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A few months ago I was taking a stroll around Saratoga and noticed something new...a little place called Adirondack Foot Sanctuary. When I got home I looked it up and discovered it is a spa business located in Lake Placid that had opened a new location in Saratoga Springs. I perused the menu of services, and as the name of the business suggests, it provides spa services to pamper your feet! Each foot treatment is called a "ritual" and they promise you will leave their Sanctuary relaxed and rejuvenated. That sounded like something I wanted to experience! I called my friend Kathleen and she was in (she is never one to turn down one of my requests to check out a spa...all for the blog, of course!). Adirondack Foot Sanctuary offers a ritual for two that you can book with your gal pal or as a unique date idea. Kathleen and I booked a side by side experience and made a day of it. After a yummy breakfast at Sweet Mimi's (which is just down the block), we excitedly headed to the Adirondack Foot Sanctuary to get relaxed and rejuventated. We started the experience by drawing an intention card. I drew the "True Offering" card which seemed fitting for me and my situation at the time. We hopped up onto the couch and sat side by side to begin our treatment. As our massage therapist prepared for our foot ritual, she poured us a cup of warm apple cinnamon tea and gave us a warm neck wrap for our neck and shoulders. Adirondack Foot Sanctuary offers several types of rituals that offer different experiences. You can also add on to the foot rituals with various "Treatment Enhancements" such as paraffin treatments, a scalp treatment, a hydrating face mask with reviving ice globes, hydrating hand treatments and illuminating eye gels. Check out the menu of foot rituals and Treatment Enhancements here. Our specific experience kicked off with an infusion of essential oils. The therapist poured a few drops into our hands and instructed us to take a deep breath. The oil was used throughout the treatment so it was a nice way to start the ritual. Kathleen got a Dead Sea salt exfoliation and then enjoyed an ADK Signature Soak with herbal infused water and hot stones. While she soaked, I got a wonderful foot and lower leg massage with the hot stones. Then I got the exfoliation treatment and soak while Kathleen got her foot and leg massage. Our legs were wrapped in warm towels to soak in all of the luxerious attention they got. If all of that isn't relaxing enough, we also each got a glorious scalp massage. You don't even know you need a scalp massage until you are getting one. So relaxing! The whole experience ends with a slathering of thick lotion to moisturize your feet and lower legs before you head out. We definitely had a great day and left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. We both work part-time at Silverado Jewelry Gallery and spend a lot of time on our feet. It was a nice treat to have a spa experience that focuses solely (pun intended) on the part of your body that bears the brunt of day to day activities! I highly recommend Adirondack Foot Sanctuary to treat yourself or for a unique, fun girl's day out.

If you are an ice cream lover like me, you are always on the look out for a good spot to grab an ice cream cone when you are visiting a new place. In Saratoga Springs, there are a few places to satisfy your cone craving including Ben and Jerry's, Kilwin's and Saratoga Gelato. But if you want to know where the locals usually go to get their ice cream fix, this blog is for you! You may be surprised to discover that the best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be found at a gas station/convenience store called Stewart's Shops! I should disclose that Stewart's is not a Saratoga specific gem, but Stewart's Shops can only be found in eastern upstate New York and southwestern Vermont. So, if you find yourself in this little corner of the world, you will want to take the opportunity to try Stewart's ice cream. How Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Came to Be: Stewart's Shops are family owned convenience stores (which sometimes also sell gas). In 1917, two brother's teamed up to buy the family dairy farm from their father. From there, they began to sell their dairy products at local markets, but discovered there was a big demand for ice cream. They started making ice cream in 1921 and sold 4,000 gallons in the first year! The rest is history. In addition to the delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops is also a great place to buy fresh, locally produced milk, butter, cream, eggs and other dairy products. The Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Flavors: Stewart's makes all of its ice cream using fresh milk from local farms. There is no middleman in the distribution process so the freshly made ice cream goes right from production to the stores. The ice cream is as fresh as it can be. And the hand-packed pints and half-gallons sell quickly so you know the ice cream in the case hasn't been there collecting frost. Stewart's has a variety of yummy flavors. Most flavors are available year round. My family's favorites are Peanut Butter Pandamonium, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Death By Chocolate, and, my personal favorite, Mint Cookie Crumble. Death by Chocolate and Mint Cookie Crumble were 1st Place Flavors at the 2023 World Dairy Expo and the NYS Fair. I knew we had good taste! In addition to the regular flavors, Stewart's frequently introduces Limited Edition Flavors that are only available for a short period of time. It is exciting when you find out there is a new flavor that is right up your alley, but it is sad when it goes away. I just had that happen this Fall when Stewart's offered a Limited Edition flavor called Peanut Butter Pie. I may have made a few extra trips to the Stewart's across the street from me (a dangerous proximity) to get scoops of Peanut Butter Pie when I realized its' time was running out. The current Limited Edition Flavors include Berry Chip, Civility, Daily Grind and Chocolate Marshmellow. Check out the video below for the complete list of Limited Edition Flavors. Click here to see a list of all the flavors currently being scooped up at Stewart's. Oh...and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can get FREE rainbow sprinkles on any cone or dish you order! Something my oldest daughter, Madison, especially enjoys! Stewart's Shops Famous Make Your Own Sundae: Stewart's Shops introduced the concept of Make Your Own Sundae in 1948 and it has been a trademark Stewart's experience ever since. You can choose any flavor of ice cream from the menu and then can create your own sundae using any of the sauces or toppings on the counter. Sauces include chocolate, caramel, marshmallow and pineapple and toppings include sprinkles, mini M&Ms and more! Stewart's Shops Spirit of Giving: There is one last important thing I want to mention about Stewart's Shops. In addition to serving up delicious ice cream, Stewart's Shops serves up generosity to the local community. Stewart's Shops and the Dake family (who owns Stewart's Shops) have a goal to donate a combined $9 million annually to thousands of local charities. Over the years, Stewart's Shops have also frequently donated ice cream and sundae toppings to various school and community functions that we attended. They are very generous in their community participation and they are a valued local business community member. So there you have it! The best ice cream in Saratoga Springs can be served up while you get gas or grab some milk or eggs. I always enjoy the reactions of friends who come to visit when I offer to take them for some of the best ice cream they will ever have and we pull up to a convenience store. It is a well-known fact that if you want to know the best places to go, look for the locals! Saratoga Springs locals will be at Stewart's. See ya there!

