It’s time to travel to the United States! Here is the collection of The Keys to Travel blog posts highlighting United States destinations, United States travel guides and itineraries, and United States travel tips.
Did you know there are five Four Seasons Hotels in Florida? How do you decide which Four Seasons Hotel is perfect for your next Florida vacation? I tried to make the decision a bit easier for you with the quick guide below.
When you’re ready to book your Four Seasons stay, don’t forget The Keys to Travel is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner! When you book through The Keys to Travel, affiliated with Gifted Travel Network, you will enjoy exclusive Preferred Partner benefits. Reach out to me if you would like additional information.
The Differences Between the Four Seasons Hotels in Florida
Perfect For: Families looking for an elevated Orlando stay and Disney World experience.
Highlights: + Only resort in Orlando with an adults-only, infinity-edge pool. + Explorer Island includes a five-acre water park with a lazy river, a complimentary kids club, two water slides, and a game room. + Bonus Disney World perks. + Breakfast with Goofy and his pals. + Outdoor terraces offering stunning views of lakeside sunsets and the nightly Disney fireworks.
Closest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 30 minutes
Perfect For: Families + Couples looking for a quiet, beach getaway. An ideal location for relaxation and serenity while reconnecting with your loved ones.
Highlights: + Top-notch kids club and an on-site doodle pup named Fort! + A pool for adults only and a pool for families. + Expansive beautiful beach split into an adults section and family section.
Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 15 minutes
Highlights: + Beach concierge service. + Easy walking distance to many great dining options. + On the quieter edge of Fort Lauderdale. + The Bonnet House, a local landmark, is just a few minutes away.
Closest Airport Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 20 minutes
Perfect For: Couples who want a little bit of everything, from nightlife to beach to outdoor adventure.
Highlights: + Cabana experience + Champagne bar + Exquisite grounds with a serenity lawn, and lush beachfront gardens. + Quiet pool for adults-only. + Enjoy Peacock Alley as you arrive where you will be surrounded by hand-painted vines and lush greenery for high tea to cocktails at sunset.
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 25 minutes
Perfect For: Solo travelers, business travelers, or couples looking to be in the center of the city.
Highlights: + 20 minutes from the Miami airport. + 7th-floor terrace is a tropical oasis in the heart of the city. + Wading pool with hammocks.
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 15 minutes
Photo provided by Four Seasons
How to Book Your Florida Four Seasons Stay
Which Four Seasons Hotel will you pick for your next Florida vacation? Let us help you make the right decision AND receive exclusive Preferred Partner benefits! To start planning your trip to Florida, email us at hello@thekeystotravel.com or fill out our travel inquiry form and we will be in touch shortly.
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I think Maui may be my favorite Hawaiian Island. It is the perfect balance between outdoorsy Kaui and city-life Oahu. Maui is a great destination for couples that love the balance between relaxation and adventure in their vacation while reconnecting and creating lifelong memories together. Spending a romantic week on Maui is not difficult to do. The most difficult part will be deciding what to fit into one short week!
Here are my recommendations on how to spend a romantic week on Maui.
You will find everything from dining, hotel and excursion recommendations to a sample itinerary at the end!
Where to Stay for a Romantic Week on Maui
With so many different unique areas to explore on Maui, my recommendation is to split your stay into 2-3 hotels. Check out my blog where I share different hotel recommendations throughout the different parts of Maui, from Hana to Wailea and Kaanapali.
Where to Eat and Drink
This list could go on forever. Maui is not lacking in the dining category! It really depends on what your budget is and what you feel like eating or drinking. When I visited, my husband and I splurged on a few meals and went more affordable on others. I like having a balance of fancy and “normal” while vacationing.
Here are some recommendations I tried as well as others that have been recommended to me:
There are endless adventures to experience on Maui. Here are some of my top recommendations on things to do for a romantic week on Maui.
1. Drive the Road to Hana
Being one of the most popular activities on Maui, it’s hard to visit the island without driving the Road to Hana. If you get car sick, make sure to take it slow and stop a lot along the way. I don’t get car sick and it was still getting me a bit queasy. Check out my blog on some of the best stops to see along the road to Hana. When you visit, let me know what your favorite stops are!
Molokini is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling. It is 3 miles off Maui’s southwestern coast and filled with coral and over 250 species of fish. If you go during the winter months, you will also get to enjoy hale watching!
If you are visiting Maui in the winter months (January through April), you will have the opportunity to go whale watching. During the peak months, you can easily see the whales from shore, but make sure to take a cruise to get up close. It is an experience unlike anything else. The humpback whales are such beautiful majestic creatures, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to see them.
If you can handle extremely early mornings, make sure to see a sunrise at Haleakala Crater. You will feel like you’re on top of the world. It gets really cold, so bring warmer clothes! If you’re not an early morning person, you can always visit for sunset, which is also less crowded.
