Are you ready to make your way through 48 unforgettable hours in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria? Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a fun adventure that’s equal parts yummy eats, great sightseeing, and pure charm. Vienna isn’t just a destination; it’s a symphony of experiences waiting to be explored. From the beauty of historical palaces to the sweet embrace of apple strudel, this city has a lot to offer. So, let’s get into the perfect 48 hours in Vienna!

A Beautiful Hotel: Zoku

If you are staying in Vienna for just a few nights like I did, or for a longer period, Zoku Vienna is the perfect hotel to stay at. Zoku is located in the Leopoldstadt neighborhood of Vienna. Convenient to the central city and Old Town by public transportation, this is a lovely hotel. The unique and modern decor is extremely aesthetic and the views from the terrace lounge are unmatched!

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It can get pricy to stay in the central city so I found that Zoku is still a great location at a relatively fair price. This hotel is very accommodating to people traveling for business or just a leisurely vacation. If you do not stay at this hotel, I at least recommend checking out the terrace lounge area for the sunset and panoramic views of the Prater Amusement Park.

The rooms are loft-style with a cozy, modern feel. I personally found the beds to be comfortable. Each room is also equipped with a little kitchenette as well as a small dining table. The staff working here during my visit were welcoming and overall, I recommend staying at the Zoku in Vienna.

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When To Visit

Vienna is a great city to visit at basically any time of the year, but my favorite season to visit is fall. Early Autumn such as September to October is a pleasant time to visit as it can be a little less crowded than the summer months. The city’s parks and gardens still display some bloomed florals, plus fall foliage starts to show. The weather is typically nice with not too many rainy days and warm-to-mild temperatures. When I recently visited at the end of September, it was unusually hot for the time of year with average temperatures around 80 degrees during the day. I would expect temperatures in the 60s or even 70s during early fall, but it can drop into the 50s at night.

Day 1 Itinerary

If you take a red-eye flight like I did from New Jersey to Vienna, you will likely arrive in the early morning between 7 AM and 9 AM. From the airport, you can take either public transportation, a taxi, or an Uber to your accommodations. It is about a 30-minute drive to Zoku Vienna from the airport with some traffic.

Most hotels do not allow check-in until the mid-to-late afternoon, so having a plan to store your luggage is key. Fortunately, the Zoku Vienna Hotel has a luggage locker room where we were able to safely store our luggage and freshen up for the day. We arrived at our accommodations around 9 AM and began the day from there. Below is a bulleted itinerary of our day 1 in Vienna.

• 9 AM: Drop luggage off at the Zoku Vienna Hotel
• 9:30 AM: Breakfast near the Zoku at BRENNER
  • I enjoyed a simple and quick avocado toast here with a poached egg on top
  • The hotel also offers breakfast for a little over twenty euros per person

• 10:30 AM: Take public transportation into the Old Town for Sightseeing
  • Walk 5 minutes from the hotel to Messe-Prater metro station (enter via Ausstellungsstrabe)
  • Ride the U2 metro 4 stops to Schottentor U
  • Walk 11 minutes to Mozart Wohnhaus
• 11 AM – 5 PM: Sightseeing in Vienna’s Old Town
  • Walk from the U-Bahn station to Mozart Wohnhaus (free walk-by)
  • 3-minute walk to the Column of Pest (free historical landmark to walk by)

• 4-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (see exterior for free & then you can pay €5.5/person CASH ONLY to climb up the South Tower for panoramic views of the city)

• 10-minute walk to the Vienna State Opera House (see exterior for free – paid tours are also available for the interior – you can also pay to see a show here)

• 9-minute walk to Pane é Cafe (enjoy yummy apple strudel)

• 5-minute walk to Burggarten within The Hofburg grounds (historical palace and grounds – explore the grounds for free and/or purchase a ticket to tour one of the museums.)

• 5-minute walk to the Volksgarten (free to walk through – my favorite spot we saw)

• 10-minute walk to Rathausplatz (see exterior for free)
• 13-minute walk to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • €21/person to tour this museum. Closes at 6 PM – Tickets can be found here
  • We spent about an hour here

• 5 PM – 5:30 PM: Take transportation back to the Zoku Hotel (below is one route option)
  • Walk 3 minutes to the “Line 2” tram at Burgring
  • Ride the tram 9 stops (16 min) to Taborstrabe
  • Walk 1 minute to the U-Bahn station at Taborstrabe (enter via Obere Augartenstrabe)
  • Ride 2 stops (3 min) to Messe-Prater
  • Walk 3 minutes to Zoku (hotel)
• 5:30 PM – 7 PM: Relax and enjoy the view and sunset from the outside terrace lounge at Zoku

• 7 PM – 9 PM: Get a traditional Austrian dinner from Gasthaus Möslinger
  • A quick walk from Zoku with yummy Austrian food (I recommend the Käsespätzle or a schnitzel)

Day 2 Itinerary

Hoping you got a good night’s sleep after a long day of travel and sightseeing on Day 1, it is time for Day 2! Day 2 is another day filled with beautiful sightseeing and delicious food! Below is a bulleted itinerary for how my Day 2 in Vienna went.

Note: We started our day a little later than expected, but it did not affect our timing for sightseeing.

• 10 AM – 11:30 AM: Take the U-Bahn/walk to Das Eduard and enjoy a delicious breakfast
  • I loved this restaurant – the food is delicious and the service is friendly

• 11:30 AM – 12 PM: Walk a little over 20 minutes from breakfast to the Schönbrunn Palace
• 11:50 AM – 2:30 PM: Explore the Schönbrunn Palace
  • There is a lot to see here – some things for free and some things for an entrance fee
  • It is free to explore most of the grounds and I recommend walking around to see the exterior of the Palace, the surrounding gardens, the fountain, and the Gloriette
  • Tickets and info on all paid attractions within the Palace grounds can be found here

• 2:30 PM – 3 PM: Take the U-Bahn/walk to the Belvedere Palace
• 3 PM – 5:30 PM: Walk around the Belvedere Palace grounds for free and tour the museum (paid ticket required)
  • Tour Upper Belvedere – €16,70/adult – beautiful art museum

• 5:30 PM – 7 PM: Get Dinner near the Belvedere Palace
  • We went to Salm Bräu, which is a local brewery (a bit touristy) that offers Austrian food. This spot was convenient for our large group, but there are plenty of great restaurants you can find otherwise. I thought the food was decent, but nothing that stood out.

• 7 PM – 7:30 PM: Take the U-Bahn/walk back to Zoku
• 7:45 PM – 10 PM: Enjoy a fun night at the Prater Amusement Park
  • It is free to enter and you pay by ride – the Ferris Wheel offers nice views of the city

Day 3 (Last Morning in Vienna)

Day 3 is the final morning in the marvelous city of Vienna. Check-out times at most hotels are between 10 AM and 11 AM. We checked out of the Zoku and put our suitcases in the luggage locker room while getting a local breakfast. If you stay at the Zoku, then you can get a nice breakfast at Baschly, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. Enjoy egg dishes, coffee, toast, and more at this restaurant.

From Baschly, you can take a roughly 20-minute walk to the famous Danube River. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may or may not have time to do more exploring in Vienna. Our flight departed in the early afternoon, so we made our way to the airport via Uber from Zoku.

Vienna is a historic and charming city that I recommend visiting at least once! In this blog post, we’ve journeyed through 48 hours (maybe a little more) of enchantment in the imperial city of Vienna. From savoring the yummy apple strudel to waltzing through the Old Town and the city’s famous palaces, Vienna truly has a way of stealing your heart in just two days. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of the perfect photo, this Austrian gem does not disappoint!

Comment below your favorite European city that you have traveled to!

The post The Perfect 48 Hours in Vienna, Austria (Travel Itinerary) appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Woodstock, Vermont, is a picturesque town that seems to have been plucked from the pages of a storybook. With its charming streets, historic architecture, and local farms to explore, it’s no wonder that Woodstock is a beloved destination for travelers seeking a quintessential New England experience. If you’re planning a visit to this idyllic town, allow me to guide you through the perfect afternoon, filled with delightful sights, delicious food, and memorable experiences! P.S. Woodstock is one of the most visited towns during the peak fall season!

11 AM to 1 PM: Visit Billings Farm and Museum

Begin your day with a visit to Billings Farm and Museum, a cherished local treasure. Nestled on roughly 270 acres of rolling Vermont countryside, this living history museum provides a captivating look into the state’s rural heritage.

As you stroll through the farm’s well-maintained barns and pastures, you’ll encounter a variety of farm animals. Visitors can see friendly goats, cows, chickens, horses, and more. Engage in interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the history of Vermont’s farming traditions, sustainable agriculture, and dairy production.

The Billings Farmhouse Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century farming family, complete with informative displays. Don’t forget to explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, which burst into colorful bloom during the warmer months. I am always on the hunt for beautiful flowers and gardens! Billings Farm currently has a beautiful Sunflower House operating for summer! The “Sunflower House” is included in your general admission ticket and is currently open as of Late August. The farm has not announced how long this attraction will be taking place, so be sure to check their website to see if it is operating during your planned day of visit.

A general admission ticket for the farm costs $17 per person ages 16-61. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and students. This page breaks down current admission prices as well as the hours of operation. There are also ice cream and snacks available for purchase at the farm.

1 PM to 2 PM: Lunch at Mon Vert Cafe

By now, you’re likely ready for a yummy lunch break! Head to Mon Vert Cafe, a cozy eatery located in downtown Woodstock. This charming café offers a delectable menu filled with locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming ambiance. Whether you choose a gourmet sandwich, a savory quiche, or a vibrant salad, Mon Vert Cafe’s culinary creations will not disappoint! Pair your meal with a cup of artisanal coffee or a refreshing tea and savor every bite in this delightful ambiance.

2 PM to 3:30 PM: Stroll Around Downtown Woodstock

After lunch at Mon Vert Cafe, take a leisurely stroll around downtown Woodstock. The town’s center is a National Historic District, characterized by well-preserved Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Just a few minutes walk from the café is Woodstock Scoops, a local creamery serving the most delicious mapel creemee with maple crunchies – Yum!

The charming streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting eateries. Be sure to browse the unique goods at local stores like F. H. Gillingham & Sons, a country store with a history dating back to the 1880s. Also, don’t forget to check out the picturesque Woodstock Inn & Resort. This inn is nestled in the heart of the downtown across from The Green.