I am grateful for an incredible year of travel in 2023. In addition to visits to various states in the US, I was able to fit in two trips to Europe in the first half of the year. I am happiest when traveling and exploring different places. I love experiencing every new location and learning about its' history and unique culture. However, there are always those places that capture my heart and stand out a little more than the rest. Here is a list, in reverse order (to build suspense), of my five favorite spots from my travels in 2023: 5. Lucerne, Switzerland. Coming in at number 5 is Lucerne, Switzerland! This was my second visit to Lucerne, but I loved it just as much as I did the first time. Highlights of the things I love about Lucerne include the picturesque Chapel Bridge, the hauntingly beautiful Lion Monument, the gorgeous Lake Lucerne and the trip to the top of nearby Mount Pilates for incredible views. And I can't forget to mention the delicious cheese fondue I made a point to enjoy again! 4. Ravello, Italy. My whole trip to the Amalfi Coast with my daughters was amazing and a trip I will hold in my heart forever. But our excursion up to the mountain village of Ravello was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It is not one of the most talked about spots on the Amalfi Coast, but it is a hidden gem that should definitely be included on your itinerary if you find yourself in this part of the world (and hopefully you will!). The things I loved about Ravello include the charming small village, the breathtaking gardens and scenery at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, all of the village cats and the incredible mountain top view while enjoying Limoncello Sprtizes with lunch. You can also get a great work out in if you choose to walk back down to Amalfi. You can also walk up to Ravello, but if you do you are braver than me! 3. Riquewihr, France. Again, the whole AMA Riverboat Cruise up the Rhine River was jaw-dropping, but our first stop in Riquewihr turned out to be one of my favorites. Riquewihr has an interesting history (as do most of the places in the Alsace region) where the territory flipped back and forth between Germany and France. This double identity is reflected in the area's architecture and its culture. The village looks straight out of a fairy tale, complete with storks nesting on the top of buildings! It looks exactly like it did in the 16th century so wandering along the cobble stone streets feels like you were transported by a time machine. Being on the Alsace Wine Route, you are guaranteed to get amazing wine. Riquewihr is especially known for its Riesling wine and I can personally attest that it is one of the best wines I have ever tasted. I may or may not have purchased a few bottles to bring home while stopping at locations along the Alsace Wine Route. 2. Capri, Italy. Capri is a well-known spot on the Amalfi Coast, so certainly is not a hidden gem. However, its' reputation is well-deserved! It was my favorite stop on our Amalfi Coast journey. It can only be reached by ferry which makes for a grand arrival. Here are just a few options of things to do: The main area of Capri is filled with luxury and designer stores, but we didn't really spend much time shopping as there is so much more to do. A bus ride to Anacapri (which is situated on top of the rugged mountains on the island) will take you to a more low-key shopping area where you can even get a pair of sandals hand-made for your feet. In Anacapari you can catch a ride on the single chairlift up to the top of Monte Salaro to take in expansive views of the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Back down in the main village of Capri you can grab a delicious scoop of gelato on a freshly made waffle cone at the famous Buonocore Gelateria. Take Insta-worthy sunset pics off the main plaza in Capri. Grab dinner at a cliffside restaurant to watch the sunset and eat amazing Italian food. We ate at Panorama and I highly recommend it. Great service and delicious food, not to mention the incredible view of the sea while you dine. One of the best things we did on our trip was to rent a private boat for a few hours to go around the island of Capri, motor under the Faraglioni rocks and take a dip in the refreshing turquoise water. We didn't get a chance to explore the famous Blue Grotto because of long lines to get in, but that is an option as well. I generally don't like to go back to a place I have been before, but like Lucerne, I would return to Capri in a heartbeat! AND, drum roll please....my favorite travel destination in 2023 was 1 Amsterdam, Netherlands. This was a hard decision because there were so many amazing places I had the opportunity to see in 2023. I chose Amsterdam because it was a place that had been on my bucket list for a long time and I always wanted to be able to go during tulip season which I did! I loved pretty much everything about Amsterdam (well, except the constant rain, but obviously it was to be expected given the climate and time of year I was there). There is such a variety of things to see and do in Amsterdam:. Stroll along the iconic canals and browse in the local shops. Take a boat tour on the canals to learn the intriguing history of the region. Visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijks Museum which are enjoyable, even if you aren't a huge art museum fan (like me). If the history of beer is more up your alley, Amsterdam has you covered there too! Check out the incredibly cool Heineken Experience with lots of interactive displays AND a complimentary beer. Walk in the steps of Anne Frank and her family as you explore the Anne Frank Museum and take a chilling tour through the small hiding area where they lived for over two years. The famous flower market in downtown Amsterdam is a must see even if you aren't able to time your trip during the April/May tulip season. If you are there during tulip season, check out Keukenhof Gardens for dazzling floral displays. For the more adventurous, the Red Light District provides an interesting evening of sights and entertainment. In the same vein, you can visit the Sex Museum and see the history of sex and related topics. It isn't a big museum so you don't have to set aside a lot of time for this experience. And the entry fee is reasonable as well if you just want to satisfy your curiosity like we did! Stroopwaffles and the famous Amsterdam fries are must-trys for even the pickiest of eaters. You can follow up those treats with a unique craft cocktail at Tales and Spirits (read my blog about T&S here). These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Amsterdam is a unique destination with something for everyone. That is why it secured the top spot of my favorite destinations in 2023! If you are just starting to plan your travels for 2024, consider including some of my favorites in your itinerary. You won't regret it, I promise!

Last week the horse racing world was abuzz with the announcement that the 2024 Belmont Stakes would be held at the historic Saratoga Race Track. There are many reasons this decision was so exciting. Let's unpack all the details and the impact of this move: What Is the Belmont Stakes? The Belmont Stakes is a prestigious American Thoroughbred horse race that is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is the third jewel in the Triple Crown horse races, the other two jewels being the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The ultimate goal in horse racing is to have a horse win all three Triple Crown races to win the Triple Crown Trophy. The winning horse will foreverafter be known as a Triple Crown winner. The Triple Crown Trophy was commissioned in 1950, but was awarded to all horses who had won all three Triple Crown races prior to 1950 as well as those who won al three races after 1950. Winning the Triple Crown Trophy is a difficult feat and only 13 horses have been awarded the Triple Crown Trophy since 1919. Some popular names in horse racing are included in that select group including Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah. Being the last race in the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes can literally be high stakes if one horse has won Kentucky Derby and the Preakness and is trying to win that elusive Triple Crown Trophy. Why is the Belmont Stakes being run at the Saratoga Race Track in 2024? Belmont Park is undergoing massive renovations to upgrade and modernize the race facility to match the world class status of the Belmont Stakes and to provide a luxurious venue for all the other races on the Belmont Park schedule. It is anticipated that the renovations will not be completed until 2026. Therefore, a new location needed to be found to hold the third leg of the Triple Crown. Last week it was announced that the historic Saratoga Race Course was selected as the location for the 2024 race. It is anticipated that the 2025 race would also be run in Saratoga Springs, but that is not official and will depend on the construction progress and other factors. The Belmont Stakes will be held on Saturday, June 8, at the Saratoga Race Course. There will be some differences to the traditional Belmont Stakes Race. First, the traditional Belmont Stakes race distancce of 1 1/2 miles will be reduced to 1 1/4 miles, due to the size of the Saratoga Track. Second, even though the race distance will be shorter, the purse will be larger! The prize money for the winning horse will be increased $500,000 to make the winning purse a cool $2.0 million. Hopefully we will also be watching a Triple Crown winner being christened! In addition to the Belmont Stakes, Saratoga will host a long weekend of racing starting Thursday, June 6 and the race tickets will include 23 stake races for total winnings of $9.7 million. The Belmont weekend will conclude with a New York Showcase Day on Sunday, June 9 which will be races restricted to New York bred horses. The New York Showcase is usually held at Belmont Park on Memorial Day. What does this mean for Saratoga Springs? Saratoga is already well-established as a premier horse racing venue with its annual horse racing schedule running from mid-July through Labor Day. But hosting the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown series, is an amazing opportunity for Saratoga Springs! It will have a huge economic impact on the region by bringing tourism dollars to the local businesses during the somewhat quieter period before the regular racing season. It will also give Saratoga Springs an opportunity to highlight its charm and appeal to the world with the massive media attention that comes with the Triple Crown race. Saratoga Springs is a hidden gem and it will be able to showcase itself as a crown jewel of destinations while hosting the Triple Crown race. Although hosting the Belmont Stakes will be incredible, it will not be without challenges. As the race is being held a month before the official start of the regular Saratoga horse racing season, local business and accommodations will need to ramp up staffing and inventory a bit earlier than usual. Security plans and personnel will need to be put into place to handle the anticipated influx of people coming to enjoy the Belmont weekend. But not to worry, as Saratoga Springs is used to dealing with these kinds of issues during the regular racing season, everyone knows exactly what to do. Necessary planning and actions will just have to happen a bit earlier and on a bit shorter timeline. I have no doubt that it will go off without a hitch and Saratoga Springs will shine like the diamond it is under the national spotlight! Plan Your Belmont Stakes Trip to Saratoga Springs Now! This will be a HUGE event with a lot of people looking to experience this historic event in Saratoga Springs. Hotels and local Air Bnbs are already booking up, so if you want to join in the fun I recommend securing your accommodations now. I would also consider making reservations to any restaurants you want to try as that will probably be challenging if you wait until the last minute. Check out the various blogs I have written on restaurants, shopping and other things to do in Saratoga. They can all be found under my Saratoga Page. While the horse racing will be the primary focus, you will want to make sure to set aside some time to explore everything Saratoga Springs has to offer. It truly is an amazing place and I guarantee that once you visit, you will definitely want to come back again (and again!).