Maui has over 30 miles of beautiful beaches! You can find the perfect beach for whatever activity you’re looking for. Maui has white, red, and black sand beaches, beaches best for surfing, ideal snorkel locations, and quiet beaches for relaxing. Which one will become your favorite?
6. Walk the Wailea Beach Path
Wailea’s Oceanfront Boardwalk is about 3.5 miles long and perfect to unwind after a long day or start a morning fresh. My recommendation, do this walk before your late night flight home. You will get to see a beautiful sunset while watching whales swim in the foreground. And you can check out some incredible homes along the path. Here’s to dreaming!
Sample Itinerary for a Romantic Week on Maui
Day 1:
Arrive in Maui. Pick up a rental car and check into a hotel near the airport. Have a nice first-night dinner at the famous Mama’s Fish House in Paia. Rest up for the Road to Hana tomorrow.
Travel Tip: Make sure to make reservations in advance for Mama’s Fish House. They fill up fast!
Day 2:
Check out of the hotel and start the Road to Hana. Take your time making a lot of stops along the way. I recommend fueling up with a good breakfast at Colleen’s at the Cannery. Here are my recommendations for stops along The Road to Hana.
Check in to Hana – Maui Resort
Day 3:
Relax at the hotel or explore other great hotspots around the resort, like sunrise at Haleakala, or hike the Pipiwai Trail inside Haleakala National Park where you get to walk through a bamboo forest! One of my favorite beaches near the resort is Hamoa Beach.
Travel Tip – Purchase a National Parks Pass before your trip, especially if you are planning on going to more National Parks around the USA in one year. Haleakala National Park’s entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. National Park Passes are $80 for the year. If you’re going to visit more than one National Park in the year, it is definitely worth it to buy a National Parks Pass
Day 4:
Check out of Hana – Maui Resort and make your way to Wailea or Kaanapali.
Check in to your next hotel.
Day 5/6/7:
Spend some time exploring the west side of Maui. Snorkel the Molokini Crater, take a sunset cruise, relax on the wonderful Kaanapali Beach, or walk along the Wailea Beach Path.
Half off bottles of wine at Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante in The Four Seasons after 8 pm
Day 8:
Check out of your hotel and enjoy a beer and some dinner at Maui Brewing Co. before returning your rental car and flying home.
Day 9:
Arrive home bright and early!
Are you ready to take a romantic vacation to Maui with your significant other? Need help making the trip memorable? Send me an email and we can start planning!
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There are so many lodging options to choose from when visiting Maui, from condo rentals to Airbnbs, to hotels. It can be hard to pick where to stay when visiting the beautiful island of Maui. Picking the right fit for your vacation really depends on three things:
Where on the island you want to stay
The vibe you are looking for on your vacation
Your budget
Depending on what you want to do for your vacation, staying at one hotel the entire time might be the best idea. When I visited Maui, I wanted to explore the entire island, so I split up the trip throughout the island with nights at different Maui hotels. If you need help planning your trip to Maui, please email me!
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to book your lodging on Maui, especially during peak season. Waiting too long will result in price increases and sold-out hotels. If you are planning on traveling to Maui during whale season (November-March), book early for the best prices and the most options
My Hotel Recommendations on Where to Stay When Vacationing on Maui
Road to Hana – Eastern Side of Maui
The Road to Hana is one of the most popular activities to do when visiting Maui. It is a beautiful drive, but I personally think it is a lot to do in one day. My recommendation is to stay near the airport when you fly into Maui, spend a night enjoying the town of Paia, and start the next morning fresh for the drive to Hana. Then spend a night or two in Hana and make your way to the western side of the island.
Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
A nice hotel to stay at your first night on the island is the Courtyard by Marriott right by the airport. It is super convenient and really nice. They have very standard rooms that range from a small king bedroom at 312 square feet to a 2 bedroom suite, ideal for families.
Hana – Maui Resort (Used to be Travaasa Hana)
My top recommendation for where to stay when visiting Maui is Hana-Maui Resort (which used to be named Travaasa Hana). This resort is located in Hana. To get to it you either have to drive the Road to Hana, which not everyone wants to do, or take one of the flights from Kahului. If you’re driving the Road to Hana, my recommendation is to spend at least a night at Hana-Maui Resort. That way you’re not rushing the scenic drive, you’re able to make more stops along the way, and you’re able to relax and take a break at the end of a long day of exploring. Hana-Maui Resort is a beautiful luxury resort and is definitely worth splurging on for a night.
Authentic Hawaiian hospitality is at Hana-Maui Resort’ss core, and you feel that the moment you arrive. The grounds are massive and designed to help you unwind and relax. Even though we were visiting during peak season, it never felt like the resort was too crowded. Most of the time it felt like we had the whole resort to ourselves. It was all so peaceful and quiet. Each room is essentially it’s own bungalow and they vary in size to accommodate couples and families. Since the grounds are so spread out, they escort you to your room in a golf cart!