As you wander, you’ll likely find yourself in the shadow of the iconic Middle Covered Bridge, a symbol of Woodstock’s enduring charm. The covered bridge spans the Ottauquechee River and is a perfect spot for photos. This is just one of the many covered bridges across Vermont!

3:30 PM to 5 PM: Make Sweet Memories at Sugarbush Farm

After a stroll around town, continue your Woodstock adventure with a FREE visit to Sugarbush Farm. This farm is just a short drive from the downtown. Please note that the road is a little bumpy/rocky on the way to this farm, but we did not have any issues with it.

This family-owned farm has been producing award-winning Vermont cheese and pure maple syrup for generations. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the sweet aroma of maple syrup production. Take a self-guided tour through the Maple Walk and Sugarhouse, where you can learn about the maple syrup-making process and taste the various grades of syrup produced on-site.

But that’s not all—Sugarbush Farm is renowned for its cheese. Sample an array of artisanal cheeses, from tangy cheddars to creamy goudas, and discover the rich flavors that make Vermont cheese famous worldwide. We sampled four different cheeses during our visit, and they were all incredible! They also do free samples of maple syrup which are delectible. As your day in Woodstock draws to a close, consider purchasing some maple syrup and cheese as souvenirs or gifts from the market store.

Conclusion: A Day to Remember

Woodstock, VT, offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. With a visit to Billings Farm and Museum, a delicious meal at Mon Vert Cafe, a stroll through downtown Woodstock, and a stop at Sugarbush Farm, you’ll create memories to cherish for years to come. So, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Woodstock—a place where time seems to stand still, and every moment is a picture-perfect postcard of New England charm!

The post The Perfect Afternoon in Woodstock, Vermont appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Welcome to America’s Finest City! If you’re planning a trip to the stunning shores of Southern California, look no further than San Diego. With its picturesque coastline, vibrant neighborhoods, and an abundance of attractions, San Diego offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a beach lover, a food enthusiast, or a nature enthusiast, this three-day itinerary and travel guide will ensure you make the most of your visit to this coastal gem.

Renting a Car

Having a car will make getting around San Diego much more convenient! On our first trip to San Diego back in 2021, we rented a car at the airport. This time around in 2023, we decided to try Turo for the first time, and loved it! The entire process of renting a car through Turo went very smoothly for us, and we had zero issues. I also found that renting through Turo can be cheaper than renting through a traditional car rental agency at the airport. How you go about getting a car is up to your preference, but I personally recommend having one to get around during your stay in San Diego!

Accommodations

Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, finding the perfect accommodations is essential to make the most of your stay in America’s Finest City. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique hotels and budget-friendly options, San Diego offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences.

There are plenty of accommodation options in San Diego whether that be Airbnb, hotels, etc… As a budget-friendly traveler, I like to find options that rate well while being economical. While San Diego has the famous and beautiful Hotel del Coronado and other more notable places to stay, I was able to find a good and reasonably-priced hotel not far from downtown San Diego and the beaches.

After analyzing Airbnb costs and hotels on Booking.com, I found that booking a hotel was slightly cheaper this time around for our trip during mid-May. Although during our trip in September 2021, we stayed in a great, economical Airbnb. We were overall happy and satisfied with our stay at the Kings Inn Hotel in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. This spot had some of the cheapest accommodations offerings during the time frame of our trip while still having good ratings.

The Kings Inn is rated great on both Google and Booking.com. The staff is very friendly, the rooms are generally spacious and have everything one typically needs, and the hotel has a pool and hot tub on site. There is a parking fee of $15 per night at this hotel, but the hotel itself seems to be a relatively cheaper option compared to other spots in the area. I recommend checking out Booking.com and Airbnb to decide on an option that suits your needs, wants, and budget!

The Weather

San Diego boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, temperate winters and warm, generally dry summers. This inviting weather makes it a year-round destination, but some seasons offer a more quintessential San Diego experience than others.

For those seeking the perfect balance of warmth and minimal crowds, the ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, temperatures hover between the comfortable mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, allowing visitors to explore the city’s countless outdoor attractions and golden beaches without sweltering heat or very chilly winds.

However, May and June can be exceptions to San Diego’s otherwise sunny reputation. While the rest of the year boasts abundant sunshine, these months often exhibit a phenomenon known locally as the “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” Despite the temporary gloom, the weather is still pleasant, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit.

Our first visit to San Diego was in September 2021, and the weather was absolutely perfect reaching the high 70s and sunny! On our most recent trip to San Diego this May 2023, the weather was more brisk, generally in the low to mid-60s and cloudy. We did encounter some sun and a nearly 70-degree afternoon on one of our three days which was amazing! Despite May, June, and even July at times being overcast, San Diego is still beautiful to see during these months! If you are planning to spend your days on a hot and sunny beach, then I would recommend visiting during August or September.

Day 1: Arriving in San Diego

If possible, I recommend taking a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon, so that you can enjoy a full day exploring San Diego. For reference, my partner and I flew into San Diego from New Jersey, and the flight was roughly five hours. We landed in San Diego around noon and began our exploration from there.

• Morning: Have breakfast on the flight or at the airport.
• Noon arrival: Arrive in San Diego and settle into your accommodations if you are able to get an early check-in. If you are unable to get an early check-in like us, then maybe have a change of clothes convenient to ensure you are comfortable to start exploring following your flight.
  • We were not able to check in to our hotel until 4 pm, but we made the most of our afternoon in San Diego by grabbing lunch and exploring a local beach.
• Early to mid-afternoon: Indulge in a simple lunch at a local spot such as The Taco Stand or Livs Juice Bar & Smoothies.
  • We did lunch at The Taco Stand’s Downtown San Diego location and absolutely loved kicking off our trip this way! The tacos are incredible! The Taco Stand has multiple locations throughout San Diego that you can visit.

• Mid-Afternoon: Walk around the Gaslamp Quarter.
  • We wandered around the Gaslamp Quarter for about an hour and enjoyed delicious ice cream from Cali Cream. While in this area, visitors can also see the Petco Park baseball stadium where the San Diego Padres play!

• Afternoon Beach Relaxation: Explore the beautiful beaches nearby, such as Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, and/or Mission Beach.
  • We spent about an hour or two at Ocean Beach and loved the chill vibe and beautiful flowers surrounding it.

• Late Afternoon: Check into your accommodations if you have not already, and prepare for a casual evening and dinner.
• Evening & Dinner: Explore Old Town San Diego and have a delicious dinner at Casa de Reyes.
  • Old Town San Diego is a historic neighborhood that takes visitors back in time to the early days of the city. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and Spanish influence with its preserved adobe buildings, museums, vibrant shops, and delicious Mexican cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.

Day 2: Exploring La Jolla & More

• Breakfast: Start the day with a mouth-watering breakfast at Parkhouse Eatery, a top-rated breakfast spot in the area.
  • The food, ambiance, and service here are superb!

• Mid-morning to early afternoon: Explore the beauty and sights of the La Jolla area. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of California, La Jolla is a true gem waiting to be discovered. With its beaches, rugged cliffs, and vibrant marine life, this coastal community offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale charm. Take a stroll along the shores of La Jolla Cove, where you can witness playful seals and sea lions, or explore the quaint village area with its boutique shops, art galleries, and world-class dining options. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing day by the ocean, La Jolla promises an unforgettable exploration of California’s coastal wonders.

• Below is a list of sights to check out while in La Jolla:
  • Windansea Beach
  • La Jolla Tide Pools
  • Children’s Pool La Jolla
  • Seal Rock
  • La Jolla Cove
  • Coast Walk Trail

• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Taco Stand’s La Jolla location.
  • The tacos here are some of the BEST in San Diego, and we thoroughly enjoyed dining here twice during our trip! The churros are mouth-watering as well!

• Afternoon: Get some hiking in at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
  • The Parry Grove Trail at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise. As you traverse this moderate scenic trail, you’ll be surrounded by majestic Torrey pine trees, unique coastal vegetation, and breathtaking ocean views.

• There are a bunch of trails at Torrey Pines, and I recommend spending at least 2-3 hours here.
• There is a fee of $15 to $25 per vehicle (depending on the day of the visit) to park in the main lots in Torrey Pines. These lots are worth paying for if you don’t have too much time, as they are conveniently located near most of the trails.

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice. Below is an idea:
  • Italian food at Buona Forchetta in South Park. Their handmade pasta and Neapolitan-style pizza are incredible! They also have a few other locations in the area including one on Coronado Island.

• After Dinner: Walk around the Pacific Beach area, and enjoy a delicious dessert at The Baked Bear.

Day 3: Exploring San Diego

• Morning brunch: Indulge in an amazing brunch at The Mission in Mission Beach.
  • Everything I’ve eaten here has been incredible from the fluffy pancakes to the avocado toast to the croissant breakfast sandwich, etc…
  • Their Mocha Chip shake is also a delicious treat to sip on as it is made with vanilla ice cream, espresso, and decadent chocolate chips!

• Late morning: Enjoy a stroll along Mission Beach.
• Afternoon: Drive to Balboa Park and explore the grounds and architecture of this charming property. There are both free and paid attractions within Balboa Park and if you are only spending 2-3 hours here, then you can definitely explore a lot of the free areas. Also, if you are considering visiting the San Diego Zoo, then I would recommend budgeting an entire day or afternoon here as the tickets can get pricy and there is a lot to cover. We skipped the zoo as we didn’t feel we had enough time to get our money’s worth, but we have heard about how awesome it is.

• Mid-afternoon: Check out the famous Coronado Island and explore the charming beach town.
  • Stroll by the famous Hotel Del Coronado while here!

• Late lunch or snack time: Grab a quick bite such as chips, guacamole, burritos, and more while on Coronado Island at Clayton’s Mexican Take Out.
• Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner of handmade pasta and more authentic Italian cuisine at Cesarina.
  • Cesarina is an incredible spot for delicious and authentic Italian eats in a stunning atmosphere. The service is extremely attentive, and we had the best time here! Our dining experience at Cesarina was 10/10!!!

After Dinner: Visit the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and take in the stunning coastal views lined with vibrant flora. There is a free parking lot next to the access points for the trails. I recommend arriving at least thirty minutes before sunset to give yourself time to explore before it gets dark. On weekends, this spot can get crowded, so it is advised to arrive a little earlier to ensure you can get a parking spot. We had no issue with parking as we visited on a Thursday in May.

Day 4: San Diego to Palm Springs (BONUS DAY)

Our 3-day trip to San Diego was followed by a few days in Palm Springs, which I will share an itinerary for in a separate blog post. Below is a rough outline of our timed itinerary for our drive from San Diego to Palm Springs.