Nestled in upstate New York, about a three hour drive from NYC, is the charming little city of Saratoga Springs. At any time of year, Saratoga Spring's charm will sweep you off your feet. But at Christmas time, it legimately feels like you are walking around a Hallmark Christmas movie set. In fact, Saratoga Springs was recently named "The Most Festive Christmas Town in the USA" by the popular magazine House Beautiful. While I can't promise that you will have your own meet cute that leads to a true Christmas love story, I can promise Saratoga will provide all the remaining ingredients for a magical Christmas holiday. You can come create your own personal Hallmark Christmas celebration even if you are single! Read on for a description of each spot you should visit in Saratoga Springs to create the perfect magical holiday experience. The Setting: A lot of Hallmark Christmas movies center around an old historic Inn where the main characters meet and gather. Saratoga Springs has a lot of charming Inns and Bed and Breakfasts that would fill the bill, but the Adelphi Hotel is a grand historic hotel located right on Broadway in the center of downtown. The Adelphi has been recently been renovated and has been beautifully restored to bring back the 19th century hospitality it was known for, making it the perfect backdrop for your holiday story. Read more about the Adelphi Hotel and make reservations here. The Place for that Perfect Holiday Stroll: The next thing on the agenda of a magical Hallmark holiday experience, is a nice wintertime stroll bundled up with cute matching gloves and hat. Historic Congress Park, located a few steps away from The Adelphi Hotel, is the perfect place to walk, talk and take adorable holiday photos. Wander through the Park past statues, spring water fountains (where you can take a sip of the healing spa waters Saratoga Springs is known for), a large ponds, an old-fashioned carousel and the historic Canfield Casino that is now the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Read my blog about all there is to see and do at Congress Park. The Local Breakfast Spot: After an enjoyable morning stroll in Congress Park, the next scene in your own personal Hallmark holiday movie is enjoying breakfast at a favorite local diner. The Country Corner Cafe is cozy and vintage, the perfect Hallmark movie spot. It opened in 1991 and is located just a block off of Broadway on the corner of Woodlawn and Church Street. The Cafe has a reputation for serving some of the best breakfasts in town. I live close to the Country Corner Cafe and can personally attest that there is always a line of people waiting to get in. I always like to go where you see a crowd because you know that means it is good! Grab something yummy off the menu to energize you for a full day of holiday activities! Holiday Shopping: What is more Hallmark movie-like than shopping for the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones. Broadway and the surrounding streets are lined with boutiques, specialty stores and gift shops which are mostly locally owned. You can purchase locally made products at Saratoga Olive Oil Company, Saratoga Tea and Honey, and Saratoga Chocolate Co. There is also a wide selection of other local stores selling unique holiday gifts to delight your family and friends. Some of my personal favorites are Silverado Jewelry Gallery, Lifestyles, Caroline and Main and Northshire Bookstore. Hot Chocolate and Sweet Treat Stop: After an afternoon of shopping, it is time for a festive hot cocoa and pastry stop. Of course Saratoga Springs has the picture perfect spot for that holiday treat. Mrs. London's Bakery is right on Broadway so it is easy to pop in to give your feet a break from all that strolling. The only difficulty you will have is choosing which decadent dessert you want to try. Insider tip: the Chocolate, Almond and Chocolate-Almond Croissants are all amazing! If you are hungry for lunch by this time, you can also choose a sandwich, quiche, panini or salad. They also have delicious soups, especially their Creamy Tomato with Cheddar Cheese. Yum! Check out all your options here. Holiday Cocktails: You can't have a Hallmark holiday experience without the quintessential holiday bar and festive cocktail! Once again, Saratoga Springs can provide the perfect spot for amazing holiday decor and delicious specialty cocktails. Lucy's Bar is just steps from Broadway and is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends. They go above and beyond with their seasonal decor all throughout the year, but Christmas has got to be the best. Lucy's also has an ever-changing drink menu with specialty cocktails crafted by their talented bartenders. The drinks are not only tasty, but they are definitely Insta-worthy concoctions. Festive Finale: Any good Hallmark holiday movie ends with the final scene at the small town's holiday festival. If you time your visit right, Saratoga can provide this ultimate finale for your own Hallmark holiday story. Every year, Saratoga Springs hosts the Victorian Street Walk to kick off the holiday season. The evening includes the Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, strolling Victorian choralers, other live entertainment and a general festive vibe that puts you in a holiday mood. The stores along Broadway generally stay open later that night and often offer yummy treats or even a glass of sparkling wine! All the windows are decorated to the max...some with real people posed in holiday scenes. Come to Saratoga Springs to Create Your Own Hallmark Movie Holiday! Whether you bring your own love interest with you or you are looking to create single lady holiday memories with your girl gang, Saratoga has all of the ingredients you need for a wonderful holiday celebration. The 2023 Victorian Street Walk has already happened, but there is still plenty of time to fit in a Saratoga Springs holiday getaway this year! If you come, you just might see me at Lucy's sampling the 2023 Christmas cocktails. Raise your glass and give me a wink! ;) Happy Holidays!

I don't think many people have Waco, Texas on their travel bucket list. Most people associate Waco with its' unfortunate history involving David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. However, thanks to the popularity of Fixer Upper, the home renovation show hosted by Waco residents Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco is shedding the negative association that people may have had in the past. . I decided to make the journey to check out Waco after a cross-country road trip with my daughter Madison who was moving to Colorado. I had really been wanting to check out the Magnolia complex that Chip and Joanna had developed in downtown Waco and figured since I was already in Colorado why not take a quick detour to Waco before heading home? If I am being honest, I was a little unsure of what to expect and a little nervous about the fact that the politics and religion in the area do not really line up with my own. My left-leaning friends and family questioned why in the world I would choose to voluntarily immerse myself in a community that did not in anyway align with my personal feelings and beliefs. I replied that I really wanted to check out Magnolia Silos, but also I want my life experiences to expand my perspective by learning how people in other places live and think. That being said, I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to feel and I did have some moments of personal awkwardness (for example, when the tour guide said a prayer in the tour bus before we headed out to see the sights). However, I do firmly believe in the freedom of speech and freedom of religion, so given that deep faith and conservative values are a cornerstone of this part of the country I opened myself up to their way of doing things. I went in with an open mind and looked forward to exploring the area. My point to all this is to say don't let stereotypes and impressions close you off to new places and experiences. Be open to learning about what makes each place different and unique. I am glad I took the opportunity to check it out, because Waco has some hidden gems that I am glad I got to experience. Waco is approximately an hour and a half drive from Dallas, an hour and a half drive from Austen and a three hour drive from San Antonio. So, if you find yourself in any of those Texas cities, consider taking your own detour to Waco to explore this revitalized city. Here are the hidden gems you can discover in Waco: Magnolia Silos (of course!): The Magnolia Silos complex is a major tourist attraction. Twenty years ago Chip and Joanna Gaines opened a small home decor retail store on Bosque Boulevard in Waco. Since that time, their business has grown to a full-blown empire and includes a hit TV show, a whole broadcasting network (the Magnolia network which has a lot of other home centered shows), a line of products at Target (Hearth & Home), a hotel (The Hotel 1928 opening this November), and of course the Magnolia Silos complex. Shopping at the Magnolia Silos was the main draw for my visit to Waco. It was everything I expected it to be and I LOVED it. Read about everything you can see and do at the Magnolia Silos complex in my recent blog. A Bus Tour of Waco with Waco Tours: I love doing tours when I first get to a new place. They give you the history of the area and point out highlights so you can plan your agenda for the rest of your stay. Waco Tours has several different tour options, including a River Cruise which was rated #1 in North America by USA Today. I didn't have a chance to do that one, but I did their Classic 2.5 hour bus tour around Waco and it was fantastic! The tour guides were some of the best I have ever had. They got to know each person's name and were able to relate certain parts of the tour to personal tidbits we had shared when we got on the tour bus! They were energetic and friendly and knew their Waco history. The tour takes you through several Waco neighbors and tourist sites and explains the ups and downs of Waco history. In 1953 a violent and deadly tornado ripped through downtown Waco killing and injuring hundreds as well as destroying multiple structures. The city was devastated after this tornado and struggled for a long time to rebuild. That makes the financial infusion that Chip and Joanna Gaines have brought to the area that much more significant. Some of the Tour Stops: Fixer Upper Homes: The tour company was started by two couples who had their house renovated on the Fixer Upper show, so you know that drive bys of several of the popular Fixer Upper projects are included on the tour. I like the show, but am not up on each particular project. Some of my fellow tourists knew the specific houses from each episode and were very familiar with the ones we drove by. William Cameron Park: The tour also took us on a beautiful drive through William Cameron Park which is a 416 acre nature oasis in the middle of Waco. The Park is located alongside the Brazos and Bosque Rivers and has a zoo, playgrounds, a disc golf course, breathtaking cliff views, access to two rivers and miles of trails that are part of the multi-use National Recreation Trail system. Learn more about this amazing natural site here. Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds: A nice addition to the tour is a stop by Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds, two local businesses that provide the tour group with samples! Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds are located next to the Baylor Campus and are a popular student hangout. The iconic photo spot in the first picture of this blog is in the backyard area of Common Grounds. Make sure to stop and snap a photo and don't forget to sample the ice cream and coffee! Heritage Creamery: Heritage Creamery is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream shop with two locations in Waco. They use locally and responsibly sourced ingredients in their ice cream and other treats. Getting a free sample of delicious ice cream was my favorite part of the tour! Learn more about Heritage Creamery here. Common Grounds: Common Grounds is a locally owned coffee shop located across from the Baylor campus (and next to Heritage Creamery). It has a definite college vibe including weekly concerts in their backyard outside space. The backyard has a rock that you stand on for that Insta-worthy picture. They have a full menu of caffeine loaded drinks such as their legendary Cowboy Coffee selections using Common Grounds' proprietary secret sauce. There is also a section of drinks called "Sleep Is Overrated". Perfect for those college students pulling all nighters during Finals Week. Check out all of the caffeinated concoctions here. Waco Suspension Bridge and Bronze Cattle Drive Sculptures: The historic Waco Suspension Bridge was completed in 1870 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. It spans the Brazos River and was once used to drive cattle across the River onto the Chisholm Trail. The ability to drive cattle or travel easily over the Brazos River provided an economic boost to the Waco area. The Bridge is flanked by parks. The Indian Springs Park entrance to the Bridge has life size bronze sculptures of cowboys driving long-horn cattle to the Bridge. These statues took my breath away as I walked toward the entrance of the Bridge. They are a must see if you are visiting Waco. The Bridge recently reopened after being closed for a few years for extensive rehabilitation work. I felt very lucky to be able to walk across the Suspension Bridge and feel like a part of history. After crossing the Suspension Bridge, I walked along the Brazos River on a path you can reach from the Bridge. It was a nice peaceful walk on a beautiful day (and I even spotted some wildlife!). Baylor University Campus: Waco is the home to Baylor University, a private Baptist Christian research university. The campus is beautiful and is worth a walk around. Baylor's mascot is the Bears and there are two real life cubs that live o the campus! When we drove by on the tour they were hibernating, but I was lucky enough to catch them out waiting for dinner when I was walking on the campus. It is easy to tell when they are active as there will be a crowd gathered around taking in their cuteness! Dr Pepper Museum: Before my visit to Waco, I had no idea that Dr Pepper originated there. I am most certainly a Pepper (and wouldn't you like to be a Pepper, too?). I know some of you are old enough to understand this reference and are probably humming a little tune right now. But I digress...as I am a Pepper I was very interested to go check out the museum and learn about the history of Dr Pepper. The $10 fee to get in is very reasonable, especially since it includes a Dr Pepper drink of your choice straight from the soda fountain! I learned a lot of things I never knew about one of my favorite drinks. For instance did you know that when it was first developed it was promoted as a health drink? It was first formulated by Brooklyn-born pharmacist, Charles Alderman, while he was working at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco. Initial promotion of the drink claimed it aided digestion and restored vim, vigor and vitality. Too bad for me that Dr Pepper is no longer promoted as a health aid. The Museum follows the origination of the Dr Pepper from a local favorite at a corner drug store in Waco to an internationally distributed product. It has examples of the variation of the branding and labeling over the years as well as the history of the manufacturing and bottling plant in downtown Waco that was partially destroyed by that tornado in 1953. There are exhibits of the Old Corner Drugstore as well as a section memorializing the sit-ins that occurred at diners and soda fountains across the country during the Civil Rights movements. In addition to the general museum exhibits, the Dr Pepper Museum offers unique experiences such as Make a Soda, Taste a Soda, Paranormal Experience and Extreme Pepper Experience. These special experiences have an additional fee and require reservations. I didn't have a chance to add on any experience, but they sound pretty cool. Click here to read more about each experience and to make a reservation if you will be visiting the Museum. I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to visit the Dr Pepper Museum, but I can say I was pleasantly surprised with all of the history, memorabilia and exhibits it contained. Not to mention the delicious ice cold fountain drink at the end! As I said, you can get a free Dr Pepper drink (with flavoring added if you want) OR you can get a $1 off an upgraded drink like a Dr Pepper float. Check out the website for the Dr Pepper Museum here to see all the experiences and options available to you if you decide to visit. And you're welcome for giving you a great trivia game answer to the question "Where did Dr. Pepper originate?". Your friends will be impressed. So, Should You Visit Waco, Texas? If you find yourself in Texas within a few hours drive of Waco, my answer to that question is unequivocally yes! I was pleasantly surprised with all there was to see and do in Waco and I thoroughly enjoyed every experience I had. I am glad I took the opportunity to check out Waco while I was out that direction. From the amazing Magnolia Silos complex to the interesting Dr Pepper Museum and all the sights in between, Waco was a great little getaway. If you don't find yourself in that neck of the woods, I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit!

Several years ago, I was taking a road trip to visit my sister and her family in Chicago and we drove through Ohio. As we were passing Cleveland, I saw signs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and made a mental note that I wanted to visit some day. Well time passed and I never found myself anywhere near Cleveland, so I had yet to check the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame off my bucket list. When planning our recent cross-country trek to move Madison out West, I jumped at the opportunity to stop in Cleveland after our first day of driving. As luck would have it, we were leaving on a Thursday and Thursdays are the one day of the week the Hall of Fame stays open until 9! What are the odds? I took it as a sign and booked tickets for us to go! We got into Cleveland around 3:30. Just enough time to freshen up and make our 5 pm entrance time. That is Rock Star planning if I do say so myself! I thoroughly enjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in Cleveland. As an aside, Cleveland was a really cool city that Madison and I both enjoyed. So even if you don't have a specific reason to go, it is certainly worth a visit to check it out AND go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Entrance: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located right in downtown Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. The entrance is marked by life size red letters saying "Long Live Rock" in front of glass pyramid buildings making for a great Insta-worthy photo op. You can sit in the big "O" or stand among the letters if you like, but you will probably need to go early or late in order to avoid other tourists in your photo because everyone is trying to capture that shot! Once you enter into the building, you will see a message "Welcome to the House that Rock Built" letting you know you are entering onto sacred ground. You will also be greeted with a life-size car hanging from the ceiling covered in glass like a disco ball, as well as a giant size hot dog hanging over the escalator. The car is a Trabant used in U2's Zoo TV tour. The giant hot dog was used by the band Phish to fly across Boston Garden on December 31, 1994. These props were donated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where they now soar over visitors' heads. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also has the original awning, graffitied walls and other important pieces of CBGB, the iconic East Village music club in NYC. Catch a glimpse in the video above or take a closer look in the photo below. These original artifacts were donated to the Hall of Fame shortly after the iconic punk rock club closed down in 2008. I didn't know that CBGB stands for "Country Bluegrass and Blues" which is the kind of music the original owner, Hilly Kristal, intended to have. However, the club became famous for launching the careers of several punk rock and new wave bands such as the Ramones, Blondie, B-52s, and the Talking Heads. From the 1980's onward, CBGB was primarily a hardcore punk venue. Apparently OMFUG was added later and stands for "Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers" (with gourmandized meaning a voracious eater...in this case of good music). CBGB has played a significant role in the history of rock and roll and so it is really cool to see the original CBGB items as an exhibit. Main Gallery at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Visitors enter the building on Level 1 where they take tickets and hungry customers can grab a quick snack or bite to eat at the café. An escalator will take visitors down to Level 0 (under the Trabant and the giant hot dog and past the CBGB awning). The main gallery of the Hall of Fame museum is located on Level 0. It includes exhibits on how rock and roll music developed from roots of gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, folk, country and bluegrass music. It also features exhibits on cities that majorly impacted rock and roll such as Detroit, Memphis, London, Liverpool, San Francisco, Los Angles, New York and Seattle. I particularly enjoyed exhibits about the push back against rock and roll music and the various protests that occurred across the United States trying to prevent radio stations from playing rock and roll music. "Moral panic" overtook the country with some having issue with Elvis' gyrating pelvis and the "un-Christian" elements of rock and roll music. This ultimately lead to attempts to censor music by monitoring lyrics and the movement in the1990's to label music that was deemed to have suggestive or explicit words. There were also dedicated exhibits on influential artists such as the Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, among others. When we visited there was a special exhibit about the illegal filming of a performance from the Beatle's last album on a rooftop in London. There were also displays of numerous guitars used by music legends over the years and handwritten notes from the creation of classic rock songs. The Power of Rock Experience: We had to cut our time in the main Gallery short so we could zip up to the third floor to catch a showing of The Power of Rock Experience. This Experience is a short multi-sensory experience where flashing lights, rumbling seats and loud speakers make you feel like you are at a concert. The film is one of Jonathan Demme's final works and features concert highlights from some of the Hall of Fame inductees. It was such a cool experience and brought back memories of some amazing concerts I have seen over the years. As you exit the theater, there are several rock and roll relics displayed which add to the Experience. I couldn't take any pictures or videos inside the Experience, but I grabbed a shot of the entrance for prosperity! Hall of Fame Inductees: As you come out of the Power of Rock Experience, you are on the third floor at the Hall of Fame section. There is an interactive section where you can cast your vote for future Hall of Fame Inductees. There are also displays showing who was inducted each year and interactive videos where you can watch your favorite inducted artist receiving the honor. Pink Floyd's The Wall Replica When you go up the stairs to the fourth floor, you are met with a HUGE replica of Pink Floyd's The Wall designed to mirror their famous Berlin performance on July 21, 1990. It was both mesmerizing and creepy at the same time! By this time, we were getting hungry and it was getting late so it was time to go. I didn't get to see and experience everything at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so there are definitely additional things to see and do that I haven't even touched on. I hope this blog has inspired you to go check it out yourself and you can be surprised by any new temporary exhibits as well as those things I didn't get a chance to see myself. Please let me know if you do! After we left we got recommendations to go to The Flats to eat. The Flats is a popular area filled with restaurants and bars that is probably really happening on the weekends. We were there at an off time so it wasn't crowded, but we had a great meal and played some trivia at Punch Bowl Social. If you visit Cleveland, check it out (or any of the other cool restaurants in The Flats). LONG LIVE ROCK! .