Our room was incredibly spacious. We had a large bedroom, bathroom, seating/bar area, and a covered patio with lounge chairs. After our long drive up to Hana, we definitely relaxed in our bath robes with some tea out on the patio taking in the beautiful views before dinner.
The views from the entire resort are breathtaking. This view below is from our breakfast and dinner spot. We visited in March, which is still whale season, and we could see whales breaching all the way from here. I could have sat here all day long just soaking in the views.
Hana-Maui Resort takes pride in caring for its beautiful property. We spent quite a bit of time just walking around the resort appreciating everything it had to offer. We also got spoiled with a double rainbow! Maui, you stole my heart.
Experience is the main focus at Hana-Maui Resort. They offer a variety of daily fitness classes. We were able to enjoy a yoga class followed by meditation, all included in our stay. They have bikes that you can use to ride around the resort or Hana. There are tennis courts for use by the guests. And you can hire a personal guide for a private bootcamp if you want to stay on track with your fitness routine during vacation. There are adventure options like SUP and trail riding on horses. You can learn how to make local smoothies, take a lei making class, learn to play the ukulele, try bamboo pole fishing, and so much more.
For us, I was sad that we only had one night to enjoy Hana-Maui Resort. Hopefully we will be back for a longer period of time!
Kaanapali Area – Western Side of Maui
The Kaanapali area has a lot of hotels to choose from and they have the bonus of being located on Kaanapali Beach, one of the top-rated beaches in the world!
Sheraton Maui
Another resort I stayed at was the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali. I really enjoy snorkeling and the Sheraton Maui is right next to Black Rock, which is a hot spot for some really good snorkeling. It definitely wasn’t the best snorkeling we have ever done I think due to the crowds and the time of the year, but it was nice to be able to just walk right out from the beach and start snorkeling without having to take a boat.
This resort is huge. There is a lazy river, small water slide, hot tub, pool volleyball, large lagoon pool, and pool bar all with beautiful views of the beach and ocean. There are over 500 rooms ranging in size from one small traditional bedroom to huge presidential suites.
They have a cliff dive ceremony every night at sunset from Black Rock. The sunsets are absolutely stunning from anywhere on the property. My tip is to go to the top floor of the hotel where the big penthouses are and watch from up there! That is the view from there.
I would highly recommend the Sheraton Maui for one of the best hotels to stay at while visiting Maui. It is central to so many fun activities and there is a walking trail up and down Kaanapali Beach connecting the hotels and restaurants. The walk along the ocean is a great way to wake up! The Sheraton Maui offers so much that it is a great hotel for everyone, including families, couples, and group trips.
Honua Kai
Honua Kai REsort & Spa is a favorite for couples or groups wanting more space. They have accommodations ranging from studios to one, two and three-bedroom suites. Every room comes with a full gourmet kitchen, large lanai’s and in-room washers and dryers. It is a great option for longer stays or travelers that like to enjoy some meals at “home”.
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Kaanapali Beach Hotel is favorite for many of my clients because it doesn’t have a resort fee. Most resorts on Maui you have to pay a resort fee and a parking fee. Currently at Kaanapali Beach Hotel you don’t have to pay either.
This hotel also has a lot of fun activities onsite, including hula lessons, Hawaiian language lessons, lei-making classes, and daily local musicians playing in the lobby. If you want to enjoy the ocean, there are beach rentals from snorkel gear to SUP boards to bodyboards and more.
Photo Credit: Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Kaanapali Beach Hotel recently went through a major renovation with newly designed rooms that focuses on ocean and Hawaiian themes. If you want to stay in an updated room, look for the ones with the “Premium” name.
Photo Credit: Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a larger resort with a lot of activities for adults and kids with beautiful grounds, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is a wonderful option. On the property are the Drums of the Pacific Luau, 2 pools- one for adults-only and one for kids, a rooftop astronomy tour, lei making, hula demonstrations, 1800 square feet of white-sandy beach, and so much more. This is a great resort for both couples and families.
Wailea Area – Southwestern Side of Maui
Whereas the Kaanapali area offers a wide range of luxury, upscale resorts to affordable hotels, the Wailea Area is geared much more to luxury.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Are you interested in a 2,000-foot-long pool, with waterfalls and slides? The Grand Wailea Maui has one! Between the pools and being located right on Wailea Beach, this resort is is a great option for families looking for a bit of luxury on their Maui vacation.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
When I visited Maui and was walking the Wailea Beach Path, I walked by a wedding happening outdoors at Andaz Maui. It really had me rethinking my wedding choices! It was so beautiful with the wedding taking place on the lush, grassy grounds with the ocean and sunset in the background. This resort is ideal for the sophisticated island traveler, including couples seeking a romantic, luxury experience.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
If you want the ultimate luxury Maui experience, head to the Four Seasons. You will be waited on hand and foot to make sure you are happy the whole time in paradise. Take luxury to a whole new level by exploring the island of Maui in a Porsche Roadster and after that relax in your own private cabana or sail around in a luxury yacht. If you want to feel like royalty, bask in the luxury of the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
Maui is an incredible island, and I think all of it should be explored. Do you want to check out everything the island has to offer in one trip? Or do you want to explore the island in pieces by checking out a new area each vacation? Knowing your vacation style will help you decide which lodging accommodations are right for you. Either way, Maui has an option for you.