• 8:00 AM – 8:25 AM: Check out of the San Diego accommodation and drive north along the coast.
• 8:25 AM – 8:45 AM: Make a quick scenic stop at Sunset Seat in Del Mar. This is a small attraction off the side of the road that you can see very quickly (maybe budget 15 minutes).
• 8:45 AM – 8:55 AM: Drive from Sunset Seat to Powerhouse Beach in Del Mar.

• 8:55 AM – 9:30 AM: Explore Powerhouse Beach and enjoy the sandy shores.
• 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Drive to downtown Encinitas.
• 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Get a tasty breakfast at the 101 Diner in Encinitas.

• 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Take a brief walk to the D-Street Viewpoint Park in Encinitas and walk down the stairs to the beach and check it out. This beach is super rocky, so I recommend having good shoes on for this. You also may notice a lot of surfers here!

• 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Drive to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
  • The fields are open seasonally, and depending on the timeframe of your trip, I would look into this.
  • Tickets had to be purchased in advance and were $26.08/pp after fees during our visit in mid-May.
• 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: Explore The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. As of late May 2023, the Flower Fields are closed, and will reopen in 2024!

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Drive to Palm Springs.
  • The drive from Encinitas to Palm Springs can take anywhere from 2-3+ hours depending on traffic.

San Diego Recap

Overall, San Diego is a beautiful coastal area in Southern California that is definitely worth checking out! From the sandy shores to incredible food to a plethora of attractions, San Diego is a perfect long weekend trip on the West Coast. Don’t forget to check out my San Diego vlog on YouTube for a visual guide/itinerary – COMING VERY SOON!

Comment below your favorite thing to do and/or favorite spot to eat in San Diego!

The post The Perfect 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary & Travel Guide appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

I recently returned from my 16 day trip to Europe, and the first leg of that was in none other than the city of love! Check out my blog post on the perfect 3 day itinerary for Paris 2022! Paris is a beautiful and bustling city, with a new sight or view at every corner. If you are planning a trip to Paris soon, or are saving some ideas for your bucket-list vacations, then be sure to check out these instagrammable photo spots in Paris 2022!*

*note: these are not all of the best photo spots in Paris, but just the ones that I was able to get around to during my 3 days in Paris!

PHOTO SPOTS WITH THE EIFFEL TOWER

1. Rue de l’Université

A popular street with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower & adjacent buildings.

2. Champ de Mars

A long green-space that stretches quite a distance in front of the Eiffel Tower. It is under renovation as of September 2022, but you are still able to access some parts of it. You can get cute photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background, or with the surrounding grass/shrubbery.

3. Pont d’lena

A famous bridge that lies directly in front of the Eiffel Tower. You can capture some street-style photos with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, or some with the river in the background.

4. Carousel of the Eiffel Tower

You can ride this carousel, or just take in its colorful beauty! This carousel is located next to the entrance for the Pont d’lena bridge.

5. Avenue de Camoens

A quaint yet notable street with picturesque views of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding architecture. This spot is less than a ten minute walk from the Pont d’lena.

OTHER PHOTO SPOTS

6. Arc de Triomphe

You can snap photos at many angles with the Arc de Triomphe, but my favorite is to go in the middle of the street on the Champs-Élysées  (in the pedestrian area by the crosswalk). You’ll likely notice quite a few people here grabbing pics!

7. Pont Alexandre III

One of the most beautiful bridges in Paris that spans the Seine River. The Pont Alexandre III offers distant views of the Eiffel Tower, and embodies the art nouveau architectural style.

8. Louvre

One of the most iconic photo spots in Paris is with the Louvre Pyramid – a giant glass & metal structure set in the middle of the museum grounds.

9. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are free to walk around and view/take photos. The grounds are pretty large and offer some beautiful & unique photo-ops! If you are into the garden aesthetic, then this is a must-see spot!

10. Cafe De Flore

A famous Parisian cafe located about a ten minute walk from the Louvre. If you visit here, you will probably notice at least a few people taking pictures on the street in front of it.

11. Notre Dame Cathedral

Currently still under construction/renovation following the destructive fires a few years back, so you cannot go inside it, but it is still worth admiring from the exterior. The Notre Dame Cathedral is planned to re-open to the public in 2024.

12. Rue Crèmieux

A vibrant, colorful street offering fun photo-ops. Great for street-style pics!

13. Pink Mamma

An extremely popular Italian restaurant near Montmartre with a very trendy & aesthetic interior! The food is delicious here and the vibe is very hip. I recommend making reservations to eat here for lunch or an early dinner if you want to get some pics upstairs like the ones below.

14. Sacré-Cœur

The Sacré-Cœur has beautiful views and scenery to offer. The general vicinity of this area is very picturesque, especially by the staircase next to the L’Envol hotel. You can also get panoramic views of the city from up here.

15. Montmartre

Montmartre is a section of Paris that has a lot of famous restaurants, shops, streets, etc… I recommend walking through Montmartre and mapping La Maison Rose, Le Consulat, and Moulin Rouge to walk by and get some photos!

16. Versailles Château, Gardens/Grounds, Trianon Estate

A great day trip from Paris is the Versailles Château. You can purchase tickets to tour the palace, grounds/gardens, and Trianon estate. Give yourself around an hour to get here by train from Paris, and at least 3-5 hours to tour it. It is massive and you can easily spend a whole day or most of one here! The interior of the palace offers very regal photos with its famous Hall of Mirrors pictured below. The gardens and grounds are very whimsical and unique to explore as well.

Comment below if you plan to visit any of these photo spots in Paris, or if you have other great photo spots in the city of love to suggest!

The post The BEST Instagrammable Photo Spots in Paris 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

I recently returned from a 16 day trip to Europe, and had the most incredible time! I kicked off the trip with three days in the city of love, and truly adore this city every time I visit. From delicious food to lots of walking/sightseeing, the whole city of Paris can be a lot to tackle in just a few days. If you only have a weekend in Paris, or a couple days, here is how I would do it! Keep on reading for the perfect 3 day itinerary for Paris 2022!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FLY TO PARIS?

I am based out of New Jersey and was able to get a great flight through French Bee airlines at a decent price. My flight was roughly $450 roundtrip from Newark airport to Paris Orly Airport for early September 2022. I found the flights to be much more reasonable for September as compared to June-August (which is peak tourist season). Besides the flights typically being cheaper, I personally love Paris in September as the weather starts to cool down a bit, and scenery starts to embody the fall aesthetic more. If you are looking to avoid massive crowds and have good weather, then your best bet is to visit during April, May, Late September or October.

GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER

Getting from either airports (Charles-de-Gaulle or Orly) to the Paris city center is quite easy and less expensive with public transportation.

We flew in through Paris Orly Airport, and arrived at Terminal 4 (terminal sud). From the terminal, you can take the OrlyVal Tram to Antony RER Train Station. You can purchase tickets for €12.10 per person as you make your way towards the entrance of the tram from a person working there. This ticket will include your ride on the OrlyVal Tram and the RER B train to Paris. The tram ride to Antony lasts about 6 minutes, and once you arrive at Antony RER Station, you will transfer to the RER B train and take this to your desired stop within the city center to get you to your accommodations. Do not throw out your tickets until your have made it to your destination and exited the stations, as sometimes you need to present your ticket to leave the station.

To get from Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) airport to the City Center, you will need to take the RER B train (about  €10- €12 per person) to the stop closest to your accommodations. For instance, if you are staying near the Louvre, you would take the RER B train from CDG to Chatelet Les Halles. The RER B has select stops within Paris, so choose the one most convenient for you, and then either take a metro or bus to your hotel, or walk. You can also utilize taxis, but these are much more expensive.

WHERE TO STAY ON A BUDGET

If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, then I recommend staying at Café Hôtel de l’Avenir, which is where my boyfriend and I stayed. I found this hotel on Hostelworld, and this was one of the cheapest options I could find in Paris that offers a private room and bathroom. We stayed three week-nights from September 6-9, and paid roughly $280 total. The hotel (or more like a poshtel since we booked through hostelworld) sits above their restaurant/bar, which we personally didn’t eat at, but it attracted many visitors/locals.

To get to our hotel from the Orly airport, we took the OrlyVal Tram mentioned above to Antony RER station (6 minutes), and then transferred to the RER B line. We took the RER B from Antony to Chatelet les Halles (25 minutes), and then walked a few minutes to the Chatelet metro station. From here, we each purchased a single metro ticket, and took the metro 14 line to Marie de Saint-Ouen (15 minutes), and then walked about 8 minutes to our hotel.

Finding cheaper accommodations ($100 or less per night) can be hard to come by in the main city center of Paris, so this hotel is actually located right outside of the city center in the Saint Ouen neighborhood. It is only a 2 minute walk from the Garibaldi metro station, which can take you easily into the city center. We used google maps to figure out our metro routes for each day, and found it to be very smooth and easy.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

I highly recommend utilizing the public transportation system in Paris if you are looking to save some energy and money on getting around to all the sights! If you are there for 3 or more days with 2+ people, I definitely recommend buying a 10-pack of metro standard fare tickets. This discounts a single fare from €1.90 to €1.69 per ticket. Tickets for the metro can be purchased within every metro station from their machine kiosks. Once you have your ticket, you simply insert it into the turnstile slot, and walk through. Make sure you enter the correct metro station for the specific train your trip requires, and pay attention to the direction the train is going. Google maps is very helpful with telling you which train(s) to take to get to your desired destination.

In addition to the RATP Metro (subways) in Paris, they also have public trains called the RER lines. If you plan to go to Versailles for the day like we did, then this is the best and cheapest way to get there. We took the RER C train to the Versailles Château-Rive Gauche Station which costed us €3.60 per person each way from our departure station. Be mindful of the strict rules for the train here as you can be fined for a multitude of different offenses. Check out this article on the 7 violations you can get fined for on the trains in Paris.

There is also the public bus system (BUS) which offers over 60 bus lines running throughout the city. Most of the bus lines run alongside the metro lines, and this is another quick way to get around town. If you purchase the 10-pack of metro tickets, I recommend purchasing the book that includes tickets valid for the tram, BUS, and metro, as you can then use the same type of ticket for the subway or the bus. The fare for the bus is the same as the metro: €1.69 per ticket with the 10-pack discount, or normally €1.90.

DAY 1

Day 1 is your arrival day to the airport, and if you take a red-eye (which I recommend), you should land sometime in the late morning/early afternoon at either CDG or ORY airport. Budget about an hour to get from the airport to your accommodations. Reference the sections above for information on how to get from either airport to the city center.