One thing I LOVE to do is browse home decor stores looking for inspiration to make my own home as charming and comfortable as I can. I also enjoy watching some of the shows on TV that completely renovate or decorate homes, especially Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Not only do I enjoy Jo's style of decorating, I really enjoy the interaction between Jo and Chip while they work on the episode's highlighted project. It is interesting to note that they work primarily on projects around Waco and have been instrumental in breathing new economic life into Waco and the surrounding areas. In addition to their renovation work, they created an entire Magnolia universe on a parcel of property in the center of downtown Waco. There are shops, food trucks, open space for relaxing, and even an historic chapel if you want a moment to sit quietly and reflect on your (potential) purchases. I have always thought about visiting the Magnolia complex, but haven't really had a reason to go anywhere near Waco. It seemed like an awfully long trip from upstate New York just to shop for home decor. However, when planning to drive cross country with Madison to help her move to Colorado, I figured it would be a perfect detour before I flew back home. As luck would have it, the weekend I was planning to go turned out to be Magnolia's annual Silobration event and this year was celebrating their 20th Anniversary. I am so glad I thought to take this opportunity to check it out because I loved every minute of my Magnolia experience! Amazing Shopping at the Magnolia Stores Shopping is the main attraction at the Magnolia complex and it does not disappoint. Here are the stores to browse: Magnolia Market: This is the cornerstone of the Magnolia brand. The large space is filled with products curated by Jo as well as some antique items in their "Found and Collected" line. You can also shop online at Magnolia.com in case you won't be in Waco any time soon. Online browsing, as well as pursuing their collection of products in Target's Home Department, are how I get my decorating inspiration! Magnolia Home: Magnolia Home focuses mostly on the bigger items of home decor...furniture, rugs, tables, etc. It also has some selection of decorating accessories that crosses over with Magnolia Market. Shops at the Silos: Shops at the Silos are six smaller curated shops each featuring a specific style and theme. The Shops sell items ranging from bath and body products, men's accessories, house plants, women's clothing, and paper and books. Click here for a more detailed description of each shop. The Shops surround a peaceful green open space flanked by the historic chapel. It feels like a more peaceful and intimate shopping experience. Ferny's Retro Plant Shop: Described as a "plant shop with a retro twist", this shop is curated by Jo's younger sister, Mikey. It features potted house plants which have each been given a name (like Mabel, Susie, etc.-just making those up, but you get the idea). You can pick your favorite plant and take it home with you. Like a pet! I would be too afraid to do that as I tend to kill plants and if it had an actual name it would feel more personal and upsetting. Chapter One: This Shop has a wide selection of stationery, cards, and books. It was beautifully arranged and it was one of my favorite shops. It felt so calm and peaceful in there. I bought a gorgeous handmade journal with a unique periwinkle colored pen. If only I would commit to journaling on a regular basis! I have no excuses now that I have a beautiful journal and a pretty pen to use. No. 16: This store is named after Chip's baseball jersey (many years ago) and features lots of sports themed products and retro gift items. Tried and True: A store with beautiful leather bags and accessories as well as other classic fashion accessories. Vie Bien Aimee: This shop features luxurious bath and body products.I bought some amazing skin lotion because my skin was feeling so dry out West! Reverie: A women's clothing boutique with classic, timeless pieces that will stay in style for years. Delicious Food at Magnolia With all of the browsing and shopping to be done at the Magnolia complex, I needed sustenance to keep my energy levels up. I was in luck as there are plenty of places to eat around the complex! I obviously didn't try all the available options, but I can definitely say that what I did sample was amazing! Here are the various options: Magnolia Press: I started my first morning off at Magnolia Press. There was a bit of a line, but it got way longer as I stood there. Again, it was Silobration so the crowds were worse, but I am guessing that a line is not unusual at this place. Plan to get there early if you go. They serve a variety of hot drinks and sweet or savory pastries. I ordered the Almond Croissant and it was the best one I have ever had! Check out the menu here. Silos Baking Co.: Another popular spot to get a sweet treat is the Silos Baking Co. Check out all of the delicious things you can get here. I never got a chance to go here because the line was always SUPER long. I am really bummed about that because everything on the menu sounds amazing! Magnolia Table: The Magnolia Table restaurant is located a short drive from the Magnolia complex. It is housed in an historic building that used to be the Elite Cafe, a local favorite diner with deep roots in the community. When the Elite Cafe decided to close its doors in 2016, Chip and Jo decided to buy the place and continue its' long tradition as a gathering place. Magnolia Table was created in its place. Reservations are usually required as it gets really busy. But don't despair if you didn't plan ahead, Magnolia Table has a Take Away entrance where you can order from a limited menu or pick up pre-made meals. There is also a take away option for Magnolia Table at Magnolia Table at Concessions which is located right in the Magnolia complex. This is where I got to experience food from Magnolia Table. You can check out the condensed menu options below. I ordered Jo's Chicken Salad Sandwich and it was delicious! Magnolia Food Trucks: One of the cool things about the Magnolia complex is all of the food trucks that they have located throughout the grounds. There are all different types of food available from the food trucks from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (which unfortunately I did not have time to try), gluten free waffles with a variety of toppings, tex-mex tacos, individual pizzas, corndogs and much more! Check out the list of food truck vendors here. Over the course of two days I had the chance to try Waffle Chic, Sweet Maggies and 900 Degree Pizza. I was perfectly satisfied every time! Magnolia Grounds In addition to all of the shopping and eating you can do at Magnolia, you can also take some time to relax and enjoy the moment. There are plenty of tables and chairs set up around the grounds, a large open space with bean bags and lawn chairs, some corn hole boards, a small baseball park, a Photo Booth, a garden area, a chapel, and plenty other photo-worthy spots every where you look. Pictures can explain better than words... Silobration at Magnolia All of the things I have described above can be seen year round at the Magnolia complex. However, if that is not enough Magnolia for you, you can always plan your trip during the annual Silobration which is held in October every year. At Silobration there is a vendor fair along the side street of the Magnolia complex, daily entertainment and trivia contests, and a special ticketed event to spend the evening with Chip and Jo and ask questions about their amazing journey building the Magnolia empire! I bought a ticket to the Chip and Jo event and really enjoyed hearing their perspective on how their business has grown (the ups and the downs) and watching them interact in person (it is exactly the same as the show!). I didn't plan to be there during Silobration, but I am so glad it worked out that way. However, one benefit to not being there during Silobration is that the crowds would be significantly smaller which would make for a better shopping experience. Another special time to be at Magnolia is the Christmas season. They were already promoting the Christmas event while I was there! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Waco at the Magnolia Silos complex. It is a perfect girls' getaway or mother-daughter trip. But I don't want to be sexist, there were lots of men there enjoying everything Magnolia as well. I highly recommend a visit at least once to experience the magic Chip and Jo have created in Waco. I will also have some other blogs coming shortly about the other hidden gems I discovered in Waco so you will have plenty to do once you are all shopped out! In the meantime, don't forget to check out Magnolia.com for on-line shopping, design inspiration, and all the other great content they have on their site. (I'm not affiliated...I just love their brand!)

