Travel Archives - Page 48 of 90

Traveling Daydreams in 2021

January 13, 2021

Traveling Daydreams in 2021

For obvious reasons, travel in 2020 did not go according to plan. I really don’t have much to complain about, but may have been the biggest disappointment. It’s one of my favorite things to do and the number one thing I enjoy writing about. For 2021, do I even dare to think about travel? Because I’m set in my ways, the answer is still yes, even though I’m scaling back on the optimism. With the future of travel still unclear for the new year, I have my mind on domestic locations and international destinations that are fairly close to home. That leaves with just enough room for a dash of wishful thinking, because what could it hurt?

Domestic

Gasparilla Inn

This has become our local escape and is beginning to feel like a second home. Whenever David and are itching for some change in scenery, this sweet little hotel on the Gulf of Mexico is the answer! We’re not even out of January and are already planning for a long weekend very soon.

Charleston, SC

This is a southern city that has been calling my name for years! We had a trip tentatively planned in 2020, but it ultimately didn’t end up happening. Since it’s going to be hard to convince David of international trips, I’m hoping to find some time in the long year to make the drive up for a weekend or even a week. One of the perks of working from home is that I get to work from anywhere.

travel plans, 2021, daydreaming, Merida, Harbour Island, Peru, pink maxi dress

Vermont & New England

Most importantly on this list, we want to find the time to head North to visit David’s parents and grandma in Vermont. Unsurprisingly, New England has had some pretty strict quarantine policies which I’m more than happy to respect. I’m hoping in the summertime, those measures will be lessened and we can justify a New England road trip. I would love to revisit Newport, explore Boston, and relax at Basin Harbor, a little lakeside resort in Vermont.

New Orleans

This is the longest stretch that I’ve ever been away from the Crescent City. It is sincerely my favorite place in the United States! While Jazz Fest 2021 is still up in the air, I hope to get there for a quick weekend to eat around the city and revisit some of my favorite spots. For more inspiration, be sure to revisit all of my previous New Orleans content.

International

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Even though this is an international destination, it couldn’t be closer to the Sunshine State. I feel like I don’t need to really explain why this would be on a travel list… Have you seen the pictures of their pink sand beaches? Rent a beach house for a long and relaxing week sounds like the perfect, blissful escape.

Merida, Mexico

One of my favorite bloggers, Stephanie Hill from The Style Bungalow, has been sharing snapshots from this quiet town. She is even planning on having her wedding there. I instantly fell in love with the colonial architecture and historic streets. It’s a fairly quick day of travel and you can rent a full hacienda for next to nothing. I’ll skip the party mood of Cancun for this any day of the week.

Lima, Peru

This was the big trip planned for 2020. Everything was booked and we waited anxiously to find out if we’d be able to go. I bet you can guess the answer to that. Luckily, since it was mostly purchased with points, all of our reservations were postponed. That being said, those travel points are burning a hole in my pocket, and want to visit Peru as soon as we can!

Athens & the Greek Isles

Now, I know this is a long shot, but here goes. Before David and I plan to start a family, we have the big three on our travel list. Think of it as his, hers, and ours of travel destinations. Visiting Peru and Machu Pichu is his and going to Greece is hers (mine). My hometown has an incredible Greek-American community and some of my closest friends growing up had strong family ties to Greece. I have daydreamed about going since I was a kid and this year, my 30th birthday, would be perfect timing… However unlikely right now. In case you were wondering, ours on the list is a summer road trip through Ireland, but I’ll save that for 2022.

Even with travel is still up in the air, there’s no harm in staying curious and daydream about destinations that have yet to be explored. While it seems like this crunch on the travel industry has been going on forever, trust that it too shall pass. Don’t rush into anything and stay healthy in the new year and beyond.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club

January 5, 2021

The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club

From corner to corner, there are so many perfectly picturesque spots in Florida. When you grow up in the Sunshine State, it’s hard to pick a favorite. After years of combing, I think I’ve finally decided on a favorite vacation spot. It’s quiet, relaxed, and a quick drive away from St. Pete. No matter where you call home, you absolutely must book a stay at the Gasparilla Inn. Recently, they unveiled their newly update Beach Club. I was honored when I was able to stop by a get a tour to see for myself.

Gasparilla Inn Beach Club

Originally opening in 1911, the Gasparilla Inn has long been an oasis for travelers from across the country. Since the beginning, their Beach Club has been one of the most loved aspects of the property. Nestled right on the pristine Gulf of Mexico, it is truly a gem. In the hundred plus years, it has gone over many iterations, including being lost to a hurricane in 1921. The latest remodeling now includes three pools, restaurant, event space, and clubhouse. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the private beach space that is reserved only for hotel guests and club members. Even though it’s just a short drive away from home, I instantly feel transported to a Caribbean island.

The Clubhouse

The latest redesign is all thanks to Palm Beach based Kemble Interiors. The team is also responsible for interior design in the main hotel and was one of the driving factors for me wanting to stay at the Gasparilla Inn. To say that Kemble Interiors has perfected Old Florida is an understatement. With an endless array of palms, shells, and animal motifs, it’s perfectly quirky with just the right amount of kitschy accents. The best example of that design is in the new clubhouse. As soon as I walked in from the buzz of the pool, I knew I was going to love this space. It was quiet, inviting, and just my style. Tropical pieces left and right had me taking notes about future home decor inspiration. Note to self, I must get a backgammon table!