Assuming it is around 2pm or so at this point, and you’ve made it to your hotel, give yourself a little time to freshen up after the long flight and settle in. Since the first day can be tiring after all the air-travel, I wouldn’t plan to go overboard with the sightseeing personally! We took a nice half-day to explore Paris and get ourselves a lovely dinner. Here is the order of how we spent our first day in Paris.

Arrive to your accommodations

• Land at the airport in the early-afternoon and arrive to your accommodations mid-afternoon & settle in

Sacré Coeur

• Take the metro or walk from your accommodations to the Sacré Coeur
• Explore and walk around the Sacré Coeur
  • lots of quick bites, sit-down restaurants, shops etc… near here
  • quick lunch option near Sacré Coeur: BUFFET LOCAL
  • sit-down lunch option: The Hardware Societé (Australian inspired, closes at 3:30pm on weekdays, 4pm on weekends)
  • you can admire the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur for free like we did, or also purchase tickets for around €5-€10 to tour/go up the dome inside. This is open from 10:30am to 8:30pm.

Walk through Montmartre

• I suggest putting these spots in your maps app to walk by and get some photos: Le Consulat → La Maison Rose → Moulin Rouge
  • grab a delicious pastry at at Aux Merveilleux de Fred as you are walking to Moulin Rouge

Dinner

• Dinner at Pink Mamma (trendy Italian restaurant)
  • I suggest making a reservation in advance as this is an extremely popular (and instagrammable) spot for dinner
  • make sure you walk up to the top floor of the restaurant as you will have some beautiful views and great photo-ops
  • great handmade pasta dishes & pizzas
  • Address: 20bis, Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris

• Take the metro or walk back to your accommodations

DAY 2

If you are only doing three nights in Paris like we did, then you’ll only have two and a half days to sightsee. This is your first full day in Paris to really explore, eat and wander the city! I suggest getting an early start to make the most of it and to be able to see all the things I list below.

Breakfast (9-10AM)

• Breakfast/brunch at Zia
  • food such as breakfast burritos, pancakes, eggs, toasts, juices…
  • ideally would arrive when they open which is 9am on weekends, or 10am on weekdays
  • address: 22 Avenue de Tourville, Paris 75007 France
  • first come, first serve – no reservations
  • if you stay at our hotel (Café Hôtel de l’Avenir), then take Metro 13 line (11 stops) from Garibaldi Station to Saint Francois-Xavier, and walk nine minutes to restaurant
  • this restaurant is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & Surrounding Areas

• Take a ten minute walk to the Champ de Mars from Zia
  • was under construction when we visited in Sept. 2022, so was partially blocked off in some areas
• Make your way to the Eiffel Tower
• Check out Rue de l’Université – famous street with panoramic views of the tower

• Walk to and across the Pont d’lena – bridge directly in front of tower
  • there is a carousel next to this bridge

• Walk to the Avenue de Camoens
  • a more secluded & beautiful photo spot with the Eiffel Tower in the background

• Walk to & check out Trocadero

Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Pont Alexandre III

• Walk about 25 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe & then down the famous Avenue Champs Elysées
  • lots of shopping on the Champs Elysées, but note that this street tends to be quite crowded

• Walk to the famous Pont Alexandre III bridge

• It is an 11 minute walk to the Jardin des Tuileries from the Pont Alexandre III bridge
  • we skipped this since we slept in that morning a little and had a later start, but if you have time, you can check it out/walk through it

Lunch

• Lunch at Açaí & You – Odèon
  • quick spot for nutritious food including refreshing açaí bowls
  • 30 minute walk from the Pont Alexandre III bridge, or about 15 minutes by bus
    • you can ride the Bus 63 line from Pont Alexandre 7 stops to Seine-Buci, and then walk 3 minutes to the restaurant

Louvre

• Walk about ten minutes to the Louvre Museum from the smoothie bowl place
  • closes at 6pm on all days, except Friday it closes at 9:45pm, and Tuesday they are closed
  • we just walked around the grounds/exterior for free, but you can pay to tour the interior of the art museum, where you will find the famous Mona Lisa painting

Luxembourg Gardens + Some Stops

• Walk about ten minutes from the Louvre to Ladurée for French macaroons
  • Address: 21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France

• Walk about three minutes to Café de Flore & get some photos
  • iconic cafe to walk past and get photos

• Walk ten minutes to Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens)
  • you also will see the Luxembourg palace from the outside
  • the gardens are free, and the museum costs $ to enter

Notre Dame + Île Saint-Louis

• Walk through the Latin Quarter on the way to Notre Dame

• Check out the Notre Dame Cathedral
  • still closed to go inside due to damages a few years ago from fires, but you can still see and admire it from the outside
• Walk through the Île Saint-Louis across from the Notre Dame Cathedral

Dinner

• Get to dinner around 7:30-8:30pm at Au Bourguignon du Marais
  • reservations can be made here
  • they have incredible beef bourguignon & onion soup, plus a tasty burger
  • I recommend the profiteroles for dessert
  • this is our favorite restaurant we ate at while in Paris

• Take transportation or walk back to your hotel

DAY 2 NOTES

If you follow this day 2 itinerary, then you are looking at around 4+ hours of walking. Most of the walks between these attractions are short (10-15 minutes or less), but some are a little longer. It is up to you if you prefer walking, or would prefer to take the metro, bus or a taxi between some of these attractions. Our feet were definitely tired at the end of this day!

DAY 3

Breakfast

• Breakfast at Kafkaf
  • address: 7 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris, France
  • great sit-down breakfast/brunch cafe

Rue Crèmieux

• Walk about 15 minutes from Kafkaf to Rue Crèmieux, which is a beautiful and colorful street great for photos

Versailles

• Take the RER C train from the Austerlitz station (18 minute walk from Rue Crèmieux) to the Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station
  • this ride costs about €3.60/pp one way, and you can purchase tickets at the station
  • the train ride is about 40 minutes

• Tickets to tour Versailles can be purchased online in advance for €21.90/pp or at the gate for €20/pp
  • I recommend the ticket that includes admission to the palace, gardens, and the Trianon estate

• Give yourself the entire afternoon to explore Versailles & tour the Château/grounds as this place is massive

• There is a mini Ladurée cart here, as well as an outdoor cafe where you can order a simple lunch on the property if you want

DINNER

• Take the RER C train from Versailles Château-Rive Gauche to Paris Invalides station
• Walk 15 minutes from the station to dinner at Le Soufflé
  • soufflé restaurant with a more unique food experience
  • I thought this restaurant was cute

Enjoy the Eiffel Tower at Night

• Enjoy a 30 minute walk towards the Eiffel Tower at night for stunning views with the river
  • starting at 10pm, the Eiffel Tower twinkles for about five minutes on the hour, and this is so fun to watch

• Make your way back to your accommodations

DAY 4 (early departure day)

This is a travel day. We personally stayed 3 nights in Paris and then had an early flight that next morning to our next European destination. We flew out of CDG airport and made our way to Italy for the next leg of our trip. You can take the same RER B train to get back to CDG airport. If your next flight departs from Orly, then you can take the RER B train to Antony station, and then the tram from Antony station to Orly Airport. You can also taxi or ride-share to the airport.

OVERALL

Paris is a vast city with miles and miles are things to do and see! While three days may not be enough to see everything the city of love has to offer, it is an adequate amount of time to make your way around most attractions! Paris has an easy and organized public transit system that I recommend utilizing if you are trying to reduce your travel expenses like us. You can enjoy so much amazing food here as well! This Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Paris 2022 is ideal for those who like to go-go-go, and do lots of walking. If you want a more relaxed and slow-paced vibe while visiting Paris, then feel free to pick-and-choose some of these attractions and take your time experiencing/touring them.

CHECK OUT MY VLOG OF OUR TRIP TO PARIS HERE

Comment down below if you’ve ever visited Paris before, or if you plan to one day! (:

The post The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Paris 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

I recently returned from a lovely weekend trip to Newport, RI and enjoyed the most yummy food! Newport is definitely a foodie town, on top of being home to numerous attractions and coastal sights. You can find plenty of fresh seafood and a multitude of cuisines across the island. Newport has a little bit of everything from hip Italian restaurants, pubs/taverns, seafood, brunch, sweet treats, and lots more! If you are looking for where to eat in Newport, Rhode Island 2022, then keep on reading to find out some of my favorite spots*!

*note: the restaurants/eateries mentioned in this article are places I have personal experience with, and there are still many other restaurants in Newport that are worth trying. These are only some of the great eateries Newport is home to.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH EATERIES

1. Root

Address: 6 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

Root is a casual vegan eatery specializing in breakfast & lunch bowls ($9-$13.50+), juices ($9.25-$10.25), coffee ($3.15-$6.25), matcha & tea ($3-$5.50), and smoothies ($9.25). I enjoyed a delicious açaí bowl here as well as my friends! My friend also loved their lavender infused iced coffee. This is a small but cute spot with limited indoor seating, and they do take-out as well. If you are looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, I recommend checking out Root on Broadway!

RATING

• Food: 4.8
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Service/Staff: 5/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.9/5

2. Annie’s

Address: 176 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Annie’s has that classic diner feel serving up American comfort food and an all-day breakfast. They offer classic breakfast dishes such as benedict’s, omelettes & other egg dishes, pancakes, french toast and more! If you are looking for a basic sit-down breakfast, then I’d recommend checking out Annie’s on Bellevue Ave. The staff give a warm welcome, and the prices are reasonable. I enjoyed the crab cake egg’s benny ($16.25) and a fresh baked croissant. They also offer sandwiches, soups, salads and more classic lunch fare.

RATING

• Food: 4.7/5
• Atmosphere: 4.6/5
• Service: 5/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.8/5

3. Drift Cafe

Address: 190 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

Drift Cafe is a simple joint serving up nutritious bowls & breakfast fare, in addition to coffee & smoothies. I dined here last year during my stay in Newport, and enjoyed a refreshing smoothie bowl! They offer limited indoor and outdoor seating, plus takeout! You can have a quick and simple meal here!