If you need help with your vacation to Maui, send me an email and we can start planning your tropical getaway!
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It seems like Charleston, South Carolina continues to win award after award every year. They win awards like ‘America’s Favorite Small City’, ‘South’s Best City’, ‘Best Place to Propose in America’. This city is a perfect destination for an anniversary weekend with your significant other. Here are some of the more romantic things my husband and I did on our anniversary weekend in Charleston. What would you add to the list?
Here is a guide to a romantic anniversary weekend in Charleston, SC.
What’s more romantic than watching The Notebook together before you leave home and then visiting the film locations around Charleston? I’ve put together a self-guided tour of some of the most famous Notebook film locations around Charleston. Check it out here. Make sure you set aside enough time for the tour. It took me almost a full day to see and explore each spot.
Explore the Hidden Alleyways
One of my favorite parts about my trip to Charleston was just walking around downtown and finding all the hidden alleyways. It is a great way to get a feel for the city along with the history. Here are some of my favorite alleyways:
One way to learn a lot about the history of Charleston is to take a horse drawn carriage tour. It is fun to walk around the city on your own, but taking a carriage ride tour helps you lean the history and stories behind the homes and spots around the city! And if you have been walking for awhile, it’s a nice way to relax.
This was another part of the trip to Charleston that I absolutely loved. We took a ferry with Coastal Expeditions to Bull Island. It’s a half-hour boat ride to the island. You get about 4 hours to explore, and then a half-hour boat ride back. We got to see dolphins, a ton of alligators, and I found a few sand dollars! Make sure you bring bug spray if you come to Bull Island. The mosquitos everywhere but the beach are relentless.
I highly recommend taking a tour with Coastal Expeditions. We were able to explore on our own, but there are other options that are more guided. Pick the one that fits your style!
Where to Eat and Drink in Charleston for Your Anniversary
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so I’m including two breakfast spots you have to try. First is the Vicious Biscuit. Technically, this restaurant is located in Mt. Pleasant. It is worth the drive for their amazing biscuit dishes. I don’t know how they do it, but the biscuits taste different here than anywhere else I’ve had them. They are so delicious, and the creative ways they build them into every dish is incredible. I ate my “Ranchero” biscuit way too quickly to take a photo!
Millers All Day is another fantastic breakfast spot. We ate here before our day of exploring the hidden alleyways. It’s a great spot to fuel up. Make sure to start off with a biscuit cinnamon roll. You will regret it if you don’t! Also, I am obsessed with their interior decorating. When we do our kitchen remodel, it will look like the inside of Millers All Day!
If you are a guest staying at Zero George Street, a daily happy hour of wine and cheese is included in your stay. If you’re not staying at Zero George Street, make sure to stop by in-between 5:00 pm-6:00 pm for their daily happy hour before your dinner. There are cozy, romantic spots throughout the property to enjoy your delicious wine and cheese. It’s a great way to start a romantic evening with your significant other!
Another great happy hour spot is Indaco. It’s an Italian food & wine spot on King Street. Happy hour is Tuesday-Tuesday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the bar. I had their house rose, which was delicious and not too sweet. Indaco is really close to The Darling Oyster Bar, so weI started off happy hour at Indaco and then walked to dinner at The Darling Oyster Bar.
Splurge a little for your anniversary dinner and eat at The Darling Oyster Bar. I wish I could have eaten here every night. I’m not a big oyster fan, but the mussels and scallops were incredible. Whenever I travel to the coast, I have to have seafood. You will not be disappointed by The Darling Oyster Bar’s seafood selection. Make sure to make a reservation because their tables fill up quickly.
Where to Stay
There are many options to choose from for accommodations in Charleston. To find the perfect accommodation for you and your significant other for your anniversary weekend in Charleston, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.
Have you visited Charleston? What are your favorite things to see and do?
Let me know when you’re ready for an anniversary weekend trip to charleston and I will put together a customized itinerary for you and your significant other!
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The Notebook – do you love it or hate it? For me, a great love story with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is definitely a win. When I started planning our trip to Charleston, South Carolina, seeing some of The Notebook film locations was at the top of my to-do list. There are four main filming locations around Charleston, South Carolina that you can visit (aka not private property). It took me a full day to see them all, so make sure to budget enough time!
Here are The Notebook film locations that can be seen around Charleston:
Allie’s Summer Home
Allie’s summer home was filmed at Boone Hall Plantation. You can take a tour of the inside of the mansion as well as the entire Boone Hall Plantation grounds. There is a lot of historical significance here, so much sure you set aside enough time to look around. The original slave cabins dating back to 1790 are still on-site to tour and learn from. A large garden in front of the mansion is alive and well. The Cotton Gin house built in the 1850s, a brick smokehouse built-in 1750, the beautiful Avenue of Oaks planted in 1743, and more can be seen while visiting the Boone Hall Plantation.
