home (which you can tour), working ranch, presidential plane, and other mementos during its active years. 

By the time I arrived to the Visitor Center, I had just missed the ability to tour the White House. You can do a self guided tour in the comfort of your car as you travel through the ranch grounds. On the nature trail, you can find Texas longhorns, bison, wild turkeys, and other native wildlife. 

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

If you are looking for a relaxing way to enjoy breakfast in Fredericksburg, the herb farm is a lovely place. In addition to the farm it has a restaurant, spa, cottages for staycations and a cute gift shop. I love walking through the grounds and taking in the various smells , snapping photos of the statues throughout.

It was such a tranquil area to stroll through. One of these days I plan on booking a weekend stay at one of its cottages and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. Lawd knows I need that in my life. 

To say Fredericksburg is small in comparison to other popular Texas cities, there is so much to do and see. I definitely plan on returning to experience its wineries, breweries, restaurants and other attractions. 

Until next time…

Nadia

Did I miss any “must-dos” when visiting Fredericksburg? Let me know in the comments. 

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I’d like to think that I am the most cautious traveler I know. Willing to step a smidge out of my comfort zone so long as I can be in control. In control of me, my emotions, my surroundings. All of that was out the window when I went to Gallup, NM with my coworker. Prior to going to any place I’ve never been, I always plan ahead. Looking at where I am going, what to do, see, eat, & avoid (Hence my control issues!). For this trip, I did none of the sort because my coworker had already been to Gallup. After work we planned on getting comfortable and exploring.

Gallup,  New Mexico

Before I hop into my lovely trip, let me give you some background on Gallup. If you’re like me, you have probably never heard of it. (Gallup who?) It’s a small town on the outskirts of the Navajo Nation, a couple hours west of Albuquerque. It is located on historic Route 66. Gallup is known as the Gateway to the Navajo Nation due to its close proximity to the Navajo Indian reservation. It is surrounded by beautiful, scenic destinations for outdoor and art lovers and those seeking a sense of culture. I am always in awe of how much the scenery changes from the South to the North. Starting with flat, below sea level lands, then hills and plateaus, to jagged mountain ranges. On the drive to Gallup, there were beautiful views all along the highway.

Pyramid Rock Trail @ Red Rock State

My coworker decided that it would be best to visit Red Rock State Park, which contains two trails- Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. We decided on Pyramid Rock. I took each step with no expectation. Fully trusting my coworker. (Oh, my control issues!). Ready to admit that I have only hiked one other time in my life. One our way up, we met an older gentleman, who told us that he has hiked the trail many times and to not stay on it too late because it gets dark pretty fast. The trail itself was a little over 3 miles total, with an elevation of 7,000 plus feet. Once at the top, it provided awesome views of Gallup, military armory with artillery mounds still in existence, and surrounding areas.

The Detour

On our way down, we took a wrong turn and ended up off the trail. We found ourselves heading to Church Rock. In our search of trying to get back on the Pyramid Rock trail, we encountered a group of military personnel who assured us that if we continued, there was another way to get back down to the trail entrance. I guess they were trying to quickly get out of the park before dark, because within a matter of minutes we lost sight of them. Instead of turning around and heading back the way that we came, we ventured further on the trail. Which was so confusing to me. The only indication that we were on the trail was a pile of rocks with sporadic signage.

Now by this time, the sun has begun to set. We reached a portion of the trail that we determined that there was no way down or across. Stay with me. Its around 8pm and it is beginning to get dark fast. I instantly begin to panic. Partly due to it getting dark, mostly due to the fact that we were lost. L-O-S-T! I have never felt so out of control in my life!

The Panic

Let me bring up the fact that we have been walking for the last few hours, water was getting low and our phone batteries were barely handing on. In an effort to get us closer to the trail, my coworker stated that we needed to go up! Not like walk up a trail, but up a steep side of the range. I was in full panic mode. But I had to press forward because our options were to get closer to the trail or stay the night. Well the latter was definitely out the question.

Shoutout to my coworker- he was able to calm me down and keep me from having a panic attack by remaining calm and talking to me. Anywho, we began our climb up. That was the hardest climb up. I pretty much gave up with each step, but he pulled me on. My legs were giving out and I was beginning to feel faint. I could not climb anything further when we reached some flat land.

The Rescue

As I took a break to gather myself mentally, get some food and water in my system, he got to work on what we needed to do next. Battery – 15%. I was exhausted- mentally, physically, & emotionally. Fire #1 was built as I tried to gather myself and he tried to figure out which way we go next which involved more up. That I couldn’t handle. I suggested that we call 911, instead of aimlessly trying to find a trail that we had no idea of how close to it we were or not. Fire #2 – 911 called.