Food and Drink

Finally, it’s important to know that a relaxing beach weekend will leave you well fed and hydrated. The Beach Club has you covered. Because of my Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Gasparilla Inn, I’m no stranger to their delicious menu and yummy frozen drinks. Along with the new design, they also brag a revamped menu. If you’ve visited before, don’t worry, they kept all of the classics. My favorite new item is the build-your-own salad. While David was enjoying his mahi mahi sandwich, I got to create my perfect salad. All the while, we sipped on daiquiris and appreciated the endless hospitality.

As you consider where to escape the cold or simply where to have a refreshing weekend, I cannot recommend the Gasparilla Inn enough! Every element is designed for ultimate relaxation. Especially with the newly reopened Beach Club, you won’t even want to leave!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Travel Guide: Palm Beach

December 1, 2020

Travel Guide: Palm Beach

Dress (also) || Heels ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Picture from Caroline at LCB Creative

What I can say about Palm Beach, Florida that hasn’t already been said? It’s nothing short of perfect! That’s especially true if you’re like me: an old soul with a penchant for pastel colors, good food, and elegance. Whether you’re visiting from another region of the Sunshine State or afar from NYC, here are some of my recommendations for a perfectly Palm Beach weekend.

Travel Guide, Palm Beach, Girl's weekend, Florida

Where to Stay

The Chesterfield: Situated just off of Worth Avenue, this historic hotel is perfectly located for a weekend stay, or longer! As soon as you walk, you will be treated like royalty, with so many nods to British culture. I give you a full view of the hotel in my previous post, Girl’s Trip to the Chesterfield.
The Colony: Where do I begin with this hotel? It really is something you need to see and experience for yourself. It has hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Frank Sinatra and always feels like the place to be. What I truly love about this space is the interior design from Kemble Interiors. It’s colorful, it’s carefree, and is quintessential Florida.

Travel Guide, Palm Beach, Florida, girl's weekend

Where to Eat

Sant Ambroeus: This restaurant and cafe will always be a personal favorite. In my NYC days, I would make a point to get a coffee at their Madison Avenue location at least once a week. From breakfast to dinner, everything on their menu is impeccable!
Ta-Boo: This is a Palm Beach staple located right on Worth Avenue. Originally opened in 1941, it was a favorite of the Kennedy clan. Having won several culinary awards since then, it serves up delicious food in an elegant setting. It’s the perfect spot for an evening out, especially if you want to rub elbows with the it crowd.
Swifty’s: Inspired by the Upper East Side bistro of the same name, this pop-up restaurant is located poolside at the Colony Hotel. It is simply too good to pass up! Stopping by at lunchtime, the cocktails were pouring and the DJ was playing. I’ve been daydreaming about the curry chicken salad ever since.
Piccolo Gelato: Sometimes you just need a refreshing pick-me-up! This tiny gelato shopped, tucked away on Via Mizner, is perfect for a warm Palm Beach day! Although you’re a long way from Italy, the Italian style gelato may just match up with anything I had in Rome. My personal favorite duo is limoncello and mango.

Where to Drink

Cafe 155: I wish I was kidding, but I definitely had coffee here every single morning. Can you really blame me? Adorable monogrammed cups, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and perfectly blended iced soy lattes.
The Leopard Lounge: Located in the heart of the Chesterfield, this spot will have you covered from morning to night. In the afternoon, relax in the courtyard for a very special afternoon tea. In the evening, you will want to sit at the bar all night, ordering fabulous martinis, listening to the piano, and making friends with the locals.
HMF: If you’re familiar with Florida history, the Breakers needs no introduction. This 1900s palace by the sea left me breathless the first time I walked in. Take a quick left in the palatial front lobby and you’ll find yourself at their cocktail bar. You’ll feel like you’re in a 1960s Bond movie instead of Palm Beach. Do yourself a favor and order a roll of sushi or two and keep the drinks flowing!

What to Do

Shop Along Worth Avenue: Worth Avenue may just offer some of the best shopping in all of Florida! The Main Street boasts several cherished designers, think Chanel, Gucci, or Lilly Pulitzer. The Via side streets have a different approach. Here, you will find more local boutiques. No matter your budget, there is something for you!
Go Thrifting: No trip to Palm Beach is complete without doing some thrifting! My favorite place is The Church Mouse. Benefitting the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Church, there are so many gems to discover! On my most previous trip, I grabbed a stunning Tory Burch silk maxi dress for all of $35. Spend a few hours here and you never know what you’ll find.
Beach Day on the Atlantic: With so much shopping, it’s almost easy to forget that Palm Beach is an oceanfront town. If you need to relax from the glamour, pack your beach bag and head East to the Atlantic Ocean. Make it a picnic with sandwiches to-go from either Sant Ambroeus or Buccan.

Palm Beach is truly something special. In just under 4 hours, I can leave my little corner in St. Pete and drive into perfectly manicured streets and shops. My goal, going into 2021, is to make the trip much more often. Be sure to hold me to it.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.