If the Amalfi Coast in Italy is not on your travel bucket list yet, I highly recommend that you add it (and bump it up to the top of that list!). I went on an amazing 10 day trip on the Amalfi Coast last May with my two daughters and it was literally one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. We did a lot of research before we left and came up with a pretty good itinerary that lets you explore most of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast (and a few of the hidden gems). Our itinerary consisted of two nights in Rome (first and last nights for flight), one night in Salerno, three nights in Amalfi, two nights in Capri and two nights in Sorrento. You can also easily stay in one spot along the Coast and utilize the ferries to visit the other towns. However, we found that it was very nice to be in spots like Amalfi and Capri at night after the ferry had taken most day-trip tourists away. There are many more amazing locations along the Amalfi Coast and we didn't have a chance to check them all out. So you may want to use this itinerary as a starting point and do your own research to add any hidden gems you discover. DAY 1-ROME: When we were booking our trip, flights to Rome were cheaper than flights to Naples, so we chose to fly in to Rome and take a train down to Salerno. It is also an option take trains from Rome to Naples and then Sorrento to start an Amalfi Coast tour from there. Check flights to both Rome and Naples to see which one works best for you and your travel crew. Naples airport is closer to the Amalfi Coast and could cut down on travel time, but for us the tickets to Naples were a lot more expensive. Oh well, it gave us a chance to check out some things we missed in Rome on previous visits! Check into Hotel. (We stayed at the Navona Theatre Hotel which has a very central location so it is easy to walk to everything. Check it out here. Grab a bite to eat and a SHORT nap (no more than 2 hours) to ease jet lag. Walk to Castel Sant'Angelo and Vatican City. I toured Vatican City on a prior trip so we just walked around outside on this visit. But taking a tour of Vatican City is a must do if you are spending time in Rome. Be sure to reserve tickets before your trip (and perhaps buy a skip the line package) as the Vatican and Vatican City is a very popular tourist site. Castel Sant'Angelo is right next to the Vatican and it has a dramatic entrance that provides a setting for some great pictures! There is also a tour of Castel Sant'Angelo which is probably very interesting as this is where past popes have fled to be protected when danger was anticipated. Unfortunately we were short on time so didn't have a chance to check it out. The outside views of Castel Sant'Angelo and Vatican City are still worth the visit even if you don't have time for the tours. Head to dinner. We ate dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood where there are a lot of good restaurants. As both of my daughters have Celiac Disease and have to eat gluten free (or Senza Gluten in Italian), all of the restaurants we went to have gluten free options. The restaurant we went to in Rome, Mama Eat, is well-known for their gluten-free options and they even advertise it on their storefront. I had a local pasta specialty, ER Casio e Pepe, and it was delicious! Spanish Steps at Sunset. Going to see the Spanish Steps at sunset offers beautiful scenery and a few less people. DAY 2-ROME/SALERNO Get up early to see Trevi Fountain before (massive) crowds. We got there just before 8 am and there were still a lot of people, but not as many as there are later in the day! Go get in line to enter Pantheon when it opens at 9 am. After walking through the Pantheon, grab breakfast at one of the outdoor cafés in front of the Pantheon. Train to Salerno and take afternoon to explore Salerno's Old Town and walk along the Trieste Lungomare, the seaside promenade. Dinner at Ristorante Cicirinella. I forgot to take a picture of my pasta dish, but I will tell you it was one of the best meals I have ever had! I ordered their speciality pasta dish, Penne Scarpariello, which is penne pasta in a tomato sauce with basil, parmesan cheese and chili peppers so it has a touch of spice. They had several gluten free options and seafood entrees. The service was excellent and the restaurant is located right in the historic old town district. I highly recommend this spot! DAY 3-AMALFI Take morning ferry to Amalfi and enjoy the views of the Coast. We opted to get an Airbnb in Amalfi and had a PERFECT spot just steps from the ferry port and close to Piazza Duomo and the center of town. We also had an excellent view of the sea off our balcony. If you are interested in booking this Airbnb just click here. Go to Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Duomo di Sant Andrea) and check out the the relics of St. Andrew the Apostle, which were brought to the city from Constantinople in 1208. Admission to the Cathedral is free. While we were there we got a chance to observe an Italian baptism. Located right next to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew is the adjoining 9th Century Basilica of the Crucifix, the Cloister del Paradiso and the crypts of Saint Andrew. There is a 3 Euro charge to enter these areas, but I recommend doing it. It is amazing to see the history and architecture from the 9th century. Shop at stores along Via Lorenzo and grab dinner and gelato. DAY 4-AMALFI/POSITANO Hike the Path of the Gods from Bonerano to Nocelle. I wrote a more in depth blog about this experience and all of the details here, but this is a MUST DO while on the Amalfi Coast. The views are breath-taking! Hike to Nocelle and then take bus down to Positano. Grab lunch at Chez Black and relax on the beach at Positano. I suggest making reservations for Chez Black as it a very popular spot. Check out the menu and make a reservation here. I went for the basic bolognese but it was anything but basic! It was soooo good, especially after the long hike. The beach right in front of the restaurant is a free public beach and there are public restrooms close by to change into your swimsuit. Walk around Positano and shop in the many cute shops and boutiques before catching the last ferry back to Amalfi. DAY 5-AMALFI/RAVELLO/ATRANI Take bus or taxi up to Ravello. Walk around town and grab breakfast at outdoor cafe overlooking the Coast. Read my more in-depth blog on Ravello here. Visit Villa Rufolo, an historic villa built in the 13th century, that boasts beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the Coast from the hilltop village. Tickets for entry are 7 Euro for adults, 5 Euro for children. Visit Villa Cimbrone, another historic villa and perhaps the crown jewel of Ravello. Villa Cimbrone provides jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic Amalfi coastline. The Terrace of Infinity provides Insta-worthy backdrops for the perfect vacation pic. Lunch at Ristorante Villa Maria that is located a short walk from Villa Cimbrone. It has a great location overlooking the coast and the Lemoncello and Hugo Spritzes were refreshing! Walk down from Ravello to Atrani, a small fishing village along the coast. But be advised, even though you are walking down this trip is not for those with bad knees! Rumor is there are around 1,700 steps on the way down. I can personally attest that this feels like an accurate number! If you feel like you can handle it, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. DAY 6-CAPRI Take morning ferry to Capri and check into Hotel Gatto Bianco. This hotel is right in the middle of town and has a resident white cat (hence the name). They serve a delicious complimentary breakfast buffet which you can eat on a beautiful patio under lemon trees and gorgeous statues. I highly recommend this hotel if you go to Capri. You can check it out here. Take bus up to Anacapri and ride Monte Solaro chairlift to top of Mount Solaro. The views from the chairlift and at the top of Monte Solaro are amazing! Walk around Anacapri. Maybe purchase handmade leather sandals that they fit to your foot and make personally for you while you wait! Get gelato at the famous Buonocore Gelataria. It is located right in the center of Capri. You will be able to find it by following the intoxicating scent of the freshly made waffle cones (and the long line!). Catch the sunset off the Piazza Umberto (or the Piazzetta as it is commonly known) and then eat dinner at one of the many restaurants located on the Piazzetta. After dinner enjoy night views while strolling the less crowded streets of Capri (since all the day tourists have left). Window shop at all the luxury stores lining the main streets of Capri. Keep your eye out for celebrity sightings as Capri is a favorite destination of the rich and famous! We didn't see anyone famous, but they could have flown under our radar. DAY 7-CAPRI Rent a private boat for a cruise around Capri. It is not as bougie as it sounds. Private boat rental is common and there are several boats looking for passengers. Cost and time on the water vary so research "private boat tours Capri" and see what your options are. We were lucky enough to book a boat captained by the island's ONLY licensed female captain! #girlpower Spend afternoon at Marina Grande beach. Dinner at Panorama.Schedule dinner for around sunset and watch the sunset while sipping cocktails and eating delicious Italian food! The wait staff is very friendly...one of the waiters handpicked a lemon for me from the lemon trees growing on the restaurant terrace. DAY 8-SORRENTO Take morning ferry to Sorrento. Grab an authentic Italian sandwich at A'Marenna, a popular place to grab a freshly made authentic Italian sandwich and a glass of local wine. The owners are energetic and fun which adds to the whole experience. There will probably be a line, but it is definitely worth the wait! Walk around historic old town. Narrow, cobblestone streets lined with shops filled with hand-made ceramics, lace, souvenirs and other locally crafted goods. Strolling the old town streets is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! Sample Limoncello made right in the store. You can't visit the Amalfi Coast and not indulge in the Limoncello! And make sure to leave space in your suitcase to bring some home to make your own Limoncello Spritzes and relive your incredible vacation. DAY 9-SORRENTO Day at beach. Most beach areas require you to pay for a chair and umbrella and may require you to purchase food/drink while you are there. My daughters went to Leonelli's Beach which is located in the center of a natural bay providing beautiful views of the sea as well as the coastline of Sorrento. Leonelli's has a restaurant to provide food and drinks while you bask in the sun. DAY 10-NAPLES/ROME Take morning train to Naples. Walk around old town and grab traditional Neapolitan pizza. Catch afternoon train to Rome. Stay at Hotel Vespa right across from train station for easy access to train to the airport to catch early morning flight. So there you have it. The best 10 day itinerary for the Amalfi Coast! This was a trip of a lifetime with my daughters. If you are looking for a mother-daughter trip or a girls' adventure you should definitely consider the Amalfi Coast. I'm sure it would be a great couples getaway as well, but I was definitely more in the girls' trip mindset for this one! I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it! It was so fun to look back on our trip and relive the memories. Hopefully it inspires you to start making plans to create your own special memories.