Boone Hall Plantation is about a 30-minute drive from Charleston and costs $26/adult to visit.
Inside Allie’s Summer Home – The Notebook Film Locations
The inside of Allie’s summer home was filmed at Williams Mansion, which used to be known as Calhoun Mansion. Williams Mansion is located at 16 Meeting Street in Charleston. As well as seeing the inside of Allie’s Summer Home, the tour will show you what being part of the wealthiest class in Charleston would have felt like. Admission is $17/person and tours are on the hour and half-hour.
Rowboat Scene with the Swans
The rowboat scene in The Notebook was located at Cypress Gardens. This was my favorite spot to tour, and I would definitely visit again. You have the opportunity to take a self-guided boat tour, which goes through the same area that Noah and Allie explored. Unfortunately, you won’t see the swans.
Fun Fact: Swans are not native to this area. In order to train the swans to follow the boat, they brought them in a month prior to shooting.
Cypress Gardens is a 45-minute drive from Charleston and has a $10/person admission.
Allie and Noah’s First Date – The Notebook Film Locations
Head down King Street in Charleston to see the location of Allie and Noah’s first date, The American Theater. It is located at 446 King Street. The American Theater purpose when it opened in 1942 was as Charleston’s premier movie house. Its main use now is as an event venue.
Are you a big Notebook fan? Which locations do you want to see when you visit Charleston?
Head over to my blog post for tips on things to do and where to eat for an anniversary weekend in Charleston.
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This 8-day Lowcountry Road Trip has you experiencing the beautiful scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture of the South. You will get a chance to see Atlanta, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic site. Explore historic Charleston, including the famous Boone Hall Plantations & Gardens. Stop for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Beaufort. Visit the American Prohibition Museum with a drink in the speakeasy and sightsee by trolley through Savannah. And take a guided trolley sightseeing tour through Jekyll Island.
The trip has you starting in Atlanta, but if you are traveling to this part of the country, I recommend just flying into Charleston or Jacksonville, Florida to start if you don’t want to do a ton of driving. Both airports are pretty easy to find flights to. Do this road trip outside of the summer season if you want a break from the hot summer heat.
Here is a day-by-day guide of the best Lowcountry Road Trip.
Head towards Charleson with a stop at South Carolina’s Capital, Columbia. Take a tour of the State House. Make your way to Charleston for the evening where you can stroll the historic district, sample fresh seafood, or take a ghost tour to learn about Charleston’s past.
Day 4: Charleston
In the morning, take a tour of one of the most photographed plantations in the USA, Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens. Spend the rest of your day exploring Charleston, like the City Market, take a scenic cruise of Charleston Harbor, or eat your way through many delicious southern cuisines.
Day 5: Charleston → Beaufort → Savannah
Make your way to Beaufort for a horse-drawn carriage guided tour of the town through narrow, oak-lined streets past the former homes of wealthy cotton growers. In the afternoon, head to Savannah to tour the American Prohibition Museum and sip a cocktail in the speakeasy.
Day 6: Savannah
In the morning, enjoy a trolley tour of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own. Stroll through Forsyth Park, visit the Telfair Museum of Art, or shop along Broughton Street. For more details on a longer stay in Savannah and more tips on what to do during your free time in Savannah, click here.
Day 7: Savannah
Today you get to visit Jekyll Island. Take a trolley tour of the Club Historic District where you will get to see a cluster of 19th-century mansions. In the afternoon, visit nearby St. Simon’s Island, home to beautiful beaches and charming communities.
Lowcountry Road Trip Day 8: Savannah → Atlanta
Travel back to Atlanta. Depart for home.
Is exploring Georgia and South Carolina on your USA travel bucket list?
When you’re ready to start planning your own customized Lowcountry Road Trip, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com for help with all the details!
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Did you know that driving from New Orleans, Louisiana to Gulf Shores, Alabama is only a 3-hour drive? In those three hours, you can check-off three states! One day I was looking to do a long weekend trip and was looking to check off a few states. This route came on my radar and since it was by the ocean, I was 100% in. This is also a perfect itinerary to do in winter because it is still relatively warm! This is a pretty simple trip, but you can pack a lot in a few days.
Here is an itinerary for a 5 Day Gulf Coast Road Trip.
Day 1: Louisiana
Arrivein New Orleans, Louisiana
To make the most of your vacation time, fly into New Orleans on the first flight in the morning. I flew out of Denver, Colorado at 6:20am and arrived in New Orleans at 10:00am. The first two days I decided to spend in New Orleans since there is just so much to see and do in this unique city.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
I wanted to save some money while in New Orleans, so I decided to stay at an Airbnb outside of the city. The Airbnb I stayed at had free parking, a full kitchen, and one room. It was also only one block off Magazine Street, which made it easy to take the free trolly into the city when I wanted.