I was told that I would be called back when help was on the way. Battery – 11%. We decided to move up a little further & fire # 3 was built to give better visibility to our rescuers. After what seemed like a lifetime to me, we received a call that help was on the way. We were met with the calvary – the sheriff, fire department, & EMT. They were all so attentive and helpful. Not sure if they will ever see this but…. THANK YOU!

Lessons Learned

If I had to do the experience all over again, I would. Minus the getting lost part, of course. I definitely learned some lessons from it.

1. Pay attention to your surroundings remembering key things or leave trail markers. Even if that means traveling with someone experienced.
2. Pack plenty of water and snacks – like candy, gum, trail mix, etc.
3. Pack a flashlight. You never know if you may get into a sticky situation after dark.
4. Carry a power bank. Having that extra charge could be a life saver from getting back on the trail through navigation or calling for help.
5. Read up on the trail prior to hiking. Apps like All Trails come in handy. It gives trail difficulties, layouts, and feedback from prior hikers.

To say that we were exhausted was a complete understatement. We barely had any energy to explore anything else. I did get the chance to go to Window Rock in Arizona and take a few snaps.

I can honesty say that this was definitely a unique experience. One that I will never forget. It took me a week to mentally and physically recover. As I look back on it, it could have been so much worst. Thank God that there were wild animals encountered. If you are ever in New Mexico, be sure to stop and enjoy its beautiful views through out. Visit Red Rock State Park and hike to the top of Pyramid Rock.

Travel is not always pretty. Have you ever had any travel mishaps? Let me know in the comments.

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We are not makers of history, we are made by history. – Martin Luther King Jr.

History may not always be pretty, but it lets us know who we are. Where we have come from and helps shape where we are going. In December, I visited the Whitney Plantation in South Louisiana. I can honestly say that this was a great experience. I have never experienced so many different emotions during a tour. I went from happy, to sad, to angry. It gave me an honest look into what life was like on the Planation, showing both the good and bad sides of slavery. It made me appreciate the history of my home state no matter how brutal it was. This plantation, along with many others, is a must see if you are visiting Louisiana. It is about an hours’ drive from New Orleans.

The Whitney Plantation

The Whitney Plantation dates back to the mid-1700’s with the Haydel family, who emigrated from Germany to Louisiana in 1721. The Plantation’s major operations were the production of indigo and then sugar. Many of the original drums used in the process of making sugar can be found throughout the property.

You can find numerous statues throughout the property of the children said to have lived on the plantation during its active years. If you look closely at the statues, you’ll notice that none of the children have eyes. Purposely done by the sculptor as record keeping was pretty much non-existent during those days.

Enough about the history, I hope you enjoy the stories that these photos tell.

History has a way of teaching us something. Hopefully my pictures provided an accurate description of the emotions I felt while visiting this beautiful plantation.

Have you ever been to an old Plantation Home? Let me know in the comments.

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In March of 2013, I took my first trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For this trip we stayed at an awesome mountain home outside of Pigeon Forge. We basically just needed to bring our clothing. It was fully furnished and included a game room. We enjoyed beautiful mountain views on a daily basis. I will say that the weather was still pretty chilly. For this trip, we visited Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, downtown Gatlinburg and then Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is a nice little town not far from Gatlinburg. It is filled with restaurants, museums, an outlet mall, and last but not least Dollywood. We spent a small amount of time there, enjoying a few meals. If I return again in the future, I am definitely going to have to spend more time here.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a pleasant valley located in the Smoky Mountains. It was my first opportunity to view wildlife so out in the open. Visitors have the ability to explore the park by camping, hiking, or by a self-guided tour. We opted for the tour. It is an 11-mile one way loop around the cove. We were able to sightsee at our own pace, learning about the Cove’s history and trying to spot as many wildlife as we could. No black bears… unfortunately.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is such a quaint town with loads of things to do. First on our list was to take a ride in the Gatlinburg Aerial Tram from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski area and back. Yes, ski area is right. It was terrifying for me, especially when two trams bypassed each other. It offered beautiful views. We then explored Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. I do not have to tell you how excited I was for that. It’s no secret how much I enjoy exploring aquariums. Which was followed by us taking a stroll through downtown, checking out unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. Like sampling some moonshine from the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. My favorite was the Apple Pie. If you are thinking about visiting Tennessee, I suggest adding Gatlinburg to your list.