RATING

• Food: 4.7/5
• Atmosphere: 4.8/5
• Service: 4.8/5
• Price: 4.6/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5

4. Corner Cafe

Address: 110 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840

The Corner Cafe offers breakfast and lunch fare in a cozy setting. This BYOB joint is great for a classic brunch, and tends to get busy! I dined here last year for breakfast and enjoyed an eggs benedict. They serve up numerous breakfast specials, omelettes, breakfast burritos, pancakes and more! The benedict and burrito dishes my boyfriend and I ordered were delicious, although we didn’t feel the pancakes were anything special. The staff are friendly and the prices are fair. The menu has a lot of choices for breakfast and lunch, and they even have an entire grilled pizza menu!

RATING

• Food: 4.5/5
• Atmosphere: 4.6/5
• Service: 4.8/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.6/5

LUNCH & DINNER EATERIES

5. Diego’s

Address: 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

Diego’s is a popular restaurant in the heart of downtown Newport serving up west coast-style Mexican food & a variety of drinks. This hip eatery is one of my favorites to dine at while in Newport as the vibe is laid-back, the food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable! Diego’s turns out tasty burritos ($15+), tacos ($14-$17), quesadillas ($15), dinner plates ($23-$34), appetizers to share ($11.50-$17+), guac, and more! This feel good spot tends to get crowded on weekend nights, so I recommend making a reservation in advance!

RATING

• Food: 4.8/5
• Atmosphere: 4.8/5
• Service: 5/5
• Price: 4.8/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.9/5

6. Pasta Beach

Address: 138 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

I discovered Pasta Beach last year during my trip to Newport, and had to return this year! Everything about this restaurant is amazing from the cute and cozy ambience, accommodating staff, amazing pasta & pizza dishes, and fair pricing. If you are looking for delicious Italian food in Newport, then I highly recommend you check out Pasta Beach! My friends and I shared a cacio e pepe tartufo pizza as an appetizer which was unique and tasty ($23). We also ordered an assortment of different pasta dishes ($17-$25+). All of their food is mouth-watering and the portions are sizable. Pasta Beach also has a nice selection of cocktails, beers and wine. I recommend making a reservation in advance as this is another very popular spot in town!

RATING

• Food: 4.9/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Service: 5/5
• Price: 4.8/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.9/5

7. The Clarke Cooke House Candy Store/Bistro

The Clarke Cooke House has two different dining options: 1) their upscale dining room in a picturesque 18th-century building with fancy and more expensive New England fare, and 2) their Candy Store/Bistro, which is more of a casual indoor and outdoor patio setting with simple New England fare and no formal dress code. We dined at the casual bistro for lunch and enjoyed a plethora of seafood dishes and New England favorites such as oysters, clam chowder, and fish-based entrees. This comes off as more of a touristy-spot, but the food is still enjoyable and considering the location, the prices were not too crazy high! I enjoyed a simple smoked salmon sandwich ($15.75), while my boyfriend ate the tuna tartine ($16.50). The clam chowder is tasty and thinner in consistency, making it a little lighter feeling. My friend said the oysters he ordered were delicious. They also serve sushi in the bistro dining area starting at 5pm for dinner. I wouldn’t personally go out of my way to dine here, but overall, we enjoyed everything we ate and found the experience to be pleasant!

RATING

• Food: 4.4/5
• Atmosphere: 4.7/5
• Service: 4.8/5
• Price: 4.6/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.6/5

8. Newport Lobster Shack

Address: Trailer, 150 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI 02840

The Newport Lobster Shack is a casual dockside joint that offers fresh lobster, rolls and bisques/chowders. They offer take-out and limited outdoor picnic table seating. I did not personally dine here, but my friends grabbed a lobster roll with 6 oz of meat ($29) and a clam chowder ($7), and said everything was delicious! Lobster rolls are pretty pricy, but these are a little more reasonable compared to other spots in Newport. They said it is a good amount of lobster meat on the roll, and the chowder has that nice thick/creamy consistency. If you are looking for a quick and casual lobster dish, I would check out the Newport Lobster Shack.

RATING

• Food: 4.7/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5

DESSERT & SWEET TREATS

9. Newport Fudgery

Address: 359 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

The Newport Fudgery is a local candy store on the popular Thames Street. They offer in-store shopping for many sweet treats including a variety of fudge flavors, elephant ears, and chocolates. We purchased three different fudge flavors (3 for $12), and especially loved the oreo crunch!

RATING

• Fudge: 4.7/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5

10. Newport Sticks & Cones

Address: 8 Fair St #4, Newport, RI 02840

Newport Sticks & Cones is an old-fashioned looking ice cream parlor slinging scoops, sundaes, waffles, and more!

RATING

• Ice Cream: 4.6/5
• Service/Staff: 5/5
• Price: 4.5/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5

11. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is always a classic, and they have two locations in downtown Newport. We went to the one on Thames Street and enjoyed some scoops of familiar flavors! While this is a chain, it’s always a reliable option for ice cream. Half baked is my favorite flavor (and dirt cake is tasty too)!

RATING

• Ice Cream: 4.7/5
• Service/Staff: 5/5
• Price: 4.5/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5

12. Del’s Frozen Lemonade

Address: 337 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840

Del’s frozen lemonade is worth the hype! They have a little food stand inside one of the shopping areas on Thames Street, and offer their fresh, all-natural frozen lemonade in three different sizes ($4-$6). So refreshing on a hot summer day!

RATING

• Frozen Lemonade: 4.9/5
• Price: 4.7/5

OVERALL RATING: 4.8/5

Eateries I Would Also Look Into

Below is a list of Newport eateries that I have heard good things about and seen positive reviews for, but did not have a chance to dine at and would personally like to try:

1. The Red Parrot Restaurant (google rating: 4.4/5)
   • Address: 348 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
   • American – $$
   • Wide menu with tavern & pub options, New England grub & more
   • Menu
   • no reservations – first come first serve
2. Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant (google rating: 4.6/5)
   • Address: 140 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
   • American – $$
   • Cozy watering hole with eats including nachos, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, steak, salads, seafood & more, plus over 250 wine vintages
   • Menu
3. Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano (google rating: 4.5/5)
   • Address: 673 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
   • Italian – $$$
   • Intimate restaurant with classic Italian fare & wines
   • Menu
4. Bar ‘Cino (google rating: 4.6/5)
   • Address: 22 Washington Square, Newport, RI 02840
   • Italian – $$
   • Laid-back, trendy restaurant & bar serving up Italian specialties such as grilled pizza, salads, bruschetta, pasta, entrees etc…
   • Menu
   • I dined at Bar ‘Cino in Brookline, MA last year and enjoyed the food and ambience
5. The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn (google rating: 4.6/5)
   • Address: 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840
   • Fine-dining ($$$)
   • Upscale dining at a fancy inn
   • Tasting Menu (multiple courses) style (over $100/pp)
   • Menu
6. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar (google rating: 4.5/5)
   • Address: 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
   • Seafood – $$$
   • Upscale seafood destination with outdoor dining and views of the Narragansett Bay
   • Surf & Turf, sandwiches, salads, soups, appetizers, raw bar etc…
   • Menu

Check out my 2021 Rhode Island vlog on my YouTube!

Comment below your favorite Newport eatery, or if you plan to try any of these!

The post Where to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Costa Rica spans overs 19,700 square miles and is roughly the size of West Virginia. You can easily spend two weeks traveling in Costa Rica if you wish to hit all ends of the country. If you only have about a week or a little more, here are some ideas of what you can see/do in that time. My boyfriend and I recently traveled to Costa Rica in June 2022. Due to our trip being only nine days, we decided to focus our itinerary on the northern and central regions of Costa Rica. Therefore, this blog post will share everything we saw during our nine day trip, and does not include things to do in the southern and Caribbean regions of the country.

The Regions of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is comprised of seven different regions or provinces: Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, Cartago and San José. Each region offers varying climates, scenery and landscapes. While it isn’t impossible to see all of the regions during a nine day or even one week trip, you would be missing out on some things and most likely having to rush your activities and sightseeing. We personally wanted to focus on doing more in the northern half of the country for this trip, but if we had a few more days here, definitely would have checked out some attractions in the southern and Caribbean regions.

When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during their dry season, which is December through April. We visited in June which is during their rainy season, and it definitely rained a lot! We dealt with rain everyday of our trip, although noticed that it tends to be dryer in the morning and early afternoons, and rainy in the late afternoon/night. Overall, the rain didn’t stop us from sightseeing or partaking in activities, although we did get wet sometimes during our walks to dinner, around towns, and hikes. I recommend packing a light raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers when traveling to Costa Rica.

Day 1

Arrive to San José & Pick Up Rental Car

We flew into the Juan Santamaría International Airport located in San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. We arrived very early in the morning and began our trip from here. I recommend renting a 4×4 SUV as the roads are not the best in some parts of the country. We dealt with very rocky roads, steep ascents, lots of intense potholes etc…

We found a relatively affordable (about $350 for 9 days) rental car from Green Motion, which is owned by Toyota. If you plan to rent a car from Green Motion’s Alajuela Airport location like we did, I would call prior to see if they can shuttle you from the airport to their office, so that you can avoid paying a taxi fee to get there. Their office where you will pick up the rental car is not directly attached to the airport and is a 5-10 minute drive away. I also want to note that they shuttled us for free to the airport after returning our car.

Once you’ve picked up your rental car, you can begin your exploring! Here is how we chose to see the country over the next nine days. This itinerary allows you to see a lot of the main points in the northern and central regions of Costa Rica, and is mainly discussing things to do in the San José, Guanacaste and Alajuela Regions.

Drive from San José to La Fortuna

The drive from San José to La Fortuna is about 2.5-3 hours, and this is the first stop we made on our trip. Since we prefer budget travel, we stayed at hostels during our vacation. We got a private room with private bathroom for two nights at the Arenal Hostel Resort (also called the Arenal Poshtel). We enjoyed this place and it is conveniently located in the heart of downtown La Fortuna where you can find restaurants, shops, a pharmacy etc… They offer free wifi, AC, a bar with a small pool and more.

Eat in La Fortuna & Visit the Hanging Bridges

We arrived to La Fortuna around 1pm, ate lunch at Jungle Bowls and checked into the hostel. I recommend Jungle Bowls for breakfast/lunch if you like smoothie bowls, and it is only a few minutes walk from the hostel. The bowls are sizable and delicious, and gave us great energy for a day of hiking and exploring! Around 2pm, we drove from La Fortuna to Mistico Park for a self-guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges. The entrance fee to walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park is $26/pp.

We chose to do the hanging bridges at Mistico Park over Sky Adventures Park because it is less expensive. You can take a look at the Sky Adventures website here and see which park you prefer to do the hanging bridges at. Sky Adventures seems to be very popular for families with younger children, and also offers other activities such as ziplining, a sky tram and more.