Here is the link to the Airbnb I stayed at in New Orleans.
First, fuel up first thing in the morning. Head to Ruby Slipper. It is an award-winning cafe and was probably the one place that was most recommended to me. There are quite a few locations throughout New Orleans, but I went to the one in Uptown.
Walk the Shops in Uptown along Magazine Street
To walk off a bit of breakfast, head down Magazine Street for some window shopping. Make sure to stop in Nadeau Furniture but be careful because you may want to take everything home with you just like I did.
Take some time to walk up and down Magazine Street. There were some really beautiful homes and if you are there around Mardi Gras, the homes will be decked out with beads!
Explore Jackson Square in the French Quarter
When you think of New Orleans, you probably think of the French Quarter. Here is where you will see the famous St. Louis Cathedral. As long as there isn’t a mass going on, you can walk inside and take a self-tour.
There is normally a ton of artists and street vendors all around Jackson Square. You can even get your palms read right here, too, if that interests you!
Next to Jackson Square is the famous Cafe Du Monde where you have to try the beignets! They are delicious, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Walk Down Bourbon Street with a Hand Grenade
You can’t really go to New Orleans without checking out Bourbon Street. The big party scene that is Bourbon Street is normally not my vibe, but I wanted to make sure to experience a little bit of it. One of the most famous alcoholic drinks in New Orleans is the Hand Grenade. Personally, I think it is one of the worst drinks ever, but “when in Rome!” You can find these large green, sweet drinks pretty much anywhere on Bourbon Street. Just be warned, you may want to head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a nap after!
Once you sleep off your Hand Grenade, head down Magazine Street for dinner at Basin Seafood and Spirits. They have a lot of great seafood options to choose from along with happy hour on weekdays, brunch on weekends, and a raw oyster special on Mondays.
Make sure to start the day two off with a bang at Horn’s Eatery. The food was so good here, I wish I could have come back every single day! I got a pretty traditional breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and fruit, but man did they make it taste delicious.
After breakfast, head out of town for some time with nature. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is only about a 30-minute drive south of New Orleans. I ended up going to Barataria Preserve. This preserve has 26,000 acres with bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests. You can walk along the boardwalks and dirt trails to see animals, birds and plants. You may even see an alligator! There are a couple of different loops and trails to pick from so you can decide how long or short of a hike you want to go for.
Drinks and Dinnerin New Orleans
Head back to the French Quarter for a cocktail at Sylvain. It is a super cute restaurant in an old carriage house. Enjoy just sitting at the bar with your fun champagne cocktail and watch the bartenders make their drinks.
After a drink, take the free trolley down to Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar. I had the Pasa De La Mer and was in love. I could have probably eaten that the rest of my life. They have a lot of great seafood options here for a pretty reasonable price.
Day 3 Gulf Coast Road Trip: Louisiana –> Mississippi
Before you head to Mississippi, make sure to stop at New Orleans Cake Cafe and Bakery for some breakfast and Kings Cake. You can’t leave New Orleans without having a famous Kings Cake!
Another New Orleans staple is the haunting past of the city. Head to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 for a spook. This cemetery was established in 1854 with rows and rows of marble and stone gravesites. This is one of the less famous cemeteries in New Orleans, but it was on your way out of town, so it works out well. If you want to see the oldest cemetery, head to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which was established in 1789. However, this one you have to purchase a ticket to get in.
Start the drive to Mississippi
Make sure to take US-90 along the coast when driving to Mississippi. Driving I-10 is faster, but then you won’t be driving along the coast!
Living in Colorado and being married to a husband who loves beer, I have learned to love craft beer. If you like to try new beer, make sure to stop at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company on the way to Biloxi where you will be staying for the night.
Where to Stay in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
I highly recommend staying at The Roost Ocean Springs Hotel for your stop in Mississippi. It is a boutique hotel recently renovated out of an old, historic building in Ocean Springs. It is near the beach and downtown Ocean Springs making it a perfect place to stop for the night. I may end up taking some interior decorating notes from this boutique hotel and use them in my house.
Head downtown for dinner at Murky Waters Ocean Springs. They are well known for their BBQ and they smoke all their meat in-house. Six nights of the week there is also live Blues Music playing at the restaurant.
Day 4 Gulf Coast Road Trip: Mississippi –> Alabama
Breakfast Downtown Ocean Springs
I was going to say, start your morning out at Bayview Gourmet Restaurant, but I just checked for the address on Google and it says it is permanently closed! I won’t go into how good their breakfast was, then… Anyway, find a great brunch spot in Ocean Springs and check out the local shops before making your way to Alabama.
Once you reach Alabama, head to Dauphin Island. This is a beautiful and relaxing stop to make before reaching Mobile, Alabama where you will be spending the night. Dauphin Island has beautiful, white sandy beaches and plenty of recreational opportunities. I decided to just walk up and down the beach and enjoy the calm of the ocean waves, but spend as much or as little time exploring this island as you would like!