The Biltmore Estates

We decided on our last day to take a quick drive to Asheville, North Carolina, to the Biltmore Estates. I love learning about the history of people, places, and things. The Biltmore was home to one of America’s richest and most influential families… The Vanderbilts. We got to tour their lovely home, filled with grand rooms, silk tapestries on the walls, huge library, and pretty advanced kitchen and slave quarters (well for that time, at least). I wish I could have taken pictures, but we were prohibited from taking photography of any kind from within the home. You can take as many photos as you like of the outside grounds and gardens. The grounds contain restaurants, shops, a winery, and inns for overnight stays. I really recommend adding the Biltmore to your North Carolina bucketlist.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Tennessee. And would do it again if given the chance. I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. ‘Xcuse the quality of my photos, these were taken in 2013.

-Nadia-

What was the first trip that increased your love for nature and travel?

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Zilker Park is a vast 351 acre metropolitan park located in Austin, TX. It consists of the Green Belt, Botanical Garden, Sculpture Garden, Natural Spring Pool, and numerous open areas that families can enjoy any day of the week. I encourage anyone visiting this awesome city to take a trip there and enjoy. Trust me its worth it on a nice sunny day.

Visiting Zilker Park Botanical Garden

Located in the center of Austin, the Zilker Park is a good place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden. Admission is $3.00 per person. (So Cheap!) Definitely a good family trip idea for the weekend. Its most notable gardens are the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Pioneer Village. Bring your camera, there are some really photo-worthy opportunities. All of my photos were taken with my Nikon D60. (I know, I know! Ancient!) Okay enough talking… enjoy!

The Gardens

It was discovered in 1992 that dinosaurs walked around Zilker Park. Paleontologists discovered reptile tracks, even bones of ancient turtle were found. Through out the prehistoric garden you can find plants indigenous to Austin during that era.

The Gardens were a lush green, with sprinkles of colorful flowers through out. Displaying the flowers and plants indigenous to the area and the state of Texas.

Pioneer Village

Pioneer Village sits near the entrance of the Botanical Garden. It consists of the Swedish Pioneer Cabin, Esperanza Schoolhouse, the Wishing Well, and Pioneer Blacksmith shop. They each provided a display of the items needed to live in the 1800’s. Sorry for the lack of photos on the inside, bars and plexiglass made it difficult to snap some photos. It is worth viewing though.

History surrounds this cupola that rests in the Mabel Davis Rose Garden. It topped the first public school built in Austin in 1894. The building has since been demolished and this little piece of history serves as a reminder of Austin’s early history.

Japanese Garden

Japanese Gardens are always so peaceful and tranquil to me. It’s the whole ambiance that I love, from the plants to the ponds filled with beautiful Koi fish that seem to have no care in the world. Swimming around brightly colored. It’s so funny that when I was capturing the Togetsu-kyo Bridge or the “Bridge to Walk Over the Moon”, I met one of Austin’s many notable photographers. After chatting for a bit, he gave me one of his signed photos of the Togetsu-kyo Bridge for free. He provided some pointers and proceeded to watch the many people snapping the same beautiful shot.

Hope you enjoyed,

Nadia

Have you been to any awesome botanical gardens while exploring new destinations?

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The Atmosphere at Slab BBQ

Upon entering Slab BBQ, you instantly feel its laid back vibe. Part of that vibe is attributable to old school R&B and hip hop blaring from its speakers. You can find bar serving up craft beers and cocktails, an outdoor patio and an additional room that can be used for private parties. The employees were pretty helpful in answering questions and providing recommendations on what to try.

The Food

Slab’s menu provides a good variety of items. Its focus is more on bbq “sammiches”, providing speciality items like pork ribs, bbq nachos with meat or country hash, which is bbq meat served over rice. I opted for the CHICKEN.W.A with a side of bbq brisket nachos. Oh, and I can’t forget the side of extra queso. You can try their four unique sauces: backyard red, gold rush, dank white, and spicy hot.

The CHICKEN.W.A. consisted of slow-smoked natural chicken breast topped with their very own mustard slaw & onions. I topped it off with both the backyard red & dank white sauce. The sliced chicken breast was tasty, juicy and the slaw out a nice spin on it. The nachos were just as tasty. It consisted of tortilla chips topped with brisket, queso, onions, pickles, and backyard red sauce.

Slab has easily become one of my favorite places to get a good bbq sandwich with a unique spin.

I am always looking for recommendations for my next foodie adventure! Have you been any good places lately?