Doing the hanging bridges at Mistico Park will take roughly 2-2.5 hours, and the views are incredible. I highly recommend checking this place out, and think it is worth the money! We saw monkeys swinging from tree to tree above us which was a cool bonus! There is also a little waterfall here, and overall, this place is beautiful and offers great photo opportunities.

Dinner in La Fortuna

After finishing our self-guided tour at Mistico Park, we drove thirty minutes back to the hostel in La Fortuna, cleaned up and went to dinner in town. We had incredible sushi at Kappa Sushi, and I highly recommend this restaurant in La Fortuna. Grab a sweet treat at Chocolate Fusión, a local bakery with ice cream, fresh pastries/cakes, and chocolates.

DAY 2

Breakfast & Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall

I recommend getting an early start to the day and grabbing breakfast in La Fortuna before heading out to explore the Arenal Volcano. We got smoothie bowls again at Jungle Bowls. After breakfast, drive less than ten minutes to the La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata La Fortuna) and begin your adventures for the day.

Admission to hike to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18/pp, and I recommend wearing a bathing suit and water shoes if you plan to go swimming. The trek up and down to the waterfall is an intense workout as it is all stairs. After walking down the roughly 500 steps, you will enjoy a picturesque view of the La Fortuna Waterfall. There is also a more calm area for swimming down there if you do not want to climb on slippery rocks to get into the water. I took a lot of photos here and got pretty wet from the sidelines as the force from the waterfall is intense and creates a splash zone. The rocks are slippery near the water, which is why you may prefer water shoes, but it is totally up to you. Give yourself at least 1-2+ hours here as the hike to the waterfall will take on average 15-20 minutes each way depending on your pace, and you will probably want to swim and take photos.

Hiking at Arenal Volcano National Park

After hiking the La Fortuna waterfall, you can drive 20-30 minutes to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal), where you will be asked to pay $15/pp to enter. There are two sectors of the park that you will have access to park in and hike from: the Lava Fields sector and the Peninsula sector. Your ticket is for a one-time entry only, so if you want to visit both sectors of the park, you will need to go within the same day or pay again the following day to return.

The Lava Fields sector is the most popular and easy to drive to. We parked in the lot and began our hike. You can do the Lava Flow Trail (Coladas de Lava) which is an easy hike that takes you to a beautiful vista of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake in the distance. This trail took about an hour to complete round trip and if you are lucky like we were, you will get a nice clear view of the volcano with no clouds. Read more about the trails here.

After hiking back to the parking lot, we drove on a very rough and difficult road to the Peninsula Sector. You definitely need a good 4×4 car for this drive! There is a small lot here and facilities, and we did an easy, relatively quick hike to Arenal Lake, which has some nice view points along the way. After hiking at Arenal Volcano National Park for a few hours, you can unwind at the Tabacon Hot Springs Thermal Resort for the evening.

Dinner & Hot Springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

We booked a night pass at the famous Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa which costs $75/pp and includes a nice dinner at their restaurant. This is a nice way to unwind after a day of hiking and experience some of Costa Rica’s natural hot springs. If you want to splurge on accommodations, you can also choose to stay here during your stay in La Fortuna/Arenal, but we were fine with just going for the day.

The night pass gives you access to the hot springs from 6-10pm and dinner is included during that timeframe. You need a change of clothes for dinner and they provide showers, towels and lockers here. The food we ate was delicious, and we were able to choose an appetizer, entree and small dessert. Due to the sun setting very early in June in Costa Rica (around 6pm), it was unfortunately very dark at the resort when we visited, so we didn’t get to see what it looks like during the day. None-the-less, it was still very cool and relaxing. Day passes with lunch are also available to purchase if you prefer to go during the day and maybe get some pictures.

DAY 3

Breakfast in La Fortuna

Grab breakfast in La Fortuna; we went to a local soda for a typical Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto and eggs. After breakfast, you can drive about 1.5 hours to Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you can enjoy another beautiful hike.

Hike to Rio Celeste at Tenorio Volcano National Park

There is a parking lot at Tenorio Volcano National Park where you can access the visitor center to purchase tickets for the hike, as well as use the facilities. Tickets to enter Tenorio Volcano National Park are $12/pp. Here you can hike to the vibrant blue Rio Celeste, the Blue Lagoon, and more lookouts. The hike is moderate and I recommend wearing hiking shoes. The terrain is rocky at times, and tends to be wet/muddy from the constant rain.

I would give yourself around 2-3 hours to be here if you want to hit all the viewpoints and go to the end of the trail. The view of the waterfall at Rio Celeste is beautiful and the colors are very vibrant, making it a unique photo opportunity. There are a good amount of stairs you need to walk down to get to the waterfall and then back up to continue on the trail, so this may feel like a more intense workout.

Drive from Tenorio to Accomodations

We chose to stay at a hostel in a very remote area for the night as we were in between major towns we wanted to visit. We drove about 1.5 hours on some pretty rough, rocky and steep roads through the mountains to get to our hostel for the night. The drive was extremely scenic and it was raining while we did it, and we were definitely thankful for our 4×4 car. We stayed at the Paraiso Volcano Lodge for the night and overall, didn’t do to much sightseeing this day. Between the hours of driving and hiking at Tenorio, this took up our whole day three. We grabbed dinner at The Volcano restaurant which is about a ten minute drive from the lodge.

The Paraiso Volcano lodge is not in a downtown area and there are no restaurants or stores in walking distance. You will need to drive 10-15 minutes to get into the nearest town which is called Guayabal.

DAY 4

Drive to Tamarindo Beach

On day 4, we departed the Paraiso Volcano Lodge and started our 2.5+ hour drive to the beach town of Tamarindo. We were going to hike at Rincón de la Vieja National Park in the morning/early afternoon this day, but decided not to. This roughly 34,000 acre national park is about an hour drive from the Paraiso Volcano Lodge, and offers hiking trails and scenic vistas. It is a highly rated park that seems to be worth checking out, but we were tired and wanted to just go straight to the beach instead. I recommend looking into this if you plan to visit.

We made a pitstop on our way to Tamarindo, about an hour and fifteen minutes into our drive, at Ticoffia Cafe for a late breakfast. This cafe has very friendly service and delicious food. They classify themselves as more of a health food establishment, and we really enjoyed the food here. This is some of the best avocado toast with eggs I’ve had – so delicious! They have coffees and blended drinks, and make for a great breakfast/lunch spot. From Ticoffia Cafe, the drive to Tamarindo is about another hour and fifteen minutes.

Check into Accomodations in Tamarindo

We stayed at the Villas Macando located in the heart of Tamarindo, and enjoyed our unit. This place is affordable and you are in walking distance to many restaurants, shops, and the beach. Villas Macando features free wifi, AC, a private bathroom, and access to their pool. Tamarindo is a more touristy area and a nice place the relax in the middle of your trip.

Lunch & Dinner in Tamarindo

We stayed in Tamarindo for two nights and it is a pretty chill beach town. After checking into your accommodations, I recommend looking into all the restaurants in the area to see which cuisine you would prefer. There are a lot of options for dining here, and we chose to grab smoothie bowls for lunch at Costa Juice, which were yummy and refreshing. After lunch we walked along the beach and noticed quite a few people riding horses on the sand which was interesting.

For dinner, I recommend Lucha Libre for Mexican food and tacos. The churros are also delicious here, and perfectly crispy!

DAY 5

Relaxing Beach Day in Tamarindo

Unfortunately it was raining when we visited, so it was a little hard to have the perfect beach day, but if you visit in the dry season, you should be set for a relaxing beach day. We still made the most of it and enjoyed having a more chill vacation day. I recommend grabbing breakfast or lunch at Breaking Bread, which is a cafe inspired by the famous TV show Breaking Bad. The food is amazing, especially the bread. They have sandwiches, focaccia, smoothies, shakshuka and more.

For dinner we checked out El Mercadito de Tamarindo which is home to numerous eateries and food options such as pizza, pasta, poke bowls, sushi and more. We chose the poke bowls and they were pretty good.

DAY 6

Drive to Monteverde

On day 6, we drove about 3.5 hours to Monteverde where we spent the following two days exploring the cloud forests, doing a chocolate tour, and doing more hanging bridges/hikes. I highly recommend checking out the Monteverde area as it is truly so cool with the low clouds and views. We stayed at the OutBox Inn which is an affordable hostel with both dorm-style rooms and private rooms. The hostel is very clean and we were satisfied with our stay here. We chose a private room with a private bathroom, and the location of this hostel is in the main downtown of Monteverde. You can walk to nearby eateries and stores within the relatively small town.

Do a Chocolate, Coffee & Sugar Tour

We grabbed a quick lunch at The Choco Café and then headed off to our next activity. We booked an afternoon (around 1pm) chocolate, coffee and sugar tour with Don Juan Coffee Tours. This 3-in-1 tour lasts around 1.5 hours and is very informative. We had a tour guide and just a few tourists in our group. During the tour, you will be able to sample different forms of fresh cacao and chocolate, coffee and sugar cane. You will also be shown, hands on, how they create and process the beans. I found the experience to be very interactive and fun. Not to mention, the chocolate tastes amazing and super fresh! Tickets for the 3-in-1 tour can be purchased here.

Dinner in Monteverde

Due to the torrential rain following our chocolate tour, we decided not to do much or find any nearby hikes after, but you can definitely look into this. We hung out at the hostel, walked around the town, and then got dinner at a local restaurant. If you are looking for a juicy burger, I recommend dinner at The Green. They also serve up some yummy churros with ice cream.

DAY 7

Breakfast in Monteverde

We grabbed breakfast at Orchid Coffee which is a very quick walk from the OutBox Inn. They offer a decent selection of breakfast foods such as eggs, pancakes, french toast, waffles, breads, typical Costa Rican food and more. They also offer salads, sandwiches etc… for lunch.

Ziplining in the Monteverde Cloud Forest

If you are an adventure seeker, I highly recommend doing a ziplining tour in the Monteverde cloud forest. There are a few different places that offer packages for this, and we loved our tour with 100% Aventura Park. Since it tends to be sunnier in the morning and rainy in the late afternoon/evening, I recommend booking a morning tour. The tour start times are either 8am, 11am or 2pm, and they last 2-3 hours. We did the Monteverde Zip Line Canopy Tour which costs $54/pp, and includes nine regular ziplines, two superman ziplines, 1 hammock bridge, 1 rappel, 1 mega Tarzan swing.