Last year I posted a blog about a hidden gem right outside of Saratoga Springs called Brookledge. Brookledge is a property with a rich history that was purchased a couple of years ago by my new friend Helen Christopher and her husband. My previous blog post features the beautiful cabins on the property that are available to book for a rustic getaway just a short drive from Saratoga. My original blog also highlights the historic Camp Chapel site used for outdoor weddings and the Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost that can be used for wedding receptions or other events. Click here to read my original blog about the origins of Brookledge and the initial renovations the Christophers did to rejuvenate the property using most of the original buildings from the Campfire Girls Camp that used to occupy the location. The Christophers have been hard at work over the last year making even more improvements and renovations to Brookledge. I figured it was time for me to go check it out and see what they have been up to. I was blown away by all they have accomplished. Here is a peek into the new things you can find at Brookledge: Camp Chapel: In my first blog, I highlighted the Camp Chapel, an area at Brookledge that is used to hold outdoor weddings. The bride and groom typically stand in front of an old stone fireplace that appears to be left over from when the property was used as a country getaway for rich German families who lived in NYC. I first saw the fireplace in late fall when most leaves had fallen from the trees and winter was definitely on its way. This time, I saw the fireplace in its full glory covered with rich green moss highlighting the full forest behind it. It is a stunning place to hold a wedding. There have been several upgrades to the Camp Chapel area including steps down from the newly renovated Treehouse Lodge (where brides typically get ready) and nice wooden benches for wedding guests. If you are looking for a beautiful place to have a rustic, nature-inspired ceremony, you should definitely check out Brookledge! Click here for more information on wedding packages and contact information for Helen Christopher who can help you plan your perfect wedding day! Treehouse Lodge: When I visited Brookledge last fall, they were right in the middle of renovating what is now known as the Tree House Lodge. At that time, Helen told me her vision for the space which was to make it a place where families could come stay with kids. The upstairs room is equipped with bunk beds and it definitely feels like you are in a tree house. An open window looks out on the space below and has a perfect view of the star shaped lights hanging from the living room ceiling. It feels like you are gazing out on a starry night. The master bedroom on the first floor of the Tree House Lodge is appropriately decorated in the tree house theme with cuttings from trees on the property. The living room is large and can accommodate a number of people if the Tree House Lodge is used to host a bridal shower, family reunion or other corporate or personal event. Helen came up with the decorating ideas for the Tree House Lodge (using materials from around the property where possible) and I told her I thought she missed her calling because the decor creates the perfect tree house aesthetic and the space is warm and cozy. As mentioned above, the Tree House Lodge is frequently used by brides and her bridal party to get ready for a wedding at Brookledge. The Tree House Lodge also has a large kitchen area that can be used to prepare family meals or to make food and/or organize catered food that is brought in for an event. There are further renovations coming for the kitchen area, but it is still very nice and completely functional in the meantime! Glamping Tents: On my last visit, only the tent platforms existed so I didn't get to see what "glamping" was all about. Brookledge has two glamping tents called "Snoopy" and "Woodstock" (after the bus names used to transport girls during the Campgirls Camp days). There are hand carved statues of Snoopy and Woodstock on the patio of each tent to tell you which is which. The statues were carved by a local artist. In full disclosure, I do not like camping. I have tried over the years, but it is just not my thing. However, after looking at the inside of the glamping tents, I told Helen I would definitely consider camping in one of these. The platform beds looked comfy and there was electricity in the tent! The glamping tents are just steps away from the Ice Bucket pond and just a short distance from the newly renovated bath houses. If I am saying I would consider camping in the glamping tents, you KNOW they must be really nice! Bath House: Brookledge kept the original bath houses used at the Campfire Girls camp. When I visited last fall, the shower of the bath house had been installed, but the bath houses were still fairly rustic. They have been completely renovated and a coin-operated laundry facility has been added. There are several bathroom stalls and a private shower area. Even though you are "roughing it", you still have the convenience of modern indoor plumbing and can even do a load of laundry if there is an unexpected fall in the mud or the Ice Bucket Pond. That sounds like the kind of "roughing it" I can get on board with! Other Fun Additions: The Fireside Pavilion has a few improvements that polished it up a bit, but it still has its rustic charm. There is a revamped fireplace, a new small bar (but Raymond's Roost is just a few steps away with a full bar area) and life-size games like Connect Four. They also added lighting to create ambiance for events that are held there. It is a beautiful space and if you check out the Brookledge Instagram (brookledgeny) you can check out pictures of the various events that have been held there and how the Pavilion has been decorated. I recently saw pictures of the Pavilion being prepared for a wedding reception and it looked absolutely stunning! Ice Bucket Pond is obviously still there and there are kayaks and other equipment that you can use free of charge to enjoy the Pond. What is new is that it has been stocked with fish that you can catch and release or if you are like me you can just enjoy watching them, especially when Helen throws in some fish food and they all go crazy! I thought Brookledge was a unique and amazing place before, but the Christophers have elevated it to a whole new level. If you are looking for a "Fancy Flannel" or "Rustic Elegance" experience, then Brookledge is the place for you. Whether you are just looking for a vacation spot or planning a special event you should consider Brookledge. And if you are planning a wedding and searching for a venue with a natural setting and rustic charm, you should definitely consider Brookledge. Don't forget to also check out my first blog on Brookledge for a complete picture of the various accommodations and amenities at Brookledge. There are now five different accommodations to book depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. You can book any of the accommodations through Airbnb, Booking.com or VRBO, but if you contact Helen directly you can avoid the fees generally charged by these sites. You will need to contact Helen directly to reserve the Pavilion, Raymond's Roost or the Tree House Lodge for a wedding or special event. Helen's contact information can be found here. Brookledge is a one of a kind place. I am so glad I got to know Helen and have been able to watch her and her husband create the space they dreamed of when they first saw this property years ago. You should see it for yourself as I am not sure my words can adequately convey the magic of the place. You may just find it is the perfect spot for you to unwind and relax or to host your special event!

About 12 miles away from the bustling Saratoga Springs area, nestled in amongst trees reaching for the sky, is a wonderful little place called Brookledge. I discovered Brookledge after connecting with one of its owners, Helen Christopher, on social media. I started following her on Instagram and was intrigued by the development of this new business she and her husband Ryan were starting. What Is Brookledge? Then... Brookledge is approximately 60 acres of undeveloped property in the small town of Providence, just outside of Saratoga Springs. The property has a storied and interesting history. In the 1800's, German families from NYC headed north to cabins built on the property for a much needed getaway from the crowded City. None of those cabins remain, but there is an old stone fireplace with what is believed to be a monogram of a German family on the mantel that still stands representing this chapter of the property's history. Sometime thereafter, the property was sold and was used as one of the original Camp Fire Girls' camps and then subsequently used by Schenectady Girl's Club (now Girl's Inc) as a girl's summer camp. Many of the original buildings from the property's summer camp days remain standing including original sleeping cabins, bath houses, dressing cabins, the nurse's office, the camp counselor office and the outdoor pavilion. You can still see carvings and artwork done by the girls around the property. Many of the hiking trails on the property were original trails used by the girl's during the camping days. Now... The Christophers' first saw the Brookledge property a decade ago when attending a wedding on the grounds of the now abandoned camp. Something about the property spoke to them and they agreed if it ever went on the market they would buy it. It ultimately was sold to a real estate developer who planned to tear down all the buildings and create an RV park. That deal fell through and the Christophers had their opportunity to buy their dream property. Helen quit her job as a second grade teacher to focus full-time on renovating the property and restoring it to its past glory as a magical nature getaway. They have maintained the original Brookledge name and intend to preserve as much history as they can by utilizing the existing structures and incorporating original items found in the buildings or around the property wherever they can. They also have made it a priority during the renovation to source local materials and labor where possible. They continue that mission in the operation of the camp by sourcing supplies and food from local vendor if they can. You can feel the energy of the property coming back to life when you visit. The vision for Brookledge is to provide a nature retreat that can be used as a wedding venue, event space (corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions or other celebrations), or getaways. They have made great progress and have already completed renovation on a couple of the cabins that were available for booking last summer. But the Christophers have big plans for the property and are working through the winter to make Brookledge even more special in time for next summer and the Saratoga racing season! What Kind of Experience Will You Get at Brookledge? Whether you are looking for a rustic but classy space for a special event or a cozy and comfortable retreat from suburbia or city life, Brookledge has what you are looking for! The natural beauty of the surroundings makes any experience magical. We are not a 5 star luxury hotel, we are a 5 tree happy to be in nature getaway! Spaces for Weddings and Events: The Chapel: Brookledge has already hosted a few weddings at its site and the pictures show what an amazing setting it is for such a special day. There are wedding packages available, but they will also work with brides to help them create the day they have been dreaming of. Generally weddings are held in the open space in front of the stone fireplace (pictured above) in an area they call The Chapel. The plan is to even out the terrain, install permanent benches for guests and build a wooden walkway to the site (so the bride's dresses don't get dirty on the walk down the aisle). They also are able to provide transport to the wedding site to those guests who may have mobility issues. Fireside Pavilion and Raymond's Roost: The Fireside Pavilion and the nearby Raymond's Roost bar pavilion accommodate a large number of people for a wedding reception, family reunion, corporate event or other large gathering. As its name implies, the Fireside Pavilion has a stone fireplace that was original to the structure from the girl's camp days. The smaller Raymond's Roost Pavilion is a few steps away and has bar seating. The Fireside Pavilion can also be used to host children's birthday party events. Brookledge has a daytime birthday party package that includes a guided nature hike, swimming, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and campfire s'mores for up to 20 guests! There is also a sleepover package if you want to continue the celebration fun through the night. The sleepover package includes all the activities in the daytime party package plus an outdoor movie in the Pavilion for 6 to 10 guests. You can add on party enhancements such as picnic basket meals, a taco