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Accommodations

For my stay in Baltimore, I stayed at the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel. Lord Baltimore Hotel is a boutique hotel with a classic look with modern charm. For this stay, I was in the Deluxe King Room. The room was spacious and relaxing. Thanks to its dark decor. Outside of the usual room items, the bed was exceptionally comfortable with a pillow top mattress and awesome bedding. The hotel is located a short distance from the Inner Harbor (three blocks, to be exact) and numerous restaurants, bars and attractions. I recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an affordable hotel in an area that is already a little pricey.

Read about my stay at the Lord Baltimore Hotel here.

Where to Eat

Baltimore is definitely known for its blue crab that goes into its famous crab cakes. Since I cannot eat them due to health reasons, I tried to find other things to eat. Here are some places worth noting:

Mo’s Seafood

Upon the recommendation of a hotel employee, I gave Mo’s Seafood a try. Mo’s has five locations in the Baltimore area. For my trip, I went to the location in little Italy. The neighborhood seems pretty sketchy, but looks can be deceiving. It had a small, down to earth vibe. I think this had more to do with the people eating there than the place itself. Crab cakes are its signature dish (of course!). I opted for the rockfish and potatoes. Doesn’t sound like much, but it was actually very good.

Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen & Bar

Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives) is one of my favorite Food Network shows. Along side of the food, I love the show because of Guy Fieri himself. Located in the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Guy Fieri’s is worth a stop. Good food and big portions. The service was a little on the slow side that night. For some reason, people were being sent home and servers had to take on more tables. It didn’t make sense to me, but oh well.

I ordered the Bacon Mac-n-Cheese Burger. Yes, it looks as good as it tastes. It is crispy smoked bacon, six-cheese Mac-n-cheese, LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles), crispy onions, & donkey sauce- all on top a burger with a garlic buttered brioche bun. The trifecta of bacon, Mac-n-cheese and beef hit all my levels of comfort-ness (is that a word?).

Miss Shirley’s Cafe

While planning my trip to Baltimore, people kept telling me to try Miss Shirley’s Cafe. On my first visit to Baltimore, I missed an opportunity to patronize this award winning establishment due to me being last minute. This go round, I decided that I would go there pretty early. Before I get into the food, I want to talk about the experience. If you think you will just walk up and be seated right away or much less in the next 10 minutes, think again! No matter if you are flying solo, a couple, or a big group, the wait is pretty long. They make up for it by allowing you to enjoy a nice coffee or cappuccino while you wait. You can also enjoy one of their delicious mimosas. That alone made me forget about how long the wait was. It was pretty strong. And I only had one!

When I finally was seated, ordering was pretty quick and my food was out in no time. I loved the fact that before I ordered any food, my waitress asked if I had any food allergies. Since she persuaded me not to get the infamous chicken and waffles due my shellfish allergy, I opted for an omelet and a side of mini Belgian waffles. If you are traveling to Baltimore, Miss Shirley’s should definitely be on your list. There are three locations in Baltimore.

Best of Luck Candy and Ice Cream

Located in the Inner Harbor, Best of Luck Candy and Ice Cream is a candy shop and ice cream parlor that is a worthy stop for anyone. You can buy candy by the pound. Even those vintage, hard to find varieties. They also sell homemade ice cream. For my trip, I tried a scoop of salted caramel and cookies ’n cream ice cream. The scoops were pretty huge and a good end to a warm day exploring the Inner Harbor.

Things To Do

Baltimore has plenty to do and see. For my trip, I stayed in and around the Inner Harbor. This area had plenty to keep you busy during your visit.

Walk & Shop Harbor Place or Harbor East in the Inner Harbor

It’s a given that one of the things to do at the Inner Harbor is to eat and shop. There are a good variety of restaurants in the area, offering different cuisines to try. After filling your belly, you can walk around and shop on the harbor itself or at the mall across the street.

Enjoy 360-views from Observation Deck of the World Trade Center

Located right on the harbor, the World Trade Center towers. I am always looking for ways to learn and obtain knowledge. Aside from the awesome 360-views, there is so much history and tribute surrounding such a tragic moment in history. Pieces from Ground Zero are on display for viewing. It was a solemn experience, but worth seeing.

Eat, Drink, Shop Fells Point

Fells Point is a neighborhood not to far from the Harbor. You can get there by walking, car, or public transportation. I hopped on the Circulator and it did not take long to get there. It is such a quaint neighborhood. The streets are paved with blue cobblestones. Fells Point has a good variety of restaurants, bars, and small boutiques to browse and enjoy.