We felt very safe the entire duration of our tour, and the people working here are super friendly. If you have a GoPro, I recommend bringing it as they can attach it to your helmet. You will need to use both hands for this, so don’t expect to take videos on your phone while on the zipline. Unless you have secure pockets that zip closed, you will need to put personal belongings in a locker or in your car.

Lunch and Dinner in Monteverde

After ziplining, you’ll want to refuel with some food. If you want to keep it affordable and simple, you can get a quick meal of rice and chicken dishes and/or empanadas from Raulito’s Pollo Asado. The portions are massive and the prices are pretty cheap. There are other eatery options in town if you prefer something different.

We were still full from the lunch this day and didn’t go out to dinner this night. Instead we got a few snacks from the grocery store in town and chilled in the hostel room. Due to the rain and us feeling tired after ziplining, we didn’t do any other activities this day. You can look into adding a hike in this day, especially if you do the 8am ziplining tour.

DAY 8

Hanging Bridge & Hiking at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Another recommended activity to do while in Monteverde is to check out one or more of the hanging bridges/hikes. We went with a self-guided tour at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve which costs $25/pp, plus $5 to park the car in their lot. We parked the car and they shuttled us up to the main area where you can purchase tickets and begin the hike.

This park features one iconic, red hanging bridge and many hiking trails. The views are unique and at times we couldn’t see in the near distance due to being in a literal cloud. You can easily spend 1.5-3 hours here depending on how much you want to hike and your pace. Check out this blog post on all of the hanging bridge options in Monteverde. I recommend choosing at least one of them.

Drive Back to San José & Dinner

The drive from Monteverde to the city of San José will take over 3-4 hours depending on how bad the traffic is in the city. The drive is mostly on a main highway once you are out of Monteverde and the surrounding area. We arrived to San José in the evening and went straight to dinner at Pasta Pronto Express y Catering which serves delicious Italian food. I recommend this restaurant if you are looking for some decent pasta in the city. I enjoyed the carbonara and they gave us a few complimentary dishes as we were waiting for our entrees to come out. The staff are super friendly here, and the prices are reasonable.

Check into Accommodations in San José

We stayed at Eco Stay which is a relatively new hostel in the city of San José. We booked a private room with private bathroom and found it to be clean and generally comfortable. They also have a private parking lot to park your rental car. We had no problems with this place and found it to be great for the price.

DAY 9

Breakfast in San José

Day nine was the final day of our travels in Costa Rica, and we had a red eye flight that night around 10pm. We began the day with a delicious breakfast at Franco; a cute and trendy breakfast/lunch cafe in the city. It is about a fifteen minute walk from Eco Stay hostel, and the food is very fresh tasting. They serve egg dishes, breads, fresh pastries, smoothies, and more. I highly recommend coming here while in San José.

Walk Around the City

After getting a bite to eat, there is plenty of walking you can do around the city. I recommend checking out the National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica). Tickets are $11/pp and you can easily spend over an hour walking through this property. It features a butterfly garden, historical artifacts and most of the informational signs are in english and spanish. You can really learn a lot about the history of Costa Rica at this museum, and it’s especially great if you are looking for a rainy day activity in the area.

Another popular spot you can tour is the National Theatre of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional). Both of these buildings are beautiful from the outside if you just want to walk by. Tickets are $10/pp to enter the theatre. Check out this blog post on 25 Exciting Things to do in San José.

Return Rental Car and Head to the Airport

After a day of exploring the city’s streets, restaurants and museums, it’s time to head back home. We returned our rental car to Green Motion and they gave us a free shuttle ride to the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The airport is small and we got to our gate pretty quickly. There are limited food options in the airport and a few shops where you can buy some last minute gifts. I purchased some chocolates to bring home. Overall, we had a great trip to Costa Rica! It is a truly scenic country that is exciting to explore, and great for those who enjoy some outdoor adventure!

If you take any inspiration from this Costa Rica travel guide, then leave a comment down below on what your favorite thing you saw or ate was, or what you look forward to seeing when you visit!

The post How to Spend 9 Days in Costa Rica | Costa Rica Travel Itinerary 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

Over this past weekend, my boyfriend and I took a day trip from New Jersey to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York. Minnewaska State Park is a part of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, and offers 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths. From biking to hiking to swimming and more, this park has a lot to offer!

From Bergen County, this park is about a 1-1.5 hour drive. Minnewaska is also not too far from New Paltz, NY which offers a quaint downtown vibe with eateries and shops. During our day at Minnewaska State Park, we did a moderate 6.7 mile loop hike which includes the popular Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Footpaths. Gertrude’s Nose is a beautiful scenic vista that overlooks the Hudson Valley, and I highly recommend hiking up to it if you plan to visit Minnewaska!

If you are looking for more day trip ideas, then check out my blog post on 20 Day Trips To Take From New Jersey!

MINNEWASKA STATE PARK FEES

Upon entering the park, you will need to pay a $10 fee per vehicle. This park is well-maintained and has a pristine visitor center with clean facilities and a water re-fill station. Minnewaska offers hiking, biking, swimming, rock-climbing, bouldering, picnicking, scuba-diving, boating and beautiful views!

WHERE TO PARK

We did the moderate Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop, which is a roughly seven mile hike. The exact hike we did is linked here on All Trails. If you are interested in doing this, I recommend parking near the visitor center. Here you can also utilize the facilities before starting your trek.

Address: Hamilton Point Trail, Gardiner, NY 12525

THE HIKE

The hike begins at Lake Minnewaska where you will instantly get a beautiful view of the water and greenery. You will then make a right and follow signs for the Lake Minnewaska (LM – red) Carriage Trail. Follow the red trail markers and begin the easy walk alongside the lake.

After about 20-30 minutes, you will reach another view point of the lake and the start of the Millbrook Mountain (MM – red) footpath. Here is where the hike starts to get a bit more rocky and wet. I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes. I forgot my hiking shoes and wore regular running sneakers and was fine, but they did get a bit wet and muddy during this part.

SCENIC POINT: MILLBROOK RIDGE

After walking about 40-50 minutes, depending on your pace, you will make it to Millbrook Ridge. Millbrook Ridge is one of the first vistas you’ll reach on this hike with stunning views of NY state. We took a little break up here to get some pictures and enjoy the view! Once you are ready to continue on, you’ll want to follow the red trail markers for the Gertrude’s Nose Footpath.

GERTRUDE’S NOSE FOOTPATH

After Millbrook Ridge, you will begin the 2.7 mile Gertrude’s Nose (red) footpath that stops along the scenic Gertrude’s Nose view point. The Gertrude’s Nose scenic point falls roughly in the middle of the 2.7 mile path and is about 1.6 miles from Millbrook Ridge. Gertrude’s Nose footpath is easy at some parts, but moderately challenging at others. Be prepared for some rocky terrain you’ll have to climb up/down, and some steep inclines at points. Overall, I didn’t find it hard to navigate or a struggle to complete, but definitely a good workout!

The roughly 1.6 mile hike from Millbrook Ridge to Gertrude’s Nose took us around an hour and we took our time to enjoy the scenery along the way. You’ll know you’ve made it to Gertrude’s Nose as you’ll notice more people hanging out at this view point, as well as the most picturesque views of New York State! Gertrude’s Nose is a popular spot in the park for photos and you can definitely get some nice one’s up here. This viewing area is quite large and you can easily spend thirty minutes up here just taking photos and looking around. The stunning views continue on as you walk pass Gertrude’s Nose.

GERTRUDE’S NOSE BACK TO THE PARKING LOT

From here, you’ll continue on the remainder mile or so of the 2.7 mile Gertrude’s Nose (red) footpath and make your way back towards the lake. The second half of the Gertrude’s Nose trail is still moderately challenging at times and has some rocky terrain. You are walking close to the edge of the mountain, so the views are pretty nice for most of this trail as you head back.

From the Getrude’s Nose view point, it is not far to where you will switch over to the Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road (MC – yellow) trail. This easier gravel trail also allows access to bikers, so you may encounter some on this portion of the hike.

Along the MC yellow trail is Patterson’s Pellet, a somewhat large glacial erratic sitting on the edge of the mountain. From Patterson’s Pellet, it is an easy 15-20 minute walk back to the Lake Minnewaska (red) trail you started on. From here you’ll walk another 15 minutes or so back to the visitor center.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PARK

I highly recommend checking out Minnewaska State Park in New York State if you are looking for a great day trip from New Jersey or other surrounding areas! While you’ll have to pay $10 per vehicle to enter the park, it is very clean and there are many trails to choose from.

Check out Minnewaska State Park on All Trails to see the other hikes that this park has to offer. Take note of which hike you are doing here, as there are multiple parking lots spread around the park. If you are doing the Gertrude’s Nose/Millbrook Mountain loop that I discuss in this blog post, I recommend parking by the visitor center. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and had no problem getting a parking spot, but the lots can fill up on a nice summer day, so maybe plan to arrive early. The park opens at 9am and closes at 8pm as of June 2022.

Check out my vlog of our full day hiking at Minnewaska State Park here!

Comment below if you’ve been to Minnewaska State Park and your favorite hike there, or if you plan to visit in the future!

The post Hiking to Gertrude’s Nose at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

After visiting Miami Beach for my birthday last week, I realized how much of a foodie spot it is! From amazing tacos to incredible handmade pastas and decadent ice cream, Miami Beach has it all. Ranging from sit down restaurants to fast casual, here are 8 noteworthy restaurants/eateries in Miami Beach to try in 2022!

1. Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant

Location: 642 6th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant is an amazing fast-casual joint for authentic tacos, guacamole, burritos and more! This is the first spot we grabbed lunch at and the staff are super friendly. The food came quick and tasted incredible. We ordered the chicken tacos and shrimp tacos with a side of guac and chips, and everything costed a little over $40. They did not have any seating when we visited, but we were able to stand at a wall-side counter to enjoy our meal.

2. Pane & Vino

Location: 1450 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Pane & Vino is a nice sit-down Italian restaurant near the popular Española Way. This place was packed when we visited on a Tuesday, and they offer limited indoor and outdoor seating. Pane & Vino is the real deal for Italian, and the handmade pasta dishes are mouth-watering.

We started with an appetizer of friend polenta in a creamy mushroom sauce ($17), which was very tasty. For entrees we ordered the Lasagna Emiliana ($28) and Cacio, Pepe and Tartufo ($28). All of the portions are sizable and the taste is incredible. The Lasagna is a must here!! For Dessert, I recommend the Tiramisu ($10); our waiter made it for us table-side which is cool. The staff are amiable but busy; the service was a little slow due to it seeming a little understaffed, but none-the-less, very nice people. I personally enjoy the outdoor seating and lively ambience.