Where to Stay in Mobile, Alabama
While searching for a place to stay in Mobile, I found this super cute Airbnb. It is located in Historic Midtown, has a fully equipped kitchen, free bikes to use, and a fireplace. It is a really cozy place to stay. Here is a link to the nautical-themed Airbnb.
For dinner, head to The Original Oyster House, which is on the causeway on the way to the Gulf Shores. I got stuffed crab and fried shrimp with hush puppies, coleslaw and potatoes. It was all pretty good for fried seafood. And you can’t go to the South without eating a whole lot of hush puppies!
Day 5 Gulf Coast Road Trip: Mississippi –> Louisiana
Before heading back to Louisiana for your flight home, you have to check out the Gulf Shores. On your way there, make sure to grab breakfast at The Warehouse Bakery and Donuts. This place is so cute and the food is incredible. If I lived around here, I would find myself working remotely here a lot!
The Gulf Shores is a great vacation spot with wide, beautiful, white-sandy beaches. If you have more than a long weekend for this road trip, I’d recommend spending an extra few days at the Gulf Shores. When I did this road trip, it was January, so the beach was pretty chilly. Summer here would be great!
Drive Back to New Orleans to Fly Home
It is about a 3 hours drive back to New Orleans, so make sure you allow plenty of time to catch your flight home!
Have you done a Gulf Coast Road Trip like this? What do you recommend along the route?
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Fall is my all-time favorite season. It is the start of cooler weather (but not cold), beautiful colorful trees, and weeks of holiday celebrations. After moving to Colorado, I realized fall weather and fall colors can last for more than a day! And with that, means more time to celebrate Halloween.
I recently wrote a blog sharing some haunted hot spots in Colorado for a friend whose blog is all about Halloween. Her blog is called Spooky Little Halloween and you can read the post here. If you need any Halloween inspiration throughout the entire year, this should be your go-to blog.
If you’re like me and are less inclined to the scary side of Halloween, here are a few ideas of
Non-scary things to do in Colorado to celebrate Halloween.
Pumpkin Nights is a half-mile walk through different scenes, like a pirate’s cove and a forbidden pumpkin city. Each scene is filled with hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins designed and built by local artists. While on your walk you can enjoy snacks and beverages, including adult beverages. I went with a group of friends, and it was a night filled with Halloween fun without all the Halloween terror.
This event is especially good for the little ones. The Denver Zoo opens its doors during the day for families to come and enjoy trick-or-treating, entertainment, and zoo fun. It is a unique and fun way to experience the zoo for the whole family.
One of my favorite winter activities is walking through the Botanic Gardens when they set up their Blossoms of Light show. They now have a similar experience for Halloween, but with pumpkins! A little different than Pumpkin Nights, they use all real carved pumpkins to light up the Gardens. There are elaborate locally carved pumpkins and sculptures spread out throughout the Denver Botanic Gardens. There is also trick-or-treating, fire performances, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and glow-in-the-dark games. Costumes are highly recommended. This is a very popular event and sells out fast!
The Chatfield Botanic Gardens hosts a Pumpkin Festival every year. It is more than just a place to pick out your pumpkins in a pumpkin patch, though. There is an antique tractor exhibit, pony rides, photo booths, food, beer stations, and a corn maze. It is the perfect event to attend to get you in the fall spirit.
If you are looking for some scarier activities to do in Colorado to celebrate Halloween, head to Spooky Little Halloween. What are your favorite Halloween traditions?
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Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you by Miranda Enzor with the blog Spooky Little Halloween! I virtually met Miranda through a blogger group I’m a part of. When I learned about her blog and how it revolves around Halloween every day of the year, I had to get to know her more. She was willing to share some of the greatest places to visit for Halloween with us. I hope you all enjoy her 5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation!
When you think of holiday travel, I’m willing to bet my candy corn Halloween is the last holiday that comes to mind. You’re more likely to think of that fantastic Christmas vacation your family took as a kid or the spring break you spent with friends on a beach, right?
But I bet you’re also not thinking about the thing holidays and traveling have in common: they’re a great way to make memories that last a lifetime.
Both are a way to mark the passing of time, spend time with important people in my life and have experiences together that I’ll always remember.
Plus, traveling during Halloween season (September/October) is a chance to travel in the off-season, as Sarah talks about in this blog post. You’re missing the crowds, spending less on hotels and flights and getting a chance to see more! So why not combine them? Today we’re going to do just that as I share
5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation across the U.S. and the world.
1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland and Disney World
Celebrate Halloween in the House of the Mouse! Both Disneyland and Disney World are known for going big when it comes to the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Both parks transform overnight into a pumpkin wonderland. The nightly parade takes on a haunted look, new spooky treats pop up in all the restaurants and one-of-a-kind Halloween merch goes on the shelves of park shops. Plus, this is one of the few chances you have to wear a true costume in the park! Learn more about the Disneyland celebration and the Disney World celebration.