Visit Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

I always try to visit any African American museum while exploring. It was interesting to understand the history that African Americans contributed to the World and Baltimore. My favorite part of the museum was the dedication to Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Try your luck at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and dance the night away

Looking for a little adult fun? Horseshoe Casino is a good option. It is completely smoke free, which is totally different than what I was used to back home. It had a variety of slot and table games. In the center of it all was 14Forty. Enjoy a nice drink or drinks (if you are looking to have a good time), enjoy some live music, or groove to some DJ tunes.

Explore the National Aquarium

While all aquariums pretty much follow the same theme, they are all very different. Like museums, I am always down to visit an aquarium. No matter how small or similar it may be to one I may have visited in the past. It makes me feel kid-like, oh’n and ahh’n everything I see. I know… sad!

I always enjoy each of my visits to Baltimore. There is always so much to do, see, and enjoy.

Have you been to Baltimore? What was your favorite thing to do? Let me know in the comments.

The post Baltimore appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

Read more about my trip to Baltimore.

The Lord Baltimore Hotel was established in 1928 and is one of Maryland’s oldest and largest historic hotels.  Upon entering the hotel, I was taken in by the classic nature of the lobby. This hotel was renovated in 2005 and they still kept some the classic style while making it modern.

Staying at the Lord Baltimore Hotel

Check-in was pretty smooth and easy. Came across some reviews stating that there were issues with their reservations or customer service was severely lacking. I guess I caught them on a good day. I also might mention that it was actually pretty affordable considering most hotels near the Inner Harbor can be pretty pricey.

For my stay, I stayed in the Deluxe King Guestroom. The room was pretty standard. Offering the usual: desk, TV, chair, etc. The best part of my stay was the comfy bed. I do not spend much time in the room besides to sleep, so comfortable beds are a must. This fit right in to the decor, which was nice and relaxing.

The hotel has a pretty standard fitness center, but guests can enjoy on-call fitness trainers and yoga instructors.

Eating at the Lord Baltimore Hotel

Lord Baltimore Hotel provides a nice variety of options for eats and drinks.

LB Bakery

If you are looking for a quick bite for breakfast or an afternoon snack, LB Bakery is a good option. From its housemate bread and pastries to quick salads and sandwiches, LB Bakery is a quick on-the-go option for hotel guests.

The French Kitchen

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the French Kitchen provides its own spin on classic French bistro fare. Brunch options are also available. The French Kitchen is located at the top of the staircase in the elegant Versailles Room.

LB Tavern

If you are looking for a good evening hangout, LB Tavern may be a good option. Serving up handmade, classic cocktails, LB Tavern also provides local Baltimore beer on tap and a gastropub menu.

LB Skybar

LB Skybar is open to the older, mature guests 21+. Located on the 19th floor, LB Skybar provides great views of the harbor. Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment, happy hour specials, and good vibes.

Things Nearby

If you are looking for things to do near the hotel within walking distance, check out the following:

• Eat/Shop at the Inner Harbor
• Head up to the Observation Deck of the World Trade Center
• Catch an Orioles game at Camden Yard
• Visit the National Aquarium
• Explore nearby Museums

I would definitely stay at the Lord Baltimore Hotel if given the opportunity again. Have you ever been to Baltimore? What was your favorite thing to do?

The post Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

Blank walls are a shared canvas and we are all artists. – Karla H. Krueger

I love exploring new places and discovering the artistic capabilities of random strangers. Art only known by his or her unique style. Graffiti, a transient form of art, is one of my favorite forms of artwork. It has progressed from simple “tags” to beautiful works of art, such as murals, drawings, and can incorporate 3-D features.

Visiting Castle Hill

When visiting the Austin area, the Hope Outdoor Gallery (known as Castle Hill or Graffiti Park) is a must see. The Hope Outdoor Gallery is an non-profit organization that was started in 2011. It is a place for muralists, street artists, art education classes and community groups that opportunity to express their creative sides. On any given day, you can find artists creating thier next visual creations. Castle Hill is located in downtown Austin on private property. You will know you are there when you find the street packed with cars.

People make the short trek to the top for great view of downtown Austin. Snapping their favorite pieces of street art, selfies, or leaving their on mark on the Hill. Bring your own spray can or grab one of the many lying around. I can be honest and say that I have never been to the top of the Hill. Getting up there can be a little challenging. Be sure to where comfortable shoes if you do. I have had a few missteps and slips making my way up or down. I guess it is all part of the experience. The under developed condo area is set to be relocated to a six-acre project at Carson Creek Ranch.

Here are some of my favorite snaps… Please excuse the vulgar language.

Until next time…

Nadia

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