3. A La Folie

Location: 516 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nestled in the popular Española Way, A La Folie is a charming Parisian cafe serving up crepes, coffee and more yummy fare. This restaurant is relatively small and offers limited indoor table seating and outdoor patio seating with servers. I enjoy the french aesthetic of A La Folie and the food doesn’t fall short either!

I recommend coming here for breakfast/lunch food, and ordering one of their specialty crepes. They offer both sweet and savory crepe options ($5.50-$19.50) and depending on which one you order, they can be pretty sizable. I also recommend their famous baked eggs in cocotte ($10.50-$13.50). A La Folie also offers a nice array of salads and other entrees if you are planning to go for lunch or dinner.

4. Mama’s Tacos

Location: 710 Washington Ave #3, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Mama’s Tacos is a local Latin restaurant in Miami Beach that offers a festive ambience, delicious Mexican food, and amiable service. Their nachos ($15) are done right with lots of gooey queso and toppings so you have no dry chips leftover. I enjoyed the chicken enchiladas ($17) and my boyfriend enjoyed the chicken tacos ($17). The portions are sizable and we definitely left feeling satiated! Our waitress was lovely and the food came pretty quick, despite the restaurant seeming pretty busy. Mama’s Tacos is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. Koa Poke & Sushi

Location: 1600 Collins Ave Unit 103, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Koa Poke & Sushi is a fast-casual poke bowl, smoothie bowl, and sushi spot. Similar to chipotle (although fresher), the ingredients used to create the poke bowls are prepared and sitting at the counter, immediately ready for use. The woman who made our bowls was kind as well as the rest of the workers here. You can customize your poke bowl and choose between a plethora of mix-ins (lots of veggies, different protein options, sauces, rice and lettuce etc…) We both enjoyed our poke bowls and found the portions to be large. The price of each poke bowl or sushi burrito is around $20-$25, and individual sushi rolls are $12-$15. This is a great spot if you are looking for something quick, convenient and tasty!

6. IT Italian Trattoria

Location: 1656 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

IT Italian Trattoria is a franchise that has a Miami Beach location. This restaurant offers handmade pastas, pizzas, salads and other treats. We ordered the carbonara and a pizza which were both about $17 and delicious. We also enjoyed a chocolate tart for dessert. Note: I noticed that gratuity is automatically included. The portions are good for the price and the food comes quick. You order at the counter and seat yourself. The ambience is very spacious and comfortable, with vibrant decor. The people working here were very inviting when we visited and this is a great lunch/dinner spot if you are looking for a quick, tasty meal!

7. Under The Mango Tree

Location: 737 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

If you are looking for a healthy and refreshing meal in Miami Beach, I recommend checking out Under The Mango Tree. They are one of the better rated smoothie bowl places on Google, and I can tell why. The ingredients are very fresh and they have a nice menu selection to choose from. I love their acai bowls, but they also have regular smoothies, and other healthy fare. The acai bowls are a little pricy depending on the size you order and if you add additional toppings ($12-$15+). They have limited indoor and outdoor seating, and the decor is very earthy and cozy. I ate here twice during my trip because I loved it so much! I also discovered coconut nectar which is absolutely delicious on top of a smoothie bowl.

8. Midtown Creamery

Location: 1030 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Midtown Creamery whips up the best ice cream in Miami Beach. We came here twice for dessert cause it is just that good! The portions are massive and the ice cream is decadent. They do not charge extra for most toppings ranging from chocolate sauce, cereal, sprinkles, oreo’s etc… They also have giant cookies, brownies, decadent cones and more. The creations here are very instagram-worthy! I highly recommend getting some ice cream at Midtown Creamery, plus the staff are super friendly and let us try a lot of samples! The prices are not to bad ($5-$7 on avg.) considering how massive the portions are and the amount of toppings you can add on to it for no additional charge.

Midtown Creamery Rating: 5/5

Check out my Miami Beach travel vlog here!

Comment below your favorite Miami Beach restaurant/eatery!

The post 8 Noteworthy Restaurants & Eateries In Miami Beach To Try in 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Bermuda. I visited with family in the beginning of May 2022 and we had a lovely time exploring the island and trying local food. From beautiful beaches to crystal caves to great seafood, here is how I spent less than a week in Bermuda!

In this blog post, I share all of the sightseeing we did during our five days on the island. There is more to do in Bermuda than what we saw, but here are most of the main attractions worth checking out during your visit!

Where We Stayed: POMPANO BEACH CLUB

My family and I stayed at the Pompano Beach Club, which is a beautiful pastel pink resort overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast. We specifically stayed in the Bonita Townhouse which is a 3-bedroom unit that can comfortably sleep up to ten people. My family went with the all-inclusive food package which came with breakfast and dinner everyday during our stay. The food is delicious and we enjoyed indulging on a 5-course meal every night!

The Pompano Beach Club is located directly next to the beautiful Port Royal Golf Course if you are interested in golfing. This resort includes many amenities such as a pool, hot tubs, small private beach, gym, bar/lounge area, and beautiful views of the water/sunset. This family-run resort has only 75 rooms and offers an intimate experience.

Check out my vlog of my trip to Bermuda 2022

SIGHTSEEING ON THE ISLAND/THINGS TO DO

We had four full days to explore the island, and here is everything we saw:

1. Downtown Hamilton

We passed through downtown Hamilton multiple times via the bus as it is the main hub for bus transfers and the capital of the island. Enjoy shopping, dining and views of the water here. Check out the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and The Princess Hotel while you are here. Take cute photos with the pink telephone booth at The Princess Hotel.

2. Royal Naval Dockyard

Located at one tip of the island is the Royal Naval Dockyard. Here you can walk around the marina and see all the beautiful boats and more. I didn’t personally feel the need to spend a lot of time here and found it to be a pretty quick spot to see. This is also where the commercial cruise ships port for the day so it can feel a little touristy here. There is a museum, beach and a dolphin quest excursion you can check out here that cost extra money, but we decided to skip these.

3. Somerset Long Bay Beach

I recommend stopping here after visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard. It is a quaint beach with scenic views.

4. Daniel’s Head

Daniel’s Head is another quaint, beachy area to explore after visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard. We spent some time relaxing on the beach here and at Somerset Long Bay. There is an abandoned eco resort called the “9 Beaches Resort” that still lies on the edge of this property. It is quite interesting to see all the partially wrecked cabins on stilts nearby.

5. Cambridge Beach’s Resort & Spa

We walked through the Cambridge Beach’s Resort & Spa while making our way towards Somerset Long Bay Beach and Daniel’s Head. This property is well-maintained and has a nice beach that I grabbed some pics at.

6. Warwick Long Bay

Warwick Long Bay is the longest beach in Bermuda and is not to be confused with Somerset Long Bay. Located more in the center of the island, this is a popular spot for swimming and sun-bathing. Be aware of the Portuguese man o’ wars as we saw a lot of them here during our visit. You definitely want to avoid contact with this creatures and they tend to show up more in rough surf.

7. South Shore Walking Trail & Horseshoe Bay

The South Shore Walking Trail connects multiple beaches including Warwick Long Bay, Elsbeth Beach, Horseshoe Bay Beach and Cove, Jobson’s Cove and more. You can walk along this pathway in the South Shore Park to access the famous southern beaches of Bermuda with the pink sand. Horseshoe Bay is the most popular beach to visit in Bermuda.

8. Jobson’s Cove

Jobson’s Cove is another notable stop along the South Shore Walking Trail. This is a small, secluded beach that is great for photos. I noticed the pink sand at Jobson’s Cove more compared to the rest of the beaches along the trail.

9. St. George’s

St. George’s is a beautiful part of the Island worth exploring. You can walk around the Wharf and grab a meal, see the Unfinished Church, Fort St. Catherine, St. Catherine Beach outside the St. Regis hotel, Tobacco Bay and more. We spent about half a day walking around St. George’s, but you can easily make it a whole day depending on how long you spend at the beaches/forts.

10. Tom Moore’s Jungle & Blue Hole Park

Tom Moore’s Jungle and The Blue Hole Park neighbor each other and offer scenic trails and views. We saw a few small caves, picturesque beaches, and bright blue bodies of water. I’d recommend wearing your bathing suit here, as there are a few swimming opportunities.

11. Crystal & Fantasy Caves

You can purchase tickets for a guided tour of the Crystal and Fantasy Caves for $24 per person. This is definitely worth checking out during a trip to Bermuda and the tour lasted around 30+ minutes.

RESTAURANTS/EATERIES

We ate all of our breakfasts and dinners at the Pompano Beach Club. We tried a few local spots for lunch/dessert and enjoyed our meals.

1. Swizzle Inn

The Swizzle Inn is across the street from the Crystal Caves. This is a great casual spot for lunch/dinner, and we enjoyed the fish sandwiches.

2. Bailey’s Ice Cream

Bailey’s Ice Cream is across the street from The Swizzle Inn and next to the Crystal Caves. This is some of the best ice cream on the island!

3. Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy

Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy is in a bit of a random location. This eatery is a roughly 20 minute walk from downtown Hamilton, or a few minutes bus ride. Art Mel’s is great for takeout lunch, and their specialty is a delicious fried fish sandwich on homemade raisin bread. After ordering our sandwiches, we took a 2-3 minute bus back into downtown Hamilton and ate at a picnic bench outside of city hall. Art Mel’s didn’t have any seating when we visited.

4. De Island Shack

De Island Shack is a great, easy lunch option if you are in the Somerset Long Bay/Daniel’s Head area. They have limited outdoor seating and you can order at the counter. They offer a wide menu of sandwiches and some baked treats.

5. Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio

Wahoo’s is a casual waterfront restaurant located in the wharf of St. George’s. We all enjoyed the wahoo fish tacos here plus the view. This is a sit-down restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating!

6. The Pompano Beach Club

Since we did the food-inclusive package at The Pompano Beach Club, we ate breakfast and dinner there everyday. The food is very good and each meal is essentially 5-courses: appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert. Most of the time the food was menu style and we had different choices each night to pick from. Occasionally the resort hosted a buffet style breakfast or dinner.

Comment below if you’ve been to Bermuda and your favorite spot to see or place to eat, or if you plan to visit in the future!

The post Traveling to Bermuda 2022: Things to see, Restaurants, Beaches & More appeared first on Lifestyle Jessica.