bar, make your own trail mix activity and birthday cakes. Prices for various party packages can be found here. Ice Bucket Pond: On the property, right next to the Pavilions (and in front of the Crook Brook Cabin) is a small pond called the Ice Bucket. The Ice Bucket is a spring fed and is 10 feet deep. The name should give you a hint about the water temp! The Pond can be used during birthday parties and special events or if you are a guest staying on the property. There are canoes and a floating dock which can be used to relax while floating around the pond (although I think kids use it as a moving diving platform!). They are trying to restore the ecosystem in the Ice Bucket Pond so they installed a fountain to discourage algae growth and plan to restock the pond with native fish. Overnight Stays: If you want to extend your stay in nature, Brookledge has several options to accommodate many comfort levels. A recent guest told Helen that Brookledge was the perfect solution for a weekend getaway for her and her husband and he wanted to be out in nature, but she is more of a luxury hotel kind of girl. She found Brookledge to be the perfect compromise because he could be out exploring and communing with nature while she relaxed in the beautifully decorated cabin with her book and a glass of wine! The accommodations may or may not have running water, heat and do not have bathrooms or showers, so you definitely still feel like your are "roughing it" even while enjoying comfortable beds and lodging. If you are interested in reserving any of the available accommodations you can do so on Airbnb or VRBO. Crook Brook Cabin: Crook Brook Cabin is a rustic cabin located right next to the Pavilions and sits up from the Ice Bucket Pond. It comfortably accommodates 4 people with the custom made queen bunk bed. The cabin includes linens, dishes, a sink with hot water, a ceiling fan, a grill, a microwave and a mini fridge. There is a TV that is equipped with a working VCR so you can really experience a time warp and watch some VHS movies. There are no bathrooms or showers in the cabin, but outhouses and bath houses with restored showers from the original camp are a close walking distance. The Crook Brook Cabin has a distinct 70's vibe which was intentionally done to reflect the property's girl's camp history in the 1970s. The VCR/VHS tapes, brown and gold patterned stoneware dishes, art work made by the girls when the camp was operational which was recovered from the cabins, and the childhood favorite boardgames that can be played out on the patio in the evening all contribute to a magical childhood throwback feeling that mixes perfectly with the outdoor environment. The Cottage: While I loved the Crook Brook Cabin, I have to admit the Cottage blew me away. The Cottage is a little more remote making it perfect for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. It sits high above the babbling Crook Brook Creek on top of large boulders giving it fantastic views from the balcony. The inside has been impeccably renovated and tastefully decorated by Helen. The remote controlled candle lighting provides a relaxing vibe. There is an outhouse right outside the door, but the bath house for showers is a bit of a walk. The stroll down to the bath house is beautiful, so I don't think any one really minds. There is no electricity, but there is a large battery charger that accommodates cell phone chargers and plugs so you won't be stranded. There is a portable heater to keep you warm as the temperatures drop at night. Outside on the balcony there are rocking chairs looking out over the Creek and the forest. Down the steps there is a campfire spot with several chairs. A few steps away, a hammock hangs from two trees right next to the Creek creating a perfect nap spot. I'm not a girl who generally likes to rough it, but I would definitely be excited to stay in this cozy Cottage! Glamping Tents: They weren't ready last summer, but next summer Brookledge will offer a new experience! They have built two platforms for large tents that will provide guests a glamping opportunity. The tents will be available to reserve from April to November. The tents will be located steps from the Ice Bucket Pond in an open area where the girls used to have their camp singalongs. The two tents will be named "Woodstock" and "Snoopy" paying homage to the names of the camp buses used to transport the girls to camp from Schenectady back in the day! Love that! The tents will be placed on wooden platforms lifting them off the ground and I am sure Helen will have them outfitted in perfect "glamping" style when they open next spring. Tree House Lodge: The Tree House Lodge is currently being renovated so I don't have any current pictures, but by next summer it will be available for short term rental or for events. There will be a large living space with a room that will sleep two. There will be stairs up to a loft area (hence the "Tree House" name) that will be geared towards children with books and toys. Once it if finished and available for reserving, the website will contain more information about the specific accommodations. Don't Miss This Hidden Gem! Check out the Brookledge website here for more details about this special place. If you have a special event coming up, I would highly recommend considering this venue. The natural beauty is breathtaking and the care and attention the Christophers are giving to retain the spirit and history of the place makes it even more special. Brookledge is already amazing and they are just getting started. I can't wait to see what else they do with this property and watch their dream come to life! I plan to return in the Spring to see the progress and to update you all on what you can expect if you visit Brookledge next spring/summer

When visiting a foreign country, you know things will be different from where you are coming from. Obviously you anticipate the big differences such as language, currency, and general culture. But it is actually the little differences that can catch you off guard and make your adventure in a new place feel uncomfortable. On my recent trip to Italy, I experienced several of these surprises so I compiled a list of some things you should be aware of before heading to Italy (and some of them may also apply to other destinations in Europe). Hopefully knowing these tips ahead of time will help you prepare so your travels will go smoothly and you can just enjoy the beauty of Italy with no surprises. Here are some insider tips (in no particular order): When dining at a restaurant, you will not get free tap water with your meal. If you want water you will have to buy it by the bottle (about €1,50 to €2 per bottle). You can get acqua natural (still) or acqua frizzante (sparkling). Restaurants charge a "coperto" per person which is a service charge for the table and generally includes the bread that is served before the meal. The coperto can range from €1- €7 per person, so it can add up quickly. The coperto charged will depend on the restaurant and is usually indicated on the menu found outside the restaurant. Be sure to check this out before dining so you aren't surprised by the additional charge when you get the bill. Tipping is not required, nor should it be expected because of the coperto mentioned above. However, if you receive exceptional service and would like to tip it is always appreciated. Dinner in Italy is generally late so plan accordingly if you like to eat on the early side. Have a snack to tide you over. Dinner is usually served around 8 to 9 pm and even as late as 10 pm in the summer months. Don't plan to eat and run. Italians like to enjoy their meals leisurely and the waiters will expect you want to do the same. The waiters will wait for an indication that you are ready for your bill. I am not generally a lingerer after eating and I would get antsy trying to get the waiter's attention to grab the bill. This was a challenging difference for me, but helped me get better at just relaxing and enjoying the evening. When you order a pizza it will not come cut into slices. You order an individual pizza and then cut into slices to fold and eat. Also, NEVER ask for pineapple on your pizza in Italy. They consider that a culinary offense! DON"T ask for Alfredo sauce in Italy. I was advised by a server that Alfredo sauce is not an Italian creation, but an American one. If Alfredo is on the menu, the restaurant is most likely a tourist trap catering to Americans and not a place for you to get authentic Italian cuisine. The server also said that excessive use of garlic in Italian dishes is also an American thing and not representative of authentic Italian dishes. Finally, unless the server asks if you would like Parmesan cheese on your dish don't ask. In Italy, Parmesan is only added to a few specific dishes. Putting Parmesan on top of every Italian meal is also an American thing. Who knew? Most shops and restaurants will close mid-afternoon for "riposo", a mid-day siesta from about 1-4 pm. Some shops will stay open and it may be a good time to browse with less crowds, but in the smaller Italian towns most stores and restaurants will be closed during this time so plan accordingly. Maybe be like the Italians and take your own riposo! When in Rome... Accommodations will charge an additional city tax per person per night of stay. This will be paid at the end of your stay and must be paid in Euros, so plan to have Euros on hand to make this payment. The amount of the tax will depend on the location and the type of accommodation. Most hotels and Airbnbs will clearly state what the city tax is and how much will be due at check out. There are public restrooms around, but there is a fee to use them. You will have to pay 50 cents to €1 to access the bathroom so make sure you have spare change on you in case you need to use the public restrooms while you are out and about! You can use your credit card for most purchases. When asked if you want to pay in Euros or dollars, pick Euros. This allows your bank to pick the exchange rate and will be a better option for you. I always wait to get Euros until I get to the country and then withdraw from the ATM at the airport when I get off the plane or from a recognized bank ATM once I check into my hotel. Again, you will need Euros for the city tax and public restrooms, but may also want to pay in Euros for smaller purchases you make. I don't suggest getting a large amount as most places take credit cards and you don't want to have to exchange a large amount back if you don't use it all. You can always get more out if you spend all you initially take out. Keep your passport and valuable close to you with a front facing fanny pack or bag. I have never had a problem personally, but everyone talks about what a big problem pick-pocketing is in crowded European cities so I take every precaution. I keep everything in a small zipped back that hangs in front of me so I always have eyes on it. If you are visiting Italy in the summer, it can be very hot and you will want to be wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. However, keep in mind that if you wish to enter some of the beautiful cathedrals you will need to be dressed appropriately. This means no bare shoulders and shorts and skirts must be knee-length. Although you may see some tourists who slip by not following these rules, they are usually very strictly enforced and you may be refused entry. If you are using bus transportation to get around, know that buying the ticket on the bus will be more expensive and sometimes is not even an option. You can buy bus tickets at ticket machines or at nearby Tobaccheria shops (you will see a sign by the door indicating they sell bus tickets). If you use the local trains to get around, MAKE SURE TO VALIDATE YOUR TRAIN TICKET BEFORE YOU GET ON THE TRAIN! This is an important tip and not very well publicized. Failure to validate your ticket at the green and yellow machines in the train station (to provide a time and date stamp) will result in a hefty fine. The ticket takers on the train won't care that you didn't know you had to validate, they will issue you the fine which can be around €50! And finally... PACK LIGHT...I MEAN IT!!!! If you follow me, you know I have a packing problem. Meaning I can't pack lightly and only bring a carry on. I have never regretted this issue more than when I was traveling in Europe. Between the cobblestone streets, the narrow staircases up to some of the Airbnbs we stayed at, and the steep hills we had to walk up to get to the center of town from the ferry, I was cursing myself that I had such a big (and heavy suitcase). Nothing says you are an American tourist more than lugging a huge suitcase around from place to place. If you take nothing else from this blog, try to pack as light as possible in a small carry on suitcase. You will thank me! Hopefully these tips will help you to avoid any unexpected surprises when you get to Italy! That way you can just relax and enjoy all of the sights and experiences Italy has to offer. You are in for a trip of a lifetime!