2. Salem, MA
There is no spookier spot in the United States for Halloween than Witch City itself! Salem’s Haunted Happenings takes place all October and includes something for everyone, from a witch’s market and family movie night to parades, trolley tours and even great restaurants that embrace “eat, drink and be scary”.
Plus, Salem is in the heart of historic New England. Of course, you can explore spots important to the Salem Witch Trials, but the city also has a rich history in maritime, American literature, and is home to the Peabody, one of the fastest-growing museums in the country. Learn more about Salem.
3. Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow is just a quick train ride north of New York City and a spot that comes alive in the fall. It is home to Washington Irving’s classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Stop by the city cemetery for a peek at his grave, a walking tour of a cemetery full of notable American names, like Rockefeller and Carnegie, or even one of their special events.
Wander the city’s sleepy downtown area for local shops and restaurants (the Bridge View Tavern is a personal fave), then stop by the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget.
4. The Stanley Hotel
Here’s one right in Sarah’s backyard! The Stanley Hotel is famous for inspiring The Overlook in Stephen King’s “The Shining”. It sits at the foot of the Rockies just outside Estes Park in Colorado and quietly embraces its connection to one of the most infamous stories in horror. In addition to offering night tours that share the hotel’s paranormal history, The Stanley also hosts The Shining Ball AND a masquerade ball each October. It’s the perfect spot to spend a night or two anytime in October.
5. Bran Castle
Looking to go international with your spooky travels? Bran Castle near Brasov, Romania in the region of Transylvania is one that’s on my bucket list because it’s also known as Dracula’s Castle. Why? Because the 1970s communist government of Romania thought it’d be a great marketing tool for their country!
And it’s one that worked. While the castle was once home to Vlad the Impaler – a blood-thirsty ruler who earned his nickname for his penchant for impaling enemies and criminals, which one could argue is downright vampiric – there is no direct connection between Vlad and the castle and Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”. The vampire myth, however, stemmed from Romanian folklore well before the book was written, and over the years the two have merged together.
No matter where you go, there is no wrong way to celebrate October 31st – Happy Halloween!
Miranda Enzor is the writer, blogger and Halloween lover behind SpookyLittleHalloween.com, the blog celebrating October 31st all year long. Halloween has been one of her favorite holidays to celebrate for as long as she can remember. These days she keeps her love of the spooky season alive by hosting her annual party, Halloweenie Roast, carving as many jack-o-lanterns and possible and, of course, writing her blog.
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Fall is my all time favorite season and having lived in Colorado for 5 years now, I love it even more. First off, you can actually enjoy a long fall here in Colorado. Temperatures stay relatively warm until November, so you can enjoy being outside! Second, the amount of Aspen trees turning yellow throughout the state are in the millions (or so it seems). I feel like every year I’m discovering a new favorite spot to view the fall leaves.
If you are looking to see the fall colors in Colorado, there are plenty of options that are easy day drives from Denver all the way to weekend long adventures.
Here are my top favorite places to see fall colors in Colorado.
Breckenridge
Guanella Pass is a 22 mile paved road that leads you from Georgetown, Colorado to Grant Colorado. You get beautiful views of Mount Bierstadt Mount Evans, two famous Colorado 14ers, as well as incredible fall foliage.
Boreas Pass is a 22 mile gravel road that brings you from US Highway 285 to Breckenridge, Colorado.
One year, I took a “sick” day from my full time job and drove up to Boreas Pass. It was so worth it! Having basically the whole road to myself made for easy leaf viewing, and I could go at my own pace and get some really great photos. These roads get super busy on the weekends, so if you can take some time off during the week to take a drive, I would recommend doing that.
Crested Butte
If I could have a second home in the mountains, it would be in Crested Butte. Crested Butte is my favorite mountain town, no matter what season it is. But fall is a magical time to be in Crested Butte. There are so many roads, passes, and trails you can explore to see the fall leaves. And since it is about a 4 hour drive from Denver, it doesn’t get as busy as places like Breckenridge.
Ohio Creek Pass is an 11 mile gravel road road that connects to Kebler Pass. Along this drive I saw some orange leaves mixed in with the traditional yellow of the aspens.
Kebler Pass connects Crested Butte with Highway 133 near Somerset, Colorado. It is a 33 mile gravel road that passes through Gunnison National Forest. The amount of times I stopped to take photos and explore made this 2 hour a drive a full day adventure! This may be my favorite drive near Crested Butte.
Washington Gulch Road is a dirt road that heads to the mountains right from Main Street in Crested Butte. I didn’t drive too much of this road, but have driven to Horse Ranch Park Loop multiple times and the hike has incredible views with gorgeous aspen groves. It is a 6 mile roundtrip trail.
Independence Pass is the scenic way to get from Denver to Aspen. It’s a beautiful highway winding through the mountains full of aspen trees. There aren’t too many places to pull off and take in the scenery, so make sure to be safe. If you do pull off, pull off far enough for cars to pass by!
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